BEN & ANDRÉ
(Quantum anomaly)
By Benjamín
Gavarre Silva
"An actor who remembers all lives and a
philosopher who tries to explain chaos with logic. Through infinite versions of
Earth, Ben and André are destined—to meet. BEN & ANDRÉ (Quantum Anomaly)
is a journey through the cracks of reality where love is the only constant that
survives the collapse of time." a failure in the system? In this piece of
fragmented realities, Ben irremediably follows André through dimensions where
coffee doesn’t exist, names mutate, and the universe becomes pixelated, proving
that even in the strangest anomaly, there are presences impossible to
forget." Earth 0, Earth 1, Earth 2... The configuration changes, but the
attraction remains. Between biting dialogues and quantum leaps, the author
presents us with a work where time is a map that lies and memory is the only
bridge over the abyss of uncertainty."
By Benjamín Gavarre
© BENJAMÍN GAVARRE
SILVA
Contact this address if you
have produced it or wish to do so: gavarreunam@gmail.com
BEN & ANDRÉ
(Anomalía
Cuántica)
CHARACTERS
- BEN: An actor, 25 years old.
"The Traveler." Cynical, passionate, and vibrant. He carries the
weariness of a thousand lifetimes and the knowledge of every Earth. He is
the quantum anomaly who insists on loving André, over and over again,
through time.
·
ANDRÉ: A philosopher, 38 years old.
Analytical, skeptical, and possessing a sense of disheveled elegance. He is the
anchor of logic in a crumbling universe; a man who attempts to explain through
reason what can only be felt through memory.
SCENE
1
EARTH
1
(Indifference)
(A gray city street. Sound of traffic. The lighting
is flat and cold. ANDRÉ walks with a newspaper under his arm. BEN
walks in the opposite direction. Their shoulders brush as they pass. Neither
stops. There is no eye contact. The world keeps turning as if nothing
happened).
SCENE
0.1
EARTH
1
(The
Map)
(The same street, but with a slightly warmer light.
ANDRÉ waits at a bus stop. BEN approaches, appearing lost).
BEN
(A bit rushed)
Excuse me, do you know which bus takes me to
Lieja Street?
ANDRÉ
(Without looking up from his newspaper, points a
dry finger at a metal sign directly in front of them)
The map is right there. Exactly twelve inches
from your nose.
BEN
(Awkwardly)
Ah. Yes. I hadn’t seen it. Thank you for
the... kindness.
ANDRÉ
(Dryly)
Don't mention it. The map doesn't lie.
(BEN remains staring at the map. ANDRÉ
boards the bus without looking back).
SCENE
0.2
EARTH
1
(Silent
Romance)
(A pedestrian street. ANDRÉ walks slowly. BEN
follows behind. Both stop at the same time in front of a bookstore window. They
look at each other).
BEN
(With a strange sense of familiarity)
I feel like I owe you an apology, though I
don’t know for what.
ANDRÉ
(Puzzled)
It’s curious. I feel like I’m about to give
you a sarcastic reply, but I don’t want to.
BEN
(Smiles)
My name is Ben.
ANDRÉ
André. Are you walking toward downtown?
BEN
Wherever, André. I feel like if we walk down
the same street, the world will stop vibrating in this weird way.
(They begin walking together, chatting quietly as
they fade into the distance. It is the silent beginning of the first
romance).
Scene
0.3
EARTH
1- EARTH 2
The
Mercury Leap
(The
Glitch)
(A café-bookstore. ANDRÉ has a stack of
books and a cup of coffee with three sugar cubes. BEN has a cup of chai
tea. There is a vibrant, burgeoning complicity between them).
BEN
I love that you can browse the books you’re
about to read while drinking coffee… or in your case, your daily ration of
sugar with a hint of caffeine.
ANDRÉ
(Laughing)
Alright, you’re very funny. What I don’t get
is how you can like that green tea. It smells like an old pharmacy. It’s...
appetizing, I suppose.
