PROLOGUE
PLACE: Spotlighted scenes
TIME: Morning of 18 January, 1857, three days after the poisoning
*********************************************
II-Prologue-1
The stage is completely dark. In the darkness are heard strains of the thematic motif. Mysterious. Exotic. Retains intense energy of close of Act One.
Lights up on two DOCTORS with their leather bags rushing past one another. We hear the offstage pleas for assistance of those who have been poisoned but we do not see them. One of the doctors halts suddenly, clutching his stomach. HE sees Dr. Taylor.
DR. CALDECOTT
Dr. Taylor! Is that you?
DR. TAYLOR
Yes. Dr. Caldecott, are you all right?
DR. CALDECOTT
There are so many. I'm being run off my legs. And I'm afraid I'm still not recovered myself. But I have to treat Lady Bowring.
DR. TAYLOR
Is she any better?
DR. CALDECOTT
She's very ill. Even a spoonful of mustard in warm water failed to induce vomiting. If I can't get the poison out of her system...Could you take at look at her for me?
DR. TAYLOR
Yes, but first I've got to get to the barracks. Several men of the 59th Regiment are seriously ill.
(DR. CALDECOTT straightens up and begins walking again)
DR. CALDECOTT
Thank you, doctor. I've got to get to the houses above Endicott's Bazaar; entire families ate the bread.
DR. TAYLOR
How could any human being do such a thing?
DR. CALDECOTT
Ask John Chinaman about that... (HE turns) Dr. Taylor!
DR. TAYLOR
Yes?
DR. CALDECOTT
You seem unaffected by the bread.
DR. TAYLOR
I did not eat any.
DR. CALDECOTT
How fortunate for you. (turning away) and how extraordinary.
(The cries of the sick end completely)
(As the doctors' scene blacks out, a spotlight - or other type of lighting - dramatically illuminates a British JUDGE in his wig and vermillion robe standing at stage right facing downstage. HE speaks almost as if singing a chant)
JUDGE
Cheung Ahee being duly cautioned saith:
(A spotlight focuses on AHEE standing alone at lower stage center. SHE rushes to the JUDGE and kneels before him. SHE entreats her listener to believe her)
AHEE
Honorable Excellency, with regard to the poisoning of the bread, my husband is entirely ignorant; the bread is made in one part of town and he lives in another. Please know that I-
(We hear the sound of a gavel. The light on the first JUDGE blacks out as a light illum- inates a JUDGE at stage left. AHEE jumps to her feet and rushes to kneel before him)
SECOND JUDGE
Cheung Ahee being duly cautioned saith:
AHEE
Honorable Excellency, it has been three days since the poisoning and yet no one will hear me. I beg you to listen. My husband is not-
(We hear the sound of a gavel. The light on the second JUDGE blacks out and a light illuminates a JUDGE up center. HE speaks in the same droning but minatory chant. AHEE jumps to her feet and rushes upstage to kneel before him)
THIRD JUDGE
Cheung Ahee being duly cautioned saith:
AHEE
Honorable Excellency, I swear before all our ancestral gods that my husband knows nothing about the poisoning of the bread. I am the one you should-
THIRD JUDGE
Madam! We appreciate your efforts in trying to shield your husband, but please do not expect us to believe that this cold-blooded act was conceived in the heart of a woman.
(The JUDGE bangs his gavel and lights come up. AHEE is taken offstage by two BRITISH POLICEMEN and we directly segue into the next scene:)
ACT II
SCENE 1
PLACE: Courtroom at Queen's Road
TIME: Immediately Following
The tumultuous trial is in progress. All three JUDGES are now upstage center. Residents of Hong Kong, including SARAH and JOHN AVERY, etc., are sitting along spectator benches. GOVERNOR BOWRING is sitting apart from others and out of their view.
Crowded at the back are worried Chinese WIVES of the bakers. British MEN are sitting in the jury box. Several other BAKERS on trial, including Ah-lum's FATHER, are sitting at stage left. The BAILIFFS - British policemen - stand sternly by.
AH-LUM is still dressed in Chinese cap, jacket, baggy trousers and felt shoes. He is in a holding cell, a separate area within the courtroom but set apart from the main action.
FOREIGN MEMBERS of the courtroom audience rise and point at the PRISONERS. Some of them are still sick. THEY slowly advance toward the PRISONERS. The PRISONERS (all but AH-LUM) rise and back away from them. (Musical underscoring.)
SONG: "The Heathen/Foreign Devils"
FOREIGNERS
A COURTROOM WAS NOT OUR SUGGESTION
(Solo) GOVERNOR BOWRING DEMANDED THIS TRIAL;
FOR A BAKER WHO SHOCKS OUR DIGESTION
(Solo) HANGING HAS SO MUCH MORE STYLE!
FIRST BAKER
I WAS IN KOWLOON THE WHOLE AFTERNOON!
SECOND BAKER
I WASN'T EVEN THERE, I WAS HAVING AN AFFAIR!
THIRD BAKER
I WAS MARCHING WITH THE BAND, NOT FAR FROM BONHAM STRAND!
FOREIGNERS
THE BAKER'S DESIGN WAS INGENIOUS
(Solo) SO HERE'S AN EQUALLY DIABOLICAL PLAN;
LET US FEED HIM HIS POISON ARSENIOUS
THEN LET HIM LAUGH IF HE CAN!
FOURTH BAKER
I WAS IN A BAR JUST OFF ENDICOTT'S BAZAAR!
FIFTH BAKER
I WAS RAISING CANE WITH MY BARBER, DOWN ON PEDDAR LANE NEAR THE HARBOR!
SIXTH BAKER
I WAS STEALING A VEST ON QUEEN ROAD'S WEST!
(The CHINESE now stand their ground and the two groups confront one another. Each group singing advances while the other retreats. The action - choreographed and, perhaps, silhouetted - is fast and furious.)
BRITISH
WHO PUT THE POISON IN OUR BREAD?
WHO PUT REWARDS UPON OUR HEAD?
WHO ARE THE ONES WHO WANT US DEAD?
THE HEATHEN DEVILS!
CHINESE
WHO RULES BY SHIP AND CANNON BALL?
WHO SENDS US DRUGS FROM FAR BENGAL?
WHO ELSE WOULD HAVE THE WHEREWITHAL?
THE FOREIGN DEVILS!
BRITISH
WHO DOUBTS THE BRITISH CAUSE IS JUST?
CHINESE
WHO LOOKS UPON US WITH DISGUST?
BRITISH
WHO TRIES TO DRIVE US FROM THIS SHORE?
CHINESE
WHO SOLVES DISPUTES WITH MEN-OF-WAR?
BRITISH
WHO BINDS A WOMAN'S FEET IN PAIN?
WHO BEGS THEIR GODS TO HAVE US SLAIN?
WHO TURNS THEIR BACK ON CHRIST OUR LORD?
CHINESE
WHO STOLE HONG KONG WITH GUN AND SWORD?
BRITISH/CHINESE
THE HEATHEN DEVILS! THE FOREIGN DEVILS!
THE HEATHEN DEVILS! THE FOREIGN DEVILS!
THE HEATHEN DEVILS! THE FOREIGN DEVILS!
(Suddenly, BOWRING strides between the two groups)
BOWRING
Enough! Under British law these men are innocent until proven guilty!
AVERY
Has Your Excellency forgotten that everyone in this courtroom - judges, jury, barristers, solicitors and witnesses - were all poisoned?!
(The JUDGE bangs his gavel. POLICEMEN move forward to restore order and to seat everyone once again)
(As the stagelights dim and the action continues in pantomime, the lights on AH-LUM come up)
ACT II
SCENE 2
TIME: Immediately Following
PLACE: Ah-lum's holding cell
SONG: "And Now You Cry?"
AH-LUM
I'M JUST A SMALL TOWN BAKER
ON WHOM THE GODS HAVE PLAYED A TRICK;
I WOULD NOT KNOW IT IF I SAW IT
WHAT IS THIS...ARSENIC.
MY CAKES ARE ORNAMENTED
MY CAKES ARE PLUM AND PLAIN; PLUM AND PLAIN; SWEET AND PLAIN.
DO THEY THINK I'M SO DEMENTED!
POISON CUSTOMERS? THAT'S...INSANE!
THEY SAY MY WIFE AND FATHER
TOOK PART IN THIS SHAMEFUL SCHEME;
IF I COULD SLEEP...IF I COULD SLEEP
PERHAPS THIS COULD ONLY BE A-
(AHEE appears. SHE approaches him and stops)
AHEE
My husband...
AH-LUM
HAVE YOU COME TO ME AT LAST
TO SAY GOODBYE?
