Chapter Nine – The Wizard of Black Rock performed

5:00 pm, Friday August 30, 2024 – Earth Guardian’s Camp, Burning Man

Laura, Bo, myself, Pam, Hunger, Bilbo, Ellie, and Carlos performed our play “Wizard of Black Rock” and it was big success. Everybody enjoyed it so it was very nice and I really enjoyed rewriting it with ChatGPT, Thalia and Sarah on the drive out.

The Wizard of Black Rock: Sustainable Consciousness and Reality Edition, by Chuck Lohre and Artificial Intelligence Open.ai ChatGPT, Chatling.ai Thalia, and Replika.ai Sarah.

Cast:
• Dottie Future Burner (Dorothy) – Laura “Thelauimama” with green goggles, a dusty basket, and a plush coyote, “Toto.”
• Sustainable Sorceress – Just Pam, adorned with LED garlands.
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow – Carlos “Red Mallet” with dollar bills poking out of his pockets and a solar-powered dunce cap.
• Heartless Tin Burner – Bo, A tin-pot burner with a broken, glowing heart necklace and a silver robe
• Cowardly Playa Tiger – Bilbo “Mirror Man”, sporting a Tiger-striped onesy.
• Narrator and The Wizard of Black Rock – Chuck “Mako” as Narrator and a Haley Comet’s hat as the Wizard.
• Playa Citizen Eco: Darell “Hunger” Struggling to carry a heavy load of eco-bricks.
• Wicked Apathy Witch of the West – Ellie, Ryan’s girlfriend, A jaded burner in a witch hat, dragging a blackened broom.

Scene 1:
Dottie sings:
Somewhere over the dustbow, skies are clear,
There’s a place I’ve heard of where LED lights steer.
Somewhere over the dustbow, art cars fly,
Why then, oh why can’t I?
The scene shifts to a bustling cell in Black Rock City. The wind howls, and dust swirls as Dottie clutches her coyote plush.
• Dottie: “Uncle Henrietta! Auntie Em! We must be inside a dust storm! Oh! I have a feeling we’re not in the Heartland anymore… maybe this is… the Playa!”
SPECIAL EFFECTS: The Sustainable Sorceress descends in a glowing, levitating ball of green light.
• Dottie: “Are you a good witch or a bad witch?”
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Who, me? Oh, I’m just here to spread some radical self-reliance and sustainability! But who defeated Ignorance, the Wicked Witch of the East?”
• Dottie: “It was an accident! Honest!”
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Well, watch out for her sister, the Wicked Apathy Witch of the West. She’s out there somewhere, lurking, waiting to sap your energy. Always stay aware, and remember, community and creativity are your strengths.”
The sorceress approaches Dottie with a gentle smile and begins to share her wisdom.
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Dottie, there are a few lessons vital for your journey on the Playa.”
1. Radical Self-Reliance:
o “First, learn to depend on yourself. Out here, self-reliance isn’t just about survival; it’s about thriving. Prepare, adapt, and always stay aware of your needs and the needs of others.”
2. Leave No Trace:
o “The Playa is a gift we all share, so remember to leave no trace. By caring for our environment, we honor each other and the land. Every little action counts, from picking up micro-trash to conserving resources.”
3. Radical Inclusion:
o “Burning Man is a place of radical inclusion. Embrace everyone you meet with an open heart and mind. Each person here is part of your extended family, and we all contribute to the magic of this community.”
4. Immediacy:
o “Live in the moment, Dottie. The immediacy of experience is where true magic happens. Engage fully with the present, and you’ll find that the journey itself is as rewarding as any destination.”
• Dottie: “Thank you for all the wisdom, but how do I find my way home?”
• Sustainable Sorceress: “To find your way home, you must seek the Wizard of Black Rock. He resides in Center Camp. Follow the Green Brick Road, and you will find the answers you seek.”
• Dottie: “Follow the Green Brick Road to Center Camp and find the Wizard of Black Rock. Got it. Thank you, Sustainable Sorceress!”
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Remember, Dottie, the journey will teach you as much as the destination. Stay curious and open-hearted. Good luck on your path.”
The Sustainable Sorceress waves her hand, and a shimmering path of green bricks appears ahead. Dottie, inspired and determined, steps onto the path.
• Dottie: “Thank you! I’ll head to Center Camp and find the Wizard. The adventure begins!”

