script of the hit musical the rising son
TRANSCRIPT
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Cast
Lead Characters
1.
Andarupin Gupta Singh (Andy) – Narrator – Indian – Tenor/Bass – age 40 +
2.
Ah Chong – Coffee House owner and father of Ah Cheng
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Chinese – Baritone – age 40 plus.
3.
Ah Ming – Coffee House owner and father of Cui Fei – Chinese – Tenor – age
40 +
4.
Reverend Augustine Vaz – Missionary – Indian – Tenor/Baritone – age 40+
(could also be Irish – The Reverend Flynn if no Indian actor is confirmed)
5.
Ah Cheng – son of Ah Chong and boyfriend of Cui Fei – Chinese – Tenor –Age
early 20’s6.
Cui Fei – Daughter of Ah Ming and girlfriend of Ah Cheng – Chinese – Soprano
– late teens/early 20’s
7.
Captain Yashimoto – Captain of Japanese Guard – Japanese look -
Baritone/Bass – age 30 +
Second Leads.
8.
God/Jesus – Gives the revelation to Reverend Vaz -Bass/Baritone – any age.
(could be played by same character as Ah Fatt)
9.
Ah Fatt – 3rd
partner but only seen at the beginning and singing his
posthumous confession near the end – Chinese – Bass/Baritone (could be
played by same character as God/Jesus)
10.
Corporal Issaki – Japanese Guard who tries to assault Cui Fei - Japanese look –
no singing – any age.
Others.
11.
Messenger who declares the Japanese surrender – Young boy/girl/teenager,
any race.
12.
Andy’s friends (Roti in my Dhoti) – 2 x Indian women + 2 x Indian men – SATB.
13. Cui Fei’s girl friends – Soprano, Alto
14. Chorus – Japanese Soldiers (Men only), coffee shop customers & towns
people. SATB
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The Rising Son
Notes by the author/composer.
The Rising Son – The Musical is a work of fiction which seeks to portray a story of how hope and
forgiveness, driven by the message of Christ’s birth, life and death can bring about peace in even themost hopeless and intractable situations. Perhaps ‘Scripture in Action’ could be a sub-title.
To write a musical which showed the full force of Japanese brutality and portrayed the reality of the
hardships faced on a daily basis by the Malay population during the period 1941 to 1945 would
hardly be classified as entertainment. Therefore, historical accuracy has had to take a back seat in
order for the message of forgiveness to be effectively conveyed.
The reality has therefore by necessity, been considerably sweetened. There were no coffee shops
overflowing with an abundance of food and drinks as portrayed in the opening song. Indeed, some
Chinese housewives have been recorded as being forced to search for mice and other vermin inorder to put food on the table.
There were no church bells, few if any missionaries and racial harmony was almost non-existent with
the Japanese favouring the Malays to help with administration, sympathising with the Indians who
they felt were under the British colonial yoke, but treating the Chinese with unmitigated cruelty.
The Japanese occupation was initially brutal and repressive, but administration was carried out
generally by communal organizations and pre-war administrative structures. About 60% of the
population was Malay, 30% Chinese and the remainder Indian, mostly Tamil. Most of the population
collaborated with the Japanese, generally out of necessity and the Japanese occupation was seen as
a time simply for survival. The Japanese were often inept and introduced measures that alienated
the population, and as the natural resources far exceeded Japan's use for those resources, the
termination of trade that Malaya had been dependent upon before the war caused severe economic
difficulties. Although the Japanese occupying forces were able to maintain order, Malaya was not
self-sufficient and suffered increasing shortages of food and basic goods. The problem of self-
sufficiency was intractable, and high unemployment, inflation, and a raging black market resulted.
By 1945, the situation for the Malaya population was grim.
There was also evidence of a moral decline during the occupation in which making money (for
survival) was paramount and often loyalty did not extend beyond or sometimes even to, the
immediate family or community.
After the war the history of the occupation became "taught" (and modified) for various reasons until
the population's remembrance of the occupation became conflicted and confused.
Many records were destroyed by both the Japanese (in order to avoid war crimes charges) and the
British so that much of what happened became solely reliant on eye-witness testimonies.
So please enjoy the musical and reflect on its message but please do not view it in any way as a
history lesson. It is not.
