MONOLOGUES

FACES

by Philip Jamieson

Suitable for Grade 3

Stage directions

Col is a college student and has Prosopagnosia – or face blindness – so cannot recognise familiar faces, including their own. Col arrives at the radio station and meets the interviewer, Kris before going into the studio.

Excerpt

Col

No, No. Not at all. I wasn’t ignoring you. It’s just that I don’t know you very well, and you’re probably not very familiar with my problem. Once I do get to know people, we work out a simple way of how to signal to me so I can recognise people. 

Col goes inside the studio, sits and puts on the headphones.

Yes I’m ready to start the interview now. Thank you.

Col clears throat and the interview begins…

Hello Kris, my name is Col and I have this very rare condition known as face-blindness. It’s called prosopagnosia. 

Slight pause as Kris asks a question

Hints & tips

  • This monologue is ideal for Grade 3 exams – but can also be used at other levels.
  • The character Col can be male or female.
  • You just need a table and chair for this monologue
  • A pair of headphones would also be useful as a prop. Other props can also be added such as a microphone on the table – or these can be mimed.
  • Time the pace of the monologue carefully to allow time for the imaginary interviewer, Kris to ask you questions.
  • Try to make it look as though you are actively listening as you hear the questions.
  • You will also need to mime opening and closing a door as you go in and out of the studio.