Hotline

Operator 72 is training to be a counselor for the SILT (Socially Inappropriate Language Therapy) Hotline. This is where clients call to blow off steam by swearing at the counselor operators, using socially inappropriate language to release tension so they can calm down and solve their problems. After extensive study, on-the-job training and a verbal test, Operator 72 is ready to become a fully accredited SILT counselor by facing his final challenge—a monitored solo call. While Supervisor 36 is away handling an interoffice dispute, a call comes in on Operator 72's line. Assuming this is the monitored call, Operator 72 tries his best to help the caller, Janine, "swear away" her problem. Janine definitely has a problem, and she just as definitely needs to blow off steam. But she is incapable of swearing. What can Operator 72 do? His attempts to help her include having her try rhyming, completing the sentence, and finally pretending to be the object of Janine's anger—her husband, Balaji. Janine eventually finds her own solution while Operator 72 learns that swearing might not be the cure-all the SILT Hotline touts. Although the play is focused on foul language as therapy, not a single swear word appears in the entire play, making it suitable for a variety of audiences.