Faust in France by Christopher Shorr
An Adaptation of "The Tragical History of Doctor Faustus" by Christopher Marlowe
Christopher Shorr 1010 N. New Street Bethlehem, PA 18018 [email protected] 484-695-3564 CHARACTERS
FAUST, a scientist for the German Army. HABER, Faust's friend and accomplished chemist. Inventor of scientific process used to generate poison gas in WWI. CLARA, Haber's dead wife. Also a chemist. HANS, a male German soldier. Re-animated to play: SIN OF THE TRENCH, FRIAR and ATTENDANT. ANNA, a young female German soldier. Re-animated to play: SIN OF NO MAN'S LAND, THE DUCHESS SOPHIE and FRIAR FRITZ, a waterboy for the German army. Re-animated to play: SIN OF MUSTARD GAS and Faust's puppet JURGEN, a young male German Soldier. Re-animated to play: SIN OF BOY SOLDIER, ARCHDUKE FERDINAND and FRIAR ERNST, a male German soldier. Re-animated to play: SIN OF SHELL SHOCK, THE POPE and ATTENDANT KARL, a male German soldier. Re-animated to play: SIN OF JEALOUSY OF NATIONS, FRIAR and EMPEROR FRANZ JOESPH HAUPTMANN, a male German soldier who outranks the others. Re- animated to play: SIN OF MACHINE GUN, ATTENDANT and CARDINAL OF LORRAIN CHORUS/LUCIFER, king of Hell. MEPHISTOPHILIS, Lucifer's servant in Hell. GOOD ANGEL EVIL ANGEL
NOTE: This development of this script included an initial production at Moravian College in Bethlehem, PA, followed by a development workshop and reading at Wellfleet Harbor Actor's Theatre as part of the WHAT Lab series supported in part by Moravian College's Faculty Development and Research Committee. NOTE ABOUT MUSIC:
The song "When Day is Done" (and the original German "Madonna, du bist schoner als der Sonnenschein") by Robert Katscher is anachronistic- -written in 1924--and not realistic for a WWI setting. The song works well due the fact that there are popular German and English versions, as well as both slow and up tempo versions.
An alternate song may be used, but "When Day is Done" should be a model for style and intent. The Evil Angel Lip sync could be changed to a voiced song.
It is the responsibility of the producer to obtain rights to any song/recording not in the public domain.
SETTING:
France, 1916. A well-equipped German trench during the first World War. Dirt floor, sand bags, racks of guns with bayonets, boxes of ammunition, ladders going up to a ground level "no man's land"--the area between the German and Allied trench lines--that is out of sight, and camouflage netting above. On one side of the trench, a dugout with wooden floor and electrical lighting. In the dugout, Faust's study--desk, lamp, bookshelves, gramophone--and his laboratory-- table with beakers, tubes, vials, etc, chalkboard full of diagrams, calculations and formulas, and sheets of paper tacked to the wall.
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The door to Faust's private chambers is visible. All action takes place in the trench. Even if Faust, at times, believes that he is transported to other locales, the action remains in the trench.
PRE-SHOW
As the audience enters, CHORUS is positioned near a gramophone on which he plays WWI era German songs, changing records as each song ends. Record selections end up with Richard Tauber singing "When Day is Done." When the house lights dim, CHORUS places a microphone at center, crosses back to the gramophone, and puts on another record (instrumental "When Day is Done"). GOOD ANGEL enters, crosses to mic, and sings a plaintive "When Day is Done" to the instrumental back up. She exits. CHORUS removes microphone.
ACT I
PROLOGUE
The sound of battle: machine guns, cries, the roar of an airplane. Sound fades. Spotlight on CHORUS.
CHORUS. We haven't come to tell some lofty tale of noble princes or of ancient Greeks. No more soaring voices full of songs of love. We don't intend to fancy up the stage. Only this, my friends--we must perform The form of Faustus' fortunes, good or bad.
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FAUST enters from his chamber door, and crosses to shelves, pulls out a book, and reads silently, pacing, until he eventually sits down a his desk. Faust. The greatest mind in all of Germany. A man who reached the top of every game, Excelled with ease at anything he tried, 'til swollen with cunning, ambition, conceit, His waxen wings did mount above his reach And, melting, heavens conspired his overthrow.
Man's made for earth and when he climbs he falls. But Faust is spoiled; used to reaching heights. Falling? Failing? That option's not for him. No problem yet's been posed he cannot crack. A dangerous pattern no one can sustain For each achievement leaves him wanting more, And glutted now with learning's golden gifts, He'll turn to necromancy for a FIX. Ah, magic, Faustus. Logical next step. But that's not yet. For now he wrestles science Which seems to him the pinnacle pursuit. He can't conceive a goal more grand than this. And this the man that in the trenches sits.
CHORUS crosses to a throne set at the edge of the stage, and sits. From his position there, he watches the action unfold and puts on make up, eventually transforming into LUCIFER.
SCENE 1
FAUST sits in his makeshift study. Sounds of battle rise and fall throughout the scene. An airplane overhead. An explosion nearby. Faust crosses to the gramophone, puts a record on and turns the crank. He cannot hear the music over the din of the battle.
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He increases the volume until the music vies with the battle for prominence. Richard Tauber sings "Madonna, du bist schoner als der Sonnenschein." Across the stage, HANS enters and sits against the wall of the trench, shovel in hand, exhausted. Distracted by the cacophony, FAUST turns the music down and returns to work. HAUPTMANN enters from above, climbing down a ladder.
HAUPTMANN (to HANS) Keep digging, lad! We'll hold this line all year You think the Kaiser pays you to sit down? These trenches ain't been trained to dig themselves.
Seeing FAUST, HAUPTMANN hurriedly waves HANS off stage.
HAUPTMANN (CONT’D) Most sorry to disturb your work, Herr Wissenschaftler Faust.
HAUPTMANN exits. Beat.
FAUST (perusing a pile of books) Where do answers lie, To settle questions of this world? This war? So many paths I've trod. These books. I've read them all ...but one.
Picks up a volume of Aristotle. I began with Aristotle as a student. What answers did I find? Poetics and Analytics. Logic, dialectic, rhetoric Ick. (reading) "Where the philosopher leaves off, there the physician begins." If so says Aristotle, so it shall then be.
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Tosses Aristotle aside and picks up a medical book. Be a physician, Faustus, get rich quick, And become famous for some miracle cure: Oh, wait--I've done that-- Helped whole cities to escape disease. Mayor of Wittenberg made "Faustus day" My image tops a plaque in the town square. An yet I'm still just Faustus. Just a man. Goodbye disease and dealing with the sick. Could I make men immortal--then maybe... Or, being dead, raise them to life again, Then I'd have stayed a doctor. Yes indeed. Medicine, farewell!
Tosses medical book aside, and picks through the pile. And law?
Opens a large volume of law, and reads. "A father cannot disinherit his son, unless..." Law. A humdrum life is guaranteed. This path is perfect for a worker drone, With no ambitions higher than the bar. Too servile and conservative for me.
Tosses book aside. Picks up a bible. All paths appear to lead here. Divinity is best: The Bible, Faust. View it well.
Opens a bible and reads. "The reward of sin is death"-- that's hard. "If we say that we have no sin, We deceive ourselves, and there's no truth in us." Aha! So then we must sin, and so consequently die. Not "die" but "die an everlasting death." What sort of doctrine is this? Che sera, sera, What will be, shall be? I think not. I've plumbed these depths and found there's no way through. A devilish maze is all. Divinity, adieu!
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Tosses Bible aside, and turns to the chalkboard, full of diagrams and calculations.
But this... These laws that govern nature are heavenly; Science! Chemistry! Lines, circles, letters, characters; Ay, these are those that Faustus most desires. Oh, what a world of profit and delight, Of power, of honor, of omnipotence, Is promised to the studious artisan of science! A man of science is a mighty god. Here, Faust, spend your energy to solve this riddle. And put this science to the good of war.
FAUST attempts a calculation. HAUPTMANN enters with ERNST, KARL and HANS, hauling a piece of small artillery. ANNA walks alongside carrying a satchel.
KARL (as he enters) And why does she get light work? I out rank her!
JURGEN runs on after them, offering ERNST a small crate.
ERNST (to FRITZ) No, Jurgen. The green one.
JURGEN runs back off stage.
HAUPTMANN (urgently, to FAUST) Excuse me sir, we need to pass through here. Protect your work. Machine gun coming through!
ANNA helps FAUST collect his books and papers, then rejoins the group. HAUPTMANN, ERNST, KARL, and HANS move the artillery toward the exit.
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JURGEN runs on with a green box and hands it to ERNST as the group exits.
FAUST (before JURGEN can exit) Boy--
Writing a quick note and hading it to JURGEN. Take this to my dear old friend, The German chemist Haber here in France. You'll find him down the line assisting troops. Request him earnestly to visit me.
JURGEN I will, sir. (aside) Who the hell's he calling "boy?" Pshhh.
