by Neil Richards
by Neil Richards
Music W
Music W
orksho
orksho
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Hero
Heroes Of Troy Cast List
Heroes Of Troy Cast List
Cast – Not In Order Of Appearance
Cast – Not In Order Of Appearance
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER . . . .. . . The NarratorThe Narrator
YOUNG SOLDIER
YOUNG SOLDIER . . . .. . . A Greek Soldier A Greek Soldier
Greeks
Greeks
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS. . . .. . . A Greek King A Greek King
HELEN
HELEN. . . .. . . Wife T Wife To Menelauso Menelaus
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON . . . . . . . Brother Of Menelaus, Commander Of The Brother Of Menelaus, Commander Of The Greek Army Greek Army
ACHILLES
ACHILLES . . . . . . . HeroHero
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS. . . .. . . HeroHero
PENELOPE
PENELOPE. . . .. . . Wife Of Odysseus Wife Of Odysseus
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES. . . .. . . Greek OfficerGreek Officer
MESSENGER MESSENGER OFFICER 1 OFFICER 1 OFFICER 2 OFFICER 2 BOY BOY BRISIUS
BRISIUS . . . . . . . A Servant Girl A Servant Girl
AJAX
AJAX . . . .. . . .. . . HeroHero
VARI
VARIOUSOUS. . . .. . . Soldiers, Courtiers, Soldiers, Courtiers, Guards, Ladies-In-Waiting, Food-TGuards, Ladies-In-Waiting, Food-Tasters, Dancers, asters, Dancers, Soldiers’ FamiliesSoldiers’ Families
Trojans
Trojans
KING PRIAM
KING PRIAM. . . .. . . Trojan King Trojan King
HECUBA
HECUBA . . . . . . . Trojan QueenTrojan Queen
PARIS
PARIS. . . .. . . .. . . Son Of Priam And Hecuba Son Of Priam And Hecuba
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA . . . .. . . Paris’s SisterParis’s Sister
HECTOR
HECTOR . . . .. . . Hero (Paris’s Brother)Hero (Paris’s Brother)
TROJAN SOLDIER 1 TROJAN SOLDIER 1 TROJAN SOLDIER 2 TROJAN SOLDIER 2 VARI
Scene
Scene 1:
1: The Fiel
The Fields of Tro
ds of Troy
y
Darkness. A lone figure centre stage – the Old Soldier – lit by a single spot. Darkness. A lone figure centre stage – the Old Soldier – lit by a single spot.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER e e TTrojan rojan WarWar. . YouYou’ve ’ve all all heard heard of of it, it, of of course. course. ee famous Heroes – Achilles, Odysseus
famous Heroes – Achilles, Odysseus,, Hecto Hector. r. ee woman everyon
woman everyone was fighting oe was fighting over – the beaver – the beautifulutiful Helen. e canny trick that won it in the end – Helen. e canny trick that won it in the end – thethe Trojan Horse. But what was the war really about? And Trojan Horse. But what was the war really about? And what was it re
what was it really like? Wally like? Wellell,, let me tell you. Because I let me tell you. Because I should know. I was there on the fields of Troy, all those should know. I was there on the fields of Troy, all those years ago…
years ago…
Te Old Soldier’s light out. Darkness, but now the sound of marching drums Te Old Soldier’s light out. Darkness, but now the sound of marching drums and feet…
and feet…
SONG 1: DESTRUCTION SONG 1: DESTRUCTION
Lights up as from every part of the space, the whole cast as Greeks, rojans and Lights up as from every part of the space, the whole cast as Greeks, rojans and Heroes converge on the centre. Brandishing spears and swords, jeering, singing, fierce, Heroes converge on the centre. Brandishing spears and swords, jeering, singing, fierce, warlike they wheel around each other, every soldier sizing up his/her opponent. warlike they wheel around each other, every soldier sizing up his/her opponent. Finally, climactically, as the song reaches its last line the two sides lock horns in Finally, climactically, as the song reaches its last line the two sides lock horns in slow-mo, blades thrust in attack, bodies twisted in combat as they
mo, blades thrust in attack, bodies twisted in combat as theyFREEZEFREEZE on the line – on the line –
SONG: ALL THE TROOPS IN THE HOUSE GO – FREEZE! SONG: ALL THE TROOPS IN THE HOUSE GO – FREEZE!
In the frozen tableau, all the key cast can clearly be seen. Only one figure is moving In the frozen tableau, all the key cast can clearly be seen. Only one figure is moving – the Old Soldier – who steps out of the centre of the action and walks around it – the Old Soldier – who steps out of the centre of the action and walks around it inspecting the frozen fighters. Each time he mentions a character or a group, they inspecting the frozen fighters. Each time he mentions a character or a group, they wave, smile, bow, swagger of joke as appropriate to the audience.
wave, smile, bow, swagger of joke as appropriate to the audience.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER (Carrying a clipboard which he ticks off.)(Carrying a clipboard which he ticks off.) Welcome to the Welcome to the first second of the first minute of t
first second of the first minute of t he first battle of a warhe first battle of a war
which went o
which went on for ten years! Righn for ten years! Right now – evet now – everybody’rybody’ss still alive. Not a drop of blood has been spilt. So who still alive. Not a drop of blood has been spilt. So who do we have here? On my left – the Greeks. Key players do we have here? On my left – the Greeks. Key players – King Menelaus, their leader. Here – Agamemnon, his – King Menelaus, their leader. Here – Agamemnon, his brother and top general. Getting stuck in
brother and top general. Getting stuck in down theredown there – Palamedes, an important officer. On my right – e – Palamedes, an important officer. On my right – e Trojans. eir king – Priam. His wife Hecuba. eir Trojans. eir king – Priam. His wife Hecuba. eir daughter
daughter – Cassandra…– Cassandra…andand sonson Paris.Paris. He’sHe’s the fellathe fella that started all
that started all this. And here – this. And here – ParisParis’s girlfriend Helen.’s girlfriend Helen. Who’
Who’s Greeks Greek. And actually marrie. And actually married to old Mened to old Menelauslaus over there. You getting a sense of what might be the big over there. You getting a sense of what might be the big problem here? Hmm, I hope so. What about these problem here? Hmm, I hope so. What about these fellasfellas in the special outfits? Well they’re the Heroes. Half man, in the special outfits? Well they’re the Heroes. Half man, half God. Top dogs in the ancient world. For the Greeks half God. Top dogs in the ancient world. For the Greeks – Achilles. And Odysseus. For the Trojans – Priam’s – Achilles. And Odysseus. For the Trojans – Priam’s other son Hector. And that’s the lot. Oh, I nearly forgot. other son Hector. And that’s the lot. Oh, I nearly forgot. He reaches into the heart of the frozen tableau and drags a young soldier out by He reaches into the heart of the frozen tableau and drags a young soldier out by the ear.
the ear.
YOUNG SOLDIER
YOUNG SOLDIER Owwww!!!! Owwww!!!!
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Meet Meet me me – – forty forty years years ago. ago. Still Still wet wet behind behind the the ears.ears. A boy soldier in the
A boy soldier in the court of King Mcourt of King Menelaus. And reenelaus. And readyady for adventure.
for adventure.
