Making The Floating Opera - Act Seven

Previously, In Act Six

Todd continues with his stage enactments of The Floating Opera, each time with more built-out sets, more costuming.

The arrangements for his self-destruction take clearer form.

Todd's interactions with the doctor grow stranger. Todd is candid about his intention to kill himself, but the doctor seems indifferent. The doctor is, however, intently interested in Todd's mission to render justice to those in his world. He seems to be trying to find out what Todd's idea of justice will mean for him.

Jane, meanwhile, is meeting with representatives of the life insurance company in a downtown hi-rise office building.

Jane's meetings with the insurance company now are about her proposal to sell Todd's policy back to the company at a discount. She builds a case that Todd will, in the end, kill himself. The insurance company can save money, she proposes, by paying her half of the amount of the death benefit immediately, in exchange for her canceling the policy.

The doctor is increasingly concerned that Todd's suicide will have bad consequences for him. He probes Todd's thinking on the planning and execution of it. The doctor seems to be making plans to move out of his office, but won't admit that he is. He summons Todd to his office, and does a peculiar kind of biopsy procedure on Todd. He tells Todd he'll have results within 24 hours.

Todd now makes preparations to carry out his suicide. He's devised a seeming accident in the college theatre that will kill him and everyone else in the building.

Todd puts the key to a safe deposit box into a Federal Express envelope. He completes two airbills - one addressed to Francesca, the other to Jane. He sets the envelope and the two airbills aside.

Jane closes her deal with the insurance company. She has a certified check in the amount of half of the death benefit. Todd's life insurance policy is canceled.

Next, In Act Eight: Todd sets his plan in motion but is surprised by an unexpected presence in his audience. Events race toward an explosive climax.