The Girl Who Lost Her Heart

A Dark Ride

Steph DeFerie
Box 8
Harwich, MA 02645
(508) 240-0193
bunrabbit99@gmail.com

!2

Cast of Characters
Avi, our young heroine
Mama, her mother
Mr. Ransom, a business man
Annie, a housemaid
Elizabeth, a girl
Millicent, a girl
Miles, a boy
Leslie, a boy
Professor Dilly, a puppeteer
Golden Bird, a heart
Miss Crumb, a teacher
Headhunters
Teekla, a Headhunter Chief
Animals
Mythos, a satyr
The King Of Sorrows, a king
Lucien, a royal page
Ariachnia, a daemon lover
True Thomas, a prince
Count Hackelberg, a huntsman
Wild Eadric, a tracker
Hollow Phantoms, the heartless horde
London, Summer, 1845

Well my heart knows me better than I know myself

So I'm gonna let it do all the talking.
"Black Horse & The Cherry Tree"
- KT Tunstall

!3

THE GIRL WHO LOST HER HEART

ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
London, summer, 1845.
AVI, a 12 year old girl, sits on a chair next to
what appears to be a narrow table covered with
a white embroidered cloth. SHE wears a black
dress that falls to mid-calf with a petticoat
beneath and black slippers. SHE has brought
the hem of the dress up between her legs in
front and tucked it into her belt to form trouser
legs.
Sitting on the table opposite her is a large
propped-open newspaper, The London Times. It
is assumed that her father is seated behind the
paper, reading it over his breakfast but we see no
sign of him.
AVI
I know Mama says it's wicked to brag, Papa, but I can't help it. You understand, don't you? After all,
how may other children in the world may say they have a father who is an honest-to-goodness
explorer for the Royal Geographical Society? Practically none! So when Elizabeth or Millicent start
talking about how their fathers are meeting with bank presidents or having dinner with the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, you can understand...(SHE jumps to her feet)...why I simply must point
out how horribly dull and silly that is compared with you discovering tribes of Pygmies in the jungles
of darkest Africa and almost being killed by the fearsome headhunters of Borneo! That stops them
up quick as you please, you should see. And don't tell Mama but sometimes I even tell them that
you have been killed, eaten by South Seas cannibals or gobbled up by fierce crocodiles in the
Amazon! Of course, the next day I very casually mention that we've only just received a wire and
you managed to escape after all and are safe and sound and Queen Victoria herself is simply dying
to meet you and give you the biggest medal the instant you return! And don't they all just turn green
with envy then because they know their fathers can't compare to my brave Papa at all. And do you
know that when Leslie or Miles talk about how they're going to be barristers or ministers when they
grow up, I tell them that when I'm bigger, I shall be joining you on expeditions to Egypt to dig up
mummies and sail to find the Northwest Passage to have tea with the Emperor of China! Then their
heads nearly explode with jealousy, you should see! Miles said I wasn't strong enough to do any of
those things so I pushed him down. I like our breakfast talks, don't you, Papa?
MAMA
(Softly, off, a bit angry) Lavinia, where are you?

!4

AVI
What do you think of my dress? Mama had it made special but black is so dreary. I'd rather be in
khaki trousers like you. They're so much more practical for exploring.
MAMA
(Off, a bit louder) Lavinia!
AVI
(Frightened) Mama's coming! (Sadly) This will be all over in a moment, won't it, all over forever and
ever. Oh, I wish we could stay here just like this until the very end of time...or just a few minutes
more, even. It isn't fair! You said you were going to be home a long while this time, that there
wasn't to be another expedition until maybe after Christmas even, you promised we'd be together
for weeks and weeks and now you're going just a few days after you got here! We haven't had
hardly any time together at all!
MAMA
(Off, louder, a bit more angry) Lavinia? Answer me!
AVI
And apoplexy, of all things! Not old pharaoh's curse or dreaded malaria or an evil witch doctor's
spell or a hungry jaguar, even! Just an everyday, ordinary, silly, little, old leak in the brain that could
happen to anyone. Anyone!
SHE stamps her foot.
AVI
It isn't fair at all!
Enter MAMA. SHE is dressed all in black. SHE
is followed by MR. RANSOM, also dressed in
black.
MAMA
There you are, Lavinia. I was beginning to worry.
AVI
Don't call me that!
MAMA
I know we are all of us very upset but you will not speak to me in that tone of voice. You were
named after my grandmother and it's a perfectly lovely name and that is what you shall be called.
AVI
It's Avi.

!5

MAMA
That horrible nickname is what your father called you and I'm not sorry that's all over. (SHE
snatches off the newspaper. There is no one behind it.) What on earth are you doing? You're much
too old to be playing at something now.
MR. RANSOM
(Taking the paper and folding it under his arm) How on earth did this get in here? My apologies,
Mrs. Frobisher.
MR. RANSOM turns the "table" in preparation to
wheeling it off...and the table is revealed to be a
coffin!
MAMA
And what have you done to your dress?
MAMA pulls the hem of the dress from the belt.
MAMA
You look like I don't know what! What in heaven's name are you thinking? And today of all days.
Can't you just behave like a little lady for once?
MR. RANSOM
Mrs. Frobisher, I believe everyone has assembled. Are you ready to begin the service? Or would
you care for a few moments alone before we proceed?
MAMA
Thank you, Mr. Ransom, I think we could use a minute to compose ourselves.
MR. RANSOM takes the chair and paper and
exits.
AVI
I'm perfectly composed.
MAMA
And that worries me, Lavinia. I believe you are too composed for your own good. You have not shed
a single tear, not when your father dropped in his study, not when the doctor told us he was gone,
not through all the visits or even during the photograph we took to remember him by. I'll admit I
admired your reserve at first but now I am beginning to wonder...have you no feelings at all?
AVI
How can you say that?
MAMA
I have certainly seen no sign of any.

!6

AVI
That doesn't mean they're not there.
MAMA
People expect some sort of mourning. It is a natural sign of attachment. Surely you don't want
others to think poorly of you.
AVI
I'll not cry just to make others feel better.
MAMA
I do not ask that you do. You know that I do not enjoy scenes.
AVI
Crying isn't going to bring Papa back.
MAMA
(With a sigh) What about making yourself feel better, then? If you do not give vent to your sadness,
you'll never be able to move past it. You'll be trapped right here in your sorrow forever. I know you
do not want that.
AVI
I'm not sad and crying isn't going to make me feel better.
MAMA
How do you know if you don't give in to it?
AVI
I can only do what I feel and I don't feel like crying!
MAMA
Isn't your heart a stone, heavy in your chest? Isn't it weighed down by a great sadness you'd like to
be rid of?
AVI
No.
MAMA
Just let go, Lavinia, let it out!
AVI
(Almost crying but holding it in) I tell you I don't feel anything!

!7

MAMA
(With a sad sigh) Oh, Lavinia. Your father is gone and the next time you see him it will be with our
Lord in heaven. (SHE cries a little, wipes away her tears with a black lace handkerchief, then calls)
Mr. Ransom! We're ready.
MR. RANSOM enters.
MR. RANSOM
Very good, Madame.
MR. RANSOM rolls the coffin off. MAMA
follows it off.
AVI
(In a whisper) Did they even remember to give you coins for the Ferryman? Papa!

!8

ACT ONE
SCENE TWO
Light change. Enter ANNIE, a parlor maid and
children ELIZABETH, MILLICENT, LESLIE and
MILES. ANNIE pushes on a simple puppet
theater which she sets up.
ELIZABETH
Lavinia, look! Professor Dilly has come with a Punch and Judy show!
AVI
It's Avi.
ANNIE
En't it darlin'?
MILLICENT
And he says as it's your birthday, you may play Judy if you wish!
AVI
(Not particularly interested) I should rather be the crocodile.
LESLIE
I'm going to ask it for my birthday next month.
MILES
Copy-cat, copy-cat!
LESLIE
I don't care! And I shall play the Devil...(HE uses his fingers to indicate horns on his head)...and
send Mr. Punch right down to Hell and poke him with my fork, see if I don't!
MILES
(Punching LESLIE) Then I'll be Punch and get the best of you!
LESLIE
(Punching back) You just try it!
MILES
I will! You know Punch always beats the Devil...
LESLIE and MILES
(In a funny voice) That's the way to do it!

!9

Enter a young man, PROFESSOR DILLY, with

Punch, Judy and crocodile puppets. HE wears
a hat.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(Holding up Punch, in his voice) Where's the guest of honor, then, eh?
The CHILDREN point to AVI.
CHILDREN
It's Lavinia!
AVI
Avi!
PROFESSOR DILLY
(As Judy, hitting Punch) So say happy birthday to the birthday girl, you old git! (Holding up Punch
and hitting Judy, in his voice) You silly thing! She's 13 now - she's not a girl any more - she's a lady!
(As Judy) Then why don't you wish the lady many happy returns of the day then instead of bothering
me? (As Punch) I can do both! (Punch hits Judy) Many happy returns of the day, Miss!
The CHILDREN laugh. AVI does not.
ANNIE
I think it's all ready, sir.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(As Punch) Who's for a show, then?
CHILDREN (except AVI)
(Laughing and clapping) I am! We are! Hurrah for Mr. Punch! (etc)
PROFESSOR DILLY gets into the puppet theater,
takes off his hat and prepares to do his show.
The CHILDREN settle down to watch. ANNIE also
watches. AVI, however, has turned away.
ANNIE
What's the matter, Miss Lavinia? Don't you like Punch and Judy?
MILES
Go on and do Judy, then. The Professor said you might.
AVI
It's for babies.

!10

MILLICENT
Well, yes, but still...
ELIZABETH
It's funny sometimes.
LESLIE
(Punching MILES) It's funny all times when Punch is using his stick!
MILES
(Pretending he is a crocodile and biting LESLIE) Or when the crocodile is eating someone! Didn't
your father get eaten by a crocodile once, Lavinia?
MILLICENT
Miles!
MILES
What?
ELIZABETH
You mustn't talk like that about her father.
MILES
Why not?
ELIZABETH
It'll make her sad.
MILES
But she used to talk about him dying all the time before and she was never sad then.
LESLIE
She used to laugh about it and brag.
MILLICENT
That was different.
MILES
I don't see how. Dead is dead.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(Poking out his head) Now, will my special assistant please join me?
AVI
I don't want to.