Old Soldier kicks Young Soldier back into his battle position. Old Soldier kicks Young Soldier back into his battle position.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Bit Bit of of discipline discipline – – never never harmed harmed me. me. So So how how did did thisthis
(Continued)
(Continued) all all begin begin then? then? Well, Well, like like all all wars wars it it started started overover something small – that got out of hand. is one something small – that got out of hand. is one started over breakfast…
started over breakfast… Te battle unwinds in slo-mo, cast exiting, revealing… Te battle unwinds in slo-mo, cast exiting, revealing…
ACT 1
ACT 1
Scene 2: T
Scene 2: The Court of
he Court of King Menelaus
King Menelaus
A table centre, piled with breakfast. V
A table centre, piled with breakfast. Various guards, ladies in waiting, servants,arious guards, ladies in waiting, servants, food-tasters. A servant holds cards – GREECE. COUR OF KING MENELAUS. food-tasters. A servant holds cards – GREECE. COUR OF KING MENELAUS.
WO YEARS EARLIER. (Old Soldier sits stage right watching throughout the WO YEARS EARLIER. (Old Soldier sits stage right watching throughout the play.) At the table, old King M
play.) At the table, old King Menelaus reads the Ancient Greek enelaus reads the Ancient Greek imes. Yimes. Young Helen,oung Helen, bored, plays with her food…
bored, plays with her food…
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS I I see see olives olives are are going going up.up.
HELEN
HELEN at’s at’s good.good.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS But But TTaramasalaramasalata’s ata’s down.down.
HELEN
HELEN at’s at’s a a shame.shame.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Weather Weather forecast’s forecast’s looking looking better.better.
HELEN
HELEN Sunny?Sunny?
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Hope Hope so. so. Got Got anything anything planned planned for today?for today?
HELEN
HELEN Don’Don’t t know. know. Bit Bit of of shoppinshopping g perhaps.perhaps.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS My My pretty queen pretty queen must look must look her her best!best! A fanfare sounds. Y
A fanfare sounds. YoungoungS S oldier enters.oldier enters.
YOUNG SOLDIER
YOUNG SOLDIER Your Your majesty! A majesty! A TTrojan ship has rojan ship has landed. eir princelanded. eir prince seeks an audience.
seeks an audience.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS But But of coof course! urse! Send Send him in! him in! ((TTo o Helen) DonHelen) Don’t w’t want to getant to get on the wrong side of the Trojans. Do a lot of business on the wrong side of the Trojans. Do a lot of business with the
with the TTrojans.rojans.
Young Soldier exits, and returns with Paris and his Bodyguards. Young Soldier exits, and returns with Paris and his Bodyguards.
YOUNG SOLDIER
YOUNG SOLDIER Your Your majesty…Imajesty…I ppresentresent P Paris,aris, Prince oPrince of Tf Troy!roy! Paris sinks to his knees, kisses Menelaus’s ring.
Paris sinks to his knees, kisses Menelaus’s ring.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Yes, Yes, yes…yes…
PARIS
PARIS (to King Menelaus)(to King Menelaus) My ship was My ship was blown off course.blown off course. I thank you for giving us shelter.
I thank you for giving us shelter.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Greece Greece and and TTroy roy are old are old friendsfriends,, my boy. You are welcome my boy. You are welcome here. Now – let me introduce my wife, Helen…
here. Now – let me introduce my wife, Helen… For the first time Helen and Paris see each other. ime stops. Tey stare For the first time Helen and Paris see each other. ime stops. Tey stare open-mouthed. Te room freezes and Paris speaks to the audience:
mouthed. Te room freezes and Paris speaks to the audience:
PARIS
PARIS It’s It’s her! her! e e woman woman of of my my dreams! dreams! When When I I was was youngyoung the gods told me I would marry the most
the gods told me I would marry the most beautifulbeautiful woman in the wo
woman in the world. And here shrld. And here she is. Te is. Trouble is – shrouble is – she’e’ss already married! What shall I do?!
already married! What shall I do?!
Te room unfreezes, and Paris plays nonchalant. He kneels to Helen and kisses Te room unfreezes, and Paris plays nonchalant. He kneels to Helen and kisses her ring.
her ring.
PARIS (Continued)
PARIS (Continued) Your Your majesty.majesty.
Te king, oblivious to anything going on between them, puts his arm round Paris. Te king, oblivious to anything going on between them, puts his arm round Paris.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Don’Don’t often get t often get royal visitors you know. royal visitors you know. Stay as long Stay as long asas you like, Paris. We’ll have fun!
you like, Paris. We’ll have fun!
PARIS
PARIS BrillianBrilliant! t! Fun’Fun’s s my my middle middle name!name!
Te King leads Paris off, followed by Young Soldier and Bodyguards. Old Soldier Te King leads Paris off, followed by Young Soldier and Bodyguards. Old Soldier steps forward.
steps forward.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Well Well fun fun is is what what they they had.had. As he speaks the King, Paris, Y
As he speaks the King, Paris, Young Soldier and Bodyguards criss cross the stage,oung Soldier and Bodyguards criss cross the stage, laughing, joking, carrying tennis rackets, then golf clubs, then a football, goggles and laughing, joking, carrying tennis rackets, then golf clubs, then a football, goggles and snorkel and towels etc etc… Helen watches longingly – and when Menelaus isn’t snorkel and towels etc etc… Helen watches longingly – and when Menelaus isn’t watching, Paris
watching, Paris’s gaze l’s gaze l ingers on ingers on Helen: it’s clear they’rHelen: it’s clear they’re in e in love.love.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER ey ey got got on on like like a a house house on on fire. fire. Days Days went went by. by. Weeks.Weeks.
(Continued)
(Continued) A A whole whole month. month. Paris Paris and and Menelaus Menelaus were were like like oldold friends. Until…
friends. Until… A Messenger enters, bows to the King. A Messenger enters, bows to the King.
MESSENGER
MESSENGER Your Your highnesshighness.. He hands Menelaus a note.
He hands Menelaus a note.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Dear oh Dear oh dear. A dear. A crisiscrisis, in , in Athens. I shall have Athens. I shall have to go, canto go, can’t’t avoid it.
avoid it.
PARIS
PARIS That is a shame.That is a shame.
Paris looks at Helen
Paris looks at Helen – and Helen looks – and Helen looks at Paris. Menelaus doesn’t notice.at Paris. Menelaus doesn’t notice.
PARIS (Continued)
PARIS (Continued) How How long long will will you you be be gone?gone?
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS TTwo weeks. wo weeks. ree at ree at the most. Helen the most. Helen will look after youwill look after you – won’t you my dear?
– won’t you my dear?
HELEN
HELEN Yes Yes my my king, king, I I shall.shall.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS WonWon’t ’t be as much be as much fun as being with me, eh fun as being with me, eh – Paris?– Paris?
PARIS
PARIS (Looking (Looking atat Helen.) Oh no. Won’t beHelen.) Oh no. Won’t be the same atthe same at all.all.
Helen and Paris watch the King exit with his courtiers. And now they stare at each Helen and Paris watch the King exit with his courtiers. And now they stare at each other… Paris
other… Paris’s bodyguards exit, Helen’s ladies exit, Young Soldier exits – but ’s bodyguards exit, Helen’s ladies exit, Young Soldier exits – but thenthen sneaks back to watch from behind a pillar.
sneaks back to watch from behind a pillar.
PARIS (Continued)
PARIS (Continued) Helen. Helen.
HELEN
HELEN Paris.Paris.
PARIS
PARIS ere’ere’s s somethinsomething g I I need need to to say say to to you…you…
HELEN
HELEN Oh!Oh!
