Aisle 17B
What's the difference between the Turkey & Giblets Dinner and Fisherman's Catch Banquet? This seemingly benign question arises in the pet food aisle of a grocery store as privileged college grads Michael and Conrad argue over the ethics of caring for an abandoned cat in their apartment complex. But as their debate heats up, Michael has a surprising and unsettling encounter that starts to reveal the complexity and proximity of the world hunger crisis.
Read Sample
(A narrow strip of light rises on MICHAEL looking out into the audience. He is in Aisle 17B of a large grocery store. A pole stands near the end of the aisle. MICHAEL holds several tins of cat food in his hand and ponders a selection. CONRAD stands beside him with a half full grocery basket.)
MICHAEL: Giblets... What are giblets?
CONRAD: They’re like organic Chicklets, what’s it matter?
MICHAEL: And where, exactly, is the giblet? On the body, I mean.
CONRAD: Michael, just pick.
MICHAEL: (Indicating the cans:) And what’s the difference between the Turkey & Giblets Dinner and Fisherman’s Catch Banquet? Taste- wise?
CONRAD: One’s a dinner, one’s a banquet? Listen, the cat’s not going to care, it can’t taste the difference.
MICHAEL: She, it’s a she. And I’m sure she can. “Finicky.” That’s what the note says. “She’s very finicky: feed her a half a can per day mixed with warm water.”
CONRAD: I don’t even know why you’re taking care of that old lady’s cat.
MICHAEL: She’s our neighbor.
CONRAD: So we have to be nice? She’s not nice to us. Calls the cops every time we have a party, and I see her going in the management office all the time. I know she’s the one who got us written up for the “grilling incident.”
# # #
Cast Requirements
3 men
Publisher
Production and Development History
- American Short Play Series, Moscow, Russia
- Austin Script Works, Austin TX
- Oklajoma Ink, Dallas, TX
- Paradox Players, Austin, TX