Chapter Text
Cast of Characters (by order of appearance)
THE ORACLE: The all-knowing and all-powerful narrator, though she herself is not entirely divorced from the story. She exists in all times, burdened by endless knowledge of what has passed and what is to come, though she cannot claim to know how. It would be easy to presume she lacks compassion, but she wants to see the story reach a happy conclusion as much as anyone.
AHRIMA/THE MYSTERIOUS MAN: A young and ambitious spirit. In his youth, he and his people believed he was capable of anything. He believed in himself and his love above all else. Now, he haunts the aftermath of his own story as a ghost, with no choice but to put his faith in others.
MALKA: An immortal king who artificially extends his life through the sacrifice of others. In his quest for power and his fear of death, he has forgotten himself. The young man who once believed in love is gone, and he’s never coming back.
ADAKIAS: An idealist - the spiritual successor of Ahrima and all he believed in. Adakias has seen all of the wicked injustices the world has to offer, but they refuse to succumb to despair. Though hidden beneath a layer of confidence and bravado is a heart full of self doubt.
PALLIS: Adakias’s sister. She taught them everything she could about the truth of their kingdom as she knew it, and about magic (her hidden gift) before her untimely death. Her loss has had a massive effect on Adakias, and her presence will still be felt throughout the story.
NIDRIA: Princess of Razia. She has struggled her whole life with being in her father’s shadow - not taken seriously and treated more as something to be fretted over and admired than a person and potential ruler of her kingdom. She has faith that her kingdom can see better days and reunite with its other half, and she’ll stop at nothing to prove it.
RIVKA: A loyal handmaiden to the princess. She struggles between her loyalty to Nidria and her respect and fear of the king, but ultimately she will always make the right choice.
THE CHORUS: As a unit, the chorus represents the whole of Razia - disillusioned by centuries of life as they know it, and unsure of change, but never truly malicious. They are who all of this is for, and it must be believable that they’d ultimately be swayed, even if it took some time.
ACT ONE
Setting: A cursed kingdom, split down the middle between the dark and the light. To the left, there is the king’s palace, with a balcony and a window. To the right, a large mountain that can rotate to convey the setting. There is a flex space in the front.
At Rise: A woman enters alone. She affects the stage in some way, rising mountains or directing lighting or something of the sort, before she settles into her place centerstage. She takes a moment to acknowledge the audience before she begins to sing.
[Track One: “Prologue”]
THE ORACLE
THERE’S WORLDS LIKE YOURS
THERE’S WORLDS LIKE OURS
PICTURE A PLACE OF
HOPE AND LOVE, UNTOUCHED
THAT’S RAZIA
OUR HOME
IT’S BOUND BY A WONDROUS FORCE
THAT WE CALL O, O, O, O
(THE CHORUS, the people of an ancient Razia that has long since become a legend, filter in and fill the space. They provide visuals for what THE ORACLE describes.)
THE ORACLE
WHEN THE PRESENCE OF O
IS FORCEFUL ENOUGH
BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE
TWO LOVERS IN LOVE
THEIR PASSION IGNITES
THEIR FIRE TRANSFORMS
AND A CHILD FULL OF LIFE IS BORN
WHEN THE PRESENCE OF O
IS FORCEFUL ENOUGH
BETWEEN TWO PEOPLE
TWO LOVERS IN LOVE
THEIR PASSION IGNITES
THEIR FIRE TRANSFORMS
AND A CHILD FULL OF LIFE IS BORN
THERE'S WORLDS LIKE YOURS
THERE’S WORLDS LIKE OURS
PICTURE A PLACE OF
HOPE AND LOVE, UNTOUCHED
THAT’S RAZIA
OUR HOME
IT’S BOUND BY A WONDROUS FORCE
THAT WE CALL-
JUST LIKE ANY LAND
THERE’S A WORKING CLASS
AND IN STARK CONTRAST
THERE’S A ROYAL CASTE
BUT THE BONDS OF FRIENDSHIP
ARE STRONGLY BOUNDLESS
THEIR ROOTS GREW DEEP
LIKE A HUGE EVERGREEN
(AHRIMA enters, confused and mystified as though he’s being physically pulled into the story. As the song describes him, MALKA enters, too, on the opposite side of the stage. They look at each other, but don’t cross the distance just yet.)
THE ORACLE
AHRIMA, ENTER IT
PILLARS OF RAZIA
BUILD UP HIGH IN THE AIR
THEY WERE A SPECIAL PAIR
THESE TWO BOYS WOULD PROVE TO BE
INSTRUMENTAL IN SHAPING
RAZIA FOR YEARS TO COME
EVERYTHING WILL COME UNDONE
WHEN THINGS UNRAVEL
THEY WILL BOTH BE AT THE FULCRUM
(Throughout the following, THE CHORUS guides AHRIMA and MALKA in a visual, abstract representation of their story. The two have no say in their actions, and appear afraid.)
THE ORACLE
NOW THIS WAS A TIME
OF BALANCE AND BLISS
WHEN BLOODSHED AND MURDER
HAD YET TO EXIST
AND WHERE THE FIRST CORPSE
FELL INTO THE FLOOR
THE WORLD SPLIT APART
RIGHT AT THE CORE
NOW THIS WAS A TIME
OF BALANCE AND BLISS
WHEN BLOODSHED AND MURDER
HAD YET TO EXIST
AND WHERE THE FIRST CORPSE
FELL INTO THE FLOOR
THE WORLD SPLIT APART
RIGHT AT THE CORE
(Now, the lovers are pulled apart, though they reach for each other desperately. All is reset to the beginning.)
THE ORACLE
WE ARE MORE THAN JUST
JUST SOME EAGER BLOOD
NOT SOME AVERAGE BONES
WE BELIEVE IN LOVE
IT’S RAZIA
OUR HOME
IT’S BOUND BY A WONDROUS FORCE
THAT WE CALL O, O, O, O
THE ORACLE
This is the beginning and the end, the rise and the fall. Our gait will begin its saunter at the source, when the infant learns to crawl. Ahrima had always believed he was capable of greatness. As a child, he found refuge in the safety and the solitude of his own workshop, collecting and harnessing the mysterious power of O.
(AHRIMA enters again, and peacefully goes to his desk, which THE CHORUS sets up for him. O manifests in the form of light in a lamp, and he holds it proudly in his hands.)
THE ORACLE
Perhaps, there is another story where Ahrima is our hero - so boundless was he in his ambition, and his love. Perhaps, there was a single choice or action that could have saved our kingdom from the fate it endured for so many long and arduous years. But, it was not to be. His story began the same as many tragedies told throughout time: with two young and innocent people in a chance encounter, destined to fall in love.
(MALKA enters, stumbling into AHRIMA’S workshop by accident. AHRIMA, embarrassed, hurries to hide his work.)
MALKA
Excuse me! I’m terribly sorry - I didn't think anyone would be here. I only thought the wood in this workshop might be salvageable to take home to my family. I should have known someone else would have found it first.
AHRIMA
Please, you’ve done nothing wrong. I don’t own this place anymore than you do. I found it one day and thought to repurpose it, but it’s nothing more than ruins, still.
MALKA
I hardly think so. You’ve made it into something beautiful. (He looks around, notices that AHRIMA hides something behind his back.) Beautiful and secret. I’ll be on my way, if you wish.
AHRIMA
It’s quite alright. You really think it’s beautiful?
MALKA
I do.
AHRIMA
Tell me - have you heard of O?
MALKA
O? (He laughs, embarrassed.) I suppose I have. It powers the world, they say, pushes people to do things they’d not have done otherwise. Why?
(AHRIMA humbly reveals his work, a brightly lit lantern. MALKA gawks at it, amazed.)
