RESISTING FASCISM ~ A Felon and a Fascist – What’s Not to Like? by Les Abromowitz

Les Abromovitz is a member of the Dramatists Guild. Ten of his one-act and 10-minute comedies were selected for production or readings in 2024. Les has been the author, co-author, technical editor, and ghostwriter of numerous business books. And last but certainly least, he is an attorney.

ABOUT THE PLAY

My father-in-law escaped Nazi Germany in 1940. Prior to his death in 2018, he warned us that America was reminding him of Germany in the 1930s, and this was before the January 6 insurrection and other attacks on democracy. My play also incorporates the real-life experiences of other family members and friends that are comingled in one scene. My script combines actual conversations along with the comments we wish we were quick enough to say at the time.

     ~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.

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                                GINNY

Boy, you have a lot of pent-up anger, Ellen.

               ELLEN 

You expect us to roll over and smile as we watch the most despicable behavior of any president ever. Joe and Mika did it. I don’t have to. Trump accused Scarborough of killing a campaign worker in his office and insulted his wife, Mika, but they both crawled up his butt within a few weeks of the election. How could they prostrate themselves in front of Trump? 

                GINNY

I think you mean “prostate,” Ellen. And I’m pretty sure Mika doesn’t have one – unless she’s transgender which is entirely possible.

                ELLEN 

Your ignorance overwhelms me, Ginny. 

                SUSAN

You’re being rude, Ellen.

                ELLEN

(Incredulous) Really? I’m being rude. You say the most hateful things, and I’m being rude. Your husband parades around the neighborhood in his MAGA hat and Trump shirt. Did the Trump store run out of Nazi armbands? With a year, he’ll probably put his face on a $20 bill and Mt. Rushmore.

                SUSAN

You need to work out this anger on the tennis court. We play the gals from Naples Grande Country Club on Tuesday.

 

                ELLEN

No, Susan. I’m done. Even though we don’t share the same political party, I thought we shared the same values. Apparently not, because character and values don’t matter to you at all. It’s clear that decency, honesty, civility, respect and kindness are no longer American values. I used to say that the people in Naples have midwestern values. What was I thinking? Overthrowing democracy isn’t a midwestern value, and voting for a fascist isn’t a deal-breaker for you. Vance called him America’s Hitler and then backed him 100 percent. Nominate Vance for a JFK Profiles in Courage Award along with Mitch McConnell, John Roberts, and Nikki Haley.

                SUSAN

Go have a drink, Ellen. You should get on Truth Social. Watch Fox News, and you’ll see how wrong you are about Trump.

                ELLEN

No, thank you. Maybe I can watch Russian propaganda on Pravda and cut out the middleman.  

                GINNY

PRADA? Do they have stores in Russia? 

                ELLEN

(Frustrated) Why do I bother?

                SUSAN

I don’t get you, Ellen, but you’re a great tennis player. Same time tomorrow?

                ELLEN

I love playing tennis but I’d rather hit a ball against a wall than play with you. Now, go off to the club and enjoy the dinner a hard-working immigrant helped make for you.

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