LAST TWELVE OF OLYMPUSİ
BY
JOEL KNUDSEN
CAST OF CHARACTERS:
1. LEONIUS- LEADER OF THE TWELVE; WISEST OF THE GROUP
ALSO FEARLESS ADVENTURER: ALSO NARRATOR. (Mr. Leo Nius)
2. TARIUS- STRONG AND SILENT; UNCOMFORTABLE IN
CROWDS, GREAT STRATEGIST BUT KNOWN TO BE
BULLHEADED.
3. GAIUS & TREMAS- THE TWINS: ACT AND SPEAK AS ONE.
BOTH ARE VERY TELEPATHIC TO EACH OTHER ALSO.
4. CAPRIANUS- SON OF MOLIS THE SEA CAPTAIN. GREAT
KNOWLEDGE OF THE SEA AND THE WILDLIFE WITHIN ITS
DEPTHS.
5. ARIESTER(ARE-E-ESTER)- BROTHER TO CAPRIANUS.
CHOSE THE LAND TO THE SEA. GENIUS OF PLANT LIFE AND
FARMING.
6. REGUS- THE FISHERMAN. UNCLE TO CAPRIANUS AND
ARIESTER.
7. PIESTRO- SON OF REGUS. KEEN EYE WITH HARPOON AND
GREAT SWIMMER.
8. SAGIUS- ZEUS' HUNTS MAN. EYES OF A HAWK,
EXCELLENT SHOT WITH CROSSBOW. TRULY ONE WITH NATURE.
9. CASSINA- HUNTRESS FROM THE LIBARA ISLANDS AND
ONE OF TWO SURVIVORS OF ITS DESTRUCTION. KNOWN FOR
HONESTY AND JUSTICE.
10. VIRONA- CASSINA'S COUSIN. ONLY OTHER SURVIVOR OF
LIBARA ISLAND'S DESTRUCTION. KNOWN FOR HER FAIRNESS
AND GENEROSITY.
11. CANCIUS- UNCLE TO SCORIUS. COURAGEOUS IN WORD
AND ACTION. ONLY PERSON ABLE TO "CONTROL" SCORIUS
FROM STEALING BLIND THE AREA.
12. SCORIUS- minstrel AND EX-THIEF. LIGHTNING QUICK
AND AGILE. ONE WITH THE NIGHT.
13. ZEUS- GREAT LEADER OF THE GODS OF OLYMPUS. NOW
AND FOREVER THE LEGACY OF THINGS TO COME.
14. DOORWAY SENTINEL- LONE VOICE TO WELCOME VISITORS.
miscellaneous servant GIRLS
Scene 1: Act 1
FRIDAY MAY 2,1997
{Outside view of a beautifully constructed building. Though glass and steel, it retains unearthly greek/romanesque style. The organization that of Zodiac Industries not only funded its construction through philantropic ventures of its CEO Leo Nius, it has also contributed to nearly two hundred needy organizations.}
{TRANSITION TO: Wood grain office interior. A mixture of modern technology and museum that specializes in Greek/Roman artifacts. A gentleman is speaking on the phone, an occasional chuckle escapes through the conversation of the heavy voiced man. A streak of grey lightly permiates his hair along the temple area. The leather chair, comforts a man much older than the streak of grey tells. He finishes the phone conversation in an almost indescipt language and hangs up the phone. }
(PRESSES BUTTON ON DESK INTERCOM)
Leo Nius:
Ms. Benson?
Ms. Benson:
(sound of papers shuffling)
Yes, Mr. Nuis.
Leo Nius:
What is my schedule for next week?
Mrs. Benson:
Let me check your schedule. Hmmm....
Monday....10am to 2pm you have a board of directors meeting.
7pm you have dinner with Max Mercury regarding the West Foundation.
Tuesday......1pm meeting
Wednesday....oh, your interview and lunch with Mr.Brokaw.
And Thursday and Friday are wide open.
Leo Nius:
I've been called out of town for an important meeting. (pause)
I'll be leaving on Sunday morning and will be back on Friday night.
