SCENE ONE
(OPENING; As the play opens a selection of oriental music provides atmosphere. An old
man and his daughter walk across the front of the stage tovard Nightingale - stage L.
The opening music fades; CUE - REAL NG; and the sound of the Nightingale (NG) is
heard.)
DAUGHTER: Father, what is that?
FATHER: Why, it is the Nightingale, my dear. Aaah, it makes my heart happy to hear her
sing. It has been a long time since I have journeyed to this place.
DAUGHTER: She sings beautifully, Father. I have never heard anything like this before.
Tell me ... what is she saying?
FATHER: She is telling us that she is happy and honored to finally meet you.
DAUGHTER: Meet me? Why?
FATHER: Because you are someone special to her. She and I have spoken of you often in
my past visits. I have brought you here tonight to introduce you (They pause, daughter
bows). Come now. Let's sit down, and I will tell you the story of the Nightingale.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TWO
(CUE - OPENING MUSIC, up and under)
NARR: This story happened many years ago; and that is just one of the reasons why you
should hear it now, so it is not forgotten.
(CURTAIN OPENS TO REVEAL PALACEIFOREST TEMPLATES)
NARR: The empress of China had a palace (lights slowly up on palace template) which
was the most beautiful in the whole world. It was made of porcelain and had been
most costly to build. It was so fragile, that you had to be very careful not to touch
anything, and that can be difficult. The gardens were filled with the loveliest flowers
(enter- flowers). The most beautiful of them had little silver bells that jingled so you
wouldn't pass by without noticing them.
(MUSIC CUE - TRAVELERS MUSIC)
NARR - From all over the world travelers would come to the Empress' city to admire
her palace and gardens; but when they heard the Nightingale sing, they all declared that
it was the loveliest of all. (The main Is closed, action continues in front of main.)
When they had returned to their own countries, they would write long and learned
books about the city, the palace and the garden; but they didn't forget the Nightingale.
No, she was always mentioned in the first chapter.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE THREE
(CURTAIN OPENS - THRONE ROOM SETTING)
NARR: These books were read the whole world over, and finally, one day ... one was sent
to the empress.
(Servant boy brings in a scroll to the empress. He bows. The empress picks it up and
opens lt. The empress nods and smiles in approval. The boy exits.)
NARR: The empress sat in her chair and started to read. Every once in a while she
would nod her head because it pleased her to read how her own city and her own palace
and gardens were praised; but then she came to the sentence ...but the song of the
Nightingale is the loveliest of all.
EMP: What! The Nightingale? I don't know it. I have never heard of it, and yet I learn
now, in this writing that it lives not only in my empire, but in my very garden!(She
rings bell, and servant boy enters) Boy, summon the Chief Courtier!
(Servant boy runs to the C.C. and his family and mimes instructions.
NARR: The Chief Courtier thought himself so superior that to anyone of lower or equal
rank, he would say only ...
C.C.: Peh!
CC'S WIFE: Peh!
CC's SON: (after a yawn and pause, looks right at boy) Peh!
(They enter the throne room with the servant boy and they bow.)
EMP: There is a strange and famous bird called the Nightingale. It is thought to be the
most marvelous thing in my empire. Why have I never heard of it?
C.C.: I know not of this Nightingale (pire.) As my memory serves me, it has never been
presented at court.
CC'S Wife: Indeed it has not.
EMP: Well, I want it to come this evening and sing for me. It is not right for the whole
world to know about the Nightingale while I do not.
C.C.: Of course, your highness. And while I have never heard it mentioned before ... (He
bows) we shall search for it and find it. (He bows again and exits.)
(The empress shows the scroll to the servant boy. BLACKOUT. MUSIC CUE - CROSSING)
NARR: But that was more easily said than done. The courtiers ran all through the
palace, up the stairs and down the stairs, and through the long corridors, but none of
the people whom they asked had ever heard of the Nightingale.
(The people of the court mime negatively. The courtier's family enter the empress'
throne room. FADE MUSC)
C.C.: Your majesty. I believe that this whole story is nothing but a fable, invented by
those people who wrote these ... books. Her highness should not believe everything that
is written. A discovery is one thing, and artistic imagination is something quite
different. It is ... fiction.
(Empress and the boy look at each other, and back to C.C.)
EMP: The book I have just read has been sent to me by the great emperor of Japan; and
therefore, every word in it must be the truth. I want to hear the Nightingale ... and I
want to hear it tonight! If it does not come, then the whole court shall have their
stomachs thumped ... immediately after supper.
C.C.: Tsing-peh! (He bows and exits.)
CC'S SON: (to mother) Will we have our stomach's thumped as well mother?
CC'S WIFE. Of course not, son ... for we are grand courtiers.
CC'S SON: Ah, because I wouldn't like that at all.
CC'S WIFE: Then let us find the Nightingale. After another night, even grand courtier's
may not be allowed exceptions.
(MUSIC CUE - CROSSING. The C.C. and family split up and begin their search. They run
through the palace and meet up with each courtier. As they stop to speak to each of
them, the courtiers shrug their shoulders, not knowing where it can be found, and then
each of them mime clutching their stomachs, horrified. At some point, the servant boy
meets the Kitchen Maiden, hands her spices and asks about the NG. She smiles, nods
yes, and walks away. The servant boy pauses, surprised, then quickly follows her to
learn more. At the C.C.'s last entrance, the servant boy crosses to meet him. MUSIC
OUT)
BOY: Chief courtier! While carrying some spices to the cook I stopped to briefly speak
to the lovely maiden who tends the kitchen. She says that she has seen the Nightingale!
C.C.: (to boy) Peh! (He turns to court.) Well, let us try the kitchen as our final stop.
(CURTAIN CLOSES - The court apporaches the kitchen maiden, {KM} who is cleaning.)
COURTIER 1: Kitchen maiden, have you seen this Nightingale?
KM: As I told the emperor's sweet servant boy ... (The boy smiles and bows politely to
her. The court giggles.) ... I do indeed know of the Nightingale. I know it well. It sings
so beautifully. Every morning I am allowed to bring some kitchen scraps to my poor,
sick mother who lives by the sea. Now, that is very far away, and as I return I often
rest in the forest and listen to the Nightingale. I get tears in my eyes from her songs,
as though my own mother were kissing me.
C.C.: Little kitchen maiden. I will arrange for a permanent position in the kitchen for
you, with permission to see the empress eat, and the title of ... Royal Bringer of
Nourishment
COURT: Ooooh!
C.C.: ... Yes, a title ... if you will take us to the Nightingale. She has been summoned to
court tonight, and she must be found.
KM: (pleasantly) Alright! I will bring you to the nightingale.
(The court follows the little girl out of the palace. The servant boy walks to them and
speaks quietly.)
BOY: I am sure that the Nightingale is not as lovely as the palace's kitchen maiden. (She
smiles and bows politely.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE FOUR
(MUSIC CUE - TRAVELLING: As the group walks across the front of the stage towards
the NG they come upon the sound of a cow in the distance. CUE SOUND EFFECT - COW)
COURTIER 2: Oh! There it is! What a marvellously powerful voice the little animal has.
