The Plays of Steve Duprey
Quicksand
A play about the search for dignity in the most undignified moments.
The Story
When Derek finally lands a job that he feels might be able to get himself and his girlfriend Danielle off the streets, they are quickly reminded by seventy-year-old Buck, a twenty-year veteran of the homeless life, that these things are never certain…that they often turn out to be nothing but quicksand. Undeterred, they begin to plan their escape from the homeless life. Stuart Kaplan, an old high school friend of Danielle’s happens by and sees his old friend. Confused but sympathetic, Stuart does his best to offer help, which Danielle’s sense of pride and dignity causes her to reject. Eventually and through Stuarts prompting, Derek and Danielle realize that the money that he is making will be insufficient. Buck contracts pneumonia and refuses help…again, pride and dignity. Derek loses the job. The two are stuck in the quicksand again, helpless as they watch their friend die, unable to help. In the end, the two are left with little but the sense of dignity that they continually strive to maintain.
The Characters
DEREK – 35 and homeless – On the streets for five years. Lost his job and house when his four- year-old daughter was killed in a car accident. His wife divorced him and kicked him out because of the addiction he developed after that.
DANIELLE – 28 - Derek’s girlfriend. They met on the street. Homeless for nine years. Left an abusive mother after her father died.
BUCK – Was rich, now living on the street. Drugs and debt and an inability to handle money saw his fortune quickly disappear.
STUART – An old high school friend of Danielle’s. Successful and living just off of Riverside Park.
ACTOR – Playing many roles. (Store Manager, Street Tough, Police Officer, Social Worker)