Copyright © 2017 By Marc Aronoff
SYNOPSIS
The Lantern Bearers is a spirited, somewhat nonlinear dialectic between a man and woman that resemble the first two people on earth. During the course of the one-act, HE and SHE enact numerous little scenes, embracing several characters, as a way of exploring their identity and expressing a daily routine. Their playful banter touches upon the existential implications of being on Earth, why we are here, fear of death, control issues, and a joy for life—all wrapped in the inevitable quandary of playing games as a way being in the world. Themes of bearing our inner light with dignity and of how we hide our light from world when feeling overwhelmed and stressed run through as undercurrent in the “poetic” drama.
The work draws inspiration from an essay written by Robert Louis Stevenson of the same title.
CHARACTERS:
HE (50-60)
SHE (20-30)
As the scene opens it is late morning.
The stage hints of a forest and Garden (a few trees, stumps, rocks, leaves, dirt)… SHE, a uniquely attractive young woman, wearing a summer dress, speaks directly to the audience while HE, an older, athletic fellow, wearing a tee-shirt, and jeans, sits, brooding. SHE stands nearby.
SHE:
Time once moved in the form of a boy. In his tiny village near the sea, he played upon abandoned trawlers, shipwrecked and battered many years before his birth. He loved these old boats, like dear friends, and would crawl inside their creaky chambers and imagine vast journey’s through the open sea. He commandeered his little ships through storms of fury and fire and cursed the skies for an ill-fated journey. Though he was a brave and valiant captain, he lost many men to the raging sea. In the course of a year he died a thousand deaths. One day he found a Bull’s Eye Lantern in the bow of an old trawler named Sea Queen. He stared in amazement at this tiny device which had a single opening to beam a brilliant light. In a blink he fastened the small lantern to his belt and hid it under his sweater. He liked to walk down the street, proud and tall, imagining himself a lantern bearer. Ever cautious of thieves in the night or pranksters on the greedy prowl, he decided to hide his light from strangers’ eyes.
The lantern was alone his silent secret. Bundled in the knowledge of his hidden gift, he felt like an invisible beacon in the night. Everyone thought he was such a happy boy, walking around with a coy smile on his face when really he trusted no one. One day he fell from grace, met a woman, and moved to the City. He took off his lantern and traded it in for manly pursuits, forgetting daily his prayer and origin. Now he lives in a chilly house and sits by a warm fire. Staring at the blue-white flames he wonders how many humans wear a beacon of light, invisible to others, sometimes even to themselves. How many respond dark and frozen to natures course, yet bear their lanterns with unwitting resolve? A race of lantern bearers one and all.
HE:
What are you doing?
SHE:
Reflecting.
HE:
Obviously.
SHE:
Obviously.
HE:
Don’t be a smart-ass; it’s not good for the mind of many.
SHE:
We are the only two.
HE:
Then keep your voice down. Your incessant chatter distracts my concentration.
SHE:
Shhhh.
HE:
Spot check! Up against the wall. Move it!
SHE:
This is the fourth time you’ve checked this morning.
HE:
Lift your shirt. Show me your lantern.
HE:
Okay. At ease.
SHE:
Just because you are “the teacher” does not mean you can check me anytime you want.
HE:
(HE rings a bell).
Please have a seat class. Kimberly, would you mind sitting?
SHE:
I’d rather stand.
HE:
What kind of relationship are we going to have if you stand when I request sit? …Please.
SHE:
Fine. I am sitting.
HE:
That’s better. Today we will work on the responsibilities of a young lantern bearer. Consider this- a young man whom you met at work is smitten with you. Eventually, he comes to you desiring to make your acquaintance and seeking your advice. He invites you to dinner and you agree. He is charming, amiable, well- dressed, and for all you know perhaps a future lover or lifelong mate. You speak of God, politics, and a few good stories that make relationships go around. When you speak of equal pay for women all of a sudden his eyes change from blue to black and you know you are in the presence of a full- fledged, love-hungry, control freak. What do you do?
SHE:
Turn the other cheek.
HE:
No.
SHE:
Call the police…. Scream for help…
HE:
He hasn’t touched you! He hasn’t harmed you or done anything wrong! Why would you scream?
SHE:
I overreact, sometimes. He sounds like an asshole… and I do not presume to know answers.
HE:
What do you know?
SHE:
(Calmly) I would tell him I am a beginner. Explain to him that in a flash of illumination I realize he is not my future lover and to kindly get away!
HE:
You’re provoking. What if he obsesses about you?
SHE:
Why bother asking? It is just you and me.
HE:
You need to know.
SHE:
I need very little.
HE:
You are impossible to teach.
SHE:
Better than a teacher who knows everything!
HE:
Here. You want to be teacher? Let’s switch. Go on. You try teaching me.
SHE:
A formidable task.
HE:
Can’t do it!
SHE:
I didn’t say that.
