KABUKI RICHARD III
PRODUCTION:
An open or proscenium stage to allow fluid transitions. Excess of color and beauty.
A light-weight curtain to be whisked open is customary, not essential.
CHARACTERS: 5 men, 5 women, Koken 2-6
Extended character backgrounds are given for those who wish to follow the feud. For "Shogun," substitute "King," for "Shogun's Lady," "Queen"
.
MARGARET (of Anjou) - former Shogun's Lady (of Henry VI), ruthless
.
RICHARD - brother of dead Shogun (Edward IV), Protector to Shogun's heir, ambitious
.
HASTINGS - Chief Lord to dead Shogun, faithful
.
BUCKINGHAM - Lord, serves Richard, ambitious
.
ELIZABETH - new widow; former Shogun's Lady (of Edward IV), ripe
.
RIVERS - Elizabeth's brother, Lord, Uncle to heir
.
GREY - Elizabeth's brother, Lord, Uncle to heir
.
YORK - Mother of Richard & dead Shogun, widow of Richard of York
.
BETH - Elizabeth's daughter, future Shogun's Lady (grandmother of Elizabeth I)
.
ANNE - widow to Margaret's son, future Shogun's Lady (of Richard III)
.
PRINCE - Elizabeth's son, dead Shogun's heir (would be Edward V)
.
CHORUS - story-tellers who speak together; may include Koken, or any actors available; may also play LORDS.
.
KOKEN - facilitate the action. Dressed in black, they move sets, manipulate props in full view of audience, scurrying like invisible elves. Two will play NINJA
.
KI-PLAYER - Koken who signals the opening of scenes and key moments by striking the "KI" (key) or resounding wooden blocks.
.
DOUBLES: Beth may play the Prince. If not doubled, they're onstage once together. Rivers, Grey, Buckingham and Hastings may all double as Lords.
KABUKI RICHARD III
Dancing Shiva
I i Prologue: Flute. KI-Player kneels at edge of stage, and strikes KI, to begin play. Before the curtain, a once beautiful, now haggard, woman enters, faces audience.
.
MARGARET
Margaret, I am
You may call me
a prophet
then I could laugh
A laugh is welcome
when the sky hangs black
The old have seen
everything
.
There was a time
my eyes danced
boldly
when I came riding
by land and by sea
from a far country
to marry a Prince
who grew to be
Shogun
But then came the killing
then the killing
began
.
I saw a youth
rise naked
smeared with ash
His name
this time on earth
is Richard
but Shiva
is his soul
.
Many don't believe me
but if they lived my life
they would believe
as I
The Shogun, my husband
my son, who was Prince-
both murdered
by Richard
So now I am widow
with my son's widow
my Anne
and we stand
remembering...
the youth I saw rise naked
from the ash
whose name
is Richard
.
This earth spreads a feast
Taste it all-
as long as you're strong
as long as you fight
again, again
until your loves
are hacked away
and then
trailing bloody flesh
they drag you through the market
of a bald country town
a woman left
as women are
with nothing
.
Still, I know
though many don't believe
that of the killing
finally
the gods will tire
And then rises Shiva
the young god Shiva
comes
I ii. Ki strikes; curtain opens; Richard alone in a dim spot in what is gradually revealed as a vast cemetery - may be the "field" to which we return in the final scene.
.
(Richard as a child, sitting on a mound of ashes [the ashes may be crouched Koken who emerge to dress him] He smears himself with ashes, plays with dangling bones on a necklace.)
.
MARGARET
He is last born son
of the one
created
to destroy me
So I killed his father
and they named him
Richard
.
Orphan grown
from all our wars
bred only to haunt
the little ground
still unstained
and so he became
Shiva
.
(A mime-dance with the aid of Koken: Richard grows from a child, changing, brought to manhood, finally will strike a Mie pose as the God Shiva. Koken's hands and arms create the rings of fire and many arms of Shiva)
.
CHORUS
There is a rhythm
at the center
of the world
we cannot see
.
Hold still and hear it
sink into feeling
the whispering beat
.
This rhythm came
before the Word
before the You or I
.
Waken to dance
Melt into the sky
For something to be born
something must die
.
RICHARD
High high!
Leaping licking fire
twirl out a world
spun on a snake stick
laughing as it curls
Fly fly!
.
(Richard gives a last leap and shout; quick and gleeful.. The Koken scurry away)
.
RICHARD
Fly hieeee!
I iii Drums. Music. The funeral procession of Shogun Edward enters: First the urn carried on by Hastings and Buckingham. Immediately behind, the late Shogun's widow, Elizabeth, flanked by her two brothers, Lords Rivers and Grey. Behind them Lady York and granddaughter Beth. Each person carries a white rose
.
RICHARD
She comes
The latest Shogun widow
Lady of the North
Look there
her lip is dragging
in the dust
as well it might-
my brother's bones
still hot among the ash
and she must know
North Lady cannot stand
alone
.
(Calling to her)
Elizabeth
.
(Richard spins round to greet them. Procession startled, stops. Urn will be set down)
.
RICHARD
My dear dead
brother's wife
I'm glad you went ahead
without me
.
ELIZABETH: (Shocked) Richard!
