Theatre play: Life's but a shadow

Scene 1

(The stage is completely dark, only the sound of a howling wolf is heard. We hear the laboured breathing of a man in distress. A spotlight snaps on, a thin beam cutting through the darkness to reveal Tom, sitting on the edge of a bed, holding a knife. He looks at the knife, then the pieces of paper besides him. His lips move but we hear a voiceover, his thoughts. He shreds the papers and burns them. Lights go out) 

As it dawns, screams are heard in the neighbourhood & cries of a fallen hero. The victim Thomas is revealed, covered in blood. The elderly are seen shaking their heads in disbelief, wondering who cursed this particular generation. 

Burial scene

Tom is taken to his place of rest as people bid him farewell through songs and music. His family members are witnessed screaming and falling in disbelief. A voice bursts from the crowd, "Why Thomas? You left us!" The sounds of those grieving overwhelm the scene. (Moaning is intensified as people are body-viewing).

Soon, a group of strangers is witnessed as they make an entrance to the coffin. A young lad draws everyone's attention as he shouts, Daddy!

Sipho: Daddy, wake up, let's go play ball. You promised to come watch me play sports today. Guess what, daddy? We came second. Daddy, why are you quiet? Say something!

(Pam, Sipho's mom, moans heavily in silence as she touches her baby bump)

Pam: (Addressing the corpse) You promised to stand so we can raise the kids together. We're a week away from delivery. How do you expect me to go through everything on my own? You'd better wake up, so we can fulfil our plans.

Trisha, Tom's mom approaches Pam and Sipho. "Who are you?" she asks. Before a respond reaches her ear, Kendra, wife to Tom storms to the podium where the coffin is. She grabs Tom's shirt in frustration, shaking the cofffin, "Do tell me Tom, what is the meaning of this? What did I do wrong, talk to me? Wake up and f-f-fi-x your mess-s-s." She finishes speaking as she is bitterly weeping.

She is taken aside as the coffin is taken six feet under.  Kendra weeps continually.  The priest says the final prayer and people begin leaving the graveyard. Kendra is taken home and it seems as if there is no strength left in her.

(Meanwhile, at home as people are eating) Trisha approaches women plating their food with confusion.

Trisha: Who was that lady and kid? Does that mean Tom...

 Music in the background as the women are signaing no idea of who it was and turning their backs as they continue organising the dishes and leaving. Leaving Trisha more confused and stressed.