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For further reading on the reality of the Japanese occupation in Malaya I recommend the following
books which have been a rich source of information and inspiration for me:
‘Red Star Over Malaya’
Boon Khong Cheah - NUS Press
‘The Japanese Occupation of Malaya 1941-45’
Paul H Kratoska – C. Hurst and Co. Publishers
‘War and Memory in Malaysia and Singapore’
Patricia Pui Huen Lim and Diana Wong – Institute of South East Asian Studies
And, for a Japanese perspective:
‘New Perspectives On The Japanese Occupation Of Malaya and Singapore 1941-1945’
Yōji Akashi and Mako Yoshimura – NUS Press 2008
Paul Michael Baker
May 2013
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OVERTURE
Act 1 - Prologue
Spotlight come onto an Indian man sitting on the stage wearing a turban and a dhoti. He stands and
salutes the audience.
Prologue
Andy: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Captain Andarupin Gupta Singh (Call me Andy),
late of the 2nd
India Rifles reporting for duty. But that was a long time ago and now I
live in a small town in Perak, Malaya getting by as best I can. It’s not easy being one
of the only Indians living here but more on that later. However, I do make a small
income telling stories to the towns folk around here and that pleasure ladies and
gentlemen is yours for this evening.
It seems like only yesterday when they came but already the Japanese have
occupied Malaya for nearly 4 years. It’s now August 1945 and the brutality and
suffering has left its mark on everyone.
Oh how different things were 25 years ago. So much hope, optimism and youthful
vigour when 3 friends set out from Canton in China, travelling to Malaya to make
their fortunes supporting the booming tin industry in Perak.
Blackout
Cut to front of stage by steps where Ah Chong, Ah Ming and Ah Fatt are chatting away excitedly.
Ah Chong: I tell you ah! My uncle never lies. He say streets of Perak are paved with gold.
Ah Fatt: Not gold, tin you idiot (laughs).
AC: Well whatever, he say all the workers there making soo much money and nothing to
spend it on. I tell you. We can’t lose. We’ll all be rich in a few years.
Ah Ming: Hey you always lose. Look at all the money I took off you at dice last night (all laugh)
AF: No, Chong’s right. I heard that too and I also hear the girls there are SOOOOO
beautiful and always looking for new handsome China boys. But hey. What business
to do ah?
AM: Why you so dumb ah? How did you get to look like your name Ah FATTTT? Food and
drink. It’s obvious. Those men work all day and get a real appetite plus they need a
good start every morning to get their energy up. We’ll open a noodle stall.
AC: No, not a noodle stall, an EVERYTHING stall. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and snack
and drinks in between. Coffee shops do everything and are springing up all over
Malaya and making BIG money.
AF: OK, Coffee shop it is then. Who’s in?(all put hands up and high 5’s all round. Lights fade.)
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Andy: (From offstage) But that was many years ago and what started out as a beautiful
friendship and a thriving business has become…. Well. See for yourself.
Act 1 - Scene 1
1. Opening Song – The Best Coffee in Town
Two Coffee shops in the square are opposite each other with customers sitting down drinking and
eating. Ah Chong is outside one, trying to entice customers and Ah Ming outside the other doing the
same. Both are also warily eyeing the other and their families making rude gestures to one another.
Each is calling out to the street like stall holders in a pasar malam but sung
AC Kopi Ohhhhh
AM Kopi C
AC Foo Chow
AM Hokkien Mee
AC Drink with Me
AM Come and sing
AC Ah Chong
AM With Ah Ming
Musical intro – soft shoe shuffle style
AC If you want a decent coffee house
AM Then come to me and not that louse!
AC For Perak’s best don’t walk straight past.
AM His food will come straight out your…….
Both pause to seat customers
Both Come right over. Take a seat.
Here’s our menu, browse our treats.
Pause
AC We’ve food and drinks
AM His service stinks!
Our gourmet chef
AC Is blind and deaf
And full of lice
AM He makes great rice
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And Char KwayTeo
AC Don’t ask me how.
Slowly
Both Minum and Makan is very much our prideSo eat and drink until you’re full with family by your side
But save the best till last please and I will come around,
To serve what you must agree is
The best coffee in town
Polka Speed
AC I’ve oodles of noodles
AM White rice and fried rice
AC Delicious SiewMai
AM I serve all dai
Both And the best coffee in town.
AM I’ve Bi Hoon and Mee Hoon
AC Fried Mee and Congee
AM Otak Otak,
AC Fried Foo Chok
Both And the best coffee in town.
