THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS
a play by Lee Shackleford
I have always loved the tales of Shahrazad, the Arabian Nights -- whatever you want to call them. And one of my most profound experiences in the theatre
was when I saw, at the tender age of twelve or thirteen, a Birmingham Children's Theatre production based on some of these stories. "This," I said to myself, "is
what the live theatre ought to be all about." And from that day forward I have dreamed of writing my own play based on some of these timeless tales.
Since there is of course no way to actually do all of the 1001 nights onstage, I had to select some personal favorites. So this version incorporates the
stories of Peri Banou and her mystical underground kingdom, of the enchanted flying horse and the cruel man who used it to kidnap a princess, and the weird tale
of the Prince who very nearly married a tortoise.
One special challenge for this production was to get the chosen stories (and the framing story about Shahrazad and Shahryar) all told in under an hour -- and for
the whole show to be performed by five actors. Thanks to the gifts of director Dennis McLernon, and the extremely talented premiere cast, the original production
demonstrated that this adaptation works even better than I'd hoped ...
THE EMPEROR
Who calls out so rudely that he craves an audience with his emperor?
ASHVAGHOSHA
Ashvaghosha, the maker of magical items, Great One. And I bring a present that is the only one of its kind --
THE EMPEROR
Yes, I heard that. But I see nothing special in this wooden horse. The skill of another workman could easily do better.
ASHVAGHOSHA
Sir, it is not for its outward form and appearance that my horse is to be admired. With this mechanical steed I can transport myself through the air to the most distant part of the world in the blink of an eye!
THE EMPEROR
Do you seriously expect me to believe your wooden horse can fly through the air?
ASHVAGHOSHA
If your majesty wills it, I will demonstrate my creation.
THE EMPEROR
Very well then, although I fear the desert sun has dried up your brains. There is a rare type of flower which grows on the top of that mountain. Bring one of those flowers to me here, and I will believe your claims about this ... horse.
ASHVAGHOSHA
Your wish, majesty, is my command.
Ashvaghosha jumps onto the horse's back and instantly he is consumed by a whirlwind, the air howling like a pack of wolves.
THE EMPEROR
A miracle! If I had not seen it with my own eyes -- and yet, there he is, streaking through the sky like an arrow released from a bow --
Suddenly the Emperor is joined by his daughter, the beautiful PRINCESS ELAKSHI.
PRINCESS ELAKSHI
Father? I heard the sound of wind -- I thought a sandstorm had taken us by surprise, but now the air is still!
THE EMPEROR
I wish you had seen it, my daughter -- the strange man and his remarkable invention. But perhaps -- yes!
Another roar of motion and once again Ashvaghosha and his horse are in the Emperor's presence. And so is the exotic flower Ashvaghosha carries.
ASHVAGHOSHA
Is this the particular type of flower your majesty described?
THE EMPEROR
It is! Ashvaghosha, this horse of yours seems like the work of a jinni or some other magical person!
PRINCESS ELAKSHI
Truly remarkable!
THE EMPEROR
With this object in my possession, I shall be the greatest emperor of all the world! And you are certain this is a gift you wish to give to me?
ASHVAGHOSHA
I am, blessed monarch. I ask only that in return you give me ... your daughter Elakshi as my wife.
PRINCESS ELAKSHI
Father -- no --
THE EMPEROR
But -- my child Elakshi is promised to the brave and educated Prince Faruz Shah -- who loves her with all his heart!
ASHVAGHOSHA
Your daughter, majesty -- or my horse and I shall leave this place as quickly as you saw us leave before.
