Theatrica 2017 Presents The Yellow Leaf The Broken Q’WILLTwo plays by the MA in Media and Communication Studies Department of Media Studies Christ University Bangalore February 2017
The Yellow Leaf written by B. Prithvikanth | Divya Swamy | Vidyashree Rameshkumar Joel Thomas | Pratap Pranay Directed by Vivian Peter Asst. Director Maria Joseph CastNikunj Bisht | Divya Swamy | Sachin Athialy | Kiran Thomas Team Jeena | Kiran David | Maryann | Meghna Jain | Mitchelle Naman Neha | Niveditha | Prajwala | Rachel | Riya Sneha | Subhajit | Tenzin | Fr. Ebin | Ashwini Raj Roopal | Ashwini Shajan Acknowledgement Dr. Fr. Thomas C Mathew (Vice Chancellor)Mr. Padmakumar (Subject in-charge) | Fr. Biju (Coordinator) Rajesh P I (The Actors Collective)| Faculty (DMS) A Bardsters Productions MA in Media and Communication Studies (2016-18) Department of Media Studies Christ Univeristy Bangalore February 2017
ACT I SCENE 1 (FADE IN:) (On one part of the stage. A brightly lit room. The setting is an office. A table separates 2 men sitting on opposite sides of each other. The Manager, is dressed up elegantly presumably because he has to greet his customers. On the walls hang pictures of various houses. There are also miniature models of big buildings alongside the table. Alvin Johnson is sitting opposite inquiring the manager about a certain house. He sways his hand towards the pictures on the walls to indicate his interest. Alvin is dressed nonchalantly and has an air of suspicion around him. The audience slowly find themselves listening to their conversation) THE MANAGER (Fiddling with his keys)Just curious to know. Why would you be interested in acottage that is far away from the city? It has been vacantfor the past few months and sits atop a secluded hill. ALVIN JOHNSONVacant? You spoke something about an old lady? THE MANAGEROh yes. Her. Her son passed away a few months ago. Poor oldsoul. ALVIN JOHNSONAnd...where does she live? THE MANAGERNot in the city as far as I know. She's a private person. Shedoes visit the house from time to time. Ever since shedecided to sell, she has been living there. That's all I knowabout her. Anything about the cottage otherwise....Well... ALVIN JOHNSON (The Manager, oddly interrupting....)
2. THE MANAGERLook. I can understand that you are in an immediate need tofind a getaway. A villa is all you are looking for. Let metell you, sir. The house is darn overpriced. Place it on topof the real estate deal it wouldn't create a single spark.The stock market is raging and still you would find itsomewhere in the bottom. (beat) I can show you some otherinteresting places. ALVIN JOHNSONEnlighten me, if possible. (Getting up)Wouldn't your brokerage share grow by leaps and bounds? Whyisn't there much talk about this cottage anyway? THE MANAGERThat is, when people genuinely want to buy the place. Like Itold you, it is overpriced and customers never display anyinterest. ALVIN JOHNSONI do. Just that I want to take a look at it first. Honestly,I've heard some pretty strange stuff about that house. THE MANAGERHistory (beat) -- (The broker also gets up from his seat and adjusts his tuxedo) (cont'd)Roystan, son of Mr and Mrs. Yeldhos was found dead in thecottage some months back. It is still unclear as to whatcaused his demise. Police closed the case saying it was asuicide. He was a maniac, I tell you. Drank his way to death.Ughh! What a pity! ALVIN JOHNSON THE MANAGERHis father too smeared the family name and what respect theYeldhos held in society was gone when he chased after ayounger skirt. Ah (beat) Mr.Yeldhos. The son squandered allthe wealth. A scum! ALVIN JOHNSONI seem to be missing a thread, is there anything I am yet toknow? THE MANAGERCould you make yourself a little more clear? ALVIN JOHNSONThe lady is abandoned by her husband (beat) loses her son toa murder of some sorts(beat) and now wants to sell the housefor a magnitude of a crore (beat) when in actuality it won'teven climb up to 30 lakhs.The Yellow Leaf
3. THE MANAGER You think I haven't wondered why? ALVIN JOHNSON I think we haven't understood why. THE MANAGER Something fishy up there, you wonder? Haha. Maybe you should go up there and have a look for yourself. (Thinks about it, looks at the walls of the office and then hesitates to talk. Soon after gains composure) ALVIN JOHNSON Will you put me in contact with the old lady? I have to know what the place holds. THE MANAGER Really? Are you honestly considering to buy it? Trust me, i'll show you much better places for a quart of the price..well i don't believe in superstitions but that place is pure bad luck. ALVIN JOHNSON Let me just have a see and see, we can decide from thereon. THE MANAGER Ah. Well. Alright, this (picks up a card from the table and hands it to Alvin) has her details, my commission would be 2% of the base price. That's a tough lady you are about to meet. There is no room for negotiations on the price. But good luck. ALVIN JOHNSON Of course. Thank you. The lights begin to fade as Alvin walks across the stage, indicating an exit door. The stage is dark. A spotlight falls on a specific portion of the stage - Downstage Right/Center. Alvin finds himself in the center of the spotlight. He seems confused. He walks past the spotlight END OF SCENE I: ACT I SCENE 2 ALVIN JOHNSON Should I go for this? Am I doing the right thing? Alvin, are you doing the right thing? AHH! I have to do this.. (The scene opens to a living room. Most of the furniture is covered in dusty cloth. It becomes evident the house has been not entirely used for a while. (MORE)The Yellow Leaf
4. ALVIN JOHNSON (CONT’D) The room is embellished with antique furniture, rows of book in the background, paintings on the wall....an unfinished painting, a cello is seen partially covered in cloth, animal trophies heads, grandfather's clock, warrior dagger hangs on the wall, curtain drapes add to the opulence of the space, indoors plants and a carpet make up the floor space and a shaft of light adds to the \"oldness\" of the Place. A well stocked bar is seen in a corner along with a gramophone. A wind chime is seen by the door with a doormat placed at the entrance.)A 65 year old woman is seen staring at an unfinishedpainting dreamily. She looks around the house andpats the dust off the bar counter. She threads herhand along an arm chair as if imagining someonesitting on it. The door bell rings and Alvin entersthe scene. She has aged with grace,clad in a kurtiand a sweater over it. PHILOMENA YELDHOSYes. How may I help you?Mrs. Yeldhos? ALVIN JOHNSON (beat) Philomena nodsI am Alvin. I am here to inquire about the house. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Walking away from the doorAh. I see. Yes, do come in. ALVIN JOHNSONThank you. Its a wonderful place you have up here.Alvin walks up inside and curiously looks around (cont'd)So, ancient it is.both stand in the living room. Alvin is lookingaround the roomThe Yellow Leaf
5.It is indeed. PHILOMENA YELDHOS (Curiously) ALVIN JOHNSONIt really is beautiful. How old is this place anyway? PHILOMENA YELDHOSWell... It is a place of history, so much so that you couldtrace back the roots to the time of independence.That old? ALVIN JOHNSON PHILOMENA YELDHOSWhat did you think?My grandfather, Anthony Thomas was the caretaker of theestate and the mansion, which originally belonged to theWoodcots. When the Woodcots realized the name wouldn't lasttoo long here, they hastily handed over the property toAnthony Thomas and fled. ALVIN JOHNSON Looks around. FascinatedI have heard a lot about the place myself, which is why I wasintrigued to have a look at your property upon knowing it isup for sale. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Oh... Well. I see. ALVIN JOHNSONBut I wanted to ask in person... The price is a little... PHILOMENA YELDHOSIf you intend on proposing any negotiations with regard tothe price, I am sorry I shall entertain none ALVIN JOHNSONMrs Yeldhos........ (interrupted) PHILOMENA YELDHOSLook Mr. Alvin, I have had several others make visits to thecottage in order to negotiate the sales price. You must leaveif you are here to do the same. ALVIN JOHNSON (confused at first, but a smile forms again)Madam. I didn't say I don't want the place just yet. May weplease sit and talk it over? PHILOMENA YELDHOS SmilingThe Yellow Leaf
