What in Heaven's name is he doing down there?

Transcription

1 OVERTURE SCENE 1 - CREW QUARTERS MAN 1 (O.S.): MAN 2 (O.S.): MAN 1 (O.S.): MAN 3 (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): MAN 2 (O.S.): MAN 3 (O.S.): MAN 2 (O.S.): MAN 3 (O.S.) WALTON (O.S.): MAN 3 (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): MAN 2 (O.S.): MAN 1 (O.S.): MAN 3 (O.S.): MAN 1 (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): MAN 2 (O.S.): (At the start of the show, we find our hero Victor, in the bed. The Monster is behind the scrim. In the darkness, a sudden CLANGING OF AN ALARM BELL, and Men's Voices Shouting.) There, over there, to the left of the floe! I see him! What in Heaven's name is he doing down there? Any sign of the other? Bring him aboard, quickly! He's nearly frozen solid, Captain. (Lights come up slowly on Victor, laying in bed in a small ship's cabin, his bed against a wall. He tosses and turns as if in a nightmare, gently at first, then with more force.) He's resisting, Captain. He doesn't want to come aboard! I don't see as he's got much choice! He wants to know where we're going! What? He wants to know where the ship is headed. We sail to the North Pole! Captain Walton says we sail to the North Pole. He's coming aboard. And, where's the other? (Victor turns more violently. Behind him, on the wall, the impression of the huge figure of THE CREATURE appears. It looms over Victor, in the bed.) He wants to know about the other man? Which other man? On the sled. (in his sleep) That is no man. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 1 of 57

2 MAN 3 (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): WALTON (O.S.): He's gone mad, Captain! Wrap his arms, quickly. I said, that is no man! If it wasn't a man, then what... It is a monster! Hold him, his body has gone into shock! (Victor bolts upright in the bed and screams.) MONSTER!! Where am I? (The Creature ROARS behind him. Captain Walton rushes in R and once he s in place, the lights come up on the crew quarters. The Creature's impression disappears from the wall. Victor sits up, disoriented.) It's all right. It's all right, you're safe. You are aboard the Archangel, on the North Seas. My crew pulled you from an ice floe two days ago. Two days... My name is Robert Walton. I'm the Captain of this ship. Two days, he would be long gone by now. I must get back out... (Victor tries to stand up out of bed L and collapses to the floor. Captain Walton rushes over and helps him back to the bed.) Sir, please...you're in no condition to move about just yet. (The Captain moves away, suddenly.) Your arms...you're still so cold. This ship is called The Archangel? Yes. It's a fine name for a ship. Ay, and a fitting ship for the name, if I may say so. It came to my rescue. You and your men saved my life. If you don't mind me asking, sir... (Walton X slightly DL) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 2 of 57

3 what are you doing all the way up here, out on the ice on so strange a vehicle? I am seeking one who fled from me. The other man you spoke of. Did he travel the same way you did? On a sled, drawn by dogs? He did. (Captain Walton looks back at Victor. He X back to him slightly.) We saw him. A day before we found you. You saw him. A man, on a sled. That was no m (Victor begins to cough, a hacking, terrible cough, and doubles over on the bed. The Captain X to him, hands him a flask.) Drink this. It will warm your chest. (Victor takes a long drink. It helps.) I thank you for all of your kindness. I assure you, it's not necessary. I could not in good conscience let a man perish that way on the open sea. Nor in this cabin. (Walton X back R during his next lines.) So, if you'll excuse me, I will return in a short while with some hot soup and more blankets. (Turning back to Victor.) For your own safety, please remain in your bed and covered up. We'll see you well, yet. (Victor lays back on the bed, his eyes closed.) Again, my many thanks, Captain Walton. (The Captain begins to exit, but turns back.) You're welcome. And, you sir...may I ask your name? (Victor doesn't answer, his body is still and his eyes are closed.) (The Captain lingers for a moment, then exits. The lights change, and the Captain's last line is heard in echo...) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 3 of 57

4 CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: YOUNG CAROLINE: CAROLINE: YOUNG CAROLINE: YOUNG CAROLINE: YOUNG CAROLINE: YOUNG CAROLINE: (in echo)...and you, sir...may I ask your name...your name...you, sir... (A WOMAN'S VOICE, soft and melodic answers in echo. This voice belongs to CAROLINE) (in echo)...victor. (in echo)...your name... (in echo)...victor... (Young Victor enters from UL, carrying a large, colorful butterfly. He kneels DL of the crew quarters and holds it up, studying it, intently. Caroline enters from UL, stops once slightly on stage.) Victor! (He turns to see her, Caroline X to him once she spots him.) Over here, Mother! There you are. Your father and I have returned. We were looking everywhere for you. (Victor stands up.) What do you have there? A butterfly. It's so beautiful. I found it in the garden. I think it died. I see. It's very sad, isn't it? That something so marvelous should have to die. Father said everything dies. Is that true? (Victor X R a few steps.) Yes, eventually. Every butterfly, every tree, every bird... (Victor turns back towards Caroline.) Even you? Some day. But, not for a very long time. I plan to still be here, with you sitting on my lap, every morning, for tea, (Victor turns away from her.) even when you are old and grey. Victor, come here. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 4 of 57

