Video

Synopsis:

A person feels that the straps holding them down give him/her protection and warmth- comfort, when they give none of this other than superficially - their main effect is to bind the person in place.


Act:

     A psychiatrist is giving a tour for other psychiatrists in a psych. ward.

Beginning scene is the group of psychiatrists in a hallway approaching a room (they all have white lab coats).

"Here is a classic (form) of insanity"
Enter room.
A patient is in a chair, with only underwear on in a cool room.  The patient has multiple brown leather straps holding them down and is applying or tightening one of the straps.  There is a slight area of darkness around the patient.  Beyond this (halo) of darkness, the room is brighter and vibrant.

"The patient believes that they need these straps; that they provide (him/her) with safety and warmth.  No measure of reason will convince (him/her) otherwise."

Warm clothes, good food, (other) are in the brighter zone of the room.


"Applying variables to challenge (their) belief, only makes (them) tighten their straps or apply more."

"Observe,"
Orderlies start removing the straps and the patient starts to panic.  At the end of strap removal the patient starts to scream.  Two orderlies carry (him/her) by the shoulders, dress them in warm clothes, and carry them into a setting of happy people laughing and eating dinner at a (longer) table, the patient screaming the whole time.

After forced to sit at the table with a beautiful meal in front of them for a short period of time, the patient scrambles over the table, runs back to the dark chair and begins to frantically strap themselves back in.

"Fascinating" comments one of the other psychiatrists and the group leaves the room as the patient continues restrapping (him/herself).