.
RICHARD
I see you've brothers
of your own
strong enough
to take your arm
.
Lord brother Rivers
(Nodding to each of them)
Lord brother Grey
you inlaws so kind
to bear our rose of white
.
ELIZABETH
How did you come
so soon?
.
RICHARD
Small wonder
I came at all
.
ELIZABETH: ...from so far North?
.
RICHARD
...without an invitation
.
But where is my angel nephew
Where is your son
Missing his father's last rites?
.
ELIZABETH
How did you know?
The Shogun
died so suddenly
.
HASTINGS: I sent the news to Richard
.
ELIZABETH: (Surprised) You, Lord Hastings?
.
RICHARD (Gleeful)
Aha. Lord Hastings
That's how it was
I asked you
Where is the Prince?
.
(Elizabeth and her brothers look at each other)
.
Hiee hiee!
You all look like
roosters returned
to find a fox
has called
.
YORK
Before the gods
be civil, Richard!
Pass on, pass on
.
(York signals the procession to begin again. As they speak, it does)
.
RICHARD
Ah, Mother
there you are behind
.
YORK
Yes, here I am
And you will
answer to me
.
RICHARD
When did vultures
earn the right
to wear a rose
that's white
Don't you know
what those in-laws plan?
.
YORK
I know my son
the Shogun Edward
who bore this world
all smiling on his shoulder
now is gone
.
RICHARD: I loved my brother too
.
YORK: Then show your knee!
.
RICHARD (Bowing)
Dear Mother
you still have me
.
YORK
You in place of him!
Can I arrange
a trade?
.
BETH (Holding York)
Grandmother please
You cannot bring
my father back
by hurting Richard
.
RICHARD
My angel niece
You wear our rose
with grace
.
BETH
Please help
Your mother has another son
Release him
Your brother Clarence
still imprisoned
in Zashiki-ro
.
RICHARD
Ah, yes
poor Clarence
still closed up
in Zashiki-ro
What was the reason?
Oh look there
see who's coming?
.
Yes, I remember
It was treason
.
(A second procession enters; only two women, bearing red roses: former Lady of the North [Shogun's wife], Margaret, and Anne, her daughter-in-law. They approach opposite Elizabeth, moving toward three downstage urns)
.
ELIZABETH: She dares come today!
.
(Margaret proceeds, as dialogue continues, to kneel by the three urns, of her husband, Shogun Henry, her son Edward, Anne's father, Warwick - all killed by Richard)
.
YORK
The ashes of her dead
lie already cold
No need to visit now
except to mock us
.
RICHARD: Hail, North Lady Margaret
.
(Margaret points her red rose at Richard as though it's her sword)
MARGARET
Viper!
You strike me
calling "Lady of the North"
She stole that crown from me
But now, Elizabeth
I take my turn
to gloat
Now it's you
has lost a husband Shogun
.
YORK (Pointing her rose)
She-devil!
You butchered mine!
As well as my first born son
Let this son die in peace
Leave Elizabeth alone
.
RICHARD
Put down your roses, Ladies!
.
(Richard takes York's white rose from her)
.
Have you not
enough loves dead
beneath this sign?
.
(Richard smiles at them all, then, with the rose extended, he moves to Anne, who has stayed aside, hiding herself)
.
The rose
is potent
beauty
Within its power
the warrior wilts
his senses crazed
his soul
intoxicate
with beauty
has no will
to war
Beware
the roses'
gaze
.
(As he finishes the dialogue, Richard holds the rose at Anne's chin)
.
(Anne lifts her face to look at Richard, swiftly raises her arm, and plunges a dagger toward his neck. He catches her wrist just in time to save himself)
.
RICHARD
I kiss your fingertips
sweet Anne
.
(With a shriek, Anne tries to bite Richard's hand that is holding her wrist)
.
RICHARD
Have you comfort, Margaret
in this tender wife
of your sweet son?
.
MARGARET
May her teeth bear poison
She's stripped of men
by your blade-
(Indicating the three urns)
of husband
of father
of husband's father Shogun
.
RICHARD
Then here she stands
in need
of all in all
And I am he
.
YORK: Richard!
.
MARGARET (Laughs)
Aha!
Let her strike
and you'll see
.
(Richard lets the dagger Anne holds move back to his throat)
.
RICHARD (Seductively)
Tender cousin
we two are braided
limb on limb
in blood
This thing you call
mother-in-law
axed my father
with the father of yours
raised their two comrade heads
on posts atop a wall
.
(Anne shrinks away, nauseated)
.
MARGARET
Look-
steeped in ashes
he still prowls
running women mad
.
(Richard forces Anne's dagger against his own throat)
.
RICHARD
Hold your blade steady
Let it breathe
against my flesh
.Your father raised me
from a boy
.
ANNE (Growling)
And you
you killed?!
.
RICHARD
Now!
Sink your blade deep!
I killed him
all for you
.
ANNE: Ahhhh?!
.
(Anne cries out, staggers away from Richard)
.
RICHARD
You cannot do me in?
I'll do it for you
If you want me to
.
(Richard places himself formally, kneels, his sword laid out before him, preparing to commit seppuku [to disembowel himself]. The others back away. Anne prowls, watching him. When Richard is ready, he looks up for Anne's answer)
.
