"A Play With Words" - Stage Play by Peter Bloedel

Key Concepts

• Words as carriers of meaning
• The importance of "what"
• Wordplay and puns
• Meaning and purpose
• Justice and reclaiming meaning
• Inner "what" and self-discovery

Word-Related Anxieties and the Writer's Dilemma

The video opens with a therapy session where the protagonist, Scribe, expresses anxiety about words and meaning. He's a writer struggling with a play. He defines a word as "a unit of language... the verbal or written communication principal carrier of meaning." He emphasizes that words give meaning, and linking them into sentences gives even more meaning. He fears "screwing with" meaning. This sets the stage for his quest to help others find their "what," which represents meaning and purpose.

The Case of the Missing "What"

Mr. Me, Miss I, and Mr. Myself seek Scribe's help because they've lost their "what." They emphasize the importance of this missing "what." Scribe's "inner Crusader for meaning" is awakened, and he agrees to help. He states, "I could never be nothing than more than not unhelpful," showcasing his commitment to the cause. The last place they had their "what" was at the peninsula of Ponthus.

The Journey to Ponthus and Encounters with Wordplay

Scribe travels to Ponthus, encountering Pantheus (who prefers to be called Theus). Theus engages in constant wordplay and puns. Scribe finds himself "grossed out" by Theus's imagery. Theus claims not to know where their "what" is but suggests speaking to his gardener, Mr. Spooner.

Mr. Spooner and the Twisted Language

Mr. Spooner, introduced as Eugene Spooner, has a habit of transposing the initial sounds of words (a Spoonerism). He tells Scribe to call him "You." Spooner denies having any extra "whats" lying around. His distorted language creates confusion and humor. Scribe expresses frustration with the nonsensical conversation. Spooner abruptly ends the conversation, saying, "Our time together has been simply magic."

The Wharf at Midnight and the Creeps

Scribe is instructed to meet someone "wound by the DF at Mid Mite" (down by the wharf at midnight). He receives "the creeps" (two individuals named They and Them) as a gift from Spooner. Them explains that he doesn't have any nicknames because his name is Them. Scribe, wary of a trap, sends the Creeps ahead of him to the wharf.

Overhearing the Plot and the Contract

At the wharf, the Creeps overhear Spooner discussing a contract to have Scribe killed. Spooner states that Scribe will be "dead as a toenail before the night is up." The Creeps, despite being sent to intimidate Scribe, attempt to warn him. They struggle to communicate clearly due to their nature.

Warf Security and the Confrontation

A warf security officer, Itha Itasa (who prefers to be called It), arrives. It turns out that It is the one contracted to kill Scribe. The Creeps try to warn Scribe that It isn't the one who was hired to kill him, creating further confusion. Scribe realizes the Creeps are trying to save his life.

The Play Within a Play and the Quest for Justice

Scribe expresses his frustration with the play's plot, lamenting that it always turns into a murder mystery instead of a play with words. He feels "sucked into meaning." His therapist encourages him to reclaim the play by demanding justice and twisting the plot to get back on track.

Court in Session and the Resolution

Scribe declares "Turet Discord is now in session" and acts as the judge in his own play. He attempts to explain the convoluted situation to the judge, but the judge's responses are filled with idioms and proverbs, adding to the confusion. Ultimately, the judge declares that Scribe has found the missing "what" within himself.

The Inner "What" and Embracing Meaning

The judge explains that everyone has their own unique "what" inside them. He encourages Scribe to embrace his "NY adjective adverbial pronoun" and "kiss someone one more time." The play concludes with a recap of earlier scenes, suggesting a cyclical nature and the ongoing search for meaning.

Synthesis/Conclusion

The video is a meta-narrative exploring the nature of meaning, language, and storytelling. Scribe's journey to find the missing "what" is ultimately a journey of self-discovery. The convoluted plot, filled with wordplay and absurd characters, highlights the challenges of creating meaningful narratives. The resolution suggests that meaning is subjective and resides within each individual. The video encourages viewers to embrace their own unique "what" and pursue their own path to meaning.