AHRIMA
What if I told you that I can harness it?
MALKA
It’s extraordinary. (He looks AHRIMA in the eyes.) How is it done?
THE ORACLE
For many months to come, the two would meet in secret, unraveling the mysteries of O. In time, Malka grew adept at harnessing it, too, though never so much as his partner, who became capable of feats that could only be described as miracles. With Malka’s help and support, the people began to understand the beauty in what he could do, and Ahrima’s talents quickly became the most sought after in the kingdom.
They asked him for the clouds to part ways for the sun to shine, and to coax the rain to pour. They asked him to soothe wounds and fears, and to heal the sick. And more often than that, they asked him for miracles of love. He guided lost loved ones home to their families, he changed the hearts of the most disproving of parents. He mended broken hearts and again and again sent O in the direction of those who needed it. These, above all others, were his most favorite miracles to perform, for he had begun to understand love and appreciate it for the very first time.
He and Malka were inseparable, and it seemed they would stay that way forever. I hope you might believe me when I tell you how desperately I wish that they had.
(TOWNSPERSON enters from within THE CHORUS and kneels before AHRIMA and MALKA, starstruck.)
TOWNSPERSON
Ahrima! It is most wonderful to meet you, sir.
AHRIMA
We are pleased to meet you, as well. What is it that you wish?
TOWNSPERSON
I come not only for myself, but for all the people of Razia. We believe that you and you alone have the power to do this, or else I’d not have come all this way. It will sound an impossible task, but I assure you-
MALKA
What is it that you wish, good man? We cannot speak to our abilities to grant a wish we do not know.
(AHRIMA puts a hand on MALKA’S shoulder and he relaxes. He nods at TOWNSPERSON to continue.)
TOWNSPERSON
My apologies. I will be more forthcoming. Every Winter, the freezing winds come to bring destruction and wreckage upon our lands. But, when the Summer Sun is high in the sky, all is brilliant and wonderful in the world, and children flood the streets to dance in its golden light. We have come to ask you, then - and I truly believe it must be possible - to stop the sun in the sky, and keep it from leaving us again.
THE ORACLE
At first, Ahrima refused, and dismissed the request for the impossible task it was - for he knew the delicate balance of the world was not to be trifled with. But, Malka had seen him do the impossible time and time again, and he saw no reason why this should be his limit. Ahrima grew frustrated - his gifts had been exhausted. Oh, how they’d misused them! But, still he relented to his love and tried as well as he could to perform this miracle. For thirty days, he stood atop the mountain of Razia and begged for the sun to stay, but it moved further and further away from him each night, only to rise again in the morning and mock him for his inadequacies.
Meanwhile, Malka carried on his work at home, crafting miracles of O for the kingdom’s people. When Ahrima returned home from his failure, he expected to be met with sympathetic eyes and welcoming arms, but none were turned toward him. In this moment of great exhaustion and anger, he erupted in a vicious display of power, the O lashing out and hurting all of those who were near him. When Malka ran out to meet him, Ahrima collapsed into his arms, and swore never to use the powers of O again.
Years passed, and unbeknownst to him, Malka’s fascination with the power only grew.
(In the workshop, AHRIMA lounges on the ground, dozing off beside a working MALKA, who’s creating something on the desk.)
MALKA
Ahrima… Ahrima, love?
AHRIMA
Hm?
MALKA
I’ve been thinking of that night.
AHRIMA
What night, dearest? (Off of MALKA’S serious look, he wakes up a bit.) That night?
MALKA
Truthfully, it hasn’t left my mind.
AHRIMA
(gravely) Nor mine.
MALKA
I’ve been thinking… We might not have even scratched the surface of what O is capable of - what we are capable of.
AHRIMA
It’s better that way. Just as much as it is capable of good, so too is it capable of great evil. We saw as much ourselves. I never should have meddled so with things I didn’t understand.
MALKA
Don’t say that. Never say that. You brought people back from death’s door! You shone a light into the darkness! You-
AHRIMA
Malka… What is this about?
MALKA
I know you don’t want to use it again-
AHRIMA
I won’t.
MALKA
But, will you listen to what I have to say?
AHRIMA
I… of course, Malka. Of course.
MALKA
We were thinking of it all wrong. O isn’t love. Or at least, it isn’t only love. O is life. And as there is endless O, there is endless life , if we can only learn how to reach out and take it.
AHRIMA
What are you saying?
MALKA
Wouldn’t you like to stay together forever? To never be parted, even as the sun itself dies out?
AHRIMA
You can’t mean that. You can’t. After all I did trying to meddle with the universe, all the nights you spent consoling me when I could dream only of the people I hurt?
MALKA
No one would have to get hurt. That’s precisely what I’m trying to prevent. Can’t you see that?
AHRIMA
Malka, I can’t stand with you in this. I’m sorry, truly I am, but I can’t. Please don’t make me stand against you.
(When MALKA doesn’t relent, AHRIMA gets on his knees before him and takes his hand.)
AHRIMA
Please.
MALKA
Alright, Ahrima. Alright.
THE ORACLE
And Ahrima trusted him. Even as Malka remained in their workshop late into the night, he did not ask after his purpose, for he had received his word, and would not believe that his love might betray him. Malka, for his own part, was certain Ahrima would change his mind when he saw that he had been right, and the doubt his love displayed only served to push him further into his studies. There was no going back.
When that fateful day came, I was here watching the skies, waiting for a sign from the stars. Malka and his most loyal followers were standing atop Razia and preparing to achieve the impossible.
AHRIMA
Malka!
THE ORACLE
Malka turned with a start.
MALKA
Ahrima. You shouldn't be here.
AHRIMA
I heard what you would do. What you would lead these people to. Malka, you promised me- you swore to me you wouldn't do this.
MALKA
I made no such promise. I said only that I would not make you stand against me. You still don't have to; that remains true and has always been true.
AHRIMA
And to bring these people into this… They cannot possibly understand what's at risk.
MALKA
It's you who doesn't understand. We are going to make something beautiful.
THE ORACLE
Ahrima ran toward him, but Malka held his hand aloft, holding his love in place with the force of all that was between them, a force of O stronger than any in all of Razia. But, at that moment they both knew how close it was to breaking.
AHRIMA
Please, Malka. I don't want to lose you.
MALKA
And I refuse to lose you . For both of our sakes, Ahrima… stay. Back!
(MALKA forces his hand out and there is a bright flash of light. AHRIMA clutches his chest and collapses to the ground.)
MALKA
No! (He rushes to him.) Ahrima, no! Come back to me, please!
THE ORACLE
And it was here where I reached out my hand to intervene. To use the power of O to strike out and kill another, even unintentionally, was an act that could not go unpunished. In the place where the two lovers lay in the scene of anguish you see before you, the mountain split. The sky turned dark. The very ground crumbled and shifted beneath them. I harnessed the powers of O to split Razia in two - one half would be the light, and the other would be the dark, a suitable prison for those who had gone against the order of the world.
But at the last moment, Malka escaped me. He released Ahrima and leapt across the barrier into the world of light without a single look back. With all of my energy spent, I could only watch his back disappear into the mist. I cradled Ahrima like he was my own child, and I carried him home.
As I watched the years pass by, Malka’s youth remained. Though he had not meant to, he had taken Ahrima’s O for himself, and his face was a frozen image of the day he had betrayed him. Ignorant of the shame in his heart, the people looked with amazement at what he had accomplished. With no one else left who could do what he could, he soon became the beloved king of Razia, and reigns as such to this day, one thousand years later.
As for his followers, the ones who became the denizens of the dark, they could not harness the true O like he could. So, instead they constructed an enormous factory which manufactured an artificial O, one that functioned as a power source. It lit the dark streets, powered mighty engines, and made cold homes warm again. It was not the kingdom of glittering streets and tall green trees they had lost, but from then on, it was all they knew.
