Title: Whispers in the Dark
Setting:
A dimly lit, cluttered living room in an old apartment. The walls are adorned with half-finished
articles and scattered sheets of newspapers, evidence of a once-vibrant journalist. A window
reveals a stormy night outside, casting shadows that flicker as lightning strikes.
Main Characters:
Evelyn: A talented journalist in her late twenties struggling with schizophrenia. She is deeply
introspective and often lost in her thoughts.
Lila: Evelyn's younger sister, a pragmatic and caring individual who has taken on the role of
caregiver. She is torn between wanting to help Evelyn and feeling overwhelmed by the burden.
The Voice: A haunting presence, personified as an unseen character. Represents Evelyn's
delusions and inner turmoil, often whispering dark thoughts and manipulating her perceptions.
Plot Outline:
Act 1: The Struggle
- The play opens with Evelyn pacing the room, mumbling to herself as she works on an article.
She hears the Voice, which taunts her, urging her to embrace her madness as part of her artistic
genius.
- Lila enters, concerned about Evelyn's state. They engage in a tense conversation about her
treatment and the need for medication. Evelyn resists, believing the Voice is guiding her articles.
- As the storm outside intensifies, Evelyn’s agitation grows. She dismisses Lila’s concerns,
insisting that her work is more important than conforming to societal norms.
Act 2: The Breakdown
- The Voice grows stronger, planting seeds of doubt about Lila's intentions. It whispers that Lila
is trying to control her and stifle her rights as a journalist.
- Evelyn becomes increasingly paranoid, accusing Lila of plotting against her. Lila, frustrated
and desperate, tries to reason with Evelyn, sharing memories of their childhood and how they
used to support each other.
- In a moment of clarity, Evelyn confides in Lila about her fears and the overwhelming nature of
the Voice. Lila reassures her, but the moment is fleeting as the storm outside mirrors Evelyn's
emotional turmoil.
Act 3: The Climax
- The Voice escalates, urging Evelyn to act on her fears. It convinces her that she must rid
herself of Lila to be free.
- In a fit of panic and desperation, Evelyn lashes out at Lila, pushing her away and accusing her
of betrayal. Lila tries to reach her, but the connection breaks as Evelyn spirals further into her
delusions.
- As the storm rages, Evelyn’s final painting takes shape—a chaotic blend of colors and forms
that reflect her inner chaos. The Voice praises her, claiming she is finally achieving true art.
Act 4: The Tragedy
- In the aftermath of the emotional explosion, Evelyn realizes too late the consequences of her
actions. The Voice’s grip weakens, revealing the devastating loneliness and pain she feels.
- Lila, hurt and heartbroken, attempts to reach out again, but Evelyn is too far gone. She
crumbles under the weight of her isolation, realizing she has pushed away the one person who
truly loved her.
- The play ends with Evelyn standing alone in the dim light, the storm outside calming, but her
world remains chaotic. She stares at her painting, haunted by the Voice and the realization of
what she has lost.
Conclusion:
Whispers in the Dark captures the tragic impact of schizophrenia within the confines of a single
setting, exploring themes of isolation, the struggle for understanding, and the profound loss that
comes from mental illness. The final moments leave the audience with a sense of sorrow and
reflection on the importance of connection and empathy in the face of mental health challenges.
Main thoughts:
- The main character is suffering from schizophrenia
- Character is a journalist
- In relation to the upcoming elections
Characters : (5 – 7 characters including main character, not finalized)
Evelyn - Jessa Dela Torre
Lila - Shayne Salas
Mother - TBA
Father - Keth Arro
The voice - TBA
Friend 1 - Angelie Abquilan
Friend 2 - Ianshe Guarra
Setting - Dark apartment
Back story:
- The journalist was diagnosed with a schizophrenia, he was suffering from stress since
the day he got involved with the shutting down of a news outlet.
- It was during election period, which was a deja vu to the journalist, which makes him
triggered more.