6.I suppose so (beat)leaves the stage for a moment and returnsAlvin starts to look around curiously and fixates hisgaze on an unfinished painting. Philomena returns tothe room ALVIN JOHNSON Gazing in on the paintings on the wallSo, I presume painting keeps you alive here. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Looking away from himAn old woman by the hills that abound large estates and whatbetter interests might she have?Alvin' looking at the unfinished painting PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) (Seeing him look at the unfinished painting)If that vaguely impresses you, let me tell you it's anunfinished work of my son, Roystan.Queers in on AlvinAlvin roots his vision to the other parts of thehouse as if to remain unfazed ALVIN JOHNSONThey are something. Did he paint the rest of these paintingstoo? PHILOMENA YELDHOSThat's true. What a marvelous painter he was. ALVIN JOHNSON pointing out to an unfinished paintingThe lady by the river Thames PHILOMENA YELDHOSThat's right. The first one to have got that right. Roystannever got around to completing this one ALVIN JOHNSONNow that we have established that negotiations are off thetable, would you kindly reveal to me the reasoning behind thepricing of the property. PHILOMENA YELDHOSDo you think of me to be unreasonable?The Yellow Leaf
7. ALVIN JOHNSON Not at all Mrs Yeldhos, I would merely like to know how you went about rationalizing. PHILOMENA YELDHOS What do you think I had in mind? ALVIN JOHNSON I cannot be sure, may be the need for money? PHILOMENA YELDHOS Look around son, do you think someone with my parentage would ever be in need of such a paltry sum? (proudly) ALVIN JOHNSON Then what is it ma'am? The manner in which you have chosen to price this place nobody will ever be willing to buy it. PHILOMENA YELDHOS What makes you think I want to sell Wood Cottage and part with it? ALVIN JOHNSON You confuse me Mrs Yeldhos. PHILOMENA YELDHOS (laughs) The Woodcots who fled from Idukki after the fall of the mighty empire did not look back at what they had left behind. After half a century of their departure we received the the first ever communication from them, demanding a part of their colonial heritage......... ALVIN JOHNSON Oh right. So you overpriced the house in order to evade any possible sales prospects? PHILOMENA YELDHOS (smirks) That's not my concern if you ask me. This cottage means a lot to me. That could be the major reason. ALVIN JOHNSON (Chuckles) I understand your point. But one crore? PHILOMENA YELDHOS Look Alvin. I don't know if you really want to buy this place after hearing the price. But the price sticks, so if you're not interested, I can show you to the door. ALVIN JOHNSON (he overlooks beyond Philomena, he gazes at the bar counter) No no... Nothing like that...The Yellow Leaf
8. PHILOMENA YELDHOS In fact look around. That. That one. The bar was a priced possession of my son Roystan. ALVIN JOHNSON I am not surprised, the Yeldhos seemed to definitely know how to spend their days. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Words must not be spoken so easily, Alvin. We did know how to spend our days but not how to value them. The mansion reeks of a certain solitude that only the walls are a witness to. If only we'd known (beat) how to. This house breathes and lives child. It had borne witness to the rise and fall of several men and their families (dreamily). If only there were any living Yeldhos to further the darkness and light of this monument.....(trails off) ALVIN JOHNSON I am sorry to have heard about his demise. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Little did I know that fate had the most wicked joke in store for me. I still remember the morning that the phone rang in my Dubai apartment. I heard the Idduki police head constable declaring my only child's death. ALVIN JOHNSON I am really sorry, I did not intend to.... PHILOMENA YELDHOS Never mind. This grief need not be incited, it exists perennially. ALVIN JOHNSON Were the police able to find what really happened? PHILOMENA YELDHOS No, there were no traces left behind. I knew my boy full well....I knew my Roystan...he was killed by a soulless butcher. ALVIN JOHNSON Stammers what.. What had befallen such a man for someone to commit a murder of this sort. PHILOMENA YELDHOS The Gods must know the answer. Things were never meant to be this way. The Happy Old Yeldhos family and how Shakespeare would love to write a tragedy on us. Where are my manners, Alvin? Would you like...... Alvin interruptsThe Yellow Leaf
9. ALVIN JOHNSON A cup of tea, might you ask? PHILOMENA YELDHOS Smiles Smart gentleman. Alvin gazes around the mansion and then closes in on the bar counter. His eyes fixate on a particular bottle of wine. Walks towards it and picks it up Alvin VO- (This bottle..The Blanc? No, calm down Alvin..I'm sure it's just another bottle of wine.) (cont'd) This is a Blanc, if I am not wrong? PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) A Blanc indeed. You've had the offerings of this? Must only be a coincidence. (Seemingly intrigued) ALVIN JOHNSON I did leave for a important prospect a couple of months back to Kottayam. A wealthy estate man gave me a realm of its senses. It's dangerous in my opinion. (laughs) PHILOMENA YELDHOS Really? (mockingly) Its addictive. Roystan could not take a breathing moment without it passing through his veins. The delicacy of the wine lingers onto your taste buds long after you have finished drinking it. ALVIN JOHNSON Can't agree more, Mrs. Yeldhos. Looks up to a couple of steps before him, to the floor It lingers on, even now. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Forget the tea, a Blanc is what you need. ALVIN JOHNSON Laughs rather nervously How the Blanc is meant to taste on a rainy night when the smell of soil lingers in the air PHILOMENA YELDHOS (looking amused) where did you hear that son?The Yellow Leaf
10. ALVIN JOHNSON That is what all the Blanc enthusiasts say Mrs Yeldhos. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Really? Alright, now tell me would you be interested in buying the house? ALVIN JOHNSON Are you subtly hinting at convincing and injecting an interest in me to buy this property (beat) I wonder why you would do that. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Convincing is an art. You convince people in a manner befitting their interests, you will soon understand, words work wonders. Haha. I wouldn't. Not this house, by any means. Besides I never persuaded you to be here. Alvin coughs suddenly. After an initial hiccup... ALVIN JOHNSON You have been living here alone, ever since the death of Mr. Roystan? PHILOMENA YELDHOS Not at all. The calm here Alvin is hauntingly beautiful. The leaves of trees on a windless afternoon stand still with time. Its the sort of serenity you are not sure to either fear or love. ALVIN JOHNSON (Strikingly amazed at what he just heard) (Philomena is brought back to the present) Such use of words and you would see yourself in the annals of history. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Well, I am an old lady trying to re-read what I read as a young girl. I did however recently try my hand at poetry. ALVIN JOHNSON I am sure poetry runs in the Yeldhos blood. PHILOMENA YELDHOS I wish I had someone like a daughter to look after me. (beat) Only if Roystan had married. ALVIN JOHNSON A fervent interest in painting, a lover of the fine wines from around the world and (beat) I really do believe these novels that you have there points to a shelf must also belong to him.The Yellow Leaf
11. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Are they really excuses for a man to not engage in a marital affair? Are you really saying that? ALVIN JOHNSON Well. Not exactly but he seems to have reveled himself in these artistic adventures. The pleasure of a woman or even a man might have ceased to exist. PHILOMENA YELDHOS I wish I had known. (beat) Not saying that Roystan wasn't a lover of woman. In fact he did love a woman so dearly that her separation pierced a dagger in his heart. (A light beams in on the stage that gives the audience a glimpse of the beauty of Roys' love. He seems to be engaged in a wonderful ball dance with his girl. A soft cello music accompanies the setting.) Alvin, suddenly seems to realize something and looks up at the walls. His desperation is clearly noticed by Philomena The problem was, he never talked about these. He was to himself most of the time and rarely indulged in self-pity and self-loathing. ALVIN JOHNSON This was a man. (beat) I wish your son, Roy wasn't dead Mrs. Yeldhos PHILOMENA YELDHOS (Astonished for a moment. But gently calming herself) I have gone through days on end and looked at the bloody corpse that lay there - the exact spot you are standing on and wondered, what caused someone to kill a man who never intended to court controversies. (Beat) Alvin is silent, he looks at the floor, looks at Philomena. There is an apparent scare on his face Philomena is silent too, but then begins her outburst PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) The fact that Roy was never able to attain the love and affection of his father, left him in despair and agony. You know Alvin, this family crisis surely left him feeling aloof and lonely. He was a man who wished only for one thing and that was the love of his father. There was one glimmer of hope that he would find someone special who would mend his shattered dreams together.The Yellow Leaf
12.Alvin, upon fearing that this might turn into acrying circus quickly tries to negotiate herfeelings. He gets up from his seat ALVIN JOHNSONDeath is inevitable Mrs. Yeldhos. You never know when it iscoming your way. I am really sorry to have dug up stories ofthe past.Shall we get back to talking about the cottage, then? Orwould you be happy enough for me to leave you now and findmyself back on another opportune day? PHILOMENA YELDHOSCalm down. I am really sorry if I am putting you in any sortof discomfort.Yes. Sniffling softlyWhat are your thoughts on the cottage? ALVIN JOHNSONHow many of them were actually interested in buying thishouse? PHILOMENA YELDHOS None. ALVIN JOHNSON Really? PHILOMENA YELDHOSYes. Partly because I was never keen on negotiating withthem. And negotiations was not in the offing either. I justcannot see myself without the house. In fact I am neverplanning to leave this house.In that case? ALVIN JOHNSON PHILOMENA YELDHOSNegotiations are strictly off the table. Frankly speaking,the house is not even close to being worthy of 50 lakhs yet Idemand 1 crore laughsBefore she could finish talking, Alvin gets up and walkstowards the window near the entrance. He looks out of thewindow that overlooks the entrance passageway. ALVIN JOHNSONI think it is about to rain.(The lights on the stage begin to dim. The eerie evening setsin over a casual conversation. Philomena is unable to explainwhat is troubling her. The tormenting thought of her son'suntimely death has stricken a deep sense of grief inside ofher. Alvin does not know what to do. Should he go for thehouse or leave Philomena in peace. (MORE)The Yellow Leaf
13. ALVIN JOHNSON (CONT’D) The audience are confused as to where the story is leading them on. The bright lights slowly turn to tangy orange to symbolize the setting sun.) (cont'd) I think it is about to rain. Philomena is almost on her feet. Is she weeping, is she undergoing a tremendous sense of pain, we never know, her face remains shrouded under the blanket of her clothing. Silence prevails. Philomena finally resolves to talk Alvin is still looking up outside the window PHILOMENA YELDHOS Are you interested in buying the house? ALVIN JOHNSON (Alvin does not know what to answer. He wonders whether he should leave with a goodbye. But then, where is the good in goodbye, he thinks to himself) I am not sure madam. 1 crore seems a bit far fetched for my liking. PHILOMENA YELDHOS But I was very clear on that regard. ALVIN JOHNSON Yes, I do understand that the place holds a great sense of history and you would come down to nothing less than 1 crore rupees. PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) I'm glad you do. (Beat) Oh I almost forgot about the tea. Excuse me for a moment. Philomena rises and walks out of the room. ALVIN JOHNSON Ofcourse. Meanwhile, would you mind if I have a look around? PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) Please. Help yourself. FADE OUT: FADE IN: ACT I SCENE III (The rain begins to flow. The sound clatters on the roof. The window sills clamor to the sound of the rainfall. The lights on the stage dim even more.The Yellow Leaf
14. A gloomy atmosphere and Alvin is looking about the house) A sound of \"pling\" is heard. Philomela returns. The tea is ready and Philomena looks in the direction of the kitchen. She is up and readies herself to serve Alvin and moves in the direction of the kitchen Alvin, gets up from his seat and moves along to a specific portion of the wall. This portion, as the audience would've witnessed was directly behind his position onscreen. As he moves past the entrance door on to the left of the stage, he closes in on a wall mount that holds two knives inserted onto a sheath. ALVIN VO- Have I seen that before? No! No! No! No! Alvin intently stares at the sheath. A sort of anxiety could be seen on his face. Philomena enters the hallway with two cups of tea placed on an elaborate plate. she observes Alvin for a few seconds Alvin is completely thrown off guard right now. He finds himself in a fix. PHILOMENA YELDHOS What is that you look at in the manner, son? ALVIN JOHNSON These..these daggers PHILOMENA YELDHOS Oh, these daggers were Roy's priced possessions. Handing over the tea to Alvin Alvin starts to sip on the tea (The sound of the gusts of breeze and the pouring rain get louder) Philomena intently stares at Alvin (Alvin starts to cough) (cont'd) Alvin, I believe i satiated your \"curiosity\" sufficiently? ALVIN JOHNSON Well, ma'am. I am grateful for your time, company and tea. smiles and coughs mildly continues to glance at the dagger from the corner of his eyes PHILOMENA YELDHOS smilesThe Yellow Leaf
15. The daggers seems to have caught your attention... ALVIN JOHNSON Still staring at the daggers they.. Surely are.. Something.. PHILOMENA YELDHOS What about it intrigues you? It must be the intricate work on it.. Or perhaps..( beat) That it's back in this room again? ALVIN JOHNSON Astounded, he turns towards her and keeps staring at Philomena. She begins to smirk faintly I'm.. I'm sorry? PHILOMENA YELDHOS Oh! Poor poor Alvin, cut the pretense now will you. ALVIN JOHNSON Mrs Yeldhos, I must take your leave now nervously PHILOMENA YELDHOS You will take leave soon enough child, I assure you of that but before you go enlighten me of the Specifics, as to what made you come to this place before on a rainy night to meet Roystan, only to have him murdered an hour later? Alvin starts to cough hysterically ALVIN JOHNSON Alvin begins to be surrounded by an immediate sense of regret and guilt. He is unsure of what to do. There is a near 10-second silence as Philomena intently stares at him. (The lights begin to fade out gradually as the sound of rain becomes heavier by the second. There are loud thunderous noises. The scene escalates into a deep sense of tragedy. A slimmer of light shines in on Alvin) How....? FADE IN.:The Yellow Leaf
16.ACT I SCENE IV(The lights fade out entirely. At this juncture wefinish Act 1 and begin Act 2 for the purposes ofnarration. When Act 2 is complete, the stage is setfor Philomena to reveal Alvin as to what mistakes andmannerisms gave away his identity, while the finalportions of Act 2 are also played alongside on theother part of the stage) PHILOMENA YELDHOSThe rain has made the tea cold, is it Alvin? But you knowwhat they say? Revenge is a dish best served cold.(Alvin'scoughs begin to increase, he tries to rise but is partiallyimmobile) ALVIN JOHNSON While gasping for breathPOISON!Mrs...Mrs...Mrs.Yeldhos, I came to... Coughs moreIt's not what you think Mrs. Yeld...Yeldh...Yeldhos. PHILOMENA YELDHOSIf you prick us do we not bleed? If you tickle us do we notlaugh? If you poison us do we not die?I knew for a fact that no one will buy this house for such afancy price. I knew for a fact that the only person who wouldcome knocking will be the man who committed the act himself.But why? Why would he come back? --- Am I right?But...No! No! ALVIN JOHNSON PHILOMENA YELDHOSYou and I know what the truth is Alvin. I've waited longenough. ALVIN JOHNSONYes, I did meet Roystan coughsbut I was not the one to kill him. PHILOMENA YELDHOSYou want to know how all this and more culminated? I laid thetrap and you came in looking for the cheese. And boy, was thecheese not tasty? I am unsure of what might have lead you tostab Roy, but what I do know is (beat) Roy did not deserveit. (MORE)The Yellow Leaf
