The scene opens with a large crowd of people dancing and drumming. They are in a joyous mood for tomorrow is Carnival.
Children are playing. Women walk past, swaying with baskets on their heads. The boat arrives, filled with dancing people, pulsating with energy, life and joy. A little boy runs through the crowd with a kite.
A beautiful young woman alights from the boat and is swept along by the crowd. She pauses to watch young dancers shaking and swaying to the drumming.
A blind man enters carrying toys and blowing a kazoo. He bumps into the beautiful young woman, who screams in fright.
EURYDICE
No!
(Eurydice turns around and sees it’s an old blind man.)
Oh, you frightened me.
BLIND MAN
Oh, child! I didn’t mean to startle you.
(Takes her by the hand.)
You are so frightened I can feel your heart beating in your hand – like a trapped bird. Let me give you something to make you forget.
(He hands her a small toy.)
EURYDICE
Thank you. Can I help you? I can’t guide you. I don’t know New Orleans. I just arrived here.
BLIND MAN
(The blind man laughs.)
I know this city like the back of my hand. My name is Tereisias. Perhaps I can give you directions?
EURYDICE
Thank you, Tereisias. And I am Eurydice.
(She shakes his hand.)
BLIND MAN
Eurydice.
(Savors the name like a fine wine. Then smiles.)
Take my hand. Where are you going? I will guide you there.
EURYDICE
To the house of my cousin, Serafina. Do you know her?
TEREISIAS
I know everyone and everything in this city, Eurydice. Although my eyes are sightless, nothing escapes my notice. Come with me. I will take you to where you need to go.
(She takes his hand and he leads her through the wild teeming crowd of
merry makers.)
TEREISIAS
If we get separated, you will take the trolley to the end of the line. There you will find your way
to your cousin’s house.
There are men leering at her as they whirl around her in dance, boxing her in with their wild gyrations. Elegant women parade past with baskets poised on their heads. There are various merchants selling items – onions, masks, beads. A man dances vigorously with his back to the audience, a mask on the back of his head. Suddenly, he turns around. We see his real face. He laughs.
Everywhere people are preparing for Carnival. The city is a swirl of movement and color and music is everywhere.
A trolley glides past and a man swoops up Eurydice into the car. The trolley rocks with the music and rhythm of the bossa nova beat.
The passengers exit the trolley in twos and three and eventually the car is empty except for the conductor and Eurydice. The conductor, Orpheus, stops the trolley and hops off. He takes out a handkerchief, shakes out the confetti and mops his face. Hermes, the pay master of the trolley company hails the conductor.
HERMES
Hello, Orpheus! Are you finished for the day?
ORPHEUS
I am and I’m ready to have some fun.
HERMES
Then come and get your paycheck. You’ll need it. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras, man.
(Orpheus spots Eurydice climbing down from the trolley.)
ORPHEUS
Hey, you! What are you doing here?
EURYDICE
I was told to go to the end of the line -
ORPHEUS
You’re looking at it. This is it. The end of the line.
EURYDICE
Thank you.
(She disembarks from the trolley.)
ORPHEUS
Are you from around here?
EURYDICE
No, I am not.
ORPHEUS
Where are you going?
EURYDICE
To my cousin’s house.
ORPHEUS
Oh, then it’s all right. I’ll help you.
(Orpheus calls out to Hermes.)
Hey, Hermes!
(Hermes stops what he is doing - laughing and talking with the guys as he is
counting tickets and money - and saunters over to Orpheus and Eurydice.)
ORPHEUS
This is Hermes. He’ll help you find your cousin. He finds everything. Take care of this girl,
Hermes. She’s new to the city. Now, I gotta find my paycheck. Salud!
(Orpheus crosses to the group of men at the paymaster’s station, leaving Hermes
with Eurydice.)
BRUNO
(One of the co-workers at the trolley station.)
Nice one to add to your collection.
(Bruno indicates Eurydice and the other men laugh.)
ORPHEUS
Naw, she’s too naive. A country girl -
BRUNO
You can always teach her a few things.
(The men laugh.)
ORPHEUS
She seems like a nice girl.
(Suddenly, we hear a woman’s voice calling.)
MIRA
Orpheus! Orpheus!
LOUIS
(Another co-worker at the trolley station.)
Unlike this one!
BRUNO
Watch out! It’s Mira.
(Mira enters, beautiful, seductive and dangerous. She struts past Hermes as he
is talking quietly with Eurydice.)
MIRA
Sorry to break up the party. What are you doing, Hermes? Telling her fortune? Don’t do that!
HERMES
Why not, Mira? MIRA
Ugly girls like her only have bad luck -
HERMES
You are evil, Mira and will only bring down destruction -
MIRA
I’m a force of nature, old man.
(Mira tosses her head and laughs as she struts over to Orpheus.)
Orpheus!
(She sidles over to Orpheus, touches him possessively, laughs and
begins flirting with him.)
HERMES
(To Eurydice.)
She is crazy and mean. Ignore her.
(Eurydice smiles uncertainly. She is unaccustomed to rudeness.)
HERMES
Have you been to Mardi Gras, child?
EURYDICE
No, I haven’t.
HERMES
You haven’t? Well, you will end up going! No one can resist the call of the madness of Mardi Gras!
EURYDICE
I’ve come to stay with my cousin, Serafina -
HERMES
Serafina is your cousin, eh? I know her well. She’s a good woman. She lives not too far from here. Just follow this path and you will find where you need to go.
EURYDICE
Thank you. You’ve been very kind.
HERMES
If you lose your way, come and find me. I’m always here. I am Hermes, the station guard at the levies.
EURYDICE
Thank you. I promise I’ll come and see you again.
(Eurydice picks up her bag and prepares to leave for her cousin’s house. We
hear Mira’s voice confident and sexy.)
MIRA
You’re loaded. Hand it over. Let me see it!
(Orpheus tucks his paycheck inside his jacket pocket as he walks over to Hermes
He spots Eurydice leaving. He calls out to Eurydice.)
ORPHEUS
Did you get directions?
EURYDICE
(Calling back to him.)
Yes, I did. Thank you!
(Eurydice departs for her cousin’s house.)
MIRA
Why are you talking to her? Do you know her?
ORPHEUS
No, she was just a passenger on my trolley -
MIRA
Why so much fuss, then?
ORPHEUS
There is no fuss. I am just being kind -
MIRA
Kind!!???
ORPHEUS
Hey, Hermes. Wasn’t she cute?
(Orpheus indicating Eurydice. Hermes laughs with amusement.)
MIRA
What about me?
ORPHEUS
What about you? Everything isn’t always about you, Mira!
MIRA
(Grabbing Orpheus’ hand.)
Let’s go!
ORPHEUS
Where to?
MIRA
See, Hermes? He is cynical to the point of asking ‘where to’? Wake up, man! We’re getting our marriage license today!
(The men laugh.)
MIRA
Pay attention, man!
ORPHEUS
(Teasing Mira.)
Hey, Hermes! What eyes that young girl had, eh?
(The men laugh, enjoying the joke.)
MIRA
(Swats him.)
And what a good memory I have, eh?
(Orpheus laughs and takes Mira affectionately into his arms.)
ORPHEUS
All right, let’s go.
(To the men.)
I’m off to my doom!
(Orpheus and the other men laugh.)
MIRA
(Hits him on the shoulder.)
Hey!
(They begin to leave. Orpheus stops to kick a soccer ball with a group of street
urchins, but Mira pulls him away and they continue on their way to the court
house.) ACT ONE, Scene Two
(The lights change. There is music. Always music with its
infectious rhythm and beat, and people of all types dancing.
In the middle of all this, young girls and boys are kicking a
football. The couple arrives at the courthouse, which is
simply a chair, a table with a large book on it, and a man
busily at work on his mask for Mardi Gras tomorrow.)
Orpheus and Mira approach his desk but he is completely
oblivious to their presence. He is so completely engrossed
in working on his mask that he is making silly faces and
noises. It is not until Mira laughs at the silly faces the man
is making that he looks up and sees them.
MAN
Oh, I’m so sorry. Please excuse me. I’m preparing my mask for Mardi Gras tomorrow. I want to win first prize for best costume.
ORPHEUS
We can come back later if you are busy -
(Mira glares at him.)
MAN
No, not at all. I am a servant of all the lovers who wish to sanctify their love.
MIRA
That’s us. We want a marriage license.
MAN
Are you sure?
MIRA
Of course! Why do you ask?
MAN
I was just kidding. I say that to everyone who comes in here wanting to get married.
It’s just a joke. Please, don’t be offended. Now, first thing’s first. What’s your name?
ORPHEUS
Orpheus -
(The man begins to write Orpheus’ name in his large book.)
MAN
(Stops. A look of recognition flashes on his face.)
And this must be Eurydice. MIRA
My name isn’t Eurydice! Why do you say that?
MAN
Everyone knows that Orpheus loves Eurydice!
MIRA
(Whirls on Orpheus.)
Who is this woman? This Eurydice! You been two-timin’ me?
ORPHEUS
I don’t know any Eurydice!
(To the man.)
What are you doing to me, man? Trying to get me in hot water before
I’m even married?
MAN
(Laughing.)
No. Not at all. It’s nothing. Just an old story, that’s all. Just kidding.
MIRA
I don’t like your jokes.
MAN
Sorry. Sorry.
MIRA
(Emphatically.)
My name is Mira! M. I. R. A. And I am marrying Orpheus!
(The man considers the sound of ‘Orpheus and Mira’, but it doesn’t scan well
in his ear and he shakes his head. Mira glares at him so he dutifully writes
the names on a document and hands it to Orpheus, which Mira snatches out
of his hand. As the music surges, the couple moves outside in rhythm to
the insistent beat of the drums. Mira dances ecstatically as she is encircled by
ogling, leering and appreciative men. Orpheus becomes annoyed at the men’s
attention and snaps at her.)
ORPHEUS
Let’s go, Mira. You got what you wanted -
MIRA
Are you buying me a ring?
ORPHEUS
What? What ring?
MIRA
Now that we’re engaged, you gotta give me a ring.
ORPHEUS
With what money?
MIRA
With your paycheck, silly -
ORPHEUS
I have to get my guitar out of hock. Tomorrow is Mardi Gras. And Mardi Gras is music -
MIRA
Mardi Gras is love.
ORPHEUS
If you love rings so much, buy your own!
MIRA
No! Then it doesn’t count. The man’s gotta give a ring to his beloved.
ORPHEUS
I told you! I have no money!
MIRA
I know what! I can loan you some money -
ORPHEUS
All right -
MIRA
I know exactly the one I want -
ORPHEUS
Hold on -
MIRA
What?