ANNE: I do
.
RICHARD
Then sit where
I can see myself
die
in your eyes
.
(Anne stands still, refusing to accommodate Richard)
.
RICHARD
In exchange
for my death
that much you must do
.
(Anne moves to kneel opposite Richard. He gazes at her, then tips his head back)
.
RICHARD
Those eyes
before me
in every battle
blazed
I let no man
who claimed you
live
.
None lives
but by devouring
life
and you
belong only
to me
.
Goodbye my Anne
We two
are no more
than orphans
teethed on war
.
(Richard breathes, gazes at Anne, then, in the instant he reaches for the knife, she lunges, falling forward, and covers the knife with her body, preventing him from using it)
.
(As Anne lies face down, Richard flings himself into a Shiva-pose over her, triumphant)
.
RICHARD: What have I done!
.
(KI strikes. Mie pose. Formal movement of procession resumes)
.
RICHARD
As we two wed
tonight
the roses blend
the white with the red
befriending
all bleeding lovers
Those who still breathe
above this earth
must warm each other
.
Mother?
.
(York moves numbly forward to take Anne from Richard. The others, watching amazed now line both sides of the stage, forming an up and downstage corridor)
.
(Anne straightens, pulls free from York, looks back at Richard. Richard bows to her. Anne turns regally and exits upstage through the corridor of onlookers. It is a mysterious transformation, as though she has already become his wife, Lady of the North)
.
(Both sides, Elizabeth, Margaret, and their parties, fall in line to follow Anne. Only Buckingham remains. He slaps a fan in slow applause, punctuating his speech to Richard, who is motionless facing the audience)
.
BUCKINGHAM
And she...
will be...
North Lady
.
(Hastings has hesitated, now turns out of the exiting procession, and comes toward them)
.
HASTINGS: Richard...
.
RICHARD: Eager Lord Hastings
.
HASTINGS (Moving to him)
Brilliant entrance!
You unraveled
their whole scheme
with just one pull
on a string
Elizabeth
with her brothers
intends to rule
the Prince
.
RICHARD: You are faithful, Hastings?
.
HASTINGS
To the Shogun
always
who, as your most loving brother
named you alone
Protector of his son
.
RICHARD
The Shogun-
may his rest bring him peace-
his Prince
and I
all thank you, Hastings
.
(Hastings bows, and scurries away to catch the procession)
.
BUCKINGHAM
He is faithful
to himself
as we all are
Lord Hastings expects more
from you
than he'll ever get
from Elizabeth
.
RICHARD: And you? Lord Buckingham
.
BUCKINGHAM
Humble Buckingham
serves the Shogun
you mean
to be
.
(Richard laughs loud, and draws a white cloth out into his hand)
.
BUCKINGHAM
Anne
who was wife
to a red-rose Prince
before you killed him
this time will not miss
the crown
.
RICHARD (Drawing his dagger)
Astute of you
And you expect??
.
(Richard slices his palm, and holds it, bloody, toward Buckingham. Buckingham, startled, then answers Richard's gesture by holding out his own hand)
.
BUCKINGHAM
Would the land of...
Kyushu
be too grand a prize?
.
(Richard swiftly slices Buckingham's palm)
.
RICHARD
Not if I hear
my favorite brother Clarence
who's been closed up tight
in Zashiki-ro
these many lonely nights
is dead
,
(Buckingham startled, holds his bloody palm's wrist, looks at Richard)
.
BUCKINGHAM: You want Clarence dead?
.
RICHARD
Blood into blood
hand passes hand
All comes to those
who understand
a cunning partner
is worth
unmeasured land
.
(Richard smacks his palm into Buckingham's. Mie pose)
I iv Dark night. Field (same set, no urns) Riders entering, will cross stage (may be mimed). It is Rivers and Grey, the two brothers of Elizabeth, with a boy, the Prince.
.
PRINCE: When will I be Shogun?
.
RIVERS
As soon
as soon can be
.
PRINCE
That answer's for a child
which I no longer am
Uncle Rivers
.
GREY: You certainly are not
.
PRINCE
Then tell me, Uncle Grey
Who is my enemy?
Who must I hate?
.
(As though on cue, a spear with a banner drops in front of them. All are startled, on guard, draw their weapons)
.
RIVERS: Who's there?
.
HASTINGS (Entering)
No one
you should challenge
Lord Rivers
.
GREY: Hastings?
.
HASTINGS
Not if you're doing
the Shogun's business
.
RIVERS
What do you mean?
The Shogun...died
.
HASTINGS
But you know
he named a Protector
before
.
B
UCKINGHAM: (Entering) Release the Prince
.
RIVERS: I will not. No!
.
(They fight - Rivers, Hastings, Grey, Buckingham, Ninja guards who attend)
.
PRINCE: Uncles, Uncles...!
.
(Richard comes like a whirlwind, wheeling through, knocking all to the ground. Buckingham and Hastings scuttle aside)
.
PRINCE: Uncle?Richard!
.
(Richard comes easily to rest in a Shiva pose)
.
RICHARD: Secure them!
.
