This short play was first performed at the St. Marks Playhouse by the Open Theatre as part of an antiwar evening. It was directed Off- Broadway in May, 1968 by Ed Parone as part of Collision Course. Thoughts on the Instant shows a pair of acquaintances saying literally "hello" on the street while we hear their inner thoughts. The woman’s speech was written by Sharon Thie. The man’s speech and the form of the play are by Jean-Claude van Itallie.

WOMAN: Fine thanks, how are you?

MAN: If it fell now. If it were now. If the siren started. Would there be time for a siren? What would I do? Where to hide? Fall to the ground, they say, fall to the ground and curl into a ball...

Published by Dramatists Play Service in Seven Short and Very Short Plays by Jean-Claude van Itallie.