Kealy Duke
English III
2.17.2014
Scene 1:
1. Hero and her fiance Claudio are about to be married. They are in love but have only been dating a short while, the year is 2014 and things could not be more tense. Her and her bridesmaids are preparing for Hero's wedding. They know nothing of the plan to foil her marriage. the wedding is very near and Hero is in her gown walking around the garden with her friends, who are wearing their street clothes, I.E. Jeans and a top. But hero is having a little fun with Beatrice before their wedding by trying to fling together Benedick and Beatrice. The group is on the stage at a table while there is a hedge separating the two sides of the stage, Beatrice comes in on the right side and they "can't see" her.
HERO (Knowing that Beatrice can hear, she speaks loudly to her friends, there is a tone of amusement in her voice as she loves the deed she is doing)
Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come,
As we do trace this alley up and down,
Our talk must only be of Benedick.
When I do name him, let it be thy part
To praise him more than ever man did merit:
My talk to thee must be how Benedick
Is sick in love with Beatrice. Of this matter
Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made,
That only wounds by hearsay.
Enter BEATRICE, behind (From back left to center left, putting her hand to her ear to hear beyond the hedge.)
Now begin;
For look where Beatrice, like a lapwing, runs
Close by the ground, to hear our conference.
URSULA (just as loud and deliberately)
The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish
Cut with her golden oars the silver stream,
And greedily devour the treacherous bait:
So angle we for Beatrice; who even now
Is couched in the woodbine coverture.
Fear you not my part of the dialogue.
HERO
Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing
Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it.
Approaching the bower
No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful;
I know her spirits are as coy and wild
As haggerds of the rock.
URSULA
But are you sure
That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?
HERO (Looking back at the hedge, smiling beacause she knows what she jsut did)
So says the prince and my new-trothed lord.
Now, Ursula, when Beatrice doth come,
As we do trace this alley up and down,
Our talk must only be of Benedick.
When I do name him, let it be thy part
To praise him more than ever man did merit:
My talk to thee must be how Benedick
Is sick in love with Beatrice. Of this matter
Is little Cupid's crafty arrow made,
That only wounds by hearsay.
Enter BEATRICE, behind (From back left to center left, putting her hand to her ear to hear beyond the hedge.)
Now begin;
For look where Beatrice, like a lapwing, runs
Close by the ground, to hear our conference.
URSULA (just as loud and deliberately)
The pleasant'st angling is to see the fish
Cut with her golden oars the silver stream,
And greedily devour the treacherous bait:
So angle we for Beatrice; who even now
Is couched in the woodbine coverture.
Fear you not my part of the dialogue.
HERO
Then go we near her, that her ear lose nothing
Of the false sweet bait that we lay for it.
Approaching the bower
No, truly, Ursula, she is too disdainful;
I know her spirits are as coy and wild
As haggerds of the rock.
URSULA
But are you sure
That Benedick loves Beatrice so entirely?
HERO (Looking back at the hedge, smiling beacause she knows what she jsut did)
So says the prince and my new-trothed lord.
2. While Hero and Ursula continue to talk about how Benedick "loves" Beatrice, their dialogue becomes inaudible and the lights fade a little around them but intensify on Beatrice to really show her reactions to what they are saying. After about 15 seconds of this everyone pauses for a moment, the lights come back up and the speaking continues. Beatrice, awestruckenly sits on a bench during the silence and that is where she listens to the rest of the conversation.
URSULA (In the same tone as before, an excited one that shows her inability to stay cool under pressure. She starts to smoke a cigarette.)
O, do not do your cousin such a wrong.
She cannot be so much without true judgment--
Having so swift and excellent a wit
As she is prized to have--as to refuse
So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.
HERO (In a very complimenitive manor)
He is the only man of Italy.
Always excepted my dear Claudio.
URSULA
I pray you, be not angry with me, madam,
Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedick,
For shape, for bearing, argument and valour,
Goes foremost in report through Italy.
