JARDINS SOUS…

A Children’s Play
In Two Acts

By Sean X. QUINN
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CHARACTERS:
Saul – young and wealthy man, coming to visit the famous ‘Jardins Sous’ exhibition at the Louvre.
He is constantly awkward but has a flair of youthful dignity about him.

Marion – a daughter of the artist who made the exhibition ‘Jardins Sous’. She is aimless, and
somewhat mystical.

Ebony – the younger, and more efflorescent sister of Marion. She is conniving and seeks to
sabotage her sister’s success, all while promoting the beauty of the exhibition.

Laurence – a kind fellow, but dumb as the stereotypical man can be. He has a fondness of natural
artistic merit but ends up getting more than he bargains for.

Trion – the father of Marion and Ebony, and the creator of the exhibition. He is a tragic figure,
but evocative of many family traditions in France’s artistic culture.

Yuelle – the artistic manager of the gallery, and the lover of Trion (although they are not paired
in any way). She is shy, and doesn’t confess her love until it is too late.

Haughteed – a critic, and a harsh one at that. He conceals many of his true thoughts in his
cynicism, but truly he wishes the best for the artists.

Chorus:
Six Men and Six Women : Four Separate Cast as Sculptures
- Guests at the exhibition [all]
- Two couples attending the gala [2 men and 2 women]
- A single young boy [1 man]
- Sculptures [four seperate men and/or women]
 ACT ONE: ‘Jardins Sous’

Set: A blank stage, with three large walls, slightly scalene to each other. The lighting is constantly
an extremely light blue/blue-tinged white. The curtain is blue. There are three man points of
entrance and exit; the stage wings and the slim white door in the side of the set walls (left most
likely). Suspended above the stage is a terrarium chandelier, which is furnished with various floras
and lights.

SCENE ONE: Artistic Direction

Enter SAUL amongst many cast members, each who are dressed finely. SAUL wears a blue shirt
and black pants, with brown carpet shoes.

SAUL: To think I came all of this way to see the ‘Jardins Sous’ expo! And what luck, a clear day.
Hardly anyone around, only a couple of fine looking groups (aside) Aristocrats I believe (he turns
his nose up at the thought). (normal) Such wheather, the rain only started about an our ago, and
I forgot to bring my jacket. I just got inside before it started to pour.

SAUL turns as the sound of people bustling in interest at an entrance from off-stage.

SAUL: I wonder who it could be?

Enter TRION and MARION, walking in an emphatic, somewhat triumphant manner. The crowd
gossip in awe at the presence of the pair.

TRION: Ladies, gentlemen… I am, Trion! Your executive artiste here in Paris. You are all too kind
to come visit my new exhibition, ‘Jardins Sous’. Please enjoy your day and mingle in the crowds.
With me (gesturing to MARION) I have my daughter, Marion, and my other daughter, Ebony, is
still on the plane over here.

A scatter of laughter throughout the chorus.

TRION: Alors, it is the time of the century to showcase the natural beauty of the earth! I give you
the celestial exhibition, ‘Jardins Sous’. Merci.

TRION and MARION emerge from the crowd to stand on the opposite side to dumb-founded
SAUL.

TRION: Ma cher, please can you call your sister. I am afraid she is going to be late for the Lunch
at One!

MARION: Oui, how typical!

The door suddenly swings open. In is thrown a large, heavily packed suit case, and following it is
a dishevelled entrance from EBONY. She is wearing a yellow dress with pineapples on it, and her
hair is tied up in a bun.

EBONY: Voilà, I am here!

TRION: Ma petit croissant! (he runs to EBONY lovingly).

EBONY: Non papa! Do not touch me! I am too tired for your affections. Please can you send for
a glass of water?

MARION: Allô Ebony.

EBONY: Ugh, allô. (aside to TRION) What is she doing here?

TRION: She is your sister! She had to come and see the exhibition!

EBONY: But surely you could’ve got her to come some other day?

TRION: C’est la vie. You’ll just have to play nice for now.

EBONY: That never ends well.

EBONY looks at MARION with cordiality, smiling grimacingly. SAUL stands in awe of the
conversation all the while, until TRION notices him.

TRION: Oh? (aside) a Fan perhaps.

TRION looks over at SAUL and clears his throat. SAUL is startled and baffled.

TRION: Are you waiting for someone?

SAUL: Oh… me…? No… just standing here, minding my own business…

TRION: (aside) How cunning, and to think he was standing there all the while. (to SAUL) It is a
pleasant day, is it not?

SAUL: Hm? Oh yes… very pleasant. Um… so which way is it to your exhibition?

TRION: Round the corner, past the Mona Lisa (laughs in spite of himself) and through the
sculpture gallery. Quite a fascinating set of works. I trust you will like it.

SAUL: Yes! I hope so…

TRION: Shall I take you to see it myself? It would be very nice to hear some feedback from fresh-
eyes.

SAUL: (aside) Holy Moly! (clears throat) Of course! That would be an honour!

TRION: We shall be accompanied by my two daughters, Marion and Ebony. They have been high