JURGEN Exits.
FAUST If anyone can guide me, Haber can.
He returns to the chalkboard and attempts the calculation again, and fails in frustration. No, no, no, no!
He slams his hand against the board.
My powers fail. Is it possible? There's never been a problem too complex... I am Johann Faust. I can best this thing. It's in my blood.
Again he attempts the calculation. Again he fails. Perhaps my brain alone.... This work is too important to let fail I may need help beyond these earthly means.
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A bell tolls, and CHORUS/LUCIFER points toward the bookshelves. FAUST turns to the shelves and approaches. Of all these books... just one I have not read.
FAUST reaches for a book, set apart from the others. The metaphysics of magicians. This necromantic book calls out to me.
GOOD ANGEL and EVIL ANGEL appear.
GOOD ANGEL. Oh, Faustus, lay that damned book aside, And gaze not on it, lest it tempt thy soul, And heap God's heavy wrath upon thy head! Read, read the Scriptures--that is blasphemy.
FAUST A soul to tempt? So tempt away my soul. Seems petty stakes to man in midst of war. I've nothing dear enough I cannot risk.
EVIL ANGEL. Go forward, Faustus, in that famous art Wherein all Nature's treasure is contain'd: You'll be on earth what Jove is in the sky, Lord and commander of the elements.
GOOD ANGEL Consider, Faust, the spirits you invoke. For once released, they cannot be contained.
FAUSTUS Spirits exist through no fault of my own. Say what you will, don't put that guilt on me.
ANGELS vanish. FAUSTUS opens the book and reads voraciously.
FAUST This quenches thirst I've never felt before, feeds hunger that I never knew I had! Shall I make spirits fetch me what I please? (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 9 CONTINUED: (6) FAUST (CONT'D) Answer questions, Take away my doubts? Grant whatever wishes I command? I'll have them wall all Germany with steel, And save us from the trenches here in France; I'll have them fly to India for gold, Tell me secrets of the foreign kings;
I'll hire soldiers with the coin they bring, And chase the Allied armies from our land. A stranger engine for the brunt of war, Than was the poison gas when Flanders fell, I'll make my servile spirits to invent.
HABER enters
FAUST (CONT'D) Come, Haber, my dear mentor and old friend, Bless me with your company and advice. As you can see, your nagging finally worked! I'm here to practice chemistry of war.
HABER. I know I urged you to take on this work, But I've put you on a path you shouldn't tread. These chemicals-- I must admit regret. I've seen the chlorine poison for myself. Our boys, too, are lying in the field
FAUST The chlorine gas can vastly be improved. What I have planned is much more powerful. As for your part, you put me on this path--that's true. But it's not your vision but mine that drives me on. I need to learn from you a few more things, But the sciences will only go so far. To push ahead we need a greater power.
FAUST presents the book. Behold, my friend. The secrets are in here. This weapon with harness powers of the occult. Do I seem flushed? It's magic, magic, that has ravished me. Combined with science, it will win the war.
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HABER Faust, take pause to ponder what you do It's mighty power this pairing will unleash.
FAUST This book, my wit, and your experience, Will make all nations worship us on high. As Indian Moors obey their Spanish lords, So shall the spirits be bound to serving us; Like lions shall they guard us when we please; Or Lapland giants, trotting by our sides; Sometimes like women, or unwedded maids, They'll come to give us anything we ask. From foreign lands they'll bring exotic lasses, And from America the gold that's heaped Up in old Woodrow Wilson's treasury.
HABER. Faust, you do seem resolute. You're sure?
FAUST Haber, I'm as resolute in this As you to live: therefore object it not.
HABER The miracles that magic will perform Will make you want to study nothing else. Consider, Faust, the wellspring you create. For once they flow, these waters will not wane. You'll pay a price in what you leave behind. My wife, sweet Clara, my Helen of Troy now gone. I'd trade my knowledge all to have her back...
HABER pulls a tintype of CLARA from his pocket. As HABER continues to speak, lights reveal an angelic vision of CLARA, dressed in white. She holds a revolver to her chest. Blood seeps through her gown, and the lights fade.
HABER (CONT’D) (staring at the tintype) ...Or just to hold her in my arms once more She condemned the chlorine's first release. (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 11 CONTINUED: (8) HABER (CONT’D) Five thousand died in Flanders on that day. She called the work perversion of ideals She couldn't bear the weight of what I'd done Her soul too tarnished seeing soldiers die.
FAUST (taking the tintype) Death is death no matter what the cause. Don't tarnish my ambitions with your guilt.
HABER What will you lose, my friend, before you're through?
FAUST I say I am resolved. Object it not.
HABER. (after a pause) Faust, I'll teach you what you want to know. But I'll confine my tutelage to science I'll nothing else to do with the occult. (another pause) I've been called to help them further east. This trench, for all its problems will hold strong. Hold that tintype, will you? Keep it safe?
FAUST clips the tintype to the vellum.
FAUST Don't think of that. Come and dine with me. After a meal, we'll talk experiments. Beforee I sleep, we'll master alchemy: (aside) This night I'll conjure, even if I die.
FAUST and HABER exit. FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 12
SCENE 2
Lights shift to FAUST's makeshift laboratory. Sound of battle overhead. FAUST enters from his chamber, crosses to the chalkboard, and adjusts a formula. FRITZ enters from another area, carrying a heavy pack.
FAUST (holding out a canteen) Boy! Fetch me some fresh water.
FRITZ (putting his pack on the ground and taking canteen) Yes sir. Right away.
Fritz runs off stage. FAUST adjusts his lab equipment. FRITZ runs back onto stage, but as he approaches the lab, he trips on his pack, falling into FAUST and spilling some of the water.
FRITZ (CONT'D) I'm--I'm so sorry sir. I... Let me..
FAUST (laughing) It's fine. It's fine. It's just a little mess And plenty's left. I only need a drop or two for this--
FRITZ --I'm sorry sir--
FAUST --Relax! There now. What's your name, boy?
FRITZ My name? Fritz. Fritz, sir, Herr Wissenschaftler Faust.
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FAUST Well, then, Fritz. Run along now, lad. There's plenty in this war to shake you up. Spilling water isn't on the list.
FRITZ begins to leave, then turns back to FAUST.
FRITZ Excuse me, sir?
FAUST What is it?
FRITZ The thing you're doing.... Have you found it?
FAUST Almost, lad. Almost.
FRITZ And... Will it help us stop the war.
FAUST It surely will.
FRITZ Thank you, sir.
FAUST nods, and FRITZ turns to leave.
FAUST Fritz.
FRITZ Sir?
FAUST salutes FRITZ, who smiles and salutes, then exits.
FAUST (turning his attention back to the lab) Now we'll see if this will do the trick.
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FAUST conducts experiment, expecting great results, and is angered when nothing happens.
FAUST (CONT’D) Again it fails! But why? The numbers work! Haber's math is flawless. Is it me? Equipment's right, the chemicals are pure... contaminated somehow by this filth? My mind is insufficient. I need more. A bit of help is all. At any price. It's time to find the spark in this dark book.
FAUST opens book, and immediately feels its power. Lights narrow. Now that the gloomy shadow of the earth, Longing to view Orion's drizzling look, Leaps from the antartic world unto the sky, And dims the welkin with her pitchy breath, Faustus, begin your incantations, And see if devils answer when you call.
FAUST steps in front of his table, and uses a bayonet to draw figures in the dirt. Within this circle is Jehovah's name, Forward and backward anagrammatized, The abbreviated names of holy saints, Figures of every adjunct to the heavens, And characters of signs and erring stars, By which the spirits are enforced to rise: Then fear not, Faustus, but be resolute. We'll see what this book of magic can perform.
As he incants the spell, the flames on the alcohol burners grow high. Sint mihi dei Acherontis propitii! Valeat numen triplex Jehovoe! Ignei, aerii, aquatani spiritus, salvete! Orientis princeps Belzebub, inferni ardentis monarcha, et Demogorgon, propitiamus vos, ut appareat et surgat Mephistophilis, quod tumeraris: per Jehovam, Gehennam, et consecratam aquam quam nunc spargo, signumque crucis quod nunc facio, et per vota nostra, ipse nunc surgat nobis dicatus Mephistophilis!
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Enter MEPHISTOPHILIS in horrible form. I charge you: change your shape and then return; You are too ugly to attend on me!
MEPHISTOPHILIS exits.
FAUST (CONT'D) (turning to spellbook) Well, well. These words have power in them yet! Who wouldn't want to master this dark art? I can't believe that he was so compliant. He surely won't obey just anyone. Faust, you must be conjuror laureate, to command great Mephistophilis! Quin regis Mephistophilis fratris imagine.
Re-enter MEPHISTOPHILIS in a new, more agreeable form.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Now, Faust, what would you have me do?
FAUST I charge you wait upon me while I live, To do whatever Faustus will command, Be it to make the moon drop from the sky, Or the ocean to overwhelm the world.