HERO (Standing up and speaking with exclamation)
Indeed, he hath an excellent good name.
URSULA
His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.
When are you married, madam?
HERO
Why, every day, to-morrow. Come, go in:
I'll show thee some attires, and have thy counsel
Which is the best to furnish me to-morrow.
URSULA
She's limed, I warrant you: we have caught her, madam.
HERO
If it proves so, then loving goes by haps:
Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.
Exeunt HERO and URSULA
BEATRICE ( She rises from the bench and takes center left center stage, all the lights go down except for her spotlight and she begins. She speaks quickly as if discovering each new word as she speaks. She is overcome with joy and confusion, her emotions are all over the place.)
[Coming forward]
What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?
Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?
Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu!
No glory lives behind the back of such.
And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee,
Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand:
If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee
To bind our loves up in a holy band;
For others say thou dost deserve, and I
Believe it better than reportingly.
She cannot be so much without true judgment--
Having so swift and excellent a wit
As she is prized to have--as to refuse
So rare a gentleman as Signior Benedick.
HERO (In a very complimenitive manor)
He is the only man of Italy.
Always excepted my dear Claudio.
URSULA
I pray you, be not angry with me, madam,
Speaking my fancy: Signior Benedick,
For shape, for bearing, argument and valour,
Goes foremost in report through Italy.
HERO (Standing up and speaking with exclamation)
Indeed, he hath an excellent good name.
URSULA
His excellence did earn it, ere he had it.
When are you married, madam?
HERO
Why, every day, to-morrow. Come, go in:
I'll show thee some attires, and have thy counsel
Which is the best to furnish me to-morrow.
URSULA
She's limed, I warrant you: we have caught her, madam.
HERO
If it proves so, then loving goes by haps:
Some Cupid kills with arrows, some with traps.
Exeunt HERO and URSULA
BEATRICE ( She rises from the bench and takes center left center stage, all the lights go down except for her spotlight and she begins. She speaks quickly as if discovering each new word as she speaks. She is overcome with joy and confusion, her emotions are all over the place.)
[Coming forward]
What fire is in mine ears? Can this be true?
Stand I condemn'd for pride and scorn so much?
Contempt, farewell! and maiden pride, adieu!
No glory lives behind the back of such.
And, Benedick, love on; I will requite thee,
Taming my wild heart to thy loving hand:
If thou dost love, my kindness shall incite thee
To bind our loves up in a holy band;
For others say thou dost deserve, and I
Believe it better than reportingly.
(She exits to the right and the curtains draw.)
Scene 2
3. DON PEDRO, CLAUDIO, BENEDICK, and LEONATO all enter Leonato's house, they are all dressed in suit, black, the colors of the ties vary. Benedick has just learned of Beatirce's love for him and has developed his own love for her. They are in a room huddled around a table and they are speaking loudly and heartily. The lights are bright and fill up the stage.
BENEDICK (He stands up to draw attention to himself)
Gallants, I am not as I have been.
LEONATO ( In a joking manor)
So say I methinks you are sadder.
CLAUDIO (Interjecting loudly)
I hope he be in love.
DON PEDRO
Gallants, I am not as I have been.
LEONATO ( In a joking manor)
So say I methinks you are sadder.
CLAUDIO (Interjecting loudly)
I hope he be in love.
DON PEDRO
Hang him, truant! there's no true drop of blood in
him, to be truly touched with love: if he be sad,
he wants money.
BENEDICK ( Sarcastically and in an attempt to regain order)
I have the toothache.
DON PEDRO
Draw it.
BENEDICK (He bangs the table, He is starting to get frustrated)
Hang it!
CLAUDIO
You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.
DON PEDRO
What! sigh for the toothache?
LEONATO
Where is but a humour or a worm.
BENEDICK
Well, every one can master a grief but he that has
it.
CLAUDIO (Standing up, as if he had just made this discovery, he says it excitedly and as if it was unexpected)
Yet say I, he is in love.
him, to be truly touched with love: if he be sad,
he wants money.