PARIS
PARIS Something Something that that can’can’t t be be said said just just in in words…words… As the guitar intro starts, the backing vocalists/band/dancers slip onto stage and As the guitar intro starts, the backing vocalists/band/dancers slip onto stage and
suddenly there’s a mike in
suddenly there’s a mike in ParisParis’s hand…’s hand…
SONG 2: IS IT LOVE? SONG 2: IS IT LOVE?
Paris and Helen sing the ballad to each other, sharing with chorus. When it finishes Paris and Helen sing the ballad to each other, sharing with chorus. When it finishes they
they’re staring dreamily into ’re staring dreamily into each other’s eyes.each other’s eyes.
PARIS (Continued)
PARIS (Continued) I thI think ink it is, it is, isn’isn’t it?t it?
HELEN
HELEN Yes. Yes. It It is.is.
PARIS
PARIS Come Come with with me me to to TTroy. roy. Live Live with with me me there. there. Be Be my my wife.wife.
HELEN
HELEN What about King What about King Menelaus?Menelaus?
PARIS
PARIS It’s me you really love – isn’t it?It’s me you really love – isn’t it? He takes her hand
He takes her hand and the two exit and the two exit dreamily, watched by Ydreamily, watched by Young Soldier andoung Soldier and Old Soldier.
Old Soldier.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER ey ey headed headed straight straight for for the the TTrojan rojan boat boat and and sailedsailed away to Troy. And that was the last we – I – me – us – away to Troy. And that was the last we – I – me – us – you know what I mean – saw of them. For quite some you know what I mean – saw of them. For quite some time…
time…
Lights up. King Menelaus returns to a full court – mime under the narration: Lights up. King Menelaus returns to a full court – mime under the narration:
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER e King returned with bags of e King returned with bags of presents from Athens.presents from Athens.
(Continued)
(Continued) I I got got the the job job of of telling telling him him the the news. news. At At first first he he waswas stunned. en he got angry. en he got violent. en stunned. en he got angry. en he got violent. en he thought for a while. en he came up with he thought for a while. en he came up with a solution…
a solution… Te King addresses his court: Te King addresses his court:
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS I know I know what I’m what I’m going to do. going to do. I’m I’m going to raise an going to raise an army,army, sail to Troy and get Helen back. Paris is going to pay for sail to Troy and get Helen back. Paris is going to pay for this. e whole of Troy is going to pay for this. Because this. e whole of Troy is going to pay for this. Because this means WAR!!! YES! WAR!!! WAR!!!
this means WAR!!! YES! WAR!!! WAR!!! Te whole court joins in the chant:
Te whole court joins in the chant:
ALL
ALL WAR! WAR! WAR! WAR! WAR! WAR! WAR!WAR! Still chanting and shouting, they exit.
Still chanting and shouting, they exit.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER So So that’that’s s how how it it started. started. A A boy boy and and a a girl girl making making eyes eyes atat each other. Let that be a
Scene 3: The Camp at Aulis
Scene 3: The Camp at Aulis
ents, soldiers training, marching, drilling – excited and busy preparations for ents, soldiers training, marching, drilling – excited and busy preparations for war. Young Soldier is part of the drills. As he marches he holds up a card: HE war. Young Soldier is part of the drills. As he marches he holds up a card: HE GREEK ARMY CAMP
GREEK ARMY CAMP, HREE MONHS LAER. Agamemnon is with , HREE MONHS LAER. Agamemnon is with otherother OFFICERS looking at maps and plans over lunch.
OFFICERS looking at maps and plans over lunch.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER King King Menelaus Menelaus didn’t didn’t hang hang about. about. Luckily Luckily his his brotherbrother Agamemnon wa
Agamemnon was a top general and hs a top general and he soon had ae soon had a massive Greek army all sorted and ready t massive Greek army all sorted and ready t o go.o go. Enter Menelaus.
Enter Menelaus.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Ready Ready for for warwar,, Agamemnon? Agamemnon?
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Fighting Fighting fit fit and and hungry hungry for for action, action, brotherbrother. . Only Only oneone problem…
problem…
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Problem? Problem?
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 With With respect, respect, your your majesty, majesty, there’s there’s somethinsomething g missinmissing.g.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Missing?! Missing?!
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 YYeses,, sir. Missing. sir. Missing.
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 We We don’don’t t have have any…any…
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 WeWe’re ’re a a bit bit light light on…on…
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Come Come on! on! Spit Spit it it out!out! Palamedes, their superior officer joins the group. Palamedes, their superior officer joins the group.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Palamedes – Palamedes – your your men complain men complain there’s there’s somethinsomething g
(Continued)
(Continued) missing missing in in our our preparation.preparation.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES ere ere is is sir. sir. Heroes.Heroes.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS What?! What?!
OFFICER 1 & 2
OFFICER 1 & 2 We We don’don’t t have have any any heroes heroes sir!sir!
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 In In the the army.army.
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 On On our our side.side.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Ah. Ah. I I see.see.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN Can’Can’t t go go to to war war without without heroes, heroes, brother.brother.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS No, No, of of course.course.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN Can’Can’t t win win a a battle battle without without heroes.heroes.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Very Very true. So true. So why donwhy don’t ’t we have we have any?any?
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES A A very very good good questionquestion,, sir. sir.
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 We We sent sent a a message message to to Odysseus.Odysseus.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS OhOh,, good choice. Odysseus – he’s a top hero. good choice. Odysseus – he’s a top hero.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES But But he he hasn’t hasn’t turned turned up.up.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS No? No? at’s at’s odd.odd.
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 And And we we went went looking looking for for Achilles…Achilles…
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS OhOh,, Achilles. Very good choice. One of the best heroes, Achilles. Very good choice. One of the best heroes, without a doubt.
without a doubt.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES But But it it seems seems he’s he’s gone gone missing.missing.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Missing? Missing? at’s at’s even even odder.odder.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN I I don’don’t t understaunderstand nd it. it. Here Here we we are, are, army army all all hot hot to to trottrot – and the two most famous heroes in Greece just upped – and the two most famous heroes in Greece just upped and disappeared.
and disappeared.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Not for Not for long! Gelong! Get some t some men togethmen together Agameer Agamemnon –mnon – and find me my heroes! We’ve got a war to win! and find me my heroes! We’ve got a war to win!
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN You You heard heard him him Palamedes! Palamedes! Get Get me me some some heroes!heroes! All action, Palamedes and his officers hurry off left to do their duty… Te King and All action, Palamedes and his officers hurry off left to do their duty… Te King and Agamemnon exit right.
Scene 4: Odysseus’s Farm
Scene 4: Odysseus’s Farm
Queen Penelope with her baby and various COURIERS. Old Soldier narrates. Queen Penelope with her baby and various COURIERS. Old Soldier narrates.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER A A word word about about heroes. heroes. I’ve I’ve seen seen my my share share of of heroes. heroes. I’mI’m an old man. But back then I was starry-eyed. I couldn’t an old man. But back then I was starry-eyed. I couldn’t wait to meet one.
wait to meet one. And I got my chance And I got my chance when we alwhen we alll went looking fo
went looking for Odysseus and Acr Odysseus and Achilles… Firhilles… First stop –st stop – the Odysseus household.
the Odysseus household. Enter Palamedes and his
Enter Palamedes and his two men, with Young Soldier.two men, with Young Soldier.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Queen Queen Penelope! Penelope! We We come come from from King King Menelaus, Menelaus, seekingseeking Odysseus.
Odysseus.
PENELOPE
PENELOPE Oh Oh really? really? Well Well we’re we’re all all seeking seeking Odysseus.Odysseus.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Is Is he he lostlost,, ma’am? ma’am?