ORPHEUS
First, I have to get my guitar. Then your ring - MIRA
(In a good mood now that she’s getting her way.)
You are driving me crazy!
(Kisses him as the dancers and drummers swirl around them.)
You get your guitar! I am going to look at rings.
ACT 1, Scene 3
A pawnshop. Pawnshop workers bustle about calling out prices, names of customers and names of items as they grab merchandise and hand them to jostling, excited customers waving money or claim tickets in their tightly fisted hands.
JOSE
(Grabs a camera and hands it to a customer who gives him some cash.)
Thirty four dollars!
ANGELICA
(Grabs a necklace and dances with it around her neck to the customer waving his
claim ticket.)
Are you sure you don’t want to give it to me?
CUSTOMER
Oh, honey, if I wasn’t married -
(The customer runs off with his jewelry while Angelica laughs and dances off to help another customer.)
CARLOS
(Picks up Orpheus’s guitar from the pawnshop cage and begins to call out.)
Una guitarra! This must be Orpheus’s guitar! Orpheus! Orpheus!
(The people in the pawnshop begin to chant “Orpheus! Orpheus!” Carlos hands
the guitar to a customer who passes it to another until at last it reaches Orpheus
who tenderly cradles the guitar and kisses it.)
CARLOS
Not so fast, lover-boy! That will be twenty dollars!
(Orpheus pulls out some cash and hands it along with the claim ticket. A man
runs in and shoulders his way to the front of the line, demanding money for his
victrola.)
MAN
I have a valuable item here - an antique!
CARLOS
(Dryly)
We’ll get our antiques appraisers right on it!
MAN
The thing is worth a fortune!
ANGELICA
(Glancing at it.)
Three dollars!
MAN
That’s an insult -
JOSE
Take it or leave it!
MAN
It’s worth at least twenty dollars -
CARLOS
On what planet?
MAN
I’ll give you a break - I’ll take ten dollars for it -
CARLOS
And I’m telling you three!
(The man sees Orpheus strumming his guitar, trying to retune it. The man
sees an easy mark and rushes to him.)
MAN
These people are crooks. They’re trying to cheat me!
ORPHEUS
(Laughing.)
What’s this?
MAN
(Shoving the victrola into Orpheus’ hands.)
Here! Hold this! It works really well. It’s a relic!
ORPHEUS
A what?
(The two men begin dancing around each other. The man trying to palm the
victrola off on Orpheus and Orpheus trying to do some defensive moves to
prevent that. At last, Orpheus relents.)
MAN
A relic! The museums would pay a lot of money for this, I’m tellin’ you. I’ll give it to you for ten!
ORPHEUS
What do I need a record player for? I have my voice!
MAN
For your lady friends, man! It’s Mardi Gras! I just need some money for Mardi Gras!
ORPHEUS
All right! All right!
(Digs some money out and gives it to the man.)
Here’s some money.
(Orpheus tries to give the victrola back.)
And you can keep the damn thing!
MAN
What do I want with a victrola? It’s a piece of junk!
(Is about to run off but looks at the coins in his hand.)
Four bucks! He gave me four bucks! Cheap bastard!
(The man runs off.)
(Mira sambas up, surveying the scene. She is happy and laughing, and
sporting a new ring.)
MIRA
(Laughing at Orpheus’ predicament.)
Looks like you made a good deal!
ORPHEUS
(Hands the victrola to a surprised man standing in line.)
Here, take this.
SURPRISED MAN
I don’t want it!
(Hands it to someone else standing next to him in line.)
MIRA
(Wriggling the fingers of her left hand under his nose.)
Look at the deal I made!
ORPHEUS
Nice!
MIRA
You owe me 110 bucks!
ORPHEUS
What!
MIRA
That’s how much it cost! You’re my fiance. That’s the price of the ring you bought me!
(Mira laughs.)
ORPHEUS
I didn’t buy you the ring - YOU bought the - Oh, never mind!
MIRA
(Happy)
Come on, at least buy me dinner!
ORPHEUS
At least dinner will be cheaper -
MIRA
Not where we’re going -
(Mira sambas off, dragging Orpheus off with her.)
ACT ONE, Scene 4
In the house of Eurydice’s cousin, Serafina.
Serafina is humming a melancholy song while
she is working on her costume for tomorrow.
She addresses a bird in the cage.
SERAFINA
My poor little bird. Are you sad today? He didn’t come. But he will.
(A peddlar taps at her window selling bread.)
PEDDLER
I have some fresh baked bread for you, Serafina!
SERAFINA
Is it free?
PEDDLER
For three dollars it is -
SERAFINA
I have no money today to give you for bread. I spent it all on a beautiful costume for Mardi Gras.
PEDDLAR
Oh, Serafina girl, you cannot eat costumes.
(He exits, shaking his head. Serafina goes to her closet to look at her beautiful dress.)
SERAFINA
When he sees me in this dress, he will fall in love with me. And then, what will I care about
bread or eating?
(A knock is heard on the door. Serafina screams with delight, rushes to the door,
throws it open and sees - Eurydice standing there with her bag in her hand. At
first there is a look of disappointment on Serafina’s face.)
SERAFINA
Oh!
(Then Serafina gives a squeal of happiness, and grabs and hugs Eurydice.)
Eurydice! My little cousin!
(Serafina welcomes Eurydice into her home.)
SERAFINA
You are the last person I expected to see today!
EURYDICE
You were expecting someone?
SERAFINA
Yes, my fiance. Chico.
EURYDICE
You’re engaged!
SERAFINA
Not exactly, but I feel that he is moments away from popping the question. We have a special link, the two of us.
EURYDICE
His name is Chico?
SERAFINA
Yes, Chico Boto. But you don’t know him.
(She grabs a framed picture of him from the table.)
He’s so handsome! He travels all the time. But he promised he’d be here for Mardi Gras.
EURYDICE
(A little embarrassed.)
I am sorry. I didn’t mean to put you out. I know it’s Mardi Gras and not a good time for guests.
SERAFINA
What are you talking about? It’s a perfect time for guests! Actually, since Chico’s not here, it’s quite convenient. We can celebrate Mardi Gras together, you and I. This may be the last Carnival where I am a free, single lady. Next year, I will be an old married woman - perhaps with a baby even!
(Notices Eurydice looking unhappy.)
What’s the matter, child?
EURYDICE
I ran away -
SERAFINA
You ran away? But why, child?
EURYDICE
I am so frightened, Serafina!
SERAFINA
Why?
EURYDICE
A man has been chasing me -
SERAFINA
Because you are so beautiful, silly -
EURYDICE
No! A man started coming around to our farm a few months ago. I was polite at first but tried to show that I wasn’t interested. He didn’t get the hint. Or refused to accept the hint. And he continued coming around to court me. When I made it clear that I would not accept his hand in marriage he started harassing me and wouldn’t leave me alone. I am certain he wants to kill me.
SERAFINA
He wants to kill you? Are you crazy, girl? He just wants to get in your pants!
EURYDICE
No, he wants to kill me - He is very angry because I rejected him. Now he shows up at unexpected moments. When I'm in the fields working. Or I’m alone in the meadows. And he appears suddenly - as if from nowhere. I see him from the corner of my eye. I feel his breath on my neck and I turn around and there he is, staring at me. With such hatred. As if he wants to tear me apart. Then he tries to grab me. I've always managed to wrestle free. But I feel my strength is ebbing. My luck is running out and I may not be able to run or fight him off much longer.
SERAFINA
I’ll be here to help you. Now, listen to me. Does he know that you are here?
EURYDICE
I don’t think so. I left in the dead of night, without telling anyone I was going.
SERAFINA
Nobody know you’re here? Then you have nothing to worry about. You have me to help you and protect you. And we have our brains and our strength, and together, we can outwit anyone. We’re family, eh?
EURYDICE
You’re right.
SERAFINA
Now that’s taken care of - have you eaten?
EURYDICE
No, I haven’t eaten all day.
SERAFINA
You must be starving! Do you have any money?
(Serafina laughs.)
Because I don’t. I spent all my money on my gorgeous costume!
The only thing I have in the house is onions.
EURYDICE
I don’t have much -
SERAFINA
That’s all right. We’ll go to the grocer. He’ll give us anything we want to eat - for a kiss!
(Serafina grabs her hand to lead her to the store. She stops and
surveys Eurydice.)
You know, you really are beautiful.
(They go outside. A group of revelers is playing music and dancing. In the middle of the singing and dancing throng is a serious boy who notices Eurydice, and breaking away from the group, walks up to Eurydice. He takes off an amulet from around his neck to hand it to her.
SERAFINA
Hello, Apollo. How sweet. Are you giving us a gift?
APOLLO
No, just to her.
SERAFINA
(Laughing.)
But you don’t even know her -
APOLLO
Yes, I do -
SERAFINA
But how? She’s never been to New Orleans and you’ve never left -
APOLLO
But I do know her. And she knows me -
(To Eurydice.)
I want to give you this gift -
EURYDICE
Thank you. What is it?
APOLLO
It’s an amulet. It will protect you. Always keep this on you.
(Paris gravely hands the amulet to Eurydice.)
EURYDICE
Thank you, I will.
SERAFINA
(Serafina takes her by the arm.)
Come, Eurydice. I am so hungry, my stomach is growling.
(She leads Eurydice past Apollo.)
I told you you were beautiful - See, strange boys are walking up and giving you things.
(The women laugh as they run towards the grocer.)
ACT ONE, Scene 5
There is a change in lights. A group of women descend on the grocer’s shack. The grocer is a good natured little fat man who gives the ladies store credit if they kiss him.
THE GROCER
Here is your rice, my dear. A little kiss, perhaps?
SHOPPER
Only a little one. I didn’t buy that much.
(The shopper gives him a little peck. He then turn to another waiting customer.)
THE GROCER
(To the next customer.)
And you my dear? How may I help you?
SHOPPER #2
A small fish -
THE GROCER
(He bustles to the fish barrel.)
Fish. Fish. Fish.
(Serafina sneaks up on him and covers his eyes with her hands.)
Something tells me you came without money.
SERAFINA
(Laughing.)
I brought you something better!
(She indicates Eurydice who hangs shyly back.)
Customers like myself - bold and beautiful.
GROCER
And without money -
SERAFINA
You’ll be flexible, won’t you?
GROCER
You’re terrible. Always asking for credit. And now this!
(To Eurydice.)
How are you my darling?
(The grocer goes into the store to get some food for her.)
SERAFINA
(To Eurydice)
He’s very sweet. He’ll come through -
GROCER
(He comes back with a package and hands it to Serafina.)