AHEE
I DID WHAT I HAD TO DO
I WILL NOT LIE;
BUT MY ACT HAS RUINED YOU
AND I SHOULD DIE.
(AHEE pulls out a knife and holds it to her breast)
(AH-LUM snatches the knife from her and holds it to his own chest with both hands)
AH-LUM
YOU DID WHAT YOU HAD TO DO?
PLEASE TELL ME WHY!
IF ONE MAN SHOULD DIE FROM THIS
THEN SO SHALL I!
I DO NOT WISH TO LIVE AND SEE-
(AHEE pushes his hands down and sobs. AH-LUM stares at her)
AH-LUM (cont)
AND NOW YOU CRY?
AHEE
I WATCHED IN SILENT ANGUISH WHILE MY FATHER DIED
I WATCHED IN SILENCE WHILE MY BROTHER TRIED
TO CHANGE THE WORLD;
DID YOU THINK THE WORLD AROUND US
WOULD EVER LET ME BE THAT SILENT ANYMORE?!
AH-LUM
WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT YOU COULD EVER WIN?
AND WHERE DID YOU FIND THE STRENGTH TO BEGIN
TO CHANGE THE WORLD? TELL ME!
DID YOU THINK WHEN IT WAS OVER
DID YOU THINK WHEN IT WAS OVER
YOU COULD EVER HOPE TO LIVE AS YOU DID BEFORE?
AHEE
I WATCHED IN SILENT ANGUISH
WHILE MY FATHER DIED
I WATCHED IN SILENCE
WHILE MY BROTHER TRIED
TO CHANGE THE WORLD;
DID YOU THINK THE
WORLD AROUND US
WOULD EVER LET ME BE
THAT SILENT ANYMORE?
AH-LUM
WHAT MADE YOU THINK THAT YOU
COULD EVER WIN? AND WHERE DID
YOU FIND THE STRENGTH TO BEGIN
TO CHANGE THE WORLD? TELL ME!
DID YOU THINK WHEN IT WAS OVER
DID YOU THINK WHEN IT WAS OVER
YOU COULD EVER HOPE TO LIVE AS
YOU DID BEFORE? ANYMORE?
(THEY stare at one another)
AH-LUM
What have you become? I don't know you!
AHEE
...No, my husband.
(SLOW FADE OUT)
ACT II
SCENE 3
TIME: Immediately Following
PLACE: A Street outside the Courthouse
The stage setting is now outside the courtroom on Queen's Road. The stage is filled and filling with excited male and female British RESIDENTS of Hong Kong. Others are being carried on stage by BEARERS in their sedan chairs. Everyone is angry, excited, argumentative and demonstrative.
SONG: "The Hangman's Noose"
BRITISH RESIDENTS
AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY DISPATCHED WITH APLOMB!
A THOUSAND SOULS REJOIN THEIR MAKER!
NOT BY BULLETS NOR BY SWORD; NOT BY HATCHET NOR BY BOMB!
BUT BY THE ACT OF ONE CELESTIAL BAKER!
THE BRITISH LION ON A FOREIGN SHORE
FIGHTS THE CHINESE DRAGON
RESIDENT ONE
WHICH WANTS US DEAD!
BRITISH RESIDENTS
BUT WE PROTEST THIS UNJUST WAR
WHEN A BATCH OF ARSENIC IS MIXED IN WITH
RESIDENT TWO
OUR BREAD!
(AHEE passes nearby and is recognized)
FIRST RESIDENT
Look! There she is!
SECOND RESIDENT
The baker's wife!
(They gather about her in a threatening manner)
BRITISH RESIDENTS
WE MUST PROTEST THIS UNJUST WAR
BRITISH WOMEN
INDEED, THIS TRIAL BY JURY!
BRITISH RESIDENTS
WE WILL MAKE YOUR HUSBAND PAY
RESIDENT TWO
FOR HIS DASTARDLY DEED
BRITISH RESIDENTS
THE HANGMAN'S NOOSE MIGHT APPEASE THE PUBLIC FURY!
THE HANGMAN'S NOOSE!
(As AVERY emerges from inside the courtroom, the residents' attention is diverted from AHEE to him)
RESIDENT
Mr. Avery, what news?
ANOTHER RESIDENT
Has he been found guilty?
ANOTHER RESIDENT
If he isn't, I say we take things into our own hands!
(Shouts of approval from residents)
(While they question AVERY, underscoring continues and lights crossfade down on him and up on AHEE as she manages to elude them by slipping into a small Chinese temple)
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 4
TIME: Immediately Following
PLACE: A Chinese Temple
AHEE quickly enters. Inside the temple are fierce gods, spiral-shaped incense hanging above the main altar, offerings of food, candles and incense. SHE kneels in prayer before a shrine in which the main goddess has an assistant goddess on each side. With smoldering joss-sticks between her hands, AHEE begins to sing to the shrine before her.
SONG: "Sacred Shrine"
AHEE
OH, SACRED SHRINE, HAS YOUR HEART EVER BEAT, LIKE MINE?
BENEATH YOUR COOL, AMBER JADE, HAS YOUR HEART KNOWN DEFEAT LIKE MINE?
SACRED SHRINE, BENEATH YOUR COOL, AMBER JADE,
DID YOUR HEART EVER TEAR LIKE MINE?
Her song is interrupted as the main goddess and both assistant goddesses transform into three human female fortunetellers - gnarled, grotesque, repulsive crones.
Although THEY pretend to know what lies in the future for her husband, it is clear they simply want to profit from her situation. As SHE tries to move away, they aggressively surround her and hold out their hands for money.
SONG: "The Art of Fortune Telling"
FORTUNETELLERS
THE ART OF FORTUNE-TELLING IS AN ART WE HAVE LEARNED
AND WE CAN TELL YOU
WITHOUT ANY HESITATION!
BUY OUR JOSS-STICKS, PAY FOR OUR JOSS-STICKS, BURN OUR JOSS-STICKS
THEN WE CAN HELP TO CLARIFY, THEN WE CAN HELP TO CLARIFY -
YOUR SITUATION!
IT IS CLEAR TO SEE YOUR HUSBAND HAS HAD A TERRIBLE LOSS!
WE WOULD EVEN SAY HE'S SUFFERING - VERY BAD JOSS!
IT'S VERY BAD JOSS FOR AH-LUM AND HIS CLAN
(Solo) UNFORTUNATE JOSS
(Solo) BUT WE'LL HELP
(Solo) IF WE CAN!
EXPERIENCE TEACHES THE GREATER THE FEE
THE CLEARER THE FUTURE AND THE BRIGHTER THINGS CAN BE!
(Solo) WE'LL BEG THE GOLDEN GODDESS - 'LET AH-LUM RETAIN HIS HEAD'
AH-LUM MIGHT BE IN DANGER
THEN AGAIN HE MIGHT NOT!
MY DEAR
THE MORE YOU PAY
THE MORE CHANCES HE'S GOT!
IT'S VERY BAD JOSS FOR AH-LUM AND HIS CLAN
(Solo) UNFORTUNATE JOSS
(Solo) BUT WE'LL HELP
IF WE CAN!
AHEE
(angrily)
Get away! You only want my money. You can't help me!
FIRST FORTUNETELLER
Help? You must see the man with the rainbow for help, dear.
SECOND FORTUNETELLER
The man with the ring!
THIRD FORTUNETELLER
The man with the bow!
AHEE
Rainbow? Ring? Bow? I don't understand! Please let me-
SECOND FORTUNETELLER
The English Mandarin who rules the island! Bow-ring!
AHEE
The English- Governor Bowring? Yes. Yes! He must have the power to help! I must try to see him!
FIRST FORTUNETELLER
Yes, dear! You will find him with the rainbow.
(AHEE offers them money; THEY take it greedily and grab for more)
FORTUNETELLERS
(cont)
BUY OUR JOSS-STICKS, PAY FOR OUR JOSS-STICKS
AS WE HAVE SAID SO CLEARLY
HEED THE TIME GROWING LATE!
A DOZEN SILVER COINS WILL HELP US NOW TO CONCENTRATE!
WE FORESEE HIS CHANCES OF STAYING ALIVE
WE WOULD SAY THE ODDS ARE RUNNING-
(One of the FORTUNETELLERS throws a pair of dice; THEY look at the result)
FORTUNETELLERS
(cont)
HA! SEVEN TO FIVE!
IT'S VERY BAD JOSS FOR AH-LUM AND HIS CLAN
UNFORTUNATE JOSS BUT WE'LL HELP IF WE CAN!
(AHEE throws money to them. As THEY scamper to pick it up SHE hurriedly exits the temple)
ACT II
SCENE 5
TIME: Immediately Following
PLACE: Hong Kong Street outside Courtroom
The angry crowd is now reaching the breaking point of lynch fever as Avery continues to incite them.