Yet, we have heard this before.
KM: (giggling a blt) That is only a cow. We are still far from where the Nightingale
lives. (SFX COW FADES OUT)
(They come upon the frogs croaking. CUE - SOUND EFFECT - CROAKING FROGS)
COURTIER 3: Oh, it's so lovely. I can hear her off in the distance.
KM: No, no ... that is only the little frogs. (SFX FROG FADE OUT) But any time now we
may hear it.
(Suddenly, the Nightingale begins singing. CROSSFADE MUSIC - REAL NG)
KM: There it is! Listen! Listen! It is up there on that little branch. (She points to the
bird.)
C.C.: Is that possible?
Courtier 4: I had not imagined that it would look like that.
Courtier 5: It looks so ... so common!
(FADE DOWN REAL NG)
C.C.: I think it has lost it's colors from shyness and out of embarrassment at seeing so
many noble people at one time.
KM: Oh little Nightingale. Our empress wants you to sing for her!
NG: With pleasure! (FADE UP REAL NG)
C.C.: She sounds like little glass bells.
COURTIER 1: Look at her little throat, how it throbs.
C.C.: It is strange that we have never heard of her before, isn't it?
C.C.'s WIFE: Well, I'm sure that she will be a great success at court.
C.C.: Most certainly.
(FADE DOWN REAL NG. Nightingale finishes singing. Polite applause.)
NG: Shall I sing another song for the empress?
C.C.: (laughing slightly) Most excellent little Nightingale ... I have the pleasure to
invite you to attend the court tonight.
COURTIER 2: Yes, little bird. Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress of China, wishes for
you to enchant her there with your most charming art.
NG: It does sound best in the green woods.
C.C.: Oh, I understand. But you see the empress has her ... heart ... set on your coming
to court.
(The other courtlers nod sadly toward the Nightingale.)
NG: (after a pause) Well then, of course I shall come. I will not disappoint her majesty.
COURTIER 3: Our Empress thanks you!
COURTIER 4: (to Courtier 3) ... and our stomachs thank her as well.
BLACKOUT
__________________________________________________________
SCENE FIVE
(CURTAIN OPENS TO THRONE ROOM.)
NARR: In the palace, where the empress' throne stood, a little golden perch (perch is
brought in) had been built for the Nightingale to sit on.. (NG enters) The whole court
was there and the servant boy and the kitchen maiden were allowed to stand behind one
of the doors and listen. Everyone was looking at the plain little bird, toward which the
empress nodded most graciously.
(CUE - REAL NG MUSIC - The Nightingale sings.)
NARR: The Nightingale's song was so sweet that tears came into the empress' eyes; and
when they ran down her cheeks, the little Nightingale sang even more beautifully than
it had before. It was enough to melt your heart.
(FADE REAL NG MUSIC)
EMP: Little bird. Your song is so sweet, and I am so pleased, that I order that my golden
slipper be hung about your neck. There is no higher honor than this one.
(SERVANT ENTERS W/SLIPPER)
NG: Oh thank you, your majesty. But I have been thanked enough already. I have seen
tears in the eyes of an empress, and that is great enough treasure for me. There is a
strange power in an empress's tears and, heaven knows, that is reward enough.
C.C.: That was a charming and elegant song..
C.C.'S SON: Oh, Father, I liked that very much.
COURTIER 4: Music has never made me cry before. These were the most beautiful
sounds I have ever heard.
COURTIERS: (general agreement) Yes, yes ... oh, yes, indeed.
(CURTAIN CLOSES)
(Scene six takes place in front of main curtain.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE SIX
NARR: The other courtiers all agreed. Even the chambermaids and lackeys were
satisfied; and that really meant something, for servants are the most difficult to
please. Yes, the Nightingale was a success. And she enchanted all in the empire who
heard her beautiful songs. She was to have her own cage at court (NG enters with
collar and servants. She crosses L. to R.), and permission to take a walk twice a day
and once during the night. Several servants were to accompany her; each holding on
tightly to a silk ribbon that was attached to a collar on the poor bird's neck. There
wasn't any pleasure in such an outing (NG exits). Everyone in the empire talked about
the Nightingale ...
(Townspeople pass one another. They exchange a simple "Night", countered by "Gale".
This occurs a few times. The deli owner and his son enter the stage, with the
courtiers as the audience.)
COURTIER 5: Members of the court. The son of the local delicatessen owner ... (Polite
applause) ... would like to sing his arrangement of ... "The Nightingale Song".
CHOIRMASTER: (uncomfortable) The child has never wished to sing before, but please
understand that he was inspired by the lovely Nightingale. I was commissioned by her
highness to instruct this ... "talented" child.
COURTIER 1: We understand, choirmaster. Now please ... continue.
CHOIRMASTER: Alright. Are we ready, little Nightingale?
CHILD: Yes, choirmaster.
CHOIRMASTER: One two three. One two three.
(Choirmaster holds up baton, brings it dovn, and is assaulted with a horrible off key
song.)
CHILD:
Oh, pretty little Nightingale.
How lovely is your song.
You've made me oh so happy,
And I'd love to sing along ...
La, La, LaLa. La, La, LaLa ...
COURTIER 2: Well, perhaps the little bird will someday be so kind as to teach the little
ones to sing as well as to inspire them. (They laugh merrily.)
(BLACK OUT. The group exits.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE SEVEN
(CURTAIN OPENS TO THRONE ROOM.)
NARR: One day, a messenger arrived with a large package for the empress.
(A messenger is excusing his way through the crowd of courtiers and stops before the
Empress, who sits with the servant boy by her side, surrounded by the court. The box
has Japanese writinsr and a picture of a bird on it.)
EMP: Aaah. it probably contains more volumes of writing about our famous bird.
(She gestures to the servant boy to unwrap it. It is opened, and all the members of the
court gasp, with "oohs" and "aahs".)
EMP: Well, this is exquisite! It appears to be a ... an .... another nightingale?!
(The courtiers are abuzz.)
COURTIER 3: It is made of silver!
COURTIER 4: ... And gold!
COURTIER 5: ... And diamondsl
EMP: ... And sapphires! And there is a note around it's neck. Boy, read the message.
BOY: It says "The Emperor of Japan's Nightingale is inferior to the Empress of China's"
(Crowd again "ooohs" and "aaahs".)
EXP:How delightful!
COURTIER 1: It's incredible!
COURTIER 2: What beautiful craftsmanship!
EMP: Yes. (to messenger) And for bringing me such a marvelous gift, you shall be
granted the title of Supreme Nightingale Bringer. (The court approves.)
MESSENGER: A million graces to you, your majesty.
BOY: (calling to her) Look, your highness. The bird has a key here on it's back!
(The Music Master [M.M.] runs to turn the key (SFX - NEW YEARS NOISEMAKER. AFTER
3RD TURN, MUSIC CUE - MECH NG.) The crowd gasps in delight.)
MM: Aaah, majestic. (The court agrees.)
COURTIER 3: Look at how it moves!