Here! This should hold you for a little while -
SERAFINA
(Gesturing to Eurydice)
Thank you, but what about her?
(Begins to flirt outrageously with the grocer.)
Oh, my cute little fatso! Won’t you extend credit to my beautiful cousin, too?
GROCER
Serafina, you are terrible! You never have money!
SERAFINA
Why do I need money, when I have you?
(The grocer looks at Eurydice, smiles and wriggles another small fish at her.
Eurydice smiles and gives the grocer a very sweet, chaste peck on the cheek. The
grocer laughs.)
GROCER
Ah, how sweet. It looks like she is not used to our crazy ways here, poor thing.
She’ll learn.
(The grocer then spots another shopper in his store.)
What about you, eh? No kiss?
THIRD SHOPPER
No, I’d rather pay in cash -
GROCER
(Takes her money.)
Don’t be bitter because your man is marrying another, Gracia.
THIRD SHOPPER
Why do you say I am bitter? Because I am smart and do not need a man to pay my bills? I like you, Mr. Grocer-man, but really, men are like trolleys - there is a new one every five minutes.
(A group of women laughingly agree with her. Orpheus and Mira, followed by a crowd of revelers, arrive. Mira is showing off her engagement ring.)
SERAFINA
It’s time. They’re here -
(To Eurydice.)
Come.
(Referring to the contents of the store.)
Take some food for dinner -
(Serafina and the other shoppers dash off to greet Orpheus and Mira.)
GROCER
Is everybody crazy?
(Sees Eurydice standing there while everyone else rushes off.)
Don’t you want to take a look?
EURYDICE
At who?
GROCER
(Gesturing at Orpheus.)
At him -
EURYDICE
Why?
GROCER
They say with his guitar, he can make the sun rise.
THIRD SHOPPER
And he can tame wild beasts -
SECOND SHOPPER
And he can make death weep -
EURYDICE
Who is that woman he’s with? She’s very beautiful -
GROCER
That’s Mira. She thinks he’s going to marry her -
THIRD SHOPPER
She’s the one thing he can’t control -
The lights change. There is a swirl of activity as the music thrums and
the crowd throngs around Mira holding court.
ACT 1, SCENE 6
(Outside on Bourbon Street. Mira is surrounded by admirers and jealous
people. There is, as always, a swirl of activity.)
SERAFINA
(Standing off with Orpheus)
Congratulations. I heard the good news -
ORPHEUS
What good news?
SERAFINA
You’re getting married -
ORPHEUS
SHE’S getting married! Not me!
SERAFINA
Orpheus! Does she know that? She’s a very determined girl! Look, here she comes!
(Serafina waves and smiles at the approaching Mira.)
Do you want me to distract her so you can get away?
ORPHEUS
God, yes! I have to rehearse my music for the Mardi Gras parade.
SERAFINA
Go, I’ll take care of her -
(Serafina runs over to Mira to head her off. She smothers her in an all embracing
bear hug. Orpheus watches from a distance enjoying Serafina’s trickery. Over
Mira’s shoulder, Seraphina gestures to him to run.
Mira! I heard the wonderful news! Congratulations. How did you ever do it?
MIRA
Do what?
SERAFINA
Persuade Orpheus to marry you!
MIRA
What are you talking about?
(Addressing a group of people who have followed her.)
He had to persuade me! He wouldn’t leave me alone until I said yes. He was really
quite insistent.
SERAFINA
Is that your engagement ring?
MIRA
Yes! Isn’t it beautiful?
(Flaunting her ring for the admiring and not so admiring spectators.)
An Admirer
It’s gorgeous. Did Orpheus buy it for you?
MIRA
Of course!
An Another Admirer
Is it real?
MIRA
Almost!
JEALOUS WOMAN
Hmmm! That’s funny!
MIRA
(Suspicious)
What is?
JEALOUS WOMAN
My neighbor’s sister-in-law’s cousin said that Orpheus bought HER a ring that was even BIGGER!
MIRA
That’s a lie.
THE NEIGHBOR’S SISTER-IN-LAW COUSIN
(Steps forward)
Oh yeah! Well, I am her neighbor’s sister-in-law’s cousin and HERE. IT. IS!
(Holding up her hand with a large rock on her ring finger.)
MIRA
Where did you get that - from a cracker jack box? I don’t believe you -
THE NEIGHBOR’S SISTER-IN-LAW’S COUSIN
You calling me a liar? Well, let’s take it outside, sister -
(The women run off stage. Serafina gives the neighbor a thumbs up.)
ACT ONE, Scene 7
(Lights and music change. Orpheus is entering his house, followed by two young boys, Apollo and Hector.
HECTOR
Is it true, Orpheus, that you can make the sun rise with your music?
ORPHEUS
Yes. But I have to practice so my music is beautiful and seductive to the sun -
APOLLO
Can you make the sun rise tomorrow?
ORPHEUS
Of course, I can. But why tomorrow?
HECTOR
Because it’s Mardi Gras!
APOLLO
It’s Mardi Gras, man! How can you forget that?
ORPHEUS
(Feigning surprise)
It is?
APOLLO and HECTOR
Of course, it is. Aw, you knew that. You’re just playing around with us.
(Orpheus laughs with the boys as he sits down with
his guitar to play.)
HECTOR
What does it say on your guitar, Orpheus?
ORPHEUS
That Orpheus is the master of this guitar - that only I can draw forth music from her to make the
sun rise.
(Orpheus begins to strum.)
APOLLO
(Thinks for a moment.)
How did the sun rise before you were born?
ORPHEUS
You are a very smart boy, Apollo. You think a great deal. There was an Orpheus before me.
HECTOR
What happened to him?
ORPHEUS
He went away.
APOLLO
Where did he go?
ORPHEUS
To a place where the sun never goes -
APOLLO
Will you go away too some day?
ORPHEUS
It is a fate that waits for all of us....
HECTOR
Will there be an Orpheus after you when you go away?
ORPHEUS
Maybe -
APOLLO
When you go away, can I be Orpheus and play your guitar?
ORPHEUS
(Laughing)
Maybe. It is a wonderful and terrible burden making the sun rise each morning. I’ll sing a song
I just wrote and tell me if it’s beautiful enough to make the sun want to rise in the
morning.
(Orpheus begins to strum the guitar.)
HECTOR
(Whispering to Apollo.)
Pretty, isn’t it?
APOLLO
Shhhh!
ORPHEUS
(Begins to sing)
Morning, such a pretty morning
A new song is born
Singing of your eyes
Your laughter, your hands
There will be a day
When you come
From the strings of my guitar....
(Next door, during the song, we see Eurydice enter with food from the
market. She hears Orpheus’ music and she stops transfixed by its
beauty. She puts down her food and begins to listen. The music is
intoxicating and draws her into its magic. She begins to sway in
rhythm with its beauty and soon the swaying becomes a gentle,
graceful dancing.)
ORPHEUS
That only your love sought
A voice comes
And talks about kisses
Kisses lost in your lips
Sing, my heart,
For happiness has come
(Suddenly, we hear the quarreling sounds of two women fighting outside Orpheus’ house. Orpheus stops playing and quickly hands the guitar to Apollo.)
ORPHEUS
Here, take this. Don’t tell them where I am.
HECTOR
Where are you going?
ORPHEUS
(Hopping out through a window.)
I don’t know, but I know I wanna be anywhere but here -
(Just as Orpheus is jumping out the window, the door flies open and Mira and the
Neighbor’s Cousin’s Sister-in-Law come tumbling in.)
MIRA
Well, where is he?
APOLLO
Who?
THE NEIGHBOR’S COUSIN’S SISTER-IN-LAW
Who do you think, you little rodents.
MIRA
(Looking around for Orpheus.)
My husband!
HECTOR
We’re not rodents!
THE NEIGHBOR’S COUSIN’S SISTER-IN-LAW
He ain’t your husband, not yet he ain’t.
(She swivels her head to look at the two boys.)
And yes, you are rodents.
MIRA
I heard him just a second ago. Don’t tell me he’s not here!
(The two boys look at each other, then at the two women, and shrug, indicating
they don’t know.)
HECTOR
We haven’t seen him!
THE NEIGHBOR’S COUSIN’S SISTER-IN-LAW
You haven’t seen him! Then who was playing that guitar?
APOLLO
It was me. I was playing. Orpheus taught me. Here, listen.
(The boy strums a few chords and although it is serviceable, it is nowhere
close to the beauty of Orpheus’ playing.)
THE NEIGHBOR’S COUSIN’S SISTER-IN-LAW
Oh, that’s horrible! I can’t stand here all day listening to a boy bang on a guitar. I have
a man to catch -
(She leaves.)
MIRA
(Glaring at the boys.)
Orpheus was here. I know the sound of his guitar anywhere. He got you to lie for him. Bad things happen to boys who tell untruths.
(Mira exits, slamming the door behind her. Apollo sticks his tongue at her
retreating back, and then turns back to strumming the guitar.)
(We see Orpheus crouched outside the window. When the women leave, he stands but something next door catches his eye. That something is Eurydice
putting away the food and straightening her cousin’s house. He is drawn by
her gentle dignity.)
ORPHEUS
(Looking through window. Teasingly.)
You again! What are you doing here?
EURYDICE
I am staying with my cousin, remember?
ORPHEUS
Why didn’t you tell me Serafina is your cousin?
(He laughs and easily jumps through the open window. He thinks that she is
going to be another easy conquest - at first. He pours on the charm.)
So, we’re neighbors. What’s your name?
EURYDICE
Don’t you remember? I am Eurydice -
ORPHEUS
Eurydice! I like you already!
EURYDICE
How do you know? We just met -
ORPHEUS
(Laughing.)
I don’t know but everybody keeps telling me Orpheus likes Eurydice. So it must be true.
EURYDICE
So, you are Orpheus -
ORPHEUS
Don’t believe everything you’ve heard about me -
EURYDICE
(Laughing. Teasing back.)
But I don’t think I like you -
ORPHEUS
Then that’s a problem -
EURYDICE
Why?
ORPHEUS
You have to like me -
EURYDICE
Why?
ORPHEUS
Because that’s how the story goes. Try to remember. This is an old, old story. Older than time.
Thousands of years ago, Orpheus was sad and melancholic.
(Point to a bird in a cage in Serafina’s room.)
Like the bird trapped in the cage. One day, Orpheus, longing for his live, plucked music from his guitar, hoping to draw his only love to him. He sought only one love, his Eurydice. His voice sang, longing for lost kisses from the lips of his Eurydice.
(He moves in closer.)