PENELOPE
PENELOPE Lost to the world. Look!Lost to the world. Look!
In the distance (in and out of the audience?) Odysseus is behind an ox ploughing his In the distance (in and out of the audience?) Odysseus is behind an ox ploughing his fields, scattering salt.
fields, scattering salt.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Odysseus Odysseus – – the the hero hero – – ploughing!ploughing!
PENELOPE
PENELOPE OhOh,, that’s the least of it. Do you see what he’s planting? that’s the least of it. Do you see what he’s planting?
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 It It looks looks like…like…
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 Salt!Salt!
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Is Is he…ill,he…ill, m ma’am?a’am?
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 Not Not the the word word I’d I’d use…use…
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Quiet Quiet soldier!soldier!
PENELOPE
PENELOPE WellWell,, let’s just say he’s felt better. let’s just say he’s felt better. As Odysseus approaches Palamedes steps towards him. As Odysseus approaches Palamedes steps towards him.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Sir! Sir! Odysseus! Odysseus! I I come come from from King King Menelaus,Menelaus, requesting you to join his army to fight for justice requesting you to join his army to fight for justice against the Trojans.
against the Trojans.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Dum Dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum dee dee dum dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum diddly diddly do.do. Steering nonchalantly, Odysseus heads round again.
Steering nonchalantly, Odysseus heads round again.
PENELOPE
PENELOPE See? See? He’He’s s lost lost it. it. Certainly Certainly not not fit fit enough enough to to go go offoff fighting a war.
fighting a war.
OFFICER 1
OFFICER 1 Certainly Certainly looks looks like like it.it.
OFFICER 2
OFFICER 2 It’s It’s not not easy easy being being a a herohero,, I suppose. I suppose.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Hmm.Hmm.
PENELOPE
PENELOPE Why Why don’don’t t you you head head back back to to King King Menelaus. Menelaus. And And ifif Odysseus gets better, I’ll let you know.
Odysseus gets better, I’ll let you know.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Hmm.Hmm. Odysseus passes by again. Odysseus passes by again.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Dum Dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum dee dee dum dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum diddly diddly do.do. Palamedes scratches his head. Ten has an idea.
Palamedes scratches his head. Ten has an idea.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Your Your majesty majesty – – pass pass me me the the baby, baby, please.please.
She does – uncertain… Palamedes takes the baby – and places it in the path of She does – uncertain… Palamedes takes the baby – and places it in the path of Odysseus
Odysseus’s pl’s pl ough.ough.
PENELOPE
PENELOPE What What are are you you doing?! doing?! My My baby!baby!
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Soldiers…Soldiers…
He nods to the two officers who hold back Penelope. Odysseus and his plough get He nods to the two officers who hold back Penelope. Odysseus and his plough get closer and closer to the baby. Surely it’s going to be run over!
closer and closer to the baby. Surely it’s going to be run over!
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Dum Dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum dee dee dum dum dee dee dum. dum. Dum Dum diddly diddly do.do.
PENELOPE
Odysseus gets closer…and closer…and then at the last minute pulls the ox away. Odysseus gets closer…and closer…and then at the last minute pulls the ox away. Penelope rushes to get the baby.
Penelope rushes to get the baby.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS (to PALAMEDES)(to PALAMEDES) Now that was a mean trick. Not fair Now that was a mean trick. Not fair at all.
at all.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES One One trick trick deserves deserves another another sir.sir.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Hmmph.Hmmph.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES I I take take it it you’re you’re quite quite fit fit to to go go to to war?war?
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Completely. Completely. Just Just bad bad timing. timing. New New baby. baby. Didn’Didn’t t feel feel likelike charging off being heroic.
charging off being heroic.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES It’s It’s part part of of the the jobjob,, sir. sir.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS anks anks for for reminding reminding me.me. He puts his arm around Penelope.
He puts his arm around Penelope.
PENELOPE
PENELOPE We We nearly nearly got got away away with with it, it, didn’t didn’t we?we?
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Nearly.Nearly. ( ( ToToPAPALL A A M M E E D D E E S S ) ) I’ll get my armour I’ll get my armour and we’dand we’d
best be on our way… best be on our way… Tey exit. Enter Old Sol
Tey exit. Enter Old Sol dier.dier.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Even Even heroes heroes try try to to get get out out of of fighting. fighting. Next Next stop stop waswas Skyros where Achilles the hero had been sighted. Skyros where Achilles the hero had been sighted.
Scene 5: The Island of Skyros
Scene 5: The Island of Skyros
Lights up to reveal Achilles and his girl cousins dancing at a party. Achilles has a Lights up to reveal Achilles and his girl cousins dancing at a party. Achilles has a rather bad disguise over his armour – and he looks mightily unhappy.
rather bad disguise over his armour – and he looks mightily unhappy.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Achilles’ Achilles’ mother mother knew knew the the legend legend that that Achilles Achilles would would bebe killed in battle. When he was a baby she dipped him in killed in battle. When he was a baby she dipped him in the river Styx to make him
the river Styx to make him immortal. But you can neverimmortal. But you can never be too careful. So she’d hidden him away with his girl be too careful. So she’d hidden him away with his girl cousins. Palamedes and the lads tracked him cousins. Palamedes and the lads tracked him down…down… Palamedes talks with a servant girl, then he and the officers and Young Soldier force Palamedes talks with a servant girl, then he and the officers and Young Soldier force their way into the party. Palamedes finds the music player – and turns it off. Silence. their way into the party. Palamedes finds the music player – and turns it off. Silence. Slowly he circles the girls (and Achilles who’s in a dress with long hair disguise), Slowly he circles the girls (and Achilles who’s in a dress with long hair disguise), suspicious… Achilles tries his best to look girlish.
suspicious… Achilles tries his best to look girlish.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER He He knew knew that that Achilles Achilles was was a a born born warrior. warrior. And And that that hehe
(Continued)
(Continued) would would never never ignore ignore a a drawn drawn sword. sword. e e rest rest was was easy…easy… Palamedes suddenly draws his sword – and Achilles reacts like lightning, throwing Palamedes suddenly draws his sword – and Achilles reacts like lightning, throwing off his ’dress’ and pulling his own sword out and launching himself at Palamedes. off his ’dress’ and pulling his own sword out and launching himself at Palamedes.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Dog! Dog! You You draw draw your your sword sword on on girls?!girls?!!!
He hurls Palamedes to the ground and scares off the other officers with a wild stroke. He hurls Palamedes to the ground and scares off the other officers with a wild stroke.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES Achilles! Achilles! Sir! Sir! Please!! Please!! I I am am here here from from King King MenelausMenelaus requesting your presence in our great army bound to requesting your presence in our great army bound to fight the Trojans…
fight the Trojans…
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Aha! Aha! I I see! see! e e old old sword sword trick! trick! Very Very clever, clever, very very neat!neat! He pulls Palamedes up and brushes him off.
He pulls Palamedes up and brushes him off.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES What What took took you you so so long? long? I I am am soooo soooo bored bored withwith
(Continued)
(Continued) dancing. dancing. Bring Bring me me my my armour armour and and let’let’s s get get out out of of here!here! ey say there’s a war coming and I don’t want to miss it! ey say there’s a war coming and I don’t want to miss it!