Mrs. Benson
If people ask...I'll say your unavailable?
Is this similiar to your trip last year?
Leo Nius:
Yes...somewhat similiar with most of the
same people. Just tell people.....I'm on
a reflection retreat.
[FADE TO BLACK]
[Stage Curtain nearly shut. From beneath comes a cloudy
vapor that clings to the stage. From stage right, comes a
man dressed in modest robes and vestments. He carries a
walking staff though he does not lean upon it for support.
Rather he walks with the strangely runed staff as a
trusted friend would walk with another. A very light snow
begins to fall as the man crosses the stage from right to
left. Stops momentarily to catch a flake or two in one
hand. Walks to stage left where a rope hangs. Man pulls
rope and a loud bell sounds. Lights go off except for key
spot on man. Voice booms over speaker.]
VOICE: Who seeks entrance into the dwelling place of Zeus,
all-father of Olympus.
LEONIUS: It is I, Leonius of Facultia, who has been
summoned here.
VOICE: Enter and be welcomed. You are the last to arrive.
Your brothers and sisters await you in the great hall.
LEONIUS {TO AUDIENCE}: And so began the evening's
festivities, not unlike those gatherings of days past. Yet,
it would end unlike anything we who gathered here would
ever experience in the centuries to come. Come then, be
the eyes and ears of an event few mortals shall ever
witness in their meager lifetime.
[Leonius stamps down the staff twice. On the second hit,
spotlight goes off and Leonius exits stage left through
curtain.]
SCENE 2
[Music begins. Sounds of hearty laughter and voices are
blended in. Curtain opens. Lights come up. Characters are
milling around stage. At center stage is a large rectangled
table, filled with many exotic foods and drinks. Servant
girls are seen beginning to slowly clear the table of its
foods. Leonius enters, minus staff and is welcomed by
those already there at the party. Music softens in the
background.]
LEONIUS {To Audience}: It was always a pleasure to see
everyone gathered together. Back in these ancient times,
our cares were small and our dreams as big as Tarius'
heart...and Tarius himself. If they truly knew what change
in their lives was about to happen, and affect them
through the centuries, many of them would have forsaken
the call they received.
TARIUS {With Booming Voice, Walks Across The Stage To
Leonius.} Good friend Leonius, welcome...WELCOME! {Tarius
shakes Leonius hands} Why do stand apart from the others
so. I thought I was the one in need of sanctuary of crowds
and gatherings such as this. Although {Tarius peers back
at the feast on table} food and drink such as this should
not be wasted.
LEONIUS {Pats The Back Of Tarius}: Forgive me good
bowman, I did not wish to be disrespectful to our friends
or ignore that glorious feast. I simply needed to advise
and relate our story to those visiting who sit before us in
the audience.
TARIUS {Peers out into the audience, realizes he is being
watched}: By JOVE'S SON, Leonius, are you quiet mad?!?
Bringing an audience to this gathering is one thing, and
{turns to audience} you will forgive us this gentlefolk, but
{turns back to Leonius} do you realize what you will be
subjecting these gentlefolk to?
LEONIUS {Inquisitive}: What do you mean, Tarius.
TARIUS: Scorius is here at the gathering.
LEONIUS: Scorius?
TARIUS: Scorius.
LEONIUS: Scorius??
TARIUS {Pointing at the audience Anxiously} SCORIUS IS
HERE!!!!!!
LEONIUS {realizes exactly what Tarius has been getting at}:
By the gods. SCORIUS IS HERE!! {At this point a thin wry
young man waves at Leonius and Tarius at the sound of his
name. He slowly begins to come towards the two. Leonius
turns towards the audience.} Gentle people, its...ah...been
brought to my attention the Scorius is here at the banquet.
Now, as a friendly thought to you, it might be wise to keep
a good grip on your valuables at this gathering. For
although Scorius is a good friend and an even better
mistral for his time, he is an encoragable rascal who has
been known to "creatively acquire" pocketbooks, jewelry....
TARIUS: Noblemen's daughters...
