The+Peony+Pavilion+Unscripted+by+Hardik+Patel

Peony Pavilion: It took me 4 and a half hours to complete this project!!


Following the introduction: Madam, you just told me she applies herself to needlework. But you allow her to doze in idleness, Is that the way to bring up a child? Call the girl here. Father? Why do you sleep all day? If you do less embroidery, the shelves have books to read. Then when you marry, you’ll understand learning and rites. This will reflect well on your parents. Your mother has not been strict enough. Even in times of difficulty, I studied diligently. Though you’re young now in the future you’ll have your own home. We’ve neglected your discipline. You should follow your mother’s example. When my daughter appears, joy makes me forget the toils and pains. Mom: We’ve treasured her like a pearl; she’s become the gem of all girls. Child I beg you to consider your father’s words. You don’t want to be an illiterate fool, do you? Dear parents I have indulged myself in idle pastimes spending my day painting or embroiding. From now on I will make full use of time and read more useful books. Of all six classics, “The Book of Songs” is the crowning blossom. Its elegant verses teach ladies how to bear children without sin, to follow the examples of concubines by never showing jealousy, and to wash the rouge from their vain faces. All this to make their homes blissful. It seems a tiresome classic, 300 songs can be simply phrased. Set aside evil thoughts. Master, please excuse me, I must leave to relieve myself. No! Class is about to begin. Singing takes place. Tell them I am their governor come to speed the plough. Better to pick mulberry leaves and tea than pick flowers. There is a poem to prove it: “As there is no star of tea leaves on earth must nymph-like be” Wine and flowers are ready for you. Our governor’s generosity feeds us nectar and adorns us with flowers. A farmer’s life is bliss here. Fragrance isn’t back yet. Shall I call her? Such impatience! What were you doing? Peeing. I found a lovely big garden full of flowers. Such fun. Instead of study, she goes to play. Let me fetch a bramble stick. Get up. Although girls lack ambition for office their teaching should be the same as boys. Only after you complete your lessons may you return to the house. Time passes like sunlight through red gauze curtains. Ignorant old ox, dopey dog, not an ounce of understanding. One day as a tutor, and he will forever act as a father. He could have beaten you, you know? Tell me where is this garden? Over there of course. What can we see there? Lots, Half a dozen pavilions, some swings to swing on, and a stream we can float wine cups on to the rocks on the other bank. It is so beautiful, full of blossoms and rare grasses. Surprising to find such a place. //Scene changes.// We’ve prepared you tea and a meal. Too kind. Please take flowers and wine to the villagers, to express my desire to seed their plough. Tell the sergeants to mount. His spring excursion in high state. He decks our taverns with flowers, and stocks them with wine. Post tablets of praise where he has been. //Scene changes//. I never knew Spring could be this beautiful. How sad that these gorgeous pink and red blossoms are seen only by dry wells and crumbling walls. Just as sadness visits happy families, Spring won’t last forever. How lovely, yet my parents never mentioned it. Rose colored clouds, soft rain and breezes, a colorful boat on a misty lake, the cloistered girl misses these delights. The hills are ablaze with azalea flowers. Beyond the sweet briar, willow sprigs sway in the wind. All the flowers have blossomed except the peony. The peony, Queen of flowers, comes to bloom so late! Those coupled orioles and swallows. Listen, the song of the swallow pierces the air. The oriole’s trill is as smooth as honey. I finally understand the poetry I have been reading: In springtime moved to passion: in Autumn to regret. Those ancient poets were telling the truth. I’m already sixteen and I haven’t met a man. The time is right but where shall I find him? //Scene change.// Singing birds bring smiles to everyone's faces. Fallen petals glide gently down the stream. I enter the garden to meet my love. I have been looking everywhere for you. I broke off this willow branch for you. You are so-well versed in literature. Id like you to write a poem about it. I have never seen this young man before. What is he doing here? I'm madly in love with you! Your beauty will not last forever. Time waits for no one. While you were pitying yourself, I was looking all over for you. Lets go somewhere so we can talk. Where? Just beyond those peony flowers, just behind those rocks. To unbutton your dress and untie the sash around your waist. You may need to bite the fabric of your sleeve to hold yourself back and savor the dream. I feel certain we have met. Why else would your face be familiar? At such a lovely moment, why are we speechless? //Scene Change// I'm the Flower Spirit. Du Liniang will marry Liu Mengmei. All luscious things are placed in my care. That is why I am here to watch over her. Ill make sure she enjoys herself. Yin and Yang are so involved. See them squirm like worms. This marriage is a mirage. It is in their minds. Their lust stained my flower bed. I will let a cloud of petals rain upon her. She'll never want to wake from this dream. //Scene Change.