And Eurydice’s lips were trembling with excitement - and the perfumed flower of her mouth opened slightly -
(He moves into to take a kiss from her. She pushes him back,)
EURYDICE
To tell him not so fast! Maybe Eurydice is not so anxious after all.
ORPHEUS
(Laughs to recover his wounded vanity)
No, you’re too young to remember the old story -
EURYDICE
No, you’re wrong. I remember the story. I remember the words to the song. Because they are exactly the same as they were thousands of years ago - but it’s the melody that I remember most of all.
(The film lifts from Orpheus’ eyes and for the first time he really sees her. And there is a long moment where they seem to recognize each other. The moment is
filled with long memories - and pain. Eurydice, in sadness, slowly walks outside.
Orpheus follows her. She sits, looking out to the Mississippi. He comes up, sits
beside her and shy touches her hand.)
ORPHEUS
Forgive me, Eurydice -
(Orpheus lies down and humbly kisses her hand. Music plays under the scene. T
The two boys come scampering out. Hector has Orpheus’ guitar and is looking for Orpheus. Paris spots Eurydice and Orpheus.)
PARIS
Look! There they are!
(Hector points to the two lovers.)
HECTOR
I have to talk to Orpheus!
PARIS
Leave them alone!
HECTOR
No, this is important!
(Runs over to them.)
Orpheus! It’s time for the rehearsal for the celebration! It’s getting late! You have to be at the rehearsal for Carnival now.
(Orpheus reluctantly gets up from the ground. Hector hands him the guitar.)
ORPHEUS
I will be back, my love. I will not fail you this time, I promise.
(To Paris.)
Paris, look after her for me, Take care of her. I don’t want to lose her again.
PARIS
(Taking his job very seriously.)
I will -
ORPHEUS
(To Hector)
Come on, Hector. Let’s go to the rehearsal for Mardi Gras.
(Taking his guitar, he turns to go. Eurydice touches the amulet that Paris has given her and smiles.)
ACT 1, Scene 7
It is now the beginning of dusk. It is a brilliant sunset, but there are flashes of lightning and rumblings of thunder threatening a storm.
Mardi Gras! There is the incessant call of the music, the heartbeat of the drums! Flares and fireworks suddenly ignite, illuminating the dancing, singing mob. Everyone is
dancing - the old, the young, the fat, the lean, the beautiful, the not so beautiful, but no one is more jubilant than Mira!
Orpheus is exciting and commanding as he leads the rehearsals. But regardless of how seductively she dances, Orpheus does not pay Mira any attention. She becomes increasingly more annoyed. Finally, she dances over to him.
MIRA
Why aren’t you paying attention to me?
ORPHEUS
Because Mira, I am the master of Mardi Gras. I’ve got things to do, like lead this rehearsal.
MIRA
You should at least dance with me -
ORPHEUS
I’m busy. Later, Now go back to your place and dance.
(Mira makes a noise of annoyance but when a group of appreciative men hoot and hollar their approval of her dancing, Mira is suddenly happy and begins dancing
for their enjoyment.)
(Eurydice, Paris and Hector come into view and happily watch the dancing, manic
crowd. Orpheus sees Eurydice, beams with happiness, and waves.)
PARIS
(Pointing out Orpheus to Eurydice.)
I think Orpheus has already spotted you.
(The boys giggle and Eurydice smiles, blushes and waves back. Unseen by
Eurydice is a man dressed in a skeleton costume, his face obscured by a skull
mask. Although she has not seen him, he has seen her and he begins to stalk her.
Serafina, dressed in her finery, dances past.)
HECTOR
Look at your cousin. Isn’t she pretty in her new dress?
EURYDICE
I’ve never seen her so beautiful! Who does she represent?
PARIS
She’s Queen of the Night!
(Mira dances into view - gorgeous, seductive, dangerous. Eurydice, like everyone else, notices her immediately. However, Death has eyes only for Eurydice.)
EURYDICE
And who is that?
HECTOR
That’s Mira!
PARIS
She’s pretty too, but in a different way.
HECTOR
Yeah, she’s sexy!
(The boys laugh.)
PARIS
Mira’s the Queen of the Day.
(Paris leans in and whispers confidentially to Eurydice. Death watches, unseen and
unnoticed by them.)
She’s Orpheus’ fiancee.
(Eurydice looks stricken as she watches the whirling, seductive Mira and the
panting, sweating men in her orbit. Death moves in and out of the crowd but his
attention is always on Eurydice.)
PARIS
Look, he’s gonna kiss her!
(Mira dances closer to Orpheus, grabs him by the neck and bends him down to her
waiting lips, but he angrily brushes her off.)
ORPHEUS
Stop it, Mira. Now is not the time for this. I have a responsibility to the people of Mardi Gras.
MIRA
(Petulantly)
It’s just a kiss -
(Serafina rushes up and comes between them just as Mira is about to try to kiss
him again.)
SERAFINA
Have you seen Mira’s costume? It’s gorgeous - with beautiful colors!
(Turning to Serafina.)
I’m tellin’ you, girl, you’re gonna look like an angel.
MIRA
(Smiling with mischief.)
But I don’t wanna look like an angel -
SERAFINA
Mira, why don’t we go to my place to finish our costumes for tonight?
(Orpheus smiles gratefully at Serafina. Once again, Serafina has saved him
from Mira’s clutches. Mira, like a child, smiles happily.)
MIRA
All right.
(To Orpheus.)
I wanna make the neckline lower. And the hips - tighter!
(Laughing, she runs off with Serafina.)
ORPHEUS
(Mutters to himself.)
Good, you do that -
(Eurydice looks relieved from her perch that Orpheus did not kiss Mira.
Orpheus sees Eurydice, dances over to her and offers her his hand. Death
watches intently, jealously. Orpheus laughs happily.)
ORPHEUS
(To Eurydice.)
I wanna take you to some place special. A place where you will be dressed in the finest costume.
You’ll look so good, everyone will say,‘Who is that beautiful young lady?’
(Orpheus takes her by the hand to lead her away. They are swallowed up by
the crowd, but DEATH follows them unseen. There is more lightning and the
distant rumbling of thunder.)
ACT 1, Scene 8
Orpheus, leading the way, guides Eurydice to Lady D’Arc’s
House of Costume. where the costumer, along with her
assistants, is fitting women in sumptuous dresses.)
ORPHEUS
Lady D’Arc!
LADY D’ARC
Orpheus, my love!
(Goes to give him a maternal kiss on the check.)
Why have you been hiding from me? I was beginning to worry about you!
(She gives him a little swat on the butt.)
ORPHEUS
I would never forget you, Lady D’Arc. I’ve brought you the loveliest flower of all - for you
to work your magic on. Use your skill to make a costume that’s worthy of her beauty.
(Eurydice laughs and blushes.)
LADY D’ARC
(Check out Eurydice.)
You got that right, honey. She’s the best looking woman you’ve ever brought around here.
(The women begin swarming around her, measuring her, holding up fabric
against her, voicing their approval of Orpheus’ choice.)
LADY D’ARC
Much better than that Mira-Cat you’ve been seen with -
PORTIA
(One of Lady D’Arc’s assistants)
Yeah, I’m tellin’ you - this one’s the real deal. She’s beautiful!
HELENA
(Another one of Lady D’Arc’s assistants)
And much nicer too, - not like that hell cat, Mira!
ORPHEUS
Why are you talking about her? She’s like bitter coffee in my mouth -
(Lady D’Arc takes Orpheus aside, away from Eurydice’s hearing. Two assistant costumers follow them.)
LADY D’ARC
But you are partially to blame for this mess you find yourself in, Orpheus.
ORPHEUS
How am I to blame?
LADY D’ARC
You took when it was to your advantage to take, and now that she wants payment -
(The assistant costumers nod their heads in agreement and murmur, “That’s right!” “You’re speakin’ the truth, Lady D’Arc!”)
LADY D’ARC
You’re like a lot of men. You are not willing to pay.
(The assistant costumers hold up their left hands and point to their ring fingers.)
LADY D’ARC
And that would make any woman bitter.
(The women nod their heads knowingly.)
PORTIA and HELEN
That’s right! Uh-huh! That’s what I’m talking about -
ORPHEUS
All right. All right. All right! Lady D’Arc, can you make sure Eurydice’s costume is just right?
LADY D’ARC
Oh, honey, making a costume to set off her beauty is a pleasure. What is your name, child?
EURYDICE
Eurydice -
LADY D’ARC
(Nodding knowingly to the other women in the room)
Eurydice! Oh, this is a fated love. You know the legend, doncha? It’s an ancient Greek myth. There was a musician named Orpheus whose music was so beautiful it could tame wild beasts!
PORTIA
His music could make the sun rise!
LADY D’ARC
That’s right. And he met and fell in love with a beautiful young woman named -
PORTIA and HELEN
Eurydice!
(Drumming begins underneath this scene.)
LADY D’ARC
Eurydice. And on their wedding day, she was dancing in the meadows while Orpheus played. She danced her way into a serpent’s nest where she was bitten many times by -
LADY D’ARC, PORTIA and HELEN
- Snakes!
PORTIA
She died instantly and her soul went to -
HELEN
Hades, the land of the dead.
LADY D’ARC
Well, let me tell you, darlin’, Orpheus was BEREFT! So he goes down to the land of the dead and he pleads with the king there, Hades, the king of the Underworld and he says -
PORTIA
Please give me back my woman. Please give me back my woman. I love her so.
HELEN
But the king of Hades said -
LADY D’ARC, PORTIA and HELEN
No!
HELEN
It wasn’t until Orpheus began playing his music that that ol’ King Hades began to soften. And he said, “All right!”. You can lead your lady, Eurydice, from the depths of Hades, but!
LADY D’ARC
- there is one condition! And that condition is he could not gaze upon her face until they reach above ground and feel the sunlight. And just as Orpheus and Eurydice were close to being above ground - they could see the sunlight up ahead - Orpheus, being a man, like all men, got impatient. And he turned around to gaze upon the face of his beloved -
ORPHEUS
What happened next?
LADY D’ARC
Don’t you remember? A deal is a deal. And Orpheus broke a deal with a god. You can’t do that. You can’t just be breakin’ deals with the gods like that. And Hades did what he said he was gonna do - he pulled Eurydice back down into the depths of the earth. And he never saw her again.
ORPHEUS
It will be different this time!
LADY D’ARC, PORTIA, HELEN
You say that every time -
EURYDICE
It is fated, Orpheus -
LADY D’ARC
(Touching Orpheus and Eurydice as if putting them back under the spell.)
And you will forget each time and play the scene as if for the first time -
(Serafina enters and heads for Lady D’Arc.)