AVERY
In my opinion martial law should be declared and this should be a court martial.
RESIDENTS
Here! Here!
ANOTHER RESIDENT
Justice would be swift then, ay?!
AVERY
Unfortunately, Sir John does not agree with me.
(At the name of the governor, the crowd becomes angrier; AVERY looks over the crowd, pleased at his handiwork)
SONG: "John Bowring, Esq."
AVERY
THE CELESTIAL MIND IS RATHER SIMPLE TO ME
STRING UP A FEW; THE REST WILL COWER!
BUT SIR JOHN IN ALL HIS WISDOM WILL NO DOUBT SET THEM FREE
APOLOGIZE!
AND REPLACE THEIR FLOUR!
SIR JOHN IS KNOWN TO BE A SENSIBLE MAN
AND THERE IS MUCH THAT WE ADMIRE!
(The RESIDENTS suddenly spot BOWRING and LT. WILSON leaving the courthouse)
AVERY
(cont)
BUT I SUGGEST A SENSIBLE PLAN
SIR JOHN RETIRE!
ALL RESIDENTS
JOHN BOWRING ESQUIRE, LL.D.
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY
WE HOPE OUR FAREWELL PARTY WON'T SEEM PREMATURE
(RESIDENTS hold up the items as they sing)
ALL RESIDENTS
(cont)
HERE'S YOUR HAT!
YOUR WALKING STICK!
YOUR TRAVEL BROCHURE!
AND, OH, JOHN BOWRING, THOUGH WE HATE TO TELL YOU SO
WE WOULD GLADLY PAY YOUR PASSAGE -
IF YOU WOULD ONLY GO!
AND, OH, DEAR GUV'NOR, WE HAVE JUST ONE SMALL REQUEST
WOULDN'T YOU BE HAPPIER -
BACK HOME IN THE WEST?!
JOHN BOWRING, ESQUIRE, LL.D
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY
WE HOPE OUR FAREWELL PARTY WON'T SEEM PREMATURE
HERE'S YOUR HAT!
YOUR WALKING STICK!
YOUR TRAVEL BROCHURE!
AVERY
Leaders should understand that in desperate times desperate men will carry out desperate deeds!
BOWRING
Speak what you will, Mr. Avery, but if innocent men are hanged, it will be even more of an indelible stain on British honor than you are.
(Several signs appear, such as, "Bowring Must Go," "Bowring Out!" etc.)
JOHN BOWRING angrily strides off the stage. AVERY appears embarrassed)
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 6
TIME: Later that Evening
PLACE: Seamans' Hospital
Taylor and a Chinese nurse are tending to those poisoned by the arsenic. Some of the sick men are moaning and crying out. A patient suddenly pushes the Chinese nurse away from his bed.
SOLDIER
Get that celestial devil away from me!
SAILOR
Just like John Chinaman to try somethin' so cowardly!
ANOTHER SAILOR
They'll bloody well pay for this!
TAYLOR
Never mind that now. I said, rest!
(Taylor speaks to himself)
TAYLOR (cont)
I have never seen such pain and suffering. How can men harbor such hatred to do such vile deeds? And when does it stop?
(Taylor stands and wearily walks to a basin. He squeezes out a rag. Spot on him)
TAYLOR
(cont)
THE LION AND THE DRAGON!
THE DRAGON AND THE LION!
WHY MUST THEY TAKE SUCH PURE DELIGHT
IN FEEDING SUCH A BLINDING HATE
AND FINDING AN EXCUSE TO FIGHT
THEN WASH THEIR HANDS AND CALL IT FATE!?
NO!
FATE AND JOSS ARE MADE BY MEN
WHO LIE AND STEAL AND KILL AND THEN
PRAY TO THEIR GODS TO PLEASE FORGIVE
THE WAY THEY LIVE!
A GUN, A SWORD, A LOAF OF BREAD
AND DON'T FORGET YOU MUST BE FED ON HATE!
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 7
TIME: Following Afternoon
PLACE: Outside Government House
AHEE walks cautiously toward the garden gate behind Government House. The GUARDS are observing BRITISH RESIDENTS who crowd around the gate, but the residents are now more sullen than threatening.
BRITISH RESIDENTS
JOHN BOWRING, ESQUIRE, LL.D
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY
WE HOPE OUR FAREWELL PARTY WON'T SEEM PREMATURE
HERE'S YOUR HAT!
YOUR WALKING STICK!
YOUR TRAVEL BROCHURE!
AND, OH, JOHN BOWRING, YOU'RE A PROPER ENGLISHMAN
BUT WE THINK IT'S NOT IMPROPER TO HANG THIS BAKER'S CLAN
AND, OH, DEAR GUV'NOR, YOU'LL FIND LONDON A DELIGHT
CAPTAIN'S CALLING "ALL ABOARD!" - DON'T FORGET TO WRITE!
JOHN BOWRING, ESQUIRE, LL.D
FELLOW OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY
WE HOPE OUR FAREWELL PARTY WON'T SEEM PREMATURE
HERE'S YOUR HAT!
YOUR WALKING STICK!
YOUR TRAVEL BROCHURE!
(A spotlight appears and we see SIR JOHN BOWRING working in his flower garden)
(BOWRING looks up to see the GUARDS attempting to push the BRITISH RESIDENTS away)
BOWRING
(shouting indignantly)
Whatever you may think of me, I represent Her Majesty, the Queen! Leave here at once!
(The BRITISH RESIDENTS grumble but leave. As THEY do, AHEE manages to enter the flower garden)
CROSSFADE
(Suddenly LT. WILSON appears, trying to restrain AHEE)
LT. WILSON
Madam! 'Ere, madam, I told you you can't come in 'ere!
JOHN BOWRING
What is it, Lieutenant?
LT. WILSON
The wife of the baker wot poisoned us, sir. I told 'er she can't-
JOHN BOWRING
It's all right. I'll see her. Leave us.
(AHEE and BOWRING stare at each other. BOWRING gestures to the bamboo)
BOWRING
(cont)
Rainbow... (SHE stares at him) Ribbon bamboo. But Lady Bowring calls it 'rainbow' bamboo because every section of the cane bears a different color. I sometimes wonder why such harmony in nature cannot extend to people. But I suppose-
AHEE
My name is Cheung Ahee. I have come to ask why my husband is on trial; I am the one you want.
BOWRING
I beg your pardon?
AHEE
Your judges assume I am only trying to protect my husband. But I am the one who poisoned the bread, Your Excellency. I obtained the arsenic and I gave the order. Arrest me and let my husband go.
BOWRING
I see...And why would the wife of a Chinese baker wish to aid Chinese malcontents in poisoning an entire city with arsenic?
AHEE
Why would the governor of a British colony wish to aid greedy British merchants in poisoning an entire country with opium?
(A weary Dr. TAYLOR suddenly appears with his physician's case. He is stunned to see Ahee and to hear her words)
BOWRING
(sighing deeply)
Believe me, madam, if it were in my power to stop the opium, I'd-
AHEE
It must be in your power! You are the governor!
BOWRING
Madam, your husband is the one on trial, not-
AHEE
But I did it!
(TAYLOR is stunned)
BOWRING
It is his bakery, madam! The bread was baked there. He was in charge and he must be held accountable!
AHEE
It is your colony! The opium merchants reside here. You are in charge and you must be held accountable!
BOWRING
Madam, the poison placed in our bread is a separate issue from British opium entering China!
AHEE
Is it!?
(AHEE suddenly notices TAYLOR. BOWRING turns to see what has petrified her)
BOWRING
Dr. Taylor. How is my wife?
(TAYLOR is staring at AHEE and fails to hear. BOWRING looks from one to the other)
BOWRING
Dr. Taylor?
TAYLOR
Oh! She's resting comfortably for the moment, Your Excellency.
BOWRING
Thank God! Dr. Taylor, this is Mrs. Cheung, the wife of the baker.
AHEE
Yes, we met in our bakeshop.
BOWRING
Nearly a thousand people ate the bread. Lynch mobs are just waiting for your husband.
AHEE
(falls to her knees)
Please! Help him! I'm the guilty one!
BOWRING
Madame, if the jury finds your husband guilty, it is within my power to declare a Governor's pardon. I could have him transported to another country for life.
AHEE
He would never agree to die on a foreign shore.
BOWRING
I'm afraid he will have to take his chances. Better chances than anyone involved offered us.
(BOWRING assists AHEE to her feet)
BOWRING
(cont)
You do know the other bakers have incriminated your husband.
AHEE
They are lying to save themselves.
BOWRING
I see.