BEN
At least my calorie intake isn't a crime
against public health. Look, one more sugar cube and that cup is going to
develop a consciousness of its own...
&&&&%&$#&&
(&%$$%##&&
(Suddenly, a metallic hum vibrates in the air. The
lights flicker violently. Reality seems to "pixelate" for a second.
The sound of breaking glass is heard. BEN closes his eyes tight. When he
opens them, the light is colder, whiter).
BEN
(Dizzy)
Did you see that? It was like a lightning
bolt... André, are you okay?
ANDRÉ
(Looking at him strangely, now holding a glass with
a thick green liquid)
A lightning bolt? The sun has been shining
all day. And why are you calling me that?
BEN
(Confused, staring at the glass)
Calling you what? And where’s the coffee?
What is that green smoothie?
ANDRÉ
It’s my spinach juice. It’s for my
triglycerides. And you called me "André"—just
like that, with the French accent, as if you were an opera singer or a boutique
florist. My name is Andrew, like everyone else.
BEN
Andrew?
But you hate being called Andrew. You say it
sounds like an insurance salesman or a tax auditor.
ANDRÉ
(Frowning)
An auditor? I’m an ethics professor, Ben. And
stop making up weird words. "Caffeine"? It sounds like rocket fuel.
BEN
(Stunned)
What do you mean, "what is
caffeine"? The substance in coffee. The thing you were drinking ten
seconds ago.
ANDRÉ
What’s happening is that your chai tea with Milk of Magnesia is giving you some strange side
effects. What’s next? Are you going to tell me the sky is green?
BEN
(Looks at his cup: the tea is now a thick, chalky
white)
Milk of Magnesia! But we were just... André, listen to me!
ANDRÉ
(Getting serious, somewhat offended)
There you go again. "André"... it sounds so pretentious, so detached.
You almost scare me when you get all "dramatic" like this. I’m
getting the check.
(ANDRÉ raises his hand for the waiter. BEN
stares at his cup of Milk of Magnesia. He looks at the books: the titles are in
a strange alphabet that seems to shift. The journey has begun).
SCENE
4:
EARTH
3
(The
Aquarium)
(An aquarium submerged in cobalt blue light. The
constant bubbling of water is heard. BEN stands before a massive tank,
rehearsing with exaggerated theatrical projection. ANDRÉ sits on a
nearby bench, reading).
BEN
(Shouting at the tank)
Because... What is reality, if not a bad
rehearsal for an opening night that always gets canceled?!
ANDRÉ
(Without looking up, sharply)
Hey, actor... Bring that stentorian voice
down a few notches. You’re not in your living room.
BEN
(Stops. Looks at him with a gaze that unsettles)
Up close, your eyes are even more expressive.
You have the eyes of someone who has already forgotten me.
ANDRÉ
(Stunned, yet flattered)
You have no filter; I think I like that.
BEN
We used to know each other on other Earths.
In one, you were a blue-eyed monk and I was the demon tempting you with
forbidden fruit.
ANDRÉ
Are you always this charming?
BEN
Now your eyes are brown and you’re
overweight.
ANDRÉ
(Lets out a cynical laugh)
You were doing so well, but then you lost me.
BEN
You will forgive me for everything I say.
Even when I tell you uncomfortable truths.
ANDRÉ
Why so confident?
BEN
I know what you’re going to say, André...
you’re going to invite me to a Paganini concert.
ANDRÉ
(Speechless for a second)
How the hell...?
BEN
I know. Time isn’t a line, André.
ANDRÉ
That’s the second time you’ve said my name...
BEN
There are things floating in the air...
Ben... My name is Ben.
SCENE
5:
EARTH 4
(The Faculty)
(An outdoor parking lot. It’s raining. ANDRÉ
picks up some books from the ground. BEN arrives with a yellow umbrella
and helps him).
BEN
Heavy to read, or just heavy to carry?