BENEDICK ( Sarcastically and in an attempt to regain order)
I have the toothache.
DON PEDRO
Draw it.
BENEDICK (He bangs the table, He is starting to get frustrated)
Hang it!
CLAUDIO
You must hang it first, and draw it afterwards.
DON PEDRO
What! sigh for the toothache?
LEONATO
Where is but a humour or a worm.
BENEDICK
Well, every one can master a grief but he that has
it.
CLAUDIO (Standing up, as if he had just made this discovery, he says it excitedly and as if it was unexpected)
Yet say I, he is in love.
4. Don John is about to come and stir the pot, that is all he is really there for.
DON JOHN (With a one hundred percent fake look of concern for Claudio, Don John takes a deep breath and then makes his statement "nonchalantly".
If it please you: yet Count Claudio may hear; for
what I would speak of concerns him.
DON PEDRO
What's the matter?
DON JOHN (With feeling)
[To CLAUDIO] Means your lordship to be married
to-morrow?
DON PEDRO (impolitely interjecting on purpose)
You know he does.
DON JOHN
I know not that, when he knows what I know.
CLAUDIO
If there be any impediment, I pray you discover it.
DON JOHN (Pouring out his heart to Claudio, the entire point of his character depends on his ability to convince Claudio he is right so he puts a hand on Claudio and really sells it)
You may think I love you not: let that appear
hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will
manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you
well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect
your ensuing marriage;--surely suit ill spent and
labour ill bestowed.
DON PEDRO (Again, interjecting as if he is handling his brother for Claudio. Because he is the only one don John respects.)
Why, what's the matter?
DON JOHN
I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances
shortened, for she has been too long a talking of,
the lady is disloyal.
CLAUDIO
Who, Hero?
DON PEDRO (This is the line that really set's Claudio's mind.)
If it please you: yet Count Claudio may hear; for
what I would speak of concerns him.
DON PEDRO
What's the matter?
DON JOHN (With feeling)
[To CLAUDIO] Means your lordship to be married
to-morrow?
DON PEDRO (impolitely interjecting on purpose)
You know he does.
DON JOHN
I know not that, when he knows what I know.
CLAUDIO
If there be any impediment, I pray you discover it.
DON JOHN (Pouring out his heart to Claudio, the entire point of his character depends on his ability to convince Claudio he is right so he puts a hand on Claudio and really sells it)
You may think I love you not: let that appear
hereafter, and aim better at me by that I now will
manifest. For my brother, I think he holds you
well, and in dearness of heart hath holp to effect
your ensuing marriage;--surely suit ill spent and
labour ill bestowed.
DON PEDRO (Again, interjecting as if he is handling his brother for Claudio. Because he is the only one don John respects.)
Why, what's the matter?
DON JOHN
I came hither to tell you; and, circumstances
shortened, for she has been too long a talking of,
the lady is disloyal.
CLAUDIO
Who, Hero?
DON PEDRO (This is the line that really set's Claudio's mind.)
Even she; Leonato's Hero, your Hero, every man's Hero:
After this, The speaking becomes inaudible again and the lights dim everywhere except for on Claudio so you can see his expression as the meaning of these unbelievable words is unraveled by the rest of the Group.
5. The curtains draw, and then reopen on the local police precinct; two officers, Dogberry and Verges are talking in their uniforms. They are getting ready for a big night.
DOGBERRY (Speaking to his lieutenant and other lower ranking officers. while pacing up and down the line they have made while sipping his coffee)
Are you good men and true?VERGES (Saluting)
Yea, or else it were pity but they should suffer
salvation, body and soul.
DOGBERRY (A general briefing of the night)
Nay, that were a punishment too good for them, if
they should have any allegiance in them, being
chosen for the prince's watch.
VERGES
Well, give them their charge, neighbour Dogberry.
DOGBERRY
First, who think you the most desertless man to be
constable?