AM I’m famous all across Malaya
AC Even Royalty come to eat and drink here
So when I get my Dato’ship after the war
AM And people come and ask me what I got it for,AC I’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around
Both It’s the best coffee in town.
AM I’ve Kopi O & Kopi C
AC And Kopi Peng it’s loverly.
AM Or Kopi Kosong just the trick
AC Or maybe try some Teh Tarik
AM Or Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao
AC Or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow
Both And the best coffee in town.
AC I’ve orange juice and honeydew
AM And watermelon, got that too,
AC And Lychee soda, mangosteen
AM And soya milk and iced red bean
AC Or Lemonade just sweetened up
AM Or barley ice or coconut
Both And the best coffee in town.
AC I’m famous all across Malaya
AM Even Royalty come to eat and drink here
AC So when I get my Dato’ ship after the war
AM And people come and ask me what I got it for,
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AC I’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around
Both It’s the best coffee in town.
Chorus : (Both verses sung at the same time)
They’ve oodles of noodles They’ve Kopi O & Kopi C & Kopi Peng it’s loverly orWhite rice and fried rice Kopi Kosong just the trick or maybe try some Teh Tarik or
Delicious Siew Mai they serve all dai Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow
And the best coffee in town. And the best coffee in town.
They’ve Bi Hoon and Mee Hoon They’ve orange juice and honeydew & watermelon, got that too
Fried Mee and Congee Lychee soda, mangosteen & soya milk and iced red bean
Otak Otak, Fried Foo Chok Or Lemonade just sweetened up or barley ice or coconut
And the best coffee in town. And the best coffee in town.
They’re famous all across Malaya
Even Royalty come to eat and drink here
AC & AM So when I get my Dato’ ship after the war
And people come and ask me what I got it for,Chorus He’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around
It’s the best coffee.
AC You call that coffee?
I’ve the best coffee
AM It’ll make you sore and puffy.
Both & Chorus It’s the best coffee!
The best coffee!
It’s the very, very very, best, best coffee in TOWN!
As the song finishes, one youth, Ah Soon and Ah Cheng grab each other and start to fight but a gong
announces the arrival of Japanese soldiers on patrol through the town who point their rifles at the 2
troublemakers.
Captain Yashimoto: Stop this NOW! The Japanese Imperial army will not tolerate such
behaviour. You two cockroaches ( pointing at Ah Cheng and Ah Song), you’re under
arrest. You’ll soon learn the meaning of respect. I’ll crush you under my boot just
like the rest of your cowardly country men. Corporal, take them back to the campand put them in the box.
Reverend Vaz steps forward in chaplains clothes and dog collar and carrying a Bible.
Rev Vaz: Now, now Captain, there’s no need for any of that. It’s just youthful bravado. I’m
sure you were just as spirited at their age and I’m sure a man of your importance is
much too busy to spend time dealing with such trivial matters.
CY: No! You are quite wrong. As a Samurai I was groomed from an early age to serve our
imperial and immortal Emperor and would never have behaved in such a disgraceful
manner. However, you’re quite right. I do have important matters to attend to so….
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RV: Boys. Apologise to the good Captain here.
ACh& AS: We’re very sorry Captain Yashimoto (they bow). It won’t happen again.
CY: Hmm. Very well. Just this once. But if either of you ever step out of line even an inch
again, I’ll have you shot before you’ve time to blink. UNDERSTOOD?
ACh& AS: Yes Captain.
CY: And Reverend. As you seem so concerned for these vermin I shall hold you
personally responsible for their behaviour. One more incident like this and you’ll be
joining them with a bullet through your pious heart. Carry on the patrol Corporal.
CI and soldiers exit. Lights out and spotlight on Andy.
Andy: Now, I did say I was ONE of the only Indians living here didn’t I? Well apart from me
and a few other lowlier forms of the Indian species there is of course the very saintlyand incredibly holy, Reverend Augustine Vaz. Although I’m not sure he can still
qualify as Indian as (whispering with his hand to the side of his mouth) he’s gone
Christian.
An orphan growing up in the slums of Calcutta, he was rescued and adopted by a
British missionary, taken to England where he qualified as a priest and, after a short
spell back in Calcutta, tells us he was called by God to travel to Malaya, become a
citizen and preach the Good News to all.
Let’s see how he’s getting on.
