BRENDAN THE NAVIGATOR: A MUSICAL Initial concept by Dan Lockhart and Dick Vestdijk Written by Shane Pillay Lyrics and music by Dan Lockhart and Dick Vestdijk Vocal recordings by Dan Lockhart Animation by Frank Hench Contents Cast of Characters 2 Screen Introduction 4 Music: The Tale of the Navigator 4 Act 1 Scene 1: A pub in Kerry 6 Act 2 Scene 1: The yard at an inn 11 Music: Love Sailing 16 Music: Brendan’s Liberty 17 Act 2 Scene 2: The Monastery 18 Music: Brendan’s overture 22 Music: Venient Amis 23 Music: Saint Enda 24 Act 2 Scene 3: Setting sail 25 Music: 14 aboard 26 Music: 3 Latecomers 30 Music: Up we go 33 Act 3 Scene 1: First adventure 34 Music: I love the sea 34 Music: Paradise of Birds 36 Music: Monks of Ailbe 42 Act 3 Scene 2: Second adventure 47 Music: Sea Creature 51 Act 3 Scene 3: Third adventure 56 Music: Coagulated Sea 56 Music: Judas 60 Act 4 Scene 1: A Wish and Death 65 Music: Land’s End 65 Music: Venient Annis 67 Act 4 Scene 2: The Curse 72 Music: Homecoming 72 Act 5 Scene 1: Return to the pub in Kerry 77 Music: Loose Ends 80 Cast of Characters NARRATOR Characters in the Pub ELDERLY LADY - an old lady with a story to tell BARTENDER - tends to a pub in Kerry POLICEMAN - the officer who comes to keep the peace YOUNG MAN - drinks his pint at the pub Characters from the Middle Ages BRENDAN - a young man in search of adventure IMOGEN - the innkeeper’s daughter IMOGEN’s YOUNG DAUGHTER - the child of Imogen ELEANOR / FINN - the best friend of Brendan COLUM THE ELDER - an old monk who accompanies Brendan on his quest LITTLE PATRICK - a youthful monk who stows away on the boat Brendan on his quest DONNEGAL - latecomer who joins the crew on the voyage RONAN - latecomer who joins the crew on the voyage SAINT ENDA - A saint who gives Brendan a boat JUDAS ISCARIOT - The disciple ________________ Screen Introduction SETTING These are the title credits for the "Brendan the Navigator" Music: The Tale of the Navigator Direction: This is an instrumental piece, during which the titles are credits are shown. Lyrics, Music and Recording below Filename: https://soundcloud.com/oorlab/tale-of-the-navigator Guiding titles and credits The actual titles can differ slightly Brendan the Navigator based on the Irish tale of Brendan of Clonfert introducing the cast of characters NARRATOR Characters in the Pub ELDERLY LADY - an old lady with a story to tell BARTENDER - tends to a pub in Kerry POLICEMAN - the officer who comes to keep the peace YOUNG MAN - drinks his pint at the pub Characters from the Middle Ages BRENDAN - a young man in search of adventure IMOGEN - the innkeeper’s daughter IMOGEN’s YOUNG DAUGHTER - the child of Imogen ELEANOR / FINN - the best friend of Brendan COLUM THE ELDER - an old monk who accompanies Brendan on his quest LITTLE PATRICK - a youthful monk who stows away on the boat Brendan on his quest DONNEGAL - latecomer who joins the crew on the voyage RONAN - latecomer who joins the crew on the voyage SAINT ENDA - A saint who gives Brendan a boat JUDAS ISCARIOT - The disciple ...and now for Brendan the Navigator ____________ Act 1 Scene 1: A pub in Kerry SETTING A pub in Kerry, Ireland. Modern times. The bartender stands at the till. A young man drinks at the bar. An old woman pesters him for a free drink. NARRATOR The story of Brendan the Navigator begins in a pub in Kerry, Ireland. It is the present time. An elderly lady (academic, elegantly wasted) pesters a young man at the bar counter while a helpless bartender looks on[a][b]. ELDERLY LADY (nudges the YOUNG MAN) Go on, just a drink YOUNG MAN Please leave me alone ELDERLY LADY Don’t be a miser. You have money YOUNG MAN Yes, I do. But I will not spend it on you. ELDERLY LADY Why not? YOUNG MAN It’s none of your business. Please leave me alone. BARTENDER Excuse me miss, please stay away. ELDERLY LADY A miss? I’ve not been called that in years! YOUNG MAN Can I have a drink in peace? ELDERLY LADY Yes. And me too. Drink with me, I have to celebrate YOUNG MAN No. BARTENDER You heard him. Now shove off. ELDERLY LADY You don’t speak to me like that. Have respect! Come on, just a pint. BARTENDER Please leave. You’re drunk. ELDERLY LADY (shouts) This is a pub. We get drunk in pubs! BARTENDER You were drunk before you even got here ELDERLY LADY And how do you know? How do you know? YOUNG MAN (laments) A drink in peace! BARTENDER That’s it. I will call the police. The bartender goes to the phone and calls the police ELDERLY LADY The police! What can they do? An old woman is thirsty. Will they quench my thirst? YOUNG MAN If I buy you a drink, will you be quiet and leave me alone? BARTENDER No, that’ll only encourage her. The police will be here shortly. ELDERLY LADY Let him get me a pint. Go on, a pint. BARTENDER No pints for you! ELDERLY LADY Why not? You’re a bartender. It’s your duty to serve pints! BARTENDER It’s also my duty to get rid of drunks like you. YOUNG MAN All I want is to drink in peace! Peace, please! ELDERLY LADY Peace comes with a story and a drink Enter the POLICEMAN NARRATOR The phone call did the trick. Here comes a policeman. POLICEMAN What’ going on here? BARTENDER It’s this drunk old woman. She’s pestering my customers. POLICEMAN Is this true? ELDERLY LADY No, I’m not old. YOUNG MAN I only want to finish my pint BARTENDER Please remove her from my premises POLICEMAN Come along, it’s time to leave ELDERLY LADY Please, I only want a pint and tell my tale BARTENDER The bar is closed ELDERLY LADY But the young man is drinking! BARTENDER It is closed to you POLICEMAN Come on, I don’t have all day ELDERLY LADY Just a pint BARTENDER No! POLICEMAN Come along, or I’ll drag you out ELDERLY LADY Drag me? An elderly lady? Where is the law and order? POLICEMAN I do not have time for games YOUNG MAN Take her away! BARTENDER Away! POLICEMAN Come on! ELDERLY LADY Wait, before you act in haste… POLICEMAN You must leave… BARTENDER And now! ELDERLY LADY Listen, I will tell you a story for a pint. POLICEMAN I do not have time for stories ELDERLY LADY It’s the story of my life. But it spans hundreds of years. POLICEMAN Then I certainly do not have any time at all ELDERLY LADY When you hear my story, then you will realize I deserve that pint. BARTENDER You deserve nothing but… ELDERLY LADY Hush! I did deeply research this story… YOUNG MAN (exasperated) Oh, let her speak. Maybe then I can enjoy my pint without this shouting. POLICEMAN Very well. But only for a little while. ELDERLY LADY A little while? How vile! POLICEMAN Eh? ELDERLY LADY Hush! My story begins…it started when I found this Seneca prophecy in an Irish 6th century manuscript end scene ________________ Act 2 Scene 1: The yard at an inn DIRECTION The [c][d]ELDERLY LADY becomes Imogen, the innkeeper’s daughter[e][f] The Young Man becomes Eleanor/Finn[g][h] The Bartender becomes Ronan The Policeman become Colum the Elder *Note - nobody becomes Brendan SETTING The year 510 In the yard of an inn NARRATOR This is Ireland, in the sixth century. The young Brendan works in the yard of an inn. It is his job to clean, sweep and tend to the animals. He is not alone. The young girl Eleanor helps him, whenever she wants to, however. A young girl runs onto the stage. It is Eleanor. Her hair is tied up. A young man, Brendan, chases after her. BRENDAN Eleanor! Eleanor! ELEANOR (laughs) Aye Brendan, you’re too slow. BRENDAN I don’t have time for such games. I must clean the donkey’s slop before we settle down for the Christian service. ELEANOR Yuck! Donkey’s slop! BRENDAN You’re supposed to help! ELEANOR I am BRENDAN Are you? Running away from the donkey’s slop isn’t helping. ELEANOR It helps keep me clean! BRENDAN It is not funny, Eleanor. I clean the yard and feed the animals while you climb trees and steal beer from the inn. ELEANOR Shh, don’t talk so loudly. The innkeeper and his, oh so fair, daughter Imogen must not know. BRENDAN (sighs) Ah Imogen, beautiful Imogen. ELEANOR Yuck. I’d rather clean the donkey’s slop. BRENDAN Well, here’s the mop. ELEANOR You’re fond of her, aren’t you? BRENDAN Who? ELEANOR Imogen! BRENDAN Aye, she will be mine. ELEANOR How can you be so sure? BRENDAN I’m not sure. But love rules the world. It will open a path to her heart. ELEANOR The only thing that will open a path to her heart