17. PHILOMENA YELDHOS (CONT’D) (A desperate Alvin is clinging onto the rug on the floor unable to tell Philomena what had conspired on that dreadful night at the Woodcot Cottage) ALVIN JOHNSONMrs...Mrss... You don't understand!Interrupt me not. PHILOMENA YELDHOS Philomena begins to move from one corner of the stage to the other in dizzying happiness ranting her feelings out loud to himWhat best might have suited your interests would've been toleave when the opportunity arose. Instead your guilt took thebetter of you, it pricked you constantly to make sure theaftermath was normal. ALVIN JOHNSONLet me explain (beat) please please. I did not harm Roy PHILOMENA YELDHOSAnd yet you call my boy Roy, only his dear ones called himRoy. ALVIN JOHNSONgasping for breath, His utterances fail areincomprehensibleNo (beat) Mrs. Yeldhos... I don't know.. I didn't.. PHILOMENA YELDHOSA dagger, yet covered in blood was found in the wee hoursafter the demise of Roystan, effectively revealing thatRoystan was murdered. And no murderer would be so stupid. ALVIN JOHNSON (Holding his throat)Please. please, please; dont do this Mrs Yeldhos.(collapse on the floor, clutches on to the rug) PHILOMENA YELDHOSEvery time you gazed at Roy's paintings, books, wines and thedagger you stared at it with a sense of astonishingfamiliarity. Why is that so? ALVIN JOHNSON Struggles to breathe(Collapses to the floor)The Yellow Leaf
18. PHILOMENA YELDHOSIts all over Alvin. Sleep Alvin sleep.I pity you Alvin, yetsomeone once said Grief is not as heavy as guilt, but ittakes more away from you. (The lights fade out completely) THE END.ACT II SCENE 1 (It is a cold, rainy night in the hills of Idukki, Kerala. Upon a secluded hilltop is Woodcot Cottage, a cozy cottage, nestled in the forests that surround the sides of the hill.)The voice of a sturdy young man can be heard loud andclear. Roystan Yeldhos,a person with magnetic auraand sturdy voice The rain is pouring hard, and Alvin Johnson, a delivery boy at the local post office, has come to deliver a parcel at Woodcot Cottage. He is drenched, and he quickly rests his bicycle by the gate and rushes to the porch. Knocking at the door, he looks closely at the cottage, fascinated by its old English influence ROYSTAN YELDHOS Roystan is visibly drunk, he is tottering on his feet and it is clear that sense has left his mindOUT! OUT I say. You are all in for a treat! You've worked sohard so tomorrow all of you can take the day off and you canleave early as well today. It's time to celebrate! ROYSTAN takes another swig from his bottle and collapses on a nearby chair, his head is rolling about, the light fades and a few second later, they turn back on shining on him, when there is a subtle knock heard Roystan doesn't move, he is simply staring off into empty space,the wind chime tinkles again due to the wind and still he doesn't move. The knock is heard again and with pained difficulty he slowly rises off his chair and walks off to the corner of the stage and opens the door ALVINGood evening sir. I have a delivery for Mrs. PhilomenaYeldhos.The Yellow Leaf
19. ROYSTANAhh, a package for dear old mum! Well, then, don't just standthere! Look at you my fellow. You're drenched! Come on in!And you can leave the box in the corner over there. Roystan walks away and music begins to play, he takes another sip from the bottleMy good man. Would you care for a drink? ALVINSir, thank you for the offer but I really shouldn't. the triphere was quite long and I really should get back before itgets any darker. ROYSTANBut isn't the night beautiful? A mistress of temptationenamored in a swath of stars. The night is inevitable andwhat will happen, will happen. Besides, it's pouring outside.Sit down. Alvin, a meek man, quickly moves to the empty chairand sits ROYSTAN (CONT’D)So, what's your name? What brings you to my little corner ofsolitude? ALVINYour package sir...? I was surprised to see that someoneactually lived in this part of the city. I doubt you couldeven call this place 'in the city' anymore. ROYSTAN laughsWell, there you are right my friend. This place is acornucopia of history and my family is one of those rich oldblue bloods that gave birth to a litter of children whoreally knew how to spend the money rather than make it. ALVIN looks aroundIt is quite obvious that you are indeed a rich man. What mywife and I would give to live in such a princely estate...looking around the interiors of the cottage ROYSTAN (takes another sip)Ah! So you're married? ALVINIt's hardly been a few months. But yes. I most definitely ammarried.Love marriage? ROYSTANThe Yellow Leaf
20. ALVIN (hesitatingly)Uh.. Yes sir. High School sweethearts. ROYSTANIt's nice to see that there are some people at least who liketo believe in something as insipid as love. ALVINI beg your pardon sir? ROYSTANStop calling me sir all the time.Umm... ALVIN ROYSTANAnd you heard me right my friend. I hope one day you willrealize that marriage is nothing but a union born out ofsheer madness arising from primal urges of the flesh? (laughs)or worse.. the heart! (he laughs harder) ALVINI have only the utmost respect for women. I wouldn't knowabout you, but I believe it is much more. ROYSTANOh is that so? I'm presuming you feel the same for your wifethen? ALVIN (agitated)She is my universe. I have always respected women my entirelife but I have never sought to understand them. With her, Ifeel like this is all I was meant to do. Keep her happy andin that lies my happiness. Might I ask, what about itinterests you? ROYSTANOh what wouldn't be interesting about it? burying his face in his handsBuddy, you make me sick. ALVIN (beat)I really think I should leave... ROYSTANOh come on. Must you be so hasty in decisions? Besides. It'spouring outside, you're going to be bed ridden for days ifyou make your way back in this weather.The Yellow Leaf
21. ALVIN (confused) Well how did you expect me to react, sir? (to himself) God! Where have I gotten myself? ROYSTAN But I was just being honest with you. I'm sorry if it agitated you. ALVIN (beat) No... I should be happy you're being honest with me. I appreciate that. ROYSTAN So, is your wife pretty? ALVIN (Uncomfortable at first, but soon suffusing with pride) That she is, the prettiest lady I've ever laid my eyes on. ROYSTAN That beautiful eh? You lucky dog! ALVIN Luck had nothing to do with it. It's about saying the right things at the right time and not fumbling about like a buffoon. ROYSTAN Well, you don't need to tell me about women. I'm quite well versed in those matters. ALVIN (for the first time he laughs) Looking around and at you, I'm sure you've had your fair share of women ROYSTAN Women were made to be wooed and appreciated my friend. You don't inhale the sweetness of the flower, instead you appreciate it for all it is. You don't want to uproot the lily, instead you try to guild it. I have had quite an adventure in love in the past, but now as you see, here I am. Alone in a cottage on a rainy night. ALVIN Guild the lily? I can see your fancy education showing ROYSTAN I forget sometimes. It's easy. I'm an outcast in my family. Am I weird? No, I don't think so. but... am i?The Yellow Leaf
22. ALVIN Not really..a bit insulting maybe? should definitely work on it if you ask me. ROYSTAN That I shall. What else shall I change? Shall I beg at your feet as well you cur. I bet if your wife gave me one look, she'd know she's definitely made the wrong choice. Roy takes another long sip from his glass ALVIN What! ROYSTAN You whiny mule, you slimy slug, what are you! A man who abandoned his dreams? For a woman? You make me sick! You're not a man. Why have that manhood then? You should chop it off and reveal your true identity. A coward is what you are my friend and that's what you always shall be. A coward.What's that? Repeat.. Roy dances about C-O-W-A-R-D. ALVIN Stop it! You've asked me to stay once and out of curiosity I did. Was it just so that you could ridicule me and everything i have to say? You're going too far once again and I shall take none of it! Rosytan springs off his chair ROYSTAN Don't! Ahh, who cares? Go if you must but.. (his voice hints a little bit of desperation tingled with another unknown emotion) couldn't you stay? I'll be on my best behaviour mockingly (Alvin is now still sitting on the chair nervously unsure of what to do anymore) Here, take a drink. How the Blanc is meant to taste better on a rainy night when the smell of soil lingers in the air! You must try this vintage, we temper it from our own estates. The taste is akin to the balmy aura of the night. Calm yourself. Such is the river of our conversation tonight. Forgive me if i make you uneasy. finally Alvin accepts the glass reluctantly (beat) Please. Talk to me, how long have you been working in...The Yellow Leaf