ANDRÉ
(Hostile)
Are you one of my students? Go, before my bad
luck splashes onto you.
BEN
(Unfazed, closes the umbrella)
Your car isn't far. Let me help you.
ANDRÉ
How do you know where my car is?... Are you a
stalker?
BEN
(Bends down, picks up a book, opens the umbrella,
and invites him to take cover)
I’m not going to let you die of pneumonia,
Professor.
ANDRÉ
(Surprised, uncomfortable with the familiarity)
Right, you want to be nice, you need a good
grade...
BEN
And you don’t get involved with students.
ANDRÉ
That’s what I was going to say... I don’t get
involved with students. You look like you’re from the Theater Department rather
than Philosophy, am I wrong?
BEN
(Speaking as they walk)
"Does the car exist even if I don't see
it?", "Why do cars and people exist?", "If we didn't exist,
what would nothingness be like?"... If nothingness existed, it would be
something... therefore, all of existence is a total absurdity.
(ANDRÉ stops. They look at each other).
ANDRÉ
You’re a philosopher too, Ben.
BEN
What was that?... Did I tell you my name?
ANDRÉ
(Confused)
I don’t know. Is your name Ben?
BEN
(Smiles)
On every Earth.
ANDRÉ
Right... How funny. My name is André.
BEN
Everything is going to be okay... André...
ANDRÉ
No doubt... (Pause) I have to
go. I’m getting wet.
BEN
I told you, André, I’ll walk you to your
car... you parked it where you always do. You know you’re predictable.
ANDRÉ
If I’m so predictable, you’ll know our
conversation is over.
BEN
I know. I'll see you another time.
ANDRÉ
Theater... I knew it.
(ANDRÉ leaves smiling. BEN also
smiles and closes his umbrella).
SCENE
6:
EARTH
3
(The
Pier)
(A lonely pier. Sunset. ANDRÉ arrives
running, breathless. No one is there. BEN appears from the shadows,
dressed differently).
ANDRÉ
Late. I’m sorry for being so late.
BEN
I had already left. But I am not the same one
you know.
ANDRÉ
(Annoyed)
What are you talking about?
BEN
You were going to stand me up...
ANDRÉ
I wasn't going to come, but...
BEN
Whatever... The "other" Ben is
gone. You wouldn't understand... You arrived late here, but on other Earths,
you decided not to show up at all.
ANDRÉ
What?!
BEN
I’m leaving, but if you look for me, remember
that you stood me up.
ANDRÉ
Honestly, you get so weird sometimes...
(BEN walks away humming a Paganini tune).
ANDRÉ
Seriously, are you really leaving?... (Pause) I’m not going to... (Pause) Fine. (Pause) Forget it.
SCENE
7:
EARTH
6
(Sisyphus's
Taxi)
(The interior of a taxi under torrential rain. The
light is amber and flickering. ANDRÉ gets in, soaked. BEN is
already seated at the other end of the back seat).
ANDRÉ
Sorry, I thought it was vacant.
BEN
It’s not. But get in. The world is sinking
and the driver doesn’t speak our language.
ANDRÉ
(Confused)
Thanks. I’m going to...
BEN
(Interrupts him)
To the corner of Lieja and Varsovia. We’re
going to your apartment with the Art Nouveau lamp you hate but can't bring
yourself to throw away.
ANDRÉ
(Tenses up)
"We’re"? Who do you think you are?
Are you following me?
BEN
I was waiting for you, which is different.
Under your suit, you’re wearing an undershirt inside out because you think it’s
good luck...
ANDRÉ
I knew it, this is a joke... and my mother is
involved. She’s the only one who knows those things.
BEN
Your mother? That professional of
hypocritical courtesy.
ANDRÉ
What are you saying? Look, I better get out.
Driver!
BEN
You don’t remember because it hasn’t
happened, at least not on this Earth... Your mother isn't going to like your
friend... the actor. She’s going to treat me very badly.