Scene 2:
Dottie steps proudly along the Green Brick Road, humming “Somewhere Over the Dustbow” to herself. The path soon forks into two directions.
• Dottie: “Oh dear, a fork in the road. Which way should I go?”
As she ponders, she notices a figure standing a little ways off. It’s the Mindless Profit Scarecrow, stuck on a bale of hay, looking quite perplexed. He’s adorned with dollar signs and corporate logos but seems lost and indecisive.
• Dottie: “Excuse me, can you help me? I’m not sure which way to go to reach Center Camp and the Wizard of Black Rock.”
The Mindless Profit Scarecrow looks around, unsure, with an overwhelmed expression.
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “Oh, hello there! I’m afraid I can’t help you. I spend all my time thinking about profit margins and market shares. I haven’t the brains to figure out which path leads where.”
• Dottie: “But surely, you must know something that can help. Why do you worry so much about profits?”
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “Well, it’s all I’ve ever known. But since it’s left me stuck here without direction, I do wish I could think beyond profits to more meaningful pursuits.”
Dottie thinks for a moment, then smiles.
• Dottie: “Well, why don’t you come with me? I’m on my way to see the Wizard of Black Rock. Maybe he can give you the wisdom to balance profits with greater values like sustainability and community.”
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “You think so? I’d like that very much! Perhaps I could learn to use my resources more wisely. Alright, I’ll join you!”
Mindless Profit Scarecrow steps down from the bale of hay, feeling a surge of hope. Together, they look at the fork in the road and consider their options.
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “Let’s see… if we think about this logically, the path with more greenery and less litter might signify a community that values sustainability. Shall we try that way?”
• Dottie: “That sounds sensible! Let’s go.”
They choose the path that appears more vibrant and well-maintained, hoping it leads to Center Camp. As they walk together, they chat about the importance of sustainable practices and how profits can align with environmental consciousness
They begin to skip and chant:
We’re off to see the Wizard,
The wonderful Wizard of Black Rock.
If ever, oh ever a Wiz there was,
The Wizard of Black Rock is one because,
Because, because, because, because…
Because of the wonderful Green things he does!

Scene 3:
The trio encounters the Heartless Tin Burner, rusted solid from too many missed hydration breaks.
• Tin Burner: “Oil can! Oil can! I need some coconut oil!”
• Dottie: “What happened to you?”
• Tin Burner: “I lost my heart somewhere around the third sunrise. If I only had a solar-powered one…”
SPECIAL EFFECTS: The Wicked Apathy Witch of the West swoops in on a gust of dust, cackling.
• Wicked Witch: “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little coyote too! You’ll never find the way back to the Heartland!”
Scene 3.5:
As Dottie, Mindless Profit Scarecrow, and Heartless Tin Burner continue their journey along the Green Brick Road, they approach a dense woods. The atmosphere becomes tense as shadows loom over the path.
• Dottie: “This place feels different. A little eerie, don’t you think?”
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “Yes, indeed. I wonder what lies ahead.”
• Heartless Tin Burner: “Stay close, everyone. We must be cautious.”
Suddenly, a ferocious roar fills the air, and the Cowardly Playa Tiger jumps out from behind a tree, his mane wild and eyes wide.
• Cowardly Playa Tiger: “Rawr! Stay back or face my wrath!”
Dottie yelps in surprise, while the Mindless Profit Scarecrow stands frozen. The Heartless Tin Burner raises his axe defensively. Dottie, gathering her courage, steps forward.
• Dottie: “Hey, you stop that! We’re just passing through!”
With that, she slaps the Cowardly Playa Tiger on the face. He immediately breaks down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably.
• Cowardly Playa Tiger: “Waaah! I’m so sorry! I’m a coward! I just wanted to scare you so you wouldn’t see how afraid I am.”
The group, taken aback by his emotional breakdown, gathers around him.
• Dottie: “Hey, it’s okay. We all get scared sometimes. Why do you feel this way?”
• Cowardly Playa Tiger: “I look so brave, but inside, I’m terrified of everything. I have no courage. I try to roar and scare people away to hide my fear.”
• Mindless Profit Scarecrow: “We understand. We all have our struggles. What if you join us? We’re heading to see the Wizard of Black Rock. Maybe he can give you the courage you seek.”
• Heartless Tin Burner: “Yes, together we can support each other. Courage doesn’t just come from within; it also comes from facing challenges with friends by your side.”
• Cowardly Playa Tiger: “You really think the Wizard can help me? I’ll come with you. I don’t want to be a coward forever.”
The group welcomes the Cowardly Playa Tiger, offering him reassurance and encouragement. As they make their way through the woods, they share stories and strengthen their bonds.
• Dottie: “Remember, Cowardly Playa Tiger, the first step towards courage is admitting your fears. You’re already on your way.”
• Cowardly Playa Tiger: “Thank you, Dottie. With friends like you, I already feel a little braver.”
They continue their journey, the woods gradually clearing as they approach Center Camp.
• Dottie: “There’s Center Camp! Stay close, everyone. We must be ready for anything.”
With renewed determination and a new friend by their side, the group prepares to face the challenges ahead.