Lights back on. RV is on a n upturned crate while the crowd is still sitting at the
coffee shop playing mah-jong and dice but one or two including Ah Cheng are
waiting for him to speak.
RV: Brethren. I come bearing Good News. Ho siew si kar
Crowd 1: Wah! Indo can speak canto wor! (all laugh except Ah Cheng who frowns at them)
RV: As you just saw, conflict and aggression don’t always have to be met with more
conflict. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth two thousand years ago so that we may
have peace and goodwill amongst all men. God sent his only begotten son to save us
all by dying for our sins and He can be your saviour too. Just ask him to come into
your life and receive His perfect peace, love and joy.
Crowd 2: Tell you what Reverend!! I’d “LOVE” to take a PEACE” of that Jap Captain with his
own sword by sticking it where the sun doesn’t shine. That would give me real
“JOY”.
Go tell some other suckers Reverend. You’re interrupting our dinner.
Other discouraging remarks from the crowd are given as they wander off the stage
RV hangs his head in disappointment but Ah Cheng comes close to his ear.
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ACh: Thank you (he runs off but pauses as he sees Cui Fen. They smile at each other and
exit left and right)
Curtain drops and RV stands in front on podium whilst scene change behind.
RV is left on his own. He gets off his podium and raises his arms and head to heaven
RV: My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me? Three years here and not a single
soul have I brought to You. Lord. Please show me the way.
RV Exits and BLACKOUT
.
Act 1 - Scene 2 – Augustine’s Revelation.
The room at RV’s house has a single bed in one corner and a simple cross decorating
the wooden wall. RV enters and kneels before it.
RV Father, forgive my discouragement earlier in the market place. I so want to serve
you well and I feel so ashamed that in the three years since I arrived I haven’t
managed to bring anyone to the foot of your cross. People mock me and laugh at
your message and sometimes I think the cross I have to bare is just too heavy.
2. Song – Your Cross
Harp intro.
RV The cross, I have to bare
Is to take Your news and share.
I struggle every day and then
I face the nights without a friend.
How I wonder how and when my life
Will get much better.
Chorus
So I close my eyes in prayer
Knowing that You’re always there
Listening to me weep and moan and pine.
And suddenly I realise
As I see Your face and behold your eyes.
That the cross that You carried was heavier,
Was much heavier than mine.
Verse 2
The cross I have to bare
Is to love and give and care.
No one gives me gratitude
They laugh at me and are so rude
I try to stay in graceful mood yet still,
It’s so frustrating.
Chorus
So I close my eyes in prayer
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Knowing that You’re always there
Listening to me weep and moan and pine.
And suddenly I realise
As I see Your face and behold your eyes.
That the cross that You carried was heavier,
Was much heavier than mine.
Verse 3
The cross You had to drag
Would have made a mountain sag.
The sins of every human soul
Were carried on that wooden pole
Which added to Your painful toll
Of saving us forever.
Chorus.
So I close my eyes in prayerKnowing that You’re always there
Listening to me weep and moan and pine.
And suddenly I realise
As I see Your face and behold your eyes.
That the cross that You carried was heavier,
Was much heavier than mine.
Spoken
Thank you Lord… Thank you so much for protecting me.
He gets up and climbs into bed and the lights dim. He falls asleep and a figure dressed all in whiteappears behind his bed.
3. Song – Sleep My Friend
God: Sleep my friend.
Rest in my bosom
For your time is coming
And here’s what you must do.
There is a task that needs achieving
And by me you have been chosen
Two good men, alike in dignity and pride.
Whose friendship has been frozen.
Through my words and through my life
You must undo this strife
Bring peace to those who hate
And through forgiveness wipe the slate
Clean and make it whole once more.
Tomorrow will come to you a man
With a pure and loving heart but not for me
As yet, but for his wife to be.
And you will help him see the answer
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That because and through my birth
Peace will reign once more upon this earth
And upon his family.
Take up your cross again.
The path will not be easy.But I will be there by your side to hold your hand and help you ride
The storm before the calm.
Sleep my friend.
Rest in my bosom.
For your time is coming.
And you know what you must do.
Remember:
I’ll always be your friend.
BLACKOUT
Act 1 - Scene 3 – Andy’s Scene
Andy: So despite all his suffering and rejection it looks like there is hope for the Reverend.
Actually there’s hope for all of us, including me, so onwards and upwards as they
say. Do you remember that earlier, I promised to tell you a little bit more about
myself?
