LX are hot and stuffy.

ESSENTIAL WORKER stands CS behind check-out counter (table, long-ways).

Four Customers are lined around the table to check out their items. They are spaced 6’ apart, circling around in a narrow oval to continually “check-out” again and again.

They carry packages labelled:

• Perception of Time
• Existential Dread
• Will to Get Dressed

The fourth box is labeled on two sides to correspond to ESSENTIAL WORKER’s lines:

• Meaning of Life
• Sense of Purpose

The four customers go in one full revolution.

LOUDSPEAKER VOICE (recorded):
Clean up in aisle seven. Can I get someone to clean-up a Spilled Milk in aisle seven? No need to cry over it, just clean up in aisle seven.

Customers go in one full revolution.

LOUDSPEAKER VOICE (recorded):
Manager to register two, I need A Reason to Get Out of Bed, manager to register two.

Customers go in one full revolution.
LX shift to focus on ESSENTIAL WORKER.

ESSENTIAL WORKER:
Price check on The Meaning of Life, can someone get me a price check for The Meaning of Life? What is the worth of a Meaningful Life?

Customers go in one full revolution.
LX: Sudden change to cool wash with focus on ESSENTIAL WORKER who is now transformed into the MASK AVENGER.
ALL freeze.

ESSENTIAL WORKER puts on mask and steps up on small box, taking a hero pose.
UNPAID INTERN velcros cape from behind and uses attached controller sticks to make it look like cape is waving in the wind. We hear the following Ode-to-the- ESSENTIAL WORKER and all they do for us, with a background of Triumphant Hero music.

ESSENTIAL WORKER:
(recorded voiceover)
To all those who brave the front lines,
Fight their way out of bed in the morning,
Take a stand and never back down,
Even when “the customer is always right”
We commend you.
To all those who make sure we have toilet paper to wipe our asses,
And hand sanitizer to clean up afterwards.
We commend you.
Through sickness and through health,
Through coughs, hacks, and sneezes,
You carry on!
Without job security, sick pay, or guaranteed health insurance,
You still stand by to meet our every demand,
To make sure the aisles are swept,
The fruit looks edible,
And the hair dye is stocked,
You carry on!
We couldn’t live without you,
But we won’t pay to keep you,
Yet you carry on!

LX quick change back to

hot and stuffy. ESSENTIAL WORKER no longer has mask or cape or wind.
Customers go in one full revolution.

ESSENTIAL WORKER:
I need an item replacement on a Sense of Purpose, can someone replace my damaged Sense of Purpose?

Customers go in one full revolution.
LX fade during this last revolution to B.O.
Table is left onstage for next scene.