is… Enter Imogen IMOGEN Who’s heart? ELEANOR A donkey. IMOGEN A donkey? You’re a strange girl Eleanor. Why don’t you untie your hair and let it down? ELEANOR I like my hair this way. IMOGEN No man will woo you if you don't act a lady. ELEANOR Oh yes, they will. In fact, Brendan has been wooing me already. BRENDAN (splutters) No, I have not! Good day Imogen IMOGEN Good day Brendan ELEANOR (looks at both Imogen and Brendan) Brendan, the donkey’s slop awaits. BRENDAN It can wait. IMOGEN My father, the innkeeper, will not be pleased if the wait is too long. ELEANOR The innkeeper waits for the donkey, the donkey waits for Brendan and Brendan waits for Imogen BRENDAN Eleanor! IMOGEN (laughs) Oh Brendan, shouldn’t you worry about sweeping and cleaning? BRENDAN Oh, Imogen, when will you be mine? IMOGEN (laughs again) When you are dashing and daring BRENDAN Dashing and daring? ELEANOR She means: do the washing and stop staring. The donkey slop, Brendan! IMOGEN Aye, the donkey slop Brendan. BRENDAN But if I’m dashing and daring… IMOGEN That you’ll never be. Eleanor is far more dashing and daring. ELEANOR Yuck! I’ll never marry you. BRENDAN I can be dashing and daring! IMOGEN Don’t be upset. BRENDAN Oh fair Imogen, before three years are over I will be dashing and daring IMOGEN And how would you do that? BRENDAN Er...I don’t know exactly. IMOGEN Bless your soul Brendan. BRENDAN But I will find a way ELEANOR You can start by finding your way to the donkey slop IMOGEN Ha, I'll have more chance of visiting the Isle of the Blessed than you becoming dashing and daring. BRENDAN That’s it. IMOGEN What is? BRENDAN The Isle of the Blessed. I will find it. IMOGEN (laughs, and then pauses) Will you do it? BRENDAN Yes IMOGEN This is foolish. Nobody has ever seen the Isle of the Blessed. BRENDAN I will be the first IMOGEN (laughs) I doubt that BRENDAN I will find the Isle of the Blessed, Imogen. And I will return, dashing and daring. IMOGEN If you do return BRENDAN And then will you be mine? IMOGEN I never make promises BRENDAN But will you be mine, Imogen? IMOGEN You are a smitten fool. Clean the yard, Brendan. Goodbye. Exit Imogen BRENDAN (calls after her) I will return, dashing and daring! Music: Love Sailing Direction: This is music sung by Brendan NOTE from Shane Pillay: I put this song in here because I could not find a suitable song for the scene. It looks like it could fit[i][j][k] Lyrics below Filename: ELEANOR Stop now BRENDAN Enough of this and the donkey slop ELEANOR Do you want the innkeeper to chase you into the field of goats with his broom[l][m][n]? BRENDAN He will not have that chance. I leave tomorrow. ELEANOR Tomorrow? To where? BRENDAN To the monastery. They will provide help for my quest. ELEANOR This is foolish, Brendan. BRENDAN Nobody believes I can do it, Eleanor. ELEANOR That is because nobody can, Brendan. The Isle of the Blessed is a myth. And traveling on the open sea is dangerous. I pray, don’t do it. BRENDAN I will do it and win the heart of Imogen ELEANOR You can’t win her heart either. She is the innkeeper’s daughter. … BRENDAN Of course I can. And I will go to the monastery and ask for his help. ELEANOR Whose help? BRENDAN Saint Enda. Music: Brendan’s Liberty end scene[o] ________________ Act 2 Scene 2: The Monastery[p] SETTING In the garden of a monastery Saint Enda is present, talking to the monk Colum the Elder NARRATOR The monastery is close to the village where Brendan and Eleanor live. In the garden is Saint Enda. He talks to his trustworthy old monk, Colum the Elder. SAINT ENDA And that is why, my dear Colum the Elder, there are no heroes or villains in life. COLUM THE ELDER I still do not understand Saint Enda. SAINT ENDA Every man will act with the best intentions. COLUM THE ELDER Intentions can have good or bad consequences. SAINT ENDA But what is good? Or what is bad? COLUM THE ELDER Surely, we must judge. Or this land, this world - will fall apart. SAINT ENDA That it will. But it is not easy to judge. That is a wise man’s task often performed by fools. COLUM THE ELDER But who is wise and who is foolish? SAINT ENDA Aye, you learn quickly Colum the Elder. Trust your faith, it will guide you decisions and journey.[q] And remember the Seneca Prophecy about the land beyond Thule... The young monk Little Patrick runs into the garden LITTLE PATRICK Saint Enda! Colum the Elder! SAINT ENDA Little Patrick, why do you run and shout? LITTLE PATRICK I am sorry. But... COLUM THE ELDER You have much to learn. LITTLE PATRICK Yes. But... SAINT ENDA The beauty of youth is that a world of knowledge still awaits you LITTLE PATRICK But there… COLUM THE ELDER Well, are you going to stand there or will you speak up? LITTLE PATRICK I was trying. Someone has come from the village. COLUM THE ELDER So? People from the village visit the monastery every day. LITTLE PATRICK But this one seeks the Isle of the Blessed. SAINT ENDA The Isle of the Blessed? LITTLE PATRICK Yes. And he wants to speak to Saint Enda. COLUM THE ELDER Fool. It is a dangerous journey. And nobody really knows the way. LITTLE PATRICK I told him. But he insists. SAINT ENDA Bring him to the courtyard, Little Patrick. Exit Little Patrick COLUM THE ELDER Surely you will not encourage this? SAINT ENDA I will neither encourage nor discourage any man from their path.And a chance to find out if anything lies beyond Thule as Seneca wrote... COLUM THE ELDER But the Isle of the Blessed? You know how… SAINT ENDA Hush, Colum the Elder. A young man with a great future enters. Enter Little Patrick and Brendan. LITTLE PATRICK Saint Enda, Colum the Elder, this is... BRENDAN (loudly) Hello! I am Brendan. I seek the Isle of the Blessed and I want… COLUM THE ELDER Speak slowly and softly, young man! You are in a monastery. BRENDAN I am sorry. But I seek the Isle of the Blessed. SAINT ENDA And why do you seek the Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN I will prove my worth when I reach its shores SAINT ENDA Prove your worth? Why? BRENDAN I will win the heart of Imogen, the innkeeper’s daughter SAINT ENDA Imogen? BRENDAN Yes, Imogen, the innkeeper’s daughter. SAINT ENDA I am afraid that isn’t the right reason to seek the Isle of the Blessed. BRENDAN But it is the only reason I have. And I will find the Isle of the Blessed. SAINT ENDA Are you that determined? BRENDAN Yes, my fortune will be made when my task is done. SAINT ENDA (prophetically) Yes, your fortune will be made on this voyage. LITTLE PATRICK I want to go as well! COLUM THE ELDER This is madness! No good will come from seeking the Isle of the Blessed. BRENDAN I will win the heart of Imogen. So I will go. SAINT ENDA What do you know of the Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN It is where Adam and Eve were banished after they ate the fruit from the Garden of Eden. SAINT ENDA Do you know why it is called Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN No SAINT ENDA Neither do I. The name has passed down through generations. But the answer is there, on the open sea. And the Seneca prophecy about the land beyond Thule. COLUM THE ELDER This is foolish talk. Everyone must rest tonight. And tomorrow Brendan, you must return to your village and forget this quest. BRENDAN No, I will go to the Isle of the Blessed and return with proof. COLUM THE ELDER Proof? What proof? BRENDAN Proof?...I...I...I don’t know.