SERAFINA
Lady D’Arc, can you help me with some costumes - Orpheus! What are you doing here?
(Sees Eurydice.)
Oh!
(Notices Orpheus is gazing at Eurydice.)
I guess you two have met! Be careful! Mira is on her way!
ORPHEUS
What do I care?
LADY D’ARC
Oh, child, she’ll make you care! That one is pure evil!
(The women murmur,”That’s right!” “Uh-huh!” “She sure is.”)
SERAFINA
(Pulls Orpheus to the side.)
Orpheus, I have never seen you like this -
ORPHEUS
I have never felt like this before -
SERAFINA
You’re smitten -
ORPHEUS
It’s more that that -
SERAFINA
In love? All ready? She’s my cousin, and she’s a wonderful girl, but Orpheus you just met her -
ORPHEUS
I feel I’ve known her since time began -
(Paris runs in, breathless.)
PARIS
Eurydice! Eurydice!
ORPHEUS
(Stopping him)
What is it, boy?
PARIS
There is a man looking for Eurydice!
EURYDICE
What is his name?
PARIS
He wouldn’t tell me -
SERAFINA
He wouldn’t tell you? Why not?
PARIS
I don’t know. He just wouldn’t.
EURYDICE
Did he say what he wanted?
PARIS
No, he just grabbed me - hard - by the arm and demanded to know where Eurydice was -
EURYDICE
What did he look like?
PARIS
He was in a costume -
ORPHEUS
What kind?
PARIS
Scary. Like a skeleton, I think. Like Death. I couldn’t see his face.
(Eurydice becomes frightened and upset.)
SERAFINA
Don’t be afraid. It’s probably nothing -
(Suddenly, a skeletal figure steps from the shadows and can be seen through the
windows of Lady D’Arc’s shop. Eurydice screams. The man stands silhouetted
in the window and then disappears. Orpheus steps forward to comfort her.)
ORPHEUS
It’s just some guy in a skeleton costume, Eurydice. You’re just excitable ‘cause it’s Mardi Gras and it’s hot.
PORTIA
Yeah, girl. And it looks like it’s fixin’ to storm, too. That makes everybody jumpy.
LADY D’ARC
It’s never a good sign when the river’s all angry and choppy like that. Somethin’ bad’s gonna happen.
(A blast of wind bangs a window open. The figure is seen once again lurking in the shadows. Eurydice screams. The shop’s front door suddenly blasts open. Eurydice bolts through it, past
Mira who is entering.)
ORPHEUS
(Calling after her.)
Eurydice!
(Runs after her.)
Eurydice!
(Paris runs out after Orpheus.)
MIRA
(To Serafina.)
So that’s Eurydice!
SERAFINA
Yes, that’s Eurydice -
MIRA
Bastard! I’ll kill ‘em both!
Mira attempts to run after him, but Serafina stops her.)
SERAFINA
Leave them alone, Mira. She has the right -
(Mira anrily jerks away from Serafina and runs after Orpheus.)
SERAFINA
Mira!
ACT ONE, Scene 9
Eurydice runs back to her cousin’s house. As she enters the house, she sees a menacing figure behind a bed curtain. She stumbles out and runs to Orpheus’ house. The bed curtain parts and we see the long awaited Chico, dressed in a sailor’s uniform, waking up from a drunken slumber.)
CHICO
Serafina, my dove? Is that you, my little kitten? Your Chico has arrived!
(He falls back into a drunken stupor. Serafina enters in a hurry, looking for
Eurydice.)
SERAFINA
Eurydice? Are you here? Eurydice?
(Chico stirs and pops through the bed sheet curtain again.)
CHICO
I am here, my little squirrel. Waiting for you.
SERAFINA
Oh! You scared me, you idiot!
CHICO
You’re the one hiding and I scared you?
SERAFINA
Have you seen my cousin?
CHICO
Your cousin?
SERAFINA
Yes, my cousin! Eurydice!
CHICO
Oh, she was your cousin! She ran out!
SERAFINA
You scared her too!
CHICO
Who, me? No! I don’t scare nobody!
SERAFINA
Where did she go?
CHICO
I dunno.
(Points in a indefinite direction)
That way -
SERAFINA
I gotto go find her -
(Serafina is about to run out but Chico stops her.)
CHICO
Hey, baby! I sail all the way from Houston on a boat full of guys to see you and you just run off like that? What’s up with that, baby?
SERAFINA
I gotta make sure she’s safe -
CHICO
Don’t worry about her. She’ll find her way home.
(Chico moves amorously towards her. Serafina is about to leave but Orpheus arrives.)
ORPHEUS
Have you seen her?
SERAFINA
She ran in here, but he frightened her away -
ORPHEUS
Where did she run off to?
CHICO
I dunno.
(More definite direction.)
That way, I think.
(Orpheus runs off to search for Eurydice. Serafina turns back from the door and
seems to notice for the first time that Chico is here.)
SERAFINA
CHICO! AWWWWWWW!
(She turns towards him, backing him toward the bed where they both fall into the
bed in a lovers’ embrace.)
SERAFINA
Chico, my puppy!
(She has him almost in a half-nelson.)
CHICO
My little turnip, you’re strangling me!
(Lights out. Laughter can be heard.)
ACT ONE, Scene 10
(The mean, dark streets of New Orleans. Music is playing - as always. Lovers chase each other through the streets. They stop, embrace, kiss and break away. Others are laughing drunkenly, carousing. Still others are dancing, having given over to the god Dionysus. Orpheus winds his
way through the crowd. Suddenly, he spies Paris crouched
against a wall, stunned, holding his head.)
ORPHEUS
Paris, are you all right? What happened?
PARIS
Something came at me in the dark and hit me.
ORPHEUS
Was it that man?
PARIS
Yes, I think so. It was a dark figure. He headed that way, I think.
ORPHEUS
That way lies the cemetery -
PARIS
I’ll come with you -
ORPHEUS
No, go home. I don’t want you to get hurt again -
(Orpheus turns to go to the cemetery. He winds his way through the dancers.
Unseen by him Paris follows. Suddenly, a flare blazes illuminating the dark,
menacing figure of DEATH with Eurydice in his grip. Orpheus advances upon
them.)
EURYDICE
Orpheus!
(Eurydice struggles against DEATH’S GRIP. He suddenly lets her go and
laughs. She runs to Orpheus. Orpheus and DEATH stare at each other intently.)
DEATH
Death is very patient. I can wait. I can wait. But you and I will meet again. And soon.
(Death disappears in the darkness, leaving the two of them alone.)
EURYDICE
I want to go back to Serafina’s.
ORPHEUS
Chico is there. I will take you to a quieter place.
(They prepare to leave the cemetery and make their way through the streets of
New Orleans. There is a brief interlude where lovers chase, catch each other, dance and slink off together into the darkness.)
ACT 1, Scene 11
Lights up on Serafina’s house. She is curled up in bed, with Chico luxuriating next to her as she feeds him grapes.)
CHICO
This is the life, my little parakeet.
SERAFINA
Yes, but you have been a very bad boy -
CHICO
Me? Me? What have I done? I brought you sweets and jewels, not to mention, my magnificent self.
SERAFINA
You have been on that boat for far too long. I don’t want to think about all the mischief you get into at all those ports...with all those girls!
CHICO
Girls! What girls?
SERAFINA
(Not buying it.)
Uh-huh! You must think I am the world’s biggest fool!
CHICO
I spend all my time alone on board ship dreaming of you, my little badger!
SERAFINA
(Mischievously.)
Open your mouth and close your eyes. I have a great big surprise!
(Chico does so obediently, excitedly expecting some wonderful treat. Serafina
pulls out a grapefruit and crams it into his mouth. They both laugh. She rises
to run away. He give chase, knocking over furniture, and laughing.)
(Lights dim slightly on Serafina’s house and rises on Orpheus’ house. The action
continues in the darkened house of Serafina, but the activity, the chasing and
wrestling is muted, slowed and subtle. Orpheus and Eurydice enter his house,
casting long shadows on the shanty walls.)
ORPHEUS
This is my home. Right next door to your cousin. A poor man’s lodging. But you will be
safe here. I will protect you.
(He lights a lantern, which casts a warm glow on his simple hut.
Eurydice hears Chico and Serafina’s laughter.)
EURYDICE
Chico has arrived. And I’m sure Serafina will not want to be disturbed.
(There is the sound of crashing furniture and screams of laughter coming through
the walls of Serafina’s house.)
ORPHEUS
They might disturb us.
EURYDICE
(Blushing.)
I am sorry I am inconveniencing everyone. I don’t mean to.
ORPHEUS
It’s not an inconvenience at all. My heart sings with happiness being with you tonight.
(The lights fade slightly on Orpheus’ house and rises on Serafina’s. Orpheus
offers Eurydice a glass of water and some bread. The action is muted and
subtle.)
(Serafina and Chico are at an impasse. She is at one end of the bed; he at the
other end. He likes this game and wants it to continue, but Serafina is distracted
by the sound of talking next door. She stops playing and stares at the wall which
divides her home from Orpheus.)
SERAFINA
Who’s there? I heard talking. Who is it?
(She creeps to the wall to listen. She smiles.)
Oh! She’s in good hands.
CHICO
Who?
SERAFINA
(Deadpan)
Who? My cousin!
(Serafina does a flying tackle on him and holds him, which Chico happily submits
to.)
CHICO
Maybe it’s his dog...
SERAFINA
He doesn’t have a dog, silly - but I do!
CHICO
(Looks around.)
You do?
SERAFINA
Yes, YOU!
(Serafina scrambles up. He lunges for her, but he is big and clumsy and falls onto
the floor, laughing.)
(Lights up in Orpheu’s house. They are seated around the table with water and
bread. Eurydice is showing him a beautiful scarf she wears around her neck.)
EURYDICE
This is a scarf my mother made for me -
ORPHEUS
Your mother makes beautiful things. But what are these animals on the scarf?
EURYDICE
Theses are the houses of the zodiac. They are the stars in the sky -
ORPHEUS
No, they’re not. They’re right here on your scarf -
(They both laugh.)
EURYDICE
You’re being silly. You see this house right here?
(She points to the scarf.)
ORPHEUS
The one with the lamb on it?
EURYDICE
(Laughing.)
Yes. The one with the lamb on it. That is the sign in which I was born -
ORPHEUS
(Pointing on the scarf.)
Then I will rent with house next to it -
EURYDICE
(Looking at the scarf.)
The one with the bull?
ORPHEUS
Yes, the one with the bull - the big, strong bull and live next to you forever and protect you.