MEPHISTOPHILIS I am a servant to great Lucifer, And may not follow you without his leave: No more than he commands must we perform.
FAUST Didn't he charge you to appear to me?
MEPHISTOPHILIS No, I came here of my own accord.
FAUST Didn't I just raise you with my spell? Speak.
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MEPHISTOPHILIS That was the cause, but still an accident For, when we hear one rack the name of God, Abjure the Scriptures and his Saviour Christ, We fly, in hope to get his glorious soul. Therefore the shortest cut for conjuring Is stoutly to abjure the Trinity, And pray devoutly to the prince of hell.
FAUST But isn't that precisely what I've done? I say "there is no lord but Lucifer To whom I do dedicate myself." This word "damnation" doesn't scare me, Heaven? Hell? I couldn't give a damn. But, leaving all this nonsense about souls, Tell me who is this Lucifer your lord?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Arch-regent and commander of all spirits.
FAUST Wasn't Lucifer an angel once?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Yes, Faustus, and most dearly loved by God.
FAUST So how did he become the prince of devils?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Oh, by aspiring pride and insolence; For which God threw him from the face of heaven.
FAUST And what are you that live with Lucifer?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Unhappy spirits that fell with Lucifer, Conspired against our God with Lucifer, And are for ever damned with Lucifer.
FAUST Where are you damned?
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MEPHIST. In hell.
FAUST What happened, then, to get you out of hell?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Why, this is hell. I am not out of it. Do you think that I, who saw the face of God, And tasted the eternal joys of heaven, Am not tormented with ten thousand hells, In being deprived of everlasting bliss? Speak no more of heaven, I implore.
FAUST I can't believe great Mephistophilis whining cause he misses heaven so. Ha! Learn from me some manly fortitude, And scorn the joys you're never going to have. Go. Take this message to great Lucifer: Seeing Faust invite eternal death By hateful thoughts against almighty God, Say, he surrenders up to him his soul, If he will give him four and twenty years, Living in unimaginable luxury; Having you ever to attend on me, To give me whatever I shall ask, To tell me whatever I demand, To slay my enemies, and aid my friends, And always be obedient to me. Go. Return to mighty Lucifer, And meet me here again when midnight comes, Report to me on what your master says.
MEPHISTOPHILIS I will, Faustus.
MEPHISTOPHILIS exits.
FAUST If I had as many souls as there are stars, I'd give them all for Mephistophilis. With his help, I'll be emperor of the world. I'll make a bridge right through the moving air, And join the hills that bind the Afric shore, (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 18 CONTINUED: (6) FAUST (CONT'D) Combining that whole continent with Spain. So powerful the region of my crown, Franz Joseph will not live but by my leave. Now that I've obtained what I desired, I'll dream of missions for my demon pet Till Mephistophilis returns again.
FAUST exits, leaving spellbook on his desk.
Enter JURGEN, who has been watching secretly from just off stage.
JURGEN (wide-eyed) "Till Mephistophilis returns," he said!
JURGEN examines the diagrams drawn in the dirt. "Demon pet," he said!
JURGEN spots the spellbook, peeks inside the cover, and slams it shut. What great magic is this! If he can do it, I can do it!
FRITZ enters, carrying water.
JURGEN (CONT’D) (taking on the manner of FAUST, and a master magician) Boy! Boy, come over here.
FRITZ "Boy!" What, "boy?" I got the same whiskers as you, I have. "Boy," he says!
JURGEN (conspiratorial) Tell me, you gettin aheads down here slingin them buckets?
FRITZ Aheads? A-tails, more like. An-ass-kicking's more like.
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JURGEN Would you look at that. Poverty's made him pun! The poor boy's cracking jokes in the middle of a war. Oh, just look at him. Skin and bones. And so hungry, that I know he'd give his soul to the devil for a juicy steak, even if it was still mooing.
FRITZ What? My soul to the devil for a juicy steak, even if it was still mooing! I don't think so. I mean... I mean, it'd better be fully cooked, and come with some potatoes, if I'm gonna pay that steep a price!
JURGEN You're clearly down and out. Very far down. Well, I can help. Stick with me, kid. Serve me, and I'll make you go like Qui mihi discipulus?
FRITZ ...What, in verse?
JURGEN No, no, my young friend. Tis the liguistica scientifica. Beware! Pledge yourself to my service for seven years, or I'll turn all the lice on you into familiars, and they'll tear you to pieces.
FRITZ Do you hear? Haha! Save yourself the trouble; they're too familiar with me already: hell, they're as bold with my flesh as if they'd paid for their meat and drink.
JURGEN Well, then, you've sealed your fate. I will call my two pet devils to drag you away. Baliol and Belcher!
FRITZ (putting water down and raising his fists.) Let your Baliol and your Belcher come here, and I'll knock 'em like, they were never so knocked since they were devils! And let's say I kill one of them, what would the girls say? What would Anna say? (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 20 CONTINUED: (8) FRITZ (CONT'D) "Do you see that there tall, dashing, rugged but good looking fellow with that full set of whiskers? He has killed the devil." That's what she'd say. Yeah. And I'll be known as "Kill-Devil" all over France.
FRITZ turns away, and JURGEN splashes him with a handful of water. FRITZ shrieks and turns back.
JURGEN (pointing away) AAH! There they are!
FRITZ turns to look for them, and JURGEN splashes him again. FRITZ shrieks.
FRITZ (spinning around) Devils!!
FRITZ runs up and down crying.
JURGEN Baliol and Belcher, I command you: spirits, away!
FRITZ What, are they gone? They were terrible! Them long nails, and dripping saliva. There was two of 'em. I saw 'em both. I would o' got 'em too, but...
JURGEN Well, then, follow me.
FRITZ But, do you hear? If I follow you, you'll teach me to raise up Banios and Belkeos with that scientificaca?
JURGEN I'll teach you to turn yourself to anything you want: to a dog, or a cat, or a mouse, or a rat, or anything.
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FRITZ What! An upstanding fella like me turn into to a dog, or a cat, or a mouse, or a rat! No, no, sir. If you turn me into any thing, let it be an itty bitty flea, so I can hop on a pretty girl and be here and there and... there and... there and... everywhere.
JURGEN Well, come along then.
FRITZ But, do you hear, Jurgen?
JURGEN (after a brief pause) Baliol and Belcher!
FRITZ O Lord! Whaddya say we let Banio and Belchy go sleep.
JURGEN Boy, call me Master Jurgen. Follow me now, and don't fall behind as you quasi vestigiis nostris insistere.
JURGEN Exits.
FRITZ God forgive me, he speaks scientificacan. What can I do?
FRITZ Exits.
SCENE 3
FAUSTUS discovered in his study.
FAUST Now, Faust, you must be damned, and can't be saved. So what's the point to think of God or heaven? Put those thoughts aside. That path is closed; Despair in God, and trust in Lucifer: Why am I wavering on this? Be resolute. But still, a voice keeps ringing in my ears: "Forswear this magic, turn to God again!" (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 22 CONTINUED: FAUST (CONT'D) Yes, and Faust will turn to God again. To God? That ship has sailed. Just let it go. The god you serve is your own appetite. Your only love's the love of Lucifer. To him I'll build an altar and a church, And offer lukewarm blood of new-born babes.
GOOD ANGEL and EVIL ANGEL appear.
GOOD ANGEL. Sweet Faustus, leave that abominable art.
FAUST Contrition, prayer, repentance--what of them?
GOOD ANGEL. Oh, they are means to bring thee unto heaven!
EVIL ANGEL. More like illusions, fruits of lunacy, that make fools of the men who trust them most.
GOOD ANGEL. Sweet Faustus, think of heaven and heavenly things.
EVIL ANGEL. No, Faustus; think of honor and of war.
ANGELS vanish.
FAUST Of war! Why, the victory over the allies will be mine. When Mephistophilis is on your side, What god can hurt you, Faust? You will be safe. Have no more doubts. --Come, Mephistophilis, And bring good news from great Lucifer;-- It's midnight, isn't it?--come, Mephistophilis, Veni, veni, Mephistophile!
Enter MEPHISTOPHILIS. Now tell me: What says Lucifer, your lord?
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 23 CONTINUED: (2)
MEPHISTOPHILIS That I should wait on Faustus while he lives, So he will buy my service with his soul.
FAUST But I've already given that to you.
MEPHISTOPHILIS But, Faust, you must bequeath it solemnly, And write a deed of gift with your own blood; For that security craves great Lucifer. If you deny it, I'll back to hell.
FAUST Stay, Mephistophilis, and tell me, what good will my soul do your lord?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Enlarge his kingdom.
FAUST Is that the reason why he's tempting us?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Misery loves company.
FAUST Misery? Your job's inflicting pain on others. You're telling me that you have pain as well?
MEPHISTOPHILIS As great as have the human souls of men. But, tell me, Faustus, shall I have your soul? And I will be your slave, and wait on you, And give you more than you have wit to ask.
