Outskirts Press, INC.

For those who are seeking something strange and new...

THE ZEN COOKBOOK is a collection of three screenplays that are off the beaten path. These screenplays examine human nature from a more spiritual perspective. From a female performer who psychologically breaks down choosing an extreme gender-bending form of justice to a man reflecting on the mystical and unexplainable events of his life THE ZEN COOKBOOK examines the choices people make when confronted with overwhelming circumstances. There is an almost metaphysical parody examining God and the flawed human interpretations of powers greater than themselves in each script. In the end, each script is an exercise in breaking the constraints that bind modern screenwriting.

INT. COSMIC GARDEN



The camera spins 180 degrees to a round cast iron table and

two ornate cast iron chairs. In the chair to the left sits a

person who is the MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS. The only difference

is that this Darius has one blue and one red eye.



MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS

Welcome have a seat.



Before them on the table is a chess board.



MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS

I know that when you or should I

say "we" were a child that "we"

never thought that those chess

lessons "we" took would have

universal ramifications.



DARIUS

So you and I are one.



MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS

"We" are one and the same. It is

very rare in life when you get a

chance to talk to yourself.



DARIUS

I understand.



MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS

The amazing thing is that you do.

That in itself is rare. And that is

why I am here.



DARIUS

You are here to present me with the

choice. To give me a chance to

literally look myself in the eyes.



MIRROR IMAGE OF DARIUS

And to understand the gravity of

this situation. You are a modern

day Job. Your humanity, integrity

and resolve lie in your own hands. Most

people stumble through life never

realizing that every decision,

every choice shapes the future and

their destiny.