EURYDICE
(Wistfully)
The stars hold the secret of our fate -
ORPHEUS
And what do the stars tell you of our fate, Eurydice?
(Eurydice becomes sad. She shakes her head and moves away from him.
The lights dim on Orpheus’s house and rise in Serafina’s house.)
(Chico is down for the count. His body is under the table. Serafina is doing the
classic referee’s count: Seven - Eight - Nine - You’re out! She won! She laughs
happily and crawls over to him to rouse him from the knockout. He surprises her
by grabbing her. She manages to get away. He tries to get up but forgets he is
under the table and bangs his head, knocking him out for sure.)
(The lights dim in Serafina’s house and rises in Orpheus’ house.)
ORPHEUS
I can see that you’re tired. You can sleep in my bed. I’ll sleep outside under the stars.
EURYDICE
No, that’s not right. I’ll sleep on the floor -
ORPHEUS
You are my guest -
EURYDICE
Where ever I go I cause trouble -
ORPHEUS
Not at all -
(The lights fade slightly on Orpheus’s house and rise on Serafina’s house.
Serafina grabs Chico’s feet, drags him out from under the table and tries to
wake him up by throwing water at him. He unexpectedly lunges for her, ripping
off her skirt, revealing very sexy underwear. Serafina allows herself to be caught.
Putting her feet on top of his feet, they samba in the night together.)
SERAFINA
Ha-ha-ha! I won tonight, didn’t I, Chico?
CHICO
Baby, you win every night -
(They continue dancing together as the lights dim and the music of lovers begins
to play.)
(Orpheus dims the light on the lantern in his house.)
ORPHEUS
I will be right here. To protect you. I offer you my home and my heart.
EURYDICE
Thank you, Orpheus -
ORPHEUS
Good night, Eurydice -
(Eurydice lies down in Orpheus’ bed and tries to sleep, but it is a restless sleep.
Orpheus rises from his mat on the floor and offers his hand. Slowly she takes it.
He lifts her from the bed and they begin to dance, slowly, sensually in the dim
light while the music plays softly.
BLACK OUT
ACT BREAK
ACT TWO
Scene One
The two boys, Hector and Paris anxiously run up to Orpheus’ house, carrying his guitar.
PARIS
The sun is late. It’s cloudy. Maybe the sun doesn’t know it’s morning.
HECTOR
So you think Orpheus forgot?
PARIS
How could he forget? He’s never forgotten before -
HECTOR
Let’s put the guitar inside his house where he’ll see it -
(The two boys quickly scurry up to Orpheus’ house, cautiously open the
door and are about to slip the guitar in when they notice Eurydice asleep
in the bed. They freeze for a moment, then look at each other, put the
guitar down and then quickly back out of the door. The boys run a few feet
away and then crouch and listen expectantly.)
(Orpheus, finishing up his ablutions from the outside, enters from the opposite
side of the hut, rubbing his face dry with a towel. He sees the guitar, smiles,
crosses to it, picks it up, sits on the bed and begins to play to gently awaken
the sleeping Eurydice.)
ORPHEUS
(Singing)
In the eyes of my lover
It is like this night, pasisng
Seeking the dawn,
Speak low, please
So she might wake up happy
Offering a kiss of happiness
HECTOR
Look! The sun is rising!
(The two boys stand up, gazing at the rising sun, basking in its rich golden
warmth. Eurydice awakens and smiles at Orpheus as he sings.)
ORPHEUS
Sadness has no end
Happiness does
Happiness is like a drop of dew
On a flower’s petal
Brilliant and tranquil
Then quivering
Then falling like a tear of love
(The sun has risen in all of its splendor. The people of the town rush out to get
ready for the opening day of Mardi Gras. Mira arrives gaily dressed in a gorgeous
golden ball gown from the 18th Century. Serafina runs into her carrying breakfast
for the ever hungry Chico.)
SERAFINA
Happy Carnival!
MIRA
Today is my wedding day!
HELENA
(Another celebrant)
Who’re you marryin’?
MIRA
(Irritated.)
Who do you think? Orpheus!
PORTIA
(Another celebrant)
Does he know that? Or did he just forget?
MIRA
You weren’t invited to the wedding so get lost!
SERAFINA
What a beautiful costume! Are you getting married in it?
MIRA
Of course not. My wedding dress is even more beautiful - where’s your costume?
SERAFINA
It’s back at the house -
MIRA
Let me see it -
SERAFINA
No! Chico is there waiting to be fed. He’s like a bear when he’s hungry and he’s always hungry!
MIRA
All right! I’ll come by later. After I see my husband.
(Mira dances off with the rest of the crowd.)
SERAFINA
(Mutters to herself.)
Honey, he ain’t your husband yet!
(Alarmed, Serafina runs back to Orpheus’ house to alert him to Mira’s imminent approach.)
Orpheus! Orpheus!
(Serafina bursts in on Orpheus and Eurydice who are wrapped in each other’s
arms.)
SERAFINA
Eurydice! Come to my house. You can dress there.
EURYDICE
Why?
SERAFINA
Mira’s coming over soon. Orpheus, have you told Eurydice yet?
ORPHEUS
About Mira?
EURYDICE
Yes, he told me everything -
SERAFINA
She’s coming here expecting to be getting married -
ORPHEUS
I will tell Mira this morning when she gets here -
SERAFINA
Eurydice, you don’t want to be here when he does. Come back to my house - Now!
EURYDICE
I will, Serafina. But I’m not afraid of her.
SERAFINA
Her bite is worse than her bark....and her bark’s pretty bad. Good luck, Orpheus -
(She dashes out. Orpheus kisses Eurydice tenderly. She slips the blue zodiac scarf
around his neck.)
EURYDICE
So you will always remember me -
ORPHEUS
(Laughs and kisses her again.)
We will always be together -
(Serafina sticks her head in again.)
SERAFINA
Eurydice! C’mon! She’s coming! I’m trying to save your life, girl!
(Serafina pushes Eurydice ahead of her into her house. Chico is lying on her bed,
snoring.)
SERAFINA
Chico! Wake up! It’s Mardi Gras, man!
CHICO
(Waking up.)
Huh? I’m hungry!
SERAFINA
Oh, Chico, may love - you are a walking stomach full of need. This -
(Presenting Eurydice to him)
is my cousin, Eurydice!
CHICO
Your cousin?
SERAFINA
My cousin. Remember last night? My cousin!
CHICO
Your cousin?
SERAFINA
Go back to sleep, Chico -
CHICO
But I’m hungry!
SERAFINA
Here, eat this!
(Shoves a breakfast burrito at him; then pushes him back in bad and draws the
curtains on him.)
I love him, but he’s so annoying. What am I gonna do with him?
(Chico pops his head out from behind the curtain.)
CHICO
What am I suppose to drink?
SERAFINA
Here! Drink this!
(Serafina picks up a bottle of beer left over from last night, shoves it at him, and closes
the curtains on him again.)
I suppose love happens to everyone. Look at you and Orpheus!
(Serafina goes to her costume to put it on.)
Here. Help me dress - don’t you have a costume?
EURYDICE
No, I was frightened by that man before Lady D’Arc could make me one!
SERAFINA
Your beauty is your costume -
EURYDICE
(Holding up Serafina’s costume.)
What a beautiful dress!
SERAFINA
It was Orpheus’ idea. He’s the master of ceremonies and he’s very particular about things.
EURYDICE
This is so exciting -
SERAFINA
Yes, Mardi Grad is nice, but Chico is leaving tomorrow and I’d rather spend time with him than dance in the streets.
EURYDICE
I’d rather dance in the streets with Orpheus -
(Suddenly, the voice of Mira is heard.)
MIRA
Orpheus! Open up! Today is our wedding day. Come and make me a lady!
SERAFINA
Nothing’s gonna make her a lady -
(An idea suddenly hits Serafina.)
What if you were to dance in my place?
EURYDICE
But I don’t have a costume!
SERAFINA
You can wear mine! Here!
(Begins taking off her costume. At the same time Mira enters
Orpheus‘ house next door. Lights fade on Serafina’s house.)
MIRA
Orpheus, your gorgeous bride is here!
(Orpheus enters from his back room, dressing. He barely looks at
Mira.)
MIRA
What are you doing?
ORPHEUS
What does it look like?
MIRA
(See herself in the mirror. Preens in front of it.)
Aren’t I pretty?
ORPHEUS
Yes, Mira. You are pretty -
(Ignores her. Continues dressing. Mira sees Eurydice’s scarf around Orpheus’
neck.)
MIRA
What is that?
(Angrily crosses over to him.)
Do you have a sore throat?
(Looks at the scarf.)
ORPHEUS
Look, Mira -
MIRA
(Rips the scarf from his neck.)
- It’s ugly -
ORPHEUS
I need to talk to you -
MIRA
What are these?
(Looking at the design on the scarf, turning it around in her hands.)
Animals?
ORPHEUS
They’re not animals -
(Trying to get the scarf back from her, but Mira is too quick and angry.)
They’re signs of the zodiac -
MIRA
(Mocking.)
Signs of the zodiac. Really? And the girl next door took you to heaven last night -
ORPHEUS
Don’t talk about her -
MIRA
It’s ugly - like her!
ORPHEUS
Stop it, Mira!
MIRA
(Begins to destroy the scarf.)
This is what I will do with that ugly bitch’s rag!
ORPHEUS
Mira!
(He advances upon her. They struggle over the scarf. Mira dances away with the
scarf in shred.)
MIRA
And I will do the same thing to her if I catch her with you. I will KILL her!
(She strides to the door of the hut. She stops at the door.)
I will kill her. You understand?
(Paris and Hector enter and stop suddenly, aware they have walked in on
something embarrassing and dangerous.)
HECTOR
We came by to help Orpheus take the sun.
MIRA
I’ll wait for you outside -
(She exits.)
(The boys run to the papier mache sun that is resting in Orpheus’ hut for the
parade.)
(Next door Serafina is applying the finishing touches on Eurydice’s costume; she
is adjusting the veil over Eurydice’s face, obscuring her identity.)
SERAFINA
Beautiful!
EURYDICE
Who was that screaming next door?
SERAFINA
Nobody -
EURYDICE
Mira?
SERAFINA
Of course -
EURYDICE
I guess he told her -
SERAFINA
Now do you see why I wanted you out of there, girl?
(Mira is at the window of Serafina’s window.)
MIRA
Serafina! Hurry up! It’s getting late.
(Serafina quickly turns, holding up Eurydice’s street clothes to obscure
Mira’s view of what the two women are doing.)
