Sure Thing

In David Ives short one-act comedy Sure Thing, he portraits the ability to change
a conversation from awkward to a Sure Thing with just a few words. In this play,
set in a caf, there is a constant ringing of a bell used in a satirical way. Every time
it rings signifies that something wrong or inappropriate was said and you have
another chance to say the right thing.
This one-act play explores the possibilities of postmodern relationships. To call
something postmodern, there are specific elements the text must include in order
to be differentiated as something different than the modern. The most recognizable
and most often elements used in this play are irony and playfulness. The author
reveals the different elements of a normal conversation. He portraits how meeting
someone can either have a good or bad outcome depending on the first
impression. Ives has the ability to show creativity and value of stage through these
techniques. Ives forms an effective drama that explores the different reactions
humans have towards a few simple words.
There is also satire on the male-female relationship. Two things that stand out in
this play are the lack of any kind of stage direction, including emotional direction,
and the insight s into the male mind.