5 YOUNG CAROLINE: (Victor X in to Caroline. She puts her hand on his cheek.) Such a beautiful, sweet boy. You're much too young to be thinking about such things. You should think happy thoughts. Especially today. Today is very special, do you know why? No. Your father and I have a present for you. Do you want to see what it is? (He shakes his head, yes. Caroline takes Victors hand. They turn around to see Father Frankenstein walk in holding hands with Young Elizabeth from UL.) Her name is Elizabeth. Your father and I are going to take care of her. She'll be coming back to Geneva with us, to live. Isn't she pretty? (Caroline extends her hand to Elizabeth, who comes to take it. Caroline puts their hands together. Once their hands are together, Caroline X to Father Frankenstein.) \ Elizabeth, this is Victor, my son. You two are going to be very good friends. YNG. Hello. YNG. Hello. YNG. May I see your butterfly? (Victor shows her the butterfly. Young Elizabeth turn L to examine it. Victor X behind him. Young Elizabeth pretends to fly the butterfly around. Caroline steps back with Father, a few steps before exiting UL. The older Victor rises up in bed and sees the children. As if in a dream, he stands up and crosses towards them. Young Victor laughs and jumps up, chasing her around. They play a game of keep away with the butterfly first X R, then X back to L. Victor says his line as he Xs D, the children circle around him and then run off UL. Victor turns in a circle, watching them.) Elizabeth. Look at you. A child, again. Elizabeth, don't go! SCENE 2 - CREW QUARTERS (Captain Walton enters R, carrying a small stool.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 5 of 57

6 I'm sorry, what did you say? (Victor turns, broken out of his dream.) I'm sorry to intrude. I can come back. (Walton X to exit, but is stopped when Victor says ) No, please...stay. I see that you're up and about. Feeling better? What day is this, Captain? It's your fifth day aboard this ship. (Victor goes and sits on the bed.) I've been sleeping so soundly, and yet I wake up, standing in the middle of my room, talking to ghosts. Ghosts? Not ghosts. Memories. Of people I have known. I've heard you say that name before. (Captain Walton sits in the stool he s brought in.) Elizabeth. She must hold a very important place in those memories. Yes. I have doubtless excited your curiosity, Captain, as well as that of your crew. But, you are too considerate to pry. In your state it would be cruel to trouble you with any questions of mine. But, you wonder what I'm doing up here. You already told me. To seek one who fled from you. Yes. And, do you wonder about him? Naturally. I do as well. (Victor stands and X L.) Do you think it's possible that his sled was broken up by the ice? Hard to say. It's very bad out there. The ship is frozen in the ice, we haven't moved in days. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 6 of 57

7 CREWMAN: CREWMAN: CREWMAN: Do you believe that he could have survived, and somehow made it to safe landing? It's possible. Then, I should like to go up on deck to keep watch. I don't think you're well enough. But, I must... (Victor X back towards Walton, collapses slightly towards the bed. Walton stands up in concern.) Sir, you are far too weak to hold up in the rawness of the atmosphere. This far near the North Pole, the icy wind would be a crushing blow to your chest. I promise I will have someone keep watch for him, and we will let you know immediately if anything should come into view. You are a good man, Captain. An honorable man, I can tell that, already. (There's a knock on the door.) Come in. (A crewman enters. He talks with his hands behind his back properly and respectfully he speaks his lines. Victor is in his own world during this next part, Xing slightly L during the dialogue.) Permission to speak, Captain. Permission granted. We have been talking amongst ourselves, the men in the crew. The task fell to me to relay our concerns to you. Go on, then. (The crewman looks at Victor, unsure as whether or not to speak in front of him.) You may speak freely here. Captain, we have been stuck here in the frozen ice for many days, now. We may never get free. But, there is talk among the men. Some say that you vowed to push onward, further North even if we do get free, instead of turning this ship around and heading South towards home again. Is that true? Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 7 of 57

8 CREWMAN: CREWMAN: CREWMAN: Yes. Many of us are worried, myself included...that if you press onward that none of us will make it home alive. (The captain X slightly DS for the rest of the crewman s scene.) I beg you to reconsider. If there is enough sun in the morning, we may have a small chance to break through the ice and sail again, and I ask that you consider turning around and abandoning this voyage. (The captain turns back to the crewman.) Is that all? Yes, Captain. Then, you are dismissed. Yes, Captain. (The Crewman exits R, Walton X slightly R as he exits. Victor turns back into the scene.) You are a man of great ambition. (The captain turns back towards Victor.) Is that not a positive attribute in your opinion? It depends. On what? (Victor X towards Walton, DC.) On how far you are willing to go to get what you desire. How much you would sacrifice. I would sacrifice almost anything, my fortune, my existence, every hope of success for this enterprise... What enterprise is this, Captain? What is the purpose of The Archangel, on the North Seas? (Walton X D to Victor.) I seek to gain dominion over the elemental foes of our race. To conquer death itself, by... (Victor talks directly to Walton.) Unhappy man! Do you share my madness? Have you drunk also of that intoxicating draught? Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 8 of 57

9 FATHER: YOUNG CAROLINE: (Victor goes weak again and stumbles into the Captain. The Captain catches him and helps him back to the bed. The Captain sits in his chair and listens to Victor.) I had planned to let the memory of my evils die with me. Because of you I have changed my mind. I don't know that my story will be useful to you. I only hope that you will hear it, and be spared the same unfortunate fate as I. Sir, I will gladly hear your tale, but I do not believe your life to be near the end. No. I wait for but one event. And, then I shall repose. In peace. Will you come tomorrow, when I am rested? Of course. (The Captain stands and starts to X R.) Captain... (The Captain turns back to him.) have I yet told you my name? No, sir. My name is Frankenstein. Victor Frankenstein. (Victor collapses back into the bed.) Sleep well, then, Victor Frankenstein. I will call on you tomorrow. (The Captain exits, Victor stands up from the bed. A woman in tattered clothes enters from DL, and does a dance with her Marionette DL. Victor watches. Young Victor and Young Elizabeth rush from DR to watch as the she brings the Marionette to life. The X to L for a better view. Father and Caroline enter and stand behind the children. Victor X slightly D for the scene.) Children, it's time for your studies. Please, Father...may we watch for just a moment? (Caroline X with the father towards the scene.) Let them watch. There will always be time for schoolwork and they are only children for a short while. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 9 of 57