FAUST Mephistophilis, I hand it over.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Then, Faustus, stab your arm and bind your soul, That at some certain day great Lucifer may claim it as his own, and then you'll be As great as Lucifer while on the earth.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 24 CONTINUED: (3)
FAUST (cutting his arm) Mephistophilis, for love of you I cut my arm, and with my very blood Assure my soul to be great Lucifer's, Chief lord and regent of perpetual night!
MEPHISTOPHILIS brings a beaker to collect the dripping blood
MEPHISTOPHILIS (bandaging FAUST's arm with a handkerchief) But, Faustus, you must Write it in manner of a deed of gift.
FAUST And so I will.
FAUST rips down a sheet of paper, kneels on the ground, dips a pen in blood and begins to write.
FAUST (CONT'D) But, Mephistophilis, My blood congeals, and I can write no more.
MEPHISTOPHILIS I'll fetch a fire to dissolve it straight.
MEPHISTOPHILIS goes to the table to get alcohol burner.
FAUST What can this mean, this drying up of blood? Is my blood itself refusing to be used? Why won't it flow, so I can write the words? (attempting to write) FAUSTUS GIVES TO THEE HIS SOUL: again it stopped! Why shouldn't I do it? Isn't my soul my own? Then write again, FAUSTUS GIVES TO THEE HIS SOUL.
MEPHISTOPHILIS lights the burner.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 25 CONTINUED: (4)
MEPHISTOPHILIS Faustus come. Here's fire. Set it on.
FAUST Ah, now the blood begins to flow again. (Writes.)
MEPHISTOPHILIS (Aside.) O, what wouldn't I do to obtain his soul?
FAUST (blowing out burner) Consummatum est: this bill is ended. I've now bequeathed my soul to Lucifer.
FAUST reaches out to hand document to MEPHISTOPHILIS, and as he does so, he notices an image on his forearm. He drops the paper and grabs his own arm. But what is this inscription on my arm? "Homo fuge"--"Fly"--but where on earth to fly? If up to God, he'll throw me down to hell.
He looks at his arm again, but sees nothing. I must be seeing things... there's nothing here.
Once again, he sees the image. It's plain as day: on my arm is written, "Homo, fuge" ...but Faustus cannot fly.
MEPHISTOPHILIS (Aside) I'll fetch him something to delight his mind.
MEPHISTOPHILIS signals. Exotic music. EVIL ANGEL appears, feeding FAUST grapes and wine from a goblet. Music continues. She does a seductive dance, and then departs.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 26 CONTINUED: (5)
FAUST Speak, Mephistophilis. Who was that, and what's this all about?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Nothing, Faustus, but to pass the time, And to show you what magic can perform.
FAUST But may I raise up spirits when I please?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Ay, Faustus, and do greater things than these.
FAUST Then that's a bargain for a thousand souls. Here, Mephistophilis, take this scroll: A deed of gift of body and of soul, But on condition that you will give me everything you've promised here today.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Faust, I swear by hell and Lucifer To effect all promises between us made! You'll feel years pass like a lifetime or more, Though twill be your promised twenty four.
FAUST But hear me--you'll give me the scientific knowledge I require to solve the riddle of this chemistry?
MEPHISTOPHILIS I will.
FAUST (Reads) Then: I, JOHANN FAUSTUS, OF WITTENBERG, DO GIVE BOTH BODY AND SOUL TO LUCIFER PRINCE OF THE EAST, AND HIS MINISTER MEPHISTOPHILIS; AND FURTHERMORE GRANT UNTO THEM FULL POWER TO FETCH OR CARRY THE SAID JOHANN FAUSTUS, BODY AND SOUL, FLESH, BLOOD, OR GOODS, INTO THEIR HABITATION WHERESOEVER. BY ME--
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 27 CONTINUED: (6)
FAUST picks up the paper and crosses to a wall where, holding up the paper, he a writes "FAUST" in large letters with his blood, and then pins it to the wall with a bayonet. JOHANN FAUSTUS.
Sound of explosion and gunfire from above. ANNA and ERNST enter, descending ladder. ERNST is dazed, and ANNA tends to him.
ANNA Ernst! Keep your head down, are you mad? Give that to me. Let me see your head.
ERNST My bayonet. Must wash my bayonet.
Seeing FAUST, he approaches You have some chemicals to get it clean?
ERNST tries to hand weapon to FAUST, who will not take it. HAUPTMANN and KARL enter.
HAUPTMANN What's wrong with Ernst? What's happened to him?
ERNST Chemicals...?
ANNA Got caught in No Man's Land. I dragged him down.
ERNST There's too much blood.
ANNA A wonder that he wasn't ripped to shreds. I don't think he even knows his name.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 28 CONTINUED: (7)
ERNST It's dirty now. I can't go back until The blade is clean. Must wash my bayonet. Please sir. Help me. Surely you can help.
FAUST accepts the bayonet. HAUPTMANN and KARL move ERNST to a seated position against trench wall. ANNA follows. FAUST, remains, holding the bayonet, distracted.
MEPHISTOPHILIS (snapping FAUST out of his daze) Speak, Faustus, do you deliver this as your deed?
FAUST Ay, take it-- (throwing weapon to the ground, picking up the contract, handing it to MEPHISTOPHILIS) --for all the good it'll do you!
MEPHISTOPHILIS Now, Faustus, ask me anything.
FAUST (recovering) First thing's first--let's sort out this "hell." Tell me, where is the place that men call hell?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Under the heavens.
FAUST Sure, but whereabout?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Within the bowels of these elements, Where we are tortured and remain for ever: Hell has no limits, nor is it confined to just one place; for where we are is hell, And where hell is, there must we ever be: (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 29 CONTINUED: (8) MEPHISTOPHILIS (CONT'D) And so you see, when all the world dissolves, And every creature's fate has been decided, All places shall be hell that are not heaven.
FAUST Come, I think hell's a fable. Look around. Things can't get worse than this.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Keep right on thinking that, until experience proves you wrong.
FAUST You truly think, then, that I will be damned?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Well obviously, since I'm holding the scroll In which you signed your soul to Lucifer.
FAUST Sure, and body too, but what of it? You really think that I'm so fond to imagine That, after a life as this, there is any worse pain? Pshhh, these are trifles and old wives' tales.
MEPHISTOPHILIS But, Faustus, I am an instance to prove the contrary, For I am damned, and am now in hell.
FAUST See? You proved my point. So this is hell. Here is where I'll stay if I be damned. The devil's got no tricks are new to man. But now to wishes: let me have a wife.
Touches the tintype of CLARA The fairest maid in Germany; For I am lustful And cannot live without a wife.
MEPHISTOPHILIS How! a wife! I prithee, Faustus, talk not of a wife.
FAUST Nay, sweet Mephistophilis, fetch me one, for I will have one.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 30 CONTINUED: (9)
MEPHISTOPHILIS Well, you'll have one, will you? (gesturing to chamber door) Your boudoir, I presume? Sit there till I come. (aside) I'll fetch him a wife in the devil's name.
MEPHISTOPHILIS exits. FAUST takes the tintype down and places it in his pocket.
JURGEN and FRITZ enter, carrying water and supplies, tending to wounds, preparing for the next attack.
MEPHISTOPHILIS re-enters, dressed like a woman. He does a seductive dance. Once FAUST has been "conquered," MEPHISTOPHILIS reveals himself, accompanied by a flash of fire.
MEPHISTOPHILIS (CONT’D) Tell me, Faustus, how do you like your wife?
FAUST A plague on her for a hot whore!
MEPHISTOPHILIS Tut, Faustus, Marriage is just a ceremonial toy; If you love me, don't mention it again. I'll pick you out the fairest courtesans, And bring them every morning to your bed: Any woman you fancy can be yours, Be she as chaste as was Penelope, As wise as Saba, or as beautiful As was bright Lucifer before his fall. (producing a small spellbook) Hold, take this book, peruse it thoroughly: (Handing book to FAUST.) The iterating of these lines brings gold; The framing of this circle on the ground Brings whirlwinds, tempests, thunder, and lightning; (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 31 CONTINUED: (10) MEPHISTOPHILIS (CONT'D) Repeat this line three times, And men in armor will appear to you, Ready to do anything you want.
FAUST Thanks, Mephistophilis. That's great. And yet... I'd love to have a book in which I might See all the spells and incantations, so I could raise up spirits when I please.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Here they are-- in this very book.
MEPHISTOPHILIS points to a page.
FAUST Ah. Okay. How about a book where I might see all characters and planets of the heavens, that I might know their motions in the sky.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Here they are too.
Turns to another page.
FAUST Same book, huh? Well, show me pages, then, on which I might see all chemicals and how they interact. For these are the answers I desire most.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Here. They. Be.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Turns to another page and points out the information. FAUST reads. He walks to the chalkboard. The information matches his own calculations.
FAUST Oh, you are deceived.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 32 CONTINUED: (11)
MEPHISTOPHILIS I assure you I am not.
