The Tiger, The Brahman And The Jackal

The Tiger, The Brahman And The Jackal By T. James Belich greenroompress.com

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THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL BASED ON AN INDIAN FOLK TALE By T. James Belich

2 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL By T. James Belich ADAPTED FROM A FOLK TALE OF I NDIA Original tale found in Indian Fairy Tales, edited by Joseph Jacobs (1892) SYNOPSIS: A Brahman comes upon a tiger in a cage. Filled with pity, he releases the tiger, but the moment the tiger is free from his bonds, he advances, intent on filling his empty belly with the holy man. Just in time, the Brahman convinces the tiger to spare him if he can procure someone who would agree with his decision to free the beast. The Brahman rushes off to find someone to support his decision, but who else on earth would un-cage a starving tiger? Just before he loses all hope, he comes across a fuzzy-headed jackal who can't quite wrap his mind around the Brahman's plight, and they go back to the tiger together to decide the Brahman's fate. CAST OF CHARACTERS (2 female, 4 either, 0-2 extras; gender flexible, doubling possible) FARMER (m/f)... May be double cast with Buffalo, Fig Tree or Road. (Non-speaking) TIGER (m/f)... (65 lines) HUNTER (m/f)... May be double cast with Buffalo, Fig Tree or Road. (Non-speaking) BRAHMAN (m/f)... (172 lines) BUFFALO (f)... May be double cast with Farmer or Hunter. (32 lines) SACRED FIG TREE (f)... May be double cast with Farmer or Hunter. (32 lines) ROAD (m/f)... May be double cast with Farmer or Hunter. (31 lines) JACKAL (m/f)... (50 lines) PROPS A cage

T. JAMES BELICH 3 PRODUCTION HISTORY The Tiger, the Brahman and the Jackal was first performed by the Hodge- Podge Players in the Twin Cities, Minnesota on June 12th, 13th, and 14th, 2003. It was directed by Jaron Burdick with the following cast: FARMER... Emily Swora TIGER... Kevin Whitby HUNTER... Thomas Leeper BRAHMAN... Justin Adelmann BUFFALO... Sandy Carlson SACRED FIG TREE... Katherine Juul ROAD... Carl O'Brian JACKAL... Katrisa Bohne

4 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL AT RISE: The lights fade up onto a remote corner of the countryside, deep in the heart of India. The set may be very minimal, if desired, relying more on costumes than scenery to set the locale. We hear a sudden cry of fear. A FARMER enters, runs across the stage, and exits. A TIGER enters, slowly, with the air of a predator hunting its prey at leisure. The TIGER follows the FARMER and exits. The situation repeats itself until the FARMER returns with a HUNTER and mimes to him the situation. The HUNTER nods confidently and reassures the FARMER that all will be well. The FARMER exits while the HUNTER sets up a cage DS and baits it with appropriate bait for a TIGER, such as a sheep or goat. As the TIGER returns, the HUNTER hides and imitates the sound of the animal used to bait the trap. The TIGER enters the cage and pounces on the bait. The HUNTER quickly shuts the cage and looks upon his handiwork with satisfaction. As the HUNTER exits, the TIGER struggles in vain to escape from the cage. Time passes, and the TIGER finally falls to the ground, exhausted and overcome with grief. He begins to sob and is heard by a poor BRAHMAN who has just entered from US. BRAHMAN: Hello? Are you all right? TIGER: Who's there? The BRAHMAN crosses DS to the cage and sees for the first time that he is speaking to a tiger. BRAHMAN: (Startled.) You're a tiger! TIGER: Please, Mr. Brahman, let me out! BRAHMAN: I'm not so sure that's a good idea... TIGER: But I've been trapped in this cage for days without food or drink. I'm starving... BRAHMAN: That's what concerns me. TIGER: I beg of you, let me out of this cage! BRAHMAN: To be frank, Mr. Tiger, you would probably eat me once I did. The BRAHMAN crosses US and starts to exit.