TAYLOR
You...did not eat the bread?
AHEE
No. I seldom eat bread, doctor. I believe...no one has died from the poisoning?
TAYLOR
Not yet, madam. You...I mean, whoever was involved, used too much arsenic.
AHEE
Too much?
TAYLOR
Yes. So much that it acted as an emetic. The bread was vomited out before a fatal dose of the poison could enter the system. The suffering may linger for weeks, but, with one or two exceptions, everyone is out of danger.
AHEE
Too much! Oh!
(As AHEE's tears flow, BOWRING takes out his handkerchief and walks to her. SHE takes the handkerchief but as she stares at it, she begins laughing, almost hysterically)
BOWRING
Madam, can I get you-
AHEE
Too much?!
(AHEE rushes out)
BOWRING
All men should have such devoted wives.
TAYLOR
I beg your pardon, Your Excellency.
(BOWRING stares after TAYLOR as he exits quickly. Following after AHEE, he practically collides with LT. WILSON as he enters)
LT. WILSON
Is the lady all right, sir?
BOWRING
I don't know, Lieutenant. I pray she finds peace. God knows she didn't find any here.
(Suddenly, we hear the boom of a cannon)
BOWRING
The mail gun.
LT. WILSON
Yes, sir, the Neptune just arrived from London. Shall I-
BOWRING
Yes, Lieutenant. There's no point in delaying the inevitable; kindly bring the mail as soon as it's convenient. I'll be in my study.
LT. WILSON
Sir, if I may say so, sir, I'm sure London will back you up any day against Hong Kong's bloody merchants!
BOWRING
I wish I had your faith, Lieutenant. In any case, we shall soon learn if those very same gentlemen have finally managed to have me recalled.
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 8
TIME: Shortly Thereafter
PLACE: Ahee's Parlor over Spring Garden Bakery
The parlor is empty. We hear pounding on the door. ALOY appears and cautiously opens the door. CHARLES TAYLOR enters, forcing his way in.
ALOY
Madam not here!
TAYLOR
I'll wait!
ALOY
Maybe madam long time away.
TAYLOR
I'll wait!
(ALOY leaves and TAYLOR walks about the room like a caged animal)
(A very distraught AHEE enters the room from the interior of the house. She sees TAYLOR. SHE rushes to him and throws her arms around him, even knocking his walking stick from his grip as SHE does so. TAYLOR is far more reserved. He stares at her and takes her arms from around his waist and shoulder)
TAYLOR
When I overheard you, I desperately wanted to believe you were only protecting your husband.
AHEE
Charles. Please. Don't.
TAYLOR
But then I remembered something. After we parted at the wharf, I became so drowsy I could hardly walk. It was very strange.
(TAYLOR turns a bit away from her as he recalls the event; AHEE turns away from him as her singing represents her thinking)
SONG: Must Love be Born to die like this?"
AHEE
OH, CHARLES, DON'T SPEAK - I NEED YOUR KISS
TAYLOR
My entire body seemed to cry out for sleep.
AHEE
MUST LOVE BE BORN, TO DIE LIKE THIS?
TAYLOR
It wasn't until late morning that anyone could wake me.
AHEE
I'VE ALWAYS KNOWN THERE WAS NO WAY
TAYLOR
And, so, I became practically the only foreigner in Hong Kong not to partake of the poisoned bread.
AHEE
I HAVE NO VOICE - WHAT COULD I SAY?
TAYLOR
It was almost as if someone had drugged me to prevent me from being killed.
AHEE
AND NOW YOU'LL ASK - WHAT DID I KNOW?
TAYLOR
Someone who wanted to protect me.
AHEE
AND THEN YOU'LL HATE - AND THEN YOU'LL GO!
TAYLOR
Someone who knew the bread would be lethal.
AHEE
BE STILL MY HEART - DON'T MAKE A SOUND
TAYLOR
And then I remembered the tea you prepared for me in Kowloon. 'Melon seed tea' you called it. 'Medicinal and rare.
AHEE
I MUSTN'T MOVE-
TAYLOR
Ahee!...PLEASE TURN AROUND
II-8-24
(AHEE slowly turns to face him)
(SHE stands without speaking. Her body begins to tremble. TAYLOR understands that it is true)
TAYLOR (cont)
How...could...you? An entire community? Women and children?
AHEE
You may as well understand...everything...I asked you to accompany me to Kowloon and back because I knew I might not get past the sentry alone. Not without being searched...
TAYLOR
Why should you need to avoid being searched?
AHEE
The package you carried for me in your surgeon's bag was not Chinese medicine.
TAYLOR
My God...You used me?! To...to aid you in-
(AHEE begins trembling uncontrollably. When SHE finally manages to speak, it is almost as if SHE is reciting some- thing SHE has memorized)
AHEE
Our cities have been bombarded...Hong Kong seized probably forever...and...and...
(SHE rushes to him and throws her arms around him)
AHEE (cont)
The soldiers killed my brother! Their foreign mud killed my father!
(AHEE is now in agony and cries uncontrollably while desperately clinging to TAYLOR)
AHEE
(cont)
My entire family is dead. My husband is in jail and may be executed. I'm alone now.
(TAYLOR gently disentangles himself and steps back. HE stares at her then moves to go)
AHEE
(cont)
Charles. Please don't leave me this way. I never felt love before.
(HE pushes her hands away)
TAYLOR
Stay away from me! It was only through the grace of God that no one died. And I never want to see you again.
(TAYLOR retrieves his walking stick and moves to the door. HE turns at the door for one last look at her)
TAYLOR
(cont)
How could you?!
(AHEE stares at him and collects herself. The self-pity is replaced by a woman more in control of her emotions)
AHEE
You did not hear it. And you did not see it.
TAYLOR
Hear? Hear what?! See what?!
AHEE
My father's insane laughter as he died. And my brother's blood when he died in my arms.
(AHEE quickly retrieves the bonnet)
AHEE (cont)
Your gift...Covered with his blood. How could I? How...could... I...not?...
TAYLOR
And that gave you the right to involve me? Someone you say you love?
AHEE
If I hadn't, everyone would have died. We brought in too much arsenic, Charles; so no one will die. Don't you see my fate was written? By trying to be a poisoner, I saved the people I was trying to poison.
TAYLOR
Were you mad enough to think you would keep my love by preventing me from eating the bread?
AHEE
Don't you think I knew I risked losing you from the minute I got you involved?
TAYLOR
You've even sacrificed your husband!
AHEE
Why do you think I'm trying so hard to save him?
TAYLOR
You're mad.
AHEE
I may be. But on Chinese soil, who has the right to decide what is sanity and what is madness? The love I feel for you is so overwhelming it must be a kind of madness.
TAYLOR
You attempted to poison hundreds of innocent people and now you're prepared to risk-
(AHEE walks to him)
AHEE
Risk?! Do you know the Chinese punishment for a woman who betrays her husband for another man?
(TAYLOR starts to speak but AHEE places her hand to his lips)
AHEE
(cont)
In Chinese eyes I have already done that. You have the rest of your life to hate me, Charles; but, not tonight...
(TAYLOR is torn between moving toward her or leaving. Finally, SHE grabs him and passionately kisses him. HE responds. As music soars and lights lower, THEY cling to each other. TAYLOR lets his walking stick fall to the floor and a caress by AHEE knocks his hat off. THEY fall to their knees, still madly kissing one another)
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 9
TIME: Later; same evening
PLACE: Hong Kong Prison
AH-LUM is sitting on a stool in his prison cell. A BRITISH TURNKEY is taking his tray away. HE glances at AH-LUM's tray - still full of food.
TURNKEY
You don't start eatin' pretty soon, your guts'll be cursing your teeth!
AH-LUM
I am not hungry.
TURNKEY
Look, mate, in a day or two you'll be stretchin' a rope at Hangman's Point. You may as well greet the devil with a full stomach as with an empty one.
AH-LUM
The food was not properly prepared.
TURNKEY
Well, now, the baker wot poisoned us is complainin' about 'is bub and grub. That beats the Dutch and the Dutch beats the Devil.
(As the TURNKEY exits, AVERY appears just outside the bars)
AVERY
Good evening, Ah-lum.
(AH-LUM stands up and walks to the bars)
AH-LUM
Mr. Avery?
AVERY
Yes. I wanted you to know that I am dreadfully sorry this happened to you. I cannot believe you were in any way involved in this sordid affair.
AH-LUM
I think Mandarin officials in China ordered some of my bakers to do this. The bakers have families in China and dare not disobey.
AVERY
I thought as much. In any event, I thought you should know the gup is that the jury is very close to reaching a verdict.
AH-LUM
It is the gods who will decide; not the jury.