10 (The Marionette does an elaborate dance, to the delight of Victor and Elizabeth. After awhile, Caroline puts her hand to have the children come back. Caroline exits with Young Elizabeth UL. The father follows behind, but then notices that Victor is not with them. Young Victor lingers for a while, Father comes and takes him off. Victor, the elder version, watches, transfixed and moves closer. The puppeteer exits slowly off DL.) SCENE 3 - A COURTYARD IN GENEVA (As Victor stands there, lost in thought, Henry Clerval enters, carrying two wooden sticks. As Henry enters, the scene shifts.) Victor, catch! Henry? (Victor turns just in time to catch a stick that Henry has thrown his way. Henry wields his stick like a sword. They start to circle around each other.) On your guard, errant knave. Not today, Henry. I have reading to do... (Henry strikes and Victor is forced to defend.) Henry, truly, I don't wish to... (Another strike, and defense. They're both laughing. They spar through the next lines...) My studies... Ah, yes. Your Agrippa, and your Paracelsus. Boring old men. Those boring old men are scientists who have changed the world. Not like King Arthur, or his knights of the round table. No, indeed not, because those people aren't even real. Agrippa was real. Albertus Magnus was real. Albertus Magnus was a doddering old fool. What did you just say? I said Albertus Magnus was a doddering old fool. Congratulations, Henry Clerval. Now you've earned yourself a real fight. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 10 of 57

11 (Victor attacks with some force. They circle around, fighting and laughing, until the older Elizabeth enters. Her line stops Victor s attack mid-swing.) Victor! Elizabeth. (Victor is distracted, and Henry gets ready to win this fight once and for all.) Henry Clerval, stop it right now. Some romantic our boy is. He only takes up arms to defend dead men in dusty old books. (Elizabeth X L, to between Victor and Henry.) That is because Victor is concerned with things of great importance. Like what? Like all the secrets of Heaven and Earth. Well, all right, that's...pretty important, I guess. (Henry takes Elizabeth s arm and swings her to his L.) But, see here, now we have our Guinevere. Which one was she? She was King Arthur's wife, the queen. If she's Guinevere, then I will be King Arthur. If it means you'll duel fairly, then as much as it pains me to be the villain in this story, I shall do so. Very well, King Arthur... (He stands in front of Elizabeth.) Fight, or you will never see your Precious Guinevere again! (Victor rushes forward and attacks. They lock swords, Victor pushes, and then Henry falls backwards. Victor rushes over to help Henry up.) I'm so sorry, my friend. No, no, glad to see you are passionate about more than dusty old books. You may save my own life one of these days. My King Arthur! Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 11 of 57

12 CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: (She kisses him on the cheek. Victor is C, Henry is L, Elizabeth is R. Caroline enters DR and X to the scene. Victor X R to meet Caroline C.) Children! Good afternoon, mother. Henry, Elizabeth. Would you give me a moment alone with Victor? Of course. Come, Guinevere. We shall see what food is sitting on the round table. (Henry and Elizabeth exit, arm in arm, UL, Caroline X L to watch them go.) Is everything all right? My handsome young man. I am very proud of you today, but I am also torn between happiness and sadness. Why are you torn? I'm happy because your father and I have decided that it is time for you to go to university, to continue your studies. That's wonderful! It is wonderful. Then, why be sad? Because your father desires that you should go to Ingolstadt. Ingolstadt. (Caroline X R, putting some distance between herself and Victor.) To this point, you've only attended school in Geneva. He feels it necessary that you should become acquainted with other cultures. I see. (She turns back to Victor.) It's a great opportunity. Yes. But, it means you'll be away. (Xing back to Victor.) And, I'll miss you. And, I know Elizabeth and your father will miss you. And William and Justine Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 12 of 57

13 CAROLINE: CAROLINE: I will miss you all as well. You'll be so busy there, and learning so much. Time will fly. And, before you know it, you'll be home again. (Victor nods in agreement. She puts her hand on his cheek.) Such wonderful things await you, Victor. Great things. Your whole life, you've worked and studied very hard. I know you will make all of us very proud. I will do my best. And, that's all any of us would ask. (Caroline X to exit L.) Come...let us sit down for dinner. (She turns back to Victor.) Tonight we celebrate. SCENE 4 - CREW QUARTERS (Caroline extends her hand to Victor.) I'll be there in a moment. (She exits UL. Lights change.) (Captain Walton enters as Caroline starts to exit. He sits in his stool.) Your mother was very fond of you. She was fond of all of us. Her love knew no bounds. And, your father? He had a different way of showing his love. He was a very kind man, but when it came to my studies...well, he detested my worship of the old men of science. Agrippa and the others. I became their disciple. Through my studies, I became obsessed with one thought, one idea. What if I could banish disease from the frame? If I could insure every man and woman invulnerable to anything but a violent death. It's a lofty goal. It was the foolish dream of a child. (Victor turns away. Walton stands and X towards Victor.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 13 of 57