T. JAMES BELICH 5 TIGER: (In great despair.) Mr. Brahman, please! I promise not to eat you. If you release me, I will be forever grateful and serve you as a slave. I swear it upon my stripes! BRAHMAN: I'm more worried about your teeth. TIGER: You have my word, Mr. Brahman. But if you leave me here I'll die. BRAHMAN: (Turning back to the TIGER.) Don't think I don't feel sorry for you, Mr. Tiger. It pains me to see a creature in such distress, but... TIGER: Well? BRAHMAN: Well, you're dangerous, and I don't believe I can trust you. (The TIGER begins to cry even louder than before. The BRAHMAN crosses back to the cage and tries to console the TIGER.) Please don't cry, Mr. Tiger. TIGER: (Wailing.) No one ever trusts a tiger! That's how I ended up in this cage to begin with. Even tigers must eat! BRAHMAN: I suppose that's true... TIGER: But eat even a sheep here and there, and people think you'll be after their children next. I'm not a bad tiger, Mr. Brahman. BRAHMAN: No, no, of course not. TIGER: And I've never eaten a child. (Slight pause.) Except once. And truly, Mr. Brahman, I thought it was a monkey. BRAHMAN: I'm sure it was an honest mistake. TIGER: Oh, it was! But no one believes there can be an honest tiger. (He continues to cry.) BRAHMAN: There, there, Mr. Tiger, it's all right. (Pause.) If I let you out... TIGER: Yes? BRAHMAN: Do you promise not to eat me or anyone else? TIGER: Oh, yes, Mr. Brahman! You have my word never to harm you. BRAHMAN: (To the audience.) I suppose, in good conscience, I can't just leave him here to starve. Can I? TIGER: (To the audience.) Of course he can't! BRAHMAN: (To the audience.) Should I let him out?

6 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL The BRAHMAN ad-libs with the audience as necessary in order to elicit a response. In the end, he decides to agree with those who say he should let the TIGER out of the cage. The TIGER may also participate in the audience interaction in an attempt to win the audience over to his side. BRAHMAN: You're right. (To the TIGER.) Very well then, Mr. Tiger. The BRAHMAN lets the TIGER out of the cage. The TIGER joyfully leaps out of the cage, and the BRAHMAN takes a few steps back. TIGER: Mr. Brahman, how can I ever thank you? BRAHMAN: It was nothing. You didn't deserve to suffer like that. Well, goodbye, Mr. Tiger. (He starts to exit US, but the TIGER crosses in front of him.) I really should be on my way. The TIGER advances on the BRAHMAN, pushing him back DS. TIGER: So soon, Mr. Brahman? I was hoping you'd join me for some dinner, to celebrate. BRAHMAN: That's very kind. Perhaps another time. The BRAHMAN tries to exit, but he is again blocked by the TIGER. TIGER: No need to be in such a hurry, Mr. Brahman. Do stay. BRAHMAN: I'd love to, but I really must be going. The BRAHMAN attempts to run away, but the TIGER seizes him. TIGER: You fool! What keeps me from eating you now? After all that time cooped up in a cage, I am very hungry. BRAHMAN: But you gave me your word! You promised to be my slave. (The BRAHMAN tries to order the TIGER.) Down, tiger, down! TIGER: (Laughing.) Only a fool trusts the word of a tiger. BRAHMAN: (On his knees.) Please, Mr. Tiger, I spared your life. I beg you to spare mine.

T. JAMES BELICH 7 TIGER: And what about my dinner? If I don't eat something soon, I'll die of hunger. BRAHMAN: Can't you find something else to eat now that you're free? Please? Slight pause. TIGER: Well, you did do me a great kindness, Mr. Brahman, and I do feel that I owe you some small favor in return. BRAHMAN: I hoped you'd see it that way. I'll just be off then. The BRAHMAN again tries to leave but is caught once more by the TIGER. TIGER: I will make you this promise, Mr. Brahman. You may ask any three things you wish what they think of my actions. If you can find someone who agrees with you, then I will let you go. BRAHMAN: Why should I believe that you'll keep this promise? TIGER: (Advancing on the BRAHMAN.) Or we may begin my dinner at once. BRAHMAN: Any three things you said? TIGER: Any three you like. BRAHMAN: I see. All right. (To the audience.) If I could trouble you again for just a moment... TIGER: Not them! BRAHMAN: Why not? TIGER: They don't count. BRAHMAN: (Pointing to someone.) Not even this person? Surely if ever there was someone who could judge our dispute fairly and equitably... (The TIGER growls.) Perhaps I should try someone else. TIGER: No humans, Mr. Brahman. BRAHMAN: But... TIGER: And no tigers either. We wouldn't want our judge to be biased, now would we? BRAHMAN: Of course not. (To the audience.) As if I'd be foolish enough to trust another tiger. TIGER: I'll be waiting, Mr. Brahman.

