Welcomeby Richard Stuart Dixon
© Richard Stuart Dixon, 2003
(Note: Performance of this play requires the author’s permission. Please contact Good School Plays for details.)
Production Notes:
• running time: approx. 50 minutes.
• style: tragic melodrama
• suitable for general audiences
• 26 characters (20 female, 6 male) • black-box staging (no set required)
• some gender interchangeability
• audio files with recommended melodies for songs included in script
Staging Recommendations and Cautions:
• keep the radio announcer and cabaret singers onstage throughout
• do not use blackouts between scenes
• never point prop guns directly at the audience or actors
• aim prop guns slightly to the left or right of actors who are “shot”
• feel free to make up your own music for the songs
Summary of Script Content:
• “Greatland” is a tragic fable about a blighted nation that oppresses an ethnic minority, resulting in the destruction of the nation.
(This play was first produced in June, 2001, and again on June 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 2007, at Gleneagle Secondary School, Coquitlam, British Columbia, Canada.)
∗ Published Online by Good School Plays, March 24, 2015.
Go to:
Scene 1
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Scene 35
Scene 36
Scene 37
Scene 38
Scene 39
Scene 40
Epilogue
CHARACTERS:
Cabaret Entertainers:
Sherni Rolka, 28, professional entertainer/singer, sister of Silla
Silla Rolka, 26, professional entertainer/singer, sister of Sherni
Arcanians:
The Kondora Family:
Priam Kondora, 52, bakery shop owner
Tanis Kondora, 46, wife of Priam
Alisa Kondora, 17, daughter of Priam and Tanis
Janessa Kondora, 9, daughter of Priam and Tanis
The Rastori Family:
Tondo Rastori, 73, works in Priam Kondora’s bakery
Shanna Rastori, 67, wife of Tondo; works in Priam Kondora’s bakery
Vallin Rastori, 20, granddaughter of Tondo and Shanna
Torlin Rastori, 17, brother of Vallin; grandson of Tondo and Shanna Rastori
The Seria Family:
Evelina Seria, 28, mistress of Barlan Stormovik
Karrisa Seria, 22, sister of Evelina Seria.
The Mystic:
Tamarind Alinova, 41, leader of a secret Arcanian mystical society
Patrians:
The Propagandist :
Rasia Cherkova, 35, “Voice of Greatland” radio announcer
The Leader and His Wife:
Barlan Stormovik, 48, leader of Greatland
Nastasia Stormovik, 34, wife of Barlan Stormovik
The Government Ministers:
Darya Rayne, 42, minister of state
Marta Tabari, 25, secretary to Darya Rayne
The Secret Police:
Hanna Krause, 38, officer of the Patrian Secret Police
Bella Sterne, 36, officer of of the Patrian Secret Police
The Policeman and His Wife:
Harak Gorla, 26, member of the Patrian Special Guards
Coral Gorla, 24, wife of Harak Gorla
The Policewoman and Her Son:
Starli Barlov, 30, member of the Patrian Special Guards
Karn Barlov, 15, son of Starli Barlov
The Tarko Family :
Lania Tarko, 37, professional violinist in Greatland Symphony Orchestra
Arlan Tarko, 42, leader in the Young Patrians Youth Corps; husband of Lania
Sarla Tarko, 17, daughter of Lania and Arlan Tarko
Versi Tarko, 15, daughter of Lania and Arlan Tarko
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 1: The Leader Speaks
RASIA CHERKOVA
(into microphone)
This is Rasia Cherkova, of Radio Patria: “The Voice of Greatland”, broadcasting from the magnificent new SportPalace in the heart of our capital. And now, Our Leader, Barlan Stormovik, is stepping up to the podium in front of a vast audience of well-wishers, party members, and representatives of the military. The Leader will now speak in honour of the first thousand days of Patrian government:
BARLAN STORMOVIK
People of Greatland, in the one thousand days since the rebirth of our nation, PATRIA, the Patriotic Revolutionary Party, has restored order, ended unemployment, rebuilt the military, and re-established our reputation as a strong and disciplined nation. But our work is not yet finished. Our peace and prosperity depends on the complete and absolute eradication of Arcanian culture, that toxic mix of greed and treason that continues to pollute the great river of our national life. To that end, the Greatland National Assembly, under the guidance of PATRIA, has decreed that no Arcanian will be permitted to participate in the government and cultural institutions of Greatland, nor to attend Greatland’s public schools. As your leader, I call on all Greatlanders, under the watchful guidance of PATRIA, to unite in solidarity against Arcanian subversives and saboteurs…those vermin whose only goal is to corrupt the purity and destroy the unity of Greatland.
End of Scene 1.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 2: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing:
SHERNI ROLKA
I’m Sherni Rolka.
SILLA ROLKA
And I’m Silla Rolka
SHERNI ROLKA
We’ll guide you tonight…
SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA
Through your dream…or should we say nightmare.
(Recommended melody for “The Friendliest Nation in the World”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI laugh, then sing…)
Oh you’ve got to watch out
There’s trouble in the air
These are dangerous times
You’ve got to beware
Here in Greatland
Beautiful Greatland
The friendliest nation in the world.
There are shadows and darkness
And screams in the night
These are frightening times
And we might have to fight
Here in Greatland
Beautiful Greatland
The friendliest nation in the world.
If you keep very still
And listen very hard
You can hear the beat
Of the drums of war
Here in Greatland
Beautiful Greatland
The friendliest nation in the world.
End of Scene 2.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 3: The Kondoras Discuss the News
JANESSA KONDORA
Daddy, why can’t I go to school anymore? And why did Alisa lose her job with the Symphony?
PRIAM KONDORA
Because you’re an Arcanian, Janessa. To the Patrians, that’s the same as being a rat. They don’t like rats in their schools and concert halls.
TANIS KONDORA
Priam, don’t talk that way to the child. Keep your anger to yourself.
PRIAM KONDORA
Tanis, you’re my wife, not my conscience. Besides, the Patrians can’t deny that we Arcanians are very clever rats.
(going to ALISA)
Take Alisa for example…who would think a little rat could play a violin so beautifully?
ALISA KONDORA
Why must you always make fun of your own people, Father?
PRIAM KONDORA
Listen, all of you. The Patrians can’t stop us from laughing at ourselves…Arcanians have always known how to laugh…and when we laugh, not even death can frighten us.
JANESSA KONDORA
I don’t feel like laughing. I feel like crying.
TANIS KONDORA
You won’t be laughing, Priam, if the Patrians take the bakery away from you.
ALISA KONDORA
I heard that some Patrian Special Guards broke up Mr. Korta’s shoe shop just because he wouldn’t give a “special” price to the wife of a Patrian official.
PRIAM KONDORA
Old man Korta always was a cheap old devil…he tried to cheat me once.
JANESSA KONDORA
Daddy, I can’t listen to you say such awful things!
(She begins to runs off.)
PRIAM KONDORA
(following her)
Janessa…
(She stops and turns back to him.)
PRIAM KONDORA
Learn to find humour in the darkest places. Then one day, laughter will save you from fear and despair!
JANESSA KONDORA
Why must there be darkness? Why can’t there just be sunshine?
PRIAM KONDORA
Because without darkness, we couldn’t see the stars! And the stars are for everyone, not just the Patrians. Come on, let’s go look, and you can make a wish!
(She goes to him, and he puts his arm around her as they exit together.)
ALISA KONDORA
I’m afraid, Mother…I’m scared Father will say something rude to a Patrian…he teases too much…
TANIS KONDORA
Your father is not a fool, Alisa.
ALISA KONDORA
And what am I going to do now I’ve lost my apprenticeship in the Greatland Symphony? Will I be forced to do compulsory labour for the Patrians?
TANIS KONDORA
You can work in our bakery. It’s not as fancy as playing the violin in an orchestra, but it’s honest work. And baker’s assistants are still exempt from compulsory labour.
ALISA KONDORA
And Janessa? What’s to become of her now she can’t go to school?
TANIS KONDORA
A school is not the only way to get an education. Let’s join your father and Janessa…perhaps the stars have something to teach us.
(They exit.)
End of Scene 3.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 4: Darya Rayne Speaks to the People
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria, “The Voice of the Greatland”, the broadcasting service dedicated to truth and justice. And now, a public announcement by Darya Rayne, the Minister of Information, speaking from her office in the Capitol Building:
DARYA RAYNE
Fellow Greatlanders, I want to talk to you tonight about a troubling new development. An extensive investigation by our intelligence service has revealed that Arcanian civil servants recently dismissed from the Ministry of Finance were systematically stealing funds allocated for Greatland’s hospitals and charity programs. These Arcanist criminals have confessed that the money they stole was to be used to undermine the authority of the Patriotic Revolutionary Party, and to cast doubt on our leader, Barlan Stormovik. In response to this latest outrage, our Leader has announced that there will be a public boycott of Arcanian businesses until further notice. I remind all loyal Greatlanders to be particularly vigilant at this time…our enemies seek to destroy us, and they are clever and resourceful. Be on your guard!
