BEN & ANDRÉ
Quantum love and dark humor.
By Benjamín Gavarre Silva
© BENJAMÍN GAVARRE SILVA
Please contact this address for production inquiries or permissions: gavarreunam@gmail.com
"An actor who remembers every lifetime, and a philosopher who tries to explain chaos with logic. Across infinite versions of Earth, Ben and André are destined—doomed—to meet. BEN & ANDRÉ (Quantum Anomaly) is a journey through the cracks of reality where love is the only constant that survives the collapse of time. A glitch in the system? In this piece of fragmented realities, Ben hopelessly follows André through dimensions where 'coffee' (the drink) doesn't exist, names mutate, and the universe pixelates, proving that even in the strangest anomaly, some presences are impossible to forget. Earth 0, Earth 1, Earth 2... the setup shifts, but the pull remains. Through sharp dialogue and quantum leaps, the author presents a play where time is a map that lies and memory is the only bridge over the abyss of uncertainty."
CHARACTERS
- ANDRÉ: Philosopher, 38 years old. Analytical, skeptical, and effortlessly untidy in an elegant way. He is the anchor of logic in a crumbling universe; a man trying to explain with reason what can only be felt with memory.
- BEN: Actor, 25 years old. "The Traveler". Cynical, passionate, and vibrant. He carries the weight of a thousand lifetimes and the knowledge of every Earth. He is the quantum anomaly who insists on loving André, over and over again, through time.
ACT ONE
SCENE 0
EARTH 1
(Indifference)
(A gray city street. Traffic noise. The lighting is flat and cold. ANDRÉ walks with a newspaper tucked under his arm. BEN walks in the opposite direction. Their shoulders brush as they pass each other. Neither stops. No eye contact. The world keeps spinning as if nothing happened).
SCENE 0.1
EARTH 1
(The Map)
(The same street, but with a slightly warmer light. ANDRÉ is waiting at a bus stop. BEN approaches, looking lost).
BEN
(A bit rushed)
Excuse me, do you know which bus takes me to Lieja Street?
ANDRÉ
(Without taking his eyes off his newspaper, points a dry finger at a metal sign right in front of them)
The map is right there. Exactly twelve inches from your nose.
BEN
(Awkward)
Ah. Right. Didn't see it. Thanks for the... kindness.
ANDRÉ
(Dry)
Don't mention it. That’s what maps were invented for.
(BEN stares at the map, annoyed. ANDRÉ gets on the bus without looking back at him).
SCENE 0.2
EARTH 1
(The Setup Said Yes)
(A pedestrian street. ANDRÉ is walking slowly. BEN is right behind him. Both stop at the exact same time in front of a bookstore window display. They look at each other).
BEN
(With a strange familiarity)
I feel like I owe you an apology, but I don't even know what for.
ANDRÉ
(Puzzled)
Funny. I feel like giving you a sarcastic comeback, but I just don't have the energy.
BEN
(Smiles)
I'm Ben.
ANDRÉ
André. Heading downtown?
BEN
Wherever, André. I feel like if we walk down the same street, the world will stop vibrating in this weird way.
(They start walking together, chatting quietly as they disappear into the distance. It is the quiet beginning of the first romance).
SCENE 0.3
EARTH 1-2
(The Glitch)
The Anomaly
(A bookstore-café. ANDRÉ has a stack of books and a cup of coffee loaded with sugar cubes. BEN has a cup of chai tea. There is a vibrant complicity between them).
BEN
I love how you skim through the books you’re about to read while drinking coffee... or in your case, your daily dose of sugar with a splash of caffeine.
ANDRÉ
(Laughing)
Yeah, yeah, you're hilarious. What I don't get is how you can actually drink that green tea. It smells like a dusty old pharmacy. It’s... very healthy, I guess.
BEN
At least my calorie intake isn't a direct assault on my pancreas. Look, one more sugar cube and that cup is going to become sentient...
&&&&&&&
*
´+*
$%&/&”!!!
(Suddenly, a metallic hum vibrates through the air. The lights flicker violently. Reality "pixelates" for a second. A sound like cracking glass is heard. BEN shuts his eyes tightly. When he opens them, the light is colder and sharper).
BEN
(Dizzy)
Did you see that? It was like a flash of lightning... André, are you okay?
ANDRÉ
(Looks at him blankly, holding a glass filled with a thick green liquid)
Lightning? The sun has been out this whole time. And why are you calling me that?
BEN
(Confused, staring at the glass)
Calling you what? And where's the coffee? What is that green smoothie?
ANDRÉ
It’s my spinach juice. For my triglycerides. And you called me "André"—just like that, with the fancy accent on the "e", like you’re some French count or a high-end Beverly Hills stylist. My name is Andrés.