23. (he looks at Alvin top to bottom and is unable to discern his company) )wherever it is that you work for?Alvin is still nervous. He has not yet taken a sip ofthe wine, but looks at it intently and stays silentbut at Roystan's piercing gaze, he relents ALVINIt's been only a month now. I'm new to this city and findinga job wasn't as easy as I thought it would be and thepressure of having to support a wife really doesn't help theprocess. I don't have a degree or anything... I began workingafter I passed out of school. (beat)And now I have a family to tend to and look after. That'squite a responsibility that I must bare. But I'm confidentabout the future, though uncertain of where I may be or whatI may be doing. Providence Provides I suppose. ROYSTANThe miseries of modern life. ALVINYou could say that I guess. ROYSTANI suppose it's only fair you know a little about my life aswell.Oh, do tell me ALVINhe sips his drink ROYSTANWell, I guess you could say I've had quite the upbringing ALVINI sense an interesting story that is eager to leap out ofyou. ROYSTANlaughs and is then silent for a minute, the silencemakes Alvin uneasy ROYSTAN (CONT’D)Well, I was born into money. Studied at a private school andlet me tell you my friend, money..it's the biggest drugcapitalism ever gave us. ALVINWell, we wouldn't be where we are. The rich are rich and thepoor are poor but at least we have the shot of aiming atsomething.The Yellow Leaf
24. ROYSTAN (laughs) )You neanderthal! You actually think you can get all this! Roy stand up and spreads his arms and spins around slowlyLooks like we have one satisfied customer, ladies andgentleman!Look here... ALVINYou sweet child, ROYSTAN he approaches Alvin and cups his face in his palms)your dream? That you and your wife will have your happilyever after rich and happy with probably a couple of kids isjust that, a dream. ALVINYou're clearly drunk ROYSTANDrunk? Well, that maybe true but what is also true is what ijust told you. You live the dream where you chase theimpossible and your running around powers the great cog!You mad bastard ALVIN ROYSTANThe great cog! It turns and turns when mice like you runabout powering the machinations that make the world turn. Butdo you really control the turn? Or are you as helpless as ahamster caught in a wheel? ALVIN (Alvin has had enough but he tries to keep his calm and decides to retaliate)The hamster lives in contentment at least. We may be livingunder a illusion, a matrix of sorts but we live in thisillusion and die in this illusion. ROYSTANYou say you choose to live in hell? ALVINNo, what I'm saying is that, is it truly a nightmare ifyou've never known of a better dream? ROYSTANBut my friend, my sweet foolish friend, you forget thegreatest beauty of the dream ALVINAnd I have a feeling you're about to let me know right now..The Yellow Leaf
25. ROYSTAN What power would hell have if those in it could not dream of Heaven? (beat) But perhaps you're trying to make a heaven of hell? ALVIN It isn't a hell my dear sir! (beat) Besides, what makes you so curious about my life? ROYSTAN I should tell you, my father always used to say, 'small things are beautiful' and I see you. You are so small. ALVIN Small? What do you mean by that? angered and rises off his chair ROYSTAN Well, Alvin..you see. It is clear to me what you are, a small man whom society doesn't want, forced to live in envy of people like me. We barely do a thing yet we have our Rolex on our wrists and you struggle to even find time for yourself. ALVIN Look here, I've had enough of this. You have no right to nitpick at my life. It is mine and mine alone. Who are you, you proud lord? ROYSTAN At least you acknowledge me as your master ALVIN ENOUGH! bangs the table I have had enough of you Mr. Lord knows why I came here, I just came to deliver a package and you have invited me into your home, pampered me and then insulted my very being and THAT is something I shall not accept. ROYSTAN Well...not even if I give you a year's salary? And mind you, I don't know how much you make so you can name your price. ALVIN What do you mean? Do you think I would even consider working for you? I don't know what you think sir, but I am really content with the life I lead. I'm sorry but if this is an offer of any sort, I'm afraid that I'll have to decline. ROYSTAN Well regardless, the offer still stands. (BEAT) Alvin. can I ask your opinion on something? Do you see that painting over there? I call it River by the ThamesThe Yellow Leaf
26.pointing at a painting behind Alvin. Alvin turnsaround and see an unfinished painting resting againsta canvas stand ALVINYou mean that one? The unfinished one? ROYSTAN (sigh)Alas. Unfinished it is. ALVIN approaching the painting)It is an interesting piece non the less. What did you want myopinion on? This painting? ROYSTANTell me Alvin. What do you see in it? Sure it's unfinished,but does that truly mean that it could not contain anymeaning? I want to know Alvin. ALVINBut why does my opinion even matter? ROYSTANI've been staring at these lifeless images for way too longnow. And this specific one was the last installment to myseries. Pointing at the wallsSee those two up there? The first one is Autumn, the secondone is Winter. But I have not been able to complete Spring. Ijust can't seem to picture it Alvin. Spring is yet to arrivein my life...Roystan... ALVIN ROYSTANPlease. Call me Roy. ALVINRoy. What is this Spring you are talking about? I feel thereis much more to this painting. ROYSTANAll my life, I have been witness to many milestones. I havegained great knowledge throughout my life. Through myacademic adventures, through life experiences as well as frommy thoughts. I have traveled to many places, and I have knownlove.And of course, I failed, but I took it in my stride. (beat)Look at this place Alvin. Look at it. Do you think I earnedall this? you think I deserve all this? NO! I've justinherited it all. And look at me. LOOK AT ME!Drinking mysorrow away. Autumn and Winter have gone for now, but Springisn't here yet. (MORE)The Yellow Leaf
27. ROYSTAN (CONT’D) (begins to rant) To be or not to be is no longer a question. I fail to see any purpose of such an existence where i can never find wholesomeness or completion. my paintings merely reflect my pursuit towards finding answers out of the absurd. ALVIN (astonished) You are a pessimist ROYSTAN No I am not. I prefer to term myself as a realist. ALVIN But what is true to you could not possibly be what is real to everyone else now. How can you come to such conclusions? What if life is just playing it's course? I'm sure your spring is to meet you soon. ROYSTAN Perhaps. Or perhaps I have seen all that this life has to offer. What if spring has already passed before leaving me with the miseries of autumn and winter? ALVIN Roy. I am no one to judge you and what you believe to be true. But if you're hinting that life has nothing left to offer anymore, i would like to disagree. My father always told me that when one door shuts, many more await to be opened. Tell me Roy. Have you considered that? ROYSTAN Spare me that mumbo-jumbo my friend. There is only one reason that painting remains incomplete. It is because I tried to finish my series by trying to pry out a spring where there was none. Both parties stare blankly at each other, before Alvin takes another sip of wine ALVIN I must say Roy. This wine is really something. Is it expensive? ROYSTAN Does it matter if it is? Is that what you measure it's value by? MONEY? ALVIN Well... Aren't the better wines more expensive for a reason? ROYSTAN No! The better wines are not seen from their price. What goes into making it, how long it has been aged, THAT'S what makes a good wine. Tell me Alvin. How much do you really know about wines?The Yellow Leaf