It is in this kingdom, all these years later, where we find two siblings, huddled together by the light of the lamp and reading from a storybook.
(THE CHORUS, MALKA, and AHRIMA fade away and leave the stage. The dim light reveals ADAKIAS and PALLIS sitting on the ground. THE ORACLE remains, watching them from a distance.)
ADAKIAS
But how could he do that, Pallis? I don't understand.
PALLIS
Love is complicated, Adakias. You’ll understand one day.
ADAKIAS
I hope I never do. When I fall in love, it’s going to be the most beautiful thing in the world! It’s going to change everything.
PALLIS
Oh, is that right?
ADAKIAS
I’m certain of it! You can doubt me now, but someday you’ll see it for yourself.
PALLIS
I'm sure I will. Now, settle down, will you? I'm not finished yet.
(ADAKIAS leans against their sister and reads over her shoulder.)
PALLIS
(reading) “From this sacrifice, the great kingdom of Razia came to be: a shining home to all of the light. Here, every worry or fear is washed away, for no trouble could ever hope to dwell in this sparkling kingdom of truest perfection.” (She makes a face, and ADAKIAS laughs. She reads on.) “But what of its sister kingdom, lost in the dark and the cold? For us, all hope is not yet lost, for The Oracle told of a prophecy that would unite the two kingdoms as one again:”
[Track Two: “Prophecy”]
LIFETIMES FROM NOW THERE WILL BE
TWO CHOSEN
BOUND TO MEET
IN HER LOCK THEY'LL TURN THE KEY
ADAKIAS
THEIR TRUE LOVE
WILL BE STRONG ENOUGH
TO ERASE THE WRONG WE’VE DONE
THE DARK AND LIGHT
WILL BECOME ONE
PALLIS/ADAKIAS
THEIR TRUE LOVE
WILL BE STRONG ENOUGH
TO ERASE THE WRONG WE’VE DONE
THE DARK AND LIGHT WILL BECOME ONE
ADAKIAS
It’s going to be me.
PALLIS
(Laughs) Maybe, Adakias. Maybe.
ADAKIAS
What about you? Don't you ever feel like you've been destined for something bigger than your skin?
PALLIS
No.
ADAKIAS
Come on, of course you do! Doesn't everyone?
PALLIS
(After a pause) Can you keep a secret?
ADAKIAS
(Gasps) Yes, yes, yes, yes! Tell me!
PALLIS
I'm serious, Adakias. No one can ever know about this, understand? Promise me.
(ADAKIAS nods. PALLIS takes a thorough look around, then holds out her hand. A light appears in an empty lamp. It flickers a moment, then goes out.)
ADAKIAS
What was that?
PALLIS
That… was O. The true O, from the stories.
ADAKIAS
It came back?
PALLIS
It never left.
ADAKIAS
And you can wield it? You?
PALLIS
For a moment or two, yes.
ADAKIAS
That's incredible, Pallis! How come you never told me?
PALLIS
Adakias, listen to me, and listen to me well. This place, the life we lead here… I wouldn't trade it for anything. I have you, and even without Mother or Father, I've managed to put food on the table. I'll always be happy with that. But, even still, it's not all there is. Even if this is my future, it doesn’t have to be yours. Will you promise me you'll never stop believing in that… “something more” you're always going on about?
(ADAKIAS hugs her. PALLIS hugs them back, tightly.)
ADAKIAS
We’re going to see the sun one day.
THE ORACLE
When I took that fateful action all those years ago, I never envisioned the consequences it would wreak on the lives of these people. These two children, children who shared the dream I had for this kingdom when I watched its creation, would face more hardship and injustice than any person should in a lifetime. Perhaps to believe in destiny, as I do, one has no choice but to believe that terrible things are meant to happen just as much as the good. It would never matter. I look upon all that befell this kingdom when there was nothing I could do to stop it, and I weep.
Before long, Pallis’s gifts were discovered, and she was brought before the rulers of the dark and given a swift and unthinkable punishment. Adakias was left alone with a book, an empty lantern, and a promise which echoed through their head like a distant song in a cave.
But, they refused to let this kill their spirit. Though they were laughed at, fitted with an unfavorable grafted cast for a foolish dreamer, a romance seeker, they spoke to anyone who would listen of the prophecy, and the true O. Their sister was gone, but her words would not die with her. They would live on in the heart of her sibling until the day they set their weary head down.
(THE CHORUS returns and ADAKIAS, still a child, is turned away from multiple groups of them. They duck under a crowd and emerge as their adult self, trying once more before finding themself center stage in front of a crowd.)
[Track Three: “Make Believe”]
ADAKIAS
WHERE THERE’S NO
FACTORY OR WARDENS TO PLEASE
TREES, THEY’VE GOT LEAVES
EVERYTHING’S GREEN
(THE CHORUS scoffs and turns from them, but they’re not deterred. They find another crowd, and another, and another.)
ADAKIAS
NO WIRES AND STRINGS
WITH BULBS BUZZING
NO SMOKE IN THE SKY
JUST STARS THAT SHINE
THERE’S LIGHT EVERYWHERE
SUN FILLS THE AIR
NO DARK CORNER UNSCATHED
NO SHADOW IS SAFE
(ADAKIAS runs downstage center and instead appeals to the audience.)
ADAKIAS
HIGH ABOVE THE CHIMNEY TOPS
SOMEWHERE OFF IN THE SKY
THERE’S A BURNING SUN FOR US
THAT SOMEDAY I WILL GO AND FIND
BUT UNTIL THAT DAY
IT FEELS SO FAR AWAY
THERE’S SONGS BEING SUNG
FRESH AIR IN YOUR LUNGS
THE BIRD’S NEST HAVE EGGS, NOT COBWEBS
NO ONE GOES TO SLEEP WITH NOTHING TO EAT
NO ONE’S KEEPING SCORE
NO VOICES IGNORED
NO ORPHANS WHO MISS
THEIR MOM AND DAD’S KISS
(ADAKIAS finds the mountain of Razia and begins to climb to the top.)
ADAKIAS
HIGH ABOVE THESE CRUMBLING ROOFS
SOMEWHERE PAST THE MOUNTAIN TOPS
THERE’S A BETTER LIFE FOR US
THAT SOMEDAY WE WILL COME ACROSS
BUT TILL OUR EXIT’S EVE, I’LL JUST MAKE BELIEVE
I’LL PLAY PRETEND
I’LL MAKE BELIEVE
I’LL IMAGINE A WORLD
WHERE I’M HAPPY AND NAIVE
I’LL PUT ON A SHOW
AND PERFORM MY PART TO PLAY
THERE MUST BE MORE THAN THIS
AND THERE IS, I JUST KNOW
THAT I WAS MEANT TO GO
UNTIL THEN, I’LL JUST PLAY PRETEND
(ADAKIAS sits and looks down upon their kingdom. PALLIS appears behind them and puts a hand on their shoulder. They breathe in and sigh, and the mountain turns to reveal the kingdom of light.)
THE ORACLE
Elsewhere, in the kingdom of light, there was a rumor.
(A small group of citizens gathers outside of the palace, not seeing NIDRIA, who listens in from her window.)
CITIZEN #1
I don’t believe it for a moment.
CITIZEN #2
Believe me or not, it’s the truth.
CITIZEN #3
Then, the king really-?
CITIZENS #1 & #2
Shh!
(They quiet down, so that the audience can no longer hear them. NIDRIA disappears from her window and reappears outside, hiding herself as she listens in.)
CITIZEN #3
But, if the king is truly aging, then what will become of the kingdom?
CITIZEN #2
Well, the kingdom has an heir, does it not?