14 What's wrong with wanting to conquer death and beat back disease and sickness? (Victor turns back to Walton, Xing back towards him.) Because, for all our prayers and wishes, (Scene shift Caroline s bedroom.) SCENE 5 - CAROLINE'S BEDROOM CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: CAROLINE: Captain, we must all meet our end one day. Everything dies. Every butterfly, every tree, every bird...even her. (Lights Change Caroline s bedroom. Elizabeth is to the R of the bed. Father is off to the L. Caroline is in the bed.) Your mother? Yes. Come, Victor. (Walton sits in his stool, frozen. Victor crosses over to join in that scene standing slightly UL of Elizabeth during these next couple of lines.) (to Captain) She caught Scarlet Fever while tending to Elizabeth. Elizabeth recovered. My mother did not. Take each other's hands, children. (Victor takes Elizabeth's hand.) How happy I was to think on the prospect of your marriage, one of these days. Elizabeth, you must take my place now, and care for the young children. I will. I regret that I am taken from you. As happy and beloved as I have been, is it not hard to quit you all? (Victor X into Caroline, letting go of Elizabeth s hand and grasping Caroline s.) Mother, you don't have to quit us. Stay here. If you can hold on a little longer, just a little while, maybe I can find a way to make you well. It's too late for me, Victor. Mother, please... Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 14 of 57

15 CAROLINE: FATHER: FATHER: Do not be sad. I resign myself cheerfully to my death. And, I hope to meet you all in another world. (She closes her eyes.) Mother... (Victor goes to wrap his arms around her, but his Father and Elizabeth pull him back.) Don't go! (He turns away from the scene. Father kisses her forehead and covers Caroline up, and Elizabeth puts her arms around Victor. They embrace in tears.) Victor, we will delay your departure for university for a few more weeks. Of course, Father. There was never a lovelier creature on Earth. (Father exits UR Victor pulls away from Elizabeth and XL.) I was too late. Too late for what? If I had been born earlier, and attended school, and had the chance to put my ideas into practice, then maybe... Maybe what? Maybe I could have saved her life. Victor, even the doctors said... (He turns back to Elizabeth.) To hell with the Doctors! (Realizing he s just snapped at Elizabeth, he turns away. Elizabeth does the same.) I can't imagine that we'll never hear that voice, again. Or see the light in her eyes. It seems sacrilege to me to leave so soon. It s what she wanted. I know. (Elizabeth turns back to Victor.) You will write, won't you? (Victor turns back to Elizabeth.) Of course. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 15 of 57

16 Promise me. I promise. Because, now that I've lost her, I don't know what I'd do if I lost you, too. (Victor embraces her again. Elizabeth X back to Caroline, takes a moment, and exits UR. Victor turns back to the Captain as Elizabeth is exiting to say his lines.) Elizabeth veiled her grief with strength and acted as the comforter of us all. (Victor X back into the ship s quarters.) Never was she so beautiful than at this time, when she recalled the sunshine of her smiles and spent them on us. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Is this the cause for your gloomy countenance? (Victor laughs, unexpectedly, leading to a cough. He X slightly R towards the bed.) I'm sorry, Captain. I don't mean to be...so much has happened, since then. (Victor X DL.) Had that been my only tragedy thus far, I would be in Geneva, now. Warming by a fire, somewhere, with Elizabeth in my arms. My mother's death and my departure for university were only the beginning. (Henry Clerval enters L, Victor X L to meet with him. They shake hands.) Halt, brave Knight. My good friend, Henry Clerval. A good friend who bears bad news. What is it? I regret that I will not be joining you at college. No. Why not? My father. There's no convincing him. Can we talk to him together? Maybe my father... (Henry Xs slightly R.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 16 of 57

17 FATHER: FATHER: It's no use. He sees only idleness and ruin in my aspirations. Then he doesn't know you like your friends do. (Henry turns back to Victor and Xs back to him.) Ah, but isn't that always the case? No matter. We only say goodbye for a short time. You'll be home for holiday and I'll come to visit you, and when we meet each other out in the world as men, we'll be successful and wealthy beyond imagination. And, still the best of friends. I swear it. (They shake hands, and then hug. Father and Elizabeth enter L. Henry X to the fence unit.) Long have I looked forward to this day. I thank you for the opportunity. (Father extends a hand to his son, they shake hands.) I know you'll make us proud. Your mother, too. God bless you, son. (Father X up to the gate and lingers there. Elizabeth steps towards Victor.) Remember your promise. I will write often. I'll miss you. And, I, you. (She gives him a kiss on the cheek. Elizabeth backs away slowly. Victor X D as the three stand watching him from UL. The lights slowly close in on him, now alone.) The carriage arrived that evening to take me to Ingolstadt. I climbed aboard and took my seat, and as it pulled away, I looked back and saw everything that I had ever loved, falling away in the distance. And, I went out into the world, alone. (BLACKOUT) SCENE 6 - SCHOOL ROOMS AT INGOLSTADT (School bells ring out. Lights up on Victor talking to Mr. Krempe A small desk and chair Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 17 of 57