FAUST But, it cannot be so simple--I've tried this.
Gathers papers from floor and compares calculations. Carbon monoxide, chlorine, carbon dust...
MEPHISTOPHILIS (a riddle) "Genesis" and "Phos" it's "Birth" and "Light."
FAUST (frustrated) Ay, Phosgene gas! The catalyst won't work. These are trifles freshmen can deduce. You think I'm some schoolboy? Won't know the difference?
FAUST approaches MEPHISTOPHILIS, manacingly. Has Mephistophilis no greater skill? What trick is this? Your riddles tell me nothing I don't know.
MEPHISTOPHILIS (offering a hint) Tis warm in hell. Too warm, perhaps for you.
FAUST Too warm...
A pause. FAUST rushes back to the chalkboard. A realization.
FAUST (CONT'D) Of course! The reactor must be cooled! Fritz! Fetch me ice!
FRITZ exits. Hauptmann!
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 33 CONTINUED: (12)
FAUST directs HAUPTMANN to move the lab to center. HAUPTMANN enlists the others to help move lab; FRITZ returns with ice, and HANS follows him in, to see what's going on.
FAUST (CONT'D) (grabbing FRITZ by the shoulders) Fritz, my boy--the moment's come at last!
FAUST packs the ice around a piece of lab equipment. Trusty servant, this will prove your worth.
MEPHISTOPHILIS produces gas mask, which he hands to FAUST.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Fortuna favet fortibus, Faustus.
FAUST Indeed, it favors me, sweet friend. Here's proof!
FAUST puts on mask, and conducts experiment. Poison gas billows out from a beaker. SOLDIERS and FRITZ turn toward FAUST, sniffing the air. They clench their throats, they gasp for air, their eyes bulge, they collapse on the floor in twisted positions, FRITZ falling behind the lab table.
GOOD ANGEL and EVIL ANGEL appear.
FAUST (CONT’D) (ripping off gas mask) Fearful echoes thunder in my ears, "Faustus, you are damned for what you've done!"
EVIL ANGEL. These are soldiers. This is war, my friend. Death is death, no matter what the cause.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 34 CONTINUED: (13)
GOOD ANGEL. Faustus, repent; look to heaven for God.
FAUST I fear to look! What have I done? Have I destroyed the world? It is ended-- (To MEPHISTOPHILIS.) --You! Tell me: who made the world?
MEPHISTOPHILIS I will not.
FAUST Sweet Mephistophilis, tell me.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Don't push me Faust, for I will not tell you.
FAUST Villain, have I not bound you to tell me anything I ask?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Anything that is not against our kingdom... but this is.
FAUST Perhaps... Perhaps I freed them. Sent them to a better world.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Why, Faustus, Do you really think that heaven is so glorious? I tell you, it's not half as fair as you, Or any man that breathes on earth.
FAUST How do you recon that?
MEPHISTOPHILIS 'Twas made for man, therefore is man more excellent.
FAUST If it was made for man, was made for me. I will renounce this magic and repent.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 35 CONTINUED: (14)
GOOD ANGEL. Faustus, repent; yet God will pity thee.
EVIL ANGEL. You art a spirit; God cannot pity you.
FAUST Who buzzes in my ear that I'm a spirit? Even if I were a devil, God could pity me. Yes. God will pity me, if I repent.
EVIL ANGEL. True enough. But Faustus never shall repent.
ANGELS vanish.
FAUST My heart's so hardened, I can't repent. Soon as I name salvation, faith, or heaven, Then knives, grenades, guns and bayonets, Poison gas, ropes, envenomed steel Are laid before me to dispatch myself. I'd long ago have chosen suicide, Had not ambition conquered deep despair. No... Think, Faust, upon God that made the world.
MEPHISTOPHILIS grabs FAUST by the throat.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Keep your mind on hell, Faust, for you are damned. Remember this.
MEPHISTOPHILIS releases FAUST and exits.
FAUST Ay, go, accursed spirit, to ugly hell! It's you who forced my hand and damned my soul. Maybe it's not too late?
GOOD ANGEL and EVIL ANGEL re- appear.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 36 CONTINUED: (15)
EVIL ANGEL. Too late.
GOOD ANGEL. Never too late, if Faustus can repent.
EVIL ANGEL. If you repent, devils will tear you to pieces.
GOOD ANGEL. Repent, and they shall never touch thy skin.
ANGELS vanish.
FAUST When I look up to the heavens, I repent, And curse you, wicked Mephistophilis, Because you have deprived me of those joys. (looking at the dead SOLDIERS) Ah, Christ, my Saviour, Seek to save distressed Faustus' soul!
Enter LUCIFER and MEPHISTOPHILIS.
LUCIFER. Christ cannot save thy soul, for he is just: Only I have interest in you now.
FAUST Oh, who are you that look so terrible?
LUCIFER. I am Lucifer, And this is my companion-prince in hell.
FAUST Oh, Faust, they've come to steal away your soul!
LUCIFER. We come to tell thee thou dost injure us. Thou talk'st of Christ, contrary to thy promise. Thou shouldst not think of God: think of the devil, And of his dam too.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 37 CONTINUED: (16)
FAUST I never will again. Just give me a chance, And I will vow never to look to heaven, Never to name God, or to pray to him, To burn his Scriptures, slay his ministers, And make my spirits pull his churches down.
LUCIFER. Do so, and we will highly gratify thee. Faustus, we are come from hell to show thee some pastime: sit down, and thou shalt see the Seven Sins of war appear in their proper shapes.
LUCIFER raises the dead SOLDIERS and has them act out the SEVEN SINS as MEPHISTOPHILIS provides props and costumes to assist them.
FAUST (seeing the SOLDIERS rise) They rise. They rise. This sight's as pleasing to me As Paradise was to Adam, the first day of creation.
LUCIFER (shouting) Talk not of Paradise nor creation!
(Regaining composure) ...but mark this show. Talk of the devil, and nothing else. Now, Faust, observe them close. And recognize.
[NOTE: ORDER CHANGED FOR READING ONLY]
A bell tolls once. HANS approaches, shrouded in burlap.
FAUST What are you, the first?
HANS (ROBIN) I am the trench. Make yourself at home. My mother was a strong back, and my father was a spade Dig in, I hope you'll stay with me a while. Hard to fathom here within my walls (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 38 CONTINUED: (17) HANS (ROBIN) (CONT'D) Two hundred thousand men and boys will die Sweet irony--they dug themselves a grave
A bell tolls. HAUPTMANN approaches, with rounds of bullets slung over his shoulders.
FAUST (turning to HAUPTMANN) What are you? Hauptmann? Are you the second?
HAUPTMANN (ANDREW) I am machine gun My granddad was a Gatling gun, and my pappy's name was Maxim. I leapt out of a lion's mouth when I was just a half-an-hour old; and ever since I have run up and down the world with this bandolier, wounding myself when I had no one else to fight. I was born in hell; and look to it, for someday you might meet me on the field
A bell tolls. ERNST approaches, in a sheet of white, face ashen.
FAUST What are you, the third?
ERNST (ROBIN) I am Shell shock. My mother was a barrage of artillery, and my father was the bloody pulp of your comrades in arms. I'll make you run from the battlefield, or immobilize you completely. I don't want you to forget my family, so I'll imprint their memory in your brain. I hope you like my company. For until you banish the horrors of war, you'll not be rid of me.
FAUST No, I'll see you hanged.
A bell tolls. JURGEN approaches, in short pants and a cap.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 39 CONTINUED: (18)
FAUST (CONT’D) (turning to JURGEN) And you--is it Jurgen? What are you, the fourth?
JURGEN (ANDREW) I am the boy soldier. My parents think I'm safe at home in bed. Recruiting office looked the other way. Go back to school, my ass-it's time to fight! You think my blood ain't learned enough to spill?
A bell tolls. KARL approaches, waving FAUST's bloody handkerchief.
FAUST (turning to KARL) What are you, the fifth?
KARL (ROBIN) I am the jealousy of nations begotten of a chimney-sweeper and an oyster-wife. Why should they have fancy colonies and not I? I want goodies, too! I am lean with seeing others eat. Oh, that there would come a famine through all the world, that all might die, and I live alone! Then you'd see how fat I'd be.
FAUST Away, envious rascal!
A bell tolls. ANNA rises up, clad in a revealing a piece of camouflage netting.
FAUST (CONT'D) (turning to ANNA) What are you, Mistress Minx, a sexy number six?
ANNA I am No Man's Land I am the two-hundred yards that separate you from your enemies. I know you want me. Tell you what: I'll trade you twenty feet for ten legs and a gallon of blood. (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 40 CONTINUED: (19) ANNA (CONT'D) You've slashed me with barbed wire and pocked me with shells, but I'm not mad. Crawl out of your hole and visit me-I'm lonely. Just take a peek; I'll show you what you want.
FAUST Faust will resist, be gone!
Pause. FAUST looks around for the seventh. But... have we missed one?
