Friday, 26 October 2007

A short play based Marcel Junod's essay - The First Atom Bomb

Where are we?
A short theatrical presentation based on
The First Atom Bomb by Marcel Junod

Marcel Junod faces the audience with a paper and a pen.
I am a journalist by profession I believe that writing is an act meant for social change. I am on mission today to get some details about Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I am shocked to hear that two cities are destroyed beyond recognition. I need to find an answer to this question. Human beings create, innovate, and invent only to destroy all that they have constructed. I have this curious mind to know about the plight of people and their possessions in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

(Shouting) I JUST WANT TO KNOW.
Japanese speaks
(In a proud voice) My country is in northeast Asia, occupying a group of islands. The national name of My country is Nippon .My country is rich in coal, iron, zinc, copper, natural gas, and fish. Our Major industries include motor vehicles, steel, machinery, electrical and electronic equipment, chemicals, and textiles. My country export motor vehicles (Suzuki, Mitsubishi, Toyota), electronic goods (Sony,) and components, chemicals, iron and steel products, scientific and optical equipment.
The qualities that have shaped and are shaping My country are

§ The belief that respecting others is the essence of life.
§ Eye for the detail – we work towards perfection
§ Hard working society

American wireless operator: Hey, I think I got something for you sir we had broadcasted a great deal about the preparations made for the use of the new weapon and about its extraordinary power. The information concerning the effects of atomic bombardment was limited to the horrible prophecy; ‘for seventy years at least the radio-activity of the earth around the scene of the explosion will prevent all forms of life from existing there’ (American journalist, Tokyo newspaper journalist and report of Nohara, a half-Japanese follows)

I am right now standing in front of the Yokohama Camber of Commerce.
Marcel Junod is seen approaching a group of men who seems to be huddled over a table.
§ I am General Fitch and I am in charge of censoring all the news reports that is based on Hiroshima.
§ Let me introduce to you as Colonel Marcus. I am waiting for my prisoners and I am gonna treat them like animals.
§ Me, Colonel Webster. Along with my team of medics let me save some lives. If there are any…

Marcel Junod:
The day has been long and I am too tired to speak. I have seen destruction all around me. Now I should sit and write my article so that the world will remember Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Thank you ladies and gentleman.

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