LEONIUS: Now that was never proven and they still can't
convince me he could climb over wall while carrying the
woman, 50 feet or not! Never the less, please avoid all
conversations with the lad gentlefolk, lest something goes
missing. Ah, here he come.
SCORIUS: LEONIUS, welcome. Come join us. Everyone is
looking forward to seeing you.
LEONIUS: It is good to see you also Scorius. What manner
of concoction is that you are drinking?
SCORIUS: It is called a Pina-Colada and it has a wonderful
taste to it.
LEONIUS: Did Cassina or Virona make it for you.
SCORIUS: Oh, no-no. That nice person at the bar in the
lobby {At This BOTH Leonius And Tarius Let Out
simultaneous groans of despair while Tarius throws up his
arms in fed-up futility .} made it for me. Or...was it for
the gentleman in the suit and tie. Ah, well..........
LEONIUS {Starts to drag Scorius back towards the group}:
Let's go say hello to everyone. { All Three wander back to
the others....Scorius being dragged 1/2 way there}
GAIUS AND TREMAS: Hail and good fortune to you friend
Leonius.
LEONIUS: And to you also twins, good health. Greetings to
you Cassina, Virona, and Cancius.
Cancius: Greetings Leonius. The lads, Ariester and
CAPRIANUS, had a bet of a dozen silver pieces that you
would not arrive until after dinner.
ARIESTER: And I was right as usual. Pay up big brother!
CAPRIANUS: All right, all right. Just let me get to my
money purse....hey! My coin purse is missing!
{All Eyes Turn To Scorius. He wanders over to behind
CAPRIANUS, and seemingly begins to pull silver coins from
his ears.}
SCORIUS: Just keeping the fingers nimble, you never know
when a little change can come in handy. {Very pleased
with himself, leans on table with hand resting on table's
edge.}
CASSINA {In A Serious Tone}: You'll become less handy, if I
remove a finger or two if you're not careful.
{Cassina Quickly Draws A Knife From Her Belt And Flings It At
Scorius' Hand. It Lands inches Away, Causing Scorius To
Jump Back In Fright, Holding His Hand Close To Him As If
Afraid He Will Lose It To Cassina. There is Silence but
then she breaks into laughter. The others join In. There is
a deep, robust laugh from one regal looking gentleman
sitting at the table, oddly, in the center of the festivities
and the reason for the gathering.}
LEONIUS: {TURNS TO AUDIENCE} Poor Scorius. Though it is
good to see old Zeus seated at the center of the table and
laughing aloud. Old?...Dare I imagine abit greyer since last
we met also?
{Leonius goes to his seat and begins to enjoy the banquet.
Tarius has since risen and is at center stage. Has a goblet
of wine in his hand and sips at it. Sagius wanders over to
join him at center stage. Also carries a goblet with him. }
SAGIUS: Greetings friend Tarius. A toast to you comrade
and your family. How are you and the family. Tis been ages
since I have seen the children, although I ran into Arianna
at the market in Thebes. And the children in tow....
TARIUS: {With A Smile} MY great-grand children, Sagius.
Tis truly strange this...gift of slow aging mighty Zeus gave
us way back when we were young. There are times, my
friend, when I awake alone in bed and look to the other
side. It is then when I miss and think about Helena.
SAGIUS: {SHAKES HEAD} We've ALL told you to remarry.
Your too caring a man to be left alone, even your children
have tried. Just too stubborn for your own good. But then,
{PATS TARIUS ON BACK} none of us have changed too much
after all this time. {CHANGES SUBJECT} I plan to travel
north to the Altec forest soon, would you care to join me?
TARIUS: Perhaps. Sagius, have you wondered why we have
been summoned to this banquet?
SAGIUS: Yes. I believe it is about the falling away of the
faithful in the belief in the gods of Olympus. So many of
these mortals concerned with their petty wars and their
personnel problems, they've lost rationality to live
together as sisters and brothers.
TARIUS: Take care brother. Remember not so long ago, we
were fully mortal ourselves. Also, we are not full gods
ourselves, but a conclave of representatives from all
regions given limited skills and powers.
SAGIUS: Forgive me. I spoke indifferently.