18 KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: KREMPE: are present. Victor is standing next to the chair. Krempe is standing in front of the desk.) Sit down, Mr. Frankenstein. (Victor sits.) Thank you, Mr. Krempe. Are you all settled in? I am. And, how do you find your living quarters? Quite comfortable. Good. Good. (Krempe shuffles through some papers. He takes a few and X DR slightly.) You have very good marks from your school in Geneva. Thank you. And, you have come here to study Science and Natural Philosophy, of which I am your professor. Excellent. (He X D slightly.) You've written here...you have studied...agrippa, Paracelsus, Albertus Magnus? (He looks back at Victor.) Have you really spent your time studying such trash? I don't believe they are trash. (Krempe goes back towards Victor.) Make no mistake. (Krempe starts to circle around Victor clockwise.) Every minute, every instant that you have wasted on those books is utterly and entirely lost. You have burdened your memory with exploded systems and useless names. Good God! My dear boy, you must begin your studies entirely anew. (He X R, writes a bit, and then X back towards Victor.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 18 of 57

19 KREMPE: KREMPE: WALDMAN: Here are the books on Natural Philosophy I would like you to start with. This week you will attend my course of lectures on the same, and on the alternate days, Mr. Waldman will lecture upon Chemistry. Now, then... You may go. (Victor stands up. Krempe hands him the paper.) Thank you, sir. (Mr. Krempe exits DR. Victor talks out and X slightly D.) But, I didn't go to hear his lectures. I had a contempt for the modern uses of Natural Philosophy. (Victor X back to the desk, rotates it clockwise to its new position.) But, I did go to see the chemistry lecture, given by Mr. Waldman...that I will never forget. (Victor sits in the chair for the lecture. Lights up on a Lectern DL, where Mr. Waldman stands. He addresses the audience as his students.) The ancient teachers of science promised impossibilities and performed nothing. The modern masters promise very little. But...they have performed miracles. They penetrate into nature and show how she works in her hiding places. They discovered how the blood circulates, and the nature of the air we breathe. They command the thunders of Heaven, mimic the earthquake and even mock the invisible world with its shadows. (Victor talks out towards the audience. As Victor talks, Waldman continues his lecture.) As he spoke, it was as if my soul were grappling with a palpable enemy. (Victor stands up.) So much has been done, said the soul of Frankenstein, and far more will I achieve. (Victor X D.) I will pioneer a new way, explore unknown powers! (Victor begins pacing a bit.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 19 of 57

20 WALDMAN: WALDMAN: WALDMAN: WALDMAN: WALDMAN: I could not sleep. My world had been turned upside down. My heart pounding, anxious to explore all of the new ideas swirling around in my brain. The next day, I paid Mr. Waldman a visit. (Professor Waldman X R, as Victor X UL of Waldman. As they pass, Victor exclaims:) Professor Waldman! (Professor Waldman turns around to address Victor.) Ah, yes. Victor Frankenstein. I have heard of you already. You have? My colleague Mr. Krempe was quite disturbed my your early reading material. How do you feel about them? I feel that modern scientists owe those men a great debt. Your lecture yesterday removed my prejudices against modern chemists. I was wondering if you could recommend some books for me to read. Absolutely. I am happy to have gained a disciple. If your ability equals your ambition, I have no doubt of your success. (Waldman begins to exit R, but then turns around and addressed Victor again.) Would you like to see my laboratory? Yes. Very much so. I will show you the instruments you may use, and where to procure some things of your own. (Mr. Waldman leads the way, exiting DR. Victor follows slightly R, but then stops to address the audience.) Thus ended a day memorable to me. It decided my destiny. (BLACKOUT) SCENE 7 - VICTOR'S LABORATORY (Lights up. Victor appears, his shirt open, his hair slicked back. He does not look well. He again addresses his audience of the unseen Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 20 of 57

21 Captain, which he will do off and on for the rest of the play. He X D and starts talking.) Two years passed at Ingolstadt. Absorbed in my studies. In all that time, I made no trip back home. I wrote often, as I promised I would. Until I became so consumed with a project that I nearly forgot the outside world altogether. I began to study the bodies of the dead, still seeking to uncover the secrets of life and death. (Victor X R during the next part of the monologue.) I spent hours upon hours in cemeteries, and funeral vaults. When, all of a sudden, one night...a light broke through. It was an idea so simple that I couldn't believe I alone should have discovered it. (Victor X back to L, slowly.) All those years, all that studying, the ancient scientists and modern chemists...everything just came into place so clearly...i succeeded in discovering the cause and generation of life. And, even more astonishing, I became capable of giving that gift to lifeless matter. I decided...i would build a man. My very own, just like you and I. (Victor X U to the table. He starts to produce and examine his surgical tools.) Due to the minuteness of the parts, I decided to make him of a gigantic stature. Eight feet tall in height. I spent many months collecting the proper instruments, and then I began to collect the materials I would need. (He delivers the next line out, and then X to the R of the table.) The human materials. The dissecting rooms, and slaughter houses produced much of what I required. (He snaps the sheet on the table and watches as it floats back down. Through this next section, a body slowly rises under the sheet, laying prone on the table. Victor X DRC as he speaks.) I collected legs from hospitals, hands, fingers, the heart, the lungs... (Victor X back up the table, and works.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 21 of 57