SERAFINA
I’ll be there in a minute, MIra. I’m just making a few minor adjustments -
MIRA
Well, hurry up. I have to talk to you about your stupid cousin -
SERAFINA
I’ll be there in a minute, Mira -
(To Eurydice.)
Put your veil down. Otherwise, Mira will know I’m playing tricks on her. She’s no good, that
Mira.
(Goes to the bed and flings back the curtains revealing Chico lying on the bed,
sleeping, clutching his beer and breakfast burrito in his hands, with a silly,
happy grin on his face.)
Wake up, Chico! Time to kiss my cousin good-bye!
CHICO
Your cousin?
SERAFINA
Yes, my cousin!
CHICO
(Looks at Eurydice.)
That’s your cousin?
SERAFINA
You win the smart prize! Now, kiss her!
CHICO
What! Kiss her?
(Checking to make sure it’s really okay.)
Are you sure?
SERAFINA
Yes, kiss her!!
CHICO
But I don’t know your cousin!
(About to take a bite from his breakfast burrito but Serafina pushes his hand from
his mouth.)
SERAFINA
(Spelling it out for him.)
She is pretending to be me so kiss her as if you are kissing me!
CHICO
I don’t understand -
(He is about to take a bite from the breakfast burrito again, but Serafina pushes his
hand from his mouth.)
SERAFINA
It’s not important that you understand. Just do it!
(Chico makes a motion like “Okay, whatever!” and moves toward Eurydice
to kiss her.)
SERAFINA
Not here! By the door!
(Sserafina takes the breakfast from his hand, opens the door and pushes him to it.)
Now, stand in the door and kiss her. Hard! Like you mean it!
(Eurydice, dressed and veiled like Serafina, steps to the door, turns and kisses
Chico, who really seems to be enjoying it.)
SERAFINA
Good boy!
MIRA
Serafina! Hurry up!
SERAFINA
(To Eurydice.)
Go, girl! Have fun while you can! Your fate awaits -
(Eurydice exits.)
SERAFINA
(Pulls Chico from the door.)
Chico, my love!
(Serafina throws her arms around him and they backstep towards the bed.)
(Mira, with her friends, watch as who they think is Serafina enters the swirling
crowd.)
HECATE
Look at Serafina’s costume. It’s so pretty!
HECUBA
Meh, not so much. Too much veil. Not enough face.
MIRA
In Serafina’s case - more veil, less face - that’s a good thing.
(She dances off, laughing meanly. Orpheus enter. Paris and Hector
race up to him carrying the papier mache sun.)
PARIS
Orpheus!
HECTOR
We have the sun!
PARIS
Here’s the sun! Let’s go!
HECTOR
C’mon!
MIRA
(Annoyed.)
You gonna stand there all day? C’mon! It’s Mardi Gras. Let’s celebrate before it rains and the river rises.
(Mira dances off. Orpheus, noticing who he thinks is Serafina, waits until Mira’s back is turned, and calls the boys over to him.)
ORPHEUS
(To the boys.)
Go ask Serafina if Eurydice is coming to Mardi Gras.
(The boys run over to “Serafina”.)
PARIS
Serafina, is Eurydice going to Mardi Gras?
(Notices the amulet he gave to Eurydice.)
PARIS
Why are you wearing Eurydice’s amulet?
(Eurydice raises her veil revealing her identity.)
HECTOR
Is it a secret, then?
EURYDICE
Yes!
(She nods her head and places her finger on her lips.)
PARIS
We’ll tell Orpheus so he’ll know to dance with you!
(The boys race over to Orpheus, who hoists the golden papier -mache sun onto
his shoulders and sambas off in rhythm with the music.)
SCENE 2; Scene 2
Mardi Gras! Groups of dance schools compete as they dance down Bourbon Street. At last the dance school featuring Orpheus, “Serafina” and Mira are now holding center stage on Bourbon. Mira notices that Orpheus is dancing and touching too intimately the figure of “Serafina”. Mira knows that something is up but can’t quite figure it out. She dances over to Orpheus.
MIRA
Do you love me?
ORPHEUS
Now is not the time to discuss this. Go back to your place and dance -
MIRA
No! Answer me! I have the right to know -
ORPHEUS
I meant to tell you sooner, but now it’s too late. Go!
(The crowd screams Mira’s name. Ever the performer, Mira dances and swirls
back to her place.)
(Serafina and Chico are happily standing on the sidelines laughing and
cheering on the dancers. Serafina points out to Chico that she is not the one
under the veil, but the one standing next to him. Chico looks surprised by the
news, finally gets it and grins happily.)
(Death is seen stalking the streets looking for Eurydice.)
(Hector and Paris are also on the sidelines excitedly watching the parade.)
PARIS
Look! There’s Death!
HECTOR
That’s not Death! That’s just some guy dressed in a skeleton costume!
(Paris is unsettled by the sight of the man but says nothing.)
(Death is looking for Eurydice but notices that Orpheus is dancing
provocatively with “Serafina”. He looks around and sees the real
Serafina having a good time with her boyfriend. Death looks back at
(Cont.)
(Cont.)
the veiled “Queen of the Night” and realizes it is Eurydice in disguise.
He takes a roll of confetti from the hand of a reveler and tosses it at
Eurydice and Orpheus, ensnaring them both. The lovers are laughing
and dancing and oblivious to the danger that lurks. Eurydice touches the
amulet around her neck and discovers to her horror that it has fallen off!
Paris sees it on the ground, tries to retrieve it, but he is pushed back by the
police. Mira dances up to Orpheus.
MIRA
Why did you choose to dance with Serafina rather than with me?
ORPHEUS
I will explain everything after the parade. Later. Please do not spoil my happiness now.
(Mira is about to say something but is interrupted by a parade announcer.)
PARADE ANNOUNCER
We are about to announce the winner of the parade competition. Will Orpheus, the grand master of Mardi Gras, please come to the jury stand?
ORPHEUS
I have to go -
MIRA
No!
ORPHEUS
Yes, Mira. You can’t always get your way!
(He makes his way through the crowd.)
(Mira looks around furiously. Her eyes alight on Serafina in street clothes,
laughing and making out with Chico. She looks back at the veilded figure of
“The Queen of Night” who Orpheus tenderly kisses before continuing his way
to the jury stand. She suddenly understands. She is like an enraged tigress.
She stalks over to Eurydice.)
MIRA
You whore!
(She attacks Eurydice. It takes several men to pull Mira away. Eurydice,
quite shaken, runs off. Mira looks around wildly.)
MIRA
Where’s Orpheus!?
MALE BYSTANDER
He finally dumped you, huh?
(Mira, wild with rage, knocks the man to the ground and takes a knife from him.
She is about to run in search of Eurydice when Death steps in to stop her. There is
a brief struggle. Mira spits in the face of Death and he strikes her, knocking her
down. He runs off. Mira quickly recovers and runs off to avenge her wounded
honor.)
(Orpheus suddenly appears on the opposite side of the stage, waving a beautiful
gold flag. He yells happily to his dancers. who swarm around him jubilantly.)
ORPHEUS
We won first prize. First prize!
(The dancers take up the chant, “We won!” and break
into wild, jubilant dancing. Orpheus looks around for Eurydice
to share his great happiness. Concern crosses his face when he does
does not see her. Hector and Paris race up to him.)
PARIS
There’s been trouble, Orpheus!
ORPHEUS
What trouble? Is it, Mira?
HECTOR
Yes. She figured out what was going on and attacked Eurydice.
PARIS
Mira’s looking for you now -
ORPHEUS
Was Eurydice hurt?
HECTOR
I don’t know. I don’t think so. She ran off that way -
(Orpheus looks around anxiously and leaves to search for Eurydice.)
(The people dance off the stage. It is now a different, more isolated part of
the city. Eurydice is wild with fear. She sees the blind man, Hermes, who greeted when she first arrived in New Orleans. He hears her voice and stands
up to help her.
EURYDICE
Hermes!
HERMES
What is it, child? Are you all right?
EURYDICE
No, I am afraid. Someone is after me.
HERMES
Who?
EURYDICE
Mira -
HERMES
I knew it was only a matter of time before she would notice you. I am here to help. Go back to where we first met - the trolley station. It’s near the river. It is my home. I will tell Orpheus where you are. Wait for him.
EURYDICE
Please go with me.
HERMES
No, child, I can’t. It is a journey only you can make.
ACT 2, Scene 3
Eurydice is left alone on stage. The scenery changes around her. It is now the trolley station. In the background
the river can be seen churning angrily. Lightning flashes.
Suddenly, she hears a noise. It is Death coming to claim her.
EURYDICE
No!
(She attempts to run but is chased by Death and is cut off by him at every turn.
At last, Death has her cornered on the second floor of the trolley station.
A balcony runs the length of the floor. An electrified line runs past the balcony.
With Death’s each approacing step she takes a step back.
(Hermes arrives bringing Orpheus with him. Orpheus screams out her name.)
ORPHEUS
Eurydice!
(He leaps onto the balcony to do battle with Death. Just as Orpheus is about to be
subdued by death he calls out her name in anguish.)
ORPHEUS
Eurydice!
(Eurydice throws herself at Death in a desperate attempt to save her lover. Death
shoves her, causing her to fall back onto a thin, snaking line of electricity.
A graceful arc of light and sound floods the stage. Orpheus screams with animal
pain and lunges for Eurydice but he is too late. She is dead. Orpheus is hurled to t
the floor by Death, who then picks up the limp body of Eurydice and runs off.
The heavens now open and lets loose a deluge of rain, lightning and thunder.)
(Paris and Hector run in to join Hermes and all three rush to the prone body of
Orpheus.)
(There is the sound of sirens and blue and white overhead lights suggesting an
ambulance rushing through a tunnel or a soul rushing to the Elysian Fields.
ACT 2, Scene 4
(Lights up. The stage is bathed in pure white light. Orpheus is lying on a stretch being tended by a doctor and surrounded by Hermes, Paris and Hector. Orpheus is slowly roused back to consciousness.)
ORPHEUS
Eurydice? Where is Eurydice?
HERMES
I’m sorry, Orpheus.
ORPHEUS
Where is she?
HERMES
She’s gone, Orpheus. She’s dead.
ORPHEUS
No!
(He struggles to get up. Hermes and the doctor try to restrain him, but they are no
match for Orpheus who manages to get off the stretcher to look
for his beloved Eurydice.)
HERMES
You can only see her dead, Orpheus.
DOCTOR
Her body was taken to the morgue.
ORPHEUS
No, I’ll find her. You’re wrong. She can’t be dead -
(Orpheus runs off.)
HERMES
(Calling after him.)
Orpheus!