TARIUS: I do understand your meaning though. The gods
have not been seen, vision or otherwise, in nearly a
generation. Our annual gatherings have been recently,
within the last few years, more infrequent and less than
enjoyable. There is an eerie silence that echoes through
the halls of Zeus' palace. The only gods that seems to keep
working through the mortals are Zeus' daughters, the Muses.
SAGIUS: Regus' son Piestro recently brought word of a
large achieve of learning and documents being built in
Alexandria, Egypt. Regus stated that Piestro observed
several of the Muses hovering around a couple of
documentarians and one or two of the architects of the
building. A wonderous structure, indeed.
TARIUS: Yes, I should be interested in seeing it. {PEERS
OVER HIS SHOULDER} It looks as if the others are finishing
up with their dinner. Perhaps it is time for us to return to
the table and find out the reason for this get together.
[THEY RETURN TO THEIR SEATS]
ZEUS: Let me have your attention please. {ZEUS RISES FROM
HIS HIS CHAIR} Silence, please! [NOISE
CONTINUES, AND
SUDDENLY SCORIUS LETS LOOSE WITH
A RIOTOUS OUTBURSTS.] SILENCE!!!
[ROOM VIBRATES AS ZEUS' VOICE BOOMS THROUGH THE
CHAMBER, STARTLING ALL HIS GUESTS AND SILENCING THEM
AS THEY PEER TOWARDS THEIR HOST.]
ZEUS: IF we are all finished with our feasting, we can
begin this meeting.
Leonius: {TO SAGIUS(ON LEFT) IN LOW TONE} A meeting, eh?
I tell you, this does not bode well.
[SERVANT GIRLS COME TO CLEAR AWAY THE DISHES. A SQUEAL IS HEARD CLOSE TO SCORIUS AND A SERVANT TURNS, SLAPPING SCORIUS' FACE.]
ZEUS: {IN A SERIOUS TONE} : I'm glad to see Scorius giving
the servants a helping hand. {BEGINS TO LAUGH LIGHTLY.
STOPS MOMENTARILY AND IN A VERY SERIOUS MOODS,
BEGINS TO SPEAKS.}
I am sure, my friends, that you are curious on why I have
summoned, no....asked you to assemble here tonight. [ZEUS
RISES AND WALKS TO CENTER STAGE WHILE TALKING.] We,
the gods, are an old race. We have survived upon Mount
Olympus, shrouded in a mystic veil, since the beginning of
time. Time, which we the gods counted as an allie...but has
become our own worst enemy. [PAUSES. MURMURS HEARD.]
ZEUS: Our lives have always encircled the lives of the
mortals upon this planet. Generation after generation have
worshipped us from Earth. Mortals would go to the
temples, heaping praises upon us and singing thanksgiving.
And not just here in Olympus, either. My good friend and
ruler of Asgard, Odin, has received his due share by the
northern tribes of the planet.
LEONIUS: Zeus, you mentioned time as an enemy. Does this
hold true for Odin as well?
ZEUS {WALKS BACK TO TO THE CENTER CHAIR< STILL
STANDING}: Yes. Now time, by any extent, cannot effect
those of us who are immortal directly, but it can....{GAZES
UP & DOWN AT THE THOSE SEATED} through the mortals on
the earth. {SHOUTS OF DISBELIEF RISES FROM THOSE SEATED.}
ZEUS: The life giving energy that we received from the
mortals has dwindles to almost nothing. The faith in so
many gods has created confusion and anger in the mortals.
They refuse to believe anymore, blaming our acts as
natural occurrences. As a result, our powers have become
weak and our existence is at a crucial point. Many of the
gods have fled this planet {ZEUS LOWERS HIS HEAD IN
GRIEF}...in the hope of finding a new existence out among
the stars.
Indeed, great Odin and those with whom he resides with
have already left. I had sent our collective farewell before
their departure. For some reason...I do not believe I will
see my good friend...ever again. {WIPES TEARS AWAY.} All
that remains of the god of Olympus are myself, Hera my
wife, and the Muses. It should please you to know that the
Muses have elected to stay until their collective and
individual skills are no longer required.