22 bit by bit, piece by piece...i worked nonstop. I abandoned my schoolwork. I stopped writing letters home. I stopped eating. I became very ill. Night after night, my hands fashioning those dark materials into something resembling a human being. (He looks out, addressing the audience again.) And, then...one dreary night in November...it was accomplished. (Victor goes to work, pulling back the sheet a bit. He takes an instrument from the L of the table and X R of the Creature to work on the heart. The Audience should not see any of the Creature, yet.) When the hour was very late...i knew I could wait no longer. And, I infused the spark of being into the lifeless thing that lay beneath my hands. (Victor goes and does the final adjustment on his creation - the creature s hands fall out from underneath the sheet, the creature gasps for breath. He steps back. BUZZING, ELECTRICAL SOUNDS are heard, LIGHTNING FLASHES across the room. Victor backs up slowly towards R. The Creature convulses under the sheet. It Gasps for breath.) (quietly) It's alive. (The sounds and lightning grow louder and louder. The Creature jerks and shakes, still underneath the sheet.) It's alive. (On a huge CRASH OF THUNDER, the Creature bolts upright on the table, revealing itself for the first time. It ROARS with the thunder.) It's Alive! (The Creature turns to see Victor, who looks on, stunned. It stands up by the table, with great difficulty. Victor does the next few lines out.) What have I done? God in Heaven. All this time, all my work, I endeavored to create something beautiful. Seeing it on the table, all that was there was lifeless clay. (He looks back at his creature.) And, now...seeing it rise up...its dull yellow eyes, and horrible skin...the size of it...i had Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 22 of 57

23 not created anything beautiful at all. I had created a monster. (The Creature moves towards Victor, R, its arms outstretched. It MOANS, not in anger, but in confusion and pain. It stumbles and writhes on the ground. Regains its footing and sets again on Victor.) Stop! I command you! (The Creature continues on, very quickly. Victor stumbles backwards and falls to the ground. The Creature towers over him and grabs for him.) NO! (Victor screams, stands up, and flees off L. The creature runs DC and lets out a terrible roar.) NO! (BLACKOUT) SCENE 8 - A COURTYARD IN INGOLSTADT / VICTOR'S LABORATORY (Lights up on Victor, sleeping in a fetal position on the ground, L. He is disheveled, his shirt torn open. He wakes up with a start and looks around, in a panic.) I had taken refuge in a courtyard, where I remained until morning. When the sun came up, I opened my eyes and looked around, expecting to see the Creature standing there in front of me. But, I didn't see him. In fact, I couldn't have been any happier to see the vision coming up the street towards my apartment. (Henry Clerval enters from R.) Henry Clerval! Victor! There you are! How wonderful to see you! (They embrace, the scene takes place DL.) Henry, what...what are you doing here? I did it, Victor. I finally persuaded my father. You're joking. He has permitted me to undertake a voyage of discovery to the land of knowledge. That's wonderful news. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 23 of 57

24 I will be studying languages of the Far East. Very exciting. Victor, are you all right? I must say, you look a bit distressed. (Victor laughs, examines himself, and then circles Henry around L to R towards the laboratory.) Come inside, old friend, let me clean up, and then we'll talk some more. (to audience) I took him upstairs, to my apartment, and for a moment, I forgot what might await us on the other side of the door. (Victor turns around to Henry, quickly.) Stop! (Lights up on Victor's Laboratory. Victor steps inside. It is empty, and the sheet lays on the floor, away from the table.) What is it? (Victor looks into the laboratory.) It's nothing. Come in, please. This is where you work? (Victor looks around, paranoid. He picks up the sheet and holds on to it.) Yes, this is where I...I'm sorry, I'm a bit preoccupied. Yes, well...that's the other part of the reason for my visit. Elizabeth... What about her? Tell me she's all right. Tell me of my family. They're fine, Victor. Elizabeth, and your father, your brothers, Ernest, and little William, they are all well. But they are disturbed, Victor, that they don't hear from you, anymore. They are worried. (Victor X DRC.) Tell them there's no need to worry. I will. Thank you. (Henry X DLC, towards Victor.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 24 of 57

25 Of course, you could tell them yourself in a letter. Because, if I tell them you are well, I am afraid I might be lying to them. I am well. You look ill. Is everything all right? Everything is fine, Henry. I'm just excited to see my friend, excited to... (The silhouette of the creature is scene behind Victor on the scrim SR.) What is that? I didn't... You didn't see it? (The monster appears on the scrim, again SL.) There. There it is, again. Victor, now I'm worried for you. (Victor turns back out for the next line.) It is out there. (Henry X from UR to Victor who is DLC.) What is out there? I don't understand. (Victor breaks out into a wild laugh, and then a coughing fit. He falls to his knees, in front of the table DC.) I'm sorry. In Heaven's name, what has happened to you? (Henry goes to lift him up, but Victor seizes his face.) Do not ask me! He can tell! Henry, save me! (He passes out into Clerval's arms.) (BLACKOUT) SCENE 9 - VICTOR'S LABORATORY (Lights up on Victor, sitting on the edge of the table - R.) The first time I was able to be of any cheer again was in the spring. Through the dark months of winter, Clerval was my friend and my physician, helping me to recover. (Victor stands up and walks to look outside a window - URC.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 25 of 57

26 For months now there had been no trace of my Monster. The sun was shining and the little green buds were pushing up through the ground... (Victor turns back towards the audience.) life had come again to Ingolstadt. (Clerval enters UL, carrying a letter. He X to Victor, DC) He is awake. Good friend. Instead of studying like you were supposed to, you spent your whole winter stuck in my sick room. How can I ever repay you? You can repay me entirely if you let me speak to you on one subject, may I not? Of course. Speak. (Henry X D.) Your father and Elizabeth would be very happy if they were to hear from you in your own handwriting. They hardly know how ill you've been and are uneasy at your long silence. (Victor X into Henry.) Is that all? Of course, I'll write them. In fact, I want nothing more than to see them, again. Well, if that is your present mood, then you might like to see this letter that has come for you. From Elizabeth. (He hands Victor the letter, takes a moment, and exits back UL. Victor X DRC and opens it up. He begins reading.) My Dearest Victor... (Lights up on Elizabeth UL, behind the scrim. She is writing the letter.) You have been ill. Very ill. At this point, even Henry's letters aren't enough to reassure me that you're getting better. Please write yourself and let me know that it's true. Get well and come home to us. You will find many friends who love you dearly. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 26 of 57