8 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL Laughing, the TIGER exits USR. The BRAHMAN begins to journey across the stage, from right to left, transitioning to a new location as he searches for someone to take his side. If desired, a light change may be used to aid in this transition. A BUFFALO enters from USL and begins to slowly walk in a circle as she turns an invisible well wheel. When the BRAHMAN sees her he tries to attract her attention. Throughout this scene the BRAHMAN attempts to stay in sight and out of the way of the nearly constantly moving BUFFALO. BRAHMAN: Excuse me. Excuse me, Miss Buffalo? BUFFALO: What? Can't you see I'm busy? BRAHMAN: I was wondering... What are you doing? BUFFALO: (Continuing her circular motion.) I'm turning a well wheel. What does it look like I'm doing? BRAHMAN: Why? BUFFALO: To pump water for my owners. BRAHMAN: It doesn't look like much fun. BUFFALO: It's not. But it's better than starving, Mr. Brahman. (Slight pause.) What exactly is a Brahman anyway? BRAHMAN: It's an Indian holy man, sort of like a monk. BUFFALO: (Referring to the audience.) Do they know that? Because I didn't know that. And if I didn't know that, how can you expect them to know that? BRAHMAN: I don't know. I have more important things to worry about at the moment. The BUFFALO stops. BUFFALO: Oh? Aren't things going well at your monastery? BRAHMAN: I'm not from a monastery. BUFFALO: You said you were a monk. BRAHMAN: I said a Brahman was like a monk. BUFFALO: Aren't monks supposed to take a vow of silence? BRAHMAN: I'm not a monk! BUFFALO: Whatever you say. Can I get back to turning my well wheel now? BRAHMAN: Well, I had something I needed to ask you.

T. JAMES BELICH 9 BUFFALO: Right now? I'm a little busy. The BUFFALO resumes her circular walk. BRAHMAN: It's very important. BUFFALO: All right, but is this going to take long? Because if I don't get enough work done, I don't get fed. BRAHMAN: I'll try and keep it brief. You see, I helped this tiger out of a cage, and then... BUFFALO: You let a tiger out of a cage? Are you crazy? BRAHMAN: No, but I felt sorry for him and so I stopped to help. BUFFALO: Weren't you afraid he'd eat you? BRAHMAN: Yes, but he promised not to. BUFFALO: (Stopping again.) And you believed him? BRAHMAN: Well, he was crying and looked so pitiful... (He points to the audience.) Besides, they said I should. BUFFALO: Don't they teach you anything at your monastery? Sorry! Not a monastery! (She starts walking again.) So what happened when you let the tiger out? BRAHMAN: He said he was going to eat me. BUFFALO: What did I tell you? Never trust a hungry tiger. BRAHMAN: I was trying to do the right thing. BUFFALO: So what does this have to do with me? The tiger obviously hasn't eaten you, so what's the problem? BRAHMAN: But he's going to, unless I find someone who agrees that what I did was right. BUFFALO: You mean that you're going to go back to the tiger? BRAHMAN: Well, yes... BUFFALO: Why? The tiger can't eat you if he can't find you. Why not just run away? BRAHMAN: I suppose I could, but... The BUFFALO stops and turns to the audience. BUFFALO: (To the audience.) Do you think he should go back? (She ad-libs with the audience until they agree that, no, the BRAHMAN should not go back to the TIGER. To the BRAHMAN.) You see?

10 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL BRAHMAN: But I have to go back, on my honor as a Brahman. Otherwise I'm no better than the tiger. BUFFALO: Suit yourself. Let him eat you! The BUFFALO begins to walk again. BRAHMAN: But he won't eat me if you take my side. BUFFALO: That's what you think. BRAHMAN: Look, just tell me if you think it was right for the tiger to break his promise after I freed him. BUFFALO: Did you think he was going to thank you? We're talking about a tiger! They eat people! And buffalo too, so you'd better not tell him where to find me. The BRAHMAN crosses directly in front of the BUFFALO. BRAHMAN: But I helped him! BUFFALO: So what? (The BUFFALO pushes the BRAHMAN aside and keeps walking.) For years, I gave my owners all the milk they could drink, but did they show me any gratitude? No! As soon as the milk ran dry, they set me to work turning this well wheel day after day fed only on garbage. BRAHMAN: That's terrible! BUFFALO: Exactly! Helping others will always get you somewhere terrible. BRAHMAN: That's not true. BUFFALO: Sure it is! Look where it got you. BRAHMAN: I hardly think you'll end up in the stomach of a tiger if you help me. BUFFALO: Oh? Who do you think the tiger will be after if he doesn't eat you? BRAHMAN: I promise not to tell the tiger where to find you. (He crosses to the BUFFALO and tries to stop her.) Will you please help me? The BUFFALO pauses for a moment. BUFFALO: Well...