28. ALVIN Excuse me? ROYSTAN Wait here. Roystan walks into one of the rooms. He comes back with an expensive bottle of wineLook here dear fellow. Does this bottle look 'expensive' toyou? ALVINI'm assuming it isn't? ROYSTANYou assume? God! Look at yourself say that. This is a 1961Chateau Cheval Blanc. This bottle of wine in my hand is worth1 lakh and 23 thousand rupees.Roystan opens the bottle and looks at it intently. Hethen glares at Alvin as he begins to pour it to thefloor ALVINWhat are you doing?! ROYSTANShowing you what 'expensive' wine is worth... (Alvin is both shocked and puzzled at the question)Are you crazy! ALVIN ROYSTANQuiet! You're a vegetable. You live a mediocre life, and isuggest you live that to the full. Your prosperous fancies ofriches will get you nowhere but disappointment. So don''teven try. ALVINVEGETABLE! You're the one who's been sitting worthlessly onyour family's wealth! Who exactly do you think you are totell me what to dream for and what not to? ROYSTAN (more calm and composed)I guess you're right there. so...You think you'd know whats good wine and not so good wine ifthere were no prices attached to them?I'm sorry but... ALVIN ROYSTANBUT WHAT! You think that living in a great inherited estateis what makes a good life? You think if you were to get richsomeday, you'd find your spring? Is that it?The Yellow Leaf
29. ALVINI believe I am living my spring. Sure I may not have anexpensive abode and I may not be tended too by maids andhouse helps, but i have a loving wife, and she is my spring. ROYSTANBut the spring will pass my friend. Winter is coming.What do you mean? ALVIN ROYSTANIt is a well known fact that all living beings will die. Sowill I. So will you. And so will your wife... What is tohappen to your spring once that is to happen? ALVINDeath may be inevitable, but purposelessness is not. ROYSTANWas that intended to strike my conscience? Or my ego? ALVINLook Roy. Death may be the end of your life, but what youmanage to achieve before that inevitable end, makes all thedifference. ROYSTANBut the end is the end. What is to happen to all that youachieve then? I understand your concern about living awholesome and fulfilling life, but what is it all for? Youseem to be a man who is living for his wife. Doesn't thatmean that all purpose in your life ends when she is no more? ALVINI'm afraid I don't like your ongoing fascination of having mywife dead. ROYSTANAnd why is that? Is it because you know you'll go back toliving a pathetic life of a vegetable? Does that worry you? ALVINLook this is going too far!Oh is it now? ROYSTAN ALVIN (furiously)Yes! I just came here to deliver your parcel and nothingmore. I don't need to be here and take this from you. (beat) rising to his feetYou know what? It's late. I best be on my way back. My wife,who is very much alive, must be expecting me.The Yellow Leaf
30. ROYSTANGo back then to your wife and fulfill your dream of living asuccessful lie.You'd rather live in an illusion where youthink your existence means something while you try to pushaway the one trying to lift that veil from your eyes. ALVINI shall then with your permission, however grudging it maybe, shall take your leave. Roystan jumps out of his chair and grips his hair ROYSTANWait..Don't go..please...stay..no. go! And I'll be done withyou and your miserable life but please stay.. Alvin is visibly shocked..he takes two steps towards the door and hesitates, looks back at Roystan and then with a reluctant shrug walks back to his seat and sits ALVINWell then, you really leave me no choice but to stay. I don'tknow if this decision of mine is right but I will stay withyou till the end, come what may. ROYSTANThat is more than what I can ask of you ALVINAre you completely alright? ROYSTANI am. I know after what you just witnessed it may not seem sobut I have always believed that I tended to express myself alittle more severely than others. Roystan flings the glass off stage and whoops ALVINHey there, i know I've been asking this a lot but are youtruly alright? ROYSTANYou just made me realise something, please give me a momentto enjoy my epiphany. You can say that being poetic runs inthe familyEpi what? ALVIN ROYSTANAn understanding of the Truth ALVINYou're such a show offThe Yellow Leaf
31. ROYSTAN (GRINS) I am and I just learnt that I am like you ALVIN What makes you say that? ROYSTAN My dear Alvin, cause it's obvious looking at me that (sways a bit) I drink and I know things. ALVIN You know nothing and care for nothing and most importantly want for nothing. Your existence is plagued with doubt and your upbringing has only blackened your soul with hate and rage. You think you're a rebel? Helping people learn the truth? This isn't a movie. This is reality. We are our own judge, jury and executioner. The night is dark and full of terrors but we must stand strong and fight for our own dreams and aspirations. That is where our true freedom lies. ROYSTAN Our true freedom lies in death ALVIN It does not. Death is just the next step ROYSTAN Death is the final sleep and I long to rest ALVIN Your thoughts are getting too morbid for my taste. At least when you were insulting me and my life you were keeping it real. ROYSTAN You're right in some aspects. I am what I am and I accepted that long ago. I can't change and I never really wanted to. I have lived my life and I don't know what else is there for me. The food I loved tastes bland, the sun feels cold and even the warmth of a woman's touch fails to excite me. I have no passion for life and the idea of death comforts me. ALVIN Buddy, you've got way more issues than I previously thought you did. ROYSTAN Alvin....I have to ask something of you. ALVIN Correct me if i'm mistaken but don't people generally complement each other before asking for a favor? ROYSTAN I've never been much for giving complementsThe Yellow Leaf
32. ALVIN I wonder why? ROYSTAN Alvin, if i asked you to kill me right now, would you? ALVIN The number of times the thought of killing you has run through my mind is plenty but would I actually do it? No. ROYSTAN Please ALVIN Are you serious?! ROYSTAN I've never been more certain of anything in my life ALVIN You're mad. all this while I put up with you and your horse shit but you think I'm actually going to kill you!? I have a wife and a life! I'm not going to prison for you ROYSTAN Alvin, you're in one of the most secluded places in the city. Even you admitted to not knowing of anyone living here, as far as the world is concerned, I do not exist in it. So please release me ALVIN I'm leaving. You can rattle about in this place and be your own master but I am not going to stain my soul with your blood. ROYSTAN I am touched that after all this, you still care enough for my soul ALVIN Your soul? (screams) It's my soul that I'm worried about! Roystan walks to the shelf where the dagger is placed. He picks it up, unsheathes it and starts toying with it. ROYSTAN Well then, looks like i'm gonna have to do it myself. Roystan laughs ALVIN Alvin looks visibly surprised What do you mean?The Yellow Leaf
33. ROYSTAN You think I wouldn't ensure that I had a back up? (beat) Your life, your wife...you're about to lose it all. the way i see it, you have two choices, One, you kill me now and free us both from this miserable night, or... Roystan takes the knife and puts his across his neck I'll kill myself and trust me my friend, before i take such a drastic step, I'll make sure the world knows about how a simple delivery boy or man do you prefer found a rich young man in a secluded cottage and repaid his kindness with a dagger in his heart. Your wife would be so pleased to hear that! ALVIN MAD MAN! LUNATIC! YOU SICK PSYCHOPATH! ROYSTAN TICK TOCK ALVIN TICK TOCK ALVIN Please.. I beg of you..Don't make me do this ROYSTAN Take the knife Alvin..take it...you are man enough to do this. the winds of fate blow tonight and we must adjust our sails to it. Roystan makes Alvin grip the knife in his hands ALVIN Roy..please..Roy..don't.. ROYSTAN It's alright my boy..It's alright With a quick jerk towards Alvin, Roy impales himself on the blade Do not mourn me. Leave this place and wipe the prints off your knife..throw it in the woods nearby and never come back. and now..for the biggest adventure Roystan slumps on Alvin's shoulder ALVIN (Alvin is now crying) I curse you Roystan...I curse you...you've botched your life and now you've made sure I never get a decent night's sleep again.. Alvin collapses to the ground and lets out a scream of sorrow, frustration and rage. He composes himself after a few seconds You may have been a piece of work but I hope at least in death, you lose your cynicism and find the bright light you always seemed to miss. Take care.The Yellow Leaf