[r][s][t][u] There is silence Music: Brendan’s overture Direction: instrumental - heroic vibe SAINT ENDA Colum the Elder, please follow my words. Gather twelve monks. Prepare a boat. Within 3 days you will set sail with Brendan for the Isle of the Blessed. COLUM THE ELDER But Saint Enda, why should we do this? SAINT ENDA There is a destiny to fulfill. I know you are doubtful. But your caution makes you best to guide Brendan on his voyage. LITTLE PATRICK And I will go too! SAINT ENDA I am sorry Little Patrick. The sea and this voyage will be too rough for you. LITTLE PATRICK It is not fair. COLUM THE ELDER Very well Saint Enda, if those are your wishes. I will gather 12 monks and prepare the boat. Come, Little Patrick, you may not come on the voyage but you can help with preparations. Exit Colum the Elder and Little Patrick Music: Venient Amis Direction: This is instrumental music that plays in the background while Brendan and Saint[v][w][x][y][z][aa][ab] Enda talk. Filename: NARRATOR Venient annis secula seris, Quibus Oceanus vincula rerum. Laxet, et ingens pateat tellus Tethysque novos detegat orbes Nec sit terris ultima Thule. “The times will come in later years when ocean may relax the chain of things, and a vast continent may open; the sea may uncover new worlds, and Thule cease to be the last of lands.” BRENDAN Thank you for your help. I knew you would help show the way. SAINT ENDA This voyage will be difficult and perilous. BRENDAN I know. But I must show that I can do it. SAINT ENDA Do not look outward into the world for approval. Rather look inward. Believe in yourself. Grow your confidence. BRENDAN But the world judges every step that we make. SAINT ENDA Then make the good step[ac][ad][ae]. BRENDAN I do not understand Saint Enda. SAINT ENDA Come, Brendan, you will stay here for 3 days. You must pray. Then you will leave for the Isle of the Blessed. Music: Saint Enda Direction: This is music sung by Brendan, asking for blessing from Saint Enda. Brendan[af][ag][ah] and Saint Enda exit end scene ________________ Act 2 Scene 3: Setting sail SETTING On board the boat’s deck Background noises of men at work on the boat Brendan, Colum the Elder, and Saint Enda are talking NARRATOR Saint Enda has kindly allowed Brendan to use a boat which belongs to the monastery. Many monks will work on the boat - rowing the oars, hoisting the sails and steering the rudder. Brendan, Colum the Elder and Saint Enda are busy talking. It is almost time for the journey.l SAINT ENDA It is time, Brendan. Today you sail. BRENDAN Yes, the stars will be my guide, the sea will be my road, the boat will be my horse SAINT ENDA Good. Your destiny will be fulfilled. COLUM THE ELDER It is a long journey. I wish you well Brendan. SAINT ENDA I wish you both well. COLUM THE ELDER Both? SAINT ENDA Aye, Colum the Elder, you forget. COLUM THE ELDER Perhaps another monk is more suited to the task? What would Brendan do with such an old monk as I? BRENDAN What do you mean, Saint Enda? COLUM THE ELDER Don't you know what he means? How will you command this boat? SAINT ENDA Brendan will need counsel. You are my wisest and most trustworthy monk, Colum the Elder. COLUM THE ELDER All the more reason my feet should be on dry land, and close to you Saint Enda. SAINT ENDA All the more reason that you are the rod and staff on this voyage. BRENDAN Welcome on board, Colum the Elder! COLUM THE ELDER (murmurs) Yes, welcome on board indeed! Music: 14 aboard Direction: sea chanty (New version 21 okt 2018 - ) keep from the fire and rain 17 aboard 3 unbelievers came not drive by the holy quest but only gold and fame Captain Brendan took us on and now we sing this sailor's song Keeping us afloat with a ship of wood and leather seeking out fair weather to search for the blessed Isle Bye bye Tralee Bay Until we meet again We will surely move till the very end Enter Little Patrick. He rushes to the deck LITTLE PATRICK Saint Enda! Colum! SAINT ENDA Little Patrick, why do you run and shout? LITTLE PATRICK I am sorry. But... COLUM THE ELDER You have much to learn. LITTLE PATRICK Yes. But... SAINT ENDA The beauty of youth is that a world of knowledge still awaits you LITTLE PATRICK But there… COLUM THE ELDER This always happens. Well, are you going to stand there or will you speak up? LITTLE PATRICK I was trying. There are three who seek passage on the boat. SAINT ENDA Three? BRENDAN Who are these three? COLUM THE ELDER And why do they seek passage? Enter Donnegal, Ronan, and Eleanor Eleanor is dressed as a young man with a hat and is not recognized by Brendan Her hair is tied up. The hat hides her hair. Possibly the audience does not recognize Eleanor either (to be decided) LITTLE PATRICK They come. Look. RONAN Good day all SAINT ENDA Good day young man RONAN My name is Ronan. This is my companion Donnegal. We have brought a gift. A fish. Ronan produces a fish BRENDAN A fish for a boat? We will have plenty of fish at sea. COLUM THE ELDER Hush, young man. SAINT ENDA A gift of fish is good luck before setting sail. A beautiful one too. Fine tail and fins. BRENDAN You cannot eat the fin. COLUM THE ELDER You must eat the fish on the first night. The you will never never go hungry on the voyage. Looks at Eleanor And who is this? What is your name? ELEANOR I am...I am...I am Finn. SAINT ENDA (suspiciously) Finn? ELEANOR Finn. SAINT ENDA Very well. And why do you three visit us? RONAN I heard of the voyage. My extra hands on the boat will help pay my way. SAINT ENDA (points to Donnegal) And what about your friend here? DONNEGAL I will help RONAN He does not speak much. But he is a hard worker. COLUM THE ELDER And what about you, Finn? ELEANOR (looks at Brendan) I have come to help too. LITTLE PATRICK I will help too! COLUM THE ELDER We have twelve monks on board. And there’s me. And there’s Brendan. And there are these three latecomers. I don’t know if we have room. SAINT ENDA What do you say, Brendan? LITTLE PATRICK What about me? BRENDAN The extra hands will be helpful. Can you tie a knot and raise a sail? ELEANOR Yes. Can you? BRENDAN (blushes) I’m afraid I can’t. Then you will serve us well. LITTLE PATRICK Is there room for one more? COLUM THE ELDER It is settled. Brendan, the twelve monks, Ronan, Donnagel, Finn and I will set sail. LITTLE PATRICK (dejected) And me? COLUM THE ELDER Not this voyage, Little Patrick. LITTLE PATRICK It’s not fair! Little Patrick runs away. SAINT ENDA He will find his way. It is time to sail. COLUM THE ELDER Donnegal, Ronan, Finn - ready the boat for the voyage. DONNEGAL, RONAN, FINN Aye, aye Exit Donnegal, Ronan, Finn Music: 3 Latecomers Direction: This is music sung by Saint Enda, musing over the 3 latecomers and the difference it makes to the number of people Lyrics 3 Latecomers We now have the perfect number We can head out on the mission Any other would encumber No subtraction or addition The supernumeraries They are perfect aligned It matches my memories This number is a great find All other numbers are wrong This amount makes us so strong The sacred number 15 Gives a shone and such a sheen It’s the number of angels It tell of new beginnings Assertiveness the label Achievement, success, winnings Then they appear at our site Three men ready for our flight They beg to be at our knee We are strong and good at sea Filename: SAINT ENDA I must return to the monastery. But before I go, I have something for you. He produces a small book This book has old manuscripts[ai] and maps. It will help you find the open sea. He passes the book to Brendan BRENDAN Thank you, Saint Enda. Is it from the monastery? SAINT ENDA In the old times, the Romans lived in[aj] these lands and sailed in[ak] these seas. They marked this book with their travels. BRENDAN Aye, then it will help on their[al] voyage. SAINT ENDA It has been said that a Roman galley had set sail for Isle of the Blessed. When they returned, all the sailors had taken a vow of silence, settled as monks and built the monastery. Nobody knew what happened on the voyage. BRENDAN But is it written in the book? SAINT ENDA The monks had taken a vow of secrecy as well. But in the book they drew maps of the various islands and the open sea. It will be your guide. BRENDAN Our faith, the stars and this book will be my guide, Saint Enda. SAINT ENDA Look into your heart as well, Brendan. I say goodbye now. Good voyage, captain. He turns to Colum the Elder Good voyage Colum the Elder. I trust you to give guidance where there is none. COLUM THE ELDER Aye, Saint Enda Exit Saint Enda BRENDAN And now… COLUM THE ELDER ...we sail. Music: Up we go Direction: Instrumental music that serves as a segue to the next scene Filename: Dan’s demo - will be rerecorded asap ________________ Act 3 Scene 1: First adventure SETTING On board the boat’s deck Colum the Elder and Ronan are looking out from the deck Eleanor (Finn) is sweeping the deck Music: I love the sea Direction: This is sung by the choir and Brendan Lyrics I love the sea choir Where on earth have you gone can't see your sail nomore In the light of a new day We've been looking for you Brendan : I love the sea I love the sea I love to be Chorus Where is