The Serpent's Tale- A Monologue
A Critique
I could never forget the day I ended up running bare foot with only socks on in the office of student affairs (OSA) at the University of Balamand. Running from one office like a mad girl to the other encouraged my friends and sincere employees to aid me in getting ready for the big show! My friends split the tasks between them and the preparation began. While some sat there as judges on “Project Runway” criticizing my the dresses I tried on, others played the role of my makeup artists in a desperate attempt to stop me from looking like a clown after a frantic run and rocketing stress levels. My friends were the support I shared my huge burden with, for they made sure that the seductress was born. I practiced my monologue on my way to the studio; I spoke to myself like a lunatic. I simply ignored the giggles and astonished faces that passed me by as I repeated my lines and eagerly wanted to reach my court, my judgment, the humble studio. The studio was full of my fellow classmates. Some were frantic as I were repeating their line to the brick wall, while others seemed relaxed as they shared a conversation on how they performed. I ignored the hustle and the bustle for I always adored being caught up in the little world I created for myself. I simply crawled back to my shell for I was a vulnerable crab. “You were never seductive” I told myself. You are a teaser, yet never a seductive female. Remember how red you turn when someone compliments you? All your practice was futile; you are doomed to fail. I struggled to cast out the pessimistic thoughts from my head as I abandoned the forlorn hallway and set my eyes on the bright room on my left. I poked my head through the door and there I saw the magical process take place. Three cameras were set and one classmate took control of a camera. They seemed focused as if the performer’s life depended on their perseverance. As the actress finished her show I entered the room while applauses roared in the hallway and control room. The atmosphere was hyped, full of energy, and positivity, and there I was standing all frail. “You acted on stage before, why so fearful then?” I questioned myself yet I never managed to answer. I headed towards the empty classroom, on my way I couldn’t help noticing my friends’ glare at my bare feet in the dirty socks. In the classroom I ripped my hair, I screamed, and I said my lines yet it was useless. I was drowning my character with speculations. All seemed bleak until a hand snatched me out of my mirage. It was my friend Stephenie with her calming words and relaxation techniques that brought me back to my sense. After I finished the routine serenity rushed through my veins and I was ready! My name was called upon and as I headed towards the illuminated room myself summoned me “I beg you do not fail me, for no reason shall we crumble”. I entered the room and stood under two lights, one red the other blue, directed towards me. I bowed my head, clutched my hands together, stood all poised and for the first time face the camera. A journey has just begun as the start signal unleashed the serpent. I forgot my friends, my teacher, and my fears. It was just me and my invisible lover. Nothing can distract me, not the voice of the director in my friend’s ear, not the light that struck my eyes, not the heat. Focus, it was all related to focus! Medusa flourished as I spoke to my lover, she seduced, she ached, she raged, and she loved. The little voices in my head were silent as they accompanied me throughout the journey. It’s just me and you dearest camera, you there standing still recording one of the most daring yet embarrassing moments of my life. All went well until I almost forgot my lines. What saved me was actually Medusa’s token, the one she spoke of thoroughly. It was my inner seducer that snatched me away from error. I didn’t need Medusa to tell me that I have to lure my victim and kill him in the end. I closed my eyes as I felt victorious as I won over the resistance of that poor man. I felt peace and quiet. Applause brought this serenity to an end as I realized I’m back in the humble studio among my fellow friends. At that moment I realized I was shaking and euphoric. The little voices spoke to me and said: Well done child well done!