(A brief pause. NIDRIA understands they’re talking about her and she looks shocked. After a moment, the citizens erupt in cruel laughter.)
CITIZEN #1
That prim and proper little thing?
CITIZEN #2
Perhaps this kingdom truly is destined to fall to ruin.
(NIDRIA shakes her head and emerges from her hiding place, head held high. As she passes the CITIZENS, they bow to her, but none hide their scorn.)
[Track Four: “Father’s Daughter”]
NIDRIA
HEAR THE BUSTLING SQUARE
SUNLIGHT FILLS THE AIR
THE BAKERS BAKE, THE PEDDLERS TRADE
THE BLACKSMITHS FORGE THE BUTCHER’S BLADE
BUT WHEN THEY LOOK AT ME
ALL THEY SEE IS A GIRL ON DISPLAY
CITIZEN #3
DOES THE KING KNOW HER WHEREABOUTS?
CITIZEN #1
SHE SHOULDN’T BE WANDERING THIS CROWD
CITIZENS
NIDRIA IS NOT LIKE US
SHE IS FROM THE UPPER CRUST
(NIDRIA breaks free from their gaze and appeals to the audience, in the same spot as ADAKIAS)
NIDRIA
I’LL SHOW THEM WHO I REALLY AM
THEY’LL UNDERSTAND
THAT THOUGH I LOVE MY FATHER
I’M MORE THAN JUST HIS DAUGHTER
I’LL LET MY VOICE BE KNOWN
MAYBE THEN I WON’T FEEL SO ALONE
AND DON’T YOU EVER WONDER
WHAT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE MOUNTAIN PASS
OUR OTHER HALF?
THERE MUST BE SOMETHING MORE
A LIFE LEFT TO EXPLORE
ON THE DAY I TAKE THE CROWN
I’LL SAY “TRUST IN O,
IT’S ALL AROUND”
WITH BATED BREATH,
THEY’LL EXPECT A PRINCESS
AND THIS IS WHAT THEY’LL GET
CITIZEN #2
DO YOU THINK SHE CAN FILL HIS SHOES?
CITIZEN #1
I WOULDN’T DARE TO BET MY BOOTS
CITIZENS
SHE’S NEVER WORKED A DAY IN HER LIFE
HOW COULD SHE EVER LEAD THE LIGHT?
NIDRIA
I’LL SHOW THEM WHO I REALLY AM
THEY’LL UNDERSTAND
(NIDRIA turns directly to the CITIZENS and appeals to them as they kneel. It almost looks like they might be listening to her.)
NIDRIA
DON’T YOU EVER WONDER
WHAT IS ON THE OTHER SIDE
OF THE MOUNTAIN PASS
OUR OTHER HALF?
AND THOUGH I LOVE MY FATHER
I’M MORE THAN JUST HIS DAUGHTER
I’LL MAKE MY VOICE BE KNOWN
I WON’T FEEL SO ALONE
(At her dismissal, the people clear out. NIDRIA looks up to the mountain, then finds a river and looks into her reflection.)
NIDRIA
ONE DAY I WILL BE
THE QUEEN OF THE LIGHT
SO WHY DO I THEN FIND MY MIND
WISHING FOR A DIFFERENT LIFE?
ALL I HAVE IS O
AND THIS FEELING THAT I KNOW
WHAT’S BEYOND THESE WALLS OF STONE
IT’S IN MY BONES
ALL I HAVE IS O
AND THIS FEELING THAT I KNOW
WHAT’S BEYOND THESE WALLS OF STONE
ONE DAY I’LL KNOW
(A lone CITIZEN passes by and she is torn from her thoughts. NIDRIA bows her head to them respectfully and then turns her gaze back to the mountain. The mountain rotates to show NIDRIA and ADAKIAS on both halves, looking out. THE ORACLE steps into the center.)
THE ORACLE
Two hearts, which pined for something beyond themselves, a life which would bring them the meaning they’d been searching so desperately for.
(MALKA emerges onto the palace’s balcony, looking down upon his daughter.)
THE ORACLE
A kingdom split in two, the land of the light which shed a dark shadow of the past upon the land of the dark. A selfish and bitter king who has forgotten all but his hunger and pursuit of power.
(THE CHORUS fills in on both sides.)
THE ORACLE
And a people, who, though they may not even understand it themselves, are waiting, watching, desperately hoping for an end to their sorrows. They are waiting for Razia, their home, to finally become whole again, and to give them a reason to dream.
(A lone spotlight shines upon THE ORACLE, who now appears alone onstage. She looks out at the audience, unsure of herself, almost ashamed.)
THE ORACLE
And me… (She looks away.) I will leave you here, for now. I cannot claim to know what you might think of me now. But, what I will ask is that you watch what is to come with an open mind and an open heart. And to remember, the unrelenting constancy of love and hope will rescue and restore you from any scope.
(The spotlight leaves THE ORACLE as she exits, but as she goes, she passes by THE MYSTERIOUS MAN, who seems to appear out of nowhere. He takes a close look at the scene before him, and then ducks behind the mountain, which rotates to put us in the kingdom of the dark. ADAKIAS is gazing off into the distance at work as the assembly line moves past. THE MYSTERIOUS MAN reappears and sees them. He watches for a moment with his arms crossed.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Adakias.
ADAKIAS
(With a start, scrambles to get back to work.) I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to-
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Just what is it you’re looking at all the time?
ADAKIAS
It’s not that I’m looking, just… thinking. It won't happen again, I swear.
(MYSTERIOUS MAN steps closer and looks out the window where ADAKIAS was looking, curious. ADAKIAS keeps working, determined not to get tricked.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
There’s nothing out there, you know. Only that old mountain.
ADAKIAS
The mountain isn't “nothing.”
MYSTERIOUS MAN
No?
ADAKIAS
It’s the barrier. Between our world and the other. Someone will cross it one day and reunite our lands. Or so they say.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
And that “someone” is… you, I gather?
(ADAKIAS, suspicious, looks more closely at the man. He meets their gaze.)
ADAKIAS
Who are you?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
A curious soul, like yourself.
ADAKIAS
You’re not… my boss?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
(Laughs) I’m the boss of no one, Adakias.
ADAKIAS
How do you know me, then? I’m not anyone important.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
You and I both know that isn’t true. You’re more than what this world would make of you. You are your sister’s sibling, after all.
ADAKIAS
She was the special one. Whatever you want with me, you’re too late. She’s gone.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Taken from you too soon.
ADAKIAS
Yes.
(ADAKIAS puts down their work and gives MYSTERIOUS MAN a searching look. Despite the man’s offputting nature, they find what they’re looking for.)
ADAKIAS
She believed there was a bright world out there waiting for us, beyond what we’ve resigned ourselves to. She believed the O we create is-
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Yes, yes, yes, but what about you, Adakias? You must understand that you’re not like the rest!
ADAKIAS
What is it you want from me?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
The truth, Adakias! I seek only the truth. What do you believe?
[Track Five: “The Mysterious Man”]
ADAKIAS
WHEN I LOOK UP AT THE STARS
I CAN’T HELP THE FEELING
THAT THERE’S SOMETHING BIGGER AT STAKE
MY PURPOSE HERE IS FLEETING
I WAS MEANT FOR SOMETHING MORE
MY HEART TELLS ME TO RUN
THEY WERE ALL MEANT FOR THE DARK
I WAS MEANT TO SEE THE SUN
DON’T YOU EVER
FEEL LIKE YOU’VE BEEN DESTINED
FOR SOMETHING BIGGER THAN YOUR SKIN?