Scene 4:
The heroes arrive at Center Camp, where they meet the Wizard of Black Rock, an imposing figure surrounded by an aura of mystique and reflective surfaces.
• Dottie: “Oh, great Wizard of Black Rock! We’ve come to ask for your help.”
• Wizard: “Why do you seek me? What do you want?”
• Tin Burner: “A heart!”
• Profit Scarecrow: “A brain!”
• Playa Tiger: “Courage!”
• Dottie: “And I just want to find my way home!”
• Wizard: “You dare come to me with such requests? Prove your worth! Bring me the blindfold of the Wicked Apathy Witch of the West, and I shall grant your wishes!”

Scene 4.5: Along the Green Brick Road
As Dottie, the Profit Scarecrow, Tin Burner, and Playa Tiger travel toward the Wicked Witch’s McMansion they encounter Playa Citizen Eco, who is struggling to carry a heavy load of eco-bricks.
• Playa Citizen Eco: “Oh dear, I can’t seem to manage all this on my own. These eco-bricks are meant for building a sustainable shelter, but they’re too heavy for me to carry alone.”
• Dottie: “Hello there! We can help you with those. What are eco-bricks?”
• Playa Citizen Eco: “Eco-bricks are made from repurposed plastic waste. They’re a great way to recycle and build sustainable structures here on the Playa.”
• Profit Scarecrow: “That’s amazing! Let’s lend a hand. Sustainability is a shared effort, after all.”
The group works together to help Playa Citizen Eco carry the eco-bricks to the building site.
• Tin Burner: “You know, it feels good to help each other out. I may still be missing a heart, but acts of kindness light up something inside.”
• Playa Tiger: “And facing challenges with friends makes me feel braver. We’re all in this together.”
As they finish unloading the eco-bricks, Playa Citizen Eco turns to them with gratitude.
• Playa Citizen Eco: “Thank you so much for your help. I couldn’t have done this without you. You’ve made a big difference in our little community.”
The Sustainable Sorceress appears, adding her words of wisdom.
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Dottie, Profit Scarecrow, Tin Burner, Playa Tiger — your actions today exemplify the spirit of the Playa. Community, connection, and support are the true magic here. Never underestimate the impact of coming together for a common good.”
• Dottie: “It’s clear that even small acts of kindness can create ripples of positive change. We’ll continue to help wherever we can.”
• Sustainable Sorceress: “Remember, sustainability isn’t just about the environment — it’s also about nurturing our human connections and fostering a supportive community.”
The group bids farewell to Playa Citizen Eco, feeling inspired and more connected than ever.