End of Scene 4.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 5: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing
SHERNI ROLKA
Welcome, everyone, to the Café of Dreams!
SILLA ROLKA
Welcome, welcome! Here everything is clean!
SHERNI ROLKA
No Arcanian filth to be seen!
SILLA ROLKA
And every third drink is absolutely free!
(Recommended melody for “The Café of Dreams”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
The café of dreams is open for business
The past is behind us, the future’s devine
Come in, all you hard-working people of Greatland
And sample our menu of sweet dreams and lies.
The café of dreams is free from the nightmares
Of Arcanist schemers and Arcanist spies
Come in, all you pure-blooded people of Greatland
And drink to your Patrian leader so wise.
Barlan Stormovik!
Helper and healer!
Father and friend!
Barlan Stormovik!
Protector of Greatland!
On you we depend
Our helper and healer!
Our father and friend!
Our helper and healer!
Our father and Friend!
End of Scene 5.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 6: The Humiliation of Tondo Rastori
PRIAM KONDORA
Tondo, I must leave the bakery early tonight…it’s Janessa’s birthday. You and Shanna will have to clear the shelves, clean the ovens, and lock up for me.
SHANNA RASTORI
I’ll make sure the old mule does it properly, boss…
TONDO RASTORI
“Old Mule”! I may be stubborn, but I always do things properly, Shanna…you should know that after forty-seven years of marriage.
PRIAM KONDORA
Well, then, goodnight….and try not to argue over that last bit of raisin cake you’ve both got your eyes on!
(He exits.)
TONDO RASTORI
Priam Kondora is a good boss, Shanna, but he’s too careless…one of these days he’s going to get into trouble with the Patrians, and then we’ll all be out of work.
SHANNA RASTORI
The boss will be all right. You’re the one I worry about, Tondo Rastori, so old and stubborn and set in your ways…and you have encouraged the same behaviour in our grandson Torlin. I cannot understand how you could be so foolish as to give him your old army revolver. A gun in the hands of a young boy!
TONDO RASTORI
I consider myself blessed to have one grandchild who is like me. I have no use for that old gun…but for Torlin it is a remembrance that his grandfather was once a soldier of Greatland. And our grandaughter Vallin is just like you, so everything is perfect.
(HARAK GORLA and STARLI BARLOV, Patrian Special Guards, enter)
HARAK GORLA
Hey there, old man, do you have any of that special Arcanian oat bread?
TONDO RASTORI
Shanna! Fetch this young man a loaf of oat bread.
(SHANNA exits.)
STARLI BARLOV
(Taking HARAK aside)
I do not meant to be critical, Sergeant Gorla, but if the Captain caught you buying Arcanian bread, he’d dock you a week’s pay. I must respectfully remind you the Leader doesn’t want us doing business in the ghetto.
HARAK GORLA
Now, now, Corporal Barlov, you can keep a little secret, can’t you? My wife Coral loves the stuff…and a little gift puts her in a “romantic” mood, if you know what I mean,
STARLI BARLOV
Please, Sergeant, I’m up for a review and a possible promotion in a month. I must not compromise my chances by breaking the rules. Special Guards are expected to have the highest standards of loyalty to the Leader.
HARAK GORLA
All right, Corporal Barlov, I’ll get that bread for nothing. Then I won’t be doing business with an Arcanian, and I won’t be breaking any rules.
(going to TONDO)
Come here, old man.
(grabbing Tondo by his jacket and pulling him up close)
I’ll tell you what I’m going to do for you…if you give that bread to me for no charge, I won’t have to arrest you for attempting to bribe a Patrian Special Guard.
TONDO RASTORI
I have not tried to bribe you. And my boss does not allow me to give away bread! You should be ashamed…a policeman should not be a bully!
HARAK GORLA
Now you’re in trouble old man…you’ve been rude. You better come with us. We’ll take you somewhere nice and quiet and show you how to be polite to Patrians.
STARLI BARLOV
Sergeant Gorla, do we have time for this? We have our rounds to complete before curfew.
HARAK GORLA
Corporal Barlov, you are becoming rather tiresome. If you really want that promotion, you had best help me teach this old man a lesson in politeness. Or do you sympathize with him? Think how that would look on your performance report.
STARLI BARLOV
I’m sorry, Sergeant, I did not mean to question your judgment. Come on, old man.
(They begin to take TONDO away.)
TONDO RASTORI
I fought for Greatland in the last war! I have earned my citizenship!
HARAK GORLA
Don’t tell us your Arcanian lies…you’ll only make it worse for yourself.
(They exit.)
SHANNA RASTORI
(entering)
Tondo? Tondo? Oh, Tondo…I should not have left you alone with them…
(She exits.)
End of Scene 6.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 7: Rasia Cherkova Speaks
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria, “The Voice of Greatland”. Patrian officials announced today that rumours about arbitrary arrests and mistreatment of Arcanians are entirely false, and are the result of anti-Patrian propaganda initiated by Arcanist agitators. Meanwhile, as public anger rises in response to growing evidence of an Arcanian conspiracy to destabilize Greatland’s relations with neighbouring states, Leader Barlan Stormovik has stepped up the program for the construction of internment camps for the growing numbers of Arcanians requiring government protection.
End of Scene 7.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 8: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing
SILLA ROLKA
Here at the Café of Dreams everyone is safe…
SHERNI ROLKA
Everyone is happy!
SILLA ROLKA
If anyone makes trouble, we put them in the kitchen and make them work!
(Recommended melody for “Someone’s Got to Stop You”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
Someone’s got to stop you
From hurting yourself
Someone’s got to put you
Away on the shelf
So don’t make a fuss
When you’re taken away
We’re just trying to help
You learn to obey
Here in Greatland!
Beautiful Greatland!
The friendliest nation on the earth!
The friendliest nation on the earth!
End of Scene 8.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 9: Shanna Finds Tondo
(TONDO RASTORI, seriously beaten by the Special Guards, lies crumpled on the ground)
SHANNA RASTORI
(entering with VALLIN and TORLIN RASTORI)
Tondo!
(SHANNA runs to TONDO. VALLIN and TORLIN stay back.)
SHANNA RASTORI
Help me with him, Torlin and Vallin.
(VALLIN and TORLIN run to TONDO and help SHANNA lift him into a sitting position.)
VALLIN RASTORI
What happened, Grandfather?
TORLIN RASTORI
Isn’t it obvious, Vallin? He’s been beaten by those two Patrian Special Guards.
SHANNA RASTORI T
Tondo, tell me how badly you are hurt.
TONDO RASTORI
I fought back, Shanna…I even managed to land a punch on that Sergeant’s ugly face…
VALLIN RASTORI
We must get him home somehow, Grandmother.
TORLIN RASTORI
They’re not going to get away with this. Beating a tired old man who once fought for them in their army…such cowards.
SHANNA RASTORI
Torlin, there is no sense in seeking revenge…you’ll only endanger us all.
VALLIN RASTORI
Grandmother’s right, Torlin. Come with me to Madam Alinova’s meeting tomorrow. She’ll help you find a way to settle your anger.
TORLIN RASTORI
Madam Alinova preaches tolerance and love, but what good is tolerance when our enemies are hopelessly intolerant? Grandfather is a victim of their hate, and it will continue that way until all Arcanians are dead.
SHANNA RASTORI
Please, this is not the time to argue…help me get your grandfather home…
(They help TONDO to his feet and support him as they exit.)
(Recommended melody for “So Don’t Make a Fuss”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
So don’t make a fuss
When you’re taken away
We’re just trying to help
You learn to obey
Here in Greatland!
Beautiful Greatland!
The friendliest nation on the earth!
The friendliest nation on the earth!
End of Scene 9.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 10: Alisa Kondora Meets Lania Tarko
ALISA KONDORA
(walking down a street with JANESSA)
My birthday yesterday didn’t seem like a real birthday, Janessa…here I am, eighteen years of age, with only a past and no future, like an old woman.
JANESSA KONDORA
At least you had a birthday cake, Alisa! Sallia Ostova down the street didn’t get one on her birthday…she says there is not enough food in her house for cakes….
ALISA KONDORA
Food is not enough. I wanted so much to be a musician in a grand orchestra, Janessa.
LANIA TARKO
(entering)
Good evening, Alisa. Where are you off to?
ALISA KONDORA
Oh, hello, Madam Tarko. My sister Janessa and I are just on our way home before curfew.
LANIA TARKO
And I too am on my way home, from rehearsal. You must miss the orchestra, Alisa.
ALISA KONDORA
Yes, Madam Tarko…I had hoped to have a career in the symphony.
LANIA TARKO
You’re a fine musician, Alisa…I’m sorry for what happened to you.
JANESSA KONDORA
Are you a musician, Madam Tarko?
ALISA KONDORA
Hush, Janessa.
