The Rooftop Lesson

The Rooftop Lesson is a short play which was written to inform the reader about the rules of play writing. Using a pause and rewind remote, the teacher lectures on the craft of playwriting, using two live examples: a would-be jumper on the edge of a ledge, and a would-be Good Samaritan trying to save them. After being paused and replayed one too many times, these two characters rise and revolt against both the instructor and the rules of playwriting itself, leaving the reader with a surprise and twisted ending.

The teacher addresses many different aspects that are said to directly affect the success of a play. The teacher said that without suspense and tension, no one would be willing to pay to see that kind of performance. Without conflict, there is no play. The teacher also goes on to say that it is important to make the play relatable to those that are viewing it so that the audience can form their own opinions and make their own judgement. The teacher then brings up theme by saying “Theme is the difference between entertainment and art. No theme, add a car chase and sell it to the movies. But with theme, you have the potential to create something meaningful, something