Attitudes and Alternatives

Attitudes and Alternatives One Act Plays by Paul Trupia Attitudes and Alternatives is a collection contemporary one-act plays written by Paul Trupia. Since 2005, these plays have been performed Off-Off Broadway and/or at the New York One Act play festivals. The common theme that binds the collection are the real life situations, thoughts, alternatives and in some instances, the choices that we make. In other instances, Attitudes and Alternatives explores what is going through our minds as we go through the day but is never verbalized to anyone but ourselves. It is what a woman may consider as she gets ready for a date: it is what a man may be thinking as he gets off work for the week-end: it is the wondering thoughts of participants at an office meeting or a middle aged couple walking in the park at the start of summer. In many respects, it is what we think about in the solitude of our daily commute and toss around with as we try to sleep. The Collection includes: The Fourth Voice (performed at the 2006 Sam French Festival and at the Parker, Beekmann and Producers Club Theatres). A single woman in her late 20’s is getting dressed up for a date that night. In her preparation, she confronts the inner voices of Security, Motherhood and Promiscuity and eventually her own way of life. The Best of Friends (performed in 2006 with Love Creek Productions Theatre). Men are often accused of thinking with that “other head” of theirs. The Best of Friends is a conversation between a man and the personification of that “other head” as he gets ready for the weekend. Changing Times (performed at the 2007 Sam French One Act Festival and in 2006 with Love Creek Productions Theatre) A middle-aged couple react to the signs of summer differently as they walk through a park. Was it always that way, or has time really changed? A Day at the Office (performed at the 2006 Strawberry One Act Festival and at the Producers Club). Three business professionals have a “team” meeting to discuss criticism of their project by the big boss. During the ensuing finger pointing and excuse session, each has a chance to express in a monologue what they are really thinking about at the time. Going to Paris (performed 2008 Off-Off Broadway at the Parker Theatre) A short but sweet fantasy. The Last Word (performed in the 2008 Summer Strawberry One Act Festival and in 2005 with Love Creek productions.) A young woman laments the paternal restrictions of her youth attempting to convince her mother that the time has come to make their feelings know. Was it really that bad? A Matter of Choice (performed 2005 Off-Off Broadway with Love Creek Productions) A meeting of former lovers evolves into bitterness as one contemplates the past and the solutions she found. The Hired Hand (performed at the 2007 Summer Strawberry One Act Festival and in 2006 at The Producers Club.) A professional woman in her 40’s desires to fill her physical needs without the pitfalls of a relationship. Then or Now (performed at the 2009 Winter Strawberry One Act Festival) The issues, outlook and priorities set by couple of the post war era are compared to a couple of the modern day. The ball field may have changed but the players must still play the game. Cross Roads (performed 2005 Off-Off Broadway with Love Creek Productions) A middle-aged man seems lost as he ponders aloud if he has exhausted all the experiences that life has to offer. He gets help in evaluating alternatives.