Compel.

Lights rise center stage to reveal a woman. She speaks as if to a great mass of people while at the same time managing to seem intensely personal.

WOMAN:

I want all of you to understand one thing. We can not do this for ourselves. We can not do this for the greater good. We can not do this in hopes of it making our children’s lives better than our own. No. What we are striving for here today of all days is not driven by any average motives. Our task must be driven by something inside of us that, frankly, we can not, never will understand in full. Understanding that one doesn’t understand is a monumentous thing to ask of someone, but I must do that. We must choose to do this. It is not something that can be forced upon any one of us, and yet if a single one of you will not help then there is no point in even attempting. People have never truly come to terms with their tendency to do as told. Right now that base instinct in each of you is as confused as the rest of you. You aren’t being told to do anything. You are being asked. Asked with the utmost desperate need for your answer. That need can not wait longer. I… we need your answer. All of your answers.

Long pause. A moment of tension release followed by turning inwards for the woman.

So it is…

Hold on this image for a beat. Lights fade.

Fin.