COURTIER 4: And look at how it sparklesl
(Pause untll end of Mechanical NG dance.)
COURTIER 5: Perhaps the two birds could sing togetherl
COURTIER 1: Yes That would probably be lovely.
EMP: Alright, then ... there shall be a duet.
(MUSIC CUE - DUET. A disastrous duet follows. As It ends, the group is quiet and
disappointed. There Is a smattering of "difficult" applause.)
MM: Well ... it is definitely not the mechanical bird's fault! It certainly keeps perfect
time. It belongs to MY school of music. .
COURTIER 2: Well then ... let us hear the mechanical bird again, on its own.
(The bird is activated. - MUSiC CUE MECH NG.)
COURTIER 3: Why, its song is just as beautiful as the living Nightingale's!
MM: Yes it is ... and it is so beautiful to look at as well.
COURTIER 4: With it's silver and gold ...
COURTIER 5: ... and it's diamonds and sapphires.
NARR: So, the mechanical bird sang it's song thirty-three times and did not grow tired.
(There is applause at a number of points during this speech.) The court would have
liked to have heard it a thirty-fourth time, but the empress thought that the real
Nightingale ought to sing now. But where was it? Nobody had noticed that the real
Nightingale had flown through the open window back to its beloved green forest.
EMP: (looking around) What is the meaning of this?!
C.C.: I am heartily offended.
CC'S SON: That ungrateful bird.
CC'S WIFE: Peh!
MM: The selfish creature, flying off like that in the middle of an audience with the
empress. (pause) But still, the best bird remains.
(The court agrees.)
COURTIER 1: It was probably embarrassed. It knew that it could not compete with this
marvelous-royal gift.
COURTIER 2: Indeed!
MM: Not only is this bird better than the real Nightingale outside where the diamonds
are, but it is better inside as well. Your imperial majesty ... fellow courtiers ...
(pause) ... you must understand that the real Nightingale cannot be depended upon. One
never knows what she will sing; whereas, in the mechanical bird, everything is
determined! There is one song and no other. One can explain everything. We can open it
up to examine and appreciate how human thought has fashioned the wheels and the
cylinder, and put them where they are, to turn just as they should.
COURTIER 3: Precisely what I was thinking. (Whole court agrees)
EMP: Bearing all of this in mind then, Imperial Music Master, you shall introduce the
new nightingale to the people of the town this coming Sunday.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE EIGHT
(BLACKOUT - Music Master walks and NG is carried to far stage R. in front of main,
which closes during narrative. Townspeople begin to enter from both sides.)
NARR: And so, back at the palace the mechanical bird was given a silk pillow to rest
upon. All the presents it had received were piled around it. Among them were gold
and precious stones. On Sun ay, the mechanical Nightingale was given the title of
Supreme Imperial Night-table Singer. Its rank was number one ... to the left. The
empress thought the left side was more distinguished because that is the side where
the heart is, even in an empress.
(The mechanical bird Is activated. "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" from townspeople follow.)
TOWNIE 1: Oh, it sounds so wonderful.
TOWNIE 2: Yes ... just lovely.
FISHERMAN: It sounds beautiful and I like the bird's song, but something is missing.
(The Chief Courtier enters with a banner. C.C. s son enters with gong.)
C.C.: I now declare the real Nightingale banished from the empire.
(C.C.'s son bangs gong- They exit. Pause for awkward silence.)
FISHERMAN: They don't understand. (pause) They simply don't understand.
(Townspeople exit. Curtain opens behind Music Master who remains behind scribbling
notes, studying the NG and pacing during following arrative )
NARR: The Imperial Music Master wrote a work in twenty-five volumes about the
mechanical nightingale. It was not only long and learned, but it was alsofilled with
the most difficult Chinese words. Nonetheless, everyone bought it and said that they
had read it and understood it. For otherwise they would have been considered stupid
and had to have their stomachs thumped.
(During this speech, a pair of courtiers cross the stage behind the MM, and a solo
courtier crosses opposite. Both are "reading" a book and looking confused until they
pass one another, at which point they smile confidently, and indicate their approval of
the great written work.)
MM: It wasn't long before everyone in the empire knew the Supreme Imperial
Night-table singer's song by heart. (Music Master rolls up scroll, bows to NG and exits.
Dancers enter.) The image of the bird, and the interpretations of its song were
widespread throughout the empire.
SCENE EIGHT (A)
MUSIC CUE - DANCE. Dance based on mechanical Nightingale's song is performed.
(BLACKOUT) (Change scene to Empress' Bed Chamber)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE NINE
(After dance, CURTAIN OPENS TO EMPRESS' BED CHAMBER. MUSIC CUE - NG BOING.)
NARR: One evening, the empress was lying in bed listening to the mechanical bird sing
its very best when suddenly ... (SFX - Clang!) ... something made a horrible clanging
sound. All of the wheels whirred round, and all at once ... the bird was still.
(The empress jumps out of bed.)
EMP: Oh no! What has gone wrong? My nightingale has stopped singing. (calling out)
Servant boy! (He enters.) Summon the Imperial Physicianl (she clutches her heart).
BOY: Yes, your highness!
EMP: I don't understand, it was playing so beautifully ... (physician enters.) so
perfectly.
PHYSICIAN: What is wrong, your majesty? You look so pale.
EMP: No, royal physician, do not concern yourself with me. Please examine the
nightingale. I fear that something is terribly wrong.
(Physician runs to NG.)
PHYSICIAN: With all due respect, your higness, I can do nothing for your precious bird.
Perhaps the Imperial Watchmaker can help.
(The boy runs out to fetch him.)
EMP: Yes ... yes, of course.
BOY: Here he is, your majesty.
WATCHMAKER: Your grace! (He goes to the bird.) This will be difficult. Yes, this will
be quite difficult. She is like a watch ... but she is so much more. I will, of course, try
my best, your grace.
EMP: (solemnly) It shall earn you the title Chief Mender of the Royal Nightingale.
WATCHMAKER: Thank you. (He goes to work.)
(BLACKOUT - CLOSE CURTAIN)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TEN
(IN FRONT OF MAIN CURTAIN - Enter Music Master with the Mechanical Nightingale.)
NARR: The bird was repaired ... but the empress was told that the bird would have to be
spared, and could not be played so often, perhaps as little as once a year. It would
never be the same again, although the Imperial Music Master declared otherwise.
MM: Your highness, the subtle repairs have enhanced the mechanical nightingale so that
its song is now as meticulous and as sweet as ever. (MUSIC CUE - SOUR NG. MM
continues over music) We now have an even better understanding of the intricacy in
design and the qualities of this fine musical masterpiece. Such a unique creature
should only be played on the most formal and important occasions.
(BLACKOUT)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE ELEVEN
NARR: Five years passed and a great misfortune happened. Although everyone loved the
empress, she had fallen ill; (Enter C.C. solemly crossing from R. and down front.) and
they all agreed that she would not be well again. It was said that a new emperor had
already been chosen; (Enter fisherman from L., miming) and when people in the street
asked the chief courtier how the empress was, he would shake his head and say ...