!11

PROFESSOR DILLY
Shy, are you? That's all right, love, not to worry. Let's have a cheer for Punch, then!
ANNIE and all the CHILDREN except AVI cheer.
PROFESSOR DILLY
And on with the show!
PROFESSOR DILLY disappears behind his
theater and does a little show.
ANNIE and all the CHILDREN except AVI
enthusiastically enjoy it. When the crocodile
is about to eat Punch, AVI suddenly crosses
to the theater and grabs the crocodile.
AVI
That's not what happened at all! It wasn't my fault!
ANNIE quickly exits. PROFESSOR DILLY's head
pops up.
PROFESSOR DILLY
Here now, what's all this then?
MILLICENT
Lavinia, you're ruining it!
CHILDREN (except AVI)
Give it back! We want to see the show! You're not being very nice! (etc)
PROFESSOR DILLY
What's the matter, Miss? Is something wrong?
Enter MAMA and ANNIE.
MAMA
What is all this trouble? Lavinia, return that puppet to the Professor this instant!
AVI throws the puppet at the PROFESSOR DILLY.
MAMA
(To AVI) I'm very disappointed in you. (TO PROFESSOR DILLY) I beg your pardon, sir, there's been a
death in the family and the suddenness of it has upset us all terribly. I was hoping this party might
take my daughter out of herself but I see now it was a bad idea.

!12

PROFESSOR DILLY
No need for apologies, Madam, I understand.
MILLICENT
We want the rest of the show!
MAMA
Later, perhaps. I think it best if we adjourn for the moment for the cake and ice cream. Would you
like that?
CHILDREN (except AVI)
Yes, please! Hurrah! I want the biggest piece! I hope it's strawberry, that's my favorite! (etc)
MAMA
Annie will show you to the parlor. Professor Dilly, you're invited as well.
ANNIE leads the CHILDREN off.
MAMA
Lavinia may join us when she's ready to behave herself.
MAMA exits.
AVI
(Picking up the crocodile puppet) I wish I was a crocodile. (As the crocodile) Better to be eating
than eaten!
PROFESSOR DILLY
I dare say you're right there, young Miss. Well, you shall be whomever you like as all of them are
yours now.
AVI
What, all the puppets and the theater, too?
PROFESSOR DILLY
It's my understanding that it's to be a birthday present for Miss Lavinia...
AVI
Avi...just Avi...
PROFESSOR DILLY
...for Avi and I'm only engaged to give a short performance and show you how to work 'em and then
you're to keep 'em for your very own.
AVI
(Suddenly) But I don't want it! I'm too old for such baby things.

!13

PROFESSOR DILLY
You seem awfully fond of that there croc.
AVI
My father fought crocodiles with his bare hands going down the Amazon, you know. He was a great
explorer. But he's dead now. I used to pretend it before but he's really and truly dead this time.
PROFESSOR DILLY
Eaten, was he?
AVI
Apoplexy. I hate him for dying like that!
PROFESSOR DILLY
(Agreeing with her) I don't blame you. That's not fair, is it. But I'm sure he didn't have any say in the
matter. It's a hard thing on one's heart to lose a parent, at your age. At any age, really.
AVI
(Putting a hand to her chest) I didn't mean it when I pretended before.
PROFESSOR DILLY
Of course you didn't.
AVI
Do you think...oh!
PROFESSOR DILLY
Avi, are you unwell?
AVI
It's nothing. Is your father dead?
PROFESSOR DILLY
Oh, aye. 12 years gone this September.
AVI
Do you still miss him?
PROFESSOR DILLY
Every day but not as sorely as at first. It's more of a gentle ache now and not such a sharp pain.
And I have this to remember him by and keep him close to me.
PROFESSOR DILLY takes out a pocket watch.
PROFESSOR DILLY
He gave it to me just before he passed. Did yours give you anything special?

!14

AVI
No. There wasn't time, you see. He said he had a terrible ache in his head at breakfast and then
he went into his study to work and when I went in to ask him something, he looked at me very
curiously and said, "Are there oranges? I seem to smell oranges" and then he fell over with a
terrible crash and I called for Mama and when we went to him, he was stone dead.
PROFESSOR DILLY
How awful! My deepest condolences, Avi. You must've cried yourself dry.
AVI
Not a drop. If you must know, I'm too angry at him to cry. And can you keep a secret? (Whispers)
I'm afraid. What if I should start to cry...and never be able stop?
PROFESSOR DILLY
And aren't there any brothers or sisters, then, to help share the grief?
AVI
No. It's just me. And Mama. But she hardly counts. She doesn't understand. (Looks at crocodile)
Who's it from, then? The puppets.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(Reading a small card attached to the theater) "For my best girl, because everyone needs a
crocodile now and again, all good wishes on your special day, love, Papa."
AVI
Oh! He must have bought it right before he died.
PROFESSOR DILLY
That's a funny message - "everyone needs a crocodile."
AVI
He always brought me a present back from every expedition, you see. One time, he brought me a
real little stuffed crocodile and it was my favorite but I lost it. I think Mama threw it away on
purpose. She didn't like me having it, she said it wasn't lady-like. That's what he meant, I think.
PROFESSOR DILLY
So you do have something special to remember him by after all. You must treasure it.
AVI
It's just a silly toy.
PROFESSOR DILLY
Oh, no. Hasn't anyone ever told you - a gift given in true love is very precious. You could even say
it's magic.

!15

AVI
It isn't.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(Holding up the watch) It is. Why, when I look at this, it brings my old Pa back to life for me, real as
you please. I can see him clear as day taking it out to check the accuracy when the parish bells
pealed and polishing the case on a Sunday afternoon and I can feel his rough hand holding it to my
ear so I might hear the chimes and I can smell his tobacco and his hair pomade and I can hear his
voice telling me it were to be mine when he were gone. If that isn't magic, I don't know what is.
AVI
I suppose.
PROFESSOR DILLY
Be sure to keep a close eye on your crocodile, then, won't you - it may come in handy and you don't
want to lose it like the other.
AVI
I'm sorry I spoiled your show.
PROFESSOR DILLY
No harm done, my dear. I suppose you're too sad for cake, then?
AVI
(As the crocodile) She might be but we crocodiles never are! We love cake!
PROFESSOR DILLY
That's the way to do it!
AVI and PROFESSOR DILLY begin to exit.
PROFESSOR DILLY
(At the door) Oh! I forgot me hat!
PROFESSOR DILLY crosses to the puppet theater
and disappears behind it. AVI exits.
A moment later, AVI enters again.
AVI
Professor Dilly, do you think you might show me...
AVI looks around - there is no sign of
PROFESSOR DILLY.

!16

AVI
Professor? Where are you?
AVI searches about but there is no sign of
PROFESSOR DILLY. Finally, SHE opens the
curtains of the puppet theater - but HE is
not there, either.
AVI
Professor Dilly? Where did you go? Where did you go!
Frightened now, AVI exits by backing out.
Lights dim a bit.
Enter ANNIE pushing a bed. There is a nightgown folded on it.
ANNIE
Miss Lavinia, time for bed.
Enter AVI still holding the crocodile puppet.
ANNIE hands HER the nightgown and SHE
changes into it behind the puppet theater.
ANNIE makes up the bed.
ANNIE
Did you have a nice birthday then, Miss?
AVI
I don't know. I suppose.
ANNIE
I imagine it were hard, the first without your Pa and all.
AVI
I didn't really think about it.
ANNIE
Really?
AVI
I sort of forgot about it, if you must know.

!17

ANNIE
Oh, don't be like that, Miss. Nothing wrong with showing your feelings. Why, when my mum's little
dog Jip got run over by a carriage last summer while I were visiting on my half-day, I cried and cried
like a little babby.
AVI
Well, I'm not a little babby.
ANNIE
Doesn't mean you can't cry like one if you want. I can't imagine what I shall be like when my Da
passes. Probably won't stop bawling for weeks. My heart will break into a thousand pieces, see if it
don't.
AVI
It's a good thing I'm not like you, then.
ANNIE
(Sniffing) Look, I'm getting all teary-eyed just thinking on it.
AVI
(As the crocodile) There's no point getting upset over something you can't control.
ANNIE
You sound quite the old soul, Miss.
AVI
I suppose I am.
ANNIE
Jump on in, now, like a good girl.
AVI gets into bed.
ANNIE
Don't forget your prayers.
AVI
Did you say a prayer for Jip?
ANNIE
I did. Was that wrong, do you suppose? Reverend Fusty says dumb animals don't have souls so
perhaps it were wicked of me but I couldn't help it.
Enter MAMA. ANNIE exits with Avi's dress.

!18

MAMA
I was glad to see you finally enjoyed yourself after your little outburst, Lavinia.
AVI
I had a talk with Professor Dilly. Did you see him leave?
MAMA
I'm afraid I missed him in all the commotion.
AVI
He was strange...but I liked him. Do you think he might come again one day?
MAMA
Perhaps. The old fellow didn't look like he had many days left in him.
AVI
What do you mean? He couldn't have been a day over 25 or so.
MAMA
Perhaps 50 years ago. All those wrinkles and grey hair...I wasn't sure he would make it up the stairs
what with his panting and wheezing and being so bend over.
AVI
But he was young!
MAMA
Is this one of your jokes, Lavinia? Trying to get out of writing your thank-you notes by pretending
your eyes are weak?
AVI
(Absently, thinking about PROFESSOR DILLY) It doesn't seem fair to have to thank someone for a
present you didn't even like. Stupid old dolls.
MAMA
The stereopticon Grandfather Fielding sent is very nice. Isn't it clever how you can look at the same
two pictures at once and you feel as if you might step into them?
AVI
I suppose.
MAMA
(Pulling out a magazine from under the pillow) What is this?! "Boy's Own Magazine?" Where did
you get this?
AVI
Don't rip it! Miles let me borrow it! I have to give it back!

!19

MAMA
This isn't something for young ladies to look at.
AVI
I like the stories - they're exciting!
MAMA
You'll get overstimulated. Did you like my present? You didn't seem very enthusiastic about it.
AVI
It's a lovely brooch, Mama. I was just afraid I might break it if I handled it too much.
MAMA
It was Grandmother Lavinia's. I thought it was time you should have it. You're a young lady now, you
must look the part. I'm surprised you were so taken with the Punch and Judy.
AVI
(As the crocodile) I like the crocodile best.
MAMA
Your father thought as much. When he picked it out, I told him you were too old for that sort of
thing but he insisted. Perhaps he knew you better than I. Have you said your prayers?
AVI
I was about to.
"How kind God is to me, how great and how good,
And for me my Savior has shed his own blood.
Lord, teach me that Savior to love and to know,
And make me more like him the older I grow."
God bless Mama and Annie and Grandmother Frobisher and Grandfather Fielding and all the little
African pagan babies. Amen.
MAMA
(Shocked) You don't pray for your dear Father's soul?
AVI
Why should I? He's in heaven with our Lord and Savior - he doesn't need my help now, does he.
MAMA
I'm sure he would appreciate being remembered.
AVI
I remember him very well although I wish I didn't. It makes me feel quite ill.
MAMA
That's because you have bottled up your feelings. Your poor heart must be aching for relief...

!20

AVI rolls over and turns her back on MAMA.

AVI
(As the crocodile) Go away!
MAMA
Crying will make you feel better.
AVI
(As the crocodile) Maybe I don't want to feel better!
MAMA
(With a sigh) Very well, if that's how it is. Good night, Lavinia. Sweet dreams.
MAMA exits.
Lights dim further.
In the dark, a puppeteer enters with a
GOLDEN BIRD puppet in a large cage which is
placed on the stage.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Sorrowful trilling)
AVI sits up.
AVI
What's that? Who's there? Annie?
Lights up a bit.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
Where did you come from? Pretty bird, pretty bird. Are you another birthday present?
AVI climbs out of bed and crosses to the cage.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
What's the matter? Oh, don't be sad. What do you want? Are you hungry?