[TARIUS AND LEONIUS STAND IN TANDEM. BOTH LOOK AT
EACH OTHER. TARIUS BOWS TO LEONIUS.]
LEONIUS: Zeus, surely you cannot just abandon this planet.
These mortals are constantly at war, with each
other....perfecting the means of killing with each battle
field drawn.
CASSINA: And this "HOLY ROMAN EMPIRE." My instincts as
a huntress tell me of nothing good that will come of it.
CACIUS: {VERY CALMLY} Hush now, little one. There Is a
plan, I sense it. A very good plan.
[ZEUS MOTIONS FOR SILENCE FROM HIS CHAIR.]
ZEUS: You speak too well of me, good Cancius. My plan
would span generation upon generation of humans on this
planet. A plan...which directly involves you twelve.
{POINTS TO THE TWELVE} All of you gathered here were
granted god-like powers and have used these powers for
the benefit of mankind. Aiding and working behind the
scenes as to not attract attention. All for the peaceful co-
existence of the mortals on earth. These powers were
limited, for only we the gods of Olympus and Asgard
deserved such powers.....until now.
[ZEUS RISES FROM HIS CHAIR. STILL IN BETWEEN THE TWELVE. HIS TRUE REGAL STATURE BECOME APPARENT AND DOMINATES THE ROOM. ALL BOW THEIR HEADS.]
ZEUS: I command upon you a task. You twelve shall be
watchers over this planet. Each of you aiding the others in
observing; never interfering in the lives of the mortals.
SCORIUS: NEVER?
ZEUS: You will only interfere when there is a collective
agreement amongst you twelve. An example would be when
there is danger to the planet from the mortals...or others.
Virona......
VIRONA: Yes, great Zeus.
ZEUS: You will document all major occurrences
carefully. Your ability to change shape and to blend in with
a culture or people plus your gift of languages will make
you a great resource for this role. For when we the gods
return; we will wish to know the triumphs and the
tragedies faced by the mortals to see if they are worthy
enough for our return.
Time continues to rush faster towards our departure and
there is still one last task to accomplish. {BECKONS
WITH HANDS FOR THOSE AT THE TABLE TO ARISE.}[ ZEUS'
VOICE BECOMES THUNDEROUS AND RESOUNDS THROUGH THE
ENTIRE CASTLE.] ARISE MY GOOD AND TRUSTED
FRIENDS AND RECEIVE THE MANTLE OF FULL GODHOOD.
[ THE TWELVE RISE FROM THEIR CHAIRS AND CLASP HANDS. A STRANGE GLOW EMANATES FROM THE ZEUS AND BEGINS TO ENGULF THE TWELVE.{STAGE GROWS DARK EXCEPT FOR RED/GOLD SPOTS INTERCHANGING ON THE ACTORS/TWELVE. ZEUS HAS BLUE/WHITE SPOT ON HIM. STROBE LIGHT AND FOG MACHINE FROM BACK OF THE CHAIRS.} GROANS OF PAIN AND DISTRESS ARE HEARD FROM SOME.]
GAIUS AND TREMAS {IN UNISON}: GREAT....POWER...
AREISTER: LIKE NOTHING {groans}....
CASSINA: I HAVE {breathe}...FELT....
CAPRIANUS: BEFORE. AND MY MIND KNOWS....
REGUS: WHAT THE OTHERS ARE THINKING{gasp}.
{SPOTLIGHTS, STROBES, AND FOG MACHINE SNAP OFF. LOUD SOUND OF GLASS BREAKING. MAIN LIGHTS FLASH ON} [ ZEUS COLLAPSES INTO HIS CHAIR WHILE LEONIUS AND TARIUS STEADY THEMSELVES BY HOLDING ONTO THE TABLE. THE OTHERS SLOWLY SIT DOWN IN EXHAUSTION. A RUMBLING SOUND IS HEARD OVERHEAD.]
LEONIUS {WITH A GROWL IN HIS VOICE}: I feel stronger
somehow and yet... yes! Everything is so much clearer.