First Watchman (In a shouting voice)
Hugh Otecake, sir, or George Seacole; for they can
write and read.
DOGBERRY
Come hither, neighbour Seacole. God hath blessed
you with a good name: to be a well-favoured man is
the gift of fortune; but to write and read comes by nature.
Second Watchman
Both which, master constable,--
DOGBERRY
You have: I knew it would be your answer. Well,
for your favour, sir, why, give God thanks, and make
no boast of it; and for your writing and reading,
let that appear when there is no need of such
vanity. You are thought here to be the most
senseless and fit man for the constable of the
watch; therefore bear you the lantern. This is your
charge: you shall comprehend all vagrom men; you are
to bid any man stand, in the prince's name.
Second Watchman
How if a' will not stand?
DOGBERRY
Why, then, take no note of him, but let him go; and
presently call the rest of the watch together and
thank God you are rid of a knave.
VERGES (Sort of laughing under his breath, breaking rank and making it apparent that Dogberry does not have much real authority over him)
If he will not stand when he is bidden, he is none
of the prince's subjects.
6 . all wearing suits.
BORACHIO (Center Stage, back turned to the audience. Speaking louldy)
Therefore know I have earned of Don John a thousand ducats.
CONRADE (Backing away slightly)
Is it possible that any villany should be so dear?
BORACHIO (With Authority!)
Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any
villany should be so rich; for when rich villains
have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what
price they will.
CONRADE (Hand on his chin to think)
I wonder at it.
BORACHIO
That shows thou art unconfirmed. Thou knowest that
the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is
nothing to a man.
CONRADE
Yes, it is apparel.
BORACHIO (understandingly)
I mean, the fashion.
CONRADE
Yes, the fashion is the fashion.
BORACHIO
Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But
seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion
is?
Watchman (Interjecting literally with his hand)
[Aside] I know that Deformed; a' has been a vile
thief this seven year; a' goes up and down like a
gentleman: I remember his name.
BORACHIO
Didst thou not hear somebody?
CONRADE (Yelling, making sure to assert himself)
No; 'twas the vane on the house.
CONRADE (Backing away slightly)
Is it possible that any villany should be so dear?
BORACHIO (With Authority!)
Thou shouldst rather ask if it were possible any
villany should be so rich; for when rich villains
have need of poor ones, poor ones may make what
price they will.
CONRADE (Hand on his chin to think)
I wonder at it.
BORACHIO
That shows thou art unconfirmed. Thou knowest that
the fashion of a doublet, or a hat, or a cloak, is
nothing to a man.
CONRADE
Yes, it is apparel.
BORACHIO (understandingly)
I mean, the fashion.
CONRADE
Yes, the fashion is the fashion.
BORACHIO
Tush! I may as well say the fool's the fool. But
seest thou not what a deformed thief this fashion
is?
Watchman (Interjecting literally with his hand)
[Aside] I know that Deformed; a' has been a vile
thief this seven year; a' goes up and down like a
gentleman: I remember his name.
BORACHIO
Didst thou not hear somebody?
CONRADE (Yelling, making sure to assert himself)
No; 'twas the vane on the house.
Scene IV
7.As the troubled marriage of Hero and Claudio draws near, Hero prepares for the special day. She is joined by her maids Margaret and Beatrice and ursula. They are all wearing robes and are deciding what their day is going to be like. They are all on couches huddled around a coffee table, the color white is happening a lot and the stage is bright. Beatrice is still sleeping however.
HERO (Yawning, hoppily and happily asking Margaret for such a kind favor and smiling as she does it)
Good Ursula, wake my cousin Beatrice, and desire
her to rise.
URSULA (Daintily rising and bowing as she speaks.)
I will, lady.
HERO ( as she walks away she says this loudly but with just as much grace as her first line)
And bid her come hither.
URSULA
Well.
Exit
MARGARET (Hero rises and puts one o her dresses that she wants to wear for the wedding against her to see how it would look.)