CC: Peh!
(The two exit togrother, stage R. as thei servant boy enters stage R., crossing L. The
servant girl is entering stage L. With a tray of food. The servant boy approaches her.)
BOY: (nervously) How is the empress today? Is she any better?
KM: No. She is pale and cold, and she does not touch her food. She simply lies there,
motionless. I fear she may be dead.
BOY: Where are her courtiers?
KM: They are in the garden holding a vigil for the sick empress. In the morning, they
will journey to pay their respects to the new emperor. The palace has become like a
tomb. I fear there is certainly nothing more that we can do for her tonight.
BOY: Perhaps she will take her breakfast in the morning.
(The little girl starts to cry, and nervously, cautiously, the llttle boy hugs her, and the
two exit grimly L.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TWELVE
(CURTAIN OPENS - BED CHAMBER / MUSIC CUE -DEATH. Death enters, gracefully and
majestically. she swirls about, almost as part of the wind, she takes the crown off of
the empress' head, the sword from between the empress' hands, and her banner from
the bedside. She gestures around the chamber, and as she passes each spot a face
appears- either sad or angry - and stares toward the empress.)
EMP: (weakly) What is happening to me?
NARR: From the folds of the curtain that hung around the bed, strange faces looked
down at the empress. Some of them were frighteningly ugly, and others mild and kind.
They were all of the evil and the good deeds that the empress had done throughout her
life.
(The faces begin whispering, in sad and angry voices, "Do you remember that?" over and
over agrain. It builds and builds and the empress tosses slightly and speaks ... )
EMP: No! No, I don't remember! That is not true. None of it is true! (She shouts.) Music!
Music! Play the great Chinese gong so that I will not be able to hear what they are
saying! (The voices continue.) Little golden nightingale, sing! I have given you gold and
precious jewels ... (spotlight up on bird) ... and with my own hands I have hung my
golden slipper around your neck. Now sing ... please sing.
NARR: But the mechanical Nightingale stood as still as ever. For there was no-one to
wind it up; and then it could not sing. Death kept staring out of the empty pockets in
her skull ... and the palace was still. So terribly still. All at once, the most beautiful
song broke the silence
(FADE DEATH - MUSIC CUE REAL NG. The spotlight fades down on the mechanical bird,
and light fades up on the window, indicating the real bird.)
NARR: It was the real Nightingale, who had heard of the empress' illness and torment.
She sat on a branch outside her window, and sang to her to bring her comfort and hope.
(The voices begin to cease, and the faces fade from the scene.)
NARR: As she sang, the faces in the fold of the curtain faded, and the blood pulsed with
greater force through the empresses weak body. Death herself listened, and said ...
DEATH: Sing on, little Nightingale. Sing on!
NG: Will you give me ... the imperial banner?
DEATH: Yes. (It is returned to the bedside.)
NG: ... And will you give me the golden saber?
DEATH: Yes. (It Is laid on the ground before the window.)
NG: ... And will you give me the golden crown?
DEATH: Yes, I Will. (It Is also laid before the window.) (MUSIC CUE - GARDEN) This song,
it sings to me of my own beautiful garden.
NARR: And Death gave each of his trophies for a song. The little bird sang a song of a
silent churchyard where white roses grow, where the scent of elder trees fill the
breeze, and where the grass is made green by the tears of those who mourn. And so,
growing homesick for his garden, Death floated like a cold, white mist out of the
window.
(FADE MUSC. Death departs. Lights fade up to three-quarters full.)
EMP: Thank you! Oh thank you, heavenly little bird. I remember you. I had banished you
from my Empire and yet you still came to sing to me. And when you sang the evil
phantoms that taunted me disappeared, and Death himself left my heart. How shall I
ever reward you?
NG: You have rewarded me already. I shall never forget the first time I sang for you;
you gave me the tears from your eyes. And to a poetIs heart, those are jewels. But
sleep now so that you can become well and strong. I shall sing for you.
(CUE MUSIC - REAL NG) The little bird sings. Brief fade to black. Fade up "morning
light" (FADE NG MUSIC) The empress slowly rises, looks at herself and checks that she
is all there. She stretches, walks to the window and addresses the nightingale.
EMP: Little Nightingale, you must come always. I shall only ask you to sing when you
want to. And the mechanical bird I shall break into a thousand pieces.
NG: Don't do that! The mechanical bird sang as well as it could. Keep it. I cannot build
a nest here in the palace. So let me come to visit you when I want to, and I shall sit on
the branch outside your window and sing for you. And my song shall make you happy,
and make you thoughtful as well. I shall sing not only of those who are content but
also of those who suffer. I shall sing of the good and of the evil that happens around
you, and yet is hidden from you. For a little songbird flies very far. I visit the poor
fisherman's cottage and the peasant's huts, far away from your palace and your court. I
love your heart more than your crown, and yet, I feel that your crown has an air of
sincere wisdom and honor about it. I will come! I will sing for you! There is only one
thing which you must promise me.
EMP: Oh, I will promise anything.
NG: Never tell anyone that you have a little bird that tells you everything, for then you
will rule even more wisely and honorably.
EMP: I promise.
NG: Farewell, then.
(The kitchen maiden comes into view, with the servant boy holding her hand. She looks
extremely sad as she enters the chamber.)
EMP: Farewell, sweet bird, farewell.
(After this line, the kitchen maiden and the boy enter. The Empress sees them and
smiles. She holds out her hands, and the kitchen maiden and servant boy run to her and
throw their arms around her. The servant boy breaks away and begins ringing the royal
bell as the Empress continues to gently respond to the kitchen maidens anxious
questions. suddenly the kitchen maiden pauses and looks upward. The emress looks at
her inquisitively. The kitchen maiden smiles, fetches the crown and hands it
respectfully to the empress, who has followed the kitchen maiden's movements and
now faces upstage. [The Narrator / Father and Daughter have entered and are standing
down .ront stage L. The NG takes her place down front] Courtiers enter, extremely
confused and concerned as the empress Is bending down to retrieve her crown from the
kitchen maiden. She places it on her head as she turns to greet the stunned court wlth
a simple ... )
EMP: Good morning! (The courtiers are overjoyed and rush to surround her.)
(CURTAIN)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE THIRTEEN
Lights up on the Father and Daughter, by the trees, with the Nightingale. (MUSIC CUE -
CLOSING THEME)
DAUGHTER: That was a beautiful story, Father. So, is it possible that this, then, is the
very Nightingale whose magical song made Death flee from the empress' side?
FATHER: No, my dear. The Nightingale's beautiful song was passed on to her daughter,
who sings before you now. And how very deeply does this song touch my heart.
SON: When did you first hear it father?
FATHER: So very long ago. When your mother, a humbie kitchen maid to the empress,
brought this little servant boy,out here to listen to this same song, sung from this very
tree. (The bird sings.) Sing on, little Nightingale ... sing on.
(BLACK OUT. MUSIC SWELL - UP AND OUT.)