TARIUS: I too feel it. My thinking is so much sharper, more
precise!
[{ZEUS' VOICE ECHOES OMINOUSLY}]
ZEUS: With these new powers I have granted to you, I also
give you new titles and new forms to observe the mortals
in. [ZEUS RISES FROM HIS CHAIR, THOUGH NOT AS STEADY.]
Place the golden ring that sits in front of you on the table
on your right hand. Stand when I call your name. [ EACH
ONE(S) RISE TO THEIR NAME.]
Gaius and Tremas...how alike you two are in word and
action. You shall be the force and counterforce in nature:
you will be known as Gemini.
CAPRIANUS and Ariester; you two brothers are constantly
butting heads in debates of all things like two kid goats.
And like two goats, your tenacity and determination will
be your assets as you will be Capricorn and Aries, the sea
goat and the ram.
Regus and Piestro; your generosity and knowledge flows as
deep as the rivers and oceans you fish and explore. You
two will be Aquarius the Water-Bearer and Pisces the fish.
Cassina and Virona. You both serve as an inspiration to the
memories of those who didn't survive the destruction of
the Libara Islands. Cassina, your sense of duty and honor
does us all credit. You shall be Libra the judgment scales.
Virona, for your generosity and love of all creatures great
and smalls, you shall be known as Virgo the caring.
CASSINA AND VIRONA: (IN UNISON) Thank You Great Zeus.
ZEUS: (CLEARS HIS THROAT) Cancius, you are among the
few I can call my truest friends. Truly a great orator, and
champion of the down-trodden. Also... {Said With A Smile}
the only person I know who can handle Scorius.
(Chuckles come from the gathering.) You shall be Cancer
the courageous.
Sagius, for your superb eyesight and keen bowmanship,
you will be Sagittarius the hunters companion.
Scorius, your agility and lightning speed has been an
asset in times of need and crisis. With these "unique"
abilities increase, you shall be Scorpio, the Scorpion.
Tarius, you will be second in command of this special
group. Your great strength and strategist knowledge will
be the difference for this group. You will be Taurus the
Great Bull of Strength.
{ALL EYES TURN TOWARDS LEONIUS}
Finally, it is to you my dear friend Leonius. I place upon
you the mantle of leadership. Your wisdom, courage, and
fierce defense of the mortals will win you friends and
allies. But also some enemies as well. It will be your duty
to rally those here to aid in the various crisis that will
occur. You shall be known as Prince Leo the Lion.
[ Zeus sits down in exhaustion.]
REGIUS: How different are we now, great Zeus?
ZEUS: You will live among the mortals as one, but your new
abilities will make you different. You will able to
transmute your spiritual energy into various starry
constellations in the night sky, rotating with each other
during the seasons. Twice yearly, at the Summer and
Winter Solstice, you will gather here at the great hall to
meet and discuss all you have seen.
Olympus is now yours, use it when you need.
{WITH A BOOMING VOICE}
MY PEERS AND COLLEAGUES, IT..IS..FINISHED!
[ WITH A CLAP OF THUNDER, LIGHTS FLASH OFF. WHEN THEY RETURN ON, GREAT ZEUS IS GONE.]
TARIUS: Let us retire for the evening. When we awaken in
the morning, let us begin your new lives, for better or worse.
[All exit stage left and right, except for Leonius who
walks stage front center. Spot light focuses on him as
stage dims.]
LEONIUS: And so it began for us. The countless centuries
wandered by, and we observed both life and death, the
victories and defeats of the mortals on the earth.
{Begins To Remove Robes} We watch and observe,
never interfering. And all this time, we have walked
among you...{Wears 3-piece suit under robes} people
you may meet on the street {The Others Come Out To
Center Stage Dressed In 20th Century attire}: the
businessman, the wife next door, the college student, the
policeman on the corner, even the gymnast at the
competition may be on of us twelve. One of ZODIAC!
[ SPOT LIGHT FADES OFF, AND CURTAIN FALLS.]
THE END
Let me know what you thought.................
JayAdams@blackhole.com
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