BEN
Andrés? But you absolutely hate being called Andrés. You say it sounds like an accountant.
ANDRÉ
(Frowning)
An accountant? I'm an ethics professor, Benjamin. And stop making up weird words. What on earth is "Caffeine"? Sounds like rat poison.
BEN
(Stunned)
What do you mean, what is it? Coffee, caffeine... Duh. The stuff in coffee. You were literally just drinking coffee... with a mountain of sugar.
ANDRÉ
That milk of magnesia chai tea of yours has officially rotted your brain. What's next? Are you going to tell me the sky is green?
BEN
(Looks at his cup: the tea is now a thick, chalky white)
Magnesia! But we were just drinking coffee... André, listen to me!
ANDRÉ
(Becomes serious, slightly offended)
You're still doing it. "André"... it sounds so pretentious, so fake. You actually creep me out a little when you get all "artsy" like this. I’m getting the check.
(ANDRÉ raises his hand. BEN stares down at his cup of milk of magnesia. He looks at the books: the titles are written in a bizarre, shifting alphabet. The journey has begun).
SCENE 4
EARTH 3
(The Aquarium)
(An aquarium submerged in a deep cobalt blue light. The constant bubbling of water is heard. BEN is standing in front of a massive tank, rehearsing with exaggerated theatrical projection. ANDRÉ is sitting on a nearby bench, reading).
BEN
(Shouting at the tank)
"Because... what is reality, but a bad rehearsal for a premiere that always gets canceled?!"
ANDRÉ
(Without looking up, sharp)
Hey, actor... take it down about three notches with that loud voice. You’re not in your living room.
BEN
(Stops. Stares at him with an uncomfortable intensity)
Up close, your eyes are even more expressive. You have the eyes of someone who has already forgotten me.
ANDRÉ
(Stunned, but flattered)
You have no filter. I think I like that.
BEN
We knew each other from other Earths. In one, you were a blue-eyed monk and I was the demon tempting you with forbidden fruit.
ANDRÉ
Are you always this charming?
BEN
Now your eyes are brown and you’re overweight.
ANDRÉ
(Gives a cynical chuckle)
You were doing so well, and then you blew it.
BEN
You’ll forgive me for anything I say. Even when I tell you uncomfortable truths.
ANDRÉ
Why so confident?
BEN
I know exactly what you’re about to say, André... you're going to invite me to a Paganini concert.
ANDRÉ
(Stays silent for a second)
How the hell...?
BEN
I just know. Time isn't a straight line, André.
ANDRÉ
That's the second time you've used my name...
BEN
There are things floating in the air... Ben... My name is Ben.
SCENE 5
EARTH 4
(The Faculty)
(An outdoor parking lot. It's raining. ANDRÉ is picking up some dropped books from the ground. BEN arrives with a yellow umbrella and helps him).
BEN
Heavy to read, or just heavy to carry?
ANDRÉ
(Hostile)
Oh, great. Another one of my students. Go away before my bad luck rubs off on you.
BEN
(Undeterred, closes the umbrella)
Your car isn't too far off, let me help you.
ANDRÉ
How do you know where my car is? Are you stalking me?
BEN
(Picks up a book, opens the umbrella, and shields him with it)
I’m not going to let you catch galloping pneumonia, Professor.
ANDRÉ
(Surprised)
Right, you're trying to be nice because you need a good grade...
BEN
And you don't get involved with students.
ANDRÉ
That’s exactly what I was going to say... I don't get involved with students. You look more like a theater kid than a philosophy major, am I wrong?
BEN
(As they walk)
"Does the car exist even if I can't see it?", "Why do cars and people exist?", "If we didn't exist, what would Nothingness be like?"... If Nothingness existed, it would be something... therefore, all of existence is a total absurdity.
(ANDRÉ stops. They look at each other).
ANDRÉ
You’re a philosopher too, Ben.
BEN
What makes you say that? Did I tell you my name?
ANDRÉ
(Confused)
I don't know. Is your name Ben?
BEN
(Smiles)
On every single Earth.
ANDRÉ
Right... Hilarious. My name is André.
BEN
Everything's going to be fine... André...
ANDRÉ
No doubt... (Pause) I have to go. I'm getting soaked.
BEN
I told you, André, I’ll walk you to your car... you parked it where you always do. You know you're completely predictable.
ANDRÉ
If I'm so predictable, you must know this conversation is over.
BEN
I know. I'll catch you around.
ANDRÉ
In a play, right... I knew it.
(ANDRÉ walks away smiling. BEN closes his umbrella, smiling too).
SCENE 6
EARTH 5
(The Pier)
(A lonely pier. Sunset. ANDRÉ runs in, out of breath. No one is there. BEN appears from the shadows, dressed differently).