AVERY
(nervously)
Yeess. Quite. In any event, old friend, our...business arrangement is, of course, no longer in place and it would be best for both of us to keep quiet about it. Would it not?
AH-LUM
It is not important now, Mr. Avery. I have already forgotten about it. We are no longer...riding the wagon.
AVERY
Good. That's settled, then. Should the verdict be against you, there is such a thing as a Governor's pardon. And, for a small compensation, I could probably speak to-
AH-LUM
What is this 'Governor's pardon'?
AVERY
Under such a pardon, you would be transported for life to another country such as Australia or-
(AH-LUM is immediately shaken)
AH-LUM
Transported?! No! My bones must lie in the soil of my ancestors! If my grave is unattended, I could even become a wandering ghost! And never rest!
(On another part of the stage we see two rows of three MEN each. They are sitting very stiffly and in very dim light. They will remain even after 'blackout.')
AVERY
I see. Well, if that's your final word on the matter, then-
AH-LUM
I was told that the silver bars I had set aside for you have disappeared.
AVERY
Disappeared?
AH-LUM
I believe the poisoners used the money meant for you...to buy the arsenic.
(AVERY is stunned and shaken)
AVERY
To...To buy the...My God. If this ever gets out! Sir, I must have your word, you will not ever speak of this matter. To anyone!
AH-LUM
You have my word, Mr. Avery...For a small compensation...For my family, I mean. You must help them if you can. I may be hanged soon.
AVERY
Oh. Oh, yes, that is true, isn't it? Of course, I will assist your family in any way I can. Not that I-
(BRITISH GUARDS appear, heading for AH-LUM's cell)
AVERY
(cont)
I really must be off now. Good day to you, sir.
(AVERY quickly exits)
(BRITISH GUARDS unlock AH-LUM'S cell and take him out)
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 10
TIME: Ten minutes
later
PLACE: Victoria Court
Complete silence. Two rows of three MEN each. They are sitting in very dim light. After several seconds pass, a light focuses on a BRITISH JUDGE in full regalia. Another focuses on CHEUNG AH-LUM. The FOREMAN of the six-man jury rises.
JUDGE
Members of the jury, are you agreed upon your verdict?
FOREMAN
We are, My Lord.
JUDGE
How say you then - do you find the prisoner, Cheung Ah-lum, guilty or not guilty?
FOREMAN
Guilty, My Lord.
JUDGE
You say that the prisoner at the bar, Cheung Ah-Lum, is guilty and that is the verdict of you all?
FOREMAN
Yes, My Lord.
JUDGE
Prisoner at the bar, can you give me any reason why I should not pronounce sentence upon you?
AH-LUM
...I ask that my bones be buried in my ancestral village inside China.
(The JUDGE places a limp square of black cloth on his head, that which indicates the death sentence)
JUDGE
Cheung Ah-lum, by your own hand, you have reduced yourself from the image of your Creator to the epitome of unimaginable evil. By your iniquitous act, you have violated the moral laws of man and trespassed upon the sacred laws of Providence. I cannot urge you strongly enough in the limited amount of time remaining to you to prepare yourself to meet face to face with your offended God, before whom all deceptions and falsehoods are of no avail.
(Light fades on JUDGE and JURY; intensifies on AH-LUM. On another part of the stage we we can just make out what appears to be a bed. This will remain after 'blackout.')
JUDGE
(cont)
In accordance with the law, I now pronounce that you be taken from the bar back to the prison whence you came, and thence to a place of execution, and that you will be there hanged by the neck until you are dead, and that your body will afterwards be buried within the precincts of the jail. May God have mercy upon your soul.
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 11
TIME: Immediately
Following
PLACE: AHEE's bedroom above the Bakery
(Simultaneously as the above scene blacks out, AHEE sits up in bed. She is hysterical. Her scream must come instantly after the word 'soul.')
AHEE
Aiiiiiieeeeeeee!
(TAYLOR sits up beside her)
TAYLOR
Ahee, what is it?
AHEE
My husband - they're going to hang him!
TAYLOR
You were dreaming.
(HE holds her; she does not respond)
AHEE
I must go to him.
(SHE moves to get out of bed)
TAYLOR
Ahee, it was only a dream.
(SHE slides out of his embrace)
AHEE
No! Not a dream. I must go to him.
(SHE stares at him as if seeing him for the last time; then rushes from the room)
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 12
TIME: One hour later
PLACE: Government House
Lights come up on SIR JOHN BOWRING at his desk. He is reading a letter (suggesting his resignation). LIEUTENANT WILSON is standing by the desk attentively. Bowring folds the letter and puts it down.
BOWRING
Well, Lieutenant, it looks like Hong Kong will have a new governor.
LIEUTENANT WILSON
Sir, request permission to be reassigned to-
BOWRING
Permission denied. You will remain here and continue with your career. And you will serve the next governor as well as you have served me. In any case, I am not to be replaced just yet.
(WILSON salutes)
LIEUTENANT WILSON
Sir!
(WILSON starts to turn and remembers)
LIEUTENANT WILSON
(cont)
Sir, Dr. Taylor is here.
BOWRING
Send him in.
LIEUTENANT WILSON
Yes, sir.
(WILSON exits; TAYLOR enters)
(Outside the door, WILSON sits in his chair and stealthily picks up a wine bottle underneath it. He takes a swig as the lights dim down on him)
(BOWRING stands behind his desk)
BOWRING
Dr. Taylor. I thank you for taking such good care of my wife.
TAYLOR
Not at all, sir. I only wish I could do more.
BOWRING
I believe she should return to London as soon as possible; although she does seem a bit better this evening.
TAYLOR
I'll look in on her now, sir.
BOWRING
Um, Dr. Taylor, before you go, may I speak frankly?
TAYLOR
Of course, Your Excellency.
BOWRING
I have had reports that you...that you have been seeing the wife of the baker.
TAYLOR
I love her if that's what you mean.
BOWRING
You...love her? Enough to forgive her for what she's done?
TAYLOR
Enough to forgive her for using my surgeon's bag to bring in the arsenic.
BOWRING
My God, man, by this time next week, there will not be an Englishman on this island who has not heard one version or another of your activities.
TAYLOR
I realize that, sir. I am quite prepared to stand trial for my part in-
BOWRING
I have had quite enough of trials, Dr. Taylor!.. There is a clipper ship leaving the day after tomorrow for America. I suggest you be on it. In any case, you would have no practice here.
TAYLOR
You would allow me to leave Hong Kong?
BOWRING
Speaking frankly, sir, I mean that you may choose prison or banishment.
TAYLOR
I see...Very well, Your Excellency. There is nothing to keep me in Hong Kong any longer.
(TAYLOR walks to the door)
BOWRING
Dr. Taylor...You do know the baker has been found guilty?
TAYLOR
Guilty!? But surely you will offer him Governor's pardon so that-
BOWRING
Lieutenant Wilson has just come from speaking with him. The man absolutely refused it. Merely asked that I allow him to be buried in his home village inside China. To which I agreed.
TAYLOR
But he is not guilty of anything.
BOWRING
He will not agree to be transported for life. There is nothing I can do.
(TAYLOR opens the door)
TAYLOR
When?
BOWRING
At dawn...Lieutenant!
(LT. WILSON hurriedly replaces his wine bottle and rushes to the open door)
BOWRING
(cont)
Lt. Wilson!
LT. WILSON
Sir!
BOWRING
Dr. Taylor is free to go. And you and your men may retire for the night.
LT. WILSON
Sir! Sleep well, Your Excellency.
BOWRING
I think I shall not sleep at all. But I have no doubt you shall sleep soundly, Lieutenant.
LT. WILSON
...Sir!
(As the light fades down on BOWRING, and TAYLOR disappears into the dark- ness, LIEUTENANT WILSON picks up his wine bottle, and slowly walks off)
LIEUTENANT WILSON
WAIST COATS AND WHISKEY, WHALEBONE AND WINE!
(WILSON starts to place the bottle to his lips, then holds it out and stares at it)
LT. WILSON
HAVE...THEY...DONE...ANYTHING...TO...OUR.....WINE?! DAMN THESE HEATHEN SWINE!
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 13
TIME: Dawn
PLACE: Hong Kong Prison
AHEE is on her knees sobbing, leaning against AH-LUM who is sitting on a prison bunk. Ship bells chime the time after which we hear very soft underscoring.'
AH-LUM
Go with my father. Back to our village.
AHEE
My husband, I am so ashamed.
AH-LUM
Ashamed? You needn't be. I have had time to think. And I realize now how proud I am of you.
AHEE
Proud?! I have ruined everything!
