A Many Splendor Thing
This play is a retelling of Shakespeare's Othello, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth with a few modern twists. It is a dramedy of love, betrayal, and murder? Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Sincerely
Jillian A. Robinson
Act I; scene I
"Who Dost Thou Love?"
Lady Darlington
(Humming to herself as she drinks a large glass of wine. Startled out of her semi drunken reverie as she notices her son Ramlet's entrance. He seems happier than usual). Oh, dear Ramlet. How are you this fine day?
Ramlet
Oh, mother. The sun has truly reached my eyes this day, for I have met my one true love.
Lady Darlington
(Claps hands with glee, or perhaps that of one too many drinks) Ramlet, how splendid! Who is this young lady who has stolen your heart?
Ramlet
The one who has pilfered my heart is that of. (Says with trepidation) Jesdemona.
Lady Darlington
Jesdemona?! Jezebel! That unwholesome hobbyhorse! She's much too tarty for you. You're so much. above her.
Ramlet
Mother! Shame on you for having such a foul tongue. You shall not talk of my future bride in such a way.
Lady Darlington
But it's just. well, we are so much better than their entire family. We're like the "Jones'" We are Darlington's- a name meaning of wealth and pride. They are merely Smithsonian's.
Ramlet
Rubbish. It's just a name. And as far as I can tell, they are presently better than you. You know, you shouldn't wear that, mother.
Lady Darlington
Wear it? I just bought this dress two days ago! And the blue really brings out my eyes (runs hands over the bodice of her dress).
Ramlet
Hah! That just goes to show how superficial you are. Not the dress, mother. I meant your snobbery. It doesn't look too good on you.
Lady Darlington
Ramlet, Darling. Next time, do be blunt. In my old age, I fear I may not catch all of your sarcastic remarks. Have you informed your father dear?
Ramlet
No. He's out for the day I believe. Something about a meeting with a Miss Cleo?
Lady Darlington
(More to herself than him) Huh, excuses he gives. We shall see when your father arrives.
Act I; scene II
"Cards of Fate"
Macbeth
Alright, get on with it! I don't have all day. What do the cards have in store for me?
Ms. Cleo
Well, my my. You have a lot of skeletons in your closet, boy.
Macbeth
Yes, is there a point?
Ms. Cleo
Well, methinks that a lot of people may someday want your blood, man.
Macbeth
So, you're saying some guys are going to attempt to kill me?
Ms. Cleo
Nothing is written in stone, now. But all I can say is this: no man born of woman can harm thee. Ever.
Macbeth
Hmm. Interesting. So no one can kill me, eh? A nice, natural death I suppose. Fine then. You have anything else to tell me?
Ms. Cleo
Yuh huh! Try to make amends for past indiscretions. Oh, and watch your step. Don't want to fall.
Macbeth
Yes, well, I have no real need for atonement. I have done absolutely nothing wrong. (Throws money on the table and exits)
Ms. Cleo
You sure bout that, boy? Uh huh, sill white man. We'll see bout that. (Cackles insanely)
Act I; scene III
"Just Be a Man"
Jesdemona
Oh Ramlet. It was just awful! (Sobs into handkerchief)
Ramlet
My love, my heart. What ever is wrong? (Holds her to his bosom)
Jesdemona
I have just informed my mother of our plans to marry, and- and. She forbade me to see you. She said it was terribly wrong, and then she fainted!
Ramlet
There, there, sweet Jesdemona. Our love will prevail.
Jesdemona
Have you told your parents?
Ramlet
I've told my mother (Says uneasily).
Jesdemona
Yes, but what of your father? Does he know (Stops sobbing and looks at him questioningly).
Ramlet
Um. yes, well, you see, he was on business, therefore not in the house.
Jesdemona
Oh! I cannot- you are a coward!
Ramlet
Jesdemona, please! I was going to, really I was, but-
Jesdemona
It was a simple thing I asked of you. If he were to become angry, so what? You're an adult. You love me. Just be a man about it and tell him.
Ramlet
Love, please (attempts to grab her shoulders).
Jesdemona
No. First, you tell him, and then. maybe later. (Exits)
Ramlet
Oh dear. I hope father won't be too angry. No, she's right. It doesn't matter. I am a man, and I shall do as I wish!! (Exits)
Act I; scene IV
"Someone New"
Jesdemona
Curse him. Curse him fully! Heaven knows that he is false as hell. Oh, what a silly, twittering lark I am. Foolish for loving such a cowardly man. A man who is unsure himself of what he truly wants. But it was he who sought me out! Sure, I always thought he was cute, but, he made me fall in love with him only to break my heart and spirit. Ruining me by his tainted touch for any other. Oh- woe is me! (Collapses to the ground, sobbing hysterically)
Odarkio
Excuse me, my fair lady. What makes thy soul weep with such sorrow?