ANDRÉ
Late. I'm so sorry I'm late.
BEN
I had already left. But I'm not the same guy you know.
ANDRÉ
What are you even talking about?
BEN
You were going to stand me up...
ANDRÉ
I wasn't going to come at first, but...
BEN
Whatever... The "other" Ben left. You wouldn't get it... You showed up late here, but on other Earths, you decided not to show up at all.
ANDRÉ
Are you out of your mind?!
BEN
I'm leaving, but if you ever look for me, just remember you stood me up.
ANDRÉ
Seriously, you get so weird sometimes...
(BEN walks away, humming a Paganini tune).
ANDRÉ
Are you really just going to walk away? (Pause) I am not chasing... after... (Pause) Wow, you're actually gone. (Pause) Forget it.
SCENE 7
EARTH 6
(The Taxi)
(Interior of a taxi. Torrencial rain. Amber light. ANDRÉ climbs in, dripping wet. BEN is already sitting there).
ANDRÉ
Oh, sorry, I thought it was vacant.
BEN
It's not. But get in anyway. The world is sinking and the driver doesn’t even speak our language.
ANDRÉ
(Confused)
Thanks. I'm heading to...
BEN
(Interrupts him)
Lieja and Varsovia. We're going to your apartment, the one with that Art Nouveau lamp you absolutely loathe but can’t bring yourself to throw away.
ANDRÉ
(Tenses up)
"We're going"? Who the hell do you think you are? Are you following me?
BEN
I was waiting for you, which is different. Under that suit, you’re wearing your t-shirt inside out because you think it brings good luck...
ANDRÉ
Alright, this is a prank. My mother is behind this, she's the only one who knows that stuff.
BEN
Your mother? That professional of hypocrisy?
ANDRÉ
Look, I'm getting out. Driver, pull over!
BEN
You don't remember it because it hasn't happened—at least not on this Earth. Your mother is not going to like your actor friend. She's going to treat me like total garbage.
ANDRÉ
This is literally the first time I've ever seen you in my life.
BEN
Those glasses you wear are always the exact same model, are they your third pair? Doesn't matter, they're always blocky and tortoiseshell... Poor turtles.
ANDRÉ
This is... this is just a coincidence. You're just shooting blindly into the dark.
BEN
Call it whatever you want, philosopher. But karma is a total bitch. On the last Earth, you decided not to deal with someone as problematic as me... you stood me up at the pier... and you never looked for me. How about you let me tag along to your place so we can smooth things over. Hey, at least we're sharing a cab now. Progress.
ANDRÉ
Driver!
SCENE 8
EARTH 7
(The Subway)
(Interior of a subway car. Cold, flickering light. A muffled rattling sound. ANDRÉ and BEN are at opposite ends. Dreamlike atmosphere).
ANDRÉ
(Hoarse voice)
I don't know why you keep staring at me.
BEN
(Slowly)
I wasn't staring at you... I was staring right through you.
ANDRÉ
I know you...
BEN
(Laughs)
Yeah, it just clicked... you have the most trite way of hitting on people...
ANDRÉ
You remember too.
BEN
It’s always been kind of similar. Other times on a pier, other times...
ANDRÉ
I'm getting off at the next stop.
BEN
I know, you're going to take me with you... to your house.
ANDRÉ
(Stands up as the train brakes)
Who told you...
BEN
Lieja and Varsovia... you know, the third floor, no view of the street. I'm a good guy, André.
ANDRÉ
Now you're actually creeping me out. You know my address, you know my name... Were you one of my students?
BEN
You wish. We already knew each other from before... The world is a recurring loop, the universe is a small world...
ANDRÉ
So according to you... the universe is like a disposable tissue.
BEN
Exactly... This is our stop.
(They step off the train together, perfectly matching each other's pace and rhythm).
SCENE 9
EARTH 8
(The Only Face)
(On the pier, looking out at the sea. A long silence).
ANDRÉ
It's weird. I look at you and I feel like your face is always the exact same, even if the world changes. It’s unsettling to think that out of thousands of people, time and space somehow agree just to make this one specific face the right one. Not any other. This one.
BEN
(Softly)
The universe is way stranger than you can ever imagine, André. We don't choose the face. The face chooses us when we have nowhere else to go.
SCENE 10
EARTH 8
(Trouble at Lieja and Varsovia)
ANDRÉ
I don't get why you're making such a big deal out of this. It’s a wedding, it’s my family. You could try being nice for a change.
BEN
It’s not just the wedding: it’s the religious service I don't belong to, it’s wearing a suit I don't own, it’s traveling to a distant, boring place...