LANIA TARKO
Why yes, I am Janessa. I play in the Greatland Symphony, just like Alisa used to.
JANESSA KONDORA
You must be a Patrian. Do you know that Alisa is very sad because she cannot play in the symphony?
ALISA KONDORA
I said hush, Janessa…it’s not Madam Tarko’s fault…
LANIA TARKO
It’s all right, Alisa. Janessa, do you know the fable of the two sisters and the magic apple?
JANESSA KONDORA
Yes. Two sisters found an apple, and shared it, but the apple was magic, and made it so the two sisters would die if they ever, ever talked to each other again.
LANIA TARKO
Well, Alisa and I are like the two sisters, and the government is like the magic apple. We are both musicians, but we cannot ever, ever play music together again.
JANESSA KONDORA
I do not like the magic apple. It has poisoned us all.
LANIA TARKO
I’m afraid you’re right, Janessa.
ALISA KONDORA
Come on, Janessa, we must hurry. It’s almost curfew. Goodnight, Madam Tarko.
LANIA TARKO
Goodnight Alisa, Janessa….
(after they have exited)
May god help you.
(She exits.)
(Recommended melody for “You Better Watch Out”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
You better watch out…
There’s trouble in the air…
These are dangerous times
And you’ve got to beware
Here in Greatland,
Beautiful Greatland…
The friendliest nation in the world.
Here in Greatland,
Beautiful Greatland…
The friendliest nation in the world.
End of Scene 10.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 11: The Barlov Family Discusses the News:
ARLAN TARKO
(reading the paper)
I’m glad to see that the government’s serious about banning Arcanians from Greatland’s schools and cultural institutions.
SARLA TARKO
Will they be forbidden to play in the Greatland symphony, Father?
ARLAN TARKO
Yes, Sarla, and rightfully so. It’s no secret that Arcanians used bribery to influence officials in the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
SARLA TARKO
You mean they paid people to get them into the orchestra?
ARLAN TARKO
That’s right. Now your mother will have a chance to advance her career in the symphony without unfair competition from Arcanian musicians.
SARLA TARKO
How many Arcanians lost their jobs?
ARLAN TARKO
Twelve. And that means twelve openings for musicians of pure Greatlander stock.
SARLA TARKO
If those Arcanian musicians cheated us, we should force them play for us for nothing. Why waste their talent?
ARLAN TARKO
It’s true some Arcanians have musical ability, but their music is undisciplined and self-indulgent. It’s best that they not be allowed to mix with Greatlanders.
VERSI TARKO
(entering with Karn Barlov, talking quietly but excitedly to one another)
Hello Father, Sarla.
KARN BARLOV
Mr. Tarko, Sarla.
SARLA TARKO
Hello, Versi, Karn…you look excited.
ARLAN TARKO
How was school today, Versi?
VERSI TARKO
The classes were smaller…there were no Arcanians because of the new laws…
KARN BARLOV
Except a boy called Torlin Rastori…
VERSI TARKO
The teacher ordered him to go home, but he wouldn’t leave…so the headmaster called the Special Guards.
KARN BARLOV
He kept shouting about his rights…it was absurd…Arcanians don’t have rights…
VERSI TARKO
He looked right at Karn and said, “Your mother should be shot for what she did to my grandfather.”
ARLAN TARKO
What was he talking about, Karn?
SARLA TARKO
Karn’s mother is a corporal in the Special Guards, Father.
VERSI TARKO
Torlin Rastori’s grandfather attacked a sergeant in a bakery, so she had to use force to restrain the old man.
ARLAN TARKO
Typical of an Arcanian to twist the truth into a lie…to blame a Patrian for doing her job.
VERSI TARKO
Two Special Guards came to the school, and took Torlin away in a van.
KARN BARLOV
He didn’t even look scared…I would have been…those Special Guards don’t fool around.
LANIA TARKO
(entering)
Sorry I’m late, everyone…we had extra rehearsal to help the new musicians get used to the orchestra.
ARLAN TARKO
You children had better get ready for dinner now your mother’s home.
VERSU TARKO
Can Karn stay for dinner, Father?
ARLAN TARKO
You’re welcome to join us, Karn, and afterwards you can come with Sarla, Versi, and me to the Patrian Youth Corps Rally….You are a member, aren’t you?
VERSI TARKO
Of course he is, Father. He’s a Greatlander, isn’t he? Karn, you should hear Father when he speaks at our youth rallies! He’s as inspiring as the Leader himself!
LANIA TARKO
Now Versi, whenever you compliment your father, you want something. What is it?
VERSI TARKO
Well, Father, you’re an important Party member, one of the top youth leaders. And Karn is determined to have a career in the Party. He’s interested in researching the Party’s history. We thought you could help him learn, show him how everything works.
ARLAN TARKO
I’d be glad to help you, Karn. You’ll need access to the Party Archives, and I can arrange that.
KARN BARLOV
Thank you, Mr. Tarko. My mother will be very pleased. She wants me to make the best of myself.
LANIA TARKO
Now you three go and wash up for dinner.
(The children exit.)
LANIA TARKO
You know, Arlan, I can’t help feeling pity for those Arcanian musicians who lost their jobs. One of them, a girl called Alisa Kondora, is a brilliant violinist.
ARLAN TARKO
Don’t let yourself feel pity for Arcanians, Lania…they’ll use it to drag you into their web of lies and deceit, and before you know it, you’ll have betrayed your country.
LANIA TARKO
Arlan, I realize your position in the Party requires you to take a hard line against Arcanians…and I suppose I’m relieved my position in the symphony is secure…but I find myself feeling very tired, so very tired.
ARLAN TARKO
I’ll open a bottle of wine…that’ll cheer you up. After all, we should be celebrating, shouldn’t we? Greatland is finally becoming the kind of nation we always dreamed it could be.
(They exit.)
End of Scene 11.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 12: The PATSEPO Announcement
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria, “The Voice of Greatland”. Intelligence sources revealed today that Arcanian saboteurs attempted to plant a bomb in our embassy in the Sarillian Republic. Our government has responded by lodging a formal protest and withdrawing all embassy staff from Sarillia. In a further development, our Minister of Information Darya Rayne has released evidence that the Sarillian government has been actively aiding Arcanian terrorists. Please standby for an announcement from PATSEPO, the Patrian Internal Security Police.
HANNA KRAUSS
People of Greatland, the Patriotic Revolutionary Party has announced special measures to bolster internal security.
BELLA STERNE
Even as we speak, Patrian Special Guards are sweeping the Arcanian ghettoes, in a mass arrest of terrorist sympathizers.
HANNA KRAUSS
Our Leader Barlan Stormovik has placed the Greatland Armed Forces on alert in order to protect our border with the Sarillian Republic.
BELLA STERNE
Arcanist plots are becoming more and more common and more and more dangerous.
HANNA KRAUSS
We ask you all to be alert and watchful.
BELLA STERNE
Special Guard checkpoints have been set up throughout the capital.
HANNA KRAUSS
Report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
BELLA STERNE
We remind you that, in these difficult times, loyalty to Greatland is the first priority.
HANNA KRAUSS
Don’t let sentimental considerations for friends and family get in the way of your duty to the state.
BELLA STERNE
Extroardinary times call for extraordinary measures. The most dangerous enemy is the hidden enemy, the enemy who is disguised as a friend, a family member, a neighbour, a colleague.
HANNA KRAUSS
Every Greatlander must answer this question: are you truly loyal? Have you expelled the last vestiges of corruption planted in your minds by years of exposure to the impurity of Arcanian culture and Arcanist lies?
BELLA STERNE
Your first loyalty must be to Greatland. Report any suspicious behaviour immediately.
End of Scene 12.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene13: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing:
SHERNI ROLKA
Tonight at the Café of Dreams we have a special feature.
SILLA ROLKA
A special casserole full of fun…
SHERNI ROLKA
Hidden in every bowl you’ll find…
SILLA ROLKA
A tiny capsule of Arcanian bitter herbs….
SHERNI ROLKA
Just to remind you…
SILLA ROLKA
Just to keep you on your guard…
(Recommended melody for “There’s Something So Mysterious”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
There’s something so mysterious
And dangerous and curious
Hidden in the corner of your mind
There’s something very serious
A nightmare so delirious
Hidden in the corner of your mind.
Hidden in the corner of your mind.
End of Scene 13.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 14: Tamarind Alinova Meets with her Followers:
TAMARIND ALINOVA
It is the destiny of all Arcanians to return one day to our Homeland and to rebuild our nation.
VALLIN RASTORI
It is our destiny…
KARRISA SERIA
To return one day to our homeland…
VALLIN RASTORI
…to rebuild our nation.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Our sufferings as a people are not without meaning.
VALLIN RASTORI
Ours sufferings are not without meaning.
KARRISA SERIA
Not without meaning.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
We pledge our hands, hearts, and minds to the preservation and restoration of our Arcanian heritage, that we might fulfill our collective destiny.