Jesdemona
The man I believed to be my one true love is nothing but a coward. A sheep in wolf's clothing. A poser, that's what he is!
Odarkio
Oh, I see. Is there anything that I can do? (Hands her a cherry handkerchief) I keep this for good luck.
Jesdemona
(Blows her nose loudly) Thank you kind sir. But at the moment, I'd like to be alone now.
Odarkio
Of course, miss. But if you ever need to talk, I'll be around. (Smiles and winks at her before exiting)
Jesdemona
Wow. He was a piece of sexy chocolate, wasn't he?
Act I; scene V "Incestually in Love"
Lady Darlington
Oh, Macbeth, sweetheart. My Lord. How (hiccups) are you?
Macbeth
Fine, fine. You've been in the wine again, haven't you my lil' squirrel.
Lady Darlington
Of course not, babe! I'm just, er uh... so happy to see- you. (Covers her mouth and giggles)
Macbeth
What an impish child I've married. Nearly twenty years; should have grown up by now (To himself)
Lady Darlington
Babe? Ramlet wanted to speak to you.
Macbeth
Really? What about?
Lady Darlington
I think it's best if he tells you himself. He seemed so... sad.
Macbeth
(Nods his head curtly at her) Right then. I think I'll go have a little chat with my son. (Walks to the other side of the stage to the "other" room on the floor where Ramlet is)
Ramlet
Father?! What are you doing here?
Macbeth
What are you, daft? I live here. Now, what's this trouble you have?
Ramlet
Trouble? Whatever do you mean?
Macbeth
Don't be foolish, boy. (Smacks him upside the head) My time is very valuable. Now, your mother told me you have a problem, and that I should see to it. Now, what's wrong?
Ramlet
(Looks forlornly at his shoes) Well, father, wish to marry, for I've fallen deeply in love.
Macbeth
(Slaps him on the back in a congratulatory manner) Well, congratulations, my boy! So, who is the lucky lady?
Ramlet
The fair, beautiful and pure Jesdemona.
Macbeth
(Looks shocked, startled, and then eerily sick. (Takes a big gulp before speaking) You don't mean Jesdemona of the Smithsonian household, do you son?
Ramlet
Look, I know you and mother believe their family is lower class than us simply because there's no man in the household, but that's no reason to condemn them, father!
Macbeth
No, son. You don't understand. That is not it at all. Have you two made the beast with two backs yet? Have you plucked the lyre? Did you ram her, Ramlet?
Ramlet
Father, I will not answer such questions! They are personal and- and, so what if we did? We will be married soon, had to do 'it' anyway. And father, just so you know, I shall have none of your bigotry. I will marry her whether you like it or not! (Storms angrily away)
Macbeth
Dear heavens, what have I done?! I must make this right. The two of them- it is just wrong. It isn't right. It could never be so! They know not what they did; they know not what I've done! Oh, how stupid I was to make my wife where the horns. I should have pledged my troth to her. But Bianca was so beautiful and... How could any man truly resist? Her cherry lips and ample hips and... Adulterous beast, I am! Made my son an incestuous fiend. I must find Jesdemona, tell my tale and make it all right again. Oh, God help us all! (Finds Jesdemona sitting on a bench alone, silently contemplating something)
Jesdemona
Lord Macbeth? What are you doing here?
Macbeth
I've come to- I've come to inform you that... you cannot marry my son.
Jesdemona
Why? Because I am not good enough? (Rises from her seat) Because you think that I am lower than him? Is that it?
Macbeth
No, no. You have it all wrong. I'm trying to save the both of you. If you only knew the truth of it all! Oh, I must tell you my horrible secret- a secret that carries in to you. To both of our families.
Jesdemona
What secret is this of which you speak? (Says with trepidation. Backs away as he approaches her closer. They are by a stairwell leading down to a tavern)
Macbeth
You cannot marry Ramlet, for he shares your blood.
Jesdemona
(Looks of shock, disbelief, denial, anger, and then sickness) What? No, you couldn't possibly mean that... what are you saying?
Macbeth
You have had a father all along. Jesdemona, your mother was my mistress. Ramlet is your brother.
Jesdemona
No, no, no! It can't be true! It just cannot! (Hits him repeatedly, causing him to stumble backwards and down the stairs. He is silent)
Jesdemona
No! (Clutches the sides of her head, then her torso) What have I done? Oh, high heaven! How can this be? I shall be condemned to hell, for I have loved my brother and slain my father. What have I- (Starts to cry. Flees when she hears someone approaching)
Close Curtains
This play is a retelling of Shakespeare's Othello, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth with a few modern twists. It is a dramedy of love, betrayal, and murder? Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did writing it.