// What a good thing I came to the garden today. Hundred of flowers were in their full bloom sadly they reminded me of myself. Here, a handsome young man of the age twenty appeared. He had snapped a willow branch in the garden. He smiled and said, “since you are so well read. I would like to compose a poem about my willow.” I was about to reply when this though came in my head. I had never seen this man before, I didn't even know his name. How should I talk to him! Then, he came close and whispered sweet words in my ear. He carried me to the Peony Pavilion and there we felts clouds and rain. Passion was matched with passion. A million emotions passed between us. How my longings stir to recall that moment! Against the weathered rock he leaned my wilting body. As he laid my body down, I felt warm as sun struck jade. My skirt spread across the ground, covering earth from Heaven's eyes. Then we learned joy beyond description. As my dream reached greatest pleasure, petals showered us from above. In his eagerness he pressed his lips to my shoulder and I soothed him. My minds bright mirror grew clouded from his melting caresses. Were those red petals real or did my dream deceive me? //Scene Change.// My head is filled with books, my stomach misses substantial food. In dreams, I pace the courts, only to open my eyes to this hut. In Canton, I'm looked upon as an excellent scholar. I have been devoted to my studies through Winters and Summers. Now I'm fed by an old servant in this desolate garden. What a shame! Oh! master, you work so hard on your studies. Old Gardner, I was just looking for you. I'm in my twenties but still no prospects. Ive been thinking about my future. How can I stay on rotting here? Thank you for taking care of me. In return I now assign the ownership of this orchard to you. Where will you go? Id rather go tramping with a stick. What does that mean? It means to solicit charity. To beg! Why not attend exams rather than wander from town to town? You think this way is no good? An emperor once did it like this. Don't quote the ancient lines. Whom are you going to “go by”? You ride a lucky wind, but untoward things can happen anytime. Don't try to stop me. Then I will pack for you. Let me wash and air you shabby clothes. For now, the scholar learns to beg. Master, next time we meet, I wish to see you in satin and silk. //Scene change.// I am Wan Yan-Liang, Emperor of the Jin. A barbarian by birth but a lecher by nature. Thirty years ago my great forebear Ogda seized the Southern Realm, forcing the song lord to flee to Hangzhou. They say that he has built up Hangzhou. It is so beautiful that it now outshines the old capital at Kaifeng. On the West lake people make merry day and night. So what should stop me from devouring her with a million men? Military strategy is a delicate art, I need a Southern guide. Lucky I have the Huaiyang bandit Li Quan. He has been so cooperative, I will title him Prince Errant. I'll give him 3 years to build up his forces and cultivate trouble there. How I look forward to having fun on the West Lakes. //Scene Change.// Did you hear that the Emperor of Jin has dubbed me Prince-Errant? Whats this “prince-errant?” I must perform their errand. What sort of silly errand. He wants me to stir up this area. When thoroughly provisioned, we will dash across the River, to wipe out the Song Dynasty then he will crown me Emperor! Congratulations! Lets start buying horses and raising troops. Drums beat out like thunder rolls. Spies are sent out across the land. //Scene Change.// I have lain sick since the garden dream. What on earth's wrong with me? Mistress, what is the reason for your sickness? Why need you ask? The reason is that poem you taught. You said: “A virtuous girl is all a man could desire.” But who was the man? Heaven knows! As its a song sickness, we will use a song cure. If a poem caused the problem let's use rhyme as the cure. One poem claims: “Upon seeing her man, how can she not recover?” so lets find a gentlemen to make her better! Summon the General of Overstatement, the Lord of Flattery, and King of Weasels, and the Ambassador of Bullshit. //Performs ritual.// Don't run away, otherwise it wont work. Please look after my parents for me. I will. Ive just remembered something. My portrait, with the poem on it: it's not modest to leave in behind. After I am buried, put it in the rosewood box. Hide it beneath the lakeside rocks. The portrait tells a story which someone might understand. Don't think that way. If you recover, ill beg Master to pick you a husband. I fear I cant wait so long. Oh she is going, Master, Madam, hurry! The blooming drum resounds a thousand woes. In cold rain, by a windowpane the maid raises her alarm. Ah daughter, you made light of your life, and abandon us too early. Once we hoped that you would send us onwards. How we hate life's fickle nature, like weed floating on the waves! Come round,child, Father is here. Oh, Father, help me to the hall. //Scene change.// At my age, what use is fame and wealth without an heir? Tearing your heart will do no good, she went too far to recall. My lord, this bulletin brings news of a promotion. The Personnel Ministry announces an imperial edict: As the Jins plan to invade, I promote Prefect Du Bao to Commissioner of Huaiyang. His Majesty orders me north immediately! I cant bring our daughters remains home. Steward send for Tutor Chen. //Scene Change.// I have come from Canton. Liu Mengmei is my name. I am bound for the capital for the final test, but Ive caught a cold. Unwittingly I struggled on this bridge and nearly broke my back. Only a man certain of success would have taken these hardships. I am a pillar to support the sky, a bridge to cross the sea. So why is the pillar split by cold? Why does the beam collapse beneath ice. As it happens I know something of medicine. You may rest for a while in the Plum Blossom Nunnery nearby. //Scene Change.