the plan? where is the sign? that you are following now In the unknown of the sea Over countless waves Filename: NARRATOR Many days have passed. Ronan and Colum the Elder stand on the deck and look out to the sea. RONAN We have been sailing for twelve days. COLUM THE ELDER Patience RONAN Patience is a virtue. But I have neither. Twelve days is a long time. COLUM THE ELDER Patience RONAN Everyone is tired. Does Brendan even know where he is going? COLUM THE ELDER Patience RONAN Patience, patience, patience! I’m tired of it! ELEANOR Look! RONAN What is it? COLUM THE ELDER You are right Finn! There it is! RONAN What are you looking at? ELEANOR An island! RONAN So it is! Is that the Isle of the Blessed? COLUM THE ELDER Not quite. Finn, please call Brendan. ELEANOR Aye Eleanor exits RONAN Will someone please explain? COLUM THE ELDER Patience RONAN Patience? Again? COLUM THE ELDER Yes RONAN I see the island. Which island is that? Enter Brendan and Eleanor BRENDAN The Island of Paradise birds[am]! Music: Paradise of Birds Direction: This is music sung by Brendan, describing the island. Lyrics below Filename: RONAN An island of birds[an][ao][ap]? BRENDAN I spotted it from the cabin. Look, Colum the Elder, it is here in Saint Enda’s book. COLUM THE ELDER We must go ashore. I will take a few monks with me. RONAN Will someone tell me what is going on? COLUM THE ELDER We go to the Island of Paradise birds to fetch water and food from the Monks of Ailbe. Come with me Ronan, you can help. Exit Colum the Elder and Ronan Brendan and Eleanor are alone on deck BRENDAN Perhaps I should go as well? What do you say, Finn? ELEANOR Who would guard the boat, Brendan? BRENDAN A few monks remain on board. ELEANOR It is better you plan the next part of the journey. BRENDAN Right you are Finn! Look, Saint Enda gave me a book before we left the harbor. It shows the path to the open sea. ELEANOR What is in the open sea? BRENDAN The Isle of the Blessed, but it is not marked. ELEANOR Not marked? BRENDAN Yes. Oh Finn, how will I find it? ELEANOR Surely you must know? BRENDAN That I don’t. And I am afraid that the men on this boat will lose faith in the voyage. ELEANOR Inspire them, Brendan. Build their courage. When you are on the open sea, you will find a way to the Isle of the Blessed. BRENDAN How can you be so sure, Finn? ELEANOR You are my captain. Enter Donnegal at the far end of the boat’s deck. Eleanor and Brendan see him BRENDAN Shh, look there. ELEANOR It is Donnegal, the friend of Ronan. BRENDAN Do you think he heard us? ELEANOR I don’t know. Even if he did, he doesn’t speak much. So he would not tell anyone. Donnegal comes closer BRENDAN Good day DONNEGAL Good day Donnegal moves away ELEANOR A strange man. BRENDAN We are all strange to those who don’t know us. ELEANOR But can you trust him? Or his friend Ronan? BRENDAN What reason have they given not to trust them? ELEANOR I don’t know. Look, he comes near again. DONNEGAL Where is Ronan? BRENDAN He has gone ashore, with Colum the Elder and a few monks. DONNEGAL Ashore? BRENDAN To the Island of Paradise birds.[aq] They will fetch water and food. DONNEGAL Very well. I will wait below. Exit Donnegal ELEANOR See, I told you so. BRENDAN He is a quiet man, but there is nothing to mistrust. ELEANOR Oh, Brendan! BRENDAN You sound like a friend of mine, Finn. ELEANOR Who is he? BRENDAN She is a she. Though sometimes she dresses as a man. Her name was Eleanor. ELEANOR That is a beautiful name. BRENDAN Aye, it is. And she is a beautiful lass. And a beautiful friend. But I hope she is busy cleaning the donkey’s slop. ELEANOR Donkey slop? BRENDAN We worked in the yard of an inn. Our duty was to clean the donkey’s slop. Eleanor never liked that. She preferred to climb trees or steal pints of beer. ELEANOR And did you join her? BRENDAN I wanted to. But Eleanor was far too lithe and quick. I often ran behind her with a bucket and a mop. ELEANOR (laughs) Ha, ha BRENDAN ‘Twas fun. But I must read the book from Saint Enda now. It will guide my journey. Brendan sits in a corner and reads the book. Eleanor walks around the deck of the boat and finally exits the stage Time passes. A possible instrumental interlude is necessary Enter Colum the Elder and Ronan They carry a casket of water and boxes of food RONAN We have returned! Brendan rises from his seat. BRENDAN Welcome back. How was the Island of Paradise birds? COLUM THE ELDER A wondrous place with song. The Monks of Ailbe[ar] have provided food. Ronan found a well of fresh water close to shore and we filled our buckets. RONAN Come, let us eat. Where is Donnegal? BRENDAN He helps with the rowing. RONAN Donnegal! Donnegal! COLUM THE ELDER Aye, we have come from the island where the Paradise birds sing sweet songs. And now we have returned to the boat where Ronan shouts with furious temper. Enter Donnegal DONNEGAL Ronan, you have returned. RONAN Aye, with food and water. Come, let us eat. Brendan, Colum the Elder, Ronan, and Donnegal settle down to eat. COLUM THE ELDER Pass the water. RONAN Here’s the food. BRENDAN More water here COLUM THE ELDER There is the fruit BRENDAN Have more fruit COLUM THE ELDER Water, Donnegal? DONNEGAL No. I have eaten the fruit. BRENDAN A hearty meal. I feel tired. RONAN I must rest as well. COLUM THE ELDER My eyelids are heavy. The boat’s floor is my bed. Brendan, Ronan, and Colum the Elder fall to the floor and are still. Music: Monks of Ailbe Direction: This is music sung by ? Note form Shane: This sounds like good music to play while Brendan, Ronan and Colum the Elder fall to the floor Lyrics below Filename: Donnegal looks around. He goes to Ronan and shakes his body. But Ronan does not awake. DONNEGAL Ronan! Ronan! Enter Eleanor ELEANOR Everyone asleep? Who will guide the boat? DONNEGAL Asleep? No. Eleanor rushes to Brendan ELEANOR Brendan, are you asleep? She shakes him Brendan? DONNEGAL Asleep? ELEANOR (rushes towards Donnegal and grabs his collar) What did you do? DONNEGAL Let go! ELEANOR What happened to them? DONNEGAL Please Colum the Elder and Ronan grumble and stir. They wake up COLUM THE ELDER Where am I? RONAN Did we fall asleep? ELEANOR When I arrived, I saw you lying on the floor. COLUM THE ELDER (shakes Brendan) Brendan? ELEANOR He does not wake. Was it Donnegal who did this? DONNEGAL Me? COLUM THE ELDER We were eating and drinking ELEANOR Perhaps the fruit was tainted? COLUM THE ELDER The Monks of Ailbe would never do such a thing ELEANOR The water? RONAN We must help Brendan. Come, I shall carry him to the cabin. ELEANOR Oh, Brendan. What has happened to you? DONNEGAL Perhaps we should turn the boat around and return to shore? RONAN Help me, Finn. Donnegal, you can help too. Ronan, Donnegal, and Eleanor carry Brendan away Colum the Elder is alone on stage COLUM THE ELDER This is peculiar. Have I failed Brendan? Saint Enda asked that I provide guidance. But I could not protect Brendan. Now he sleeps and will not awake. What misfortune has fallen on this boat? Eleanor returns to the deck ELEANOR Brendan rests in the cabin. But he has not opened his eyes. What has overcome his body? COLUM THE ELDER I am afraid I do not know. ELEANOR I will tend to him. COLUM THE ELDER Thank you, Finn. ELEANOR There are strange matters afoot. I spoke to the monks on the boat. COLUM THE ELDER What did they say? ELEANOR Food and drink have gone missing. It has happened during that last days. And it happened today as well. COLUM THE ELDER Missing? ELEANOR Someone has taken our stocks. COLUM THE ELDER Who can it be? end scene ________________ Act 3 Scene 2: Second adventure SETTING On board the boat’s deck Brendan is on deck, wrapped in a robe NARRATOR Time passes. Brendan has recovered from his mysterious and deep sleep. Colum the Elder enters. COLUM THE ELDER Morning Brendan. It is good to see you out of bed. BRENDAN Morning Colum the Elder. The sea breeze refreshes my face and body. COLUM THE ELDER Thanks to Finn as well. He nursed you to a quick recovery. BRENDAN Indeed, Finn has been a wonderful companion. COLUM THE ELDER We are now on the open sea. BRENDAN Yes. We sailed forth. The Isle of the Blessed is out there. COLUM THE ELDER We are at your service. Where do you supposed is the Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN It is out there, Colum the Elder. But I need a sign. I must believe the Lord will show the way. COLUM THE ELDER He will Brendan, he will. (pauses) Brendan, I must tell you my suspicion. BRENDAN Suspicion? COLUM THE ELDER ‘Twas poison in our cups. BRENDAN What? COLUM THE ELDER I inspected our cups while you rested in bed. For sure, poison muddied the bottom. BRENDAN But you and Ronan slept a few minutes. Whereas ‘twas days before I recovered. COLUM THE ELDER Our cups did not have much poison. But yours was full. It is a miracle you recovered. BRENDAN Aye, remember Finn took care of me. COLUM THE ELDER Aye, Finn. But I wonder - who could have done it? The Monks of Ailbe? No, surely not. Then who? Enter Eleanor ELEANOR Good morning all. BRENDAN Finn! It is wonderful to see you. COLUM THE ELDER Ah, Finn, you have nursed our captain to good health. ELEANOR He was in a poor state but did well to recover. COLUM THE ELDER That he did. ELEANOR Colum the Elder, I spoke to the monks down below. They say that more food and drink are missing. BRENDAN Food and drink missing? COLUM THE ELDER Aye BRENDAN What strange things fall onto this boat! ELEANOR And stranger things beside the boat. Look! Eleanor points to the side of a boat. An island has appeared. COLUM THE ELDER A mysterious island! BRENDAN And next to the boat as well! I do not understand. The beach around any island is too shallow for such a boat as ours. But this island saddles next to our sails. Enter Ronan and Donnegal RONAN Did you see? An island! ELEANOR How can it be? The water is deep. COLUM THE ELDER What island is this? BRENDAN (looks through his book) It is not on the map. ELEANOR A strange island. Does it move? BRENDAN Ronan! Colum the Elder! Let us climb over to the island. There may be clues on it to the Isle of the Blessed. Brendan, Colum the Elder and Ronan climb over the side of the boat and land on the island. Donnegal and Eleanor remain on the boat. RONAN The island does not feel of this earth. COLUM THE ELDER Could it be the Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN Surely it is not. ELEANOR (shouts) What do you see on the island? BRENDAN (shouts) There isn’t any sand. Nor are there trees. ELEANOR (shouts) What could it be? DONNEGAL Look! BRENDAN (shouts) I do not know. But I feel the island is a guide. ELEANOR (shouts) How? DONNEGAL Look! RONAN (shouts) What say Donnegal? DONNEGAL Look! ELEANOR Donnegal? Donnegal points to the sea. A large sea creature approaches. It is ready to attack the boat Music: Sea Creature Direction: To be sung by Donnegal Lyrics below File name: COLUM THE ELDER What evil! Look, a monster! RONAN A fierce sea creature! We must get back on the boat and sail away! The large sea creature lashes against the boat. Eleanor and Donnegal are thrown from side to side. Colum the Elder and Ronan start to climb on board the boat COLUM THE ELDER Come, Brendan! Back on the boat! Suddenly the island starts to move. BRENDAN This is no island! It is a whale! Sure enough, the island is a whale. Brendan is thrown into the sea. Ronan and Colum the Elder make it on board the boat ELEANOR Brendan! RONAN The sea has taken him! Eleanor dives into the sea Both she and Brendan disappear in the water DONNEGAL They have drowned! COLUM THE ELDER No, it cannot be! Brendan! Finn! Meanwhile, the whale fights against the sea creature The sea creature wants to attack the boat, but the whale keeps it at bay DONNEGAL Look, the whale! COLUM THE ELDER It fights the monstrous sea creature! RONAN The whale will save us! COLUM THE ELDER But where are Brendan and Finn? DONNEGAL Drowned! COLUM THE ELDER Never! RONAN The whale has driven the sea creature away! COLUM THE ELDER Praise to the Lord! The sea is calm once more! Ronan, Donnegal and Colum the Elder rush to the end of the boat and look into the sea RONAN Brendan? Finn? Did the sea creature swallow them? COLUM THE ELDER No, it cannot be. DONNEGAL Look! Eleanor swims to the boat She holds onto Brendan COLUM THE ELDER There they are. Finn carries Brendan. What courage in such calamity! They help Eleanor bring Brendan on board the boat Eleanor kneels beside Brendan and shakes him ELEANOR Brendan! Brendan stirs, splutters out water and sits up Oh, Brendan! RONAN I will fetch fresh water for Brendan. Come with me Donnegal. Exit Ronan and Donnegal COLUM THE ELDER I am glad you are saved! BRENDAN Thank you, Finn! It is the second time you have helped. ELEANOR You are our captain Brendan. We must still get to the Isle of the Blessed. BRENDAN And I will tell you how we get there. Look! Brendan points to the whale The whale is leading the boat ‘Tis the whale! It is the sign! It is the guide! He leads the boat! COLUM THE ELDER Praise to the Lord once more! ELEANOR Brendan, you have done it! We shall reach the Isle of the Blessed! BRENDAN Aye, but it is not me. It is the whale. Enter Ronan and Donnegal They drag a young man behind them RONAN We have found the thief! COLUM THE ELDER Little Patrick! RONAN He stole the water and food from the boat LITTLE PATRICK Aye, I was hungry. COLUM THE ELDER What are you doing here? You should be on land with Saint Enda LITTLE PATRICK I wanted the sea and the adventure and the Isle of the Blessed COLUM THE ELDER Now we are fourteen monks on board this boat. RONAN What shall we do with him? Throw him overboard? BRENDAN No, it is a glorious day. Look, the whale leads us to the Isle of the Blessed. Little Patrick must hide no more. Welcome, Little Patrick. LITTLE PATRICK Thank you, Brendan! COLUM THE ELDER Come, Little Patrick, we shall pray with the twelve monks who steer the boat. ELEANOR I will give you a fresh pair of clothes, Little Patrick. Exit Colum the Elder, Little Patrick and Eleanor Brendan, Ronan, and Donnegal remain on board. RONAN It was a rough day BRENDAN But a glorious one. RONAN When do you think we shall reach the Isle of the Blessed? BRENDAN Ask the whale. Donnegal laughs RONAN But we will be there soon? BRENDAN I believe we shall, Ronan. We shall be there soon. End scene ________________ Act 3 Scene 3: Third adventure SETTING The boat’s deck Little Patrick and Donnegal are looking out to sea Music: Coagulated Sea Direction: This is music sung by ... Lyrics below Filename: NARRATOR Little Patrick and Donnegal stand on the deck and look out to sea. DONNEGAL Do you see anything? LITTLE PATRICK Nothing yet. The sea is calm and the whale leads us on. DONNEGAL What is on the Isle of the Blessed? LITTLE PATRICK That it is where Adam and Eve were banished after they ate the fruit from the Garden of Eden. But I do not know what we shall find there.’ DONNEGAL Why does Brendan seek the Isle of the Blessed? LITTLE PATRICK I heard talk of an innkeeper's daughter named Imogen. But beyond that, I do not know. DONNEGAL And Saint Enda gave him a boat? LITTLE PATRICK Saint Enda believes in Brendan’s destiny. You ask many questions, Donnegal? DONNEGAL I am only curious. Enter Brendan and Eleanor BRENDAN Hello. How is the whale? LITTLE PATRICK The whale sails! ELEANOR Indeed! After many days of sail, we are still on the whale’s tail! BRENDAN He plots a gentle path for our boat! Blessed is the whale that is our sun in the morn and our star at night. LITTLE PATRICK But we need the wind too. I will climb the mast and adjust the sails. BRENDAN Good, Little Patrick. Little Patrick exits BRENDAN Ah, he reminds me of Eleanor! She often climbed the roof of the inn. ELEANOR The roof of the inn? BRENDAN Aye, when she did not want to sweep and clean, she hid on the roof! I miss her so! ELEANOR Was she a good friend? BRENDAN She was my closest friend Turns to Donnegal And where is your closest friend - Ronan? DONNEGAL Closest friend? Ronan enters ELEANOR Look, there is Ronan. RONAN Good morning! Today will be a good day! BRENDAN Aye, Ronan. How do you know? RONAN I feel it in my bones. DONNEGAL I must go to the twelve monks. Perhaps I can help with their duties on the boat. BRENDAN Aye Donnegal, thank you. Donnegal leaves the deck Colum the Elder rushes on board He passes Donnegal COLUM THE ELDER Donnegal, where are you going? Donnegal does not answer and exits the stage Colum the Elder hurries to Brendan, Eleanor, and Ronan BRENDAN My dear Colum the Elder. You join us on deck. COLUM