Well I’m here in Perak because just like our Chinese friends I heard about the boom
in Malaya.
My early years here were really hard. Until, I found out that the locals thought I was
crazy and took pity on me.
Why? Well let me tell you about it.
Andy is joined on stage by two Indian ladies wearing salwar kameez and two Indian
men wearing kurta pajamas.
4. Song- I Eat My Roti In My Dhoti
(Sitar intro)
Freely I grew up in a life quite suburban.
Just my parents and me, and my turban.
From a very good caste, for the army I passed
And went off to fight Zulus in Durban.
As a soldier I never knew fear.
Won medals whilst in the Kashmir
But a bayonet with one jab, got me in the Punjab
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And from then on, my life was quite…… queer?
quicker
I developed certain habits, like speaking French to rabbits,
Reciting Shakespeare backwards to annoy.
But the habit they all laugh atWhen they stare at me on my mat
Is the one I’ve had since I was just a boy.
Chorus
I eat my roti in my dhoti
Though my beard is kind of goatee
And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.
I eat my roti in my dhoti and I
Really am a devotee
Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.
The ladies they can eat their peas,
The men can eat bananas
While dressed in their salwar kameez
Or men, kurta pajamas.
I can eat my curry in a suit
Or biryani, even fruit
While dressed up to the nines without a care
But the one thing I will always do
Even if it bothers you
Is eat my roti in my dhoti. So there.
Spoken whilst they all dance.
You know people have always laughed at that habit, especially as I came from a very
good family. But here in Perak where people are so kind, it really has helped me live
a good life and get on with ease…. With Chin..ease, with Japan…ease and with
Malay…ease.
Sung
I travelled round India’s streets
Telling stories and ditties so sweet.
In Chennai and Calcutta,
They called me a nutter.
For eating while dressed in a sheet.
In Delhi, well those time were fun days
Got paid and took time off on Sundays.
But in Hyderabad, they declared me quite mad.
For munching chapattis in undies.
I soon got so tired of the mocking
For employment on doors started knocking
Got a job in Sumatra to sing like Sinatra.
After each of the following lines the other 4 Indians groan and shake their heads
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I’ve Got You Under my Turban.
Oh you beautiful dhal you great big beautiful dhal.
You’re untouchable in every way.
You make me feel sotong.
Chapati’s over. It’s time to call it a day.
But eating half dressed they found shocking (or was it my singing?)
And I still
Chorus
Eat my roti in my dhotiThough my beard is kind of goatee
And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.
I eat my roti in my dhoti and I
Really am a devotee
Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.
The ladies they can eat their peas,
The men can eat bananas
While dressed in their salwar kameez
For men, kurta pajamas.
I can eat my curry in a suit
Or biryani, even fruit
While dressed up to the nines without a care
But the one thing I will always do
Even if it bothers you
Is eat my roti in my dhoti. So there.
Now in Perak I make a good living
The people are kind and forgiving
They share out their food and are never too rude
And even help out with the singing.
He starts to sing the chorus but the others don’t join in
Spoken I Said
Sung Even help out with the singing!
Chorus: He eats his roti in his dhoti
Andy: Though my beard is kind of goatee
Chorus: And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.
Chorus: He eats his roti in his dhoti
Andy: And I really am a devotee
Chorus: Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.
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Ladies: We can always eat our peas,
Men: And we can eat bananas
Ladies: While dressed in our salwar kameez
Men: Or our kurta pajamas.
Andy: I can eat my curry in a suitOr biryani, even fruit
Chorus: While dressed up to the nines without a care
But the one thing he will always do
Andy: Even if it bothers you
Chorus: Is eat his roti in his dhoti.
Andy: My dhoti’s kind of noti but
Chorus: He’ll eat his roti in his dhoti.
Andy: So there!
BLACKOUT
Act 1 – Scene 4
(Stage right) Ah Chong is sitting at home with his daughter, Cui Fen next to him. (Stage left) Ah Ming
is also at home sitting with his son, Ah Cheng. Dusty spotlights come up on both pairs. We hear
crickets chirping in the background and the moon is overhead. Cricket chirping dies out as music
starts with a single violin.
5. Song - Once I Had a Friend
Cui Fei: Papa. You never told me what happened between you and Ah Chong. Mama says
you used to be friends but now you never even speak to each other.
ACh: Dad. Why do you hate Ah Ming so much? He must have done something really
terrible to you. What was it?