27 (Victor slowly makes his way back to the table and sits.) Do you remember Justine? Your mother brought her here to live as a servant when she was twelve years old, to rescue her from her own terrible mother. Well, Justine was called away, to tend to that very same terrible woman, who is now at peace forever. But, now Justine has returned to us, and we all love her so much. She reminds me in so many ways of your mother. Also, I must tell you about your youngest brother, William. He's very tall for his age, with dark eyelashes and curly hair. Although he's only six years old, he keeps trying to marry the girls at his school. I have written myself into better spirits, (Victor slowly turns towards Elizabeth, he is lost in his thoughts.) Victor, but one line, one word from you would be such a blessing to us all. Please write soon. Adieu, Elizabeth. (Lights out on Elizabeth, Victor turns back out towards the audience.) I'll write to them at once. No. I'm going home to them at once. There will never be a happier reunion. (BLACKOUT) SCENE 10 - A COURTYARD IN GENEVA (Lights up on Victor DR.) It took me many months to finally make the trip. Once I was strong enough to travel, the autumn came and I packed my belongings. I didn't want to leave Clerval so soon in a place so unfamiliar to him. But, he saw me off and went back to studying his Far East languages. (He Xs C.) I arrived back in Geneva, feeling as if an enormous weight had been lifted from me. I was ready to laugh, and wrap my arms around my family, and Elizabeth and to spend long sunny days in the countryside. But, when I arrived, I found no sun. Instead, I found a dark cloud hanging over our home. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 27 of 57

28 FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: (Father enters from ULC, as if in his own terrible dream.) Father! (Father turns to see Victor, but doesn't go towards him.) It's me. It's your son, Victor. Victor, what are you...what are you doing here? (Victor X to Father.) Are you not happy to see me? Come, give me a proper greeting. I've come to see you, to let you know that I'm well. (Victor goes to him with his arms outstretched and Father is unresponsive. Father X DC a bit.) I'm sorry, I am not of any cheer, I... What is it?...such a shame that you arrived here, now...under these circumstances... Father, what has happened? I sent you a letter...about William... Little William? What is it? My sweet little boy... (Victor moves in towards Father.) Tell me he's all right. Victor...William was murdered. (Father breaks down, Victor X to Father, tries to talk a little sense into him.) This can't be. I don't understand. When did this happen? (Father X DS. He stares off HL to X slightly SR during the monologue, in search of his dead son.) Last Thursday, we all took a walk, out in the woods. William, Elizabeth, Ernest and I. He ran on ahead of us, and was gone for some time. When he didn't return, we got worried, and we went out searching for him. Elizabeth ran back to the house to look for him, and didn't find him there. Finally, at about five o clock in the morning, I found his body. Stretched out in the grass. The mark of the murderers hand across his neck. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 28 of 57

29 FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: FATHER: No. (A Police Captain enters DR, and Father sees him. The Captain gestures towards him as if he needs to talk.) Excuse me, Victor. William, he was a child. What sort of man could do this? (There is a clap of thunder and a flash of lightning, and Victor turns around to see the figure of the Creature again on the scrim - C. The creature moves around in the shadows, and is illuminated by each flash. He X C, as he examines the figure. He turns around to deliver his next lines.) It can't be! What is he doing here? Could he have been the one? (Father reenters with the Police Captain from DR. The Police Captain X and exits UR.) The murderer has been discovered. But, how? I saw him just now. What are you talking about? Father, I know who the murderer is. No one could have captured him so soon. It was not a man at all, Victor. It was a woman. Our own beloved Justine. What? (Victor X towards his Father.) No, Justine Moritz? The servant girl? But, surely everyone knows she's innocent. (Father X C to deliver these next lines, he watches and waits for the Captain to reappear with Justine. Victor counters.) One of the other servants discovered a ring in the pocket of her dress. It is a ring that William was wearing when he disappeared, one that bears your mother's portrait. It was missing when we found him. (Victor X to Father.) But, why? She would have no cause. We will learn soon enough. She is to be tried tonight. She will be found innocent. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 29 of 57

30 FATHER: JUSTINE: JUSTINE: (Father turns back to Victor.) For God's sake, I hope so. I would rather live in ignorance forever than to discover so much evil in a person I loved so much. (A woman s scream is heard, and the police captain comes back on, dragging Justine with him from ULC. They stop DLC slightly US of the others.) Please, no...alphonse, tell them I am innocent... (Elizabeth follows on, crying.) She didn't do it! She would never hurt William. (Victor, seeing Elizabeth, and Xs to the R of Elizabeth.) Elizabeth. Oh, Victor. Please tell them to leave poor Justine. (Addressing the captain, and X R of Victor.) She couldn't do this. (Elizabeth turns back to Victor.) Do something! There will be a trial. Elizabeth, I swear to you, I would never harm that boy. He was like my own. Please help me! (The Police Captain drags her off R as she is speaking. Father follows behind them. Elizabeth breaks down in Victor's arms. Elizabeth is facing US, Victor faces the audience. He talks first to Elizabeth.) Dry your tears, Elizabeth. All will be well. (And then looks up to address the audience.) I would have confessed myself guilty of the crimes attributed to Justine. I knew it had been my Creature, and not the sweet girl who played and sang so softly to William as he slept in his crib as a baby. But, my confession to his murder would have only been the ravings of a madman to them, being so far away at the time. Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 30 of 57