!21

GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
Do you want to be let out, is that it? It must not be very nice shut up in a cage when all you want to
do is fly.
AVI starts to open the door, thinks better,
stops.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Frantically trilling)
AVI
Oh, I mustn't! It's better you stay where you are, I think. You'll be safe in there, you see. All sorts of
terrible things could happen to you out here, cats and dogs and such. You could get so dreadfully
hurt.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
Don't be sad! I daren't let you out, even for a moment.
AVI crosses back to bed, gets in.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
Shhhh! I'm sorry, I can't. I can't let you out! You'll fly away and never come back and leave me here
all alone, just like Papa!
AVI falls asleep. The GOLDEN BIRD batters itself
against the bars of the cage. Finally, IT breaks
through and flies off.
Fade out.
In the darkness, the cage is removed.
Fade up. Someone is knocking.
ANNIE enters carrying a dress.

!22

ANNIE
Sleep well, Miss?
AVI
(Sitting up, rubbing her eyes and yawning) Where's my bird?
ANNIE
Bird, Miss?
AVI
My yellow bird in the cage. Someone brought it in late last night. It was singing and singing...it
wanted to be let out but I wouldn't let it.
ANNIE
I don't know nothin' 'bout no bird, miss. It must've been a dream. Funny things, dreams. They can
seem so real and so amazing both at the same time. Never mind - I've brought your favorite dress.
Your Ma says you might leave off with your mourning clothes now that you're goin' back to school
again. How are you this morning?
AVI
I feel...lighter.
ANNIE
It's a lovely day. Perhaps you'd like to go to the park with your little friends after school? I daresay
you've missed them being stuck here inside and all.
AVI
Ow!
ANNIE
What's the matter?
AVI
There's a pain here in my chest.
AVI pulls the covers down from her chest.
There is a large black hole over her heart.
ANNIE
Miss! What have you done?!
AVI
I haven't done anything!
AVI looks under her nightgown, gasps sharply.

!23

ANNIE
Are you bleeding?! Have you cut yourself?! Or is it a burn?! (Calling) Mrs. Frobisher!
AVI
No! Wait! It's...it's nothing! I must've spilled something on it...
ANNIE
Lie still and I'll send for the doctor!
AVI
(Getting out of bed) It's nothing, I tell you! It's...it's ink...I was working on my penmanship before I
went to bed and I spilled the ink, that's all, and I forgot until just now. I'm fine.
ANNIE
Lord, you nearly scared the life out of me! I thought there were a hole in your chest! Well, give it
here and I'll put it in to soak...
AVI
I'll bring it down with me. Go on, now - I'm sure Mama wants you.
ANNIE
If you say so...
ANNIE exits, taking the bed with her, leaving
the crocodile puppet behind.
AVI
What is it, what is it, what's happened?!
AVI puts her hand to the black mark and as
it is a hole, seems to be able to put her hand
into her chest.
AVI
It's a hole, a hole right into my chest! I can put my fingers in it! But...it doesn't hurt now, not since
that first pain, it's just sort of numb...and not a drop of blood...and right over my heart, too...I can't
feel it! It should be right here thumping away but it's gone! My heart is gone! What's happened to
it?! Where's it got to?! Perhaps someone's stolen it! It should hurt terribly but I just feel...not as
tight as before, I can catch my breath easier and my chest isn't nearly as heavy as it was...which is a
relief, actually...it's really not so bad considering...
AVI crosses behind the puppet theater and
changes into the dress.

!24

AVI
I guess a heart isn't as important as they make it out to be. Perhaps one can live very happily
without it. I feel quite normal, really. I don't think I shall miss it in the least.
AVI comes out from behind the theater, picks
up the crocodile.
AVI
(To her crocodile) A beautiful day, my favorite dress, light enough that I feel I might float away. (As
the crocodile) Best be careful, then. Keep your feet on the ground. (As herself) I most certainly
shall. (SHE sighs, looks at her dress) Although perhaps it's not quite as pretty as I remember.
AVI exits carrying her nightgown and crocodile.

!25

ACT ONE
SCENE THREE
MISS CRUMB enters with a black cloth, books
and a bell. SHE pushes the theater to one side
and covers it with the cloth to transform it into her
desk. SHE places the books and bell upon it.
Meanwhile, enter ELIZABETH, MILLICENT, AVI
MILES and LESLIE with stools or benches.
THEY set them in place and then mill about,
chatting. AVI is without her crocodile.
MILES takes out a rubber frog, surreptitiously
hands it to AVI who in turn puts it down
MILLICENT's back. Naturally, MILLICENT
screams, pulls out frog, throws it down.
ELIZABETH, MILES and LESLIE laugh. AVI
does not.
MISS CRUMB
Millicent! Control yourself! Whatever is the matter?
MILLICENT
Someone put a frog down my back!
MISS CRUMB
(Picking up the frog) Good heavens, Millicent, there's no need to panic - it's not even a real frog.
(Ringing the bell) Now that you've gotten that out of your system, you will all come to order.
CHILDREN line up in order.
MISS CRUMB
Good morning, boys and girls.
CHILDREN
(Bowing or curtseying) Good morning, Miss Crumb.
The CHILDREN sit in a row facing MISS
CRUMB right - MILLICENT, ELIZABETH,
AVI, MILES, LESLIE.

!26

MISS CRUMB
I'm sure we are all of us glad that Lavinia is joining us again today after being away for the last few
weeks. We are very sorry about your father, Lavinia. Now, let us start with our poetry. Who has
memorized the first stanza of "The Stolen Child" by Mr. William Butler Yeats? Leslie? Will you recite
it, please?
LESLIE
Where dips the rocky highland
Of Sleuth Wood in the lake,
There lies a leafy island
Where flapping herons wake
The drowsy water rats;
There we've hid our faery vats,
Full of berrys
And of reddest stolen cherries.
Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand.
For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand.
MISS CRUMB
Excellent. I should like you all to memorize the second stanza for tomorrow. Now, after that poor
showing on yesterday's test on everyone's part, I should very much like to hear your multiplication
tables.
CHILDREN
One two is two, two two's are four, three two's are six, four two's are eight...(etc)
MILES
(Loud whisper) What's the matter, Avi? You always like a good joke. That was brilliant!
AVI
It wasn't that funny. Millicent screams at anything.
ELIZABETH turns around to pass AVI a note.
ELIZABETH
(Loud whisper) Pass this to Leslie. What's that?
AVI
What's what?
ELIZABETH
That thing on your dress. What have you done?

!27

AVI turns out and looks at her chest. The

black hole has re-appeared on her dress.
AVI
No!
MILLICENT, MILES and LESLIE turn to look
at AVI. SHE tries in vain to cover the hole.
MILLICENT, MILES, LESLIE, ELIZABETH
What's wrong with Lavinia? Is she hurt? It looks like a burn. Her dress is ruined. She'll get a
whipping for sure! (etc)
MISS CRUMB
Boys and girls! What is going on? You will come to order this minute! What on earth can be of such
momentous import that you interrupt the lesson?
LESLIE
It's Lavinia, Miss Crumb. She's hurt herself!
ELIZABETH
Her dress is ripped!
MILLICENT
It looks like a burn.
MILES
She didn't have it when she came in.
MISS CRUMB
Lavinia, what has happened to your dress?
AVI
It's nothing, Miss.
MISS CRUMB
Come here and let me see.
AVI
It's just ink, Miss. I spilled some at home.
MISS CRUMB
Show me. (AVI doesn't move) Lavinia. Come here at once and show me.
AVI slowly crossed to MISS CRUMB who
examines her.

!28

MISS CRUMB
It doesn't look like ink, it seems to be a hole...Lavinia, is there a hole in your chest?
The CHILDREN cluster around AVI.
CHILDREN
Let me see! What is it? What's she done? Has she hurt herself? (etc)
AVI
It's nothing! Let me be! It's just my dress! It's only a hole! Leave me alone!
MISS CRUMB
I must fetch a doctor immediately!
MISS CRUMB exits.
MILLICENT
Lavinia, where is your heart?!
A shocked silence.
CHILDREN
(Curious and frightened) She doesn't have a heart! Where is it? What's happened to it? What's
she done with it? (etc)
AVI
Stop it! Go away! Let me be!
CHILDREN
(Cruelly taunting) Heartless! Heartless! Lavinia has no heart! Lavinia's lost her heart! (etc)
AVI
Leave me alone!
AVI suddenly lashes out at the others, scratching
and kicking and biting.
MILES
Ow! She bit me! Lavinia bit me!
CHILDREN
Freak! Animal! Monster! Beast! Get away! Off to the zoo with you! (etc)
AVI runs off.
Fade out.

!29

ACT ONE
SCENE FOUR
ANNIE enters with bed. SHE takes the black
cloth, books and bell off the puppet theater
and moves it back into position. The crocodile
is on the bed.
AVI runs on, throws herself onto the bed.
ANNIE
Miss Lavinia! Whatever is the matter? You only just left!
AVI
I...I don't feel well.
ANNIE
It's all the excitement of yesterday on top of going back to school again today. It's too much for any
young girl to bear. I'm surprised you haven't taken ill before this. What will make you feel better?
Some tea? Or perhaps a dish of that ice cream what's left over from your party?
AVI
(As the crocodile) Maybe the ice cream.
ANNIE
Right. You just curl up in your bed and I'll be back in a tick.
ANNIE exits. MAMA enters with a box of items safari shirt and khaki pants, a stuffed toy cat, a
miniature portrait of a man, books, a pipe, a
man's shoe.
MAMA
Lavinia! What is this note I've received saying that you attacked the other children?! That you bit
one? That there's a hole in your dress and you left school without permission?! What in heaven's
name has gotten into you?! Have you turned into some kind of wild animal while my back was
turned?!
AVI
(Covering her chest with the blanket) I'm ill.
MAMA
You certainly are if you think I'm going to tolerate this sort of thing. I don't care if you are still upset
about your father - that does not excuse such behavior. I do not want any more such nonsense.
Your father was much too lenient with you and this is the result.

!30

AVI
Honestly, Mama, I don't feel well at all.
MAMA
Don't feel well how?
AVI
Just...generally, all over...my stomach is upset and my head is pounding...
MAMA
Was there a test in class today?
AVI
No. I just...I felt like I was going to faint...and the others started teasing me and calling me names
and that made me feel worse...and they were all crowding up against me and someone's hand was
in my face and I just had to get out...
MAMA
(Putting down the box) Perhaps we should purge you...
Enter ANNIE with a bowl and spoon on a tray.
ANNIE
There's nothing a nice bowl of ice cream won't make better.
MAMA
None of that for her now. She needs purging or perhaps a good bleed. That'll do more for her than
all your spoiling.
ANNIE
(Handing AVI the bowl) Everyone needs a bit of spoilin' now and again, especially after what she's
been through, poor lamb.
AVI begins eating.
ANNIE
How's that now? Better?
AVI
There's something wrong with it - it tastes funny.
ANNIE
What're you talking about? (Tastes some) Mmmm...strawberry...that's lovely, that is.
MAMA
(Trying some) It's perfectly fine, Lavinia. At that price, it should be.