(OPENING; As the play opens a selection of oriental music provides atmosphere. An old
man and his daughter walk across the front of the stage tovard Nightingale - stage L.
The opening music fades; CUE - REAL NG; and the sound of the Nightingale (NG) is
heard.)
DAUGHTER: Father, what is that?
FATHER: Why, it is the Nightingale, my dear. Aaah, it makes my heart happy to hear her
sing. It has been a long time since I have journeyed to this place.
DAUGHTER: She sings beautifully, Father. I have never heard anything like this before.
Tell me ... what is she saying?
FATHER: She is telling us that she is happy and honored to finally meet you.
DAUGHTER: Meet me? Why?
FATHER: Because you are someone special to her. She and I have spoken of you often in
my past visits. I have brought you here tonight to introduce you (They pause, daughter
bows). Come now. Let's sit down, and I will tell you the story of the Nightingale.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TWO
(CUE - OPENING MUSIC, up and under)
NARR: This story happened many years ago; and that is just one of the reasons why you
should hear it now, so it is not forgotten.
(CURTAIN OPENS TO REVEAL PALACEIFOREST TEMPLATES)
NARR: The empress of China had a palace (lights slowly up on palace template) which
was the most beautiful in the whole world. It was made of porcelain and had been
most costly to build. It was so fragile, that you had to be very careful not to touch
anything, and that can be difficult. The gardens were filled with the loveliest flowers
(enter- flowers). The most beautiful of them had little silver bells that jingled so you
wouldn't pass by without noticing them.
(MUSIC CUE - TRAVELERS MUSIC)
NARR - From all over the world travelers would come to the Empress' city to admire
her palace and gardens; but when they heard the Nightingale sing, they all declared that
it was the loveliest of all. (The main Is closed, action continues in front of main.)
When they had returned to their own countries, they would write long and learned
books about the city, the palace and the garden; but they didn't forget the Nightingale.
No, she was always mentioned in the first chapter.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE THREE
(CURTAIN OPENS - THRONE ROOM SETTING)
NARR: These books were read the whole world over, and finally, one day ... one was sent
to the empress.
(Servant boy brings in a scroll to the empress. He bows. The empress picks it up and
opens lt. The empress nods and smiles in approval. The boy exits.)
NARR: The empress sat in her chair and started to read. Every once in a while she
would nod her head because it pleased her to read how her own city and her own palace
and gardens were praised; but then she came to the sentence ...but the song of the
Nightingale is the loveliest of all.
EMP: What! The Nightingale? I don't know it. I have never heard of it, and yet I learn
now, in this writing that it lives not only in my empire, but in my very garden!(She
rings bell, and servant boy enters) Boy, summon the Chief Courtier!
(Servant boy runs to the C.C. and his family and mimes instructions.
NARR: The Chief Courtier thought himself so superior that to anyone of lower or equal
rank, he would say only ...
C.C.: Peh!
CC'S WIFE: Peh!
CC's SON: (after a yawn and pause, looks right at boy) Peh!
(They enter the throne room with the servant boy and they bow.)
EMP: There is a strange and famous bird called the Nightingale. It is thought to be the
most marvelous thing in my empire. Why have I never heard of it?
C.C.: I know not of this Nightingale (pire.) As my memory serves me, it has never been
presented at court.
CC'S Wife: Indeed it has not.
EMP: Well, I want it to come this evening and sing for me. It is not right for the whole
world to know about the Nightingale while I do not.
C.C.: Of course, your highness. And while I have never heard it mentioned before ... (He
bows) we shall search for it and find it. (He bows again and exits.)
(The empress shows the scroll to the servant boy. BLACKOUT. MUSIC CUE - CROSSING)
NARR: But that was more easily said than done. The courtiers ran all through the
palace, up the stairs and down the stairs, and through the long corridors, but none of
the people whom they asked had ever heard of the Nightingale.
(The people of the court mime negatively. The courtier's family enter the empress'
throne room. FADE MUSC)
C.C.: Your majesty. I believe that this whole story is nothing but a fable, invented by
those people who wrote these ... books. Her highness should not believe everything that
is written. A discovery is one thing, and artistic imagination is something quite
different. It is ... fiction.
(Empress and the boy look at each other, and back to C.C.)
EMP: The book I have just read has been sent to me by the great emperor of Japan; and
therefore, every word in it must be the truth. I want to hear the Nightingale ... and I
want to hear it tonight! If it does not come, then the whole court shall have their
stomachs thumped ... immediately after supper.
C.C.: Tsing-peh! (He bows and exits.)
CC'S SON: (to mother) Will we have our stomach's thumped as well mother?
CC'S WIFE. Of course not, son ... for we are grand courtiers.
CC'S SON: Ah, because I wouldn't like that at all.
CC'S WIFE: Then let us find the Nightingale. After another night, even grand courtier's
may not be allowed exceptions.
(MUSIC CUE - CROSSING. The C.C. and family split up and begin their search. They run
through the palace and meet up with each courtier. As they stop to speak to each of
them, the courtiers shrug their shoulders, not knowing where it can be found, and then
each of them mime clutching their stomachs, horrified. At some point, the servant boy
meets the Kitchen Maiden, hands her spices and asks about the NG. She smiles, nods
yes, and walks away. The servant boy pauses, surprised, then quickly follows her to
learn more. At the C.C.'s last entrance, the servant boy crosses to meet him. MUSIC
OUT)
BOY: Chief courtier! While carrying some spices to the cook I stopped to briefly speak
to the lovely maiden who tends the kitchen. She says that she has seen the Nightingale!
C.C.: (to boy) Peh! (He turns to court.) Well, let us try the kitchen as our final stop.
(CURTAIN CLOSES - The court apporaches the kitchen maiden, {KM} who is cleaning.)
COURTIER 1: Kitchen maiden, have you seen this Nightingale?
KM: As I told the emperor's sweet servant boy ... (The boy smiles and bows politely to
her. The court giggles.) ... I do indeed know of the Nightingale. I know it well. It sings
so beautifully. Every morning I am allowed to bring some kitchen scraps to my poor,
sick mother who lives by the sea. Now, that is very far away, and as I return I often
rest in the forest and listen to the Nightingale. I get tears in my eyes from her songs,
as though my own mother were kissing me.
C.C.: Little kitchen maiden. I will arrange for a permanent position in the kitchen for
you, with permission to see the empress eat, and the title of ... Royal Bringer of
Nourishment
COURT: Ooooh!
C.C.: ... Yes, a title ... if you will take us to the Nightingale. She has been summoned to
court tonight, and she must be found.
KM: (pleasantly) Alright! I will bring you to the nightingale.
(The court follows the little girl out of the palace. The servant boy walks to them and
speaks quietly.)
BOY: I am sure that the Nightingale is not as lovely as the palace's kitchen maiden. (She
smiles and bows politely.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE FOUR
(MUSIC CUE - TRAVELLING: As the group walks across the front of the stage towards
the NG they come upon the sound of a cow in the distance. CUE SOUND EFFECT - COW)
COURTIER 2: Oh! There it is! What a marvellously powerful voice the little animal has.