Sincerely
Jillian A. Robinson
Act I; scene I
"Who Dost Thou Love?"
Lady Darlington
(Humming to herself as she drinks a large glass of wine. Startled out of her semi drunken reverie as she notices her son Ramlet's entrance. He seems happier than usual). Oh, dear Ramlet. How are you this fine day?
Ramlet
Oh, mother. The sun has truly reached my eyes this day, for I have met my one true love.
Lady Darlington
(Claps hands with glee, or perhaps that of one too many drinks) Ramlet, how splendid! Who is this young lady who has stolen your heart?
Ramlet
The one who has pilfered my heart is that of. (Says with trepidation) Jesdemona.
Lady Darlington
Jesdemona?! Jezebel! That unwholesome hobbyhorse! She's much too tarty for you. You're so much. above her.
Ramlet
Mother! Shame on you for having such a foul tongue. You shall not talk of my future bride in such a way.
Lady Darlington
But it's just. well, we are so much better than their entire family. We're like the "Jones'" We are Darlington's- a name meaning of wealth and pride. They are merely Smithsonian's.
Ramlet
Rubbish. It's just a name. And as far as I can tell, they are presently better than you. You know, you shouldn't wear that, mother.
Lady Darlington
Wear it? I just bought this dress two days ago! And the blue really brings out my eyes (runs hands over the bodice of her dress).
Ramlet
Hah! That just goes to show how superficial you are. Not the dress, mother. I meant your snobbery. It doesn't look too good on you.
Lady Darlington
Ramlet, Darling. Next time, do be blunt. In my old age, I fear I may not catch all of your sarcastic remarks. Have you informed your father dear?
Ramlet
No. He's out for the day I believe. Something about a meeting with a Miss Cleo?
Lady Darlington
(More to herself than him) Huh, excuses he gives. We shall see when your father arrives.
Act I; scene II
"Cards of Fate"
Macbeth
Alright, get on with it! I don't have all day. What do the cards have in store for me?
Ms. Cleo
Well, my my. You have a lot of skeletons in your closet, boy.
Macbeth
Yes, is there a point?
Ms. Cleo
Well, methinks that a lot of people may someday want your blood, man.
Macbeth
So, you're saying some guys are going to attempt to kill me?
Ms. Cleo
Nothing is written in stone, now. But all I can say is this: no man born of woman can harm thee. Ever.
Macbeth
Hmm. Interesting. So no one can kill me, eh? A nice, natural death I suppose. Fine then. You have anything else to tell me?
Ms. Cleo
Yuh huh! Try to make amends for past indiscretions. Oh, and watch your step. Don't want to fall.
Macbeth
Yes, well, I have no real need for atonement. I have done absolutely nothing wrong. (Throws money on the table and exits)
Ms. Cleo
You sure bout that, boy? Uh huh, sill white man. We'll see bout that. (Cackles insanely)
Act I; scene III
"Just Be a Man"
Jesdemona
Oh Ramlet. It was just awful! (Sobs into handkerchief)
Ramlet
My love, my heart. What ever is wrong? (Holds her to his bosom)
Jesdemona
I have just informed my mother of our plans to marry, and- and. She forbade me to see you. She said it was terribly wrong, and then she fainted!
Ramlet
There, there, sweet Jesdemona. Our love will prevail.
Jesdemona
Have you told your parents?
Ramlet
I've told my mother (Says uneasily).
Jesdemona
Yes, but what of your father? Does he know (Stops sobbing and looks at him questioningly).
Ramlet
Um. yes, well, you see, he was on business, therefore not in the house.
Jesdemona
Oh! I cannot- you are a coward!
Ramlet
Jesdemona, please! I was going to, really I was, but-
Jesdemona
It was a simple thing I asked of you. If he were to become angry, so what? You're an adult. You love me. Just be a man about it and tell him.
Ramlet
Love, please (attempts to grab her shoulders).
Jesdemona
No. First, you tell him, and then. maybe later. (Exits)
Ramlet
Oh dear. I hope father won't be too angry. No, she's right. It doesn't matter. I am a man, and I shall do as I wish!! (Exits)
Act I; scene IV
"Someone New"
Jesdemona
Curse him. Curse him fully! Heaven knows that he is false as hell. Oh, what a silly, twittering lark I am. Foolish for loving such a cowardly man. A man who is unsure himself of what he truly wants. But it was he who sought me out! Sure, I always thought he was cute, but, he made me fall in love with him only to break my heart and spirit. Ruining me by his tainted touch for any other. Oh- woe is me! (Collapses to the ground, sobbing hysterically)
Odarkio
Excuse me, my fair lady. What makes thy soul weep with such sorrow?