Troth, I think your other rabato were better.
HERO (insisting)
No, pray thee, good Meg, I'll wear this.
MARGARET (convincingly, she stands to try and affirm her statement.)
By my troth, 's not so good; and I warrant your
cousin will say so.
HERO (Jokingly, she rejects the suggestion)
My cousin's a fool, and thou art another: I'll wear
none but this.
MARGARET (exactingly, she starts the flow of compliments)
I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair
were a thought browner; and your gown's a most rare
fashion, i' faith. I saw the Duchess of Milan's
gown that they praise so.
HERO (She takes the dress and spins around the room with it)
O, that exceeds, they say.
MARGARET
By my troth, 's but a night-gown in respect of
yours: cloth o' gold, and cuts, and laced with
silver, set with pearls, down sleeves, side sleeves,
and skirts, round underborne with a bluish tinsel:
but for a fine, quaint, graceful and excellent
fashion, yours is worth ten on 't.
HERO
God give me joy to wear it! for my heart is
exceeding heavy.
MARGARET
'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.
HERO (Shocked! and astounded)
Fie upon thee! art not ashamed?
MARGARET (Sassy and to explain herself)
Of what, lady? of speaking honourably? Is not
marriage honourable in a beggar? Is not your lord
honourable without marriage? I think you would have
me say, 'saving your reverence, a husband:' and bad
thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend
nobody: is there any harm in 'the heavier for a
husband'? None, I think, and it be the right husband
and the right wife; otherwise 'tis light, and not
heavy: ask my Lady Beatrice else; here she comes.
Enter BEATRICE
Good Ursula, wake my cousin Beatrice, and desire
her to rise.
URSULA (Daintily rising and bowing as she speaks.)
I will, lady.
HERO ( as she walks away she says this loudly but with just as much grace as her first line)
And bid her come hither.
URSULA
Well.
Exit
MARGARET (Hero rises and puts one o her dresses that she wants to wear for the wedding against her to see how it would look.)
Troth, I think your other rabato were better.
HERO (insisting)
No, pray thee, good Meg, I'll wear this.
MARGARET (convincingly, she stands to try and affirm her statement.)
By my troth, 's not so good; and I warrant your
cousin will say so.
HERO (Jokingly, she rejects the suggestion)
My cousin's a fool, and thou art another: I'll wear
none but this.
MARGARET (exactingly, she starts the flow of compliments)
I like the new tire within excellently, if the hair
were a thought browner; and your gown's a most rare
fashion, i' faith. I saw the Duchess of Milan's
gown that they praise so.
HERO (She takes the dress and spins around the room with it)
O, that exceeds, they say.
MARGARET
By my troth, 's but a night-gown in respect of
yours: cloth o' gold, and cuts, and laced with
silver, set with pearls, down sleeves, side sleeves,
and skirts, round underborne with a bluish tinsel:
but for a fine, quaint, graceful and excellent
fashion, yours is worth ten on 't.
HERO
God give me joy to wear it! for my heart is
exceeding heavy.
MARGARET
'Twill be heavier soon by the weight of a man.
HERO (Shocked! and astounded)
Fie upon thee! art not ashamed?
MARGARET (Sassy and to explain herself)
Of what, lady? of speaking honourably? Is not
marriage honourable in a beggar? Is not your lord
honourable without marriage? I think you would have
me say, 'saving your reverence, a husband:' and bad
thinking do not wrest true speaking, I'll offend
nobody: is there any harm in 'the heavier for a
husband'? None, I think, and it be the right husband
and the right wife; otherwise 'tis light, and not
heavy: ask my Lady Beatrice else; here she comes.
Enter BEATRICE
(Beatrice enters, almost skipping she is so giddy. The lights noticeably dim around the other characters but on Hero, they get brighter You simply see her get happier and happier until conversation ends and the curtains draw to a close. End Scene IV)
Scene V
8. It is previous to the wedding and Leonato and the policeman, Verges and Dogberry are speaking about the possible "implications" of what the wedding could hold. All dressed as previously stated of course. They are in Leonato's house and he is drinking some of his bourbon. They are just in a room, a few things on the wall every then and there.