Yet, we have heard this before.
KM: (giggling a blt) That is only a cow. We are still far from where the Nightingale
lives. (SFX COW FADES OUT)
(They come upon the frogs croaking. CUE - SOUND EFFECT - CROAKING FROGS)
COURTIER 3: Oh, it's so lovely. I can hear her off in the distance.
KM: No, no ... that is only the little frogs. (SFX FROG FADE OUT) But any time now we
may hear it.
(Suddenly, the Nightingale begins singing. CROSSFADE MUSIC - REAL NG)
KM: There it is! Listen! Listen! It is up there on that little branch. (She points to the
bird.)
C.C.: Is that possible?
Courtier 4: I had not imagined that it would look like that.
Courtier 5: It looks so ... so common!
(FADE DOWN REAL NG)
C.C.: I think it has lost it's colors from shyness and out of embarrassment at seeing so
many noble people at one time.
KM: Oh little Nightingale. Our empress wants you to sing for her!
NG: With pleasure! (FADE UP REAL NG)
C.C.: She sounds like little glass bells.
COURTIER 1: Look at her little throat, how it throbs.
C.C.: It is strange that we have never heard of her before, isn't it?
C.C.'s WIFE: Well, I'm sure that she will be a great success at court.
C.C.: Most certainly.
(FADE DOWN REAL NG. Nightingale finishes singing. Polite applause.)
NG: Shall I sing another song for the empress?
C.C.: (laughing slightly) Most excellent little Nightingale ... I have the pleasure to
invite you to attend the court tonight.
COURTIER 2: Yes, little bird. Her Imperial Majesty, The Empress of China, wishes for
you to enchant her there with your most charming art.
NG: It does sound best in the green woods.
C.C.: Oh, I understand. But you see the empress has her ... heart ... set on your coming
to court.
(The other courtlers nod sadly toward the Nightingale.)
NG: (after a pause) Well then, of course I shall come. I will not disappoint her majesty.
COURTIER 3: Our Empress thanks you!
COURTIER 4: (to Courtier 3) ... and our stomachs thank her as well.
BLACKOUT
__________________________________________________________
SCENE FIVE
(CURTAIN OPENS TO THRONE ROOM.)
NARR: In the palace, where the empress' throne stood, a little golden perch (perch is
brought in) had been built for the Nightingale to sit on.. (NG enters) The whole court
was there and the servant boy and the kitchen maiden were allowed to stand behind one
of the doors and listen. Everyone was looking at the plain little bird, toward which the
empress nodded most graciously.
(CUE - REAL NG MUSIC - The Nightingale sings.)
NARR: The Nightingale's song was so sweet that tears came into the empress' eyes; and
when they ran down her cheeks, the little Nightingale sang even more beautifully than
it had before. It was enough to melt your heart.
(FADE REAL NG MUSIC)
EMP: Little bird. Your song is so sweet, and I am so pleased, that I order that my golden
slipper be hung about your neck. There is no higher honor than this one.
(SERVANT ENTERS W/SLIPPER)
NG: Oh thank you, your majesty. But I have been thanked enough already. I have seen
tears in the eyes of an empress, and that is great enough treasure for me. There is a
strange power in an empress's tears and, heaven knows, that is reward enough.
C.C.: That was a charming and elegant song..
C.C.'S SON: Oh, Father, I liked that very much.
COURTIER 4: Music has never made me cry before. These were the most beautiful
sounds I have ever heard.
COURTIERS: (general agreement) Yes, yes ... oh, yes, indeed.
(CURTAIN CLOSES)
(Scene six takes place in front of main curtain.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE SIX
NARR: The other courtiers all agreed. Even the chambermaids and lackeys were
satisfied; and that really meant something, for servants are the most difficult to
please. Yes, the Nightingale was a success. And she enchanted all in the empire who
heard her beautiful songs. She was to have her own cage at court (NG enters with
collar and servants. She crosses L. to R.), and permission to take a walk twice a day
and once during the night. Several servants were to accompany her; each holding on
tightly to a silk ribbon that was attached to a collar on the poor bird's neck. There
wasn't any pleasure in such an outing (NG exits). Everyone in the empire talked about
the Nightingale ...
(Townspeople pass one another. They exchange a simple "Night", countered by "Gale".
This occurs a few times. The deli owner and his son enter the stage, with the
courtiers as the audience.)
COURTIER 5: Members of the court. The son of the local delicatessen owner ... (Polite
applause) ... would like to sing his arrangement of ... "The Nightingale Song".
CHOIRMASTER: (uncomfortable) The child has never wished to sing before, but please
understand that he was inspired by the lovely Nightingale. I was commissioned by her
highness to instruct this ... "talented" child.
COURTIER 1: We understand, choirmaster. Now please ... continue.
CHOIRMASTER: Alright. Are we ready, little Nightingale?
CHILD: Yes, choirmaster.
CHOIRMASTER: One two three. One two three.
(Choirmaster holds up baton, brings it dovn, and is assaulted with a horrible off key
song.)
CHILD:
Oh, pretty little Nightingale.
How lovely is your song.
You've made me oh so happy,
And I'd love to sing along ...
La, La, LaLa. La, La, LaLa ...
COURTIER 2: Well, perhaps the little bird will someday be so kind as to teach the little
ones to sing as well as to inspire them. (They laugh merrily.)
(BLACK OUT. The group exits.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE SEVEN
(CURTAIN OPENS TO THRONE ROOM.)
NARR: One day, a messenger arrived with a large package for the empress.
(A messenger is excusing his way through the crowd of courtiers and stops before the
Empress, who sits with the servant boy by her side, surrounded by the court. The box
has Japanese writinsr and a picture of a bird on it.)
EMP: Aaah. it probably contains more volumes of writing about our famous bird.
(She gestures to the servant boy to unwrap it. It is opened, and all the members of the
court gasp, with "oohs" and "aahs".)
EMP: Well, this is exquisite! It appears to be a ... an .... another nightingale?!
(The courtiers are abuzz.)
COURTIER 3: It is made of silver!
COURTIER 4: ... And gold!
COURTIER 5: ... And diamondsl
EMP: ... And sapphires! And there is a note around it's neck. Boy, read the message.
BOY: It says "The Emperor of Japan's Nightingale is inferior to the Empress of China's"
(Crowd again "ooohs" and "aaahs".)
EXP:How delightful!
COURTIER 1: It's incredible!
COURTIER 2: What beautiful craftsmanship!
EMP: Yes. (to messenger) And for bringing me such a marvelous gift, you shall be
granted the title of Supreme Nightingale Bringer. (The court approves.)
MESSENGER: A million graces to you, your majesty.
BOY: (calling to her) Look, your highness. The bird has a key here on it's back!
(The Music Master [M.M.] runs to turn the key (SFX - NEW YEARS NOISEMAKER. AFTER
3RD TURN, MUSIC CUE - MECH NG.) The crowd gasps in delight.)
MM: Aaah, majestic. (The court agrees.)
COURTIER 3: Look at how it moves!