34.Alvin picks up the knife and rubs it clean..he chucksthe knife out of the window and quickly dustseverything that he has touched. He approaches thedoor, hesitates, looks back at Roy's body and thenwith a final sigh, firmly opens the door and walksout, never looking back.FINAL SCENEAll three characters walk onto the stage, a spotlightshines on each one of them ALVINWhy..just tell me why Roy. ROYSTANBecause it was great fun Alvin..it was great fun.Oh Roy..my poor boy PHILOMENA ALVINPoor boy? POOR BOY? ALL I WANTED TO DO WAS DELIVER THEPACKAGE.FOR WHAT REASON DID I HAVE TO DIE..TO TO..JUST BE APART OF A SICK TWISTED GAME OF YOUR DEMENTED SON? PHILOMENALike i said earlier Alvin..words must not be spokenlightly..they have the power to change the very fabric ofreality itself ROYSTAN YELDHOSIt was all about the package you say? No Alvin, no..it wasnever about the package. It was your fate... before you askthe obvious question of why...I'm sure you haven't readMacbeth..there is a quote in that tale that always stuck withme..my life has dried and withered like a yellow leaf...Ifelt the same yet I clung on...you helped me break free andfinally wither away ALVINAnd what did it result in? You and I dead, my wifewidowed..oh lord my wife..Alvin collapses to his knees, his head in his hands,Roystan and Philomena look at each other, Philomenapaces around the stage PHILOMENADid you really have to kill yourself? That too in such awretched manner? ROYSTAN YELDHOSMother, I think you lost the right to question my choices along time ago.The Yellow Leaf
35. PHILOMENAThe girl was never right for you Roy MEGHANA VORoy..where are you? laugh I have some news for you..I think I'm pregnant.. ROYSTAN YELDHOSSo you had her killed? Did you poison her tea as well likeyou did this poor Alvin's? did you know mother that the heiryou wanted so badly was on its way? PHILOMENA (silence)I did what any mother would do to protect her child and noYeldhos blood would mingle with a commoner. ROYSTAN YELDHOSI never finished her painting...The Lady by the RiverThames...It'll always be incomplete now. PHILOMENAI never wanted you to do this to yourself..but I hope you areat peace now. ALVINI knew it...the way he mocked me...the way he treatedme..Were you just jealous all this while Roy? ROYSTAN YELDHOSJealous and me? You never understand anything my poorsimpletonGo to hell Roy ALVINAlvin exits the stage ROYSTAN YELDHOS bowsI shall take my leave mother. I hope you see the light someday as well.Roystan exits the stage PHILOMENAAnd thus, endeth the tale of the YeldhosPhilomena collapses onto the stage and the spotlightshines on her for a few seconds and fade to black ENDThe Yellow Leaf
The Broken Q’WILL (An Adaptation of Shakespeare In Love) written by Sarah James Directed by Sushakya Paul Assistant Director Nikhil Pai Cast William Shakespeare: Gaurav | Black Shadow: GirikQueen & Thomas Kent: Lisa | Nurse: Prachi | Henslowe: Aparna Fennyman: Sri Hari | Lambert: Delara | Dr Moth: David Roselyn: Malavika | Valentine: Indu | Player1: Lisa Player2: Mansi | Marlowe: Anand Bouncer&Queen Guard: : Nikhil | Alleyn& Othello: Behalya Dancer1- Prannay | Dancer2- Malavika Spirits= Othello: Indu, Macbeth: Mansi, Tempest: Delara, Julius Caesar: Sri Hari Crew Lights Manager: Stanley | Sound Manager: Arjun Stage Manager:Rose Tomy | Props Manager: Madhura Chandana Poster Designers: Neeraj & Sri Hari Social Media Content Writer: Diya Joseph Costume & Makeup Heads: Diya & Manasi Backstage Crew: Rumela, Neeraj, Prannay, Rose Acknowledgement Dr. Fr. Thomas C Mathew (Vice Chancellor)Mr. Padmakumar (Subject in-charge) | Fr. Biju (Coordinator) Rajesh P I (The Actors Collective)| Faculty (DMS) A Psychlorama Production MA in Media and Communication Studies Department of Media Studies Christ University, Bangalore [email protected] February 2017
NARRATOR:I begin with an enigma which is to be solved, those whowon't, will taste death and those who will, ha! death..(pause)...is the prize.I walk the face of earth once more, amindless puppet in my hands, you whore. The creaky bones, thebad eyesight, the wolves are howling in the dread of thenight. Coffins are creaking, Bats take their flight. Whenspirits are dancing in Luna's sight. I look in the shadows, acreature did lurk. She whispers behind me, hiding a smirk-\"you shall be killed if you can't find, I am the demon luringin your mind.\"SCENE 1 Center focus on Will who is trying to type but isn’t able to write due to the lack of inspiration. He is engulfed with a black blanket of the dark shadow, which he is unaware of and about. He looks into the wilderness and is hoping to gain inspiration. Scene opens with Will alone on stage. (spot on Will. Center) WILL:oh mind! Why are you not at peace? Why is my quill not ableto write? Has the ink in my heart dried up so much; and mybrain so numb with pain ( in tension and sadness) Speak oh!Speak! I scream up to you, my tranquilized state of mind...Where are you? BLACK SHADOWdeeper beneath the oaks the shadows grew..In the upper calm, The pulse of the stars began to gloomfireflies twinkled of anger and doom.And the dark lady laid silent not blue.The moon pierces through its darkest blanket; the rain offolly and murder has bloomeda time will come when you will pleadand be rocked by the characters you breed… As the clock strikes on the hour, Will drops his pen when he sees the shadow talk but is unaware of who it was. He is distracted by the sudden entry of Henslowe. He picks his fallen quill and dumps it into a rather ill-looking apple. (Flood Lights On Stage.) HENSLOWE:Will! Will! Where is my play? Tell me you have it nearlydone! Tell me you have it started! WILL leaves that chair and shakes off the fearDoubt that the stars are fire, doubt that the sun do move;doubt truth to be a liar; but never doubt I love.
2. HENSLOWE rummaging around on his deskNo, no! We haven't the time! Talk prose! Where is my play? WILL tapping his foreheadIt is all locked safe in here. * He hears a sudden hiss; Will looks around but is unable to find it, he looks for it with his eyes running to every corner of the room. HENSLOWE falling on a chair, relievedGod be praised! (Then, doubtingly) Locked? WILLAs soon as I have find my muse... HENSLOWEWho is she this time? WILL jumping down from his bedShe is always Aphrodite! HENSLOWEAphrodite? who does it behind the Dog and Trumpet? WILL putting money in his pocket and with his foot kicking the chair away on which Henslowe has propped up his feetOh Henslowe, you have no soul so how can you understand theemptiness that seeks a soul mate? HENSLOWE (running after Will who leaves the house)Will, I am a dead man My theatre is closed by the plaguethese twelve weeks, my actors are forced to tour with theinn-yards of England, while Mr. Fennyman and theChamberlain's Men are invited to court and receive ten pounds(*speaks angrily ) to play your piece, written for mytheatre, by my writer, at my risk when you were green andgrateful! WILL (turning to him)What piece? \"Richard Crookback\"? The Broken Q’WILL
3. HENSLOWE:No, it's comedy they want, Will, comedy, like \"The MerchantOf Venice\"! WILL (giving a laugh)Who wrote that? HENSLOWENobody! You were writing it for me! I gave you three pounds amonth since! Will: Half what you owed me. I am still due for\"One Gentleman of Verona\"! HENSLOWE: ( in a sly way when asked about money)Will, what is money to you and me, I, your patron, you, myword wright. (in order to instigate Will) When the plaguelifts Fennyman will have a new play by Christopher Marlowefor the Curtain. I will have nothing for the Rose! WILL (stopping and folding his hands, begging)huhhh.. That Marlowe (he murmurs) Mr. Henslowe, will you lendme fifty pounds? HENSLOWE bewilderedFifty pounds, what for? WILLFor fifty pounds my days as a hired player are over! I shallwork for myself, i know it is just a start but it’s worth achance. HENSLOWE (OUTRAGED):Oh! Cut out my heart! Throw my liver to the dogs! Will(answering for him): sooo….No, then. HENSLOWEwill… will.. Don’t you run away from me. I need an answertoday. Will starts to run away from HensloweSCENE 2 Panting and running, seeking for an answer Will enters into the chamber of Dr.Moth. He stops at a door which several signs identify as the place of \"Dr. Moth\", \"Apothecary\", \"Alchemist\", Astrologer\", \"Interpreter of Dreams\" \"Priest of Psyche\". He seems to be a kind of psychiatrist. Will enters. The Broken Q’WILL