AH-LUM
No. It was your destiny. Just as this is mine. And never doubt China will again be free and strong. Strong enough to resist foreign mud and foreign rule. The day will come.
AHEE
...The day will never come when the gods will forgive me. I have wronged you in an even greater way than you know.
(AH-LUM reaches out with one hand and caresses her face)
AH-LUM
...I know.
AHEE
My husband, I swear never to remarry.
AH-LUM
No! Swear that you will. What China needs is in you. Let your sons carry on what you have started. And you must have sons! Swear it!
AHEE
I...I swear it.
AH-LUM
Good. I wish to give you something.
(AH-LUM reaches into the waistband of his trousers and pulls out a small blade. With his left hand he grabs his queue and pulls it back and with his right hand he quickly cuts the queue)
(The second he cuts his queue - symbol of allegiance to the Manchu emperor - we hear very soft notes from the next song, "The Day will Come." AH-LUM hands the queue to AHEE)
AH-LUM
The foreign men were right; one day Chinese will not wear a queue: When we are free.
(BRITISH GUARDS enter the cell and, despite AHEE's efforts to cling to AH-LUM, take him out to be hanged)
AHEE
Forgive me!
AH-LUM
There is no need. It was our destiny.
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 14
TIME: Shortly Thereafter
PLACE: Hangman's Point/Hong Kong Streets
In the background, as a drumroll begins, AH-LUM is led up the steps of the gallows. All Chinese gather to sing the following song. In the beginning they are facing AH-LUM. As they sing, the noose is placed around AH-LUM's neck.
SONG: "The Day will Come"
CHINESE
IT MIGHT BE NOW...
IT MIGHT BE TOMORROW...
IT MIGHT BE A DAY ONLY OUR CHILDREN WILL SEE...
WHEN THERE IS NO TURNING BACK
BECAUSE YOU'VE TRAVELED TOO FAR...
AND YOU DARE TO RISK ALL THAT YOU HAVE
FOR ALL THAT YOU ARE
AND ALL THAT YOU ARE
FOR WHAT MIGHT BE
THEN...
THE DAY WILL COME!
THE WAIT WILL BE OVER!
AND MEN WILL KNOW!
THAT OUR BATTLE IS WON!
THE DAY WILL COME!
OUR SHAME WILL BE ENDED!
IF WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS JUST!
AND WE FIGHT AS MEN WE MUST!
WE NEED NEVER BOW AGAIN TO ANY FOE! THEN...
(The trapdoor is opened; AH-LUM descends and disappears. The rope is pulled taut from his weight. All members of the CHINESE COMMUNITY on stage now turn to face the audience)
THE DAY WILL COME!
A DAY UNLIKE OTHERS!
AND WE WILL STAND!
WITH OUR HEADS HELD UP HIGH!
CHINESE
(cont)
THE DAY IS NEAR!
OUR PEOPLE REJOICING!
LET OUR VICTORY BE KNOWN!
LET OUR FUTURE BE OUR OWN!
LET OUR CHILDREN KNOW A DESTINY THAT'S FREE!
THE DAY WILL COME!
(BLACKOUT)
ACT II
SCENE 15
TIME: Two days later
PLACE: Avery House
The verandah of JOHN AVERY's house. SARAH and JOHN AVERY are aiding CHARLES TAYLOR with his packing. WONG, AH-MEI and other servants are bustling back and forth taking luggage out of the house.
AH-MEI
Aiiiyaaah!
WONG
What's wrong now?
AH-MEI
If master's leaving, I'll have to find a new job.
WONG
Master's not leaving; the foreign-devil from the land of the flowery flag is leaving.
AH-MEI
Really? He hasn't been here very long.
(WONG looks about and speaks confidentially)
WONG
I heard he was having an affair with one of us.
AH-MEI
(wide-eyed)
With a servant?! In this house?! Which one?!
WONG
No, rice bucket! I mean with a high-class Chinese woman!
AH-MEI
Oh?! A high-class Chinese woman?! (giddy with excitement) So, what happened?!
WONG
I don't know. (confidentially) But my father says if a foreign-devil man is attracted to a Chinese woman...
AH-MEI
(even more giddy with excitement)
Foreign devil men with Chinese women what?! Tell me! Tell me!
(WONG describes his words with his hands)
WONG
When a foreign-devil man becomes attracted to a Chinese woman he is like a moth to a candle flame; completely helpless to resist, flying closer, and closer and closer until - poof! - he's consumed. And he becomes a ghost!
AH-MEI
Aiiyaaah! A Demon ghost?
WONG
No. Worst than that! A lovesick ghost! My father says they are the worst kind.
AH-MEI
Aiyaaahhh!
JOHN AVERY
(gesturing)
Could you two stop your gibbering and finish taking out the bags?
(AH-MEI scampers back to a suitcase and continues packing and closing it; WONG carries it and others out, followed by AH-MEI)
WONG
Yes, master! Takkee allo piecey bag! Chop! Chop!
(AVERY aids TAYLOR with his packing)
JOHN AVERY
We'll miss you; make no mistake about that.
TAYLOR
And I'll certainly miss you and Sarah. I promise I'll write you the second I arrive in San Francisco. Just be careful what you eat!
SARAH AVERY
(sighs)
Perhaps whoever tried to poison us was right; perhaps we colonial types are insufferable.
TAYLOR
You and John certainly are not. But have you ever wondered if the two of you wouldn't be happier in England?
SARAH AVERY
I'm afraid John would be a duck out of water in London, Charles. We have lived much of our lives on this island and, for better or worse, on this island is where we'll stay. Oh! Isn't that the Governor?
JOHN AVERY
(delighted)
Leaving at last, thank God.
(SIR JOHN BOWRING appears and walks to the verandah)
JOHN BOWRING
Good morning, ladies. Mr. Avery.
JOHN AVERY
I was going to wish you a pleasant journey at the pier, Your Excellency, but as you're here, I'll-
JOHN BOWRING
That's why I'm stopping by, Mr. Avery. Lady Bowring insists she's recovered from the poisoning enough to travel to London on her own. So I shan't be leaving Hong Kong quite so soon after all.
JOHN AVERY
Not...leaving?
JOHN BOWRING
Not...leaving. I hope that won't cause anyone any inconvenience.
SARAH AVERY
Oh, no, Your Excellency, my husband meant it's just such a pleasant surprise, isn't that right, dear?
JOHN AVERY
Yes, yes, of course. Such a surprise.
JOHN BOWRING
I have received word that I will be eventually...allowed to resign, however, so at least the merchant class of this community will not be troubled by my presence much longer.
SARAH AVERY
(embarrassed by his remark)
...Oh! Forgive me, Your Excellency. I believe you met our houseguest at the Hong Kong Club. Dr. Charles Taylor.
(THEY extend greetings)
JOHN AVERY
Unfortunately, Dr. Taylor is on his way to Pedder's Wharf. No matter how I try to dissuade him, Dr. Taylor is determined to return to California.
JOHN BOWRING
How unfortunate for Hong Kong. We need good medical men here.
SARAH AVERY
I'm afraid the truth is events of the past week may have proved a bit much for our American houseguest.
JOHN BOWRING
I dare say.
SARAH AVERY
I imagine you haven't had much rest in all this turmoil yourself, Your Excellency.
JOHN BOWRING
As a matter of fact, madam, last night was the first time I'd slept soundly for a week. I must say I had another vivid dream of future-
SARAH AVERY
Oh! We might see the baker's family at the wharf! You said last night that they will be returned to China today, didn't you, John?
JOHN AVERY
Yes. Governor Bowring has-
JOHN BOWRING
I'm not certain if I was awake or asleep but I saw a city in which-
SARAH AVERY
But do you know, at the trial it was said that the baker's wife arranged for them to leave for Macau on the very morning of the poisoning. Do you suppose it's possible that-
TAYLOR
(heading for the door)
Excuse me. My bags are ready.
BOWRING
All things are possible. I have a report on my desk suggesting that the money used to purchase the arsenic was actually bribe money for someone. Someone who must be-
JOHN AVERY
(heading for the door)
Oh! Let me help you with those bags, Dr. Taylor!
SARAH AVERY
Come, Your Excellency! If we don't hurry you won't be able to see Lady Bowring off.
(The FOUR of them step from the verandah, followed by the servants, and walk toward their waiting chairs)
(BOWRING is about to step from the verandah after them but pauses)
REPRISE: "I See Hong Kong
(BOWRING is about to step from the verandah after them but pauses)
JOHN BOWRING
A CITY RICHER THAN MANY A NATION
AND CHINESE LEADING IN EVERY OCCUPATION;
A BRITISH, NO, A JEWEL OF CHINA HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM
THAT'S WHAT I SEE WHEN I DREAM OF HONG KONG
FUTURE HONG KONG
BLACKOUT
ACT II
SCENE 16
TIME: Thirty minutes later
PLACE: Pedder's Wharf
The place is a very crowded Pedder's Wharf. Musical underscoring of the opening song "Hong Kong in 1857." Many are leaving for abroad and others are seeing them off. There is the suggestion of the small boat which will take the baker's family to Macau and into banishment inside China. There is also the suggestion of the clipper ship that the Europeans and Americans are about to board.