// Such rare beauty dazzles my eyes. What luck it is to have her here like a fairy's cry in this bloody Hell. Let her step forward. Look at your blushing cheeks? Have you ever been to a pub or a club? Your pins have slipped out of place. Are you from a hall or a ball? A sweet smile hangs upon your lips. From a whooer's chest or a lovers nest? Of what illness did you die? In which family were you born? Such flushed beauty does not belong in this place. Send for the Flower Spirit. Your Honor, this girls mistake took place in her dream. Moreover her father is a good governor and she is his only child. I think she is pardonable. Who is your father? My father is Prefect Du, recently made Commissioner of Huaiyang. So you are of high birth. For your father's sake ill report to the Court, then pass sentence. Please consult the book and see who my husband is,. A willow or a plum? Fetch me the marriage book. There is Liu Mengmei, this year's laurel winner. His wife is Du Liniang. First they meet in the Shades, later they will be married. They meet in the Taoist convent. In my book you share a marriage destiny with Liu Mengmei. Ill let you out of the Detention Camp so you may search for him. I'm most grateful to Your Honor for granting me a second life. My dear parents are in Yangzhou. Can I see them as well? You may. Flower Spirit, lead her to the homesick Tower. Yangzhou is over there. Father, Mother I will fly to you. Come down, now hear my bidding. Secretary, give her a passport. Flower Spirit, take care of her corpse. //Scene Change.// Its not three years since she left, and today is her birthday. By the weeping candle wax, I'll pray to Buddha with all my heart. I, wife of Commissioner Du, present my offering to Buddha. Please grant Du Liniang access to Heaven. //Scene Change.// It is a portrait of the blessed Bodhisattva, Lady Guanyin. I'll take it back to make formal obeisance before it. //Scene Changes.// What family do you have? West of where the sun falls, I reside with my parents. A virgin blossoms sheltered by leaves the ebbing Spring brings on my woe. I glimpsed your elegant face, thus came for no other purpose, than to speak with you by your window. How do I respond to this midnight meeting with this bright pearl? Breathtaking beauty loveliest of mortals! Even the candle pails in her smiles light. What auspicious day is it, that leads this fairly to my home? She emerged from darkness, like a heavenly sylph to honor my bed. Yet whose family is she from? What sort of girl calls at this hour? You chose an odd time to visit ? Can this be a dream? No, not a dream, I fear you cannot accept me. If you truly love me, then this is joy beyond imagination. How could I reject you? Then my hopes are fulfilled. Through the cold vial you bring a flower to brighten and lighten my heart. You alone are in my thoughts. Unmarried and the dear daughter of a good family. I'm sure you understand me. Your tenderness at the Peony Pavilion, our bashfulness by the lakeside rocks, the rustling of breeze by study window. These stolen moments are precious. My startled soul awakes to find moonlight waken my soul. Is this sudden bliss, or another empty dream? For me you braved the shadowy blooms, crossing over slippery moss. You eluded your parents watch not doubting that I am your love. Look how the Big Dipper slants, and petals fold as flowers sleep. Forgive me, I have one request. Anything you like? I offer you my body without hesitation, but do not abuse my love. My desire is fulfilled, if I may share your pillow every night. You've give me your love. How could I then make you go against your heart? Let me leave before cockcrow. Don't see me off, stay inside. I shall but may I know your name? Every flower has roots, but rumors spread like pollen. Come to me every night! Your Spring breeze must open these first blossoms of mine. //Scene Changes.// Let's climb the gate-tower and survey the splendor of Yangzhou. Only our lord can lead us to guard the Northern gate. I wish I were a master strategist. The hill to the North is Heaven's gift to protect us. May our bodies form an iron wall. The speedy completion of the wall is due to your combined efforts. This is the fruit of your farsighted strategy. Let's have a look around. Oh magnificent wall! It is the toughest stronghold in the North and the highest gate-tower in Huaiyang. Cheers! //Scene Changes.// I want my story to come to light. My name is Du Liniang, now 16, a perfect age to be a bride. So you're Liniang my dear. I'm not a mortal soul yet. Not mortal? Then a ghost? Yes, I am a ghost. Since you're as good as alive, may I know your place of burial? The plum tree by the lakeside rocks. In life I loved the garden quiet and yearned for the plum tree's shade. Every year the plums drop like heavenly tears. Even in the jungle of Hell, I stayed pure as air. The depths froze my body and soul into firm chastity. Among the roots a tunnel led me to this world. My cold body is already warmed by you. Don't suggest you perturb my soul, for you disturbed me long ago. My hopes soared when I saw you. Once we are married, we'll have a great deal to talk about. I'm aware of your impatience but I will need some help. Discuss it with Sister Stone. I wonder how deep you live, it may take time to dig. //Scene Changes.//