(to LUCIFER) Where is the seventh and the last?
Bell tolls. FRITZ rises up slowly from behind the lab table, wearing a gas mask. He looks around.
FRITZ (removing gas mask) Was I sleeping? I am mustard gas. I was abandoned as a newborn babe, and set free to roll across the world. my playmates leave just when I get attached (approaching FAUST) Look at your skin. So soft. May I caress it? My mother had soft skin and hair of white. Hair that felt and smelled like new-cut hay. They say my cheating dad befriended fire, and turned dear Mama's brittle hair to ash. If I ever find him, he will rue the day You look familiar, Faustus... Papa? Papa?
FAUST (recoiling) Away, to hell, to hell!
LUCIFER hold up his hand, and all SOLDIERS FREEZE.
LUCIFER. Now, Faustus, how dost thou like this?
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 41 CONTINUED: (20)
FAUST (In shock) I... I...
LUCIFER. Faust, in hell is all manner of delight. I'll send for you at midnight. Farewell, Faustus, and think on the devil.
LUCIFER drops his hand, and SOLDIERS collapse in a heap on the ground. Exeunt LUCIFER and MEPHISTOPHILIS. FAUST is left alone on stage, he falls to his knees trembling, staring at the bodies of SOLDIERS he has killed. Lights fade to black.
End of Act I
ENTRE-ACT
EVIL ANGEL enters, crosses to gramophone, and puts on a record (up tempo "When Day is Done"). She performs a lip sync to the song, dancing around the stage, and adjusting the set for Act II. Part way through the song, she produces a "Faust doll" which she uses to act out a fast-forward version of the action to come (climbing and falling from ladders, bowing to Lucifer's throne, etc.) After the song, she exits with doll. Lights fade. FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 42
ACT II
SCENE 1
Lights up on FAUST, surrounded by bodies of the dead soldiers, putting on a show for himself, using the dead body of FRITZ as a puppet.
FAUST (As FRITZ) Why, doctor Faustus, what book is that? (As FAUST) What book! Why, it's only the most infamous book for conjuring ever invented by any brimstone devil. (As FRITZ) Can you conjure with it? (As FAUST) Can I--? Pshh. I can do all things easily with it. Why I can make you drunk as a skunk at any tavern in Europe for nothing; that's one of my conjuring works. (As FRITZ) Well, doctor Faustus, walk out on a check? Recon I can manage that without the help o' your magic tricks.
MEPHISTOPHILIS enters.
FAUST (CONT’D) (As FRITZ, seeing MEPHISTOPHILIS) Say, in't that the king of Siam?!
FAUST puts dead FRITZ down Good Mephistophilis I never tire. My faithful squire and I've just come from lunch. We dined today in Persia with the queen.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Faustus, you've grown powerful and seen the world. All things are in your grasp. What would you do?
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 43 CONTINUED:
FAUST Well, well. Let me think. Say, Mephistophilis, let's go to Rome, And pay a little visit to the Pope.
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand.
FAUST (CONT'D) (looking around) But tell me now what fancy place is this? Have you done what I asked? Are we now within the walls of Rome?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Faustus, I have; and, because we need accomodation, I have taken up his Holiness' private chamber for our use.
FAUST I hope his Holiness won't mind.
MEPHISTOPHILIS 'tis no matter, we'll be bold with his hospitality. Look now, here come a troop of fat and happy friars.
MEPHISTOPHILIS raises his hand and HANS, ANNA, JURGEN and KARL rise to act out the role of FRIARS.
FAUST Looks like they don't ever miss a meal. (hiding) Oooh! Watch me teach this group a thing or two. We'll have a little fun at their expense. Use some magic now and make me invisible,
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves a hand in his direction.
MEPHISTOPHILIS There, Faustus. Do what you want, you shall not be discern'd.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 44 CONTINUED: (2)
Mephistophilis raises his hand, and ERNST rises to act out the role of the POPE, and HAUPTMANN the role of a CARDINAL OF LORRAINE.
POPE. My dear Cardinal of Lorraine, come along with me to the banquet we have set in honor of your visit.
FAUST (jumping out from his hiding place) Eat up! And the devil make you choke on it!
POPE. What, what?! Who's there? Who just said that? Friars, look alive! Who said that?
FRIARS quickly look around.
FIRST FRIAR. Why, but there's nobody here, if it please your Holiness.
POPE. Well then. My lord, here is a dainty dish that was sent me specially for tonight from his excellency, the Bishop of Milan.
FAUST I thank you, sir.
FAUST snatches the dish.
POPE. What, what?!! Who was that who snatched the meat from me? Friars, hello! Will no one look?
FRIARS look around but see nobody and shrug.
POPE Useless. My lord, this delectable morsel was sent me from his eminence, the Cardinal of Florence.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 45 CONTINUED: (3)
FAUST Well, is that so? Don't mind if I do.
FAUST snatches the dish.
POPE. What, again?! Friars--nevermind. My lord, I raise a glass-- it is a lovely vintage--and drink to your grace.
FAUST To your health!
FAUST snatches the cup.
POPE Aaaaaaayyy!
C. OF LOR. My lord, it may be some ghost, escaped from Purgatory, come to beg a pardon of your Holiness.
POPE. It may be so. Yes. It may be so. Friars, prepare a dirge to send this ghost to hell.
FIRST FRIAR (singing) Cursed-be-he-that-snatched-his-holiness'-meat-from-the-taaa- ble!
ALL FRIARS (singing) Maledicat Dominus!
SECOND FRIAR (singing) Cursed-be-he-that-gobbled-up-his-holiness'-delectable-mooor- sel!
ALL FRIARS (singing) Maledicat Dominus!
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 46 CONTINUED: (4)
THIRD FRIAR (singing) Cursed-be-he-that-slurped-up-his-holiness'-wiii- ine! It-was-a-lovely-viiin- tage!
ALL FRIARS (singing) Maledicat Dominus!
The POPE crosses himself.
FAUST Woah there--I see you crossing yourself. I wouldn't try that trick again, if I were you.
The POPE crosses himself again. Well, there's the second time. Beware the third; I give you fair warning.
The POPE crosses himself again, and FAUSTUS boxes him in the ear
THIRD FRIARS (singing) Cursed-be-he-that-whacked-his-holiness'-in-the--
POPE (shouting) --Curses all around!
They all run away.
FAUST Haha! Oh no, Mephistophilis, what'll we do?
MEPHISTOPHILIS I don't know--we'll be cursed with bell, book, and candle.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 47 CONTINUED: (5)
FAUST (Doing a little jig) Bell, book, and candle; candle, book, and bell,-- Forward and backward, to curse Faustus to hell!
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand, and the dead SOLDIERS sit in a line, awaiting further commands
FAUST (CONT’D) Aha! The pope! Good fun! Good fun! What's next?
FAUST sits down on the ground and holds up the dead FRITZ as a puppet, putting a spellbook into his lifeless hand. (as FRITZ) Well lookie here! I have stolen one of Faustus' conjuring- books.
FAUST reacts in shock, and plays tug of war with the book.
FAUST (CONT'D) (as FRITZ) Now I can make all the girls I see dance at my pleasure, stark naked, before me. (as FAUST) Is that right. And why before you?
(as FRITZ) Why, 'cause if I danced before them, they'd--
MEPHISTOPHILIS (clearing his throat) --What power you have, Faustus! What would you do next?
FAUST puts dead FRITZ down
FAUST Next... Let's see--we've been been to Persia, we've seen the pope... Let's visit Emperor Franz Josef himself (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 48 CONTINUED: (6) FAUST (CONT'D) To see how strong he holds the Hapsburg throne Or if at time of war he .... Cracks??
MEPHISTOPHILIS Your wish will find its course in moment's time. Close your eyes, good Faust, and count to five.
FAUST closes his eyes. MEPHISTOPHILIS raises KARL to play out the role of EMPEROR, and HANS, ERNST and HAUPTMANN the role of ATTENDANTS.
FAUST (eyes closed) And one, and two, and three, and four, and five!
FAUST opens his eyes wide, pleased to find himself transported.
MEPHISTOPHILIS But Faustus, have you left your cheeky squire?
FAUST (quickly gathering up the FRITZ) Oh! Uh.. No, no, he's simply tending to the bags. Aha! He's here! Come on now, boy. On your toes!
EMPEROR. Master Doctor Faustus, I have heard strange reports of your knowledge in the black art: how that no one in my empire nor in the whole world can compare with you in the rare effects of magic. This, therefore, is my request: let me see some proof of your skill, so that my eyes may see what my ears have heard reported.
FAUST (As FRITZ. Aside) Yeah--reports he's a big faker, maybe! (shushes FRITZ. As FAUST, in a grand show of modesty.) (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 49 CONTINUED: (7) FAUST (CONT'D) My gracious sovereign, though I must confess myself far inferior to the reports you have heard, and nothing answerable to the honor of your imperial majesty, I am pleased to do whatever your majesty will ask of me.