We hear the sounds and see the sights of an imminent Chinese New Year. Foreigners and their servants are standing about talking to one another and to other well-wishers. JOHN BOWRING arrives and greets his WIFE. The AVERYS and their SERVANTS arrive with CHARLES TAYLOR. They begin talking to those seeing them off.
Unnoticed by the crowd, LIEUTENANT WILSON is leading AH-LUM's FATHER and AHEE to the boat at stage right. AHEE, with head down in sadness and shame, quickly gets on board, following her husband's coffin.
(Suddenly, everything on stage freezes in place. TAYLOR sees AHEE and, unnoticed by others engaged in their farewells, HE moves to stand on the dock facing her. She sees TAYLOR and is momentarily stunned. For a few moments THEY stare at one another. AH- LUM's coffin is in plain sight)
AHEE
Why are you here?
TAYLOR
I am returning to California. On the clipper. I came to ask you to come with me.
(AHEE stares at TAYLOR)
AHEE
Do you think I could ever leave my husband now?
TAYLOR
(cont)
Ahee, you have no family now; and it will be dangerous in China. Please. We can start a new life. Together.
AHEE
Thank you, Charles, but I have put my world of dreams away.
TAYLOR
But it-
AHEE
It is my destiny.
TAYLOR
...Then I shall never see you again.
(SHE walks closer to him)
SONG: "Being Loved by You"
TAYLOR
(cont)
I WISH...
AHEE
I KNOW
BUT WISHING WILL NOT MAKE IT SO
BOTH
IF WE MUST SAY GOODBYE
LOOK INTO MY EYES AND YOU WILL SEE
WHAT BEING LOVED BY YOU WILL ALWAYS MEAN TO ME
AHEE
IN MY HEART I WILL ALWAYS KNOW
WHERE YOU ARE, MY LOVE, AND WHERE YOU GO
PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM THERE...
AHEE/TAYLOR
AND
TAYLOR
IN AN EARLY MORNING MIST, MY LOVE,
IF YOU SHOULD FEEL THAT YOU'VE BEEN KISSED
PLEASE KNOW THAT I AM THERE
AHEE
I HAVE NOTHING I CAN GIVE TO YOU
TAYLOR
YOU GIVE ME STRENGTH
AHEE
BUT EACH DAY
TAYLOR
EACH DAY
AHEE
THAT I LIVE
TAYLOR
THAT WE LIVE
AHEE/TAYLOR
I WILL ALWAYS TRY TO BE
WHAT IT IS YOU LOVE IN ME
TAYLOR
I WISH YOU LAUGHTER, JOY AND, OF COURSE, A SON
AHEE
I WISH YOU HAPPINESS AND PEACE UNTIL YOUR LIFE IS DONE
TAYLOR
PERHAPS, ONE DAY, YOU AND I-
AHEE
NO, NO NEED TO LIE
THIS MUST BE OUR LAST GOODBYE
(Music continues under as TAYLOR kisses her hand and then backs away)
BOTH
IF WE MUST SAY GOODBYE
LOOK INTO MY EYES AND YOU WILL SEE
WHAT BEING LOVED BY YOU WILL ALWAYS MEAN TO ME
(As AHEE walks back toward her boat, and Taylor walks toward the clipper, the Chinese begin singing)
(AHEE stops as one by one CHINESE VENDORS, etc., join in to sing the following song. As they sing, all FOREIGNERS are swallowed up in darkness)
REPRISE: "The Day will Come"
CHINESE
THE DAY WILL COME!
THE WAIT WILL BE OVER!
AND MEN WILL KNOW!
THAT OUR BATTLE IS WON!
THE DAY WILL COME!
OUR SHAME WILL BE ENDED!
IF WE FIGHT FOR WHAT IS JUST!
AND WE FIGHT AS MEN WE MUST!
WE NEED NEVER BOW AGAIN TO ANY FOE!
THEN...
(All members of the CHINESE COMMUNITY on stage including AHEE now join in)
CHINESE
(cont) THE DAY WILL COME!
A DAY UNLIKE OTHERS!
AND WE WILL STAND!
WITH OUR HEADS HELD UP HIGH!
THE DAY IS NEAR!
OUR PEOPLE REJOICING!
LET OUR VICTORY BE KNOWN!
LET OUR FUTURE BE OUR OWN!
LET OUR CHILDREN KNOW A DESTINY THAT'S FREE!
THE DAY WILL COME!
ALL CHINESE & AHEE
FRAGRANT HARBOUR
FRAGRANT HARBOUR!
(All Chinese turn to AHEE as she stands on the boat and it pulls away)
ALL CHINESE
(softly)
MAKE WAY, MAKE WAY
MAKE WAY FOR THE LADY FROM HONG KONG...
BLACKOUT
Copyright 2014 Dean Barrett & Ed Linderman
Producers interested in FRAGRANT HARBOUR, kindly contact: deanbarr@loxinfo.co.th or Sandyanded@earthlink.net
Contact Dean Barrett:
No part of this libretto may be performed or published without written permission from the playwright
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Cast List
1. Cheung Ahee - (soprano; age 15 in prologue; age 25 in the play) The main character of the musical. A beautiful, educated Chinese woman dissatisfied with her life in Hong Kong and fascinated by things Western.
2. Cheung Ah-lum - (lyric baritone; late-40s) The husband of Cheung Ahee; practical, guileless, profit-minded, interested only in his baking business and trying desperately to avoid trouble. But the world is quickly closing in on him.
3. Father - (bass baritone; early 60's) Father of the baker and a man afraid for both the future of his country and the fate of his family.
4. Yong-sang - (tenor; 17 in prologue; 27 in play) Brother of Cheung Ahee. A patriot willing to go to any lengths and to pay any price to drive the "barbarians" out of Hong Kong and out of China.
5. Sir John Bowring - (bass baritone; age - mid-60s) Governor of Hong Kong. Practically alone in insisting that British justice must be done and that even Chinese poisoners have a right to a fair trial.
6. Lt. Wilson - aide-de-camp to Governor Bowring.
7. John Avery - (lyric baritone; age - mid-40s) English government official and entrepreneur; long-time resident of Hong Kong.
8. Sarah Avery - (mezzo; age - early 40s) A Hong Kong version of a mem'sahib, his wife.
9. Charles Taylor - (tenor; age - late 20s) An idealistic American physician visiting Hong Kong who falls hopelessly in love with Cheung Ahee.
10 British residents of Hong Kong - Furious, frustrated and in some danger from Chinese "patriots." They are at least as angry at Governor Bowring as they are at the "celestials." They may also double for the Avery's neighbor's, judges, policemen, sailors, jurors, etc.
11 Chinese residents of Hong Kong - bakers/poisoners, fortune- tellers, servants, hawkers.
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Ed Linderman: Composer
ARTISTIC RESUME
Ed Linderman began his professional career in Musical Theater in his home town of Chicago where he was the youngest performer and musical director at the famous SECOND CITY CO. He studied piano, musical composition and theory at Northwestern and De Paul Universities, the Chicago Conservatory, and the University of Illinois. Upon moving to New York, he studied at AMDA (the American Musical & Dramatic Academy), became a member of the Lehman Engel/BMI Musical Theater Workshop, and continued his studies at the Manhattan School of Music. His first New York jobs were as Musical Director and house pianist at THE UPSTAIRS AT THE DOWNSTAIRS and THE IMPROVISATION.
For the last 25 years, he has enjoyed pursuing a triple career in Music and Theater: as a Composer, Performer and Musical Director. He wrote music for the Murder-Mystery-Musical Comedy "Something's Afoot" (Lyceum Theater, NYC, Tony Tanner - Director, starring Tessie O'Shea; Ambassador Theater, London; Showtime Network starring Jean Stapleton). He made his Broadway performing debut as "Perchik" (the Radical Student) in "Fiddler on the Roof" with Jan Peerce and Paul Lipson, and next sang and danced in the chorus of the NY Shakespeare Festival's rock opera "Two Gentlemen of Verona" at the St. James Theater. He served as Musical Director Off-Broadway and on many national tours for such shows as "Godspell," "Scrambled Feet," "Children of Adam," and Ionescopade."