KARISSA SERIA and VALLIN RASTORI
(together)
We pledge our hands, hearts, and minds.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Now, Vallin, tell me…where is your brother Torlin?
VALLIN RASTORI
He was taken today by the Special Guards, Madam Alinova.
KARRISA SERIA
He refused to leave the school, Madam Alinova, and he was arrested.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
I advised him not to confront the authorities. He was unwise to provoke them.
VALLIN RASTORI
He’s only a boy, Madam Alinova…he has such youthful ideas about right and wrong…
TAMARIND ALINOVA
One boy alone cannot correct the sins of the entire state of Greatland.
(At that moment, TORLIN RASTORI enters.)
VALLIN RASTORI
Torlin! You’re free! Are you all right?
TORLIN RASTORI
That’s a stupid question, Vallin.
KARRISA SERIA
What did they do to you, Torlin?
TORLIN RASTORI
They took me to a Special Guards headquarters and forced me to drink castor oil. The stuff went straight through me. They laughed when I soiled myself and called me a dirty Arcanian. Then they threw me out on the street and warned me that they’d kill me if I ever tried to defy them again.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Your youth makes you foolish, Torlin Rastori. I know you are bitter and angry because the Patrians hurt your grandfather. But now they’ve done the same to you, and you’re on their list of enemies. And all your defiance didn’t do anything to heal your grandfather’s bruised and broken body. You should have stayed with him and nursed his wounds instead of going to school.
TORLIN RASTORI
I have a right to go to school like any other boy my age, no matter what their stupid Patrian laws say. And I refuse to do compulsory labour in one of their munitions factories like you, Vallin.
VALLIN RASTORI
Torlin…you’re so blind! Arcanians don’t have “rights”…
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Torlin. Try to understand. You place too much importance on that Patrian school. Arcanians must learn from the world…it is our university. Now come with us. We are going to the river to watch the waters pass by…there is something to be learned from watching the waters.
TORLIN RASTORI
But I don’t see how watching a river will help our people.
TAMARIND ALINOVA
That’s exactly why I must take you there…to get you to see.
TORLIN RASTORI
I’m not going with you…it’s stupid…a waste of time…
(He runs off. VALLIN begins to follow.)
TAMARIND ALINOVA:
Let him go, Vallin…he must find his own way towards death…that is one right we Arcanians still have.
(They exit.)
(Recommended melody for “There’s Something So Mysterious”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
There’s something so mysterious
And dangerous and curious
Hidden in the corner of your mind.
End of Scene 14.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 15: The Leader and his Wife
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Do you know what I miss most, Nastasia? Those days when we were young and you and I would go out on the river, under the linden trees, just floating along in that old rowboat.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
Those were simpler, gentler times, Barlan…even though we were poor. And then you began working for the Party.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Yes, and so did you.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
We were a good team, writing pamphlets and organizing meetings…but you wanted more than I did…
BARLAN STORMOVIK
It was my destiny to be Leader, Nastasia…a bittersweet destiny, as it turns out.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
It’s not easy to be the wife of the Leader…it’s all play acting…and now it seems like we’re acting even when we’re alone.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
All marriages become habitual, Nastasia. You’re too sentimental. You have everything you could possibly want…money, status, a beautiful home…
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
But no children.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
No. That is one thing I cannot give you. Here I am, the most powerful man in Greatland, and yet you can wound me so easily with those two little words… “no children”…
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
I don’t mean to humiliate you, Barlan. It’s just that I’m lonely. I need you to be something more than a politician. I want the man who loved to row down the river under the linden trees.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Nastasia, you’re talking like a naïve schoolgirl.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
Even a schoolgirl can have a broken heart.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Then apply your intelligence to our situation, instead of your heart.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
The heart is a boat in which the mind floats. You cannot have one without the other. Without the mind, the heart drifts aimlessly….without the heart, the mind cannot complete its voyage.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
But I am no longer rowing a boat on a placid river, Nastasia. I am commanding a huge and vulnerable ship of state. My heart and mind have no time for the sort of self-indulgent romance you seem to crave.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
I see.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
And now you will have to excuse me. I must meet with the Minister of Information about these briefings from the Ministry of Security.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
Of course.
(She steps towards him in hope of some sort of embrace, but he turns away. She exits.)
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Briefings and more briefings.
End of Scene 15.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 16: The Leader and His Minister
(DARYA RAYNE enters with her secretary MARTA TABARI)
DARYA RAYNE
Well, Comrade Leader, how can I help you this evening? I hope you don’t mind my secretary Marta Tabari attending the meeting…she’s received a complete security clearance.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Of course not. How are you enjoying working for the Minister, Miss Tabari?
MARTA TABARI
It’s a great honour to work for the Party, Comrade Leader, and especially to work for the Minister…she, like you, is a wonderful role model for all Greatlanders.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
(to MARTA TABARI)
Yes, you are a very lucky young woman to be part of this great movement.
(To DARYA RAYNE)
Things are going well, Minister…the Patria Party is more popular than ever since you launched this latest round of anti-Arcanian initiatives.
DARYA RAYNE
Thank you, Comrade Leader.
BARLAN STORMOVIK:
But this crisis you’ve engineered with the Sarillian Republic could easily get out of hand. We’re not ready for war.
DARYA RAYNE
We have conducted exhaustive studies, Comrade Leader, to determine the Sarillian willingness to fight, and we have concluded that their government does not have sufficient popular support for a war at this time. Furthermore, their allies have given no indication they will honour their commitments.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
I will have to trust your judgment on this, Comrade Minister. But I must remind you that it is one thing to bully a few Arcanian shopkeepers…it is quite another to confront a neighbouring republic. Step carefully, Minister. Now if you’ll excuse me…it’s late and I must review these briefings.
DARYA RAYNE
Of course, Comrade Leader.
(She begins to exit with MARTA TABARI, then turns back to STORMOVIK)
Comrade Leader, if you do not have complete faith in me, I suggest you request my resignation.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
I do not have complete faith in anyone, Darya…but I’m willing to trust your judgment, for now. I just want you to exercise all possible caution.
DARYA RAYNE
I shall do so. Good evening.
(She and MARTA TABARI exit.)
BARLAN STORMOVIK
(to himself)
I must watch that woman carefully.
End of Scene 16.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 17: The Leader and His Lover
EVELINA SERIA
(Entering)
Would you like your evening glass of brandy now, Leader?
BARLAN STORMOVIK
You don’t have to call me “Leader” when we’re alone, Evelina.
EVELINA SERIA
I can’t bring myself to call you by your name here in your own house, with your wife in the next room…
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Evelina, I took a great risk hiring you…
EVELINA SERIA
I know…I’m grateful that you’ve put yourself at risk for me…
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Gratefulness that I’ve well and truly earned.
EVELINA SERIA
Yes.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
If anyone discovers I am involved with you, it would make things very difficult.
EVELINA SERIA
More than difficult…impossible.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
And I’ve gone to great lengths to hide your Arcanian heritage…so try to be a bit more friendly when we’re alone together…
(He embraces her.)
EVELINA SERIA
(breaking away)
I don’t understand love. Why am I here with you, my enemy and my lover?
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Oh, you understand love all right…what you don’t understand is power.
EVELINA SERIA
I know you have the power to give life or take it.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
What you mean is: I give life to Patrians like me, and take it away from Arcanians like you.
EVELINA SERIA
But I’m the exception…
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Yes, because you’re more useful to me alive.
EVELINA SERIA
Useful.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
You’d like to believe you’re somehow morally superior to me.
EVELINA SERIA
I no longer have any idea what is right and what is wrong, what is good and what is bad.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
There is no good and bad, right and wrong. There is only power.
EVELINA SERIA
Use your power to save my sister.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Your sister?
EVELINA SERIA
I have a sister…Karrisa. She’s starving. Soon she will become ill and then she’ll die.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
You should not have shared this secret with me.
EVELINA SERIA
That means you won’t help her….you’ll find her and kill her because she’s a threat to you.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Why did you risk her life by telling me about her?
EVELINA SERIA
She’s going to die anyway. A ghost of a chance is better than no chance at all.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
I have already forgotten that you have a sister. You must forget too if you want me to spare your sister’s life.
EVELINA SERIA
Yes. I must forget.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Bring my glass of brandy to my office.
(They exit in opposite directions.)
End of Scene 17.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 18: Rasia Cherkova Speaks:
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria with the latest news on the crisis with Sarillia. Intelligence reports indicate that the Sarillian Armed Forces are massing on our borders. Our Leader, Barlan Stormovik, has issued a statement warning the Sarillians that force will be met with force. Meanwhile, Patrian Special Guards continue their sweeps of Arcanian ghettoes, rooting out pro-Sarillian elements.
End of Scene 18.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 19: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing:
SHERNI ROLKA
Are you outside in the gathering storm?
SILLA ROLKA
Come on in to the café of dreams.