(Richard's ninjas brutally secure and exit with Rivers and Grey)
.
PRINCE
Richard...
What are you doing
with my other uncles?
My mother will be angry
with you
.
RICHARD
Good
You know politics
already
.
(Buckingham and Hastings laugh, and fall in formation behind Richard and the Prince, and the interrupted journey continues)
.
RICHARD
It is true
my tender Prince
her brothers
have position
through your mother
Your mother-
you may be glad, child-
is a woman
And a woman
must get position
through a man
For your mother
that man is your father
and he is dead
.
PRINCE
And so...
what will you do
with them?
.
RICHARD (Chuckles)
Quick learner you are
my budding young man
.
PRINCE: Where are we coming to?
.
RICHARD
Ah, see-
your sweet sister Beth
coming to greet you
.
PRINCE
This is Zashiki-ro
I don't like it here
.
BUCKINGHAM: (Exiting) But here you'll be safe
.
HASTINGS: Till you are safely Shogun
.
RICHARD
Call your sister
She's turning aside
.
PRINCE
Are you sure
I should speak to her?
She's only a woman
.
HASTINGS: Come in now, my Prince
.
(Hastings ushers the Prince off as Buckingham runs on. Beth stands at a distance, staring. Richard puts a hand up to welcome her - but she turns swiftly, and leaves)
.
RICHARD: What happened to Beth?
.
BUCKINGHAM: Not good
.
RICHARD: Go bid her come back
.
BUCKINGHAM
She came to visit
Her Uncle Clarence
.
RICHARD: Ahhh, yes, Clarence
.
BUCKINGHAM
And so
she found him-
already dead
.
(KI strikes. Double Mie Pose. Then Richard flips his hand; Buckingham hurries away.)
.
(Richard alone, to audience. He begins humorously, ironic, but winds into a frenzy)
.
RICHARD
Not good at all
So impolite
.
What should I do
with these Uncles?
Uncles everywhere
Tell me when
has any
ever nurtured
the ambition
to be Uncle!
But here we land
dumped side by side
none preferred
none granted any rank
but equal - Uncle!
.
I'll sweep us clean
of Uncles
One by one
remove them swiftly
saving mess
and futile screams
I sweep us clean
Stepping lightly
as I can
on every neck
Such sweet relief
in each fresh "crack"
I sweep us clean!
.
Poor country mine-
mute with your longing
drooping
wasted
weeping for one
strong enough to lead
So from out
this festering stew
I simplify
distill the finest
"He"
The last surviving
Uncle
must be me!
.
(KI strikes. Mie pose)
I v. Palace, raised floor in palace garden. Hastings enters, enjoying sun, birds
.
HASTINGS
Tender petals
will at last unfold
Soon all is well
in every tattered world
The morning
however long coming
must finally answer
the warbling bird
.
(A Lord enters swiftly. [Rivers or Grey actor doubling])
.
LORD
Lord Hastings...
you must not meet
The signs
Are bad today
Great turtle in the west
means danger
.
HASTINGS (Laughs)
Go away
If I worried
over every sign
nothing would ever get done
It's a beautiful morning
The Prince must be crowned
.
LORD
But North Lady's brothers
the Lords Rivers and Grey
both so swiftly killed?
Both done away
.
HASTINGS
These are swift times
my friend
Look within?
Only in quiet
decision
will balance be found
.
(Buckingham enters. Another Lord follows. They all proceed onto the floor and place themselves formally, nervously, for a meeting)
.
BUCKINGHAM: A bright day, Lords
.
LORD
Buckingham, tell us
how feels the Protector today?
.
BUCKINGHAM
Richard?
Sparkling as ever
though matters of state
concern him
naturally
.
HASTINGS
How did North Lady
take the news
.
BUCKINGHAM: The...who?
.
HASTINGS
The Lady of the North - Elizabeth -
of her brothers sudden deaths?
.
BUCKINGHAM (Refusing Elizabeth's title)
Ah, you mean
Elizabeth
the last Shogun's wife!
.
HASTINGS (Uneasy)
You stayed
too long abed
.
BUCKINGHAM
In bed or out
the world does roll
.
(They are seated. Richard enters regally)
.
RICHARD
Good morning, Lords
You all look fresh as dew
.
(Lords all salute him. He takes the head place)
.
LORDS: Richard. Protector of the Prince
.
RICHARD (Cheerfully)
Tod
ay we set the coronation
Yes?
.
BUCKINGHAM
We all know this
Lord Protector
But of who?
.
HASTINGS: Who? The Prince!
.
BUCKINGHAM
I see
you haven't heard
the rumors
.
HASTINGS: What rumors
.
LORD: From Elizabeth's party?
.
BUCKINGHAM: Rumors that our candidate...
.
HASTINGS: Candidate!
.
BUCKINGHAM
does not have blood
that's pure
.
HASTINGS: You're speaking treason!
.
RICHARD (Soothingly)
Peace, peace
Buckingham has merely heard
Elizabeth's marriage is not clear
and by that slip - so sad-
the Prince is illegitimate
.
(Uproar in protest)
.
LORD
Above a whisper
that speech
Is full of danger
.
HASTINGS: Ridiculous!
.