!31

AVI
It's not! It...it...doesn't taste like anything. It's like eating wet cotton.
MAMA
Don't be ridiculous. It's fine. You might as well eat it all up, now Annie's gone to the trouble.
AVI
(Throwing the bowl at MAMA) It's horrid! I don't want it!
MAMA
(Beyond shocked) Lavinia!
ANNIE
Miss!
MAMA
That is it! I'm calling Doctor Motton immediately!
AVI
No, wait! I'm sorry, Mama, really I am! I just need to rest is all. I'm sure I'll be much better after a
good long nap.
MAMA
I think you should know that I've decided that it's best if you go away to boarding school for a while...
AVI
Mama, no!
MAMA
It's high time you started learning to be a proper English woman who can run a household and do
what's expected of her and I am afraid I am not up to teaching you. I never agreed with your father's
allowing you into that progressive coeducational school with so much study of geography and maths
and science. Now that your education is solely in my hands, things are going to change. Your
needlework is atrocious, you can't recite a single poem, you never practice the piano, you know
nothing about keeping household accounts and your handwriting is indecipherable. You must put
childish things away now and learn to accept your womanly responsibilities.
AVI
That's all so horribly boring! I'm going to be an explorer!
MAMA
You're going to be a wife and mother. You'd better accept that and start preparing for it now.
AVI
(Attacking MAMA) Never! Never! I'm going to be an explorer like Papa!

!32

MAMA
(Grabbing AVI by her wrists) Lavinia! Control yourself!
ANNIE
Saints alive!
MAMA
I'm sending a telegram to that boarding school at once! You will be going there tomorrow if it's the
last thing I do! Annie will help you pack your things!
AVI buries her head in her pillow. MAMA sweeps
out. ANNIE picks up the bowl and exits.
AVI
(Sitting up and throwing the spoon after them) Never! (SHE looks down at the hole in her chest)
What's happening to me? Why does this wretched hole keep burning itself through my clothes?
Punch and Judy pop up in the puppet theater.
PUNCH
What's the matter, Avi?
JUDY
Isn't being heartless as much fun as you thought?
AVI
Very funny, Annie.
PUNCH
Maybe you should have taken better care of your heart when you had it.
JUDY
They're precious, hearts is - not a lot of spare ones lying about.
AVI
I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.
PUNCH
There's some's would do anything to capture a heart that's belonging to no one.
AVI
Annie, I'm not scared - I know it's you.
PUNCH
A heart out on its own in this wicked world is in great danger. I hate to think of it!

!33

JUDY
It could be eaten up by any old crocodile...and you'd never have a heart again!
PUNCH
Down the old croc's throat it goes...chomp chomp gulp gulp...
PUNCH and JUDY
That's the way we do it!
AVI
Stop it! Just stop it!
AVI rushes to the theater, pulls apart the
bottom curtain - there is no one there!
The puppets fall over limp. AVI backs away
slowly and trips over the box.
AVI
Oh! I'm not scared of you, I'm not. It's just some kind of trick is all.
AVI picks up a stuffed cat from the items that
have spilled from the box.
AVI
(Hugging the cat) Priscilla Cat! I haven't seen you in ages and ages! You'll be a comfort to me,
won't you, with your lovely fur?
AVI throws the cat away.
AVI
Oh! What's happened to you? You used to be so soft and cuddly and now you're horribly prickly all
over!
AVI wipes her hands, picks up the pipe, puts it
in her mouth. SHE tosses aside the shoe, puts
on the safari coat, picks up a book with a marker
in it.
AVI
It's the book I gave Papa for his birthday. (Opening it at the marker) Only halfway through.
(Suddenly struck) Oh! He'll never finish it now! He's really and truly gone, then.
SHE gently puts the book down and picks up
the small framed portrait.

!34

AVI
And who're you supposed to be?
ANNIE enters.
ANNIE
Sorry to disturb you, Miss, but your Ma forgot her box.
ANNIE puts the items back in the box.
AVI
How did you do that, then? I know it was you.
ANNIE
It were me what did what, Miss?
AVI
Did the Punch and Judy. What's the trick?
ANNIE
I'm sure I don't know what you're talking about.
AVI
Don't tell me, then. See if I care. What is all this?
ANNIE
Your Ma's cleaning out the closets in your father's rooms. There's all sorts of odd flotsam and
jetsam got caught up in the back of 'em.
AVI
(Holding up portrait) Who's this, then?
ANNIE
Oh, Miss Lavinia, you shouldn't joke about such things.
AVI
I'm not joking. Do you know him?
ANNIE
Of course I know him - it's your own poor dear departed father, innit. And such a handsome
gentleman he were, too.
AVI
My father?! It isn't!

!35

ANNIE
Of course it is, who do you think? That portrait's a perfect likeness.
AVI
So why don't I recognize him, then? It's like looking at a total stranger!
ANNIE
Oh, where is that Doctor? You're terribly sick in the head, you are!
AVI
(Forcing a laugh) Wait! I was joking! It was all an act and didn't I fool you!
ANNIE
(Shaken) Beggin' your pardon, Miss, but I don't think that were very funny.
ANNIE exits, troubled.
AVI
I can't even recognize my own dear Papa's face! What's happening to me?! I suppose I'm losing my
mind...my mind and my heart all at the same time. They shall cart me off to the lunatic asylum, I
suppose. Imagine that - me on exhibit at Bedlam for a penny a peep. Step right up and see the girl
with no heart who went right out of her head! Perhaps they're connected - all the strangeness did
seem to start right after my heart was stolen. I have to get it back! Everything will return to normal
when I have it again, I feel sure of it. But who could've taken it? Where could it be? I should be
able to feel it, shouldn't I? It is my heart, after all. (SHE clutches her crocodile puppet, sits still,
closes her eyes, concentrates) Wind...in the branches...the smell of grass and dirt...leaves
underfoot, stars above, the moon, night birds...a forest? Here in the middle of London? Oh! The
Royal Parks! It's somewhere in one of the parks, I know it! I shall get it back, I shall! (SHE takes up
the portrait) And then I'll have you back again as well, Papa!
AVI sets the portrait down, pulls out khaki pants,
shirt and pith helmet from the box.
AVI
I'll have it all back again, see if I don't!
Blackout.

!36

ACT ONE
SCENE FIVE
Hyde Park, night. A clearing.
As remarkable as it seems, a tribe of headhunters has made their camp here.
There is a campfire surrounded by spears topped
with torches and heads. There are TRIBESMEN
and their CHIEF.
CHIEF
(The punchline of a joke) ...wakim up, no het!
TRIBESMEN
(Laughing) No het! No het!
Two TRIBESMEN enter with AVI as their prisoner.
AVI wears rolled up khaki trousers, a safari shirt,
pith helmet. SHE carries a knapsack containing
the crocodile puppet, a bit of food, a canteen or
water skin and the miniature portrait. SHE
also has a small knife in a sheath slung on her
belt.
AVI
Let me go, let me go!
CHIEF
Wanem dispela? (What is this?)
TRIBESMAN 1
Waitgel bin peekin! (We caught this white girl spying on us!)
AVI
I wasn't spying on you! I'm lost!
TRIBESMAN 2
Nais het! Larim tekewe! Gut pawa! (What a beautiful head! Let us take it - good power!)
AVI
I don't care if it will give you good power, you're not shrinking my head, understand?! Who are you?!
What are headhunters even doing here in the middle of London, anyway?!

!37

CHIEF
Strong nek pen yau. No longtaim samap maus mobeta. (Her loud words hurt my ears. The sooner
we sew her mouth closed the better.)
TRIBESMEN
(Variously) Kisim long laik! Hamamas tru katim het! (Choose me! I will enjoy cutting off her head!)
AVI
Don't tell me to be quiet and just try sewing my mouth closed...
AVI pulls out her little knife and slashes at CHIEF.
AVI
...I'll make mincemeat out of you!
All the TRIBESMEN laugh, grab their spears and
point them at AVI. CHIEF takes AVI's knife and
slaps AVI across her face. The pith helmet falls
off.
CHIEF
(Smiling at TRIBESMEN) Bikpela masalai pawa olgeta! (Her big spirit will strengthen us all!)
TRIBESMAN 3 picks up pith helmet, puts it on,
makes a face, imitates AVI's shouting to the
great amusement of the others. The knapsack is
taken away and the crocodile puppet is found and
played with. The CHIEF takes the pith helmet.
CHIEF
Liklik het, bikpela hat! (We will shrink her head and this will be too big for her!)
CHIEF makes a motion with his hands. TRIBESMEN grab AVI and force her to her knees. A battle
axe is raised, poised to fall.
CHIEF glances in the hat and something catches
his eye.
CHIEF
Wetim! Legoim! (Wait! Let her go!)
TRIBESMEN release AVI. The CHIEF points to the
inside of the hat.

!38

CHIEF
(In English) Fee-lip Fro-beesh-er?
TRIBESMEN go still and silent.
AVI
What?!
CHIEF
Fee-lip Fro-beesh-er!
AVI
Yes. Philip Frobisher. My father, my papa.
AVI digs in her knapsack, finds the miniature,
shows it. The TRIBESMAN pass it around quite
excited.
AVI
That's his hat, papa hat. How do you know him? Yu save long Frobisher olsem wanem?
CHIEF
Sans sans sans bin go long hap wara...Raptaka kantri...Fro-beesh-er bringim Teekla bigpela pusi
dai. Teekla wokim Fro-beesh-er Raptaka. Fro-beesh-er givim tok Inglis Teekla.
AVI
(Translating as CHIEF talks) "Suns and suns and suns before today, in Raptaka country, Frobisher
saved Teekla from death by a big cat, a tiger? Teekla made Frobisher a member of Raptaka tribe.
Frobisher gives English words to Teekla." Oh, I remember! Papa told me about you! He taught me
some of your words as well! Me save mekim yu tok.
CHIEF
You talk good. Nem bilong mi emi Teekla, bigman Teekla. (My name is Teekla, Chief Teekla.)
AVI
Chief Teekla, I'm his daughter, bilong em Frobisher. Nem blilong me emi Avi.
CHIEF
Gutpela long bungim yu.
AVI
It's nice to meet you, too.