Palamedes and the girls help Achilles into his armour, and as he breaks into song, Palamedes and the girls help Achilles into his armour, and as he breaks into song, they act as chorus:
they act as chorus:
SONG 3: THE WONDER OF SONG 3: THE WONDER OF WARWAR
Arm in arm Achilles and Palamedes leave the party. Arm in arm Achilles and Palamedes leave the party.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER And And so so we we had had our our army army – – and and our our heroes. heroes. We We werewere ready
ready. But what of . But what of Paris and Helen – and the Paris and Helen – and the people ofpeople of Troy? Were they ready? We didn’t know, of course. But Troy? Were they ready? We didn’t know, of course. But that doesn’
Scene
Scene 6:
6: The T
The Trojan Pa
rojan Palace
lace
A card: HE
A card: HE ROJAN PALACE. King Priam and Queen HROJAN PALACE. King Priam and Queen Hecuba lounge onecuba lounge on cushions. Around them a relaxed court chats, gossips, nibbles, in small groups. cushions. Around them a relaxed court chats, gossips, nibbles, in small groups. Hector shows off some
Hector shows off some fighting moves to some fighting moves to some adoring adoring rojan ladies. Helen rojan ladies. Helen and Parisand Paris play chess – still a couple in love. Te calm before the storm…
play chess – still a couple in love. Te calm before the storm…
PARIS
PARIS Check!Check!
HELEN
HELEN Hmm… Hmm… No… No… not not quite…quite…
PARIS
PARIS YouYou’re ’re too too clever clever for for me me Helen!Helen!
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA I I do wish do wish Hector would Hector would put that put that sword awaysword away. H. He’s e’s goinggoing to hurt somebody.
to hurt somebody.
PRIAM
PRIAM e e boy’s boy’s convinced convinced there’s there’s going going to to be be a a war.war.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA Silly Silly rumours.rumours.
PRIAM
PRIAM Forgive Forgive and and forget. forget. at’s at’s what what Menelaus Menelaus should should do.do. Helen made her choice.
Helen made her choice.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA And the And the right choice it right choice it was. Who was. Who wouldn’t wouldn’t want to want to bebe married to our darling Paris?
married to our darling Paris?
PRIAM
PRIAM Exactly. Exactly. Anyway, Anyway, Menelaus Menelaus would would be be a a fool fool to to try try andand attack Troy.
attack Troy. Hector joins them.
Hector joins them.
HECTOR
HECTOR Just Just let let him him try.try.
PRIAM
PRIAM at’s at’s the the spirit spirit Hector.Hector.
HECTOR
HECTOR e e walls walls are are twenty twenty foot foot thick. thick. WeWe’ve ’ve got got food food andand water to last for y
water to last for years.ears.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA e e bravest bravest army army in in the the world.world.
PRIAM
PRIAM And And the the bravest bravest sons sons a a father father could could wish wish for. for. Isn’Isn’t t thatthat right Paris?
right Paris?
PARIS
PARIS Hmm, Hmm, sorry sorry father? father? Oh Oh yes. yes. Me Me and and Hector Hector –– unstoppable.
unstoppable.
Enter Cassandra. As she speaks the whole court quietens to listen to her Enter Cassandra. As she speaks the whole court quietens to listen to her terrifying words…
terrifying words…
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA Unstoppable? Unstoppable? No. No. You You shall shall be be stoppedstopped. . You You shall shall die, die, asas all here shall die in the Fields of Troy. All but me. all here shall die in the Fields of Troy. All but me. e Greeks will come – and lay waste to us in their e Greeks will come – and lay waste to us in their search for revenge.
search for revenge.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA Cassandra, Cassandra, my dear my dear daughterdaughter. . is talk is talk is so is so depressing!depressing!
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA Hear Hear my my prophecy. prophecy. e e walls walls of of TTroy roy will will fall.fall. Silence.
Silence.
PARIS
PARIS Well Well maybe maybe they they will. will. But But please please – – I I implore implore the the Gods Gods –– let me beat Helen at this game just once!!!
let me beat Helen at this game just once!!!
PRIAM
PRIAM at’s at’s the the spirit spirit Paris! Paris! Away Away with with you you CassandCassandra ra – – we we allall know there’s not going to be a war!
know there’s not going to be a war! Cassandra exits slowly lef
Cassandra exits slowly lef t, all eyes t, all eyes on her, Priamon her, Priam’s court anxious in ’s court anxious in spite of Priam’sspite of Priam’s confidence.
Scene 7: The Camp at Aulis
Scene 7: The Camp at Aulis
Stage right, lights up on the Greek generals and Heroes – it’s a cold night in Aulis Stage right, lights up on the Greek generals and Heroes – it’s a cold night in Aulis and they wear blankets over. Enter Agamemnon, Achilles, Odysseus, Old Soldier and and they wear blankets over. Enter Agamemnon, Achilles, Odysseus, Old Soldier and Young Soldier quietly to sit by a campfire.
Young Soldier quietly to sit by a campfire.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Back Back at at the the camp camp we we were were all all ready ready to to go. go. BoatsBoats trimmed, weapons loaded, soldiers fit and trimmed, weapons loaded, soldiers fit and strong.strong.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON is is time time tomorrow tomorrow we we shall shall be be on on our our way.way.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Look Look at at that.that.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON A A hundred hundred thousand thousand men. men. A A thousand thousand ships.ships.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES e e TTrojans rojans won’won’t t know know what what hit hit them.them.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS I I wonder wonder what what they’re they’re doing doing right right now…now…
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Do Do you you think think they they know?know?
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS e e whole whole of of civilisation civilisation knows knows – – that that war war is is coming.coming.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES A A war war the the TTrojans rojans asked asked for.for.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Will Will you you sleep?sleep?
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Nobody Nobody will will sleep sleep tonight.tonight.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES I I shall shall sleep. sleep. I I shall shall dream dream of of gloryglory..
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS ere ere is is no no harm harm in in glory. glory. But But I I shall shall pray pray too too that that thethe war is soon ov
war is soon over.er. Agamemnon rises to go.
Agamemnon rises to go.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Well Well good good night night to to you you both. both. We We rise rise at at dawn.dawn. Dream-like the rojan court and the Heroes and soldiers of Camp Aulis now join Dream-like the rojan court and the Heroes and soldiers of Camp Aulis now join together to sing:
together to sing:
SONG 4: THE FOOLISH AND
SONG 4: THE FOOLISH AND THE BRAVETHE BRAVE
As the song finishes, the stage empties, each side shuffling sadl
As the song finishes, the stage empties, each side shuffling sadl y off to sleep before they off to sleep before the nightmare of war begins…
nightmare of war begins…
END ACT 1 END ACT 1
Scene
Scene 1:
1: The Fie
The Fields
lds of T
of Troy
roy
Reprise of Act 1 Scene 1: Darkness, but now the sound of marching drums Reprise of Act 1 Scene 1: Darkness, but now the sound of marching drums and feet…
and feet…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER TTwo wo days days and and two two nights nights the the Greek Greek army army sailed sailed towardstowards the City of Troy. We knew our cause was right. We the City of Troy. We knew our cause was right. We believed the war would be over quickly. We thought believed the war would be over quickly. We thought we’
we’d surprise the d surprise the TTrojans. Wrojans. We hit the beach e hit the beach at dawn –at dawn – and the enemy was waiting…
and the enemy was waiting…
SONG 5: DESTRUCTION SONG 5: DESTRUCTION
Lights up as from every part of the space, the whole cast as Greeks, rojans, Heroes, Lights up as from every part of the space, the whole cast as Greeks, rojans, Heroes, converge on the centre. Brandishing spears and swords, jeering, singing, fierce, converge on the centre. Brandishing spears and swords, jeering, singing, fierce, warlike they wheel around each other, every soldier sizing up his/her opponent. warlike they wheel around each other, every soldier sizing up his/her opponent. Finally, climactically, as the song reaches its last line the two sides lock horns in Finally, climactically, as the song reaches its last line the two sides lock horns in slow-mo, blades thrust in attack, bodies twisted in combat as they FREEZE on the line – mo, blades thrust in attack, bodies twisted in combat as they FREEZE on the line –
SONG: ALL THE TROOPS IN THE HOUSE GO – FREEZE! SONG: ALL THE TROOPS IN THE HOUSE GO – FREEZE!