HE:
But you won’t, will you? As much as you’d like, you can’t. Always wished you could!
SHE:
What?
HE:
You heard me.
SHE:
Please… I have no desire to teach someone who knows everything. What is the point?
HE:
It is not easy.
SHE:
Impossible!
HE:
Let’s grow.
SHE:
We grew last night.
HE:
So?
SHE:
It is too early to grow.
HE:
I need the practice.
SHE:
Let’s practice falling.
HE:
You’d rather fall than grow?
SHE:
Yes.
HE:
Well… Isn’t it a little early to fall?
SHE:
Just because you are out of shape…
HE:
I am not out of shape. It is just hard on the body and I am feeling a little stiff.
SHE:
You are stiff in the head.
HE:
Excuse me for not being as young and pliable as you.
SHE:
Come on, old man.
HE:
Alright. I need to loosen up.
SHE:
You don’t get those muscles from merely teaching me, do you?
HE:
More from making Love to you.
SHE:
You’re very good at that.
HE:
Yes… I am. I’m ready. Let’s fall.
HE:
That was good. (standing)
SHE:
I told you.
HE:
It gets me out of my head.
SHE:
Once more?
HE:
Yes. This time show your light.
SHE:
Ohh… you have a plan do you.
HE:
Show me your lantern. I just want to see it.
SHE:
Nooo…
HE:
Okay, I am ready. Let’s fall.
SHE:
Tumbling over the edge of the universe, through layers of gods and spirits, animals and frogs, the seasons warmed and the small planet named earth turned green. They say the earth was born in the time they took to fall.
HE:
It is a joy falling with you by my side.
SHE:
You don’t mind my chatter?
HE:
I love your chatter.
SHE:
Are you leaving today?
HE:
I don’t know. Maybe. Are you in a hurry?
SHE:
No. I mean, yes.
HE:
I thought so. Tag, You’re it!
HE:
Hey, slow down. Do not walk so fast.
SHE:
I am sorry Father. I am so excited and have so much to tell you!
HE:
Well child, sit here. There is time enough on earth for all your words.
SHE:
I am sorry, but I just have to talk to you.
HE:
We are alone now. What is the matter?
SHE:
Oh Father, I am in love with a boy who is a non-believer.
HE:
A non-believer! Do you know what you are saying?
SHE:
Please do not be angry.
HE:
I will not hear words of blasphemy.
SHE:
What is so terrible? He is the most wonderful boy in the world. And he believes love is everywhere in all things. Even that stump!
HE:
Mind your tongue!
SHE:
And he is charming and gracious, brave and gallant—admired by all his peers. He is African.
HE:
Stop it! You do not know what you are doing.
SHE:
I do know Father! I am going to marry him. Please try and understand–
HE:
Hold your tongue!
SHE
I won’t.
HE:
Then you will talk to the air!
SHE:
I still bear the lantern you gave me.
HE:
It shines?
HE:
Why didn’t you show me earlier?
SHE:
I don’t know.
HE:
Has this unbeliever tried to take away your light?
SHE:
No Father, he admires it.
HE:
Unbelievers want you to believe they believe in you, when they believe in nothing. Something is terribly wrong. I fear he will try and take it from you. Give me back the lantern.
SHE:
But, my faith is strong!
HE:
Give me back the lantern.
SHE:
Father, you gave it to me.
HE:
I have done you wrong.
SHE:
No!
HE:
Don’t force me to take this from you—
SHE:
I’m not!
HE:
Yes, you are!
SHE:
Father, I am going to marry him.
HE:
No child, you are too young. Sit next to me. (Wooingly)
Calm down. You are making a mistake. I know these things. He says sweet things to you now. But if he does not have the Lord in his heart, he is blinded with every word. Don’t you see, he is bound to lose his way and take you with him.
SHE:
He is sweetheart. I am going to marry him and bear his children!
HE:
Perhaps this man is kind and good–
SHE:
Yes, Father! And he cares what happens to me.
HE:
He can never make you happy. I have known you since you were a baby. I have changed your diapers and disciplined you when you were naughty. I know you like my own daughter. Please trust me. Now give me your lantern.
SHE:
How can you take away what is freely given?
SHE:
I am bored and it is almost noon.
HE:
High noon?
SHE:
Not quite.
HE:
How are you?
SHE:
Not bad.
HE:
Not good.
SHE:
Are we having a productive day?
HE:
Normal.
SHE:
Nothing special.
HE:
No.
SHE:
Do we need anything in particular?
HE:
No.
SHE:
Nothing at all?
HE:
Not that I am aware… More time maybe.
SHE:
No. We have enough.
HE:
A letter of intent?
SHE:
Unnecessary.
HE:
How do you know?
SHE:
I don’t.
HE:
Oh.
SHE:
More money?
HE:
For what?
SHE:
You should be saving for our future.
HE:
Unnecessary. It is only you and I, and earth.