!39

CHIEF
Avi bilong em Fro-beesh-er. Fro-beesh-er bilong em Raptaka. Avi bilong em Raptaka. (Avi is
Frobisher's daughter. Since Frobisher is a member of the Raptaka tribe, daughter Avi is also a
member of the Raptaka tribe.)
AVI
I'm proud to be an honourary member of the Raptaka tribe. Tenkyu.
CHIEF
You welcome.
CHIEF waves TRIBESMEN away, helps AVI
to her feet, returns the pith helmet.
AVI
What are you doing here? How did you get here? Kam yu hia olsem wanem? Watpo?
CHIEF
Raptaka gut hunters. Planti het, nogat het. Raptaka makem boat, come Fro-beesh-er kantri, planti
het.
AVI
Yes, there certainly are planti het here.
CHIEF
Westap Fro-beesh-er?
AVI
Planti sori, Papa gone...dead...dai pinis.
CHIEF
(Makes gesture of sorrow, bows head) Dai pinis? Planti sori.
TRIBESMEN
(Make sorrow gesture, bow heads) Planti sori.
AVI
Tenkyu.
CHIEF
Fro-beesh-er het?
AVI
Het gone.

!40

CHIEF
Planti sori. Avi helpim Raptaka?
AVI
I'll help you if I can.
CHIEF
Avi givim Raptaka planti nem! (HE kneels on one knee) Praise Avi! (Avi gives the tribe great value.
All hail Avi!)
TRIBESMEN kneel on one knee.
TRIBESMEN
Praise Avi!
TRIBESMEN hoist AVI and parade her around
on their shoulders, cheering. When THEY
return to their places, the ugly black hole has
reappeared on AVI's chest. CHIEF approaches
AVI with an ornamental diadem.
CHIEF
Avi Fro-beesh-er, bigman!
CHIEF suddenly draws back in horror and makes
a sign at AVI.
CHIEF
Noken holim! Doti! Doti! Cursed! (Don't touch her! Cursed! Cursed!)
TRIBESMEN
(Also making the sign) Doti! Doti!
AVI
Plis? What's wrong? Wanem kranki?
CHIEF
(Pointing to AVI's chest) Blak! No klok! No heart! (It's black, there is no heart!)
CHIEF and TRIBESMEN brandish their spears
at AVI again. THEY kick her possessions toward
her.
CHIEF and TRIBESMEN
Go away, ghost! Dewel bilong gel I dai! Koan! (Leave! Beast! Ghost of girl who's died! Go on!)

!41

AVI
But I haven't done anything wrong! You don't understand! Mipela faul olgeta! It's not my fault! It
was stolen! I didn't do anything! Help me get it back! For my father's sake, help me!
CHIEF and TRIBESMEN hold the miniature up
as a sort of charm to ward off AVI's evil and drive
AVI away. SHE resists for a moment and then
growls at them, grabs her knapsack and runs off.
Fade out.

!42

ACT ONE
SCENE SIX
Another clearing in the park. Dawn.
ANIMALS enter, prowl around for several beats.
THEY are fashioned in the style of bunraku
puppetry. There is a wide variety - bear, rhino,
lion, tiger, bison, zebra, monkey, fox, large bird
of prey, wild dog, elephant, giraffe, wildebeest,
as many different ones as can be managed.
A noise off frightens ANIMALS - some quickly exit
and some nervously hide on the edges of the
stage.
AVI enters, sad and frightened. SHE doesn't
notice any of the ANIMALS, sits, opens her pack,
takes out food, eats, perhaps drinks from a
water skin, takes out the crocodile, arranges it
and speaks to it.
AVI
It's not my fault. You can't help it if somebody steals your heart. It doesn't mean I'm some kind of
animal. They'll be sorry when I get it back - I'll find them and I'll make them sorry!
ANIMALS start re-entering tentatively, drawn by
the scent of the food. MYTHOS, a satyr, also
enters and stands unseen in the shadows on one
side.
AVI
At least it's finally morning. I know I shall find my heart today, I can feel it.
ANIMALS come close.
AVI
(Finally noticing ANIMALS) Hello. Are you hungry? My, look how many of you there are! Don't be
frightened. I won't hurt you. Would you like some food?
AVI holds out a bit of food. Animals come
closer, ominously so.

!43

AVI
Who knew this place was so busy at night? Come on, come closer. Well, maybe not quite so close.
Would you like a bit of bread?
AVI is now alarmed - the ANIMALS have turned
threatening and are now surrounding her.
THEY clearly mean to eat her. The food is
knocked out of her hand.
AVI
(Bravely trying to overcome her fear) Perhaps some cheese instead?
The ANIMALS are growling, snarling, ready to
spring. Suddenly, THEY freeze, sniff HER, whine
and draw back.
AVI
What... (Suddenly understanding, SHE looks at the hole in her chest) Ha! Even big, strong,
ferocious animals are afraid of me! You call yourselves wild beasts? Afraid of a small, helpless
girl?! (SHE roars suddenly) You should be! You all should be! (SHE roars again)
The ANIMALS cower and creep off.
AVI
(Yelling after THEM) Go, then, every cowardly one of you! Even the lowliest, soulless creatures
cannot abide me...what does that make me?! (Quietly, stricken) What does that make me?
MYTHOS
It makes you very special.
AVI
Who's there?
MYTHOS
(Coming out of the shadows) Only me.
AVI
Aren't you scared of me, too?
MYTHOS
Why should I be? We're very much alike, you and I.
AVI
You mean you've lost your heart as well?

!44

MYTHOS
I mean we are both of us caught between two worlds, are we not? You are not quite human any
more without your heart and I am not quite human without my legs.
AVI
Oh! You're a satyr, aren't you. I've read about you - man up top, goat on the bottom. I thought you
didn't exist, not really.
MYTHOS
Do I look like I exist?
AVI
Yes.
MYTHOS
Then you'll have to change your way of thinking, won't you. (Holds out his hand) I am Mythos, the
Lord Of The Hills. Very pleased to meet you.
AVI
(Shaking his hand) Avi. Just Avi. Do you live here in the park?
MYTHOS
(Still holding her hand) Here...and other places.
AVI
(A bit uncomfortable) Where did all those animals come from?
MYTHOS
Descendants of those who escaped the Tower of London long ago, grandchildren of the Royal Zoo.
AVI
I had no idea so much goes on in the Royal Parks at night when people aren't here to see it.
MYTHOS
(Still holding her hand) You're one of the privileged few to have seen what you have. (HE reads her
palm) Northern father's western child. You are special.
AVI
I'm a monster.
MYTHOS
And what's wrong with being a monster? Monster's simply another word for someone who's
different from everyone else.

!45

AVI
Bu everyone hates monsters. They scream and run away or try to hurt them.
MYTHOS
Only because they envy them.
AVI
(Disbelieving) People envy monsters.
MYTHOS
Naturally. Why do you think they try to drive monsters away or destroy them altogether? They're
jealous that monsters have a power common people will never know. Living on the outside of polite
society, monsters know and see and do things polite society dares not. Like here, tonight.
Monsters cannot be controlled because they have nothing to be afraid of. They're free to do
whatever they like.
AVI
I'd still rather be normal again.
MYTHOS
Really? How boring. But...as you wish.
MYTHOS plucks some roses from a bush and
crosses back to AVI.
MYTHOS
May I?
MYTHOS places the roses in the hole in her
chest.
MYTHOS
There. Beautiful roses. Good as new.
AVI
(Unconvinced) I don't think that will fool anyone.
MYTHOS
You'd be surprised how easily people are fooled. Let us go and see my friend The King Of Sorrows.
He'll know what to do.
AVI and MYTHOS exit.
Fade out.

!46

ACT ONE
SCENE SEVEN
Inside a ruined snack kiosk. There is only a
suggestion of remaining walls and the remains of
the counter. Trees grow nearby. There is a
small campfire and piles of rubbish.
THE KING OF SORROWS sits slumped on his
throne - a large broken-down chair perhaps on
the counter or a low platform. HE has a wound
on his head - there is a bloody bandage. At his
feet sits LUCIEN, a young PAGE. HE has a sword
which is much too large and heavy for him to
wield effectively. A chain wrapped around a tree
or stump snakes behind the counter.
Occasionally, the chain rattles. Ominously.
A rattle.
LUCIEN
(Nervously) He's waking up again. Shouldn't they be back by now?
KING
(Putting a hand on LUCIEN's small shoulder) They'll come. Everything will be all right. You'll see.
LUCIEN
If you say so, Your Majesty.
KING
You needn't call me that anymore. There's nothing and no one for me to rule over nowadays.
LUCIEN
There's still me.
KING
You're a good fellow.
Pause. Rattle.
LUCIEN
(More nervously) What shall we do if they're not back in time?
KING
He's chained up. He can't hurt us.

!47

LUCIEN
But the chain is long and he's very fast. And he scares me.
KING
You must try not to be scared. Remember him as he was, why don't you - a bright and shining boy, a
wonder to behold. Can you do that?
LUCIEN
I'll try.
Rattle.
LUCIEN
But it's hard.
KING
I know. I'm only glad the Queen isn't here to see this. What would she think? Better that she's in
fair Elphame, even if I do miss her so terribly. You're a brave lad to stay here with me when the
others have cast me out.
LUCIEN
Someone has to take care of you.
KING
And him.
LUCIEN
(After a pause and a look from the KING) And him. Although there's not much we can do for him
until they return. If they ever do. And even if they do, they may be empty-handed. Then what will
become of him? What will become of us? Will we ever go home?
KING
We must wait and see.
LUCIEN
(Tending to the bandage) I'm sorry these were cut off. Does it hurt?
KING
Not so much any more.
LUCIEN
It must feel funny without them.
KING
My head feels very light. But I'm becoming used to it.

!48

LUCIEN
Will they grow back, do you think, when you're returned to your throne?
KING
I don't know. I miss their power. I feel so helpless to save him, to protect you...
LUCIEN
I'm supposed to be the one doing the protecting around...
Enter ARIACHNIA, a daemon lover.
Rattle.
LUCIEN
(Grabbing up his sword clumsily) You! Haven't you done enough?! Go away!
ARIACHNIA
(Mockingly) Your Majesty.
KING
Ariachnia, can you not at least leave us in peace here in our misery and ruin? What have we left
that you must take?
ARIACHNIA
It is time for him to come with me and join my legion of Hollow Phantoms.
Rattle.
KING
Never!
ARIACHNIA
It's too late to return him to what he once was. He belongs to me now. You must accept it.
KING
There is still time! My Huntsman will be here at any moment and my son will be made whole again.
ARIACHNIA
There is nothing for your Huntsman to find. He is empty-handed and your son is doomed.
A very loud rattle.
ARIACHNIA
You see? He knows my voice already and strains to be with me. If you do not release him, he will
destroy you to get to me.

!49

LUCIEN
I can protect my Lord!
ARIACHNIA
Can you? (To KING, displaying her sting) Shall I show him the truth of the situation?
KING
You may try. My faculties are not totally diminished.
A pause.
ARIACHNIA
Very well. I can wait.
ARIACHNIA exits. The KING is shaken.
KING
Thank heavens she did not call my bluff.
LUCIEN
You'll never have him! Never! (To KING) He's going to be all right, isn't he?
LUCIEN starts crying, sits by the KING who
comforts HIM.
Enter AVI and MYTHOS. THEY stand unnoticed
to one side.
AVI
I thought you said he was a king.
MYTHOS
In the Dreaming, he is the King Stag.
AVI
Thats a funny name. This doesn't look like much of a palace to me.
MYTHOS
Why do you think he's now called the King of Sorrows?
AVI
Where are all his royal subjects?