SOMEDAY, I’LL JUST GO
(Suddenly, MYSTERIOUS MAN seizes ADAKIAS by the shoulders and moves them backwards out of the factory. They pass through the busy streets and past the dark kingdom’s citizens until they reach the base of the mountain. When they’re released, ADAKIAS leans forward and catches their breath, frightened.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
THEY CALL YOU A DREAMER
SAY YOU’RE STARRY-EYED
FIX YOU WITH A LEVER
ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE
JUST A FOOLISH ORPHAN
CARELESS TROUBADOUR
IF YOU CROSS THE MOUNTAIN
YOU’LL FIND WHAT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR
ADAKIAS
I don’t understand. Cross the mountains? Why me, why now, why-?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
YOU HAVE A SPECIAL GIFT
AND ONCE YOU STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS
YOU WILL DISCOVER
WHAT YOU ALREADY KNOW
IT’S O, O,
OH, IT’S THE FEELING IN YOUR CHEST
ONE YOU CAN’T EXPRESS
IT’S EVERY DREAM YOU EVER DREAMT
IT’S YOUR BIRTH AND IT’S YOUR DEATH
IT’S ALL YOU ARE
EACH AND EVERY BREATH
ADAKIAS
What do you know of O?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
More than you’ll ever know.
ADAKIAS
Show me.
(MYSTERIOUS MAN demonstrates his prowess with O, flickering lights, shaping the world. ADAKIAS gasps in awe and falls to their knees. For a moment, MYSTERIOUS MAN is instead PALLIS, laughing and showing her sibling a trick. She stays on stage during the following, a vision of the past.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
YOU TRIED TO TELL THEM
WARN THEM OF THE FLAWS
IN THEIR CRUMBLING SYSTEM
AND NOW SHE IS GONE
THEY KILLED YOUR SISTER
THEY STARED IN AWE
SHE’LL ALWAYS BE WITH YOU
WELL, NOW’S YOUR CHANCE
TO AVENGE YOUR LOSS
(PALLIS helps ADAKIAS to their feet, nods at them encouragingly. ADAKIAS looks up at the mountain, then…)
ADAKIAS
I HAVE A SPECIAL GIFT
AND ONCE I STEP OUT OF THE DARKNESS
I WILL DISCOVER
WHAT I ALREADY KNOW
IT’S O, O,
OH, IT’S THE FEELING IN MY CHEST
IT'S THE WORDS I CAN’T EXPRESS
IT’S EVERY DREAM I EVER DREAMT
IT’S MY BIRTH AND IT’S MY DEATH
IT’S ALL I AM
EACH AND EVERY BREATH
(Members of THE CHORUS appear behind MYSTERIOUS MAN, urgently speaking his words for him.)
THE CHORUS
YOU MUST STOP HIM
CROSS RAZIA QUICKLY
GO NOW! DON’T STOP!
THEY UNDERESTIMATE
YOU AND YOUR GIFT
BREAK THIS CURSE UPON ME
FREE ME FROM MY BODY
BREAK THIS CURSE UPON ME
LET ME REST IN PEACE
(Then… they vanish, with ADAKIAS and PALLIS left alone. She takes their hand.)
[Track Six: “Life is Looking Up”]
ADAKIAS
COULD THIS BE THE DAY
I HAVE WAITED FOR
WHEN MY WAY WITH O
DOESN’T GO IGNORED?
MAYBE SHE WAS RIGHT
THEY WILL REALIZE
I CAN CHANGE THIS WORLD
OPEN ALL THEIR EYES
I KNOW I AM MORE
THAN SOME EAGER BLOOD
NOT SOME AVERAGE BONES
I BELIEVE IN LOVE
I JUST WANNA PROVE
I DESERVE THIS GIFT
I WILL CHANGE THIS WORLD
MAYBE THIS IS IT
(PALLIS gives them a boost for their first step as they start to climb the mountain together. With each new step, the lights flash.)
THE CHORUS
THIS IS MY FATE
ADAKIAS
I CAN ALMOST HEAR EM SAY
(THE CHORUS floods onstage, proudly watching ADAKIAS climb from below.)
THE CHORUS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
ADAKIAS
LET IT BURN SO BRIGHT
THE CHORUS
OPEN ALL OUR EYES
ADAKIAS
SHOWER US IN LIGHT
THE CHORUS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
ADAKIAS
LET IT BURN SO BRIGHT
THE CHORUS
SET THE SKY ABLAZE
FILL THE NIGHT WITH PAINT
SMOTHER ALL THE SHADE
FLUTTER THROUGH MY BLOOD
BREATHE IT THROUGH MY LUNGS
GIVE US ALL YOUR LOVE
ADAKIAS
I KNOW I AM MORE
THAN SOME EAGER BLOOD
NOT SOME AVERAGE BONES
I BELIEVE IN LOVE
I KNOW I WILL PROVE
I DESERVE THIS GIFT
I WILL CHANGE THIS WORLD
BABY THIS IS IT
I CAN SEE IT NOW
FLOATING LIKE A DREAM
HIGH ABOVE MY HEAD
PERFECT SYMMETRY
LINES IN HARMONY
I CAN SEE THE DARK
WHEN THEY SEE MY MARK
I CAN HEAR THEM SAY
THE CHORUS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
ADAKIAS
LET IT BURN SO BRIGHT
THE CHORUS
OPEN ALL OUR EYES
ADAKIAS
SHOWER US IN LIGHT
THE CHORUS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
ADAKIAS
LET IT BURN SO BRIGHT
THE CHORUS
SET THE SKY ABLAZE
FILL THE NIGHT WITH PAINT
SMOTHER ALL THE SHADE
FLUTTER THROUGH MY BLOOD
BREATHE IT THROUGH MY LUNGS
GIVE US ALL YOUR LOVE
(ADAKIAS reaches the top of the mountain and takes a moment to catch their breath. PALLIS attempts to communicate with them, but she can’t speak. ADAKIAS interprets her words for her.)
ADAKIAS
DREAM LIKE YOUR EYES ARE CLOSED
CAN YOU FEEL IT
IN YOUR BONES?
THE CHORUS
ALL THE PLANS PIROUETTE
RIGHT THROUGH MY MIND, BECOME SET
THE LINES BECOME DEFINITE
GLOWING HUES FILL THIS VIGNETTE
ADAKIAS
OH, DREAM LIKE YOUR EYES ARE CLOSED
CAN YOU FEEL IT
IN YOUR BONES?
DREAM LIKE YOUR EYES ARE CLOSED
CAN YOU FEEL IT
IN YOUR BONES? OH
THE CHORUS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
OPEN ALL OUR EYES
ADAKIAS
SHOWER US IN LIGHT
THE CHORUS/ADAKIAS
LET THE LIGHT SHINE
ADAKIAS
LET IT BURN SO BRIGHT
THE CHORUS/ADAKIAS
SET THE SKY ABLAZE
FILL THE NIGHT WITH PAINT
SMOTHER ALL THE SHADE
FLUTTER THROUGH MY BLOOD
BREATHE IT THROUGH MY LUNGS
GIVE US ALL YOUR LOVE
(The mountain turns to bring us to the kingdom of light. MALKA emerges onto the palace’s balcony and watches as they climb down. As ADAKIAS starts to descend, they turn around to realize that PALLIS is no longer following them. Once their feet touch the ground, the lights on the balcony flash twice and MALKA turns to look. When he turns back, ADAKIAS has exited the stage.)
MALKA
Oh, Ahrima… we have company.
(As MALKA goes back inside, MYSTERIOUS MAN emerges from the edge of the stage to look up at him. He starts to step closer, but he’s interrupted when NIDRIA enters walking past him. He returns to the shadows.)
NIDRIA
You can do this, Nidria. All you have to do is bend his ear for a moment. Just a moment! If he’ll listen to anyone, he’ll listen to you.
