Arabian Nights (RSC Version) by Dominic Cooke

Author:Dominic Cooke [Cooke, Dominic]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781780011028
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Dawn

SHAHRAYAR’s room. Dawn.

Sound of a sword being sharpened.

SHAHRAYAR. This sailor seems to survive every danger he faces. Is no challenge too great for him?

SHAHRAZAD. Heaven has blessed him with the gift of cunning, Your Majesty.

SHAHRAYAR. Does cunning come from Heaven, really? I thought it belonged in the other place.

Enter the the VIZIER expectantly.

Word has reached me, Shahrazad, that the people are praising your name for saving their daughters over these last few months. You are quite a heroine. Are you proud of yourself?

SHAHRAZAD. If I please the people, then I please the King, as King and people are one.

SHAHRAYAR. I hope for the people’s sake that the well of your stories does not dry up.

SHAHRAZAD. Yes, My Lord.

SHAHRAYAR. For I have given my word.

SHAHRAZAD. And a king’s word is as precious as water.

SHAHRAYAR. Well, aren’t you afraid?

SHAHRAZAD. I may be afraid of dying. But not of death. I have been blessed with a life filled with joy. I would rather have a short joyful life, than a long life in the darkness. Life without joy is a living death.

Pause.

SHAHRAYAR nods to the VIZIER.

SHAHRAYAR, DINARZAD and the VIZIER catch each other’s eyes.

Exit the VIZIER.

As day turns to night they go to bed.

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