But now they freeze only for a
But now they freeze only for a split second – then issue split second – then issue war-cries and hurl themselveswar-cries and hurl themselves upon each other. Te stage is filled with battling soldiers. From the high walls of roy, upon each other. Te stage is filled with battling soldiers. From the high walls of roy, Helen, Hecuba, Cassandra, Priam and the rojan court look down upon the fury. Helen, Hecuba, Cassandra, Priam and the rojan court look down upon the fury. Te battle rages on, splitting into cameos, night and day, ebbing and flowing… Te battle rages on, splitting into cameos, night and day, ebbing and flowing…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER e e battle battle raged raged for for a a day day and and a a night. night. en en a a week…week… and a month…until
and a month…until t the The Trojarojansns retreatedretreated toto Troy,Troy, pulled up the drawbridge and left
pulled up the drawbridge and left us powerless outsideus powerless outside the great walls. All we could do
the great walls. All we could do was lay siege to was lay siege to the city.the city.
Further tableaux illustrate: Further tableaux illustrate:
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER We We did did what what any any sensiblsensible e army army does. does. We We made made ourselvesourselves
(Continued)
(Continued) at at home home and and dug dug in in for for the the long long haul.haul.
Carpenters, builders, criss-cross with timber and tools, hammering, measuring… Carpenters, builders, criss-cross with timber and tools, hammering, measuring…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Built Built barracks. barracks. Defences. Defences. Weapons. Weapons. Docks. Docks. WWalls.alls.
(Continued)
(Continued) A A year year went went by. by. en en two.two. A wave of
A wave of rojans attacks, withdraws.rojans attacks, withdraws.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER e e TTrojans rojans came came out out every every now now and and then then and and wewe
(Continued)
(Continued) fought them. en they went back. Another year fought them. en they went back. Another year or twoor two went by
went by. W. We went off and attacke went off and attacked the nearest city ed the nearest city – and– and destroyed it.
destroyed it.
A blur of groups fighting, attacking, throwing spears, pushing a siege engine, lines of A blur of groups fighting, attacking, throwing spears, pushing a siege engine, lines of prisoners, soldiers marching, marching…
prisoners, soldiers marching, marching…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER We We found found another another and and destroyed destroyed that that too. too. More More yearsyears
(Continued)
(Continued) went went by. by. More More fighting. fighting. Sometimes Sometimes it it seemed seemed wewe were winning
were winning. Sometimes it seem. Sometimes it seemed the Ted the Trojans wererojans were winning.
winning.
Te battle flows back and forth silently in the background… Te battle flows back and forth silently in the background…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER In In the the end, end, the the fighting fighting lasted lasted for for ten ten years. years. TTen en years!years!
(Continued)
(Continued) It’It’s not surprising that people began to get a s not surprising that people began to get a bit fed upbit fed up with the whol
with the whole thing.e thing. Stretchers appear with sick soldiers.
Stretchers appear with sick soldiers.
ACT 2
ACT 2
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER First First the the plague plague broke broke out.out.
(Continued) (Continued)
Ten scuffles break out between the Greek soldiers. Ten scuffles break out between the Greek soldiers.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER And And then then the the arguments arguments started. started. e e worst worst one one waswas
(Continued)
(Continued) between Agamemnon and Achilles.between Agamemnon and Achilles. Enter Achilles, his servant Brisius and Agamemnon.
Enter Achilles, his servant Brisius and Agamemnon.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON AhAh,, Achilles. Achilles.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Yes?Yes?
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON I’ve I’ve got got a a favour favour to to ask ask you.you.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Oh Oh yes?yes?
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Your Your servant servant here here – – Brisius.Brisius.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES She’s She’s very very good. good. I I stole stole her her from from a a prince prince who who lives lives upup the coast.
the coast.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Really? Really? Well Well we we could could do do with with her her help help at at our our place.place.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES What?What?
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON So So hand hand her her over, over, would would you?you?
ACHILLES
ACHILLES What?!What?!
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON I I had had to to get get rid rid of of my my best best servant servant to to please please the the gods gods soso they’d stop this plague.
they’d stop this plague.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES But But surely surely you you have have plenty plenty of of servants.servants.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON ey’re ey’re good. good. But But not not as as good good as as Brisius.Brisius.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES WellWell,, you can’t have her. you can’t have her.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON Oh Oh yes yes I I can! can! I’m I’m in in charge charge round round here here and and what what I I saysay goes. Guards!
goes. Guards! wo guards step forward and take Brisius. wo guards step forward and take Brisius.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES You You can’can’t t do do that!that!
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN I I just just did.did.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES at’s at’s not not fair!fair!
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN Nothing’s Nothing’s fair fair in in love love or or war.war.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES WellWell,, you can fight your war on your own. Because you can fight your war on your own. Because I’m off.
I’m off.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN Hmph. Hmph. See See if if I I care. care. WeWe’re ’re doing doing fine fine without without you.you. Achilles exits, sulking. Agamemnon exits gleefully with his stolen se
Achilles exits, sulking. Agamemnon exits gleefully with his stolen se rvant.rvant.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Isn’Isn’t t it it funny funny how how little little arguments arguments can can have have big big effects?effects? No sooner had we lost one of our Heroes back to No sooner had we lost one of our Heroes back to his tent, than the whole war took a different turn. his tent, than the whole war took a different turn. Y
You’ll ou’ll have to pay attention nohave to pay attention now because it gw because it gets a bitets a bit complicated…
complicated… Enter Hector.
Enter Hector.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER First First Hector Hector comes comes out.out.
(Continued) (Continued) HECTOR
HECTOR (PROCLAIMING)(PROCLAIMING) W We the people of e the people of TTroy challengroy challengee the Greek army. One soldier from each side in mortal the Greek army. One soldier from each side in mortal combat. Let us end this war for good. e winner combat. Let us end this war for good. e winner takes all!
takes all!
Enter on one side the key Greeks – on the other the key rojans. Enter on one side the key Greeks – on the other the key rojans.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN We We accept accept your your challenge! challenge! Who Who fights fights for for TTroy?!roy?! Enter Paris.
Enter Paris.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER en en Paris Paris swaggers swaggers onto onto the the field field of of battle…battle…
HELEN
HELEN (CALLING)(CALLING) Go Paris!Go Paris!
PARIS
Te Greek soldiers mutter and argue. Te Greek soldiers mutter and argue.
GREEK SOLDIERS
GREEK SOLDIERS Where’s Where’s our heroes? Who’our heroes? Who’s the best fighter? Who s the best fighter? Who wantswants to do it? Where’s Achilles? What about Odysseus? to do it? Where’s Achilles? What about Odysseus? Agamemnon mu
Agamemnon must choose!st choose!
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER en en who who should should step step forward forward – – but but KingKing Menelaus himself!
