Mine, Mine, Mine

Act 1, Scene i (PROLOGUE)

150 years ago

 (The stage is divided into two parts, two thirds of the stage is bright and lit up with people rushing around exchanging goods, the last third is dim with a man sitting on a sofa and a woman Standing and talking to him. All actors mime while narrator speaks.)

Narrator : The court was stirring, providing this year's royal festivities  with a certain je ne sais quoi, where each addition was expertly crafted by the knowing hands of the people of Cireliss. These men and women all hoped to please their King, as unlike his ancestors, he had been good and well meaning throughout his reign, giving him a kind of lovability, one quality highly approved of by his people.

    The King, during this time of preparation, was patiently dealing with what one might call a dilemma.

(The bright side of the stage dims, and 2 spotlights are shone onto the King and his servant)

King Leopold : -  then let her in (Silence),  servant looks frustrated

Servant Rosie :  But sir,  she is dressed in revolting rags and is unable  to refrain from a number of unacceptable habits ! (sniffs disgusted) Letting her in could cause an infectious disease to spread from courtier to courtier ! (Gasp) What- what if she was a witch ! Then what would we do ? She says this last sentence with her hands on her hips

King Leopold :  (scoffs gently) Oh Rosie,  you are superstitious !  Let her in, provide her with food and a change of clothes, (Rosie nods, defeated, she starts heading off stage) -and- (he pauses mid sentence, attempting to make a decision) - and Rosie,  generally do her up :  she is to be invited to tonight's ball. (Rosie makes a face and stomps off.

The stage goes dark as all the actors walk off, apart from the narrator under a spotlight.)

Narrator : So it was, the servant went about preparing a complete stranger for what was to be the grandest ball in years. It celebrating King Leopold tenth year ruling Cireliss.

End of Scene 1, Act 1