SHE:
You promised this week–
HE:
I don’t want to talk about it.
SHE:
You promised.
HE
Let’s play rewards and sanctions!
SHE:
Do we have time?
HE:
Yes. What’s the contest?
SHE
You choose.
HE:
Adam vs. Eve.
SHE:
Who’s Adam?
HE:
I am, of course.
SHE:
You always play Adam!
HE:
Would you prefer my shoes?
SHE:
Yes. Let’s exchange.
SHE:
I can feel the difference.
HE:
What can you feel?
SHE:
The warmth and direction of your male soul.
HE:
It is my gift to you.
SHE:
(Manly)
Well, dearest woman of my flesh, what shall we do today? Shall we collect berries or cut new trails? Or shall we merely enjoy the splendors of our God-given paradise and see what rewards and sanctions we find?
HE:
(Womanly)
I shall go off by myself today. I feel like some alone time.
SHE:
By yourself?
HE:
Yes.
SHE:
What if some evil does you harm?
HE:
I shall rely on my female intuition.
SHE:
But you are a man.
HE:
I am a man in a woman’s shoes.
SHE:
Don’t confuse the situation.
HE:
Look, am I Adam or Eve?
SHE:
You’re Adam playing Eve.
HE:
You’re Eve playing Adam.
SHE:
Precisely.
HE:
So I am still me, only wearing your shoes.
SHE:
Precisely.
HE:
I live my life as Adam, but walk with the feet of Eve.
SHE:
For the time being.
HE:
For the time being out of joint, we have exchanged roles.
SHE:
Yes.
HE:
This means we mirror each other.
SHE:
I suppose.
HE:
So what is the scenario?
SHE:
Paradise. An apple tree over there. No, over here. You’re Eve and I am a snake.
HE:
You’re a snake?
SHE:
Ssssssss. Sssssssss.
HE:
What happened to Adam?
SHE:
He’s off working the fields, no where to be seen. Ssssssss.
HE:
I am by myself with a snake?
SHE:
Sssssssss.
HE:
Should I scream?
SHE:
No, make my acquaintance.
HE:
Hello. How are you?
SHE:
Exceptionally well, thank-you. You must be the beautiful and gracious Eve.
HE:
I am not sure who the hell I am. Am I Adam playing Eve, or Eve with the shape of Adam? Am I Adam with a semblance of Eve, or Eve wishing she were Adam? Am I –
SHE:
You are an extraordinary creature.
HE:
Well… yes I am. Thank-you.
SHE:
Are you curious how I learned to speak?
HE:
Not really.
SHE:
What are you curious about?
HE:
I am curious what you have hidden beneath your shirt. Let me see!
SHE:
Sssssssss.
HE:
You are no ordinary snake.
SHE:
You have discovered the secret of my existence. This light is an object of my creation and a gift from the heavens above. I am no ordinary snake and you are the first mortal to discover my light.
HE:
Aren’t I the lucky Eve?
SHE:
She who has this light drinks the nectar of wisdom—
HE:
Oh, come on. What a crock of shit!
SHE:
Are you calling me a crock of shit?
HE:
I’m sorry… Tell me more.
SHE:
Eat an apple and die!
HE:
I am sorry. That was rude. Please—
SHE:
Eve is curious, whimsical, inquisitive, and daring. She is not prone to impulsively calling anything a crock of shit, especially before she has eaten the damn apple.
HE:
Yes sir.
SHE:
Where were we?
HE:
The nectar of wisdom.
SHE:
You can be a real jerk sometimes.
HE:
I’d like to inquire how a simple girl like me can become a lantern bearer like you?
SHE:
That is a good question. Follow me. Sssssssss. The lanterns are in the hull of that boat.
HE:
What boat?
SHE:
That boat in the middle of this forest.
HE:
An invisible boat.
SHE:
I can see it.
HE:
In the hull?
SHE:
Go look.
HE:
Hmmm. I think I’ll pass.
SHE:
You are a coward!
HE:
Am I? Because I do not venture into the hull of an invisible boat—
SHE:
The daughter of Man will find no reward until she bears her own lantern!
HE:
Out of nothing!
SHE:
In the hull!
HE:
Well , what if I am not ready to look!
SHE:
Alright. These things take time.
HE:
I thought I was ready.
SHE:
It’s alright. Never mind.
HE:
I am a coward.
SHE:
I think so… Wait.
SHE:
Because you are not afraid to admit you are afraid, here is your reward. But because you hesitated, Adam shall be the first to find his way back to heaven. And you tender Eve, shall be second.
HE:
That’s my sanction?
SHE:
Yes.
HE:
No pains of child bearing or horrific mortal dreams?
SHE:
That’s myth. Here’s your shoes back.
HE:
It is almost High Noon.
SHE:
Not quite! (She looks up). Let’s grow.
HE:
Okay. It is almost High noon
SHE:
This way, old man.
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