Hector
I’m gonna go after him!
PARIS
Me too!
HERMES
Yes, protect him. Keep him secret.
HECTOR
C’mon, Paris.
(The two boys run off after Orpheus.)
DOCTOR
(Shaking his head.)
They’re all like that at first. But they get over it eventually.
HERMES
No, not this one. He never gets over it.
(They exit. There is the sound of incessant rain. Orpheus runs frantically
searching for his beloved. He spots a woman lying on a stretch in pain. He
runs to her. A doctor intercepts him.)
DOCTOR
Are you family?
ORPHEUS
No -
DOCTOR
Then, you must leave -
ORPHEUS
But I have to find someone -
(Another doctor walks up.)
SECOND DOCTOR
It’s not permitted -
DOCTOR
It’s not allowed -
SECOND DOCTOR
You must leave -
(The two doctors wheel the sick woman away.)
(Two nurses appear walking a woman in a costume very similar to the one
worn by Eurydice. Eurydice runs to them.)
ORPHEUS
Eurydice!
(The two nurses turn the sick woman around. It is definitely not Eurydice.)
NURSE
What are you doing here?
SECOND NURSE
This is not your time -
NURSE
You have to leave now -
ORPHEUS
Please help me. I am trying to find my love -
NURSE
Aren’t we all?
ORPHEUS
She’s in trouble. Help me. Help her, please -
SECOND NURSE
Go to the final destination of all things mortal -
ORPHEUS
What is that, I beg you -
NURSE
The morgue -
SECOND NURSE
Yes, the morgue -
(The nurse walk off with the sick woman.)
ORPHEUS
(Screaming after them.)
No! She’s still alive! She’s still alive!
A top down projection of winding stairs illuminates the backdrop. Orpheus begins to climb down into the bowels of the hospital, followed by the two boys, Hector and Paris. The lights are dark and blue. There is a feeling that this is a long hallway leading to nowhere. A door in the hallway is open with a red light shining out into the hallway. A woman is seen pushing broom. Papers begin flying in, littering the stage. Orpheus approaches the her.
ORPHEUS
I’m searching for a missing person -
WOMAN
This is the place for missing people. But I never see any missing people here. Just
paper. Look in the door there. See. Nobody there. But lots of paper, see? The house is full of paper. Thirteen floors of paper. But for what? Nothing. Nobody ever gets found. Can you read?
ORPHEUS
Yes -
(Orpheus is about to go in.)
WOMAN
But you will not find missing people in papers. On the contrary - that’s where they get lost.
(Orpheus suddenly looks exhausted and overwhelmed by the search.)
WOMAN
Are you suffering, my brother?
ORPHEUS
I lost my life. My Eurydice. She is burning inside my heart. My soul.
WOMAN
Keep calling. She will come -
ORPHEUS
I am calling. With all my strength, I am calling -
(He’s on the verge of breaking down.)
WOMAN
You alone are not strong enough. And these papers will not give you an answer. Do you think paper cares for anybody? Let’s go, my brother. I know where to take you.
(She drops the broom and leads Orpheus out of the hall.)
WOMAN
Whether someone sweeps or not, there will always be more paper.
(Another projection of descending stairs and bits of paper fly about the stage.)
ACT 2, Scene 5
(Orpheus and the woman approach a gate to what appears to be a church or a cemetery. A dog’s furious barking can be heard.)
WOMAN
Be quiet, Cerberus, Be quiet, boy.
(Orpheus and the woman enter the gate, followed by the two boys who sneak
behind them. Paris and Hector try to enter but the dog’s furious barking frightens
them. They wait outside and watch. Inside the church is a room with people in
white, dancing, clapping and singing in a trance like state. A man approaches
Orpheus and the woman and smudges them with sage. Drumming vibrates and
resonates like a giant heart throughout the scene. Orpheus and the woman watch
the people in white dancing and becoming one with the rhythm of the drums. The
woman turns to Orpheus.)
WOMAN
Sing to her, Orpheus. Call to her with your music.
(Orpheus gathers his strength and his longing and begins to sing with the people.
The beauty of his voice overpowers the others and they fall silent, leaving
Orpheus singing alone. He sings with his heart. He sings with his soul to bring
back his beloved Eurydice. Suddenly, he hears Eurydice’s voice. One of the
dancer’s begins to convulse and to speak as if she were Eurydice.)
EURYDICE
Orpheus! Orpheus!
WOMAN
She has received the spirit!
ORPHEUS
Eurydice!
(Orpheus looks around anxiously for Eurydice, but he is stopped by the
woman who warns him not to look back.)
WOMAN
No!
EURYDICE
Don’t look back, Orpheus. If you try to look at me, you will never see me. Do not look at me and you will keep my voice and your image of me in your heart forever. ORPHEUS
Where are you, Eurydice?
EURYDICE
I am close to you, Orpheus. I am as close to you as a heart beat. As close to you as a thought. Do you love me enough to accept hearing me without seeing me?
ORPHEUS
I love you, Eurydice, but I want to see you. My arms are empty.
(He is about to turn around to see and embrace Eurydice but the woman restrains
him.)
WOMAN
No!
EURYDICE
No, Orpheus! No! If you try to see me you will lose me forever!
ORPHEUS
Are you trying to trick me? Where are you?
EURYDICE
No, if you turn, you will kill me!
(With a cry of animal pain, he resists the restraining arm of the woman and turns
to see an old woman who has channeled the spirit of Eurydice.)
ORPHEUS
No! You lied to me! Why! Why did you lie?
(He grabs the old woman and shakes her, crying in anguish. He then turns and
runs out of the Church.)
WOMAN
Wait, Orpheus, We did not lie. We told you the truth. You can not turn back,
(Orpheus runs out, past the furious barking of Cerberus, the guard dog of
the dead. He is overcome with weariness and falls to his knees, sobbing.
Hector and Paris follow him, and motion for Hermes to come.)
PARIS
Hermes, we’ve found him!
HECTOR
It’s Orpheus!
(Old Hermes appears and walks over to the prone body of Orpheus. He is carrying documents in his hands.)
PARIS
Where is Eurydice?
ORPHEUS
I have nothing left in life. I am the poorest of men now.
HERMES
Seek mercy, my son. We are all poor men and what’s left to be said is the poor man’s word - thanks.
ORPHEUS
I must ask you for mercy, Hermes.
HERMES
That is all I can give you, my son, mercy -
(He hands the documents to Orpheus.)
Here. I have already done everything that could be done. I think you’ll get true mercy there.
(Orpheus slowly looks at the documents as if in a daze. At last, he looks up at
Hermes.)
ORPHEUS
Thank you.
HERMES
No, it is not to me you must give thanks. It is to Eurydice. Go and claim her,
my son.
(Orpheus numbly nods his head and leaves.)
(We see the beginnings of dawn in the east.)
ACT TWO, Scene Six
The morgue. A bureaucrat is at the front desk. Orpheus, exhausted, walks in with the documents in hand. He hands the document to the bureaucrat who shuffles through them.)
BUREAUCRAT
(As he is studying the paper.)
Are you going to take her yourself? If you don’t want to fuss with everything, the body can always be donated to science. It saves a lot of money with the funeral and all, and the medical
students will be eternally grateful.
(He looks up at Orpheus and is taken aback by the intense suffering on Orpheus’
face.)
I’m sorry. I have to ask that question. It’s the policy, you see.
(He leads Orpheus down what appears to be another long hall. He “opens” a door
and the lights turn glacially white. There are bodies lying on slabs of cold white.)
We always have so many after Mardi Gras. A few suicides. But mostly, it’s murders. Stabbings.
Gunshots. Whatnot. Sometimes it’s for love. Sometimes it’s for money. And sometimes it’s for
no reason at all.
(Looks around.)
These are the ones that get left behind. Unclaimed. Unknown. Somebody somewhere wondering what happened to their son, their daughter -
(Beat.)
Or not. Do you want to identify her? Let me warn you, sometimes it’s impossible without dental records -
(Orpheus ignores him and begins to look at the abandoned bodies. He sees the
shrouded body of Eurydice. He approaches her reverently. He raises the veil and tenderly kisses her on the mouth. He lifts her up and turns to leave the morgue.
As he walks he speaks to his beloved.)
ORPHEUS
It is a beautiful morning, Eurydice. The storm has ended and the sun will dawn glorious and pure. My heart is a bird whose thirst is quenched by a drop of dew. Thank you, Eurydice. Thank you for this new day. You are the one who is carrying me. I am like a child sleeping in your arms. I know you will take me where I must go. Thank you, Eurydice. The path you chose is full of flowers. The sun is rising up to greet us, my love, to embrace us with his sweet warmth.
(Begins to sing.)
The happiness of the poor is the great illusion of Mardi Gras
We work all year long -
(Orpheus is climbing a hill carrying the body of his beloved. Suddenly, we hear
the screaming of women. It is Mira who is struggling to break free
from the grip of Serafina and the other women. There is a fire raging on
the hill.)
MIRA
Let me go! Let me go, you bitches! I will kill them!
(She struggles free and runs towards them screaming.)
I will kill you! I warned you! I will kill you!
SERAFINA
No, Mira! Stop it! Stop it!
(Mira charges Orpheus with a knife. A strobe light is on. The women chase
after her struggling with her to get the knife. She wrestles free and runs toward
Orpheus. At the moment of the knife’s contact with Orpheus, there is a freeze and
a black out.
(Black out and music up.)
(Slow fade up.)
(Paris, accompanied by a pretty young girl, appear. Both of them are looking
anxiously towards the east, waiting for the sun to rise. Suddenly, we hear Hector yelling. He is running with Orpheus’ guitar in hand.)
HECTOR
Paris! I found the guitar. Here! I found Orpheus’ guitar!
PARIS
I don’t know how to play like him.
HECTOR
Nobody does. But there’s no one else. You’ve got to!
LITTLE GIRL
The sun won’t rise without it.
PARIS
I don’t know what to play -
LITTLE GIRL
Make up something!
HECTOR
The sun is waiting.
LITTLE GIRL
We’re all waiting -
(Paris sits down and timidly begins to hunt for the right notes, the right chords.
Hector and the girl anxiously scan the horizon for a sign of the sun’s first rays.
As Paris continues to play, the music takes over and grows in richness and
strength - like a man. Slowly, steadily the light begins to change and grow in
intensity. The girl and boy shield their eyes from the rising golden rays of the sun.
As the light changes, the music grows in power and Paris, the girl and Hector,
begin to sing and dance, welcoming the sun and a new day.)
(The music grows with the intensity of the lights and then music continues during a slow fade to black out.)