SHERNI ROLKA
It’s warm and safe and the food is delicious…
SILLA ROLKA
Come on in to the café of dreams…
(Recommended melody for “The Tramp of Marching Boots”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
The tramp of marching boots
Can be heard across the border
The rumble of trucks and tanks
Can be heard across the border
Put up your blackout curtains
Lock your doors and stay inside
The tide of war is rising…don’t let it sweep you away.
La, la, la, la, la,
Don’t let it sweep you away;
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.
End of Scene 19.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 20: Evelina Seria Meets with Karrisa Seria
EVELINA SERIA
Are you well, Karrisa? I worry about you, my sister, my only living relative…
KARRISA SERIA
And I worry about you, Evelina.
EVELINA SERIA
In times like these, we have only our doubts and fears for company.
KARRISA SERIA
Perhaps we’d both feel better if you shared some of the secrets of your life with me.
EVELINA SERIA
In Greatland, secrecy and lies mean life…openness and truth mean death.
KARRISA SERIA
Why do I have to meet you here in the street? I don’t even know where you live, or what you do.
EVELINA SERIA
Please, Karrisa, just be glad we are alive and can sometimes be together.
KARRISA SERIA
But there’s so much I want to know about you…
EVELINA SERIA
For Arcanians, not knowing is better than knowing…the Patrians are quite capable of torturing anyone to confession. There. I’ve said more than I should and it will have to be enough.
KARRISA SERIA
Evelina, I’m involved with an Arcanian mystical society led by Tamarind Alinova. She’s wonderful…she helps me find strength…she could help you…
EVELINA SERIA
That is out of the question, Karrisa, and now you’ve told me more than you should.
KARRISA SERIA
But she could help you, Evelina…
EVELINA SERIA
No one can help me. I have to leave now.
KARRISA SERIA
So soon?
EVELINA SERIA
Yes. Here is some money and ration stamps…
(She hands KARRISA an envelope, but KARRISA is hesitant to take it.)
EVELIN SERIA
Please take it…
KARRISA SERIA
But what about you?
EVELINA SERIA
I have enough. Perhaps you can get some extra food. I know you need it.
KARRISA SERIA
When will I see you again?
EVELINA SERIA
I don’t know…just keep checking for a note in the usual place. Goodbye Karrisa. I love you, my sister.
KARRISA SERIA
(they hug)
Goodbye, Evelina. (They part and exit.)
(Recommended melody for “The Tramp of Marching Boots”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA ROLKA sing)
The tramp of marching boots
Can be heard across the border…
The rumble of trucks and tanks
Can be heard across the border…
Put up you black out curtains!
Lock your doors and stay inside!
The tide of war is rising…
Don’t let it…sweep you away…
La, la, la, la, la…
Don’t let it…sweep you away…
La, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la.
End of Scene 20.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 21: Alisa Kondora’s Violin
PRIAM KONDORA
It’s a good thing Alisa can work in the bakery, Tanis. We’re shorthanded now that Tondo can’t work.
TANIS KONDORA
Is that all you have to say about it, Priam? Tondo was beaten within an inch of his life, and all you’re worried about is finding another worker?
PRIAM KONDORA
Life must go on. Crying about Tondo won’t get any bread baked.
TANIS KONDORA
Why do always pretend to have a heart of stone, Priam? Besides, there is hardly any flour for baking, so the bakery may as well be closed.
JANESSA KONDORA
(entering)
Mummy, Daddy, I can’t study when you fight.
PRIAM KONDORA
We are not fighting, Janessa. Your mother is just enjoying her favourite pastime: judging me.
(He turns his back on the two of them.)
TANIS KONDORA
I’m sorry, Janessa. How are you doing on those arithmetic questions?
JANESSA KONDORA
I haven’t answered any of them, Mummy.
TANIS KONDORA
But you must try, Janessa. To learn is to live.
JANESSA KONDORA
No, Mummy…it’s a waste of time. The Patrians are going to kill us all.
TANIS KONDORA
Whatever are you talking about, Janessa?
JANESSA KONDORA
I know what’s going on.
PRIAM KONDORA
Well then, I’d be grateful if you told me.
JANESSA KODORA
I know that the Patrians hate us, and that they have all the guns and all the power. I know they want to kill us.
TANIS KONDORA
Child, child, come here.
(JANESSA goes to her mother, who hugs her.)
TANIS KONDORA
I will not allow the Patrians to kill you…I promise you, I will not allow it.
PRIAM KONDORA
If your mother says she’ll protect you, Janessa, you can stop worrying. I’d feel sorry for any Patrian that gets in her way.
JANESSA KONDORA
Oh, Daddy, always joking. But they want to kill you too!
PRIAM KONDORA
I’ve lived with your mother for twenty-two years, and I’m not dead yet. I think I can handle a few Patrian bullies.
ALISA KONDORA
(entering with SHANNA and VALLIN RASTORI)
Father, father…they’ve broken my violin!
SHANNA RASTORI
It’s true, Mr. Kondora. She was playing on the street outside our flat, to try and earn a few pennies to buy medicine for Tondo. She was just trying to help…she was playing so beautifully…
(She falters.)
VALLIN RASTORI
I’ll explain, Grandmother. Three boys in Patrian Youth Corps uniforms came up to Alisa and said she was poisoning the air with Arcanian screechiug. They took her violin and smashed it.
ALISA KONDORA
I can’t live without my violin! I can’t.
(She runs out and JANESSA runs out after her.)
PRIAM KONDORA
Alisa! Janessa!
TANIS KONDORA
Let them go, Priam. Let her go and grieve…she will lose far more than that violin before this is all over.
SHANNA RASTORI
Mr. Kondora, Tondo is dying…he gets weaker and weaker.
VALLIN RASTORI
The hospitals won’t accept him, and our Arcanian doctors have no medical supplies.
SHANNA RASTORI
He does not deserve to die just for being a stubborn old man like ten thousand stubborn old men before him.
PRIAM KONDORA
Where is your grandson Torlin? He should be helping you.
VALLIN RASTORI
He has disappeared, Mr. Kondora. We don’t know where he is.
SHANNA RASTORI
Now there is only Vallin, and she is exhausted from forced labour in the munitions factory.
VALLIN RASTORI
If I don’t show up for work, I’ll be arrested and put in a camp.
TANIS KONDORA
Priam and I will try to help. Take us to Tondo.
(They exit.)
End of Scene 21.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene22: Rasia Cherkova Speaks
RASIA CHERKOVA
“The Voice of Greatland” has received confirmation that, in a treacherous violation of international law, Sarillian forces and their allies have launched an attack across our border on two fronts. Our heroic armed forces are fighting to repel this invasion of the sacred soil of Greatland. Our Leader, Barlan Stormovik, has mobilized our military reserves and has called on all Greatlanders to unite in this struggle for our nation.
End of Scene 22.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 23: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing
SILLA ROLKA
The Café of Dreams is hiring help…
SHERNI ROLKA
We’ll take anyone…
SILLA ROLKA
Come and join us…
SHERNI ROLKA
There’s so much to be done…
(Recommended melody for “There Are Wild Rats”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
There are wild rats coming through the doors
And cockroaches through the cracks
There are packs of dogs and alley cats
Sneaking through the back.
We need your help to stop them all
Before they steal our food
And wreck our lovely restaurant
And spoil our perfect mood.
End of Scene 23.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 24: Harak Gorla and Coral Gorla Talk
CORAL GORLA
(As HARAK enters)
Harak! Have you heard? The Sarillians have attacked us!
HARAK GORLA
We can handle them, Coral. What’s for supper?
CORAL GORLA
Why, I’ve completely forgotten the time! It’s war, Harak! They say that other countries will soon join the fight.
HARAK GORLA
It’s all the fault of the Arcanians. They’ve got us fighting with the Sarillians, when both our countries should be getting rid of Arcanians.
CORAL GORLA
Why do you hate the Arcanians so much, Harak?
HARAK GORLA
Do I hate rats?
CORAL GORLA
No, but you kill them….
HARAK GORLA
Exactly. I do not hate Arcanians, Coral, but I am willing to kill them because they are filth. It is a clean-up job, nothing more.
CORAL GORLA
Like that old man you and Starli Barlov beat up?
HARAK GORLA
Are you going to make me some supper or not?
CORAL GORLA
The world is going crazy, Harak, and all you can think about is supper?
HARAK GORLA
I don’t like it when you act this way, Coral. I have been working. I am hungry. I want to eat. It is all very simple.
CORAL GORLA
Simple. Yes, it’s simple. You’ll have to cook your own supper. I’m exhausted and I want to rest.
(She exits.)
HARAK GORLA Theatrics. It’s a waste of time. Perhaps that little café down the street is open.
(He exits.)
(Recommended melody for “The Café of Dreams”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
The Café of Dreams is open for business…
The past is behind us, the future’s devine…
Come in all you hard-working people of Grealand…
And sample our menu of sweet dreams and lies.