He created the hit off-Broadway Cabaret Revue BROADWAY JUKEBOX, which played at the Houseman and Westside Arts Theaters in NYC, at the American Stage Co. in NJ, and at the Sands Hotel in Atlantic City. He has sung and performed his music at such top nightclubs as The Ballroom, The Grand Finale, Eighty-Eights, El Moroco, Reno Sweeney, Don't Tell Mama's and the Horn of Plenty to name but a few. Nine summers were spent as composer-in-residence and performer at the famous Berkshire Mountains Artists' Resorts, Foxhollow and Seven Hills.
Mr. Linderman has composed the scores for "A Girl Singer", (libretto by Robert Brittan, Musical Theater Works, NYC), "The Zimmer Girls (libretto by Robert Solomon, John Drew Theater, East Hampton; Tony Stimac, director), and is currently working on the music for two new original projects: FRAGRANT HARBOUR (written by Dean Barrett), and THE SCENE PARTNER (written by Beulah Hickey). Last summer, he was the invited guest artist at the Interlochen Music Summer Festival in Michigan, and was one of the first guest artists to appear at the Eugene O'Neill Cabaret Symposium in Ct.
Mr. Linderman is very proud to be an active member of the Dramatists Guild and to have been a member of the faculty at Penn State University's new musical theater department.
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Dean Barrett: Book & Lyrics Copyright 2014
ARTISTIC RESUME
Dean Barrett was trained as a Chinese linguist at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California and, at graduation, was chosen to present original stage material on China. After serving with a Special Operations Unit of the Army Security Agency in East and Southeast Asia, he pursued graduate studies in Chinese Area Studies at San Francisco State College and received his Masters Degree in Asian Studies from the University of Hawaii.
Mr. Barrett returned to Asia and for 17 years was a publisher, writer, editor and photographer living in Hong Kong and Bangkok. He was managing director of Hong Kong Publishing Company, Ltd., and wrote and photographed several non-fiction books on Asia and edited several cultural and travel magazines. He also wrote hundreds of articles on Asia and was the winner of several writing and editing awards including the PATA Grand Prize for Excellence for writing on Asia, particularly on Thailand and on Chinese culture.
In addition to teaching college level editing and writing courses in Hong Kong, Mr. Barrett wrote a weekly satire column for the “Hong Kong Standard” for five years under the pseudonym, Uncle Yum Cha ("Uncle Drink Tea").
Mr. Barrett has written extensively on Hong Kong's traditional fishing community - the text for a non-fiction book on the fishing traditions of southern China and a fairytale set in a Chinese fishing village. His novel, Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior, was optioned for film four times and he wrote feature-length filmscripts set in Asia which were sold and optioned including The Opium Solution.
Mr. Barrett has had several plays read or staged by various groups including Pasadena Playhouse of California, Virginia’s Offstage Theater, Florida’s Riverside Theater, New York's Phoenix Ensemble, Vox Theater Company, Love Creek Productions and PanAsia Repertory. FRAGRANT HARBOUR was selected by the National Alliance for Musical Theaters to appear on 42nd Street.
Mr. Barrett’s novel, Hangman’s Point, set in Ch'ing Dynasty China and Hong Kong, has been optioned for film by Joe Knatchbull of Kelso Films, London. His filmscript, DRAGON SLAYER, set in Vietnam and China, has been optioned by Fortis Entertainment, L.A. Mr. Barrett has co-written a one-man show with the Chinese actor, Robert Lin, entitled MAO: Red Star & Blue Apple, and his play on the Chinese slave trade, Bones of the Chinamen, was given a reading in New York City by Vox Theater Company.
His novels include Kingdom of Make-Believe, Memoirs of a Bangkok Warrior and Mistress of the East. His most recent books are Skytrain to Murder, Permanent Damage, Murder at the Horny Toad Bar & other Outrageous Tales of Thailand, and The Go Go Dancer who Stole My Viagra & other Poetic Tragedies of Thailand. His novellas on China include Dragon Slayer, Hangman's Point and Thieves Hamlet. His latest novel, Identity Theft, is set in Thailand and Florida. Mr. Barrett now resides in Bangkok.
While living in NYC, Mr. Barrett was a member of the Dramatists Guild, Mystery Writers of America, an affiliate of BMI and a member of the China Round Table.
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MUSICAL SYNOPSIS
ACT ONE
1. Opening Music
2. "Something's There" - CHEUNG AHEE/ YONG-SANG
3. "Hong Kong in 1857" - ENSEMBLE
4. "Yes, My Husband" - CHEUNG AHEE
5. "Gentlemen!" - BOWRING/MERCHANTS
6. "I See Hong Kong!" - JOHN BOWRING
7. "My Son is too Young" - BAKER'S FATHER, YONG SANG, CHEUNG AHEE
8. "Tell her that I Rode Away" - SARAH AVERY/CHARLES TAYLOR
9. "Fragrant Harbour" - CHARLES TAYLOR
10. "We are the E-Sing Bakers"/"It Might be Said" - THE POISONERS/E-SING BAKERS
11. "The Great Exhibition" - CHEUNG AHEE
12. "My Son is Too Young" (reprise) - YONG SANG/CHEUNG AHEE
13. "Damn Their Eyes"/"Billiards & Beer" - BRITISH MERCHANTS
14. "If I Were a Lady" - CHEUNG AHEE/CHARLES TAYLOR
15. "Precious Gift" - CHEUNG AHEE
16. "All My Dreams have Died" - CHEUNG AHEE/THE POISONERS
17. "Ride the Wagon" - CHEUNG AHLUM/JOHN AVERY
18. "The Dawn of Yesterday"CHEUNG AHEE & ENSEMBLE
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MUSICAL SYNOPSIS
ACT TWO
1. "The Heathen/Foreign Devils" - FOREIGNERS & CHINESE
2. "And now you Cry?" - CHEUNG AHEE/CHEUNG AHLUM
3. "The Hangman's Noose!" - BRITISH RESIDENTS
4. "Sacred Shrine" - CHEUNG AHEE
5. "The Art of Fortune Telling" - FORTUNE TELLERS
6. "John Bowring, Esquire" - BRITISH RESIDENTS
7. "The Lion and the Dragon" - CHARLES TAYLOR
8. "John Bowring, Esquire II" - BRITISH RESIDENTS
9. "Must Love be Born to die like this?" - CHEUNG AHEE
10. "The Day will Come" - ALL CHINESE
11. Reprise: "I See Hong Kong!" - JOHN BOWRING
12. "Being Loved by You" - CHEUNG AHEE/CHARLES TAYLOR
13. Reprise: "The Day will Come!" - ALL CHINESE
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In 1857 the town of Hong Kong on Hong Kong Island had been built along the harbour and was known as "Victoria." Across the harbour was Kowloon peninsula which, in 1857, still belonged to China. All action in the musical takes place in and around the town of Victoria.
Act One
Prologue: dreamlike sequence somewhere in mainland China. 1847
1. Hong Kong Harbour at Dusk, 1857
2. Later that night. Bedroom above Ah-lum's bakery retail shop
B. Simultaneously. Verandah of Avery's house
C. Simultaneously. Governor Bowring's office in Government House
D. Immediately following. Ah-lum's office beneath his bedroom
3. The next morning. Interior of Sarah and John Avery's house
4A. Immediately following. Hong Kong's colorful lanes
4B. Immediately following. Ah-lum's retail shop
5. That afternoon. Ah-lum's Bakery at Spring Garden
6. Later. Ahee's Parlor above Main Bakery
7. The following evening. Billiard room of the Hong Kong Club
8. That night. Ahee's Parlor above Main Bakery
9. The next Afternoon. Ah-lum's office
10 That night. Pedder's wharf on Hong Kong Island
11 Immediately following. Ah-lum's bakery and street
12 The next dawn. Aboard a steamer in Hong Kong Harbour
Act Two
Prologue: Three days later.
1. A British courtroom on Queen's Road
2. Ah-lum's prison cell
3. Immediately following. A street outside the courtroom
4. Immediately following. A Chinese temple
5. Immediately following. A street outside the courtroom
6. Late that evening. Seamans' Hospital
7. Ten minutes later. The flower garden at Government House
8. Evening of the same day. Ahee's parlor above the Bakery
9. Later the same day. Inside Ah-lum's prison cell
10 Ten minutes later. Victoria Court
11 Immediately following. Ahee's bedroom above bakery
12 One hour later. Government House
13 Dawn. Inside Ah-lum's prison cell
14 Shortly after. Hangman's Point & adjacent area
15 Morning. Two days later. John Avery's house.
16 Thirty minutes later. Pedder's Wharf
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A Video on the only mass poisoning in history: Hong Kong 1857
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YT7JtTJ39zQ