Jesdemona
The man I believed to be my one true love is nothing but a coward. A sheep in wolf's clothing. A poser, that's what he is!
Odarkio
Oh, I see. Is there anything that I can do? (Hands her a cherry handkerchief) I keep this for good luck.
Jesdemona
(Blows her nose loudly) Thank you kind sir. But at the moment, I'd like to be alone now.
Odarkio
Of course, miss. But if you ever need to talk, I'll be around. (Smiles and winks at her before exiting)
Jesdemona
Wow. He was a piece of sexy chocolate, wasn't he?
Act I; scene V "Incestually in Love"
Lady Darlington
Oh, Macbeth, sweetheart. My Lord. How (hiccups) are you?
Macbeth
Fine, fine. You've been in the wine again, haven't you my lil' squirrel.
Lady Darlington
Of course not, babe! I'm just, er uh... so happy to see- you. (Covers her mouth and giggles)
Macbeth
What an impish child I've married. Nearly twenty years; should have grown up by now (To himself)
Lady Darlington
Babe? Ramlet wanted to speak to you.
Macbeth
Really? What about?
Lady Darlington
I think it's best if he tells you himself. He seemed so... sad.
Macbeth
(Nods his head curtly at her) Right then. I think I'll go have a little chat with my son. (Walks to the other side of the stage to the "other" room on the floor where Ramlet is)
Ramlet
Father?! What are you doing here?
Macbeth
What are you, daft? I live here. Now, what's this trouble you have?
Ramlet
Trouble? Whatever do you mean?
Macbeth
Don't be foolish, boy. (Smacks him upside the head) My time is very valuable. Now, your mother told me you have a problem, and that I should see to it. Now, what's wrong?
Ramlet
(Looks forlornly at his shoes) Well, father, wish to marry, for I've fallen deeply in love.
Macbeth
(Slaps him on the back in a congratulatory manner) Well, congratulations, my boy! So, who is the lucky lady?
Ramlet
The fair, beautiful and pure Jesdemona.
Macbeth
(Looks shocked, startled, and then eerily sick. (Takes a big gulp before speaking) You don't mean Jesdemona of the Smithsonian household, do you son?
Ramlet
Look, I know you and mother believe their family is lower class than us simply because there's no man in the household, but that's no reason to condemn them, father!
Macbeth
No, son. You don't understand. That is not it at all. Have you two made the beast with two backs yet? Have you plucked the lyre? Did you ram her, Ramlet?
Ramlet
Father, I will not answer such questions! They are personal and- and, so what if we did? We will be married soon, had to do 'it' anyway. And father, just so you know, I shall have none of your bigotry. I will marry her whether you like it or not! (Storms angrily away)
Macbeth
Dear heavens, what have I done?! I must make this right. The two of them- it is just wrong. It isn't right. It could never be so! They know not what they did; they know not what I've done! Oh, how stupid I was to make my wife where the horns. I should have pledged my troth to her. But Bianca was so beautiful and... How could any man truly resist? Her cherry lips and ample hips and... Adulterous beast, I am! Made my son an incestuous fiend. I must find Jesdemona, tell my tale and make it all right again. Oh, God help us all! (Finds Jesdemona sitting on a bench alone, silently contemplating something)
Jesdemona
Lord Macbeth? What are you doing here?
Macbeth
I've come to- I've come to inform you that... you cannot marry my son.
Jesdemona
Why? Because I am not good enough? (Rises from her seat) Because you think that I am lower than him? Is that it?
Macbeth
No, no. You have it all wrong. I'm trying to save the both of you. If you only knew the truth of it all! Oh, I must tell you my horrible secret- a secret that carries in to you. To both of our families.
Jesdemona
What secret is this of which you speak? (Says with trepidation. Backs away as he approaches her closer. They are by a stairwell leading down to a tavern)
Macbeth
You cannot marry Ramlet, for he shares your blood.
Jesdemona
(Looks of shock, disbelief, denial, anger, and then sickness) What? No, you couldn't possibly mean that... what are you saying?
Macbeth
You have had a father all along. Jesdemona, your mother was my mistress. Ramlet is your brother.
Jesdemona
No, no, no! It can't be true! It just cannot! (Hits him repeatedly, causing him to stumble backwards and down the stairs. He is silent)
Jesdemona
No! (Clutches the sides of her head, then her torso) What have I done? Oh, high heaven! How can this be? I shall be condemned to hell, for I have loved my brother and slain my father. What have I- (Starts to cry. Flees when she hears someone approaching)
Close Curtains