End of Scene 24.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 25: Starli and Karn Barlov Meet Torlin Rastori
STARLI BARLOV
We must hurry home, Karn. It’s almost curfew time.
KARN BARLOV
Mother, I’ve met this girl. Her name’s Versi…Versi Tarko.
STARLI BARLOV
Versi Tarko? Is she related to Arlan Tarko, the youth leader?
KARN BARLOV
He’s her father…
STARLI BARLOV
How much do you like this girl?
KARN BARLOV
She’s all right.
STARLI BARLOV
Well, then, get her to fall in love with you. Her father is an important man. He could be very useful to us.
KARN BARLOV
You can’t just make someone fall in love with you, Mother…
STARLI BARLOV
Your father made me fall in love with him.
KARN BARLOV
But you left him…
STARLI BARLOV
Karn, it’s time you knew the truth. I didn’t leave your father. He left me. He was an Arcanian, and he was killed in one of the anti-Arcanian riots after the last war.
KARN BARLOV
I am half Arcanian?
STARLI BARLOV
You are my son. That is all. I only tell you this about your father so that you will understand why you must do everything you can to achieve success. You will get that girl to fall in love with you.
KARN BARLOV
But you arrest Arcanians, and I know you don’t do it gently. You were pretty rough on that old man you and Harak Gorla beat up.
STARLI BARLOV
I have done everything I can to give you a good life. I’ve had to make hard choices. The Party approves of the harsh handling of Arcanians. It gives me a chance for promotion.
KARN BARLOV
I don’t understand you, Mother….but I will do as you say.
STARLI BARLOV
I want you to know, Karn, that I love you…you are everything to me.
HARAK GORLA
(entering)
Well, well…if it isn’t Corporal Barlov? And is this your boy?
STARLI BARLOV
Sergeant Gorla? What are you doing out here?
TORLIN RASTORI
(entering)
Hello, Karn. Is that your mother?
KARN BARLOV
Torlin Rastori! Mother…that’s the Arcanian boy who was arrested for coming to school.
HARAK GORLA
Don’t you know it’s curfew time, boy?
TORLIN RASTORI
Yes. Time for Karn to go home.
(Producing his grandfather’s army revolver, TORLIN shoots KARN. HARAK draws his gun, but TORLIN shoots him. STARLI BARLOV pulls out her gun and shoots TORLIN.)
STARLI BARLOV
(going to KARN)
Karn, Karn…
KARN BARLOV
Mother, mother…I am an Arcanian…just like him…
STARLI BARLOV
Karn, Karn…
(She helps him up and they exit.)
HARAK GORLA
(mortally wounded)
My god, I’m shot…in the belly…a bullet for my supper…
(He staggers off.)
End of Scene 25.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 26: Alisa and Janessa are Arrested
ALISA KONDORA
(entering with JANESSA)
Janessa, look…someone’s been hurt.
(inspecting the body)
It’s Torlin, Tondo and Shanna’s grandson…
JANESSA KONDORA
Alisa…leave him alone…I’m scared…we’ve got to go home…it’s past curfew.
ALISA KONDORA
Help me, Janessa…he may still be alive…we must take him home with us…
(Seeing the revolver, ALISA picks it up.)
ALISA KONDORA
But first we must get rid of this…
BELLA STERNE
(Entering with HANNA KRAUSS)
Halt!
(As ALISA and JANESSA stop, ALISA tries to hide the gun in her clothing.)
BELLA STERNE
What do we have here, Comrade Krauss?
HANNA KRAUSS
Your papers…
ALISA KONDORA
We just found this boy lying on the street, your excellency…
HANNA KRAUSS
Your papers, at once…
(ALISA and JANESSA hand over their ID cards)
HANNA KRAUSS
Arcanians. What’s that you’re hiding?
(pulling ALISA to her and finding the gun)
Well, well…do you collect antiques? This may be old, but it still works. The barrel is warm.
BELLA STERNE
(checking TORLIN’S body and finding his ID card)
This one’s Arcanian too.
HANNA KRAUSS
Looks like they’ve killed one of their own kind. And that Patrian Special Guard we found back there. You’re both under arrest. Pick up that body and come with us.
BELLA STERNE
Comrade Krauss, we are due at the Ministry of Security in ten minutes.
HANNA KRAUSS
We’ll have the Special Guards take these two into custody at the checkpoint.
(They all exit.)
(Recommended melody for “Someone’s Got to Stop You”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
Someone’s got to stop you from hurting yourself…
Someone’s got to put you away on the shelf
Here in Greatland, beautiful Greatland…
The friendliest nation in the world.
The friendliest nation in the world.
End of Scene 26.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 27: Tondo Rastori Dies
(TONDO RASTORI is sitting up weakly in his flat.)
SHANNA RASTORI
(entering with VALLIN, PRIAM, and TANIS KONDORA)
Here he is, Mr. Kondora.
TONDO RASTORI
I don’t need any help. I just want to be left alone.
PRIAM KONDORA
We want you to come to our house, Tondo. It’s too difficult for Shanna and Vallin to look after you.
TONDO RASTORI
Please, let me sit here for a bit…I’m feeling dizzy…Boss, I don’t feel good…
(He faints.)
SHANNA RASTORI
Tondo…
(She goes to him and tries to revive him)
TANIS KONDORA
Let me look, Shanna.
(She gently pulls her away and checks TONDO’S pulse and pulls up his eyelids. She goes to SHANNA. PRIAM goes to TONDO.)
TANIS KONDORA
Shanna, Tondo’s gone.
SHANNA RASTORI
Tondo, you old fool, you old fool….you’ve left me all alone…for the price of a loaf of oat bread…Vallin, Vallin, where could my grandson be? He should be here at a time like this.
VALLIN RASTORI
(going to SHANNA and taking her hands)
I will go to Madam Alinova, Grandmother…she’ll help me find Torlin…the Kondoras will look after you…
(She hugs her grandmother and exits.)
TANIS KONDORA Please come home with us, Shanna. You can do no more here, and there is nothing for you to eat or drink. Priam will place Tondo in his bed, and in the morning we can make the proper arrangements.
SHANNA RASTORI
Yes. Tondo, my husband, an old soldier of Greatland…so proud, so stubborn…your pride was stronger than your love for me.
(She exits with TANIS. PRIAM stands over the body of his old employee)
PRIAM KONDORA
You did not die for nothing, Tondo Rastori. A man who dies defending a loaf of bread from a bully is as great a hero as the world ever needs.
(PRIAM lifts the body of TONDO and exits.)
End of Scene 27.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 28: Rasia Cherkova Speaks…
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria. Reports from the front indicate that more allies of our Sarillian enemies have joined the Sarillian Armed Forces in their treacherous invasion of Greatland. Though our valiant troops are fighting with ferocity and courage, the enemy has advanced deep into the heartland of our country and our major industrial centres are now within striking distance of the enemy’s airforce. Our leader Barlan Stormovik calls on all Greatlanders to unite in the effort to drive out these barbarian invaders. In response to this national emergency, the Ministry of Security has been taking ruthless action against suspected traitors and spies.
End of Scene 28.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 29: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing
SHERNI ROLKA
Isn’t it wonderful to be alive…
SILLA ROLKA
In these exciting times…
SHERNI ROLKA
The Café of Dreams is full of adventures…
SILLA ROLKA
There’s even a chance you could die!
(Recommended melody for “The Bombs Are Starting”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA sing)
The bombs are starting to fall from the sky
And the cities are starting to burn
There are enemy troops smashing through the gates
The tide is starting to turn
Against our nation…
Our beautiful nation!
The friendliest nation in the world.
The friendliest nation in the world.
End of Scene 29.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 30: The Execution of Karrisa Seria
(BELLA STERN enters with HANNA KRAUSS. They are on a deserted street.)
BELLA STERNE
(looking about)
Is this the correct address?
HANNA KRAUSS
(seeing a number on a building)
Yes. See the numbers on that empty warehouse? 252 Linden Street.
BELLA STERNE
So that’s where the Arcanian mystical society used to meet.
HANNA KRAUSS
A deserted warehouse isn’t much of a church.
BELLA STERNE
Those Arcanian mystics would turn a pigsty into a church.
HANNA KRAUSS
Not much chance of any of them turning up here now.
BELLA STERNE
I’d give a month’s pay to get my hands on one of them.
HANNA KRAUSS
(looking offstage)
Someone’s coming.
BELLA STERNE
We’ll wait over there where it’s dark.
(They withdraw into the darkness to await KARRISA SERIA’S arrival. KARISSA enters and stands waiting for EVELINA SERIA. )
KARRISA SERIA
(calling out carefully)
Evelina? Is that you?
(BELLA STERNE and HANNA KRAUSS approach her with drawn guns.)
BELLA STERNE
You have violated curfew.
KARRISA SERIA
I’m sorry. I didn’t know it was so late.
