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SHAKESPEARE’S THREE MARYS: FOR 5 ACTORSby John Hudson email; Darkladyplayers@aol.comDraft at 7.29.2009. Workshop Dates afternoons 5 and 12 September NYCAlexandra Cohen Spiegler ( kneeling) gives Hamlet’s letter to Ophelia (Anna Woodstanding). Photo © Ellen Rolfes (2009)
The event will begin with processions around Washington Square which will lead into thetheater space. During the procession the Virgin Mary Mystery Play, an adaptation fromthe York Mystery Plays, will be performed, repeating some scenes. During the procession the actors will interact improvisationally with the passers by offering them pieces of the virgin mary’s toenail cuttings, blue threads from her robe, flower petalsfrom her crown, fragmentary pieces of the Gospel of Luke annunciation account, and anewspaper-like flyer.
SCENE 1: MARY’s PREGNANCY & ANXIOUS JOSEPH
(to audience)
 
Joseph;
Now Joseph, in his mourning will I play,And walk full mournfully along this way.How, I know not, am I beguiled!My young wife, is great with child!That gives me now, a sorrow unsought.As to how, this thing was wrought.
 
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Mary;
Joseph, husband..
 
(to audience)
 Joseph;
She claims an angel made her with child.I will not in such foolishness believe,Nay, some man in an angel's likenessWith some foul trick has her beguiled;
(to Mary)
Therefore, you need no words so wildTo carp at me deceivingly!Why feign such foolish fantasy?Alas, I am so full of woe!and soon will die for sorrow.
Mary;
Truly sir…
(to audience)
 
Joseph;
For me, this is a woeful case.Reckless I rave, my wittes all are fled.I dare look no man in the face.Wretched for sorrow--why am I not dead?Loathsome is my life!Was never a man so woe?For pity, my heart is rife!
(to Mary)
 Alas, why wrought you so,Mary, my wedded wife?
Mary;
To my witness, great God I call,That in his mind wrought never amiss…
Joseph;
Go get thee away (
Mary exits)
 
(to audience)
 
Why would not some young man take her?For sure I think I must forsake her.
 
(enter angel)
Angel;
Behold! I am God's angel;Sent here for this biddingLeave her not, I forbid you!And of her, nought fear you.The child that shall be born of her,Will bring us joy and bliss forever,
Joseph;
Angel, is this truth you say?
Angel;
Yea, and for a token right away:Her child shall be born this nightWho, of all men is most in might.
 
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SCENE 2. MARY’s ASSUMPTION INTO HEAVEN & CORONATIONApostle;
Now thirty years have passed---that babeHas grown into a man, and lies there in his tomb.In wailing and weeping, in woe I am weighed,In sight and in sorrow, in sighing full sad.My lord and my love, lo, full low is he laid:That makes me to mourn now, distracted and mad.What harling and hurling that headsman he had!What breaking of branches were burst all about him!I learn thus to loyally love him and laud him,That comely to ken, he who died for us men.
(enter Mary in between two angels singing)
Oh glorious God, what gleams are these glyding?I move in my mind, what may this all mean?I see a bird borne, with bliss to be bydingWith angels in company, comely and clean.Many strange sights I am certain I've seen,But this mirth and this melody madden my mind!
Mary
; Banish the doubts for I tell you this tideNow fare I forth, my fair son to find
Apostle
; Where go you, I pray, sovereign lady?
Mary
; To bliss; with my son in heaven.
Angel
: Rise Mary, O maiden and mother Rise, lovely lily, your prayer is pleasing.Rise, chief of chastityRise, ripe rose in your reigning.Rise, like a dove, of your son to be seeing.Rise up chosen child.Rise up to the king for your crowning.
Mary:
Soon shall I kneel to the one with the crown.Anyone who despairs, in dale or down,In peril with plaint, if only they pray meMy son will grant grace-- I am sure he will say me.
(Mary and the angels exit, apostle waves goodbye)
Apostle:
I thank you, loveliest lady,we shall have no more speechNow I pass from your presence,
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