“FOLK NIGHT” by Alexander Lee-Rekers CLIFF: Whatever you’re thinking, Derek, it’s not that.
CLIFF: Whatever you’re thinking, Derek, it’s not that. Lucy was performing on stage in the
Sapper’s Tavern folk night! She sings! Plays guitar! She was magical- (To Lucy.) My wife loved
An office boardroom. Mediator DEREK sits in the middle of the table, flanked by manager CLIFF you. Kept trying to find you on Spotify on the drive home.
and employee LUCY.
LUCY: I didn’t see you in the crowd.
LUCY: Who’s going to start? Because I was called in during my lunch hour and I don’t know
what I’m doing here. CLIFF: Well you wouldn’t have with the following you’ve got. A regular Hard Day’s Night down
at Sapper’s Tavern!
CLIFF: I appreciate that; Lucy, this shouldn’t take long. You know Derek from HR? He’s going to
be acting as a mediator for us in this session. DEREK: How cool! You should play the Christmas party this year.
DEREK: Not officially, mind you. No, this is strictly informal. A favour from me to Cliff as he CLIFF: Slow down, Derek. Because there’s a catch. This is why you’re here today. We sat there
speaks to you today. for a few songs and after a while, as you do, I started listening to the lyrics.
CLIFF: Lucy, you’re not in trouble. DEREK: The actual words being sung?
LUCY: Good. CLIFF: Correct. And I was shocked, Lucy… Is everything all right? Are you that unhappy in the
workplace? The lyrics were “union this”, “bosses that”, Masters of War and hammers and bells-
CLIFF: And Derek is here to make that very clear. you seemed like a completely different person.
DEREK: That part is official! Still informal, though. LUCY: Cliff, I don’t mean to sound awful, but it’s not really any of your business. Right, Derek?
I’m singing in my own time, I’m not hurting anybody-
CLIFF: But I did want to speak to you about something that has been troubling me. Nothing
major, nothing disciplinary- CLIFF: I’m worried if you’re hurting. These delusional statements about industry, the very
systems that keep us clothed and fed.
LUCY: Nothing official.
LUCY: Is there any chance you’re infringing on my right to my own political opinions?
CLIFF: See? You get it! So. Thursday nights in the Fowler household are date nights. The
missus and I dress up, make an effort, pick a restaurant or a movie and have a good time. After CLIFF: God, no! This is all very informal.
that, we find a fun local spot for a night-cap, maybe discuss the meal or the movie. Are you
following? LUCY: It still feels like a violation of my privacy.
LUCY: I understand the words you’re saying. CLIFF: Then we’re agreed: you shall sing your songs at home.
CLIFF: Let me get to the point: last night, after a steak at Weston’s, we strolled around the LUCY: What? No. You stepped into my gig, listened to my songs. I don’t bring the folk night
neighbourhood until we came to a delightful dive bar called Sapper’s Tavern. audience here to the office.
LUCY: Oh no… DEREK: That would not be appropriate.
CLIFF: (To Derek.) Where it turns out Lucy’s been keeping quite the secret. CLIFF: But I can’t have you working here knowing it makes you unhappy. Are you? Unhappy in
your job?
DEREK: Oh dear. This might need to be official after all…
LUCY: (To Derek.) Do I have to answer that?
DEREK: …you sort of did.
LUCY: I sing those song because I love them, because I believe in their messages. But that’s
folk night, not the office. I know the difference.
CLIFF: Good. I guess?
LUCY: Good. I think we’re done here.
DEREK: Wait. One more thing. Would you play at the Christmas party?
CLIFF: The missus would love it.
LUCY: Tell her I’ll burn her a CD.
