Dramatic Technique Part 83

[This altered in the Her mother was not beautiful, writing of play.] Not like his wife that he loved Not like his son now dead.

But she is more beautiful than all, The light of his eyes.

She laughs and sings.

He claps his hands in ecstasy He has great ambitions for her.

_A knock on the door._ Zira is sent by her father into the inner house.

The Old Woman comes out of house and says it will be some pedlar at door.

She opens.

_The Officer of the Guard and Guard enter with the Shopkeeper I_

_Hajji. Shopkeeper accuses Hajji of stealing Shopkeeper. garments he has on.

Officer._ Hajji denies it.

Shopkeeper will have him taken before the Executioner (_Mansur_).

Hajji protests.

He is taken off in spite of his a.s.surances that the Shopkeeper is a madman.

[Re-introduction of Nasir, saying, "I saw no purse!" Change made during rehearsals] _Curtain_

SCENE 4

_Hall in Executioner's House (large set). A colonnade at back, showing courtyard._

Executioner (Mansur). Executioner very discontented.

His Scribe (Afife), Young Sultan means to curtail Executioner's an old man prerogatives.

[Kafur his Sworder,-- Executioner was old Sultan's favorite.

added when play was Scribe and Executioner plan to a.s.sa.s.sinate written. This first Sultan.

sceneis enlarged in They need a clever man.

play by a letter from Whom shall they get?

the Caliph. See play.]

_Hajji is brought by the Guard, followed by Shopkeeper and a Crowd, in which is the Guide of Scene 1._

_Hajji. Hajji accused by Shopkeeper I.

Executioner. Shopkeeper II bearing No. I witness.

Scribe. Hajji protests.

Guide. Meant to pay--Excitement of new clothes made Shopkeeper I. him forget.

Shopkeeper II. Produces money.

Crowd._ Where did he get his money?

Sheikh of desert.

They all laugh.

Sheikh of desert does not give money.

Sheikhs are outlaws, robbers.

Not allowed in town.

Hajji says he is in town.

Notices Guide (_Nasir_) in crowd.

Appeals to Guide-- Guide says it is true that Sheikh is in town.

Then, says Executioner, Sheikh must be taken before Sultan.

All Curds banished by old Sultan.

Sultan has an audience this afternoon.

Sheikh an exile (by old Sultan).

Executioner cannot allow the word of the deceased monarch to be disregarded.

Sends Guide off to show the Guard the caravansary at which Sheikh is stopping.

Hajji interrupts.

One word.

He asks Guide did he, the Sheikh, not throw Hajji a purse.

Guide repeating Hajji's words (Scene 1) "I saw no purse."

All laugh.

Guide off with the Guard.

[Afterwards, "his hand Executioner orders Hajji to have his ears cut cut off," as this is off.

the law of the Koran. Hajji discourses on Fate, Kismet.

Change made when Is very witty.

writing play.] Executioner becomes interested in Hajji's brilliancy.

Hajji is pardoned suddenly by Executioner.

Executioner does more.

He takes Hajji into his household Into his personal guard.

A sword is sent for.

Hajji kneels in grat.i.tude at the Executioner's feet.

"His servant always."

The sword is brought in.

Executioner takes it and hands it to Hajji.

"Rise, Hajji, and learn to use this sword in my service."

Hajji rises.

He begs he may begin his career by an act of clemency.

Executioner grants permission.

Hajji makes the Shopkeepers kneel, forgives them for daring to accuse a servant of the Executioner's of stealing--tickles their beards with his sword and orders them to pay a fine to the Executioner.

They leave more dead than alive.

Hajji turns to Executioner.

_H._ "Have I begun well?"

_E._ "The beginning is nothing. Go now and the Captain will instruct you in your duties."

_H._ (_with enormous swagger_) "Captain?"

He goes out, the rest following him.

_The Scribe. Is amazed at Executioner's clemency.

Executioner._ _E._ "Don't you see why I have pardoned him?"

_S._ "No, Master."

_E._ "This man shall do the deed."

_S._ "The deed?"

_E._ "Murder the Sultan for me."

_S._ "I see."

(_They both turn and look after Hajji who is seen traversing the courtyard at the back and twirling his moustaches, the servants all bowing low to him._)

_Curtain_

ACT II