RICHARD
Peace, gentle Lords
Our decision
is a grave one
.
HASTINGS
The Shogun would not name
a son whose title wasn't clear!
.
BUCKINGHAM
Perhaps
a slippery marriage
needed cover
.
HASTINGS: By all my honor - No!
.
(Buckingham turns abruptly to Richard to draw him aside)
.
BUCKINGHAM
Most honorable Richard-
a circumstance
I must relate
to you alone
.
RICHARD (Leaving them)
Consider calmly
Councilors
.
(Buckingham and Richard move away, say nothing, but circle slowly on opposite sides, while watching the others. Lords buzz to each other, nervously)
.
LORD: (Low) Strange...was Richard angry?
.
HASTINGS: Has any of you seen Elizabeth?
.
LORD: I sent him apricots today
.
(As Buckingham and Richard join two Ninja follow them)
.
RICHARD
I am grieved
in my soul
to hear it
Seize the traitor
Now
.
(Ninja move swiftly and take rough hold of Hastings. Lords are thrown off guard)
.
RICHARD
Hastings-
whom I trusted-
has betrayed the state
by keeping secrets
.
HASTINGS: What secrets?
.
RICHARD
Be glad that I
preserve my calm
.
HASTINGS: What secrets!
.
RICHARD
Though you are stained
by such deep treason
in light of former service
I allow you now the honor
to take your life
by seppuku ["hari kari"]
.
(KI strike. Mie pose. All exit quickly in different directions)
I vi. Zashiki-ro. Palace floor tipped to make a wall. Still in a garden, but outside the prison. Elizabeth enters, supported by York. She carries a small red bundle.
.
ELIZABETH
Did they say
that I was
Lady of the North?
If I were Lady of the North
I'd say
"Send in my son"
and he would come
Ahah. It is not so
.
YORK
Did you never look ahead?
And now you know...
Oh - fine primed ambition
and a cloudless day
think they
can sail forever
imagining
no touch of fog
can raze the line
where earth meets sky
High High
.
See - this battered hulk
(Referring to herself)
that bobs afloat
through ages of raging wind
still nosing scraps
of family
borne to shore
Build womanhood on them
.
(They have arrived where a Ninja stands guard, and steps forward to block their way. Anne is entering from another direction)
.
NINJA: You cannot pass beyond
.
ELIZABETH
Of course I may pass
Is this not Zashiki-ro
and do you not know me?
.
YORK: Too well he knows
.
ELIZABETH: I've come to see my son
.
YORK: My grandson, I
.
ANNE: And I, my nephew Prince
.
(Holding out her red bundle)
.
ELIZABETH
I have the royal garment
for him here
.
(The Ninja does not move)
.
YORK: We may not visit-why?
.
NINJA: No one may pass
.
ELIZABETH: (Startled) I hear a laugh!
.
NINJA: What?
.
ELIZABETH
A touch of music
I think I hear his laugh
.
Whose order
can deny me
my own child!
.
NINJA
Only the highest
Protector of the Prince
.
(Anne crumbles, as though struck by a blow to the stomach)
.
YORK: Almighty Richard
.
ANNE: My husband
.
YORK
My last born son
What a blessing
.
ANNE
Stretch up here, Elizabeth
It may be you can
see him play
.
ELIZABETH: (Bewildered) The garment...
.
YORK: ?for the Prince to wear
.
ELIZABETH
So none
who have the joy
to see him
can forget
they are in presence
of the royal heir
.
ANNE
This man-
in kindness-
will take it in
.
YORK: Hah. What kindness
.
ELIZABETH: Will you take it?
.
NINJA: That much I can
.
(As Elizabeth kisses the bundle and hands it to the Ninja, another Ninja comes running. We seem to hear the cry of a child "Mother!" but it may not be real)
.
NINJA 2: The Lady Anne
.
ELIZABETH: I hear him calling me!
.
(Ninja 2 bows in front of Anne)
.
NINJA 2
You're called to be
Lady of the North
.
YORK
North Lady - she?
Elizabeth-
you must hide
Take sanctuary
.
NINJA
Richard command
s
your presence
instantly
The coronation will proceed
.
ANNE: The coronation...how?
.
NINJA
You and he
are to be crowned
He the Shogun
and you his Lady
.
ANNE: Nooo!
.
(Anne gives a gutteral cry, collapses. Mie of all)
END ACT I
ACT TWO
II i Anne wanders out. It becomes gradually clear that she is dying.
.
ANNE
I know it could
have been a dream
but still
I hear him calling
softly
"Lady Lady...Lady...
Why do I hear it
What is the voice
Oh let me rest
Aiieee
.
Lady of the North
she filled my life-
haunting promise
beckoning grin
"You're meant to be
that Lady of all women"
But now I see
that I was only meant
to cradle agonies-
again again
and should I
finally be she
I die
.
I married Richard
Since he touched me
I no longer
touch the ground
but walk some world
between
the one I know
and one I cannot know-
unknown forever-
a creature
made to move
inside of twilight
never laying down my head
but still
awaking never
.
No longer am I one
with those
who taste their food
I cannot say with others
"What a lovely breeze"
as though
my eyes can only see
disaster
that I always knew
was there
.