EMPEROR. Then, Doctor Faustus, mark what I shall say. As I do sometime solitary sit Within my chamber, sundry thoughts arise Around the memory of my royal heir, the archduke Ferdinand, my nephew prince Cut down in bloom of youth by traiterous Serb. And when I hear but mention made of him, It grieves my soul I cannot see the man. If, therefore, you, by cunning of your art, Can magically bring to me this man From in the chapel at Artstetten Castle, Where lies entombed this noble Hapsburg prince, And also bring his wife the Duchess Sophie, You will satisfy my curiosity, And earn from me both praise and a reward. Grant me this.
FAUST My gracious lord, I will be glad to satisfy your request, to the extent which I am able. (Aside, as FRITZ) Yeah--which isn't much. (As FAUST) Ahem. I will conjure spirits that look just like Archduke Ferdinand and the Duchess to appear before your grace, which I hope will content your imperial majesty.
EMPEROR. Do your magic, Master Doctor; let me see them presently.
FAUST (As FRITZ) Hear that, Master Doctor? Now you gots to deliver the goods! Let's see you bring out the Archduke and Duchess! (As FAUST) What's that, squire? And then what? (As FRITZ) And then I'll be a monkey's uncle's what! (AS FAUST ) (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 50 CONTINUED: (8) FAUST (CONT'D) Ah, well, we'll see what form of primate you are--higher or lower. (As FRITZ) Ooooh! And vanish with your magic, right? Ha! Look out! I might vanish next!
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand, and FRITZ--reanimated--Exits.
FAUST (CONT’D) (as FAUST, to FRITZ as he exits) You'll get what's coming to you for interrupting me like this. (aside to MEPHISTOPHILIS) Go get the Duke and Duchess on the double!
MEPHISTOPHILIS crosses to JURGEN and ANNA, and quickly costumes them.
FAUST (CONT’D) (to EMPEROR) Uh, just one moment now, your grace, until the magic is complete. (checking in with MEPHISTOPHILIS) Aha! --Here they are, my gracious lord.
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand, and reanimates JURGEN to play the role of ARCHDUKE FERDINAND, and ANNA the DUCHESS SOPHIE. They cross toward EMPEROR.
EMPEROR. They are so real. Surely, these aren't mere spirits, but the actual bodies of those two sweet souls.
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand, and the ARCHDUKE FERDINAND and DUCHESS SOPHIE pass across the stage.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 51 CONTINUED: (9)
FAUST With your permission, highness, I'd like to send for that unruly squire.
EMPEROR. Call him forth.
FAUST gestures to MEPHISTOPHILIS, who exits, then re-enters with FRITZ, who walks and screeches like a monkey. MEPHISTOPHILIS leads FRITZ to FAUST, and passes him off.
FAUST (for the EMPEROR's benefit) Well, look at you, squire! A monkey's uncle indeed! It's decided: you're from a family of apes.
FAUST (CONT’D) (as FRITZ) This ain't no way to treat a gentleman! Show some mercy, Faustus--won't you turn me back? (as FAUST) Oh, not so fast, sir! There's no haste.
EMPEROR. Good Master Doctor, at my request release him: I'd say he's done penance enough for whatever sin he's committed.
FAUST My gracious lord, I am happy to release him, of course. I really did this for your amusement. Just a bit of fun, right? (to FRITZ) And, squire? In the future, speak well of scholars.
FAUST snaps his fingers. Nothing happens. He snaps again. Nothing.
Yes, well... (hushed) Mephistophilis, transform him back.
MEPHISTOPHILIS gestures, and FRITZ stops acting like a monkey.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 52 CONTINUED: (10)
FAUST (CONT'D) --Now, my lord, having done my duty, I humbly take my leave.
EMPEROR. Farewell, Master Doctor: Expect from me a generous reward.
EMPEROR and ATTENDANTS begin to exit. MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand and they collapse. MEPHISTOPHILIS covers all SOLDIERS with sheets.
FAUST (dropping FRITZ) Phew. Mephistophilis, I feel the weight of time begin to sap my energy. So many adventures. Am I getting old? I've lost track of time in all this fun. Therefore, sweet Mephistophilis, let us Make haste to see the progress of the war.
MEPHISTOPHILIS (snaps his fingers) Et voila! Arrived we are in France at the front lines.
FAUST Quelle trip! These powers do amaze!
FAUST sees FRITZ at his feet, and attempts to rouse him. You there! Boy! Where is the commandant?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Why, sir, what would you? The boy's asleep--you cannot speak with him.
FAUST But I will speak with him.
MEPHISTOPHILIS He's fast asleep: come some other time.
FAUST I'll speak with him now, thank you very much.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 53 CONTINUED: (11)
MEPHISTOPHILIS I tell you, he has not slept in days.
FAUST I don't care if he hasn't slept in weeks. I'll speak with him. Time is time, no matter how you count it.
MEPHISTOPHILIS But he is fast asleep. You see he hears you not.
FAUST (giving up) Pshhh.
MEPHISTOPHILIS covers FRITZ with sheet. Beat. HABER enters, haggard. Arriving, he holds a handkerchief to his nose to cover the stench of bodies.
HABER Faustus--you're still here! I don't know how long it's been since our last conference. The hours creep like years here in the trench. And this has been the longest day I've seen. I've done all I can do to help the men. This place is death. ...How can you stay?
FAUST is confused by HABER's words.
FAUST A day? But... no.
HABER can see that FAUST is unwell.
HABER I feel it in my bones that we do not Have long upon this earth. Before I go I want to see my Clara's face again. I scrambled through the trenches to get back Just hoping that her tintype was still here. Is it?
HABER approaches FAUST, who backs away, confused.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 54 CONTINUED: (12)
FAUST You..? I...
HABER Grant me this--to see her peerless face.
FAUST (regaining composure, and with a regal air) Ah. Yes. Ahem. As Faustus' custom is not to deny The reasonable requests of those that wish him well...
HABER (approaching) Faust. Do you know me?
FAUST (after a moment) Haber. Of course. Peerless... Helen of Troy! (snapping back in) You shall behold that peerless dame of yours. We'll see if she is like that queen of Greece.
He pulls the tintype from his pocket, places it on the ground, and scrapes a circle in the dirt around it. He utters some words to conjure. CLARA appears--the same vision as before: angelic, dressed in white, She holds a revolver to her chest, Blood seeps through her gown. FAUST is dumbstruck by her visage. HABER does not see her, but moves toward the tintype.
FAUST (CONT’D) (aside) I don't have the words to tell her praise, She truly is just like that ancient queen.
HABER kneels by the tintype and picks it up.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 55 CONTINUED: (13)
HABER (examining the tintype) Can you see forgiveness in her face?
FAUST No wonder that the Greeks went into war. I would, to avenge the rape of such a queen,
HABER notices the sheet near where he is kneeling, and pulls it back to reveal the dead body of FRITZ. The vision of CLARA disappears.
HABER (with growing awareness of the fragility of FAUST's state of mind and the magnitude of his crime) Oh, Faustus, tell me what has happened here.
Approaching FAUST I see some sort of cloud's come over you. Do you even know what you have done? (grabbing FAUST) Cry out! Weep! Confess it with your tears! Tears repenting for a heinous crime The stench of which corrupts the inward soul With sin of sorts no pity may expel, But mercy, Faustus, of your Saviour sweet, Whose blood alone must wash away your guilt.
FAUST (breaking away) Where are you, Faust? Oh Faust, what have you done? You're damned, Faust, damned. Despair and die!
FAUST looks for a weapon with which to kill himself. MEPHISTOPHILIS places a pistol on his desk. FAUST picks up the pistol.
HABER Ah, stay, Faustus, stay your desperate steps! Believe me when I tell you: There's an angel right above you, (MORE)
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 56 CONTINUED: (14) HABER (CONT'D) Ready to pour precious grace into your soul. (gently taking the pistol away from FAUST) So call for mercy, and avoid despair.
FAUST Ah, my sweet friend... Your words bring comfort to my troubled soul! I need some time to ponder on my sins.
HABER I'll go, Faust; but with a heavy heart, Fearing the ruin of your hopeless soul.
HABER exits.
FAUST Ill-fated Faustus, where is mercy now? I do repent; and yet I do despair: Heaven and hell wage war inside of me. How can I escape the snares of death?
MEPHISTOPHILIS Traitor, Faustus! I arrest your soul For disobedience to my sovereign lord: Atone, or I will tear your flesh to pieces.
FAUST Sweet Mephistophilis, go beg your lord to give me once more chance--that's all I need. I'll sign in blood again and will confirm The vow I made to Lucifer before.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Do it, then, quickly, with unfeigned heart, Lest greater danger do attend thy drift.
FAUST moves to get a knife, but reconsiders.
FAUST Torment Haber, who tried to pull me from your path!
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 57 CONTINUED: (15)
MEPHISTOPHILIS You turned on Haber, eh? I'm quite impressed. Ah, but his faith is great; His soul is safe. I can break his body for what it's worth.