ANDRÉ
And it’s my beautiful family.
BEN
And it’s your horrifying family. On the last Earth...
ANDRÉ
Here you go again. On the last Earth, my mother tore your eyes out.
BEN
Close enough... If there's one constant across universes, it's that the Moon is close to Venus and your mother is a total witch.
ANDRÉ
Leave the witch alone... And for your information... the Moon is close to the three Venuses, Ben.
BEN
True, there are so many Earths now that I get confused sometimes. All the more reason not to go to the wedding; your mother is probably plotting to murder me so she can marry you off to a successful banker...
ANDRÉ
Ah, yeah, she actually did mention something about a banker... Of course, you already knew that. But don't worry, this time I'll let you skip it.
BEN
Oh, well in that case, I'm absolutely going. I'm heading straight out to buy a suit. Coming with?
ANDRÉ
I knew it, you are so predictable... and you’re the one who supposedly knows every planet.
BEN
Earths.
ANDRÉ
Whatever. Let’s go.
SCENE 11
EARTH 8
(Domestic Life)
(A warm apartment. BEN is examining the lamp).
BEN
It’s unbelievable. On every single Earth, this lamp is just as hideous. It’s the only true universal constant—the lamp and your mommy. Love fails, governments fall, stars change, but this lamp is always grotesque.
ANDRÉ
(From the kitchen)
I happen to like it! It gives off a perfectly honest white light.
BEN
It feels like an interrogation room, André. (He steps closer) Come here. Let me look at you.
ANDRÉ
(Joking)
What is it now? Do I have blue eyes in this version? Is my nose... longer? Let me guess, I have pointy Elf ears here...
BEN
(Holds his face)
No. I could get used to this face. It’s exactly the same everywhere. It's weird that the universe insists on this slightly crooked nose and this birthmark on your cheek.
ANDRÉ
Well, I'm a classic model, Ben. I don't go out of style.
BEN
You are my reason to always come back: my rock, my anchor. It doesn't matter if you're a successful professor or a broke, bitter teacher at a bus stop... it's always you. Even if you drink your coffee jet-black and with way too much sugar here.
ANDRÉ
It's the perfect combination. Maybe sugar didn't even exist on your other Earths.
BEN
No. On other Earths, you were a little taller and you were an insufferable vegan. You have no idea how much I missed this smell of steak and caffeine, your cynicism... and your hefty bank account.
SCENE 12
THE LAST EARTH
(The Sea of Mercury)
(A black sand beach. A heavy, dense sea of mercury. In the sky, three Venus planets form a perfect triangle).
ANDRÉ
Look at that. The Three Venus Planets. Did you know they're the brightest objects in the sky?
BEN
(Sad)
You've told me that already... on every single trip. But this is just a dream, André... the last one. See this sea of mercury? If you step into it, you turn to gold. I'm growing rigid from remembering you so much. When you wake up, will you remember me?
ANDRÉ
You could be quite the poet if you didn't talk so much nonsense. It’s wonderful to watch everything end... Look at that. Everything just went dark all of a sudden.
BEN
We always end up here. But each time you know a little less, and I’m a little more tired.
ANDRÉ
(Whispers)
I feel like if I let go of you, I'll start floating into space. I feel like I owe you more than one lifetime.
BEN
You owe me a Paganini concert.
ANDRÉ
(Smiles)
Deal. First thing tomorrow. Paganini, seriously?
BEN
(Looks up at the three Venuses)
Stay just like that. Don't think. Just let the mercury shine. It’ll all pass, like it always does.
(They look at each other, smiling. The glow of a massive Moon floods the stage once more as they hold hands, and the sound of the metallic sea swells until it covers everything).
THE END
MULTIVERSE TRACKING INDEX
Scene | Earth | Title | Identity Marker |
0 | Earth 0 | Indifference | Strangers |
0.1 | Earth 1 | The Map | André (The Beginning) |
0.2 | Earth 1 | The Setup Said Yes | André (Connection) |
0.3 | Earth 1-2 | The Glitch | Andrés (The Anomaly) |
4 | Earth 3 | The Aquarium | André (Subtle Physical Difference) |
5 | Earth 4 | The Faculty | André (Role Discrepancy) |
6 | Earth 5 | The Pier | Ben (The Loss) |
7 | Earth 6 | The Taxi | Andrew (Emotional Distance) |
8 | Earth 7 | The Subway | André (The Universe as a Tissue) |
9 | Earth 8 | The Pier | Ben (The Only Face) |
10 | Earth 8 | Trouble at Lieja | André (A Wedding) |
11 | Earth 8 | Domestic Life | Ben (Acceptance) |
12 | Last Earth | Sea of Mercury | André & Ben (This too shall pass) |