T. JAMES BELICH 11 BRAHMAN: If you do, then maybe I can do something to help you. The BUFFALO pushes past the BRAHMAN again and continues walking. BUFFALO: Considering the mess you got yourself in the last time you tried to help someone, no thanks! BRAHMAN: Now, that's not fair... BUFFALO: Besides, I don't know that I want to have anything to do with someone who consorts with tigers. BRAHMAN: But... BUFFALO: Sorry! BRAHMAN: Fine, I'll try someone else. It's not as if everyone I meet will side with the tiger. BUFFALO: We'll see... The BUFFALO exits USR and the BRAHMAN journeys across the stage as before. The SACRED FIG TREE enters from USL, unseen by the BRAHMAN. BRAHMAN: (To the audience.) If you ask me, this entire situation is highly unfair. I save the tiger's life, and for my kindness, I become his next dinner, having to beg for my life when he should be thanking me for his. It's not fair at all. FIG TREE: Do stop your whining, Mr. Brahman! BRAHMAN: Oh! Excuse me! I thought I was alone. (He crosses to the FIG TREE and tries to take her by the hand.) Perhaps you can help me... The FIG TREE pulls away from the BRAHMAN. FIG TREE: Please! Don't touch the leaves! BRAHMAN: I'm sorry, but I could really use your help, my good tree. FIG TREE: (Haughtily.) Is that how you address the sacred fig tree? A Brahman should know better. BRAHMAN: (Bowing to the FIG TREE.) Forgive me, I didn't mean any disrespect. FIG TREE: (Crossing DS.) I should certainly hope not.

12 THE TIGER, THE BRAHMAN AND THE JACKAL The BRAHMAN follows the FIG TREE. BRAHMAN: It's just that I'm a little distracted at the moment and didn't notice what kind of tree you are. FIG TREE: (Shocked.) What? Not notice? Not notice the sacred fig of India? Upset, the FIG TREE crosses the stage as she speaks, while the BRAHMAN follows and attempts to apologize. BRAHMAN: Look, I'm really sorry... FIG TREE: (Continuing.) Not notice how I tower above all other trees? Not notice my perfect figs, the like of which fruit is unparalleled in the vegetable kingdom? BRAHMAN: What I meant was... FIG TREE: (Turning on the BRAHMAN.) You shock me with your ignorance, Mr. Brahman, and were I not a tree of bountiful mercy and patience, I would banish you at once from my presence. BRAHMAN: Then may I offer you my most humble apologies, oh magnificent tree of the sacred fig. Slight pause. FIG TREE: I accept your apology, Mr. Brahman. You may be on your way now. The FIG TREE gestures him off. BRAHMAN: Actually, if you have a moment... FIG TREE: I do not. (She takes CS.) I am currently occupied with matters of great importance. BRAHMAN: Such as? FIG TREE: Being admired. (She gestures to the audience.) Just look at the crowd of devoted followers that has gathered in order to bask in the gentle shade of my graceful leaves.

T. JAMES BELICH 13 During the rest of her conversation with the BRAHMAN the FIG TREE focuses less on him and more on showing off for the audience. BRAHMAN: I don't think they've come just to see you. FIG TREE: Of course they have! (To the audience.) You may continue to gaze upon my leafy splendor. (Pause as the FIG TREE basks in the audience's appreciation. She then realizes that the BRAHMAN isn't leaving. With a sigh.) Very well, what did you require of me, Mr. Brahman? BRAHMAN: Your opinion. FIG TREE: Ah! You were wise to come to me, the sacred fig of infinite wisdom. Continue. BRAHMAN: It has to do with a tiger... FIG TREE: (Bored again.) You would bother me with such a trivial affair? BRAHMAN: But I haven't explained it yet. FIG TREE: There is no need, Mr. Brahman, I saw it all from here. BRAHMAN: You did? FIG TREE: Certainly. The sacred fig sees all. Slight pause. BRAHMAN: And? The FIG TREE crosses DSR to show off for the SR side of the audience. FIG TREE: I don't think that you have anything to complain about. BRAHMAN: (Shocked.) What? How can you say that? FIG TREE: Clearly anyone with sense will know that it is foolish to trust a tiger. If you had just consulted me to begin with... BRAHMAN: But I saved the tiger's life! FIG TREE: And did you expect him to do you a good deed in return? BRAHMAN: Well, yes. FIG TREE: Then you are more foolish than I thought. Why, look at me. I graciously give shade to everyone who passes by, and how am I rewarded? People tear off my branches to feed their cattle. (Indignant.) Their cattle!

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