4. Henslowe stays behind, baffled is when He is caught by Fennyman, when Will stands behind the door and stares with fearHenslowe! FENNYMAN holding him by his collar HENSLOWE:good day sir, how have you been. Long time, no talk, no see. FENNYMANtie him now and burn his boots…. Do you know what happens toa man who doesn't pay his debts? His boots catch fire! HENSLOWE screams in pain.PLEASE SIR! PLEASE! Just let me gooo... FENNYMANWhy do you howl, why do you beg? When it is I who am bitten?What am I, Mr. Lambert? LAMBERTBitten, Mr. Fennyman. FENNYMANHow badly bitten, Mr. Lambert? LAMBERTTwelve pounds, one shilling and four pence, Mr. Fennyman,including interest. HENSLOWEAagh, I can pay you!When? FENNYMAN HENSLOWETwo weeks, three weeks at the most. Aagh! For pity's sake! FENNYMANTake them out. Where will you find... LAMBERTSixteen pounds, five shillings and nine pence... FENNYMANIncluding interest in three weeks? HENSLOWEI have a wonderful new play!Put them back in. FENNYMAN The Broken Q’WILL
5.It is a comedy! HENSLOWECut off his nose. FENNYMAN Henslowe: It's a new comedy by William Shakespeare!And his ears. FENNYMAN (CONT’D) HENSLOWEAnd a share! We will be partners, Mr. Fennyman! FENNYMAN (hesitating)Partners? (He calls Fennyman close to him and winks) HENSLOWEIt is a crowd tickler. Mistaken identities, a shipwreck, apirate king, a bit with a dog, and love triumphant! LAMBERTI think I've seen it. I didn't like it. Henslowe: But thistime it is by Shakespeare! Fennyman: What's it called?the moor. HENSLOWE FENNYMANGood title! A play takes time. Find theactors...rehearsals...let's say we open in two weeks. That's- what - five hundred groundlings at two pence a head, inaddition four hundred backsides at three pence - a pennyextra for cushions, call it two hundred cushions, say twoperformances for safety - how much is that Mr. Lambert? LAMBERT(who did the addition at the same time): Twenty pounds, tothe penny, Mr. Fennyman.Correct! FENNYMAN HENSLOWEBut I have to pay the actors and the author! FENNYMANA share of the profits.There's never any! HENSLOWE The Broken Q’WILL
6.Of course not! FENNYMAN HENSLOWEOh Mr. Fennyman, I think you might have hit upon something!Sign there! FENNYMANLambert holds out a paper to Henslowe and moves it toand fro, so that Henslowe, his hands still tied up,can knock together something like a signature. FENNYMAN (CONT’D)So, “the Moor”. - Almost finished? HENSLOWEOh, without doubt he is completing it at this very moment!Mr. Fennyman, kindly.. Kindly unleash me. FENNYMANWriggle like a snake MR. ACTORWill is completely shaken and now enters into theroom of Dr.Moth. WILLSafe and sound. Oh! Dr. Moothhh DR.MOTHyes!Oh Master Shakespeare.. How have you been Master. WILL has draped himself over the sofa of the psychiatristWords, words, words.... Once I had the gift... I could makelove out of words as a potter makes cups of clay. Love thatoverthrows empires. (Sitting up) Love that binds two heartstogether come hell fire and brimstone. For Sixpence a line, Icould cause a riot in a nunnery. But now... DR. MOTHAnd yet you tell me you lie with women... (Consulting hisbook) Black Sue, Fat Phoebe, Rosaline, Burbage's seamstress,Aphrodite, who does it behind the...Will (indignantly, getting up from his position, he is restless and shouts at him)Yes, now and again, but what of it? I have lost my gift! DR. MOTH (CONT’D)I am here to help you. Tell me, in your own words. WILL The Broken Q’WILL
7. (leaning back and closing his eyes)It's as if my quill is broken. As if the organ of myimagination has dried up. As if the proud tower of my geniushas collapsed. DR. MOTH (sensing something)Interesting!Nothing comes. WILLMost interesting! DR. MOTH WILLIt is like trying to pick a lock with a wet herring!yet again he hears a hissing sound, he tries to lookand find where the sound is coming from, it seemedlike that someone has been chained, someone is beingdragged, some nails are harshly caressing an oldmetal plank. (lights dim, center spot on. Entry of Black Shadow from the right) BLACKSHADOWssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss...sssssssssssssssssssssssssss...the devil asked me how i knew, My ways around the halls ofhell I told him- “ i don’t need a map” For the darkness iknew so well. For I will take you to that land Where thewater bleeds of blood.And dunk you into eternal damnation Forthe characters you have burnt. (Black Shadow exit, flood lights on.) DR. MOTH (walks up to Will and moves him as Will is sitting in a crushed position on the ground and is trembling with fear.)Will.. Will. What is the matter? Are you okay.. so Tell me,are you lately humbled in the act of love?How long has itbeen?(Wills looks at him in astonishment. His face says\"How could he know that?\") WILL (doesn't understand the question)A goodly length in times past, but lately... Dr. Moth: No,no. You have a wife, children? The Broken Q’WILL
8. WILL (CONT’D)Aye. I was a lad of eighteen, Ann Hathaway was a woman halfas old again... DR. MOTHA woman of property? WILL (shrugging)She had a cottage. And one day she was three month gone withchild, so...And your relations? DR. MOTH WillOn my mother's side the Ardens... DR. MOTH (CONT’D)No. Your marriage bed? WILLFour years and a hundred miles away in Stratford. A cold bedtoo, since the twins were born. Banishment was a blessing. DR. MOTHSo now you are free to love... WILL...yet cannot love nor write it. DR. MOTH (thinking for a moment, then taking a brass snake bracelet from the side chair)Here is a bangle found in Psyche's temple on Olympus. Cheapat four pence. Write your name on a paper and feed it intothe snake. WILL (looking fascinated at the bangle)Will it restore my gift? DR. MOTHThe woman who wears the snake will dream of you, and yourgift will return. Words will flow like a river. See you nextweek.Will hands him four pennies.Will runs towards the theatre where his play The TwoGentlemen of Verona was being staged.The Broken Q’WILL
9.He thinks of his muse and finds no peace. Hemotivates his players with words of encouragementwhen the queen descends(SOUNDS OF TRUMPETS. THE QUEEN ARRIVES AND SITS DOWN ON HER THRONE. ALL INVITED GUESTS, AMONG , THEM ARE MARLOWE, THE NURSE AND THE OTHERS. ONE OF THE PLAYERS ENTERS THE STAGE WITH A BOW. THE QUEEN HAS HER EYE ON WILL AND ROSALINE) VALENTINE ( center spot on Valentine)And why not death rather than living torment? To die isto be banish'd from myself; And Silvia is myself:banish'd from her Is self from self: a deadly banishment!What light is light, if Silvia be not seen? What joy is joy,if Silvia be not by? (Freeze Valentine, left spot on)Behind the stage Will writes \"William Shakespeare\" ona piece of paper, folds it and stuffs it into themouth of the snake bracelet. Rosaline enters lookingat Marlowe but on seeing Will changes her directionand curls an arm around Will's neck and pulls himclose. ROSALINEWhen will you write me a sonnet, Master? Will: I have lost mygift. ROSALINE (CONT’D)You left it in my bed. Come to look for it again! WILL (slipping the bangle on her arm)oh! My lady.. my love Are you to be my muse, Rosaline? ROSALINEEvery day you sat for hours at the feet of Eros, admiring mysoft feminine ways and modesty, even more than my beauty. Andmy visible blush whenever you appeared suddenly, and the softcommotion and yielding in my lovely frame whenever you drewnear.Will….Burbage has my keeping …. but you have my heart!Oh! Rosaline WILLside by side the play is happening and Will shares amoment with Rosaline. Whilst doing so he sees thequeen, he looks so deep into her eyes; is when theselines are said. (center spot on Valentine) The Broken Q’WILL
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