ANDRÉ
(Terrified)
This is the first time I’ve seen you in my
life.
BEN
The glasses you wear are always the same
model—is this the third pair?... It doesn't matter, they’re always square and
tortoiseshell... poor turtles.
ANDRÉ
(Adjusts his glasses, amazed)
This is... this is a coincidence. You’re just
throwing darts at the dark.
BEN
Call it what you want, philosopher. But karma
is a bitch. On the last Earth, you decided not to stay with someone so
"problematic"... you stood me up at the pier... and you never looked
for me. How about you let me walk you home and we smooth things over... We’re
already sharing a taxi. We’re making progress.
ANDRÉ
Driver!
SCENE 8:
EARTH 5
(The Metro)
(The interior of a subway car. Cold, flickering
light. A dull rhythmic thud of the tracks. ANDRÉ (ANDREW) and BEN
sit at opposite ends. An oniric, heavy atmosphere).
(Several seconds of silence pass. They look at each
other, reacting slowly, as if waking from deep anesthesia).
ANDRÉ
(Hoarsely)
I don't know why you keep staring at me.
BEN
(Slowly)
I wasn't looking at you... I was looking
through you.
ANDRÉ
(Leans in a bit)
I know you...
BEN
(Laughs)
Yes, I remember now... you have the most
cliché pick-up line.
ANDRÉ
You remember too.
BEN
It’s always been similar. Other times at a
pier, other times...
ANDRÉ
(Shakes his head)
I’m getting off at the next stop.
BEN
(Nods)
I know. You’re going to walk me... to your
house.
ANDRÉ
(Stand as the train screeches to a halt)
Who told you...
BEN
Lieja and Varsovia... you know, the third
floor, no view of the street. I’m a good person, André.
ANDRÉ
Now you’re scaring me. You know my address,
you know my name... Were you my student?
BEN
You wish. We knew each other from before...
The world is a recurrent configuration; the universe is a small place.
ANDRÉ
So, according to you... the Universe is like
a Kleenex.
BEN
Exactly... This is our stop.
(ANDRÉ and BEN exit like true
accomplices, walking with the same pace and rhythm).
SCENE
9:
EARTH
8
(The
Unique Face)
(At the pier, looking at the sea. A long silence).
ANDRÉ
It’s strange. I look at you and I feel your
face is always the same, even as the world changes. It’s unsettling to think
that, among thousands of people, time and space agree so that this one, special
face is the right one. No other. This one.
BEN
(Nods, softly)
The universe is much stranger than you can
imagine, André. We don’t choose the face. The face chooses us when it has
nowhere else to go.
SCENE
10:
EARTH
8
(Conflicts
in Lieja and Varsovia)
ANDRÉ
I don’t understand why you find it so
difficult. It’s a wedding; it’s my family. You could be nice for a change.
BEN
It’s not just the wedding: It’s the ritual I
don’t belong to, it’s wearing a suit I don’t own, it’s traveling to a distant,
boring place...
ANDRÉ
And it’s my beautiful family.
BEN
And it’s your horrendous family. On the last
Earth...
ANDRÉ
Here we go again. On the last Earth, my
mother clawed your eyes out.
BEN
Almost... If there’s one constant across the
different universes, it’s that the Moon is near Venus and your mother can’t
stand me.
ANDRÉ
The Moon is near the three Venuses.
BEN
True, there are so many Earths now that I get
confused. All the more reason not to go to the wedding; your mother is planning
to murder me so she can marry you off to a successful banker...
ANDRÉ
Ah, yes, she did mention something about a
banker... Of course, you already knew. But don’t worry, this time I’ll let you
stay behind.
BEN
Oh, well, you know what? Now I am going. I’m going straight to buy a suit. Come with
me.
ANDRÉ
I knew it. You’re so predictable... and
you’re supposed to know all the planets.
BEN
Earths.
ANDRÉ
Right. Let’s go.