AM: You’re right. Perhaps it’s time you knew the truth.
AC: Well, it all started a long, long time ago.
AM: Once I had a friend.
He was like no other.
I walked with him to school each day.
Loved him as a brother.
AC: He wiped my tears when I fell down.
He always smiled and never frowned.
He rescued me when I nearly drowned.
Both: Yes, he was my friend.
AC: I thought I knew him well.
AM: Thought I knew him better
AC: Than all the friends before or since,
Both: Until I got this letter.
AM: That’s how I found out he’d betrayed my trust.
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AC: He’s the reason that we nearly went bust.
AM: He’s the poison in your drink.
AM: He’s that viper in the sink.
Both: He’s that wolf in sheep’s clothing.
AM: He’s a liar and a cheat.AC: He would steal while you sleep
AM: Everything that you’ve worked for
AC: He would take that and more.
Both: And he stabbed me in the back
Yes he stabbed me in the back.
AC: At first business was good in this land of milk and honey.
AM: We had customers galore, but
Both: Where was all the money?
AC: The coffee shop was full
AM: But the till was dry.Both: Someone was stealing then I found out who and why.
AM: Now I’ll hate him ‘til I die.
AC: Yes I’ll hate him ‘til I die.
AM: Once I had a friend.
I thought that it was Chong
Then Ah Fatt told me the truth
And I knew that I’d been wrong.
AC: Once I had a friend.
I thought that it was MingThen Ah Fatt told me the truth
And that changed everything.
Both: Once I had a friend
But he’s my friend no more.
My friend Ah Fatt has gone to fight
The Japs to end this war.
And yet I still believe
By rolling back the years,
We’d talk again just like before
And wipe away the tears.
Cui Fei: (Spoken)
But Papa, why can’t you and Ah Chong make peace?
ACh: Why can’t you forgive and forget and mend your friendship?
AM: No. It’s too late for that. All those bitter memories.
AC: All that hatred.
Both: No, we can never be friends again.
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AM: Never.
AC: Ever.
AM: But,
AC: Yet….
Both: Once I had a friend.
And I can still remember
The joys we shared, the dreams we dreamed.
Now, no more than embers.
Once I had a friend.
BLACKOUT and curtain
Spotlight on Andy front of curtain
Andy: So there you have it. Two men who were once best friends, divided by the real
culprit and each too proud to find out the real truth. For years Ah Fatt had been
increasingly skimming the takings to fund his ever worsening gambling habit. One
day, he nearly got caught red handed and being so close to being found out, decided
to run away and join the Malay resistance, but not before leaving letters to both Ah
Chong and Ah Ming telling each of them that the other was to blame.
The two former friends fought bitterly and Ah Ming decided to let Ah Chong havethe coffee shop (it was almost worthless by then anyway) and set up shop on his
own directly opposite (as is the Malayan way). As they never spoke again, the real
truth never came out and who would suspect a hero of the resistance anyway?
Act 1 - Scene 5
Front of curtain while scene change behind.
Cui Fen and Ah Chong enter from Stage L and Stage R and come together but both look nervously
around.
CF: I just came to tell you that Papa finally told me what happened between him and
your Dad. It’s awful. How could your Dad do such a thing?
ACh: I’m sorry? You mean your Dad! Mine told me exactly what happened.
CF: No, I mean your Dad.
Both: He was stealing money from the business! (Both pause)
AH FATT! Oh No!
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CF: We have to do something. This feud is destroying both our families and we can only
meet like this in secret.
ACh: I know my love. It’s eating me up too. But what can we do? My Dad’s so stubborn he
won’t even talk about it. Oh how I wish I could hold you in my arms without looking
over my shoulder all the time.
CF: I feel the same. Every time I see you when anyone else is around I have to lower my
eyes because if I look at you I swear my heart will burst. But even if I could get him
to talk he’d never accept it was the war hero Ah Fatt who was stealing. We can’t
prove it anyway. But without finding a way to bring them back together they’ll never
agree to us marrying. We HAVE to find a way.
Both pause to think.
ACh: How about….. no never mind.
CF: What is it?
ACh: No it doesn’t matter. It’s a silly idea.
CF: Ah Cheng please tell me.
ACh: Well you know that missionary chap?
CF: You mean Reverend Vaz?
ACh: Yes him.
CF: Go on.
ACh: Well you know he’s always banging on about this man called Jesus?