Richard needs me
that I know
He reaches toward me
suctioning my self
and soul
full off my bones
to nourish him
Each time he wakes
I know
my step is lighter
on the earth
My step is dim
.
(Anne collapses; engulfed by the next scene, she'll drag herself away)
II ii Raised floor full of dancers, celebrating the coronation. All the women may be used, except Anne, and all the men.
.
CHORUS
There is a rhythm
at the center
of the world
we cannot see
.
Hold still and hear it
sink into feeling
the whispering beat
.
MARGARET (Moves apart)
When all was still
within
your breast still
moved
out and in
flowing on the stream
of all
plunging to the sea
knowing - nothing is
that does not
move
with you
.
(Richard, gloriously dressed as Shogun, enters through the center. Dancers yield space to him, but his presence makes them dance more furiously. He strikes a Shiva pose)
.
CHORUS
Dance it down
Pound again
Push the veins
.
RICHARD
Your pulse explodes
like shot in crystal air
a spattered shriek
of bowels
ripped raw from sleep
There is nothing
that I would not dare
When horror floods
your brain
then push it higher
beat the beat
my sweet ones
dance the dream
.
CHORUS
This rhythm came
before the Word
before the You or I
.
RICHARD
Kaleidoscoping
beauty out of
terror's brutal scream
High High!
.
Leaping licking fire
twirl out a world
spun on a snake stick
laughing as it curls
.
MARGARET
Waken to dance
Melt into the sky
For something to be born
something must die
.
(All fall into a bow to Richard, their faces to the floor)
.
CHORUS
High high
Shogun Richard!
.
(Procession, with each coming to bow before Richard individually, begins)
.
RICHARD
You're choosing well
to do me grace
cleaning my footpath
with your face
Hee Hee
Now let me see
How many did I chase
as far as Hell
to get this place
.
(First to bow to him is his mother, York)
.
RICHARD
Is this your blessing?
Spittle under breath
How ungrateful when
I've made you once again
a Shogun's mother
.
You don't begrudge
poor Clarence' death
Between us family
what's another brother
.
(Other Lords bow low to Richard as he continues)
.
RICHARD
Why don't they up
and butcher me?!
Because they love me
They adore?
The more
atrocities I do
the more their admiration
grows
If now I make my stool
in this one's face
he'll swear he sniffs
a rose
To find the evil
men can do
don't search in books
Try bedrooms
backyards
chambers of the church
The worst among you
faint in disbelief
at what grotesque inhuman horrors
simple hearts have worked
.
(Elizabeth comes forward to bow. Her daughter Beth behind, won't move to Richard)
.
RICHARD
Ah Elizabeth
come out from hiding
to wish me...
what?
Happiness and wealth?
My Anne declines
to share
and fades away (so sad)
I require a North Lady in health
Whatever will I do
for heirs?
.
Is that my tender niece
back there
shying so
denying her wares?
.
BETH
I see you, Uncle
clear
.
RICHARD
Beth dear Beth
you risk my temper
Will not bend for me?
Well, well...
I owe you
so you take your fee
.
(Buckingham, the last to approach, bows ostentatiously)
.
BUCKINGHAM: Great Shogun
.
RICHARD (Rises menacing)
&nb
sp; Buckingham
my very closest
friend
.
BUCKINGHAM
All we have achieved
will remind you
of the day
our two bloods kissed
in this...
.
(Buckingham draws out the white cloth bloodied with their pledge)
.
RICHARD: (Furious) All?
.
BUCKINGHAM
Great Lord
you remember
the title you promised
was mine:
Master of all lands
of Kyushu
.
RICHARD
I am Shogun
And foul whisperings say
my closest friend
has wantonly betrayed me
.
BUCKINGHAM: My Lord?how!
.
RICHARD
You didn't think
I'd sniff your trap?
What cleverness you show
.
BUCKINGHAM: (Frightened) What trap?
.
(But Richard instantly flips his mood as though it's forgotten, speaking casually)
.
RICHARD
I have a tickle
just here...
.
(Gestures down his throat)
.
Can you scratch it?
No?
Just so
there's a tiny bit
of something
catches those
who raise their voice
to cheer me
.
BUCKINGHAM: Do you refuse me my land?
.
RICHARD
A niggling bit
You left it there
to rattle in the dark-
this stone
.
BUCKINGHAM
You are Shogun
and we pledged:
my title
for the Shogunate
.
RICHARD
Annoying!
How it tugs me by the neck
chokes up the throat
of my acclaim-
this little stone
.
BUCKINGHAM (Heavily)
What stone...
is in your way
.
RICHARD (Charming)
A mite
for someone of the skill
you show
Just one small prince
inside Zashiki-ro
.
BUCKINGHAM: (Backing away) Great Shogun...
.
RICHARD
We are not
such great friends
then?
.
BUCKINGHAM (Turning aside)
Excuse me please
I must consider
.
RICHARD
Consider
Hah
A heart
that wavers once
is next day
mute
as stone
.
Secure him
.
(Ninja moves, takes hold of Buckingham. Richard rises, draws his sword)
.
RICHARD
The deepest
deeds in service to all
a leader does
alone
.