Menelaus himself! King Menelaus enters.
King Menelaus enters.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS I, I, Menelaus, shall Menelaus, shall fight fight you, you, ParisParis--youyou snivelling traitor!
snivelling traitor! Te
Te rojans laugh. But rojans laugh. But Helen is dismayed.Helen is dismayed.
HELEN
HELEN (CALLING)(CALLING) No! Please, Menelaus! Paris willNo! Please, Menelaus! Paris will kill you!
kill you!
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Should Should have thouhave thought of ght of that beforthat before you e you ran offran off with
withhimhim……
HELEN
HELEN I I didn’didn’t t mean mean to to cause cause trouble. trouble. I I was was bewitched bewitched byby the gods!
the gods!
GREEK SOLDIERS
GREEK SOLDIERS Oh yes! Oh yes! Likely story! PLikely story! Pull the othull the other one!er one!
PARIS
PARIS Come Come on on MenelauMenelaus s – – let let battle battle decide!decide!
As the crowds on either side roar them on, the duel commences – spear to spear, As the crowds on either side roar them on, the duel commences – spear to spear,
sword on sword. sword on sword.
Old Soldier steps forward as the action slow-mo’s behind. Characters step up to Old Soldier steps forward as the action slow-mo’s behind. Characters step up to play out the narration in slow-mo. As the body count
play out the narration in slow-mo. As the body count rises they lie down in order onrises they lie down in order on the stage…
the stage…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Paris Paris is is strong strong – – but but Menelaus Menelaus is is wily. wily. e e fight fight goes goes thisthis way and that. One
way and that. One minute it seems Pminute it seems Paris must win. earis must win. e next it’s surely Menelaus who will survive. Helen doesn’t next it’s surely Menelaus who will survive. Helen doesn’t know who to support. Finally Paris makes a mistake know who to support. Finally Paris makes a mistake –– his sword goes flying. Menelaus closes for the his sword goes flying. Menelaus closes for the kill – hiskill – his
sword flies down… And Paris just disappears! sword flies down… And Paris just disappears! Into thin air!
Into thin air!
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS What What happened?!! happened?!! Where Where is his he?!!e?!!
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN He He disappeared!disappeared!
GREEK SOLDIERS
GREEK SOLDIERS at’s at’s not fair! not fair! at’s at’s cheating!cheating!
TROJAN
TROJAN Oh Oh no no it it isn’t!isn’t!
SOLDIERS SOLDIERS PRIAM
PRIAM e gods have decided. is is their doing.e gods have decided. is is their doing. Victory is ours.
Victory is ours.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS No No – – victory victory is is ours!ours!
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER e e crowd crowd goes goes crazy. crazy. e e Greeks Greeks are are sure sure they’ve they’ve won.won. e Trojans think they have. Course, there’s no proper e Trojans think they have. Course, there’s no proper rules for a fight like this. Menelaus raises his arms high – rules for a fight like this. Menelaus raises his arms high – and then a sneaky Trojan fires an arrow straight at him. and then a sneaky Trojan fires an arrow straight at him. e king goes down, wounded. His guards carry e king goes down, wounded. His guards carry himhim from the field. Behind him the two armies go mad. from the field. Behind him the two armies go mad. e truce is well and truly over.
e truce is well and truly over. Te armies clash again.
Te armies clash again.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Now Now Agamemnon Agamemnon and and Odysseus Odysseus hurl hurl themselves themselves intointo
(Continued)
(Continued) battle. Ajax – another Greek hero we had in battle. Ajax – another Greek hero we had in reserve –reserve – joins them. P
joins them. Paris pops up from noaris pops up from nowhere – tuwhere – turns out therns out the gods were responsible for the disappearing trick – gods were responsible for the disappearing trick – andand Hector leaps in to
Hector leaps in to protect him from the Greeks. Prettyprotect him from the Greeks. Pretty much everybody on our side gets wounded and we all much everybody on our side gets wounded and we all retreat. It looks like we’re beaten – but out of nowhere retreat. It looks like we’re beaten – but out of nowhere Achilles bursts
Achilles bursts onto the field. His onto the field. His mate Pemate Petroclus hastroclus has been killed – so now it’s personal. e Trojans retreat been killed – so now it’s personal. e Trojans retreat into the city – but Hector stays outside and
into the city – but Hector stays outside and goes head togoes head to head with Achilles. It’s an awesome fight.
head with Achilles. It’s an awesome fight. But eventuallyBut eventually Hector stumbles, makes a mistake – and pays the price. Hector stumbles, makes a mistake – and pays the price. Achilles is the v
Hector falls to the ground. Te Greek army carries Achilles around on their shoulders Hector falls to the ground. Te Greek army carries Achilles around on their shoulders – a true hero. He poses charmingly as if for photos in front of his cheering fans, then – a true hero. He poses charmingly as if for photos in front of his cheering fans, then grabs a mike and launches into:
grabs a mike and launches into:
SONG 3: THE WONDER OF
SONG 3: THE WONDER OF WAR REPRISEWAR REPRISE
As he sings he moves amongst the crowd, acknowledging their praise like a As he sings he moves amongst the crowd, acknowledging their praise like a
rock icon… rock icon… MUSIC DOWN MUSIC DOWN
Old Soldier steps forward, as Achilles continues to sing and pose. Old Soldier steps forward, as Achilles continues to sing and pose.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER TTo o us, us, Achilles Achilles was was a a star star at at the the top top of of his his game. game. But But thethe
(Continued)
(Continued) joy doesn joy doesn’t l’t last for long…Past for long…Parisaris firesfires an aan arrrrow ow whwhich ich hithitss our Hero on the heel…
our Hero on the heel… Achilles stops mid-song. MUSIC ENDS abruptly. Achilles stops mid-song. MUSIC ENDS abruptly.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES ParisParis,, you fool. Don’t you realise I’m protected by the you fool. Don’t you realise I’m protected by the waters of the sac
waters of the sacred River Sred River Styx? Ytyx? You canou can’t k’t kill me.ill me. He struts on:
He struts on:
ACHILLES
ACHILLES I’m I’m the the champion champion of of the the Greeks, Greeks, I’m I’m the the one one they’llthey’ll
(Continued)
(Continued) never beat…never beat… He falters – stumbles – then falls down dead. He falters – stumbles – then falls down dead.
ACHILLES
ACHILLES Oh!Oh!
(Continued) (Continued) OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER TTurns urns out out when when Achilles Achilles got got dipped dipped in in thetherriveriver by hisby his mum she didn’t let go of his heel
mum she didn’t let go of his heel,, so the special water so the special water didn’t do the full job. His heel was his weak spot. Paris didn’t do the full job. His heel was his weak spot. Paris celebrates – but again, not for long – an arrow hits him celebrates – but again, not for long – an arrow hits him and he goes down too.
and he goes down too.