!50

MYTHOS
They grew afraid and rose up and took his power and drove him and his son away. That little page
and a couple of his huntsmen are the only ones to stick by him here in his exile.
AVI
What were they afraid of?
MYTHOS
The Prince, True Thomas.
Rattle.
AVI
Why, what's...?
KING
Who's there?
MYTHOS
(Crossing a few steps toward the KING and bowing) Mythos, Your Majesty, and a friend.
KING
Mythos. You journey far and wide - have you seen any sign of my Huntsmen in your travels?
MYTHOS
I'm afraid not, Sire.
KING
Fresh from the Wild Hunt, they are my last, my only hope of saving Thomas.
AVI
(Loudly whispering to MYTHOS) I've never met a king before.
MYTHOS
Oh! I beg your pardon, Your Majesty. Allow me to present Miss Avi Frobisher.
AVI shyly approaches KING, curtsies.
KING
Please don't. I'm no one's king any more.
AVI
Your royal physician must be very skilled. Can he do nothing for your son?
KING
I'm afraid he is far beyond the power of any mortal...

!51

AVI has moved quite close to the KING.

Suddenly, from the behind the counter,
THOMAS lunges out, biting, snarling, clawing
at AVI. HE also has a black hole in his chest.
MYTHOS quickly pulls AVI from harm's way.
LUCIEN hides behind the KING. KING
gently as possible tries to restrain THOMAS.
KING
Thomas! Son! Please don't! No one means you any harm! Try to remember how you were and
hold on for just a little longer! You'll be your old self again, I promise!
AVI
(Covering her own hole) Oh, he's like me! He is without a heart as well! Is that...what I shall
become?
MYTHOS
In time. But it is only a temporary condition. If he is given a heart now, he will recover. If not, the
hole in his chest will close for good. The final, unchangeable state is one of icy calm, a numbness
and a hollowness that lives only for hurting others...
AVI
(Looking at her hole) Mine's getting smaller already! I can feel it...I can feel myself wanting to be
like that...wanting to lash out at everyone...and I have...
MYTHOS
There is still a bit of time left for you.
AVI
I must find my heart at once!
MYTHOS
I had hoped the King's huntsmen would help you search for it - they are accomplished trackers. But
it seems they are on an identical errand for the Prince and have not succeeded.
AVI
Then I must go and search myself! I cannot waste a single precious minute if that is what I am
becoming...
Enter COUNT HACKELBERG with a small cage
covered with a cloth. HE bends to one knee.
COUNT HACKELBERG
My Lord! I have found it!
AVI has a curious physical reaction.

!52

KING
Count Hackelberg! His heart?! You have found my son's heart?!
COUNT HACKELBERG
(Holding up the cage) Yes, Sire! I have captured it just as I promised!
KING
Where was it?
COUNT HACKELBERG
In the woods, freely on its own.
KING
However did it escape Ariachnia's clutches, I wonder? Once she had stolen it away, I was sure she
would guard it most carefully.
COUNT HACKELBERG
Did he not give it to her freely, My Lord? She must have been careless with it, thinking it would
never leave her.
KING
It was stolen from him! She bewitched him and took it against his will! I shall never believe my son
freely gave his heart to such a creature!
COUNT HACKELBERG
It matters not, Sire. It is returned now and all will be well.
KING
And where is your tracker, Wild Eadric? Is he not with you?
COUNT HACKELBERG
We became separated during the chase. I am sure he will find his way back here easily enough.
COUNT HACKELBERG takes off the cloth with a
flourish. Inside the cage is the GOLDEN BIRD. IT
begins to sing. THOMAS lies quiet in the KING's
arms.
AVI
Oh! That's my...!
MYTHOS quickly puts his hand over AVI's
mouth.
KING
What's that?

!53

MYTHOS
Nothing, Sire. Just a gasp of astonishment. She's never seen a heart before. (Quietly to AVI) Hush!
Say nothing! If they know it is yours, they will kill you to keep it from returning to you!
AVI
But...
MYTHOS
They will kill you!
KING
There is not a moment to spare - he is almost lost to me! Let him be healed at once!
COUNT HACKELBERG opens the cage. The
GOLDEN BIRD flies out and about, singing
joyfully and ignoring AVI. Finally, IT flies to
THOMAS who is now calm and stretches out
his hand. GOLDEN BIRD lands on WALTER's
arm. Gently, HE hugs it to himself and turns
away. A moment later, HE turns back again the GOLDEN BIRD is gone, the black hole in
his chest is also gone. THOMAS is restored to
himself.
KING
My son, my son!
THOMAS
(As if awakening from a dream) Father? What's happened? Have I been sleeping...or unwell?
KING
What do you remember?
THOMAS
Something awful...like a nightmare...but it's all a blur...and fading...
KING
(Unchaining THOMAS) You were terribly ill but now you are well and you needn't think of it any
further. That is all behind you now.
THOMAS
And what of my love? Has Ariachnia not stayed by my side all the while?
KING
We will speak of her later, when you have rested and regained your strength...

!54

THOMAS
But I gave her my heart...surely she gave me hers in return and we are to be married...
KING
I'm afraid...she did not return your love. She was false. You must forget her...
THOMAS
Forget?! I cannot simply forget!
KING
She was a daemon lover, I tell you! She stole your heart and made you a monster! That was your
nightmare!
THOMAS
I won't believe it! I won't!
MYTHOS
You have a heart again. Listen to it. You know it to be true.
THOMAS
Leave me alone!
MYTHOS
He needs time to accept it. Let us do as he asks and leave him be for a while.
LUCIEN, KING, COUNT HACKELBERG, AVI and
MYTHOS exit. AVI leaves her knapsack behind.
THOMAS takes out his frustrations by hitting and
kicking the rubbish and the knapsack as well and
the contents spill out.
After a few moments, AVI enters with a goblet.
SHE stands near the fire.
AVI
I'm sorry, Your Highness, it's only me, Avi. I don't wish to disturb you, only your father thought you
should have some wine.
THOMAS
(A noise of disgust)
AVI
I imagine you will feel much better now that you have a heart again.

!55

THOMAS
Oh, you imagine, do you? And what do you know of not having a heart?!
AVI sets the goblet down on the ground, opens
her jacket to reveal the black hole and removes
the roses.
THOMAS
(With a gasp) You, as well?
AVI
You must promise not to tell.
THOMAS
I won't. How long?
AVI
(Considering) Just a day...but it seems so much longer.
THOMAS
You'll start to feel terribly worse soon, I'm afraid. Did you lose yours to a false lover as well?
AVI
No, mine was stolen. But I'm going to get it back soon. It's near - I can feel it.
THOMAS
I was certain she would give me her heart when I gave her mine. She spoke so sweetly to me and
gave me such kisses. There were sun-filled picnics in the meadow, hours by the fire on cold winter
nights... I believed her when she said she felt the same love I did, how could I not with her heady
perfume making my senses spin like liquor and her sparkling eyes laughing at me and her warm
hand in mine. My father warned me that she was not what she seemed but I wouldn't believe him.
I was stupid. Love can be such a frightful thing.
AVI starts repacking her knapsack.
THOMAS
(Starting to help) I'm sorry, that's my fault, let me do it, I didn't mean any harm.
AVI surreptitiously knocks some hot coals from
the fire into the goblet.
THOMAS
(Picking up the puppet) I like your crocodile. (HE puts it on, pretends to be the croc) "And where is
that troublesome Mr. Punch, then? I don't mind eating sausages...but I'd much rather eat him
instead. He might outwit Jack Ketch but he shall not escape my lovely sharp teeth!"

!56

AVI
(Holding out the goblet) Will you drink now?
THOMAS
(Removing the puppet) We'll help you, if you like. Count Hackelberg and Wild Eadric found my
heart, I'm sure they can find yours as well. I'll see to it at once.
AVI
Oh, I won't need them. I know exactly where my heart is and I'll have it back before you know it.
THOMAS
That's wonderful, then! Here's to both of us with our hearts again!
THOMAS raises the goblet, drinks. Immediately,
HE gags, chokes, drops the goblet, clutches his
throat.
THOMAS
What...what is it...what's happening...I'm burning...!
AVI
Hot coals from the fire will do that to you.
THOMAS spins around. The GOLDEN BIRD flies
up out of his chest. AVI tries to catch it as it
flies about.
AVI
Heart! Heart! It's me, it's your Avi! Come back to me!
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
THOMAS
(Spitting out coals) It doesn't want you! It was happy with me!
AVI
That's not true! It's my heart, not yours! Your Huntsman stole it!
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
What do you mean, not stolen? Of course you were stolen!

!57

GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
THOMAS
You hear? It left you on its own! It flew away from you! It doesn't want you any more!
AVI
Of course it wants me! It's my heart after all!
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
THOMAS
You betrayed it, do you hear? You weren't true to your own heart so it flew away! Aren't you
embarrassed? Your own heart flew away from you and now it won't return to you ever again!
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
That's not true!
THOMAS
You wouldn't listen to it and let it grieve for your father and now it's you who'll end up a heartless
monster and I who'll be normal.
AVI
(Attacking THOMAS) Not if you're dead! Then it will have to return to me!
AVI and THOMAS fight.
Alarmed, The GOLDEN BIRD flies up to the
rafters. The fighting stops.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling frantically)
AVI
Wait! I didn't mean it, honest! Come down, come down! I'll be different from now on, I promise!
THOMAS
Return to me! I'm the one you want, I'm the one you deserve, dear heart!
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)

!58

AVI
You can't have it! Go and get your own heart back then, why don't you?
THOMAS
Don't you think I would if I could? It's too late, I can feel I'm losing myself again, like you will soon
and then I'll be hollow forever, no coming back.
AVI
(Thinking furiously) But...what...what if I get your heart back for you? (To GOLDEN BIRD) Would
that be enough to bring you back to me?
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
THOMAS
You can't fool your heart. It's no use doing it for yourself. Only a truly generous act will lure it back.
AVI
(Replacing the roses) But I'd be doing it for you, wouldn't I, so you could have your heart back and I
could have mine and everything normal again the way it was.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
Where is your heart, do you know?
THOMAS
I suppose Ariachnia has it but I don't know where she lives.
AVI
If you concentrate, you can feel it pulling at you. Be still.
AVI takes WALTER'S face in her hands.
A pause. Suddenly...
THOMAS
I can feel it! I can! It's...in the basement of Kensington Palace!
AVI
But everyone knows there's no basement in Kensington Palace...
THOMAS
This way!