(KI strikes. Mie pose. Then darkness. Lights cross stage as Ninja drag an unwilling Buckingham. Behind them the palace is dismantled down to the bare prison)
.
NINJA
Come then
You must come
.
BUCKINGHAM
Give me time
This man we serve
must be a devil
Let me speak to him
again
.
NINJA 2
You're misled
most honorable
cheating friend
.
NINJA
Even children know-
a devil
is no more real
than an angel
.
(They disappear with their lights)
II iii Richard sits alone in a dim spot in a pose of meditation.
.
(The Prince, with a short sword, approaches stealthily behind him. He's wearing his long red royal garment, and holds his sword high, pointing at Richard's neck)
.
PRINCE
Your business here!
Or I will stop your life
.
(Richard startled, then breathes, drawing himself taller)
.
RICHARD (Quietly)
You imagine
you can stop my life?
.
PRINCE
Uncle Richard?
Why are you sitting here
cold
and alone
You've come to release me?
.
RICHARD: In time. In time
.
PRINCE: What were you doing
.
RICHARD: Remembering
.
PRINCE
Excuse
my interruption then
I must be on guard
for assassins
.
RICHARD
Will you escape them
when they come?
.
PRINCE
I will
I'm a true Shogun
.
(Richard laughs)
.
PRINCE: What were you remembering?
.
RICHARD
When your grandfather
was young as you...
there was a baby Shogun
left to reign
and round him grew
a swirl of blood
that has not stopped
since then
.
When your father was
as young as you
his father
who was also mine
fighting
in that endless tide of blood
came next in line
for Shogun
but then was born
a baby Prince
.
When I
was young as you
our father in all that blood
was four years drowned
I served your father
in the fight
and so
the flowing blood still grew
into a mighty undertow
and then you see
we slew that Shogun
and his Prince
who was
as young as me
.
(Silence. The Prince watches Richard eagerly, but Richard sits stony, morose)
.
PRINCE: I'll be good as you
.
(Prince stands, making a flourish with his sword)
.
RICHARD You will
.
PRINCE I wear the rose
.
RICHARD
The rose
is potent
beauty
Beware...
.
PRINCE
I am the worthy heir
of my father
and of you
.
RICHARD (Laughs)
I see
Another baby Shogun
.
PRINCE (Angry)
I'm no baby
Do you have your sword?
.
(Richard draws his sword)
.
RICHARD: Oh yes
.
PRINCE: Come then
.
(They fight - the boy against the warrior. They play)
.
RICHARD
This is the dance
my fine young Pri
nce
.
PRINCE: I'll be Shogun!
.
(When Richard finally takes him, it may be surprising, but it is clear, neat murder)
.
RICHARD
A life at war
is no more
sport
than this
.
(Richard kills the Prince. Mie pose)
II iv The instant the Prince is killed, a scream and howling begins and builds into a hurricane. Lights flash bright, then sudden darkness.
.
(Set collapses, and we are in the field [cemetery] again. Richard has stayed center. The Prince is gone. The impression is of a great swirl of wind. Howl continues. Margaret appears in a spot. York and Elizabeth, from other spots, howl-)
.
ELIZABETH / YORK
My son...The child...
My son...The child...
.
(Howling continues behind her as Margaret speaks)
.
MARGARET
That's all
That's all
No more
.
RICHARD: You think so?
.
MARGARET
They gather against you
They come from all sides
The dance will destroy-
end the fire, water, wind
end the man that dares to murder
end the man that kills
.
RICHARD
Stupid women
It's you that set me on
.
ELIZABETH
I prepared a sweet life
set it free
but thirsty fangs
lay waiting
Kill him
Kill!
.
RICHARD
When you all drop still-borns
death is coming soon
Death starts in the womb
.
YORK
My jagged nails
would scrape this womb
to strips of skin
rather than give birth to you
again
Kill him
Kill!
.
RICHARD
Be one
Take part
Together bend
and share your fall
I am the order
all in all
.
MARGARET
Abortive last dregs
of your mother's
worn-out sack
Vomiting precious wine...
.
RICHARD
See the exquisite pattern
snowflake...
.
MARGARET: ?you mutilate your line
.
RICHARD
...follow to where it falls
soft
on the fresh torn
belly of a doe
Crimson splatter
on the snow
I didn't start these wars
.
(York turns on Margaret, grabs her, circles)
.
YORK
No...
It's you
usurping outsider
You
you foreign worm!
.
MARGARET
I had a son
died so
And so did she
and so...
I say no more
.
YORK
You butchered mine before!
.
(Elizabeth grabs York, circling)
.
ELIZABETH
You disdained me
as mate
for your son
and so this other
snake-spawn of yours has...
.
YORK (To Elizabeth)
You common
glutinous fly
You shoved in
your own family
.
RICHARD (Delighted)
How!
Rabid dames
carry on the war
How strange
that only women
stand alive?
Full-grown females
impotence complete
Except to howl
your consequence
is nil
Off-cast would-be
Ladies of the North
you're much too
insignificant
to kill
.
(Yowl, as women fly to attack Richard, then yowl stops abruptly at appearance of Beth.)
.