You've reached a coffin. The nails have rusted, as if Du has been playing at “cloud and rain.” Not a grain of dirt nor a single ant in the grave. The coffin boards have sweet scent. She appears as new. The earth cradled her body like a flower. Who are these people? He is Liu Mengmei and I am Sister Stone. A gang of scoundrel come to disturb my body. My eyes blur. I fear you are not he who stands near the plum tree. Then which one is Lui Mengmei? I am Lui Mengmei. Just as you promised! //Scene Changes.// Why the tears? I am leaving my home. For three years I have lived there. I dwelt in the grave. I couldn't go home in death, I've had to wait until I live again. What night is this? From now on our souls unite.

//Scene Changes.//

Now, off with you to attack Huai'an! Rally the banners, and press on! Our soldiers bestride a thousand steeds. Huaiyang hears our swords and trembles. //Scene Changes.// A toast to your success. One beautiful night of love, upset by two words: rank and fame. May three toasts inspire four graces to bless and guide you to success. Pass five guards and cheers fill six palace halls! Like Cao Zhi, who composed a poem in seven paces' time. You'll climb eight royal terraces to claim success within the nine-fold palace gates. Your glorious return will be a ten mile victory tour! Ten years spent studying. Frozen nine times before my flower bloomed. Eight characters of the horoscope promised me a handsome wife. A carriage of seven fragrant woods brought you through six palaces. Inscribe a declaration on silk of five colors. You are unfailing in four virtues: conduct, speech, appearance, thrift. In three ways obedient: to father, husband, and son. A golden scroll, two fingers wide has news of my exam honors. Shaded beneath one canopy of state I shall return in triumph. My lord do you remember the poem I put on my portrait? Heavenly union achieved, as you stand before steps of gold. With your success, we'll visit your parents in law. Toast our struggles from the shades to the heights of bliss. Here are you travel things and umbrella, hurry!