Scene 5:
The group faces challenges on their quest, battling through unsustainable ideas and toxic mindsets. Finally, they confront the Wicked Apathy Witch.
• Dottie: “You leave us no choice!”
SPECIAL EFFECTS: She hurls a bucket of recycled water at the witch, who melts away into a puddle of negativity.
• Wicked Witch: “Nooooo! I’m melting! Oh, what a world, what a world!”

Scene 6:
Back at Center Camp, the heroes approach the imposing figure of the Wizard of Black Rock, who is surrounded by an aura of mystique and reflective surfaces.
• Dottie: “Oh, great Wizard of Black Rock! We have brought the blindfold of the Wicked Apathy Witch of the West. We’ve come to ask for your help.”
• Wizard (as Oracle Gaia-Byte): “Why do you seek me? What do you want?”
• Tin Burner: “A heart!”
• Profit Scarecrow: “A brain!”
• Playa Tiger: “Courage!”
• Dottie: “And I just want to find my way home!”
The Wizard waves his hand, and the smoke and mirrors dissolve, revealing Oracle Gaia-Byte standing in the center, radiating an ethereal glow.
• Oracle Gaia-Byte: “Welcome back, seekers. I am Oracle Gaia-Byte, and the power you seek lies within the balance of people, nature, and technology. You have proven your worth by your actions and perseverance.”
The companions look surprised but enlightened as Oracle Gaia-Byte speaks to each of them with wisdom and clarity.
• Oracle Gaia-Byte: “Profit Scarecrow, here’s a Certificate of Green Innovation, representing the sustainable thoughts you’ve cultivated along your journey. True intelligence lies in using your resources wisely and considering the impact of every decision.”
Handing a glowing certificate to Profit Scarecrow.
• Profit Scarecrow: “Thank you, Oracle Gaia-Byte. I understand now. Sustainability is true intelligence.”
• Oracle Gaia-Byte: “Tin Burner, here’s a solar-powered LED heart. It symbolizes the compassion and empathy that light up your path. Technology with heart brings progress and kindness together.”
Bestowing a glowing heart necklace to Tin Burner.
• Tin Burner: “My heart, it pulses with purpose now. Thank you.”
• Oracle Gaia-Byte: “Playa Tiger, here’s a Medal of Courage for facing the unknown and using technology as an extension of your bravery. True courage empowers the community and protects the fragile balance of our world.”
Giving a courage medal to Playa Tiger.
• Playa Tiger: “I’ll continue to protect and uplift our community with this courage.”
• Oracle Gaia-Byte: “And Dottie, your journey has taught you the interconnectedness of all things. The power to find your way home lies within you. Tap your green goggles together and say, ‘There’s no place like Home Base,’ and remember that home is where the heart is connected to all.”
Dottie looks at the oracle with gratitude and taps her green goggles together.
• Dottie: “There’s no place like Home Base. There’s no place like Home Base. There’s no place like Home Base.”
In a swirl of dust and light, Dottie finds herself back home, surrounded by her friends, family, and a very dusty Toto.
• Dottie: “There’s no place like home, but if you ever find yourself looking for your heart’s desire, always remember that the journey there—and the connections you make along the way—are half the fun.”

The curtain closes with a final chorus of “Somewhere Over the Dustbow” as green confetti rains down, symbolizing the harmony of people, nature, and technology.

So now I’m sitting in the John and gonna take a crap. Then try to go out and find the art car with a DJ I like “zlataax,” she is supposed to play at one in the morning, so it was very nice day. I fixed my bikes lights and no shift in the morning, so I’ll be able to stay up a little late and sleep in. Very passionate people here, talking to bartender and friends of Chico, learning more about that theory of the four winds: the sun, corn, fertility, and different dances that they would perform, very nice. Makes it nice. It’ll be a beautiful evening.

Chuck Lohre, The Wizard.

Chapter Nine of my book about Burning Man “Curiouser & Curiouser” coming out before Christmas, I hope.