By now the stage must be lined with the bodies of Heroes and soldiers alike. Young By now the stage must be lined with the bodies of Heroes and soldiers alike. Young Soldier walks among them…
Soldier walks among them…
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER By By now now we’re we’re running out running out of of top top guys guys – – and and so so are are thethe
(Continued)
(Continued) Trojans. Somebody calls another truce and the battleTrojans. Somebody calls another truce and the battle ends. Everyone looks around – then we see
ends. Everyone looks around – then we see what wewhat we have done. And what a terrible sight it is.
have done. And what a terrible sight it is. One that noneOne that none of us will ever f
of us will ever f orget. ousands of soldiers slain. Heroesorget. ousands of soldiers slain. Heroes gone for ever. It’s an awful, awful thing, I can tell you. gone for ever. It’s an awful, awful thing, I can tell you. All we can do –
All we can do – is sink to our knees is sink to our knees and weep…and weep… Te families of the soldiers move among the battlefield tending to the dead and the Te families of the soldiers move among the battlefield tending to the dead and the wounded. As they do they sing…
wounded. As they do they sing…
SONG 6: LAMENT SONG 6: LAMENT
Scene
Scene 2:
2: The Fie
The Fields
lds of T
of Troy
roy
Young Soldier holds a placard – ONE YEAR
Young Soldier holds a placard – ONE YEAR LL A AER. A set of deck-chairs by theER. A set of deck-chairs by the
shoreline. Agamemnon, King Menelaus, Odysseus and Palamedes all sit watching shoreline. Agamemnon, King Menelaus, Odysseus and Palamedes all sit watching assorted kids playing on the beach. Old Soldier steps forward.
assorted kids playing on the beach. Old Soldier steps forward.
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER ere’ere’s s nothing nothing like like a a Greek Greek holiday. holiday. And And this this waswas nothing like a Greek holiday. King Menelaus here was nothing like a Greek holiday. King Menelaus here was getting fed up. And the heroes – Agamemnon and getting fed up. And the heroes – Agamemnon and Odysseus – they weren’t happy. Palamedes too. Odysseus – they weren’t happy. Palamedes too.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON is is war’s war’s gone gone on on too too long.long.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Look Look at at these these kids. kids. Some Some of of them them were were born born here!here!
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Some Some of them of them will prwill probably die obably die here.here.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS WellWell,, that’s a bit gloomy! that’s a bit gloomy!
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS I can’I can’t see it ending. Wet see it ending. We’ll never get into T’ll never get into Troy. roy. e wallse walls are too high.
are too high.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON e e gates gates are are too too strong.strong.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS ere ere must must be be a a way…way…
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES OhOh,, there is. Sneak in when they’re all asleep and open there is. Sneak in when they’re all asleep and open the gates.
the gates.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Ha! Ha! Easy.Easy.
AGAMEMNON
AGAMEMNON If If only.only.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS If If only…only…
Odysseus looks at a group of kids playing with some toy animals. Odysseus looks at a group of kids playing with some toy animals.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS You! You! Boy! Boy! Come Come here.here.
(Continued) (Continued)
One of the boys runs over to him, clutching a little wooden horse. One of the boys runs over to him, clutching a little wooden horse.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Let Let me me see…see…
(Continued) (Continued)
Te boy hands it Te boy hands it over.over.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS What’s What’s this?this?
(Continued) (Continued) BOY
BOY It’s It’s a a horse horse sir. sir. A A wooden wooden horse.horse.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Where Where did did you you get get it?it?
BOY
BOY e e carpenter carpenter sir. sir. He He made made it. it. He He makes makes all all the the toys.toys.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Does Does he… he… Do Do you you mind mind if if I I borrow borrow this?this?
BOY
BOY ’’SSposepose n not.ot.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Don’Don’t t worry, worry, you’ll you’ll get get it it back.back. Odysseus takes the horse and gets up.
Odysseus takes the horse and gets up.
PALAMEDES
PALAMEDES You You going going to to play play horses horses Odysseus?Odysseus? He turns before he goes…
He turns before he goes…
ODYSSEUS
Scene
Scene 3:
3: The T
The Trojan
rojan Palace
Palace
Te war has had its effect. Everyone huddled, in ragged cloaks, tired, listless. King Te war has had its effect. Everyone huddled, in ragged cloaks, tired, listless. King Priam, Hecuba together. Helen now sits alone at a window watching. Cassandra Priam, Hecuba together. Helen now sits alone at a window watching. Cassandra mutters in a corner. Old Soldier enters, addresses the audience:
mutters in a corner. Old Soldier enters, addresses the audience:
OLD SOLDIER
OLD SOLDIER Strictly Strictly speaking speaking of of course, course, we we didn’t didn’t know know what what waswas going on up in the palace. But you lot can s
going on up in the palace. But you lot can s ee…ee… He slips off stage.
He slips off stage.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA How How long long will will this this go go on?on?
PRIAM
PRIAM Until Until the the Greeks Greeks pack pack up up and and go go homehome,, my dear. my dear.
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA And And that that will will never never happen. happen. It It is is foretold!foretold!
HELEN
HELEN What What will will happen happen to to us us Cassandra?Cassandra?
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA TTroy roy will will fall. fall. But But you you will will live.live.
PRIAM
PRIAM Nonsense. Nonsense. e e Greek Greek army army will will never never break break downdown these walls.
these walls.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA And ouAnd our solr soldiers ardiers are jue just as st as brave brave as deas dear Har Hector…ector… and Paris…
and Paris… She snuffles…
She snuffles…
PRIAM
PRIAM ere, ere, there…there…
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA YYouou a a rere rightright – for once. e– for once. e Greek army Greek army will will never break down these walls.
never break down these walls.
QUEEN HECUBA
QUEEN HECUBA Are Are you you sure?sure?
CASSANDRA
CASSANDRA Oh Oh yes. yes. I I know know it.it.
PRIAM
PRIAM Keep Keep watch watch every every day day at at the the window window ,, Helen. One day Helen. One day they will be gone. And
they will be gone. And we shall be free.we shall be free.
Scene
Scene 4:
4: The Fie
The Fields o
lds of T
f Troy
roy
Young Soldier holds a placard
Young Soldier holds a placard- 6 - 6 WEEKS L WEEKS L A AER. Te Greek ar ER. Te Greek ar mm y is lined up to y is lined up to
attention. Enter Agamemnon, King Menelaus and Odysseus. Agamemnon addresses attention. Enter Agamemnon, King Menelaus and Odysseus. Agamemnon addresses them all.
them all.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN Soldiers of Greece! You have fought valiantly to save theSoldiers of Greece! You have fought valiantly to save the honour of the great King
honour of the great King Menelaus.Menelaus. Tey cheer.
Tey cheer.
AGAMEMNO
AGAMEMNONN In In a a few few days days time, time, we we shall shall be be packing packing away away everything everything
(Continued)
(Continued) here here and and returning returning to to GreeceGreece..
GREEK SOLDIERS
GREEK SOLDIERS WHAT?!! Surrendering?! We WHAT?!! Surrendering?! We want to go home want to go home – but not– but not without winning!
without winning! WWe can beat the e can beat the TTrojans!rojans!
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Soldiers! I’m glad Soldiers! I’m glad to hear that. to hear that. We We will go home, will go home, but webut we will beat the
will beat the TTrojans first.rojans first. Now the Greek soldiers chee
Now the Greek soldiers chee r.r.
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS Odysseus Odysseus has behas been woren working on king on a plan. a plan. A veryA very
(Continued)
(Continued) clever plan…clever plan… Te soldiers mutter, uncertain… Te soldiers mutter, uncertain…
KING MENELAUS
KING MENELAUS And heAnd he’s ’s going to going to explain it explain it to youto you.. Odysseus steps forward and holds up the toy horse.
Odysseus steps forward and holds up the toy horse.
ODYSSEUS
ODYSSEUS Some Some time time ago, ago, a a small small boy boy gave gave me me this this horse. horse. It It is is thethe key which is going to unlock the City of Troy.
key which is going to unlock the City of Troy. More muttering from the soldiers.