COURTIER 4: And look at how it sparklesl
(Pause untll end of Mechanical NG dance.)
COURTIER 5: Perhaps the two birds could sing togetherl
COURTIER 1: Yes That would probably be lovely.
EMP: Alright, then ... there shall be a duet.
(MUSIC CUE - DUET. A disastrous duet follows. As It ends, the group is quiet and
disappointed. There Is a smattering of "difficult" applause.)
MM: Well ... it is definitely not the mechanical bird's fault! It certainly keeps perfect
time. It belongs to MY school of music. .
COURTIER 2: Well then ... let us hear the mechanical bird again, on its own.
(The bird is activated. - MUSiC CUE MECH NG.)
COURTIER 3: Why, its song is just as beautiful as the living Nightingale's!
MM: Yes it is ... and it is so beautiful to look at as well.
COURTIER 4: With it's silver and gold ...
COURTIER 5: ... and it's diamonds and sapphires.
NARR: So, the mechanical bird sang it's song thirty-three times and did not grow tired.
(There is applause at a number of points during this speech.) The court would have
liked to have heard it a thirty-fourth time, but the empress thought that the real
Nightingale ought to sing now. But where was it? Nobody had noticed that the real
Nightingale had flown through the open window back to its beloved green forest.
EMP: (looking around) What is the meaning of this?!
C.C.: I am heartily offended.
CC'S SON: That ungrateful bird.
CC'S WIFE: Peh!
MM: The selfish creature, flying off like that in the middle of an audience with the
empress. (pause) But still, the best bird remains.
(The court agrees.)
COURTIER 1: It was probably embarrassed. It knew that it could not compete with this
marvelous-royal gift.
COURTIER 2: Indeed!
MM: Not only is this bird better than the real Nightingale outside where the diamonds
are, but it is better inside as well. Your imperial majesty ... fellow courtiers ...
(pause) ... you must understand that the real Nightingale cannot be depended upon. One
never knows what she will sing; whereas, in the mechanical bird, everything is
determined! There is one song and no other. One can explain everything. We can open it
up to examine and appreciate how human thought has fashioned the wheels and the
cylinder, and put them where they are, to turn just as they should.
COURTIER 3: Precisely what I was thinking. (Whole court agrees)
EMP: Bearing all of this in mind then, Imperial Music Master, you shall introduce the
new nightingale to the people of the town this coming Sunday.
__________________________________________________________
SCENE EIGHT
(BLACKOUT - Music Master walks and NG is carried to far stage R. in front of main,
which closes during narrative. Townspeople begin to enter from both sides.)
NARR: And so, back at the palace the mechanical bird was given a silk pillow to rest
upon. All the presents it had received were piled around it. Among them were gold
and precious stones. On Sun ay, the mechanical Nightingale was given the title of
Supreme Imperial Night-table Singer. Its rank was number one ... to the left. The
empress thought the left side was more distinguished because that is the side where
the heart is, even in an empress.
(The mechanical bird Is activated. "Ooohs" and "Aaahs" from townspeople follow.)
TOWNIE 1: Oh, it sounds so wonderful.
TOWNIE 2: Yes ... just lovely.
FISHERMAN: It sounds beautiful and I like the bird's song, but something is missing.
(The Chief Courtier enters with a banner. C.C. s son enters with gong.)
C.C.: I now declare the real Nightingale banished from the empire.
(C.C.'s son bangs gong- They exit. Pause for awkward silence.)
FISHERMAN: They don't understand. (pause) They simply don't understand.
(Townspeople exit. Curtain opens behind Music Master who remains behind scribbling
notes, studying the NG and pacing during following arrative )
NARR: The Imperial Music Master wrote a work in twenty-five volumes about the
mechanical nightingale. It was not only long and learned, but it was alsofilled with
the most difficult Chinese words. Nonetheless, everyone bought it and said that they
had read it and understood it. For otherwise they would have been considered stupid
and had to have their stomachs thumped.
(During this speech, a pair of courtiers cross the stage behind the MM, and a solo
courtier crosses opposite. Both are "reading" a book and looking confused until they
pass one another, at which point they smile confidently, and indicate their approval of
the great written work.)
MM: It wasn't long before everyone in the empire knew the Supreme Imperial
Night-table singer's song by heart. (Music Master rolls up scroll, bows to NG and exits.
Dancers enter.) The image of the bird, and the interpretations of its song were
widespread throughout the empire.
SCENE EIGHT (A)
MUSIC CUE - DANCE. Dance based on mechanical Nightingale's song is performed.
(BLACKOUT) (Change scene to Empress' Bed Chamber)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE NINE
(After dance, CURTAIN OPENS TO EMPRESS' BED CHAMBER. MUSIC CUE - NG BOING.)
NARR: One evening, the empress was lying in bed listening to the mechanical bird sing
its very best when suddenly ... (SFX - Clang!) ... something made a horrible clanging
sound. All of the wheels whirred round, and all at once ... the bird was still.
(The empress jumps out of bed.)
EMP: Oh no! What has gone wrong? My nightingale has stopped singing. (calling out)
Servant boy! (He enters.) Summon the Imperial Physicianl (she clutches her heart).
BOY: Yes, your highness!
EMP: I don't understand, it was playing so beautifully ... (physician enters.) so
perfectly.
PHYSICIAN: What is wrong, your majesty? You look so pale.
EMP: No, royal physician, do not concern yourself with me. Please examine the
nightingale. I fear that something is terribly wrong.
(Physician runs to NG.)
PHYSICIAN: With all due respect, your higness, I can do nothing for your precious bird.
Perhaps the Imperial Watchmaker can help.
(The boy runs out to fetch him.)
EMP: Yes ... yes, of course.
BOY: Here he is, your majesty.
WATCHMAKER: Your grace! (He goes to the bird.) This will be difficult. Yes, this will
be quite difficult. She is like a watch ... but she is so much more. I will, of course, try
my best, your grace.
EMP: (solemnly) It shall earn you the title Chief Mender of the Royal Nightingale.
WATCHMAKER: Thank you. (He goes to work.)
(BLACKOUT - CLOSE CURTAIN)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TEN
(IN FRONT OF MAIN CURTAIN - Enter Music Master with the Mechanical Nightingale.)
NARR: The bird was repaired ... but the empress was told that the bird would have to be
spared, and could not be played so often, perhaps as little as once a year. It would
never be the same again, although the Imperial Music Master declared otherwise.
MM: Your highness, the subtle repairs have enhanced the mechanical nightingale so that
its song is now as meticulous and as sweet as ever. (MUSIC CUE - SOUR NG. MM
continues over music) We now have an even better understanding of the intricacy in
design and the qualities of this fine musical masterpiece. Such a unique creature
should only be played on the most formal and important occasions.
(BLACKOUT)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE ELEVEN
NARR: Five years passed and a great misfortune happened. Although everyone loved the
empress, she had fallen ill; (Enter C.C. solemly crossing from R. and down front.) and
they all agreed that she would not be well again. It was said that a new emperor had
already been chosen; (Enter fisherman from L., miming) and when people in the street
asked the chief courtier how the empress was, he would shake his head and say ...