!59

The change comes over THOMAS suddenly and

HE tries to bite AVI's hand. SHE snatches it away
just in time and snarls back at HIM. Growling,
THOMAS exits at a run. AVI scoops up her
knapsack and runs after.
AVI
Go on, then! Find it! Find your heart!
AVI exits.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)

CURTAIN

!60

THE GIRL WHO LOST HER HEART

ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
The basement of Kensington Palace in
Kensington Gardens. We can hear crows
cawing outside. There are shelves with jars
arranged on them.
ARIACHNIA stands before WILD EADRIC who
cowers before HER on the floor. Two or three
HOLLOW PHANTOMS, people without their hearts
who are followers of ARIACHNIA, are acting as
guards and stand nearby.
ARIACHNIA
Who told you there was a heart loose in the Parks?
WILD EADRIC says nothing. ARIACHNIA stings
HIM. WILD EADRIC screams.
ARIACHNIA
Who told you?!
WILD EADRIC
The Cannibal Chief! He didn't know it was a heart. He reported a strange golden bird, that's all.
The King Of Sorrows suspected it might belong to the Prince so he sent Count Hackelberg and
myself to find it.
ARIACHNIA
And did you?
Another hesitation. Another sting.
ARIACHNIA
Did you?!
WILD EADRIC
(Screaming) No! I don't know! We split up! I didn't see it!
ARIACHNIA
So your Count Hackelberg might have found it. Where did the Cannibal Chief see it?

!61

Another hesitation. Another sting.

WILD EADRIC
(Screaming) In the Grove beyond the Long Water!
ARIACHNIA
Why would the King think a golden bird was his son's heart? Did someone tell him? (A pause)
Come, come, this is growing tiresome. Don't make me sting you again.
WILD EADRIC
(Quickly) I don't know! He doesn't explain himself to me.
ARIACHNIA
That is the problem in dealing with underlings - they know so very little of use. Well, if I can't have
that heart, I'll have yours instead.
ARIACHNIA stings WILD EADRIC with a prolonged
sting which forces his heart out and SHE eats it.
WILD EADRIC
My heart! My heart!
ARIACHNIA
Bring him.
ARIACHNIA exits. The PHANTOMS grab WILD
EADRIC and drag him off.
Pause.
Enter AVI and THOMAS. AVI carries her knapsack. Inside is the crocodile puppet and
inside that is her knife. THOMAS is wilder than
ever.
AVI
Shhhh! Try to control yourself for just a little longer! We must hurry! Look around, see if you can
find it!
AVI and THOMAS look about.
AVI
What do you suppose are in all these jars? They look like giant snowflakes made out of glass or
strange animals...they're beautiful. Do you think they all might be hearts?

!62

THOMAS
(Growls)
AVI
Do you feel a pull from any of them? Could one be...
Shouts off. Enter WILD EADRIC at a run.
THOMAS
Eadric!
WILD EADRIC
My heart! Where is my heart?! Where's it gone?! What's she done with it?!
WILD EADRIC searches frantically for his heart.
Enter PHANTOMS. AVI pulls THOMAS aside to
hide. The PHANTOMS grab WILD EADRIC and
drag HIM off.
ARIACHNIA
(OFF) Hold him securely this time or I'll feed you to the others!
AVI and THOMAS come out of hiding and continue
searching.
Enter ARIACHNIA who carries another jar. SHE
sees AVI and THOMAS but does nothing, waiting
until THEY turn and see HER.
ARIACHNIA
What have we here? Thieves breaking into my home? True Thomas...ah, now I understand - my
hopeless lover - true as your name, I knew you would come to me. As I told your father, you cannot
resist. Still not finished with your change, I see. Guards!
PHANTOMS enter.
ARIACHNIA
Take him away and restrain him until he is ready to join you.
PHANTOM
Yes, my Lady.
PHANTOMS grab a resisting THOMAS and take
HIM out leaving ARIACHNIA and AVI alone.

!63

ARIACHNIA
(Putting the jar on the shelf) And what have we here? Visitor...or spy?
AVI
Please don't hurt me! I'm unarmed! Do I look like a spy?
ARIACHNIA
(Searching through the knapsack, SHE tosses the crocodile puppet aside) That's the thing about
spies...they never look like spies. But I don't mind. Let the King of Sorrows send whomever he
wishes. I am not afraid.
AVI
Does Queen Victoria know you're living in her house?
ARIACHNIA
Queen Victoria's house is Buckingham Palace. Kensington Palace is mine now.
AVI
Then why are you hiding down here like a grub in the basement?
ARIACHNIA
I'm not ready to reveal myself just yet. My control is still growing. When the time is right, when my
followers have increased to greater numbers, I shall take possession of the upper rooms as is
proper for a queen.
AVI
You're a queen?
ARIACHNIA
Oh, yes. I have a strong power and my subjects have no choice but to be faithful. When I take their
hearts, they are mine forever. Your companion is about to become my newest devotee. Who are
you?
AVI
I'm Avi.
ARIACHNIA
(Indicating the jars) I am Ariachnia, collector of hearts.
AVI
What do you want with people's hearts for? Haven't you one of your own?
ARIACHNIA
Of course I have. I'd be one of my Hollow Phantoms, mindlessly doing harm and spreading ruin if I
didn't.

!64

AVI
Then what do you want with hearts for?
ARIACHNIA
(Studying the jars) Some, I collect. When it is too late to return it to its owner and the hole in the
chest closes over, the heart turns into a lovely crystalline work of art.
AVI
And the others, the ones you don't collect?
ARIACHNIA
The others, I eat.
AVI
Eat?!
ARIACHNIA
There is nothing like the taste of a human heart. Be it drenched in bitter tears or sweet joy, it is
quite delicious to me. Would you care to try one?
AVI
(Disgusted) Eh! Did you eat the Prince's heart?
ARIACHNIA picks up the jar SHE came in with.
ARIACHNIA
Not yet. I haven't decided what to do with it. It's very special, you see. I did not have to steal it as I
must with the others. He gave his to me willingly, silly boy. He fancied himself in love and simply
gave it to me. I must think of something exceptional to do with it.
AVI
You could give it back.
ARIACHNIA
(Putting the jar back on the shelf) Give back a heart? (Laughing) That is the one thing I shall never
do.
AVI
But he loved you.
ARIACHNIA
What is love to one such as me? I have no use for it.
AVI
You're lying. If he meant nothing to you, you would've eaten his heart as soon as you had it but you
kept it. Perhaps you're afraid of it! You're afraid what it'll do to you if you eat it!

!65

ARIACHNIA
Afraid? Hardly. I told you, no one ever gave me their heart before. It intrigues me.
AVI
It troubles you. You just won't admit it.
ARIACHNIA
Nonsense. Nothing about humans troubles me. (Sniffing) But...you don't have a heart.
(Wonderingly) Yet you feel different. How extraordinary - I don't remember taking it. Is it in my
collection?
AVI
No... (Thinking furiously) It was taken...by...another.
ARIACHNIA
Another? I know of no others like myself.
AVI
Perhaps she's your...sister...
ARIACHNIA
I hardly think so. I was abandoned in the forest as a newborn. Abandoned by my mother, can you
imagine how that feels? Luckily, I was taken in before it was too late and raised by the one I call
"Father." I was fortunate he was the one who found me - others would have called me monster and
destroyed me but monsters do not frighten him. He nurtured my talent and encouraged me to
become what I am today.
SHE displays her sting.
ARIACHNIA
So you see, I have no family. In all the world, I am unique and am therefore curious as to who has
changed you.
AVI
Why should I tell you anything? You are nothing to me.
ARIACHNIA
(Displaying her sting) Foolish child! You'll talk when you feel my sting.
ARIACHNIA stings AVI.
AVI
No! Please don't! I don't know anything...I can't remember what happened...it's all like some
horrible dream! The Prince...he found me...he knows...ask him, ask him! Don't hurt me!

!66

ARIACHNIA
Guard!
PHANTOM enters.
ARIACHNIA
Bring True Thomas to me under heavy protection.
PHANTOM exits.
ARIACHNIA
He may be in no fit state to talk until he has finished his change but we can wait.
AVI suddenly turns wild and attacks
ARIACHNIA who beats her off.
ARIACHNIA
I see you're beginning your change as well. You shall both join my hollow army soon enough. Or
perhaps not. (Sniffing again) You're not like the others who have had their hearts taken from them.
You're different. You may be hollow...but you're still clever which is more than I can say for my
Phantoms. They feel nothing. You...you feel joy at the pain you inflict.
AVI
Don't hurt me again!
ARIACHNIA
On the contrary, I might help you. Every queen needs a princess to leave her throne to. I shall live
for many years yet I'm not immortal and I would so hate my empire to crumble upon my death.
AVI
Me? A princess?
ARIACHNIA
Pledge your allegiance to me and I will be as a mother to you and teach you all I know. You shall
rule in my place one day. Would you like that?
AVI
Queen Avi...
ARIACHNIA
I might tell you all the secrets of my power and you would command legions! Think of what you
could do to your enemies, what you could do when no one could stand before you!
AVI
They would all have to listen to me then...I could do whatever I pleased and she couldn't stop me
one bit...

!67

ARIACHNIA
What is the loss of a heart to gaining the whole world?!
Enter as many PHANTOMS as possible with
THOMAS who is bound with rope.
ARIACHNIA
Now, let us see what we can see.
ARIACHNIA crosses to THOMAS and unties
HIM and so does not notice AVI steal the jar
with the Prince's heart. SHE hides it under her
jacket.
ARIACHNIA
(Seductively) Thomas, this girl tells me there is another taking hearts. Where did you find her
wandering, hmm? What do you know?
THOMAS
(Growling) Did you never feel anything for me? Is there no love in your heart at all?
ARIACHNIA
Of course I felt for you, dear Thomas, in my own way, as much as I could...so won't you help me
now? I know you still burn for me. If you are truly True Thomas, tell me who has taken this girl's
heart?
THOMAS
(Wailing) I will not hear you! I will not help you like these others!
AVI
(To PHANTOMS) Why do you help her? What is she to you? She has a heart - she is less than us!
She should be our slave! Shouldn't one who is hollow be the master here?
PHANTOMS begin shifting about grumbling
dangerously.
AVI
We are many and she is but one and weak! Why should she lead? Why not you or you? Why not I?!
ARIACHNIA
Foolish child! You cannot turn my Phantoms against me! I made them what they are! They know
my punishments and my rewards! What are you to them?
AVI
I am one of them while you are not! What do you know of us?

!68

PHANTOMS are angry now.