(She stops as she hears snickering from a couple members of THE CHORUS nearby. She shakes her head and brushes it off.)
NIDRIA
You’re his daughter, after all.
(At the palace gates, NIDRIA is ambushed by RIVKA, her handmaiden.)
RIVKA
Where have you been?
NIDRIA
Rivka. I didn’t think you would notice I was gone.
RIVKA
It’s my job to notice everything you do, Princess. You’ve been gone since lunch. Where?
NIDRIA
I’ve only been getting a good look at my kingdom. Familiarizing myself with the land before I am to inherit it.
RIVKA
Before you-? Now, where in the world did you get an idea like that?
NIDRIA
It’s all anyone is talking about! They say Father has started to… to grow old.
(RIVKA gasps and pulls her inside. The lights shift to bring us indoors.)
RIVKA
You should know better than to speak such rumors aloud.
NIDRIA
I’m sorry. I don’t mean to get you in trouble. But, you’ve heard them too, haven’t you?
RIVKA
Even if I had, that is not something I would discuss with you.
NIDRIA
(Quietly) You have heard them.
RIVKA
Come along, Nidria, you’ve hardly given me enough time to prepare you for dinner. The king will be expecting you, and there can’t be a trace left of your… adventure.
NIDRIA
Father will be at dinner tonight?
RIVKA
But, of course he will. It’s nearly your birthday.
NIDRIA
That’s perfect! I was hoping I could speak with him.
(They arrive at NIDRIA’S bedroom and RIVKA gathers NIDRIA’S clothes. NIDRIA goes behind a screen to get changed.)
RIVKA
Can you promise me something, child?
(NIDRIA comes out from behind the screen with her corset unlaced. RIVKA laces it as they talk.)
NIDRIA
What is it, Rivka?
RIVKA
Whatever this word is you wish to have with the king, I would ask that you at least try not to cause any trouble.
NIDRIA
And what “trouble” do you think I would cause?
RIVKA
You and I know very well that the king does not always respond well to your… ideas about things. He has lived for many years, and brought such light to this kingdom. He would never leave us to the darkness, not without some vision for us.
NIDRIA
Well… yes, but-
(RIVKA helps her get into her new dress and starts on her hair.)
RIVKA
Are you worried for your father?
NIDRIA
Of course not. I know what he’s capable of.
RIVKA
Then, what is it?
NIDRIA
I… It’s only that…
RIVKA
Yes…?
NIDRIA
Would you keep a secret?
RIVKA
I suppose…
NIDRIA
Sometimes, I feel like I just wasn’t meant for this life.
RIVKA
You cannot say that, child. Just what other life would you be meant for?
NIDRIA
I don’t know. Something meaningful, grand, bigger than myself.
RIVKA
Is that right?
NIDRIA
Don’t you feel the same way? What would you do if you weren’t bound to this life?
RIVKA
I’m not “bound” to anything.
NIDRIA
Then, forget that. What is your greatest dream for yourself? Or, if not for yourself, then for this kingdom? You can tell me.
RIVKA
(Brief pause) Don’t you remember when I said you were going to be late? Come, I know the quickest way.
(Transition to the king’s table, grand and full of settings, though MALKA and NIDRIA are the only ones seated, on opposite ends. RIVKA stands to the side, head down. There are several long moments of painful silence as MALKA eats, but NIDRIA doesn’t touch her food.)
NIDRIA
Father?
(MALKA and RIVKA both look up at the word, RIVKA with barely concealed fear.)
NIDRIA
It’s my birthday tomorrow.
MALKA
I am well aware.
NIDRIA
Right. Of course. Certainly, your servants would have been so prudent as to let you know.
(RIVKA winces. MALKA scowls for only a brief moment before turning his attention back to his dinner.)
NIDRIA
Father?
MALKA
Daughter.
NIDRIA
I wondered if I might ask for your wisdom. As I grow older, I find there is still much of the world I don’t understand, and as you have lived to see so much of it, I thought you might have advice to share.
(MALKA only stares at her in silence. RIVKA stares daggers at her, silently begging her to make eye contact, but NIDRIA avoids it.)
NIDRIA
We might never be equals - I understand that. No one has ever been able to do what you do. I don’t think so highly of myself that I would presume I could be any different. But, still I thought, as I am no longer a child, that we might perhaps be… confidants? Or failing that, that I might at least be able to confide in you.
MALKA
And what might you confide?
NIDRIA
I’m restless, father. I think I have been restless all my life. (Off of his silence) Do you ever feel that way? Do you think… would it make me a poor ruler?
MALKA
Ruler?
NIDRIA
Of Razia. Should it ever come to that.
MALKA
It will not. Come to that.
NIDRIA
I don’t mean to imply that such a thing would ever come to pass. But, as I have been raised for this possibility all my life-
MALKA
You have been raised to be a princess. To live a life of luxury. To not worry yourself over such morbid thoughts.
NIDRIA
With all due respect, I’ve been raised as an heir - an heir to a beautiful, prosperous kingdom! But, I’ve seen so much that could be changed. Surely you’ve seen it, too - there is unrest in the kingdom, and so much mystery surrounding our other half! No one knows what’s beyond the mountains, but I believe-
MALKA
I care not what you believe.
NIDRIA
Father?
MALKA
What lies beyond the mountains is naught but a wasteland - a barren, fallow place of darkness. None who dwell there deserve to see the light of my kingdom.
NIDRIA
Have you seen it?
MALKA
Have I what?
NIDRIA
Have you seen it for yourself?
MALKA
I would not need to.
(NIDRIA looks out the window. The light illuminates the mountain to a swell of music, which is abruptly cut off as MALKA slams his fist onto the table.)
MALKA
I have had my fill of your “confidence.” Tomorrow is a day of celebration for the young woman you have become. Go now - before I begin to doubt whether that is a woman worth celebrating.
(NIDRIA bows her head, turns away… and flees in a rush of tears. RIVKA bows her own head and begins to follow her, but MALKA holds up his hand.)
MALKA
Where has my daughter gotten such ideas as her being an “heir?” I trust it was not from your tutelage.
RIVKA
Of course not, Your Majesty.
MALKA
From where, then?
RIVKA
Truthfully… there is a rumor. I didn't mean to overhear it, but there are some who say you have begun to age. I believe some think this means you might… that the throne might someday be hers for the taking.
MALKA
Who has said this?
RIVKA
I beg your pardon, Your Majesty, but I no longer remember. It was not anyone in the palace, I can assure you. The princess must have overheard it from her window, during lessons. I shall have to keep it shut.
MALKA
Be sure that you do. For now, away. Speak with my daughter and quash these foolish fantasies once and for all. I cannot have my own child plotting to overthrow me.
RIVKA
Can I not give her the night, and speak with her tomorrow? I suspect she might need the night to herself.
(MALKA opens his mouth to disagree, but after a moment’s consideration, he nods.)
MALKA
If you deem it necessary, she shall have her night of tears. You’re dismissed.
(RIVKA bows her head and exits. We see her in the hallway, where she takes a moment to catch her breath.)
RIVKA
What did I tell you about getting into trouble, child?
(Transition to NIDRIA’S room in the morning. NIDRIA starts when she hears the door open, but relaxes when she sees it’s RIVKA, who pushes down her guilt and sits in the seat next to her.)
RIVKA
I could have told you that’s how that would have gone, you know. It would have saved us that whole affair.
NIDRIA
Does he really think so little of me?
RIVKA
You’re everything to him. He’s only… worried. But, so am I. What is troubling you so to speak to him like that?
NIDRIA
I don’t want to waste my life away in this palace, to never know the answers to the questions burning in my heart. I don't want to forever be a pretty porcelain doll upon a shelf, admired from afar but kept away so I won't break. What kind of a life is that?