CF: Yes. Who doesn’t around here?
ACh: Well he says that this Jesus chap was born to bring peace to everyone and that he’s
got the answer to peace and forgiveness if we believe it.
CF: Yes now I remember. Didn’t he also say something about this Jesus dying for our sins
or something and that he can bring about forgiveness so that we can love our
enemies?
ACh: Are you sure you’ve got that right? It sounds a bit weird to me. Loving your enemies.
What’s the point of having enemies if you can’t hate them? It’s not natural.
CF: Look Ah Cheng. It’s a brilliant idea and anyway what have we got to lose? Even if all
this Jesus stuff doesn’t make sense, Reverend Vaz does seem to be good at solving
conflict. Look what he did yesterday when the Japs came.
ACh: Yes you’re right. I haven’t had the chance to thank him properly for saving me from
the Jap camp anyway so that would give me a good excuse to visit him and pick his
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brains about all this peace and forgiveness stuff. I’ll pop over tomorrow at
lunchtime.
CF: Good luck my darling. I’ll be thinking of you.
They embrace and exit.
BLACKOUT
Act 1 - Scene 6
The next morning, Cui Fen and her friends have gathered together to try on different clothes they’ve
made and cut each other’s hair.
The scene opens with general girly giggling and chatter.
Girl 1 Ever tried wearing your hair in a bun permanently Cui Fei? It suits you and as it looks
like you’ll never be getting married, you should get used to the spinster look.
CF Don’t say that. I’m just not sure if I’ve found the right one yet.
Girl 2 Come on Cui Fei, we all know you’ve got a serious thing for Ah Cheng. He’s only got
to walk by and you turn into jelly.
Girl 3 Dream on girl. Your Papa would rather marry you off to Captain Yashimoto before
he’d let you get within a mile of Ah Cheng and he hates the Japs as much as any of
us.
CF I suppose you’re right. I pray at the temple every day that somehow his dad and
mine can be friends again but the Gods never seem to answer my prayers.
Girl1 But do you love him Cui Fei? Do you really love him?
CF If I could define love, bottle it and sell it, I’d be the richest girl in the world. So do I
love him? Well I know how I feel and that’s all I know.
Girl 2 So. How DO you feel?
6.
Song- Every Part Of Me
CF Freely Well –
Do you remember before the war
That spread that looked so sunny.
Girls (Spoken) Oh yes butter. How we miss that rich taste on our roti.
CF: And do you remember if you left it out in the sun
How it would go all runny?
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Girls Yes, yes.
CF: Well, when I pass Ah Cheng each time
It’s like that, but in my tummy.
Verse Something’s missingBut whenever he is near me,
I’m alive and something grows within me.
A feeling that never can be reasoned
Like butterflies my spirits rise
And I am whole again.
All my life
I’ve always felt quite empty
Through the years
It’s made me feel quite guilty
But lately I’ve realised the answerOnly Ah Cheng can fill me up
And only he can do it.
Waltz tempo He is every part of me
He’s my waking and my sleeping
He’s my right arm, my left arm
My legs and my feet
He’s my laughter and my weeping
He is every part of me
And every part of beingHe’s the wind in the trees
He’s the buzzing of bees
He’s my hearing and my seeing.
When I study
He’s my buddy
Even though he is nowhere in sight
When I feel low
He’s on my pillow
Enchanting my dreams through the night
He is every part of me
And without him I’m just not the same
So if that is love
I thank heavens above
That it’s made me whole again
Girls Dance
When I study
Girls He’s your buddy
Even though he is nowhere in sight
CF When I feel low
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Girls He’s on your pillow
CF Enchanting my dreams through the night
Girl 3 Cui Fei. If I ever get to feel like that about someone, there’s no way I’d let a family
feud get in the way. You’ve got to do whatever it takes to solve this. Think about it.
Girls exit. Curtains drop and CF sings front of curtain
Slower He is every part of me
And without him I’m just not the same
So if that is love
I thank heavens above
That he’s made me whole again.
BLACKOUT
Act 1 - Scene 7 –Reverend Vaz’s house.
We hear Ah Cheng knock on the door
ACh Hello. Reverend Vaz. Is anybody home?
He enters through the unlocked door and sees the cross on the wall. He is looking at it reflectively
when RV enters drying his hands.
RV Good morning young man. What can I do for you this fine day?
ACh (startled) Oh! Sorry Reverend. The door was unlocked and I just came in to….