PHANTOMS
She is like us - you are not! Why are you master here? We don't need you to lead us! We should
live freely! (etc)
AVI
Yes - you should all live freely in the world spreading your misery as you please! There is no reason
you must stay here in her service! We will not be slaves anymore!
ARIACHNIA spreads all eight of her arms and
displays her sting.
ARIACHNIA
You all know the pain I will rain down upon you if you do not obey me! Disperse and return to your
duties at once!
PHANTOMS begin to close in on ARIACHNIA.
AVI
How can she hurt those who have no heart? She is alone and cannot command us anymore!
Destroy her and take your freedom!
ARIACHNIA
Enough of this foolishness!
ARIACHNIA suddenly reaches out and grabs AVI.
The jar falls to the floor and shatters with a
crash! ARIACHNIA grabs up the heart before
AVI can get it.
ARIACHNIA
Thief! Trying to steal my most precious heart, were you?
AVI
Precious? How can a heart given in love mean anything to you? You took his heart but couldn't give
yours in return! I say you are a false lover, a daemon lover! You are not fit to love or to rule and so
you must be destroyed!
THOMAS
My heart! Give me back my heart!
THOMAS runs at ARIACHNIA. The PHANTOMS
follow.

!69

ARIACHNIA
No, no it is mine! The only one ever given freely to me! Mine forever!
As the PHANTOMS swarm around HER,
ARIACHNIA eats the heart. At the same time...
THOMAS
No! No!
AVI
Save the heart! Don't let her destroy it!
AVI joins to attack, trying to get at ARIACHNIA
but it is too late, the heart is quite gone.
AVI
Stop! Stop! Enough!
The PHANTOMS and THOMAS stand away.
ARIACHNIA lies still on the ground.
THOMAS
It's gone, my heart is gone!
AVI
The old Queen is dead!
AVI crosses to her knapsack, takes out the
crocodile puppet and crosses to ARIACHNIA.
SHE takes her knife from out of the puppet,
cuts off ARIACHNIA's sting and holds it up
triumphantly with her knife in her other hand.
AVI
I am Queen now!
A roar of approval from the PHANTOMS!
AVI
Let us go and have our fun!
PHANTOMS exit excitedly. AVI and THOMAS
begin to follow them.
The crocodile moves on its own.

!70

CROCODILE
That's the way to do it!
AVI stops, looks at the crocodile.
AVI
What?!
CROCODILE
That's the way to do it!
Something changes in AVI.
AVI
Your Highness - wait!
THOMAS is about to exits but stops. AVI throws
down the knife, picks up the puppet, still
clutching the sting in her other hand. SHE
crosses to THOMAS, touches the wound in his
chest, touches her own.
AVI
Not too late yet. This is not for you. Come with me.
AVI pulls THOMAS with her as THEY exit.

!71

ACT TWO
SCENE TWO
At the kiosk again. The KING sits in his usual
spot idly playing with the now loose chain.
LUCIEN sits in his usual place at the King's feet.
The GOLDEN BIRD hides up in the rafters.
MYTHOS stands to one side.
KING
I suppose you have gotten your wish after all, Lucien. The Prince is finally gone and there is nothing
to keep us from returning home. If my former subjects will allow it.
LUCIEN
I never wished for us to go back like this!
KING
That was unfair of me to say. I'm sorry.
LUCIEN
It's all right, Sire, I don't mind.
MYTHOS
So why do you wait, Your Majesty? Are you not over-ready to leave this miserable place behind?
KING
(Looking up at GOLDEN BIRD) What could have gone wrong? Why did his heart leave him?
MYTHOS
Does that matter now? He has no doubt returned to the one he loved and it's surely too late to save
him, even if Count Hackelberg is able to find him and bring him back.
KING
My brain recognizes that it changes nothing but my poor heart will not rest until I understand why. If
he is...if it is too late, I must choose whether to end his misery now or allow him to live what life is
left to him. Perhaps knowing what has happened will help me decide. Only then will I leave and
return to my kingdom.
MYTHOS
If they will have you.
KING
If they will have me.

!72

LUCIEN
We can't stay here like this forever! They must take you back!
KING
I certainly hope so. I'm tired...
Enter COUNT HACKELBERG, AVI and THOMAS.
THOMAS is unemotional. The wound in his chest
is almost gone. AVI carries the crocodile puppet.
The GOLDEN BIRD begins to trill excitedly.
COUNT HACKELBERG
I found him!
KING
My son!
AVI
Your Majesty, we've been trying to retrieve the Prince's heart...
KING
But it's here!
AVI
(Opening her coat, removing the roses from her wound) That is my heart. I lost it...(correcting
herself)...I was untrue to it and it left me. It was happy with your son and it wouldn't return to me
unless I proved myself worthy of it by making the Prince whole again.
KING
(Disappointed) It does not seem that you have succeeded.
AVI
No. Ariachnia destroyed his poor heart before I could save it. But I destroyed her so...
KING
...so that is something at least. Well, I wish you joy at your reuniting - surely the attempt is enough
to bring your heart back to you.
AVI
Let us see.
Trilling, the GOLDEN BIRD flies down and lands
on WALTER's shoulder.
KING
It seems to have made its choice. I'm sorry.

!73

MYTHOS
A heart cannot be forced.
AVI
I know I should feel sad...but I feel...a certain dark delight at this new life...my only joy coming from
causing pain...
KING
I would see the wretched creature's body for myself! Come, Thomas, let us destroy it once and for
all.
AVI
The basement of Kensington Palace. That's her lair.
KING
We shall burn her and she shall not harm anyone ever again.
Exit KING, THOMAS, COUNT HACKELBERG,
LUCIEN. MYTHOS starts to exit but AVI stays him.
AVI
Mythos! Stay a moment.
MYTHOS
You have my sympathies.
AVI
Do I?
MYTHOS
You'll be remaining here in the parks with us, then? I should be very happy if you do. We might
become quite good friends, you and I. Perhaps even more than friends.
AVI
I don't think so. I grow colder by the minute. And I like it.
MYTHOS
That is nothing to me. As we've so recently seen, the heart wants what it wants. You shall need a
guardian until you can properly look after yourself and a companion afterwards. I humbly offer my
services.
AVI
It's true I could use someone like you. Only I wonder how really useful you'd be.
MYTHOS
What would lead you to question my skills?

!74

AVI
Why, for such a creature of these wild lands as yourself, I find it surprising that you knew nothing of
Ariachnia. Certainly something as abominable as she would have come to your attention.
MYTHOS
She kept her existence very secret.
AVI
She must have for I'm sure if you did know about her you would've stopped her terrible deeds no
matter what the cost.
MYTHOS
Of course. Such a loathsome creature should not be suffered to live. Is that what you wish to hear?
Pathetic little girl! What do you know of the world? Of good and evil, of hearts and coldness?
Nothing! But in a very short time, you will begin your education and you will be mine!
AVI
Like Ariachnia was yours?
MYTHOS
She spurned me! After I found her and raised her and encouraged her in her hunger and her
talents and loved her...she wanted nothing to do with me! I will not make that mistake again.
AVI
I could use you but I can't love you. I have no heart to love with.
MYTHOS
Which is exactly what I desire. Like you, I have no use for hearts any more. You cannot refuse me
your heart if you do not have one. We shall find something...two monsters like us. We will make
something together. We will share the power.
AVI
You've misjudge me, I'm afraid.
AVI turns savage, whipping out the sting from
inside the crocodile and using it on MYTHOS so
his black and shriveled heart comes out upon the
ground. AVI grabs it.
AVI
Poor twisted heart! You shall be put out of your misery!
AVI throws the heart to the ground and stamps
on it.

!75

MYTHOS
No!
AVI
There - I've given you your wish! You needn't worry about hearts ever again!
MYTHOS
What have you done, what have you done?!
With a terrible wail, MYTHOS runs off.
AVI
I am Queen here now! No one with a heart could possibly have done that!
SHE tosses the sting away.
Enter KING and THOMAS. The GOLDEN BIRD
still sits on WALTER's shoulder.
KING
Ariachnia's gone!
AVI
Good.
KING
I mean her body wasn't there! Are you sure she was dead when you left her?
AVI
She had to be! She couldn't have survived...
KING
I have set Count Hackelberg on her trail - if anyone can find her and finish her off, it is he.
AVI
I'm not so sure. And the others? Her Hollow Phantoms? Were they gone as well?
KING
The basement was completely deserted.
AVI
So they've all gone out into the world, then, to cause all sorts of terrible mischief - and you can't
even tell who they are because their wounds have closed up. They look just like everyone else.
KING
And where is Mythos?

!76

AVI
I'm afraid he was not what you thought. He is gone as well.
KING
And you? Is there nothing we can do for you?
AVI
Not unless you have a heart to spare. And after what I've done, I don't think I deserve one even if
you did. I don't think I want one anymore. They seem so troublesome. It's best if your son keeps
mine, I think.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
The GOLDEN BIRD leaves WALTER's shoulder
and flies about excitedly.
THOMAS
I don't believe it agrees with you.
The GOLDEN BIRD finally gently alights on
AVI's outstretched hands.
AVI
Oh! After everything, it's still willing to have me! How soft and warm it is! I'd quite forgotten.
SHE takes a moment to savor holding the
GOLDEN BIRD and then makes a decision.
SHE gently takes a small red bird from inside
the GOLDEN BIRD.
GOLDEN BIRD
(Trilling)
AVI
And how fragile - how easily it breaks.
AVI holds out the small red bird to THOMAS.
THOMAS
I couldn't take it - it's your heart, not mine.
AVI
Better a broken heart than none at all.

!77

AVI and THOMAS each take their bird and hug it

to their chest. The birds disappear and the
wounds close.
AVI picks up the crocodile puppet from the floor.
AVI
(Crying, finally) My father's dead! He promised we'd be together and go exploring and then he left
me. He dropped down dead at home like anyone else and left me all alone! He left me all alone!
SHE throws the crocodile aside.
KING
Haven't you a mother to comfort you?
AVI
That proper old thing? I won't go back to her. I can't...I've changed. She wouldn't understand.
KING
(Comforting her) Never mind, then. You shall stay with us and have a father in me now.
AVI
You won't want me! I killed my father! I pretended he was dead until it came true!
KING
You know that is not your fault. You did nothing wrong. Death comes to us all and often there is no
one to blame. This is such a time. I would be proud to call you daughter.
THOMAS
(Picking up the crocodile and speaking as it) And you shall have a brother in me as well. I've always
wanted a sister. Won't you stay with us? Say you will.
KING
Our kingdom will be your new home. Elphame is a magical place, far from this tawdry land.
AVI
I'm afraid it can't be so.
KING
Why, what have you to go back to?
AVI
The hollow ones - someone must fight against them. They mustn't be allowed to spread their
misery unchecked. They have to be stopped. And their old queen must be found and destroyed for
good this time.

!78

KING
But you're just a young girl...
AVI
...who knows them...knows her...and who can fight them all.
KING
They are so many...and you said they can't be recognized...
AVI
I must try.
THOMAS
We must try.
AVI
And we'll find more to join us.
THOMAS
(As the crocodile) That's the way we'll do it!
THOMAS hands AVI the crocodile.
KING
You would leave me again so soon, then?
THOMAS
Not forever. I'll return in a little while.
KING
You will take good care of him?
AVI
How could I not? For he is of my heart.
We hear the GOLDEN BIRD trilling. AVI and
THOMAS put their hands to where their wounds
once were.
AVI
He is of my heart.

CURTAIN