CC: Peh!
(The two exit togrother, stage R. as thei servant boy enters stage R., crossing L. The
servant girl is entering stage L. With a tray of food. The servant boy approaches her.)
BOY: (nervously) How is the empress today? Is she any better?
KM: No. She is pale and cold, and she does not touch her food. She simply lies there,
motionless. I fear she may be dead.
BOY: Where are her courtiers?
KM: They are in the garden holding a vigil for the sick empress. In the morning, they
will journey to pay their respects to the new emperor. The palace has become like a
tomb. I fear there is certainly nothing more that we can do for her tonight.
BOY: Perhaps she will take her breakfast in the morning.
(The little girl starts to cry, and nervously, cautiously, the llttle boy hugs her, and the
two exit grimly L.)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE TWELVE
(CURTAIN OPENS - BED CHAMBER / MUSIC CUE -DEATH. Death enters, gracefully and
majestically. she swirls about, almost as part of the wind, she takes the crown off of
the empress' head, the sword from between the empress' hands, and her banner from
the bedside. She gestures around the chamber, and as she passes each spot a face
appears- either sad or angry - and stares toward the empress.)
EMP: (weakly) What is happening to me?
NARR: From the folds of the curtain that hung around the bed, strange faces looked
down at the empress. Some of them were frighteningly ugly, and others mild and kind.
They were all of the evil and the good deeds that the empress had done throughout her
life.
(The faces begin whispering, in sad and angry voices, "Do you remember that?" over and
over agrain. It builds and builds and the empress tosses slightly and speaks ... )
EMP: No! No, I don't remember! That is not true. None of it is true! (She shouts.) Music!
Music! Play the great Chinese gong so that I will not be able to hear what they are
saying! (The voices continue.) Little golden nightingale, sing! I have given you gold and
precious jewels ... (spotlight up on bird) ... and with my own hands I have hung my
golden slipper around your neck. Now sing ... please sing.
NARR: But the mechanical Nightingale stood as still as ever. For there was no-one to
wind it up; and then it could not sing. Death kept staring out of the empty pockets in
her skull ... and the palace was still. So terribly still. All at once, the most beautiful
song broke the silence
(FADE DEATH - MUSIC CUE REAL NG. The spotlight fades down on the mechanical bird,
and light fades up on the window, indicating the real bird.)
NARR: It was the real Nightingale, who had heard of the empress' illness and torment.
She sat on a branch outside her window, and sang to her to bring her comfort and hope.
(The voices begin to cease, and the faces fade from the scene.)
NARR: As she sang, the faces in the fold of the curtain faded, and the blood pulsed with
greater force through the empresses weak body. Death herself listened, and said ...
DEATH: Sing on, little Nightingale. Sing on!
NG: Will you give me ... the imperial banner?
DEATH: Yes. (It is returned to the bedside.)
NG: ... And will you give me the golden saber?
DEATH: Yes. (It Is laid on the ground before the window.)
NG: ... And will you give me the golden crown?
DEATH: Yes, I Will. (It Is also laid before the window.) (MUSIC CUE - GARDEN) This song,
it sings to me of my own beautiful garden.
NARR: And Death gave each of his trophies for a song. The little bird sang a song of a
silent churchyard where white roses grow, where the scent of elder trees fill the
breeze, and where the grass is made green by the tears of those who mourn. And so,
growing homesick for his garden, Death floated like a cold, white mist out of the
window.
(FADE MUSC. Death departs. Lights fade up to three-quarters full.)
EMP: Thank you! Oh thank you, heavenly little bird. I remember you. I had banished you
from my Empire and yet you still came to sing to me. And when you sang the evil
phantoms that taunted me disappeared, and Death himself left my heart. How shall I
ever reward you?
NG: You have rewarded me already. I shall never forget the first time I sang for you;
you gave me the tears from your eyes. And to a poetIs heart, those are jewels. But
sleep now so that you can become well and strong. I shall sing for you.
(CUE MUSIC - REAL NG) The little bird sings. Brief fade to black. Fade up "morning
light" (FADE NG MUSIC) The empress slowly rises, looks at herself and checks that she
is all there. She stretches, walks to the window and addresses the nightingale.
EMP: Little Nightingale, you must come always. I shall only ask you to sing when you
want to. And the mechanical bird I shall break into a thousand pieces.
NG: Don't do that! The mechanical bird sang as well as it could. Keep it. I cannot build
a nest here in the palace. So let me come to visit you when I want to, and I shall sit on
the branch outside your window and sing for you. And my song shall make you happy,
and make you thoughtful as well. I shall sing not only of those who are content but
also of those who suffer. I shall sing of the good and of the evil that happens around
you, and yet is hidden from you. For a little songbird flies very far. I visit the poor
fisherman's cottage and the peasant's huts, far away from your palace and your court. I
love your heart more than your crown, and yet, I feel that your crown has an air of
sincere wisdom and honor about it. I will come! I will sing for you! There is only one
thing which you must promise me.
EMP: Oh, I will promise anything.
NG: Never tell anyone that you have a little bird that tells you everything, for then you
will rule even more wisely and honorably.
EMP: I promise.
NG: Farewell, then.
(The kitchen maiden comes into view, with the servant boy holding her hand. She looks
extremely sad as she enters the chamber.)
EMP: Farewell, sweet bird, farewell.
(After this line, the kitchen maiden and the boy enter. The Empress sees them and
smiles. She holds out her hands, and the kitchen maiden and servant boy run to her and
throw their arms around her. The servant boy breaks away and begins ringing the royal
bell as the Empress continues to gently respond to the kitchen maidens anxious
questions. suddenly the kitchen maiden pauses and looks upward. The emress looks at
her inquisitively. The kitchen maiden smiles, fetches the crown and hands it
respectfully to the empress, who has followed the kitchen maiden's movements and
now faces upstage. [The Narrator / Father and Daughter have entered and are standing
down .ront stage L. The NG takes her place down front] Courtiers enter, extremely
confused and concerned as the empress Is bending down to retrieve her crown from the
kitchen maiden. She places it on her head as she turns to greet the stunned court wlth
a simple ... )
EMP: Good morning! (The courtiers are overjoyed and rush to surround her.)
(CURTAIN)
__________________________________________________________
SCENE THIRTEEN
Lights up on the Father and Daughter, by the trees, with the Nightingale. (MUSIC CUE -
CLOSING THEME)
DAUGHTER: That was a beautiful story, Father. So, is it possible that this, then, is the
very Nightingale whose magical song made Death flee from the empress' side?
FATHER: No, my dear. The Nightingale's beautiful song was passed on to her daughter,
who sings before you now. And how very deeply does this song touch my heart.
SON: When did you first hear it father?
FATHER: So very long ago. When your mother, a humbie kitchen maid to the empress,
brought this little servant boy,out here to listen to this same song, sung from this very
tree. (The bird sings.) Sing on, little Nightingale ... sing on.
(BLACK OUT. MUSIC SWELL - UP AND OUT.)