HANNA KRAUSS
(holding out her hand)
Your identity card?
KARRISA SERIA
(searching her pockets)
I must have lost it.
(KARRISA quietly takes a ring off her finger, and during her interrogation, lets it slip onto the ground, unseen by BELLA and HANNA.)
BELLA STERNE
Who is “Evelina”?
KARRISA SERIA
My little dog. She ran away. I’ve been looking for her all evening.
BELLA STERNE
What’s your name?
KARRISA SERIA
Morozova. Sofia Morozova.
HANNA KRAUSS
(raising her gun to the level of KARRISA’S head)
You’re lying.
BELLA STERNE
Tell us the truth and we’ll be merciful.
KARRISA SERIA
You’ll shoot me no matter what I say.
HANNA KRAUSS
Yes. But tell another lie and we’ll have you tortured first.
KARRISA SERIA
What do you want to know?
BELLA STERNE
First we’ll tell you what we know.
HANNA KRAUSS
You’re a member of the Arcanian mystical society that used to meet in that warehouse.
BELLA STERNE
We’ve arrested one of your comrades.
HANNA KRAUSS
She told us everything.
KARISSA SERIA
Then why bother to ask me anything?
BELLA STERNE
A little rat like you shouldn’t talk that way to a Patrian.
KARRISA SERIA
Then I won’t talk to you at all.
HANNA KRAUSS
Oh yes you will, when one of our interrogation units gets their hands on you.
BELLA STERNE
Everyone talks in the end.
(She and HANNA arrest KARRISA and escort her offstage. EVELEINA SERIA enters.)
EVELINA SERIA
(calling carefully)
Karrisa? Karrisa?
(She looks around, sees KARRISA’S ring, goes to it, and picks it up and looks at it.)
EVELINA SERIA
So he didn’t forget about you…he had you arrested.
(She exits.)
(Recommended melody for “Barlan Stormovik”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
Barlan Stormovik,
Helper and healer!
Father and friend!
Barlan Stormovik,
Protector of Greatland,
On you we depend!
Our helper and healer!
Our father and friend.
End of Scene 30.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 31: Darya Rayne Consults Marta Tabari
DARYA RAYNE
Marta, things are looking very bad for us.
MARTA TABARI
Yes. This war is the last thing we wanted. And the Sarillians will not negotiate a peace settlement.
DARYA RAYNE
Barlan Stormovik will blame me for this. The game’s over. He’ll have me, you, and my entire staff shot.
MARTA TABARI
Don’t give up hope yet, Miss Rayne.
DARYA RAYNE
Sometimes you can be surprisingly stupid, Marta. The time for platitudes is past. I set up a confrontation with Sarillia for propaganda purposes, and now the entire nation is being engulfed in war.
MARTA TABARI
I’m not being stupid…
DARYA RAYNE
Yes you are. I’ve taught you everything I can think of about power, and you say something silly like “Don’t give up hope”. Politics is a dangerous game. I’ve lost. And when I lose, so do you.
MARTA TABARI
Don’t you remember telling me that information is the source of all power?
DARYA RAYNE
What has that got to do with it?
MARTA TABARI
I have some information that can save us both.
DARYA RAYNE
And how much will this information cost me?
MARTA TABARI
Under the circumstances, I ask for nothing more than your respect.
DARYA RAYNE
Under the circumstances, I accept your price.
MARTA TABARI
Our great leader is having an affair with an Arcanian…his maid, as it turns out. An informant of mine has given me absolute proof of this. His lover’s name is Evelina Seria.
DARYA RAYNE
(quickly seeing the opportunity)
Does this Arcanian woman have a family?
MARTA TABARI
Just one young woman, a sister. Her name is Karrisa Seria…or, I should say, was Karrisa Seria. She was summarily executed today for treason. You see, we discovered she was a member of an Arcanian mystical group led by a woman named Tamarind Alinova. We have not been able to find Alinova, but Karrisa Seria is dead.
DARYA RAYNE
It seems you’ve learned a good deal more than I thought, Marta.
MARTA TABARI
An operative working for us, posing as an Arcanian, has told Evelina Seria her sister has been executed under the direct orders of Barlan Stormovik, and has given her access to a handgun.
DARYA RAYNE
And now Evelina Seria has sufficient motive to do what anyone would do to a lover who kills a loved one.
MARTA TABARI
…and she has a security pass to the leader’s bunker.
DARYA RAYNE
It’s a gamble, a real gamble. But that’s what political careers are built on.
MARTA TABARI
And we have nothing to lose.
DARYA RAYNE
With Barlan Stormovik out of the way, we might convince the Sarillians to negotiate with us.
MARTA TABARI
Yes. And you will become Leader. All we have to do is wait.
(They exit.)
(Recommended melody for “There’s Something Very Serious”:)
SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
There’s something very serious…
A nightmare so delirious…
Hidden in the corner of your mind.
End of Scene 31.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 32: The Tarko Family Face the Truth
ARLAN TARKO
(entering upset)
Where is Versi, Lania?
LANIA TARKO
In her room, I expect. What’s the matter?
ARLAN TARKO
I just received word from a friend in the Ministry of Security that Karn Barlov was shot and killed.
LANIA TARKO
What? How could that be?
ARLAN TARKO
It’s not clear what happened. My friend said the mother was a witness, but she was hysterical and had to be heavily sedated to keep her from doing harm to herself.
LANIA TARKO
I better fetch Versi.
(She exits.)
SARLA TARKO
(entering)
Father…I’m so glad you’re home…I’m frightened…the schools have been closed because of the war…they’re worried about air raids.
ARLAN TARKO
Don’t worry, Sarla, our armed forces will defend us.
VERSI TARKO
(rushing in, followed by Lania)
Karn’s dead? Father, is he dead?
ARLAN TARKO
Yes…yes, I’m afraid so. He was shot…that’s all we know…
VERSI TARKO
How could he be dead? He’s just a boy…he’s my friend…
LANIA TARKO
Versi, please try to be brave…this is a difficult time for us all…
SARLA TARKO
(hearing a knock at the door)
Someone’s here, Father…
(SARLA exits.)
LANIA TARKO
Arlan, we must prepare ourselves for something terrible.
SARLA TARKO
(entering with HANNA KRAUSS and BELLA STERNE)
Father, Comrades Sterne and Krauss wish to speak with you.
BELLA STERNE
Comrade Tarko.
ARLAN TARKO
Comrade Sterne, Comrade Krauss. How can I help you?
BELLA STERNE
This is extremely difficult…
HANNA KRAUSS
Nonetheless, Comrade Sterne, it must be done. Comrade Tarko, we have some bad news for you.
BELLA STERNE
Because of your status in the Party, we have come ourselves rather than send the regular Special Guards.
HANNA KRAUSS
We have received information that your daughter, Versi Tarko, was involved with a half-Arcanian boy named Karn Barlov.
BELLA STERNE
You took this boy to several meetings of the Patrian Youth Corps and also gave him access to Patrian Party archives.
ARLAN TARKO
He was half-Arcanian? How could this be?
HANNA KRAUSS
Karn Barlov’s mother revealed this information under interrogation.
BELLA STERNE
Karn Barlov was involved in the murder of a Patrian Special Guard named Harak Gorla during a dispute with another Arcanian…a boy named Torlin Rastori known to both Karn Barlov and your daughter Versi.
HANNA KRAUSS
he wartime laws in this matter are clear.
BELLA STERNE
You have only two options, Comrade Tarko.
HANNA KRAUSS
You and your family face arrest, disgrace, and summary execution for collaborating with an enemy of the state.
LANIA TARKO
But he was just a boy! Just a harmless boy!
HANNA KRAUSS
As I said, the law is clear in this matter. And I tell you in complete frankness, the execution squads are quite capable of torturing before they kill.
BELLA STERNE
However, Comrade Krauss and I have been authorized to offer you another option. This bottle contains four capsules.
HANNA KRAUSS
Each one offers a quick, painless death.
BELLA STERNE
We will leave these with you.
HANNA KRAUSS
Your house is under observation.
BELLA STERNE
You cannot leave.
HANNA KRAUSS
We will give you one hour to decide what you must do.
(BELLA STERNE gives ARLAN TARKO the pill bottle.)
BELLA STERNE
One hour, Comrade Tarko.
(She and HANNA KRAUSS exit.)
LANIA TARKO:
Arlan, what can we do?
ARLAN TARKO
I don’t know…I don’t know…
(He takes a pill from the bottle, and looks at it as if in a trance.)
VERSI TARKO
I want to die! Karn’s dead, and I want to die, too!
(VERSI snatches the pill from ARLAN and exits, followed by LANIA and ARLAN, who drops the pill bottle.)
SARLA TARKO
(picking up the bottle)
Versi, Versi, what have you done? If you must die, then I must too!
(SARLA takes a pill and dies. LANIA enters and see SARLA.)
LANIA TARKO
Sarla!
(She goes to SARLA.)