SCENE 11
EARTH 8
(Domestic Life)
(A warm apartment. BEN observes the lamp).
BEN
It’s incredible. On every Earth, this lamp is
just as ugly. It’s the only universal constant. Love fails, governments are
different, stars change their positions, but this lamp is always hideous.
ANDRÉ
(From the kitchen)
I like it! It gives off an honest white
light.
BEN
It’s like an interrogation light, André. (Approaches him) Come here. Let me look at you.
ANDRÉ
(Joking, with two coffee mugs)
What is it now? Are my eyes blue in this
version? Is my nose... longer? I know, I have pointed elf ears here...
BEN
(Takes his face in his hands)
No. I could get used to this face. It’s
exactly the same everywhere. It’s strange that the universe insists on this
slightly crooked nose and this mole on your... cheek.
ANDRÉ
I’m a classic model, Ben. I don’t go out of
style.
BEN
You are my reason for always coming back: my
rock, my anchor. It doesn’t matter if you’re a successful professor or a poor,
bitter teacher at a bus stop... it’s always you. Even if here you take your
coffee strong and with too much sugar.
ANDRÉ
It’s the perfect combination. Maybe in your
other Earths, sugar didn't exist.
BEN
No. On other Earths, you were a bit taller
and you were a green tea purist. (At André’s raised eyebrows)
You don’t know how much I missed this smell of caffeine, your cynicism... and
your bulging bank account.
SCENE 12
FINAL EARTH
(Mercury Sea)
(A black sand beach. A sea of dense mercury. In the
sky, three Venuses form a perfect triangle).
ANDRÉ
Look at that. The Three Venuses. Did you know
they are the brightest objects in the firmament?
BEN
(Sadly)
You already told me... on every trip. But
this is just a dream, André... the last one. Do you see this sea of mercury? If
you step in, you turn to gold. I’m becoming stiff from remembering you so much.
When you wake up, will you remember me?
ANDRÉ
You could be quite the poet if you didn't say
so many foolish things. It’s wonderful to see how one of those Venuses breaks
away... Did you see that? Suddenly everything went dark.
BEN
We always end up here. But each time you know
a little less, and I am a little more tired.
ANDRÉ
(Whispering)
I feel like if I let go of you, I’ll start
floating away into space. I feel like I owe you more than one lifetime.
BEN
You owe me a Paganini concert.
ANDRÉ
(Smiles)
Deal. Tomorrow. Seriously, Paganini?
BEN
(Looks at the three Venuses)
Stay like this. Don’t think. Just let the
mercury shine. Everything will pass, as it always does.
(They look at each other, smiling. The glow of the
three planets floods the stage again as they take each other's hands, and the
sound of the metallic sea grows until it covers everything).
THE
END
|
Scene |
Earth |
Title |
Identity Marker |
|
0 |
Earth 0 |
Indifference |
Strangers (No connection) |
|
0.1 |
Earth 1 |
The Map |
André (The Origin / Home) |
|
0.2 |
Earth 1 |
Silent Romance |
André (The Connection) |
|
0.3 |
Earth 1-2 |
The Glitch |
Andrew (The First Break) |
|
4 |
Earth 3 |
The Aquarium |
André (Physical variation) |
|
5 |
Earth 4 |
The Faculty |
André (Role variation) |
|
6 |
Earth 5 |
The Pier |
Ben (The Loss) |
|
7 |
Earth 6 |
Sisyphus's Taxi |
Andrew (Emotional distance) |
|
8 |
Earth 7 |
Subway |
André (Universe is a Kleenex) |
|
9 |
Earth 8 |
The Pier |
Ben (The Unique Face) |
|
10 |
Earth 8 |
Conflicts in Lieja |
André (A wedding) |
|
11 |
Earth 8 |
Domestic life |
Ben (Tired) |
|
12 |
Final Earth |
Mercury Camping |
André & Ben (Everything will pass) |
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