FAUST One thing, good servant, let me ask of you, To quench the longing of my heart's desire. Bring me for a lover, Haber's wife. His wife--Clara--So like Helen of Troy. A night or two with her will be distraction And this will surely bury in the ground Any thoughts that would deter me from my vow, And keep the oath I made to Lucifer.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Faustus, this, or anything you desire, Will be performed in the twinkling of an eye.
MEPHISTOPHILIS waves his hand, and CLARA enters. She walks toward FAUST, reanimated, but lifeless and grotesque.
FAUST Was this the face that launched a thousand ships, And burnt the topless towers of Ilium-- Sweet Helen, make me immortal with a kiss.
Kisses her Her lips suck forth my soul: see, where it flies!-- Come, Helen, come, give me my soul again. I'll call this home, for heaven is in these lips, There's nothing worthy except for Helena. I will be Paris, and for love of thee, Instead of Troy, it's France that will be sacked; And I will combat with weak Menelaus, And wear your colors when I go to war; Yea, I will wound Achilles in the heel, And then return to Helen for a kiss.
MEPHISTOPHILIS snaps his fingers, and CLARA collapses. FAUST catches her, and carries her to his chamber.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 58 CONTINUED: (16)
MEPHISTOPHILIS opens the door, follows him in, and closes it.
Enter HABER, immediately after.
HABER What beastly necromancy have I seen?
MEPHISTOPHILIS re-enters from FAUST's chamber, unseen by HABER. He crosses to the lab and picks up a capped beaker of poison gas. He approaches HABER slowly from behind.
HABER (CONT'D) How lost is Faust to drag some lifeless corpse Across the threshold like some gruesome bride? Faust, what sort of evil have you wrought?
MEPHISTOPHILIS remains hidden, but HABER senses his presence.
HABER (CONT'D) Now I feel the evil in the air. Is Satan here to try me with his fire? Ay. In this furnace God will test my faith.
MEPHISTOPHILIS removes the cap from the beaker, releasing the poison gas. He blows it toward HABER
HABER (CONT'D) (gasping for air) Devils, look up! See how the heavens smile At your attempt! They know I will not break!
Another attack My faith, vile hell, shall triumph over you. Back, hell! My soul will only fly unto my God.
HABER collapses to the ground. MEPHISTOPHILIS exits to FAUST's chamber.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 59 CONTINUED: (17)
FAUST enters immediately after, carrying beaker. Beat. FAUST sees HABER on the ground, and drops the empty beaker which shatters.
FAUST Haber! What have I done to you?
HABER My soul is not in danger. I am safe. But you?
FAUST Ah, my sweet, sweet friend, would that I had listened to you.
LUCIFER stands.
FAUST (CONT'D) (pointing) Look! Comes he not? Comes he not?
HABER (looking around, and seeing no one) Faust, what do you mean--?
FAUST The weight of deadly sin... I feel it now begin to pull me down.
HABER Yet, Faustus, look up to heaven; remember God's mercies are infinite.
FAUST But Faust's offence can never be pardoned. The serpent that tempted Eve may be saved, but not Faust. Oh, I WISH I HAD NEVER SEEN FRANCE, NEVER READ BOOK! The wonders I have done, all Germany can witness--all the world. And for which I have lost both Germany and the world. The world? Heaven itself. Heaven--the seat of God, the throne of the blessed, the kingdom of joy--right there, and I must remain in hell for ever, hell, ah, hell, for ever! Sweet friend, what's going to happen to me? Will I really be in hell for ever?
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 60 CONTINUED: (18)
GOOD ANGEL Yet, Faustus, call on God.
FAUST (clinging to base of ladder) On God, whom Faustus has rejected! On God, whom Faustus has blasphemed! Ah, my God, I would weep, but the devil draws in my tears.
FAUST climbs a ladder and tries to reach through the netting above the trench. Come bullets! Gush blood, instead of tears! I would call on God... but he stops my tongue! I would lift up my hands... but see, they hold them, they hold them!
HABER Who, Faustus? What evil have you wrought?
FAUST (sliding down ladder) Lucifer and Mephistophilis. Ah, Haber, I traded my soul for the secret of the gas!
HABER Lucifer? Mephistophilis? What are you talking about?
FAUST I writ them a bill with my own blood: the date is expired; the time will come, and they will fetch me.
HABER Oh, Faust. You needed help--you need it still. God, why didn't you ask? I'd have prayed for you.
FAUST I often thought to do so... (pointing to LUCIFER) ...but the devil threatened to tear me in pieces, if I named God. Now it's too late. Haber, go now, so you don't perish with me.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 61 CONTINUED: (19)
HABER Pray to God. And I'll pray too, that God have mercy on your soul.
HABER exits.
EVIL ANGEL Look at Faust. Alone again; Alone forever. In exchange for twenty-four hours pleasure, Faust has lost eternal joy and felicity.
FAUST Twenty-four hours?? No. Have I been tricked? But what of these many years?
EVIL ANGEL Time is time, no matter how it's counted.
The clock strikes eleven.
FAUST Ah, Faustus, Now you have just one bare hour to live, And then you must be damned forever! Stand still, you ever-moving spheres of heaven, That time may cease, and midnight never come; Come back sun! Rise, rise again, and make Perpetual day; or let this hour be but A year, a month, a week, a natural day, That Faustus may repent and save his soul! O lente, lente currite, noctis equi! The stars move still, time runs, the clock will strike, The devil will come, and Faustus must be damned. Oh, I'll leap up to my God!
FAUST climbs the ladder, fighting an unseen attacker, who drags him back. Who pulls me down?-- See, see, where Christ's blood streams in the firmament! One drop would save my soul, half a drop: ah, my Christ! Please, Lucifer, don't tear my flesh for calling out to Christ!
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 62 CONTINUED: (20)
FAUST climbs back up, cutting the netting with a knife and reaching through. Where is it now? It's gone: and see, where God Stretches out his arm, and bends his angry brow! Machine Gun! Mustard Gas! Come! Come, and find me, And hide me from the heavy wrath of God! No, no! I will run headlong into the earth: Earth, gape! Oh, no, it will not harbor me!
MEPHISTOPHILIS What, you're weeping now? 'tis too late; despair! Farewell. Fools that will laugh on earth must weep in hell.
FAUST slips to the base of the ladder. The clock strikes the half- hour.
FAUST Ah, half the hour is past! And it'll all go soon enough. Oh, God, impose some end to my incessant pain: Let Faustus live in hell a thousand years, A hundred thousand, and at last be saved! But there's no end in sight for damned souls! Why wasn't I born a creature without soul? Some brutish beast! All animals are happy, For, when they die, their souls disappear. But mine must live on and on and on right here in hell.
Thunder and lightning, or it is the gunfire? FAUST scrambles up a ladder.
LUCIFER appears.
LUCIFER Now Faustus let thine eyes with horror stare Into this vast perpetual torture-house!
MEPHISTOPHILIS pulls away sheets to reveal dead, twisted bodies.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 63 CONTINUED: (21)
FAUST, looking down from the top of the ladder, is hit with the full realization of what he has done.
LUCIFER (CONT'D) Behold the self-made orgy of your fate For in this ever-burning trench you'll stay.
LUCIFER vanishes.
FAUSTUS NEIN! I CANNOT LOOK! Oh, I have seen enough to torture me.
MEPHISTOPHILIS Nay, look upon them, taste the smart of all: He that loves pleasure, must for pleasure fall.
FAUST Cursed be the parents that bore me! No, Faustus, curse yourself, curse Lucifer Who has deprived you of the joys of heaven.
The clock strikes twelve.
FAUST (CONT’D) Oh, it strikes, it strikes! Now, body, turn to air, Or Lucifer will bear you quick to hell! Oh, soul, be changed into little water-drops, And fall into the ocean, never be found! My God, my god, look not so fierce on me! Adders and serpents, let me breathe a while! Ugly hell, gape not! Come not, Lucifer! I'll burn my books!
MEPHISTOPHILIS exits. Let me out! Mephistophilis!
FAUST freezes at top of ladder and lights shift to reveal CHORUS, getting up from his seat in the audience, and crossing onto the stage. He wipes make-up from his face with a rag.
(CONTINUED) FAUST IN FRANCE / Christopher Shorr / DRAFT 12/20/2012 page 64 CONTINUED: (22)
CHORUS Cut is the branch that might have grown full straight. Gone the man who could have had it all. A brilliant mind, but such misguided paths. Gone the chance to reconcile wrongs.
Here is a man who thought that he could cheat. Not shoulder the blame for sins he did commit. Too long he thought he could escape his guilt. But in his death, he settled his accounts.
(pause, as he continues to wipe off make-up) Faust is gone: regard his hellish fall. And if you're smart, be warned by his demise. You roll the dice, then be prepared to play. If at the end you owe the house? You pay.
Blackout. End of Play.