(Beth stands at a distance, looking young, innocent, holding out her arms. Draped across them is the red royal garment of the Prince. Seeing it, Elizabeth and York drop to kneel face down, keening for the dead Prince. Richard, too, is stunned by the image. Margaret backs away)
.
MARGARET
The forces
gather against you
Richard
It won't be long
.
RICHARD
My angel niece
Elizabeth?
.
(Richard turns his attention from gazing at Beth to her mother, who still kneels. As Richard approaches her to make his move, Margaret, aside, moans for them all)
.
MARGARET
The center of faith
is a desert now
The lord of the animals
roams
extinguishing our forms
all illusions into ash
laughing as we weep
behind his mask
.
(Beth backing off)
.
RICHARD
We must take good care
of your daughter
.
(Elizabeth looks up at Richard, frightened)
.
ELIZABETH: I have no daughter
.
RICHARD: Do not mock me
.
ELIZABETH: None
.
RICHARD: Now that she has no father...
.
ELIZABETH: None!
.
RICHARD
?and I have always been
her loving Uncle
.
ELIZABETH
Loving...
as you were Uncle
to her baby brother?
.
RICHARD (Seductively)
Elizabeth-
you feel the life
that surges new
within
Its essence
is not in myself alone
but centered
in a spark
that flies...between
.
Where should it fly?
Into another house?
.
Sensual contact
is the human's path
into a holy life
Ecstasy
is next to being
God
I must have a wife
.
ELIZABETH
You mean...
You want me to...
.
RICHARD
Not you
Your daughter
.
ELIZABETH: My daughter
.
RICHARD
I want her
for my wife
.
ELIZABETH
You!
Killer of her brother?
Of her uncle?
.
RICHARD: Dear Uncle Clarence
.
ELIZABETH: Killer of her aunt!
.
RICHARD: The Aunt I deny
.
ELIZABETH
You killed your wife Anne
as surely
as you killed my son
.
RICHARD
And I
dear one
&n
bsp; am Shogun
.
So my wife
however blushing
she may be
will still be
Lady of the North
(Close to her)
You labored all your life
to have that place
Why not let it stay
with one of yours?
Rejoice!
You have a daughter
She may have a son
and he may be
another day
Shogun
.
(Pause. Then Elizabeth turns primly, and gives Richard her hand)
.
ELIZABETH (Summoning)
My daughter-
Beth?
.
(The instant Elizabeth turns to the place where Beth stood, with a flash, instead of Beth, there stands the Prince - turning into place, perhaps bloody)
.
ELIZABETH
My son-
his ghost!
.
(Behind the Prince, comes a procession of ghosts - first Anne, then Buckingham, Hastings, Lords, all the company. The Prince speaks as ghosts swirl in behind him)
.
PRINCE
We gasp between
two ages
both cast back to shore
The last - not dead
is dying
The next-
without strength
to be born
.
RICHARD
No!
You breathe no more
Stay there
.
PRINCE: None else is left alive
.
(The ghosts drift swiftly to surround Richard. He counters, terrified)
.
RICHARD
I needed you
and you obliged
dissolving
each after each
into me
thus
molding my career
So now
you cannot hold
this course
The world ends here!
.
PRINCE: There always comes another
.
RICHARD
No!
I've no remorse
There is no turning back
.
PRINCE: Then why do you fear?
.
(Lightning. The ghosts attack Richard. Movement of battle - synthesizer ghost battle. Ghosts create ring of fire. Richard is killed. Total silence. Richard, dead in the center, will slowly revive, to finally appear as Shiva. Anne, Margaret and company softly in chorus speak as the transformation begins to take place- )
.
ANNE
Our native earth
may stain all red
but still
life will renew itself
from clay
Destruction and creation
from earth's core
will rise and flow forth
come what may
.
CHORUS
Take part
in that of which you are
a part
A whisper
in the wind between
the howl of birth and death
Kaleidoscoping beauty
out of terror's brutal scream
.
ANNE
Cold sun slides
without a sound
behind dark mountain
but strikes its flame
again
at dawn
.
(Richard, now become Shiva, begins to dance)
.
CHORUS
There is a rhythm
at the center
of the world
we cannot see
Hold still and hear it
sink into feeling
the whispering beat
.
MARGARET
When all was still
within
your breast still moved
out and in
.
CHORUS
...flowing on the stream
of all
plunging back to sea
.
MARGARET
...knowing
nothing is
that does not move
with you and me
.
ANNE
You need not weep forever
You can find relief
when you learn you are the source
of all your grief
Your demon loses his force
when you remove your belief
You create every evil
you see
.
PRINCE
Believe in joy
and joy is yours
All will be as you see it to be
Evil cannot survive
when you don't keep it alive
with your fear
.
CHORUS
This rhythm came
before the Word
before the You or I
.
PRINCE
Banish fear
and you will fly
Your way is clear
.
ANNE
Dance your dance as lightly
as any girl or boy
Beat your beat in perfect time
marking only joy
.
CHORUS
Waken to dance
melt into the sky
For something to be born
something must die
Waken to dance
Melt into the skies
.
PRINCE
Wherever joy is born
evil dies
.
(Richard, dancing in full splendor, strikes Shiva pose. Final company MIE)
END OF PLAY