31 \ (Elizabeth breaks away from Victor and X R to C.) If she is found guilty I will never feel joy or happiness again. (Victor X in closer to Elizabeth.) She won't be found guilty. Justice will be served. (She turns back to Victor.) I pray that you are right. I'm glad that you are home. (They embrace C.) We passed a few sad hours until the trial was to commence. (BLACKOUT) SCENE 11 - A COURT ROOM JUDGE: JUSTINE: (On the L is Justine, the defendant, and the Police Captain who stands guard over her. On the R is Father, Elizabeth and Victor. Father and Elizabeth and sitting, Victor is standing behind them. In the middle is the Judge at a lectern.) The Defendant, Justine Moritz, wishes to speak on her own behalf. (Justine steps forward and slightly D stage. She looks back at Elizabeth, and then begins speaking.) God knows how entirely I am innocent. However, I rest my innocence on a plain and simple explanation of the facts which have been set against me. (Justine X slightly D stage.) On the night of the murder, I had been to my Aunt's house. She lives a short distance away in Geneva. The first I heard of William's death was when I crossed paths with a man who asked if I had heard news of a missing child. Not knowing it was William he was speaking of, I headed home to my quarters and fell asleep. I was ill in the night and had taken some medicine which made me sleep rather soundly. When I awoke, I saw that I had been tended to by some of the other servants. This must have Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 31 of 57

32 JUDGE: been when they found the ring in my clothes. (Justine X slightly D stage, again.) I know how heavily the circumstance of this ring weighs against me. I have no power in explaining that. I can only imagine that the murderer placed it there, for what purpose I do not know. I believe I have no enemy on Earth so wicked as to destroy me so. I leave my fate in the hands of the court, in the hopes that accounts of my character will far outweigh any of the evidence you claim to have against me. (She steps back, giving a slight moment to the family on R, and then sitting back in her seat on the bench.. Elizabeth steps forward and begins to address the court. Victor X D, further than Elizabeth.) (to audience) Elizabeth spoke next, and wept openly when describing how beloved Justine had been to the family. How devoted and loyal she had been to us, and us to her. How she stayed at the bed of my mother morning to night before she passed. How in time the family came to see her not as a servant at all but as another daughter, or sister. (Victor glances U at Elizabeth and X D a couple of steps.) This had the opposite effect Elizabeth intended. Rather than convince the court of Justine's innocence, it only infuriated them more, that someone would be so ungrateful to take the life of a child from a family that took such good care of her, and all for a trinket. No, please, you don t understand. (Father pulls Elizabeth back, as the Judge pounds a gavel on the lectern. They don t sit. Victor stays where he is, but turns US to watch.) In the murder of William Frankenstein, Justine Moritz has been found guilty. (Justine and Elizabeth go to run for each other. Father stops Elizabeth. The Police Captain stops Justine.) No! Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 32 of 57

33 JUSTINE: JUDGE: Don't let them take me! I'm innocent! (The Police Captain drags Justine off UR.) She is condemned! (to audience) The following morning, Justine died on the scaffolds. (Sound effect of the hanging. The moment is taken.) An innocent woman, forever tainted with an unthinkable crime. (The Judge exits UL. Elizabeth and Father start to exit, X L.) And, all of it my doing. Elizabeth's grief, my father's suffering...william and Justine's deaths...they were the first hapless victims of my unholy arts. (Father and Elizabeth go to exit UL. Elizabeth turns and sees Victor. Father continues on. Elizabeth X C towards Victor, Victor does the same towards Elizabeth.) Victor... I must be gone again, only for a short while. But, you only just got here. (Victor starts to X off R.) I won't be long... Victor, wait... Take care of Father... (On her yell, Victor turns back to her.) Victor! I see an expression of revenge in your eyes. That makes me afraid. (Victor X L, past Elizabeth.) How could I not want revenge? Look at the veil of sorrow that has been pulled over this family. (Elizabeth X to Victor, DLC.) Banish these dark passions, Victor. Remember the friends around you, who put all their hopes in you. (Victor turns back to Elizabeth.) Please, stay. (Victor turns away from her, Elizabeth exits UL. Victor talks out to the audience.) Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 33 of 57

34 That night, while everyone was sleeping, I saddled up a horse from the family's stable and rode out quietly into the night. Seeking one who had fled from me. I left Elizabeth with only one sentence. "I have gone to kill the monster." (BLACKOUT - end ACT I, for evening shows.) ACT II SCENE 1 - DREAMSCAPE (Lights up on a small marionette version of Victor, slumped over and lifeless. It's puppeteer is unseen.) (It raises one arm, then drops it. Raises another, then drops it. It finds its way to its feet, as if struggling. Once on its feet, it begins to look around, cautiously.) (Once it feels secure, it begins to dance, the same sort of dance the earlier marionette was doing.) (Slowly the lights come up on the real Victor, curled up asleep on the floor.) (The Marionette Victor dances around him, growing more and more agitated. Eventually, the hands working the Victor marionette come into view: the large, grey/yellow hands of the Creature) (Eventually, more and more of the Creature is revealed until you see his full size, a Frankenstein Jenny Wiley Theatre Updated: Page 34 of 57