LEONATO ( not even thinking about it, while taking a sip of his drink.)
I would fain know what you have to say.
VERGES
Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your
worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant
knaves as any in Messina.
DOGBERRY (interjects into Verges' statement, says this with a sort of pompousness)
A good old man, sir; he will be talking: as they
say, when the age is in, the wit is out: God help
us! it is a world to see. Well said, i' faith,
neighbour Verges: well, God's a good man; an two men
ride of a horse, one must ride behind. An honest
soul, i' faith, sir; by my troth he is, as ever
broke bread; but God is to be worshipped; all men
are not alike; alas, good neighbour!
LEONATO ( Taking another sip)
Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.
DOGBERRY
Gifts that God gives.
LEONATO ( In an attempt to escape, Leonato is growing tired and reaches for the door)
I must leave you.
DOGBERRY (In a very serious tone, he must say this in a way to make Leonato interested in it. he stops LEONATO from leaving with a hand on his shoulder.)
One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed
comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would
have them this morning examined before your worship.
LEONATO (again, attempting to leave)
Take their examination yourself and bring it me: I
am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you.
DOGBERRY
It shall be suffigance.
LEONATO
Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.
Enter a Messenger
Messenger (intrudingly)
My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to
her husband.
LEONATO
I'll wait upon them: I am ready.
Exeunt LEONATO and Messenger
DOGBERRY
Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole;
bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we
are now to examination these men.
VERGES
And we must do it wisely.
DOGBERRY (Walking back to Leonato, then ending excitingly!)
We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's
that shall drive some of them to a non-come: only
get the learned writer to set down our
excommunication and meet me at the gaol.
Exeunt ( All exit left through the door to the room.)
I would fain know what you have to say.
VERGES
Marry, sir, our watch to-night, excepting your
worship's presence, ha' ta'en a couple of as arrant
knaves as any in Messina.
DOGBERRY (interjects into Verges' statement, says this with a sort of pompousness)
A good old man, sir; he will be talking: as they
say, when the age is in, the wit is out: God help
us! it is a world to see. Well said, i' faith,
neighbour Verges: well, God's a good man; an two men
ride of a horse, one must ride behind. An honest
soul, i' faith, sir; by my troth he is, as ever
broke bread; but God is to be worshipped; all men
are not alike; alas, good neighbour!
LEONATO ( Taking another sip)
Indeed, neighbour, he comes too short of you.
DOGBERRY
Gifts that God gives.
LEONATO ( In an attempt to escape, Leonato is growing tired and reaches for the door)
I must leave you.
DOGBERRY (In a very serious tone, he must say this in a way to make Leonato interested in it. he stops LEONATO from leaving with a hand on his shoulder.)
One word, sir: our watch, sir, have indeed
comprehended two aspicious persons, and we would
have them this morning examined before your worship.
LEONATO (again, attempting to leave)
Take their examination yourself and bring it me: I
am now in great haste, as it may appear unto you.
DOGBERRY
It shall be suffigance.
LEONATO
Drink some wine ere you go: fare you well.
Enter a Messenger
Messenger (intrudingly)
My lord, they stay for you to give your daughter to
her husband.
LEONATO
I'll wait upon them: I am ready.
Exeunt LEONATO and Messenger
DOGBERRY
Go, good partner, go, get you to Francis Seacole;
bid him bring his pen and inkhorn to the gaol: we
are now to examination these men.
VERGES
And we must do it wisely.
DOGBERRY (Walking back to Leonato, then ending excitingly!)
We will spare for no wit, I warrant you; here's
that shall drive some of them to a non-come: only
get the learned writer to set down our
excommunication and meet me at the gaol.
Exeunt ( All exit left through the door to the room.)
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