THE ELDER Aye, Brendan. I spotted someone from the cabin. RONAN Someone? COLUM THE ELDER Aye, a man on a rock! ELEANOR (shouts) Indeed! Look! Eleanor points to the sea. An old man on a rock comes into view. It is Judas Iscariot. BRENDAN (shouts) Hello good friend! The boat nears Judas Iscariot. JUDAS ISCARIOT Hello Brendan. This is as far as you shall go! BRENDAN Good sir, how do you know my name? JUDAS ISCARIOT The Lord has revealed your name to me. BRENDAN And why would the Lord reveal my name to you? JUDAS ISCARIOT I am close to the Lord. Come to the rock Brendan, and I will tell you more. COLUM THE ELDER (whispers to Brendan) Can we trust this man? BRENDAN Have faith, Colum the Elder. I will go. I feel our journey is at its end. ELEANOR Take care, Brendan. BRENDAN Never fear Finn. The Lord is on our side. Brendan climbs over the boat and goes to the rock The old man and Brendan talk, but it is not audible ELEANOR Who do you suppose this old man is? COLUM THE ELDER I am afraid I do not know. RONAN I think I do. COLUM THE ELDER You do? ELEANOR Who? The old man on the rock places his hand on Brendan’s head. A light shines from the sky JUDAS ISCARIOT I am Judas Iscariot, guardian of the Isle of the Blessed. I was appointed to this rock by the Lord as a penance for my sin. I stand here and protect those who sail this sea. RONAN (hisses) Judas! Music: Judas Direction: This is sung by ??. Lyric below Filename: JUDAS ISCARIOT Brendan, you have journeyed far, but no more. You will return but henceforth known as Saint Brendan. Ronan reveals a bow and arrow underneath his cloak. He sits the arrow on the bow, raises it and takes aim RONAN Judas! You are guilty of betrayal of the Christ at the Garden of Gethsemane! With my arrow, I shall strike you down! Donnegal runs on the boat DONNEGAL No Ronan! You shall not! Donnegal pushes Ronan. But Ronan has fired the arrow. It sails in the air. Brendan steps in front of Judas Iscariot. The arrow hits Brendan. ELEANOR The arrow has struck Brendan! COLUM THE ELDER No! RONAN Donnegal! What are you doing? Let me go! DONNEGAL No Ronan! You shall not! Ronan reaches for another arrow There is a struggle between Ronan and Donnegal Donnegal pushes Ronan overboard. RONAN (shouts) Oh, the sea! I am in the water! But I shot my arrow at the traitor! Oh no, the whale approaches! The whale swims to the boat and swallows Ronan DONNEGAL He is gone inside the whale. ELEANOR Aye, the whale has swallowed him. COLUM THE ELDER I pray the Lord to have mercy on Ronan’s soul. ELEANOR I must go to Brendan who lies hurt on the rock. Eleanor climbs over the boat and to the rock Brendan has fallen to the ground Eleanor picks up Brendan JUDAS ISCARIOT You have come to save him. ELEANOR Yes, I must take him back to the boat. JUDAS ISCARIOT Very well, take him. You can nurse him back to health. ELEANOR He is wounded. The arrow has lodged deep. How shall I nurse him to health? JUDAS ISCARIOT Your wish will granted for the living when you are true. ELEANOR My wish will be granted when I am true? JUDAS ISCARIOT No further shall the boat pass. It must return. Now go, Eleanor. Colum the Elder and Donnegal reach over and help Eleanor bring Brendan onto the boat. DONNEGAL I am truly sorry. I should have warned everyone about Ronan’s intentions. COLUM THE ELDER It is done, Donnegal. DONNEGAL He heard of the voyage to the Isle of the Blessed. And he heard whispers that Judas Iscariot sat on a rock in the open sea. And he wanted to shoot his arrow into Judas Iscariot’s heart. A revenge for his betrayal of the Christ. COLUM THE ELDER Every arrow leads to sorrow DONNEGAL And I must confess, it was I who slipped the poison into the water. ELEANOR You! DONNEGAL But it was only to slow down the boat’s passage. At best, I thought the boat might turn around to seek help for Brendan. The poison was not fatal. I am sorry, I am a poor man. COLUM THE ELDER This is a grave matter. DONNEGAL It is indeed. JUDAS ISCARIOT Donnegal! Your confession restores faith in humanity. But your penance must be done. DONNEGAL Guide me Judas Iscariot, and I will act. JUDAS ISCARIOT You shall ride on the back of the whale. And you will guide any boat, who dare stray to these waters, to safety. DONNEGAL Aye, that is a blessing. I will go to the whale. Goodbye, all. Donnegal climbs over the boat and settles on the whale. The whale swims away COLUM THE ELDER Goodbye Donnegal! ELEANOR A man who sails the whale! Goodbye! Judas Iscariot has also exited the scene The boat is now in calmer waters, apparently having moved closer to land COLUM THE ELDER Judas Iscariot has gone! ELEANOR And the boat has moved? Are we closer to home? COLUM THE ELDER I believe so. It is a miracle. Come, we must take Brendan to the cabin. The arrow tears his flesh. ELEANOR Oh, Brendan! Colum the Elder and Eleanor carry Brendan Little Patrick rushes onto the deck LITTLE PATRICK What happened? COLUM THE ELDER It is a long tale, Little Patrick. LITTLE PATRICK Did I miss the adventure? ELEANOR Help us with Brendan. He is hurt. But Little Patrick remains on deck, looking dejected Eleanor and Colum the Elder exited the stage, carrying Brendan LITTLE PATRICK Oh no, there was an adventure. What did I miss? end scend ________________ Act 4 Scene 1: A Wish and Death SETTING A cabin Brendan lies on a bed. He is barely awake. Colum the Elder sits next to him. Little Patrick stands at the door[as][at][au]. Music: Land’s End Direction: Instrumental music that plays softly in the background as the characters speak. Filename: NARRATOR The arrow that sailed from Ronan’s bow tore into Brendan’s flesh. He lies on a bed in the cabin and has a fever. BRENDAN (coughs) Ah! COLUM THE ELDER Rest, Saint Brendan BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Saint? COLUM THE ELDER Judas Iscariot anointed you so. LITTLE PATRICK And the monks on the boat do agree. COLUM THE ELDER You have led us through past the Island of Paradise birds. You were blessed enough that the Lord sent a whale to guide the boat. And we found Judas Iscariot, who set his hand on your head and a light shone from heaven. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) And the Isle of the Blessed? LITTLE PATRICK We are on the Isle of the Blessed, Saint Brendan. BRENDAN (coughs and whispers hoarsely) Ah! Are we? COLUM THE ELDER The boat is the Isle of the Blessed because we are in the company of Saint Brendan. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) I do not feel well COLUM THE ELDER You must rest. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) I have not said goodbye to so many LITTLE PATRICK (tearing) This is not goodbye. We will return to the monastery together! BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Home COLUM THE ELDER What did you say? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Home[av] COLUM THE ELDER We shall return to shore and you shall visit home. LITTLE PATRICK Listen, the monks sing outside your door. Music: Venient Annis Direction: This is sung outside the door by the choir Filename: BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Beautiful song COLUM THE ELDER They sing to you. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Rather sing for the heavens There is a knock on the door. Little Patrick opens it. Eleanor enters LITTLE PATRICK Hello Finn ELEANOR How is Brendan? COLUM THE ELDER He rests. ELEANOR Perhaps I can make his bed and tidy the room? A clean room will surely improve his health. COLUM THE ELDER Of course. We will go. Once you are done, you can leave as well. Colum the Elder and Little Patrick leave the cabin BRENDAN (coughs and whispers hoarsely) Ah! Finn ELEANOR Hush Saint Brendan, you must rest. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Yes, rest. ELEANOR The boat cuts a path in the sea to home. We shall be there soon. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Home ELEANOR Yes, home. Do you remember home, Saint Brendan? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) I remember home, Finn. But will I get there? ELEANOR Yes, you shall BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) I...I don’t... ELEANOR Judas Iscariot granted me a wish for the living when I am true. And I am true to you Saint Brendan. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) A wish? ELEANOR Yes. So - Judas Iscariot, I call upon the wish for the living when I am true. I wish that Saint Brendan is healed from the scourge of the arrow! The room is silent. Eleanor looks around the cabin for a sign. She looks at Brendan. But he is still in pain. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) What is this Finn? ELEANOR I don’t know. Something should have happened. I will try again. Judas Iscariot, I call upon the wish for the living when I am true. I wish that Saint Brendan is healed from the scourge of the arrow! Nothing happens. Brendan is not healed. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Finn? ELEANOR No, this cannot be. Brendan, you are not healed. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) I am in pain. I do not have long in this world. ELEANOR Don’t speak such words. We will return to the inn together. BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) The inn! Finn, you must do this for me. ELEANOR What must I do? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Go to the inn. There is a girl... ELEANOR (slightly disappointed, since she believes Brendan wants to talk about Imogen) Who is this girl? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) A beautiful girl... Tell her I... ELEANOR A beautiful girl? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Beautiful in heart and grace ELEANOR Who is she? What must I tell her? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) She...Tell her I... ELEANOR Who? BRENDAN (whispers hoarsely) Eleanor! Eleanor's eyes fill with tears. ELEANOR Oh, Brendan! Brendan's eyes slowly close. When I am true! I know what it means! I must reveal myself to Brendan and then wish. Eleanor removes her disguise and her hat to reveal her true self. Her hair is still tied up, as she always was when playing with Brendan at the inn. But she is clearly recognizable as a woman. Judas Iscariot, I call upon the wish for the living when I am true. I wish that Saint Brendan is healed from the scourge of the arrow! Nothing happens. Eleanor looks at Brendan. His eyes are closed. It is clear that he has passed away. There is a light around his bed, to signify that he is at last in peace. Eleanor shouts No! He has passed before I could finish my wish! Brendan! Do not go! Do not leave me! Brendan! The door opens. Colum the Elder and Little Patrick enter the cabin COLUM THE ELDER We heard the shouting...oh! They expected to see Finn, but they see Eleanor in the cabin. It is clear to them that Finn was a woman in disguise. ELEANOR Saint Brendan has passed on! COLUM THE ELDER The Lord takes his children to heaven. LITTLE PATRICK Finn? Is that you? A woman on the boat? Who are you? A pause ELEANOR Eleanor! ________________ Act 4 Scene 2: The Curse SETTING The year 510 In the yard of an inn It is the same setting as Act 2 Scene 1 The innkeeper’s daughter Imogen is standing in the yard. She watches a little child play. It is her daughter. NARRATOR This the yard of the inn. Imogen is there, taking care of a young girl. It is her daughter. Music: Homecoming Direction: Instrumental music, which is played as Imogen speaks to her daughter. It continues to play while Eleanor enters the scene. Lyrics, Music and Recording below Filename: The child moves to the end of the yard IMOGEN Come, my child. Do not stray far. But the child laughs Listen to your mother. Do not stray far. Suddenly the child is startled, screams and runs back to Imogen What is it, my child? What has scared you? Eleanor enters the yard. Her hair is untied and falls down her back. She is upset and angry. So it is clear why the child was scared. Who are you? Why do you scare my daughter? Wait, is it…? ELEANOR Good day Imogen. IMOGEN Eleanor? Is it really you? ELEANOR Yes, it is I. IMOGEN You have changed. ELEANOR (looks at the child) So have you. IMOGEN This is my daughter. ELEANOR She looks like her mother. IMOGEN Thank you, Eleanor. There is silence. Imogen looks closely at Eleanor. Are you feeling well? ELEANOR No. IMOGEN Perhaps you must lie down? ELEANOR I shall stand. IMOGEN What happened to you? Years have passed since you left the inn. ELEANOR Yes, it has been years. IMOGEN And Brendan too! It has been years since people heard from him. ELEANOR He is Saint Brendan now. IMOGEN Saint Brendan? How? ELEANOR It is a tale of splendor and courage. IMOGEN Brendan? The very Brendan who cleaned donkey slop? ELEANOR Yes, the very Brendan who cleaned donkey slop. He was far more dashing and daring than anybody could have imagine. IMOGEN Dashing and daring? Saint Brendan? You must tell me all that happened. ELEANOR Saint Brendan was sent by Saint Enda on a voyage to the Isle of the Blessed. He was captain of the boat. He had many adventures. He passed through the Island of Paradise birds and even walked on a whale. IMOGEN Walked on a whale? ELEANOR Indeed. And the whale led him to Judas Iscariot. IMOGEN Judas Iscariot? ELEANOR We could not sail further with the boat. And Saint Brendan was blessed by Judas Iscariot. But he was betrayed by a terrible man on the boat. IMOGEN Betrayed? ELEANOR He shot an arrow that tore the flesh of Saint Brendan. IMOGEN Oh no! ELEANOR Alas, Saint Brendan is no longer with us. He has passed on. IMOGEN I am truly sorry to hear that. ELEANOR (angrier) That you are, and that you shall be. IMOGEN That I shall be? ELEANOR This would never have happened if you hadn’t spurred Saint Brendan on. IMOGEN Whatever do you mean? ELEANOR Saint Brendan wanted to prove he was dashing and daring to win your heart. IMOGEN I never told him... ELEANOR You played with his heart, and alas, he is no more. IMOGEN But he… ELEANOR (shouts) Enough! IMOGEN (puts her hand around her child protectively) Come, my child. Eleanor, do not shout. You scare my daughter. ELEANOR Your daughter? IMOGEN Yes, she is scared. And so am I. ELEANOR Do not fear Imogen, I will not harm you. IMOGEN (distrustingly) Are you sure? ELEANOR Judas Iscariot, I call upon the wish for the living when I am true. The tale of Saint Brendan must forever be told by the daughters of Imogen. And the daughters of those daughters. And so forth till eternity. They must pass on the tale at every inn and every house. IMOGEN Eleanor, what is this? ELEANOR They shall never be free. They will always beg to tell the tale of Saint Brendan! IMOGEN No Eleanor! A light flickers on the stage and a thunderclap is heard. It is a sign that Eleanor’s wish has been granted. ELEANOR Good day Imogen. Donkey slop awaits your daughters forever! Eleanor exits the stage Imogen falls to the ground, hugs her daughter and cries. ________________ Act 5 Scene 1: Return to the pub in Kerry SETTING A pub in Kerry, Ireland. Modern times. The bartender, policeman and young man sit open-mouthed as the old woman concludes her story. NARRATOR Now we return to the pub in Kerry, Ireland. It is once more, the present times. Everyone has listened closely to the tale. POLICEMAN What a story! BARTENDER I’ll drink to that YOUNG MAN I don’t believe it ELDERLY LADY Believe it, young man YOUNG MAN Why should I? ELDERLY LADY Because it is true YOUNG MAN (suspicious) Wait a minute, who are you? What is your name? ELDERLY LADY Imogen BARTENDER No ELDERLY LADY Yes, it is. And now, my pint, please? YOUNG MAN Imogen! The innkeeper’s daughter? ELDERLY LADY Her lineage is ripe in me. My pint, please? YOUNG MAN And why do you deserve a pint? ELDERLY LADY I am cursed because of the actions of my ancestors. I do not deserve that. And so, a pint for pity’s sake. BARTENDER I am not convinced ELDERLY LADY No man or child should bear the weight of those that came before them. Even if we are directed by prophecies such as Seneca’s directing Brendan over the sea... POLICEMAN How do we even know if the story is true? ELDERLY LADY Look it up! Come now, you represent the law. Please make a ruling. Don’t I deserve the pint? POLICEMAN I may rule, but I cannot execute. It is the Bartender whose hand is on the bottle. BARTENDER I may execute but I cannot pay. It is the Young man whose hand is on the coin. YOUNG MAN Brendan the Saint said love rules the world. But no, it is money. And a fool and his money are easily parted. I am no