Member of Playwrights’ Center Frank Shima, a native of Minnesota, either entertains or annoys neighbors by playing Czech songs on his accordion. He has written four novels, VENCIL, DEAD LETTER, PLUM CREEK, and LYING IN THE WEEDS, available on Amazon. His plays have been performed throughout the United States in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Long Island, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York City, North Carolina, and Ohio, and in England and Wales where he learned not to use unleaded gas in a diesel engine. ABOUT THE PLAYThe premise for “Less is More” came from the poem “First They Came” by Pastor Martin Niemoller. When a regime tries to eliminate everything that it doesn’t agree with, it affects everyone. You never know when you yourself will be targeted. They might come for you and there will be no one to speak out for you. Less Government – More Freedom is actually More Government – Less Freedom.
America was built on diversity. It is this diversity that made America great. And it is this diversity that will allow America to survive a fascist regime.          ~ Excerpt published by permission, all rights held by the playwright.
If you enjoy a piece published in the RESISTING FASCISM project, we encourage you to reach out to the playwright to tell them so. If the playwright has not included an email address or website, let us know at info@nycplaywrights.org and we'll pass along your message.

            MONTY
Be realistic. There are some things the government provides that are necessary.
             ELLEN
And who decides?
             MONTY
It should be obvious.
            ELLENLike the things you want and need.  

            MONTY
Precisely. If I don’t need it, other people shouldn’teither.
            TIMBut all people aren’t the same. 

            MONTY
That’s the problem. The differences in people are whatcause the problems.
             TIM
So, you are against anything different than you.

            MONTY
Of course. That should be obvious. Doesn’t everyone feelthat way?
              ELLEN
Not really. It seems to me that you now have LESS freedom.
               MONTY
I have the freedom to live the life I want in the house Iwant.            
                ELLENWithout government controls. 

                MONTY
Yes. There were just too many government rules andregulations.
                ELLENMaybe they were there for a reason. 

                MONTYJust to cost me more money for permits. 

                ELLEN    
Or maybe so your house is built correctly and safe to live in.
                MONTYNever mind. I can watch out for myself. 

                ELLEN
And if someone can’t.
                MONTY
That’s their problem.
                ELLENUntil it becomes your problem. 

                TIM
I was just wondering, Monty. Where are you going when youhave to leave the country? 

                MONTY
What do you mean? I’m not going anywhere.
                TIM
That’s what you think.
                ELLEN
I wonder if you agree with the latest presidentialexecutive order?
                MONTY
I agree with all of them. They’re for the good of thecountry.
                ELLEN
I don’t think you’ll agree with this one.
                MONTY
Why not?
                TIM
We weren’t going to say anything. But your neighbor told us you weren’t born in the United States. 

                MONTY
So what? I’m a naturalized citizen. I fulfilled all therequirements and took the oath of allegiance.
                ELLEN
It doesn’t matter. The President has rescinded all of them by proclamation.
                TIM
He can’t do that.
                ELLEN
He can and he did. Your naturalization has been revoked,repealed, and annulled.
                TIM
You’re out of here.
                MONTY
That can’t be. My whole life is here. My whole family.
                TIM 

They’re out of here, too.
                MONTY
That can’t do that to me.
                ELLEN
What do you think of your less government now?
                TIM
And your more freedom?
                MONTY 

It’s not right. It isn’t fair.

                ELLEN
Of course, it’s not fair. But it’s what you voted for.

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