(Clearly, RIVKA sympathizes. But, she steels herself and shakes her head.)
RIVKA
Happy birthday, Nidria.
(NIDRIA laughs a sad laugh, but somewhere along the way it becomes more tears. RIVKA reaches out her hand.)
[Track Seven: “Waking the Princess”]
RIVKA
TAKE MY EMPTY HAND
YOU’LL UNDERSTAND
YOUR LIFE’S NO PRISON CELL
IT’S A FAIRY TALE
IT’S EVERYONE’S DREAM TO BE
IN YOUR SEAT
THEY’RE GREEN WITH ENVY
THEY WOULD GIVE THEIR EYE, TEETH, EVEN TO
WAIT ON YOU
GLORY BE TO OUR HEROIC KING
WE OWE HIM EVERYTHING
HIS LOVE IS UNENDING
RAISE YOUR CHIN
AND LET ME SEE A GRIN
NOW GET UP OFF YOUR SEAT
AND ACT LIKE ROYALTY
(NIDRIA follows as RIVKA leads her through the palace grounds, where celebrations for her birthday are being prepared. THE CHORUS dances around them, surrounds them.)
RIVKA
CAN’T YOU SEE THE CHOIR SING?
HEAR THE ORCHESTRATED STRINGS?
TIGHTROPES, TRAPEZE, TUMBLING
BURSTING LIGHT MAKES EVERYTHING
WATCH THE DANCING CAVALCADE
MARCHING POTPOURRI PARADE
TAKE A PEEK, IT’S QUITE A VIEW
JUST LOOK AROUND
IT’S ALL FOR YOU
(RIVKA takes NIDRIA by her shoulder and they go back to her room. She fusses over NIDRIA’S birthday gown and her hair.)
RIVKA
BUT BEFORE YOU CAN ATTEND
YOUR DRESS AND GOWN WE MUST AMEND
YOUR TRESS AND DRESS
ARE A MESS UNLESS
WE PRIM, PREEN, PAMPER YOU, PRINCESS
IT’S EVERYONE’S DREAM TO BE
IN YOUR SEAT
THEY’RE GREEN WITH ENVY
THEY WOULD GIVE THEIR EYE, TEETH, EVEN TO
WAIT ON YOU
OH, WHICH PERFUME FOR THE OCCASION?
AMBRETTE AND AGARWOOD
JUNIPER AND JASMINE
GLORY BE TO OUR HEROIC KING
WE OWE HIM EVERYTHING
LET THE CHOIR SING
(With NIDRIA nearly ready for the day, RIVKA sends her offstage. She reappears on the palace balcony alone while RIVKA sings centerstage.)
RIVKA
CAN’T YOU HEAR THE CHOIR SING?
HEAR THE ORCHESTRATED STRINGS?
TRILLING TRUMPETS, TIMPANI
MUSIC FILLS THE GALLERY
WATCH THE DANCING CAVALCADE
MARCHING POTPOURRI PARADE
TAKE A PEEK, IT’S QUITE A VIEW
JUST LOOK AROUND
IT’S ALL FOR YOU
(NIDRIA smiles and nods, but a light shines on her as she speaks her true thoughts. As she sings, the mountain is illuminated by flashes of fireworks.)
NIDRIA
HELD THIS POSE
BUT NEVER FANCIED IT
THIS GRIN UPON MY FACE IS FAKE
I DIDN’T ASK FOR THIS
I’M FAVORED
BUT I’VE GOT NO FREEDOM
I SHOULD FEEL FORTUNATE
BUT I’M FORSAKEN
I’M FLOODED WITH THESE FEASTS AND FRILLS
BUT MY EMPTINESS NEVER FILLS
FIREWORKS FLASH FROM THE SKY
BUT ONLY FADING GRAYS FIND MY EYES
FUSCHIA FEATHERS FLUTTER BY
FLUORESCENT BIRDS FLY THROUGH THE SKY
FLOATING FREELY IN THEIR FLIGHT
WHILE MY FEET STAY FIRMLY FAST INSIDE
(In the darkness, THE CHORUS fills in as the crowd for her celebration.)
NIDRIA
WHAT I’M DREAMING OF
YOU CAN’T SEE OR TOUCH
IT’S A FEELING
CALLED…
(One final firework goes off, illuminating ADAKIAS in the crowd. Their eyes meet, though just for a moment. ADAKIAS disappears in the darkness. As NIDRIA searches for them, MALKA appears over her shoulder in regal garb. He glares at her for a moment before coming forward and putting a hand on her shoulder. NIDRIA starts. MALKA addresses the crowd.)
MALKA
My dear Razia. It is with tremendous joy that I welcome you here to my home tonight. Please, I beg you - delight in all the festivities tonight has to offer. It is a testament to the success of our fine kingdom… as is my daughter. In all our lands, it is impossible to find a young woman more deserving of praise. Nidria, take a bow.
(The crowd applauds. NIDRIA tries to hide her embarrassment.)
MALKA
My daughter has confided in me. She doesn’t believe she has a place among you as your princess. It is with a heavy heart that I ask you - not as your king but as a father - to prove her wrong. (to NIDRIA) Go, and be among your people.
NIDRIA
But-
MALKA
Is this not what you wanted? Go.
(NIDRIA hesitates, then curtsies. She exits, and reappears in the crowd. As MALKA speaks, she attempts to talk to various groups of people, but they give her the cold shoulder.)
MALKA
She knows not what she has. To live a life so free from the cruelties of the world, from the reality of death, as it creeps ever closer. Enjoy it, princess. Savor it while you can, for this ignorance will not last much longer. You speak of a love for your kingdom, of a future for those condemned to wallow in darkness? You dream of a destiny for yourself, to change what can’t be changed. To see me overthrown, dead and gone. You wish so desperately to know what it is to be king. Well, soon you shall know. You shall know what it is to lose.
(Some instinct makes him look to the mountain. As it is illuminated by a firework, we catch a glimpse of the MYSTERIOUS MAN, who stares straight at MALKA. MALKA shakes his head and exits, as the MYSTERIOUS MAN is joined by THE ORACLE. Lights shift to the two of them.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
I did as you asked. The two of them will be together soon. Will you let me free now?
THE ORACLE
Your role is not yet done. They know not what the king will do, so how can they be expected to counter? They will need a guide.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Please, don’t make me do this. I have suffered long enough, lying in wait for the children of prophecy, haunting my own story as a ghost. Let someone else guide them.
THE ORACLE
There is no one else who can. Only you understand what is at stake. Only you understand him . You can help lead this kingdom back to what it once was.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
It will never be what it once was. He has mangled it, made it into something dark and twisted. He’s laid ruin to the land I once loved.
THE ORACLE
Is it truly the kingdom you speak of, Ahrima?
MYSTERIOUS MAN
So, the kingdom reflects its king. What does it matter?
THE ORACLE
If you believed it was hopeless, you would not be here.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
You believed we were hopeless, and you’re here.
THE ORACLE
That isn’t true.
MYSTERIOUS MAN
Then, why? Can’t you at least tell me why?
THE ORACLE
(After a thoughtful pause) It is not for me to say.
(The lighting shifts, and we are brought back to the celebration. ADAKIAS tries to duck their way out, but NIDRIA chases after them.)
NIDRIA
Wait!
(ADAKIAS turns and bows.)
ADAKIAS
Your Highness.
(NIDRIA bows back.)
NIDRIA
Who are you? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you before.
ADAKIAS
You wouldn’t have - I’m not from here. I didn’t mean to intrude on your celebration, I was only following the lights. May I ask, what are those things? The-? (A firework flashes) That! It’s the most incredible thing I’ve ever seen.