LANIA TARKO
(calling)
Arlan! Arlan!
(ARLAN enters.)
LANIA TARKO
We must join our daughters, Arlan…quickly, before they slip away beyond our reach. Bring Sarla…we will go to Versi’s room and all be together.
(ARLAN picks up SARLA, and they exit.)
(Recommended melody for “The Café of Dreams”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
The Café of Dreams is free from the nightmares
Of Arcanist schemers and Arcanist spies…
Come in all you pure-blooded people of Greatland…
And sample our menu of sweet dreams and lies.
End of Scene 32.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 33: Priam and Tanis Kondora face the end with Shanna Rastori
SHANNA RASTORI
(entering with PRIAM and TANIS)
My granddaughter has not returned with Torlin. And what could have happened to your daughters?
PRIAM KONDORA
The same thing that’s happening to Arcanians everywhere in this madness.
TANIS KONDORA
I promised Janessa that I would not let the Patrians harm her, but both she and Alisa must have been arrested.
PRIAM KONDORA
(understanding instinctively what fate has befallen his children)
I have only one wish for my children: at the moment of the ending of their lives, I want them to laugh.
TANIS KONDORA
(embracing him)
They will laugh, Priam, you can be sure of that.
SHANNA RASTORI
Soon the bombs will start to fall. Soon the city will burn.
TANIS KONDORA
Let’s walk in the streets and greet the bombs.
PRIAM KONDORA
Let’s laugh at the bombs, and the fires, and the Patrians scrambling like panicking cattle in the middle of the chaos and death they have caused.
SHANNA RASTORI
Yes, let’s laugh.
(They exit.)
End of Scene 33.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 34: Rasia Cherkova Speaks
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova, continuing to broadcast from Radio Patria in the heart of the Capital. As advance units of the Sarillian Armed Forces and their allies attempt to penetrate the outer suburbs of our capital, the remnants of our armed forces continue to struggle heroically to defend every street and every house. Our Leader Barlan Stormovik has decreed that any Greatlanders who attempt to surrender will be shot as traitors. In retribution for acts of sabotage behind our lines, the Ministry of Security has ordered the immediate execution of any Arcanians found at large within zones still controlled by Greatland.
End of Scene 34.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 35: Sherni and Silla Rolka Sing
SHRNI and SILLA ROLKA
(singing)
SILLA ROLKA
The lights are going out…
SHERNI ROLKA
In the Café of Dreams…
SILLA ROLKA
It’s almost closing time…
SHERNI ROLKA
In the Café of Dreams…
(Recommended melody for “The Café of Dreams Is Closing Its Doors”:)
(SHERNI and SILLA ROLKA sing)
The Café of Dreams is closing its doors,
The customers must leave this place.
Their wallets are empty, but their bellies are full
Of guilt and shame and disgrace.
The Café of Dreams is ending the night
By locking out all of its patrons.
The staff has been paid the wages of sin
For providing an evening of hatred.
End of Scene 35.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 36: Tamarind Alinova Meets With Vallin Rastori
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Your brother Torlin is no longer with us, Vallin.
VALLIN RASTORI
How do you know this, Madam Alinova?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
His life had become a song of revenge, sung in bitter harmony with the music of his own death.
VALLIN RASTORI
And what has become of Karrisa Seria, Madam Alinova?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
She too has gone too, and her sister is not far behind her.
VALLIN RASTORI
And my grandmother? Should I not go to her?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
She has found her own way to the homeland. She no longer needs your help.
VALLIN RASTORI
What is left for us? What must we do?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
We must go down to the river, Vallin Rastori, down to the rushing waters.
VALLIN RASTORI
What will we do there, Madam Alinova?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Give ourselves to the river…the rushing waters await us.
VALLIN RASTORI
Where will they take us? Where will we go?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
To our homeland, to our homeland.
VALLIN RASTORI
What is it like to die, Madam Alinova?
TAMARIND ALINOVA
Death is a sleep from which you shall wake in the homeland, Vallin Rastori.
VALLIN RASTORI
I will go with you down to the river, down to the rushing waters.
(They exit.)
(Recommended melody for “Someone’s Got to Stop You”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing)
Someone’s got to stop you from hurting yourself…
Someone’s got to put you away on the shelf…
End of Scene 36.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 37: Alisa and Janessa Kondora Laugh
JANESSA KONDORA
(as they enter)
Why have the Patrians sent us down this corridor, Alissa?
ALISA KONDORA
They want us to wait in the little room at the end, Janessa.
JANESSA KONDORA
What will happen there?
ALISA KONDORA
Nothing, Janessa. We’ll just sit there for a while until someone comes for us.
JANESSA KONDORA
Alisa, I know the Patrians don’t care if our story is true or not. They are burning with hatred.
ALISA KONDORA
Janessa, promise me something.
JANESSA KONDORA
What, Alisa?
ALISA KONDORA
Promise me that when we are in the little room, and someone comes for us, promise me that you will laugh with me…
JANESSA KONDORA
I promise, Janessa.
(They exit together. There is laughter followed by two gunshots.)
(Recommended melody for “Here in Greatland”:)
(SILLA and SHERNI ROLKA sing
Here in Greatland, beautiful Greatland…
The friendliest nation in the world.
The friendliest nation in the world.
End of Scene 37.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 38: The Leader is Assassinated
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
(entering with Barlan Stormovik)
Barlan, the war is lost, isn’t it.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Yes. We were not ready. I trusted Darya Rayne, and she failed me.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
Are you going to order her arrest?
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Why? Greatland is crumbling, burning, disintegrating. The Sarillians and their allies will soon be standing in this room, giving orders. They’ll be rounding her up along with other members of the Party. No doubt they’ll all be shot.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
And us, Barlan? What’s to become of us?
BARLAN STORMOVIK
I won’t let us suffer the indignity of arrest, Nastasia.
EVELINA SERIA
(entering)
Barlan.
BARLAN STORMOVIK
Evelina! Well, I suppose there’s a certain bitter comfort in being with you and Nastasia at a moment like this…at the end.
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
What do you mean, Barlan?
EVELINA SERIA
It’s not necessary that you should hear his answer to that, Nastasia Stormovik.
(EVELINA produces her handgun and shoots BARLAN STORMOVIK.)
NASTASIA STORMOVIK
(going to BARLAN)
Barlan! My husband!
EVELINA SERIA
It’s enough that you should know he killed my sister.
(EVELINA shoots NASTASIA).
EVELINA SERIA
It’s enough that you should die with him…
(EVELIA exits, throwing down the gun.)
End of Scene 38.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 39: The New Leader Ponders Her Fate
DARYA RAYNE
(entering with MARTA TABARI, and picking up the gun)
So, this is how it ends for Barlan Stormovik.
MARTA TABARI
And for his wife too, poor thing.
DARYA RAYNE
The Special Police will have arrested Evelina Seria by now. I should think that death will come as a relief to her.
MARTA TABARI
Yes, and I have already arranged the broadcast that will announce that Barlan Stormovik “died bravely leading our troops”, and your “acceptance” of the leadership of the Party and nation.
DARYA RAYNE
Yes, and you are now the Minister of Information. Unfortunately, we are the leaders of a state that no longer exists.
MARTA TABARI
As you said, politics is a gamble and a dangerous game.
DARYA RAYNE
Perhaps we can convince the Sarillians that we can be useful to them.
MARTA TABARI
Perhaps. After all, we got rid of Barlan Stormovik for them.
DARYA RAYNE
Yes, they ought to give us medals. But I expect we’ll get bullets instead.
(They exit.)
End of Scene 39.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Scene 40: Rasia Cherkova Speaks
RASIA CHERKOVA
This is Rasia Cherkova of Radio Patria, the “Voice of Greatland”. As the bombs fall and the city burns, I continue to broadcast…and I will keep on broadcasting until the power fails. I have received unconfirmed reports that Barlan Stormovik is dead. Our remaining troops continue to fight, but losses are heavy. The Sarillians have occupied most of the country, and have waged a campaign of unprecedented violence against the people of Greatland. Throughout all of this, I have tried to serve my nation…I have tried to be a river carrying the words of the government to the ears of the people, but there is blood in the river…so much blood, so much blood. Please forgive this static…I know you cannot hear my voice very well…please forgive me…please forgive me…
(RASIA freezes at her microphone.)
End of Scene 40.
Greatland by Richard Stuart Dixon, Good School Plays.
Epilogue
(The full cast enters and all form a group of tableaux facing the audience and sing along, with SHERNI and SILLA ROLKA leading the song.)
(Recommended melody for “Oh You’ve Got to Watch Out!”:)
FULL CAST
(singing)
Oh you’ve got to watch out
There’s trouble in the air
These are dangerous times
And you’ve got to beware
Here in Greatland
Beautiful Greatland
The friendliest nation in the world.
Here in Greatland
Beautiful Greatland
The friendliest nation in the world.
END OF PLAY.