fool. ELDERLY LADY Bureaucracy! In a pub! This will ruin us all! Listen, pity an old woman who is cursed to tell the tale from thousands of years ago. I have done nothing wrong. POLICEMAN You don’t need to tell the tale. You have free will. ELDERLY LADY There is no freedom from the curse. It is from Judas Iscariot himself. YOUNG MAN I thought it was Eleanor who cursed Imogen ELDERLY LADY But she was granted the wish from Judas Iscariot. Oh please, a pint. The Bartender looks at the Policeman as if asking for approval There is silence ELDERLY LADY Well, come on! A pint! My ancestor Imogen was innocent. Eleanor was the villain. She cursed Imogen’s female descendants. YOUNG MAN But I thought Eleanor was a hero in the story. ELDERLY LADY (shakes her head) Have you listened to my story? POLICEMAN There are no heroes or villains in life - just people with their best intentions. ELDERLY LADY But sometimes these best intentions are selfish and not for the greater good. POLICEMAN Who are we to judge? ELDERLY LADY Of course, we can. If it is not for the greater good, then surely these intentions are not the best. BARTENDER Philosophy? In a pub? How absurd! A pint, anyone? ELDERLY LADY Oh yes! YOUNG MAN (passes a coin) Here, I will buy it for her. She is a lady and a philosopher. POLICEMAN Are you sure? YOUNG MAN You heard her story. POLICEMAN Yes. A story. Music: Loose Ends[aw] Direction: This is a hip instrumental, which can be used to play as the credits roll Lyrics below Filename: The end [a]Voices Dan Lockhart and Mary Ann Lockhart [b]I will also include this in the title screen intro [c]that could be an interesting idea for the video - to have for instance a picture of the young and old Ingrid Bergman to show the becoming young of Imogen. - Still I feel it would be cool to have somethin in act 2 that hints at the Brendan legend somehow... [d]That's a great idea - to show the transformation. I will pass it on to Frank. [e]that could be an interesting idea for the video - to have for instance a picture of the young and old Ingrid Bergman to show the becoming young of Imogen. - Still I feel it would be cool to have somethin in act 2 that hints at the Brendan legend somehow... [f]That's a great idea - to show the transformation. I will pass it on to Frank. [g]still a bit puzzled by this [h]The idea was that, the actress who plays the old woman, would also play Imogen. The actor who plays the Bartender, who also play Ronan. And so on and so forth. It is more for stage direction. [i]may be the scene can be rewritten to make the song fit? Like brendan & Imogen argue about B's love for sailing, and if Imogen will wait for him. [j]That is an idea. I shall look into it. However, in the meanwhile will you write/record a song about sailing that can be sung by Brendan? This song will fit, independent of the writing direction. [k]Love Sailing and I love the sea are 2 titles for 1 and same. I suggest Dan & me will fix this asap [l]Yes, I would prefer to use the songs we have and build around them. [m]Let's keep this note here. Once we have our songs in place then we can review all of the needed music and decide what to do. [n]let's put a deadline on this - let's say 1st of november... [o]Yes, currently we have no female singer involved in the project. [p]choir piece "Venient annis" [q]Brendan is foolish but the book can make him wise and fulfill the task we have for him... you must guard the book well. [r]may be here something about the mystery of the sea - another reson brendan wants to go, a longing for knowing, to get new knowledge... proof of what he read in the book, that was found in act 1...some deeper connection [s]This is a good idea, because it'll fill the gap before Saint Enda's words. I will add a song insert here, with the working title "The sea's mystery calls to me". Can you and Dan work on such a song? [t]_Marked as resolved_ [u]_Re-opened_ a new song is not necessary - we have something in stock, titles could be changed [v]it is actually not an instrumental but monks singing in latin. ... A had a vibe from Monthy Python's Holy grail with that tune... the scene in which the monks hit themselves... here is the latin text [w]Venient annis, saecula seris, quibus Oeceanus Vincula rerum laxet, et ingens patent Tellus, Typhysque novos Detegat orbes: nec sit terris Ultima Thule : [x]in later years a time will come when Oceanus shall relax his bars and a vast territory shall appear, and Tiphys shall discover new worlds, and Thule shall be no longer the remotest spot on earth : (Seneca, predicting the discovery of the New World) [y]I thought it might be good background music. But I'm happy to take direction on how you would like the music to be used in the video. Please advise. [z]The piece Venient Annis (the years will come) - both text and music is for me central to the story of Brendan: Roman sources already knew about the existence of America and this knowledge was passed on to Irish monks. Can the conversation with Enda reflect this? This is an example I felt inspirational https://youtu.be/jUUB96c6EpY (The name of the Rose). [aa]You can also edit the text and add this information in the conversation between Enda and Saint Brendan. Please do so quickly before Daniel starts recording the vocals for this piece. Or else. perhaps you can include this in the song "Saint Enda"? For many items you want to include in the storyline, there is always the possibility to include them in the song lyrics. These can help fill the gaps. [ab]Okay. Will edit the conversation to infuse the Seneca prophecy. The song Saint Enda I will relisten to, not any clear memory of important storyline element there... [ac]Dick I listened to the overture. Since it seems unrelated o other song I am not sure that it is an overture. Perhaps we can use it as background music in one of the scenes. [ad]This is also fine with me. Please edit the document directly and indicate where you want the Overture to play. Then I can get the animator to include it in the video. [ae]Have inserted title and link for Overture on page 22. [af]I think "14 Aboard goes about here" [ag]I captured the music notes as I saw fit. But of course, if things are incorrect, please change them directly on the text. [ah]will put it in a little later [ai]writings instead of manuscript [aj]came to [ak]beyond [al]is 'my' not more logical here? [am]"14 Aboard" should be before Paradise of Birds. [an]In the original outline we have several songs before "Island of Birds" They include "3 Latecomers", "Island Dog", "Stealing", "Island Boy", "Island Sheep"... See Page 4 of this document: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ccb3FGItSenRe3siYGmuPAaFQymkjO7sSpHqUTscYtI/edit [ao]Can you please edit the document and put in the names of the music you want at certain places, including the filename? I will use these in the animation. [ap]Lots of island songs - difficult to say at this point where they might fit - but we will sort it out [aq]+dan012752@gmail.com here https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5uFjthPbNk9WkJMUnUxbmFTWVU ? What do you think? This recording is ver very sketchy, not to be shared further - can't find the lyrics... _Assigned to Daniel Lockhart_ [ar]+dan012752@gmail.com another song opportunity _Assigned to Daniel Lockhart_ [as]Looking through this, I am thinking we may want to make an initial abbreviated play. Then build on it over time to make for a complete (about 2-3 hour play). Phantom of the Opera is 2:30 , Les Miserables is 2:50, Cats is 2:20. [at]Agree. The animation can be thought of as abbreviated with vocal recordings and music that are a guide to the play. You can use this to workshop the play and get participants. [au]2 hours max is my advice. Synopsis as an abbreviated youtube version to win over other folks could be 30 minutes [av]Homecoming ? https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5uFjthPbNk9QTB0blhCS2d3alk +dan012752@gmail.com _Assigned to Daniel Lockhart_ [aw]In the folder called Loose ends - there is a file called Brendan Hip Hop 2 - +dan012752@gmail.com - what do you think? I was also thinking about Storm - https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B5uFjthPbNk9UU9YRUl0VFRVRGc _Assigned to Daniel Lockhart_