//Scene Changes.//

Myraid mounted troops threaten to make camp here. Make haste! Or our cities will fall to the Tartar horde. What now? Still at war, even in your old age. Lookout beacons warn of invasion along every highway! What a tragedy it would be if your return to Yangzhou was cut off. You and I, where shall we meet again? I must leave you now. As age's shadow grows, I weep for the wife I have deserted. Alone, my daughter gone, I sent my husband to war! A couple of rank and titles forced to wander alone, childless. Each awaiting a sign hoping the other one lives. Old and useless, I am no help but I still hesitate to go. I must do my duty. Then my lord, take care of yourself. //Scene Changes.//

Du's men have found their way it to the city. Let them. They will surrender when their provisions run out. //Scene Changes.//

My child, ghost or not, I couldn't bear to give you up again! After three years of tears, what moved the cruel sea to the pearl? The Judge of Hell felt pity for you and Father and released my soul. How did you manage to escape the grave, mistress? A long tale. In a dream, Heaven instructed a young scholar to open my tomb. What young scholar was this? Lui Mengmei, from the South. So he exists: Liu for willow, Mei for plum! Why did he bring you here? He came for exams, I begged him to seek you in Huaiyang. This is why I am alone. //Scene Changes.//

Their feast just finished, I'm famished. I must force my way in. Who is the one that dares to come making up such a tale? I am your son in law. If he's your son in law, we must flatter him like a phoenix! Arrest this rogue, and escort him to the Hangzhou jail! //Scene Changes.//

Did you see Liu Mengmei, our prize candidate? Where is big sister Wang? Greetings, big sister Wang! Is prize candidate Liu with you? Who is that? One of the southern beggars. We were told by the constable. A man like a much sought willow! Yesterday I had a nervous customers, he dashed off without his trousers. A certain clue! The willow tries to hide among the flowers! //Scene Changes.//

Splash him with river water! String him and beat him! Candidate Liu, where are you? Who is the new Prize Candidate? Who is beating my master? It is the Prime Minister! I'll beat him even if it cost my old life! How dare you behave like this? Our Imperial command is to seek the Prize Candidate Liu Mengmei. I'm Liu Mengmei, you're Camel Guo. How did you get here? I've been looking for you, you're the Prize Candidate! Hurry to the gate and tell Miss Du! //Scene Changes.//

My husband has great success. I dared not hope you had survived Father! Stay away demon child! Tutor, I begin to think Liu Mengmei may be a ghost as well. Then he is surely the demon. Now we know our new son in law Prize Candidate. Our daughter's new life is even more joyful. Come sir, salute your mother in law. I beg your pardon for not bending, Mother in Law. Let Liu salute his father in law. If I a demon, he is the King of Hell. You do not deserve to be called my son in law. I like his appearance his hat and robe. I smiles until smiles blossom all around me. Some people built towers. They can't find a worthy husband. From the ghostly caves, I found a Prize Candidate. How can you talk of rank? You used to impress me with our ancestor, Du Fu but Liz was a big name. Father, please acknowledge me. Leave him and I shall. You'd have me quit my husband's house to trap me in my girlhood home. There I'd be a blooming azalea, that wouldn't stop my crimson tears. Before the parents who gave me life, my dizzy soul loses. Greetings Sister Stone! How do I know this servant girl? I was nearby when you dreamed. A living soul as witness. In the Imperial Palace, man has kneed before ghost, who dare disobey? Mistress, urge your husband to be respectful. Husband, bow to my father. Father, here is your son in law. Why be so stubborn? Please, straighten your belt, cross your hands and bow. He gave me a hundred blows! Blows make good penance. Lay down your majestic wrath. This man sacrificed a lot to bring me home! He game me tea to drink at a feast for the dead, while you sought office babbling your tongue dry. Absolve him for opening my coffin, father rail no more at your demon child! Kneel for the Imperial edict: Grant Minister Du the highest rank. Madam Zhen will join him. We appoint Liu Mengmei to the Imperial Academy. His wife Du Liniang is appointed Lady of Yanghe. Give thanks for the Imperial favor! A curious matched contracted in a nether dream. A dreamer from the Shades blessed the Imperial court with her wedding. We joyously reunite. News from the world of light dispels darkness from below. Now together we relive our dream. On my husband's sun warmed branch I'll bloom and thrive. Never did a ghost know love like mine!

The End.

Play by Tang Xianzu. Narrated by Robert Powell. Produced in New York.