NIDRIA
Oh, those are fireworks. My father wanted things to be grand for tonight, but if I’m being honest, I think it only makes the people hate me more.
ADAKIAS
Your people hate you?
NIDRIA
You must not have been here long if you haven’t heard tell yet of the vain, emptyheaded disappointment of a princess clinging constantly to the coattails of her father.
ADAKIAS
I haven’t. I don’t fit in amongst this crowd any better. (Beat) If it means anything, Princess, I certainly don’t look at you that way. Not at all.
NIDRIA
How do you look at me?
ADAKIAS
Well, I don’t claim to know you - forgive me if I misspeak - but to me you look… vibrant. There’s more life in your eyes than in any I’ve ever seen. And the O that surrounds you, the true O… You may have been born into this life, but you don’t let it change your heart. If you did, you wouldn’t care what they think of you. You wouldn’t have spoken to me, a lowly traveler on their way out, and asked for their honest thoughts.
NIDRIA
Where did you come from?
(ADAKIAS looks over their shoulder at the mountain. NIDRIA follows their gaze, but ADAKIAS looks away, ashamed.)
ADAKIAS
Somewhere far away, Your Highness, and very different from the place you have the honor to call home.
(As NIDRIA is about to question them further, MALKA reappears on the balcony. NIDRIA shivers and doubles over. ADAKIAS rushes to her side.)
ADAKIAS
Are you alright?
NIDRIA
Yes - I’m sorry. I don’t know what came over me.
(ADAKIAS looks up at the crowd. Several people have noticed what happened, and glare at NIDRIA from behind their glasses.)
ADAKIAS
Would you like to get out of here for a moment and catch your breath? You don’t need to go with me, but-
NIDRIA
Yes. Please. I’ll go.
(They both look up at MALKA, who glowers at them but does not move. ADAKIAS holds out their hand and NIDRIA takes it. They exit, and the lights transition them to somewhere quiet.)
NIDRIA
Tell me, is your father as… controlling as mine?
ADAKIAS
I don’t know. I never met my parents. But, I had a sister who always understood. I loved her more than anything.
NIDRIA
My mother was the same. I’m glad you had someone.
ADAKIAS
It makes all the difference, doesn’t it? Love.
NIDRIA
It does. What brought you here to Razia?
ADAKIAS
I heard legends of a glittering city. They said the light here is brighter than anywhere in the world. It’s true, too, my eyes still haven’t adjusted.
NIDRIA
(Laughs) Well, I’m glad to have met you during the night, when your eyes had a break. Otherwise, you might not have noticed me at all.
ADAKIAS
I’d have noticed.
NIDRIA
You followed legends here, then? Why?
ADAKIAS
I suppose I’ve always been a dreamer.
NIDRIA
As have I! My dreams are the one thing the world can’t take from me. I treasure them more than anything.
ADAKIAS
I know just how you feel.
[Track Eight: “The Missing Piece”]
ADAKIAS
I HAVE WANDERED PEAKS
TO END MY THIRST
AND FIND THIS WONDERFULLY
COLORED UNIVERSE
BUT I NEVER THOUGHT I’D FIND
SOMEONE LIKE ME
WITH HOPES AND DREAMS FOR MORE
SHE SENDS MY HEART TO THE FLOOR
CAN THIS BE REAL?
I SPENT SO MANY NIGHTS
DREAMING OF THE LIGHT
AND SOMETHING TO FILL THIS
HOLE INSIDE MY HOLLOW CHEST
WHO’D HAVE GUESSED?
IT’S THE PRINCESS! WELL,
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
WHEN I SEE HER FACE
THE SKY AND TREES ALL BLUR
EVERY TIME I LOOK AT HER
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
HER EYES ARE FIXED UPON ME
MY LIFE’S BEEN INCOMPLETE
COULD I HAVE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE?
(They dance - both making fools of themselves and both laughing together.)
NIDRIA
OH, WHO COULD THIS BE?
AND WHY AM I
FILLED WITH CURIOSITY
I DON’T RECOGNIZE?
THEIR BLUE PIERCING EYES
I’M HYPNOTIZED
THEY TAKE THE AIR OUT MY LUNGS
I THINK I’M FALLING IN LOVE
I’VE BEEN UNABLE TO ARTICULATE
HOW I’VE FELT OF LATE
BUT NOW I KNOW
MY HEARTBEAT GROWS, IT CRESCENDOS
CAUSE I’M BURSTING WITH O
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
WHEN I SEE THEIR FACE
THE SUN AND STARLIGHT BENDS
EVERY TIME I LOOK AT THEM
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
THEIR EYES ARE FIXED UPON ME
MY LIFE’S BEEN INCOMPLETE
COULD I HAVE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE?
ADAKIAS
OH, YOU’RE THE MEANING
NIDRIA, YOU’VE SHOWN ME
THIS ITCH WAS NO MISTAKE
MY LIFE HAS FELT SO EMPTY
IT’S BEEN GNAWING AT MY BRAIN
MY MIND’S IN KNOTS
IT’S GOT ME LOST
PLEASE HELP ME THROUGH THE MAZE
CAUSE YOU’RE THE KEY
THE LOCK TURNING
THE BREAKING OF THESE CHAINS
NIDRIA
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
WHEN I SEE THEIR FACE
THE SUN AND STARLIGHT BENDS
EVERY TIME I LOOK AT THEM
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
TILL THEIR EYES FIXED UPON ME
MY PUZZLE LIFE’S COMPLETE
NOW THAT I’VE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
ADAKIAS
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
NIDRIA
WHEN I SEE THEIR FACE
ADAKIAS
WHEN I SEE HER FACE
NIDRIA
THE SUN AND STARLIGHT BENDS
ADAKIAS/NIDRIA
EVERY TIME I LOOK AT HER/THEM
NIDRIA
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
ADAKIAS
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
NIDRIA
TILL THEIR EYES FIXED UPON ME
ADAKIAS
TILL HER EYES FIXED UPON ME
NIDRIA
MY PUZZLE LIFE’S COMPLETE
NIDRA/ADAKIAS
NOW THAT I’VE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE
EVERYTHING SEEMS TO FADE
WHEN I SEE THEIR/HER FACE
THE SUN AND STARLIGHT BENDS/THE SKY AND TREES ALL BLUR
EVERY TIME I LOOK AT THEM/HER
NOBODY’S UNDERSTOOD ME
TILL THEIR/HER EYES FIXED UPON ME
MY PUZZLE LIFE’S COMPLETE
NOW THAT I’VE FOUND THE MISSING PIECE
(They both lean in to kiss, but NIDRIA shies away. ADAKIAS, who has her hands in theirs, pats them reassuringly and nods with a warm smile. NIDRIA leans against their shoulder and they look at the mountain.)
NIDRIA
Do you know, all I’ve ever wanted was to see what was beyond that mountain for myself.
ADAKIAS
Really?
NIDRIA
My father says it’s a barren wasteland of darkness.
ADAKIAS
And you believe him?
NIDRIA
I don’t know. That can’t be all there is to it. That other land… it’s Razia too, isn’t it? It’s home. But we’ve been so closed off from it. What if someone out there looks at this mountain the same way I do? I would want to help them, to bring them to the light.
ADAKIAS
Nidria… I should tell you-
(NIDRIA cries out in pain and doubles over. Again, ADAKIAS rushes to her.)
ADAKIAS
Nidria, what is this? What’s happening?
(The moment they touch her, MALKA on his balcony recoils in pain. He straightens himself and glares at ADAKIAS and NIDRIA. Elsewhere, on the mountain, MYSTERIOUS MAN, who we now know is AHRIMA, looks on in shock and horror. THE ORACLE hangs her head. The music swells…)
END OF ACT ONE