RV Don’t worry about it. God placed me here in this house and all are welcome. There’s
no need to apologise. So, how can I help you?
ACh Well I…. I mean…. It’s just that……..
RV You want advice about how to get your father to make peace with Ah Ming. Is that
right?
ACh Well I… How on earth did you know that?
RV Let’s just say that I too have a father, although not of this earth and he, shall we say,
let’s me in on certain things.
ACh (blurting out) Oh Reverend Vaz. You’re so wise and kind and if only you knew what I
was going through with all this bitterness with our families. Please help.
RV I’ll do my best. Now. Where to start?
Let me ask YOU a question. Is there someone in your life whom you love very much?
ACh Yes Reverend there is. And I think you know who.
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RV Yes I do. But tell me. If Cui Fei hurt you by say not seeing you again or by saying
something bad about you, would you still love her? Or would you hate her?
ACh That’s easy. I’ll always love her and always forgive her no matter what she did. I
could never hate her.
RV So you recognise that it’s possible for someone to do wrong to us and still love and
forgive them?
ACh Yes I suppose so. But this situation between our two fathers has gone way beyond
that. It’s just too big.
RV Is it? You’ve heard me talk about Jesus haven’t you?
ACh Yes but I’m sorry to say I haven’t paid much attention to it before.
RV Well Jesus was mocked, beaten, tortured and executed in a terrible way by soldiersand he still loved and forgave them all. And, because he was the son of God, when
he died he not only forgave and loved his executioners, he forgave all of us,
including those who were to come after for every wrong thing they ever did or
would do. He loved us all then and he loves us all now. That’s why God sent him
down to earth to be born, live and die among us and his pain and suffering was a
little bit bigger than some suspicions over a coffee shop don’t you agree?
And Ah Cheng, if we practise Jesus’s teaching of love and forgiveness then peace is
the natural result. It’s not easy but with the help of Jesus you can do it. All you have
to do is ask for His help.
ACh I think I understand what you mean Reverend but isn’t the purpose of having
enemies to hate them? I mean where would we all be if we let people hurt us all the
time and get away with it?
RV We’d be at peace Ah Cheng. Isn’t that what you and every person in Malaya wants
right now, quite apart from your own family squabble?
ACh Hmmm (Still looking unsure)
RV Tell you what. Let me give you an example. Have you heard of Joseph?
ACh I know Joseph Green who used to be the British area commissioner around here
before the war.
RV No. This Joseph lived thousands of years ago in the time of ancient Egypt. Tell you
what. You can help me out. Just pretend to be Joseph as I tell you the story.
ACh OK. Sounds like fun
As RV sings, the chorus and others act out the characters in the story in mime as ACh
plays Joseph complete with multi-coloured coat.
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7. Song – Joseph.
Chorus Now hear the tale of an upright male
Who had so many woes.
But just like you
He’ll make it throughAnd this is how it goes.
(Spoken) Go Reverend! Go!
Chorus (Sung) Doo Wa! Doo Wa! Doo Wa!
RV Joseph was a boy in the land of Israel
Chorus Oo Wa!
RV His daddy was Jacob and his Mum was Rachel
Chorus Oo Wa!
RV He had eleven siblings every one another boyChorus Oo Wa!
RV But Joseph was his daddy’s pride and joy
He got a coat.
Chorus He got a coat
RV A coloured coat
Chorus A coloured coat
And the coat was from his dad
And it made his brothers mad
They were filled with jealousy
And so they zealously
All Gave him a really hard time.
RV Then he had a dream
Concerning sheaves of wheat.
Where all his brothers sheaves
Were bowing at his feet.
And when the dream was done
He had another one
In which the moon and sun
(Which they thought was dad and mum)
All Also bowed down as one.
RV (Spoken) Oh dear! That was not a good idea!
(Sung)This drove his brothers quite insane
So much they wanted Joseph slain
But they threw him in a pit instead
And told their dad that he was dead
But they changed their minds and sold him
To a man called Potiphar.
Then stained his coat with blood of goat
All And gave a piece to Pa!
Now God He favoured Joseph
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Who became a rising star
In the household of the Pharaoh
And his Captain Potiphar
But the Captain’s wife was naughty
And wanted Joseph’s kisses.But he turned her down
And with a frown said
ACh “No! You’re my bosses missus”
Faster As he fled in strife
To save his life
She grabbed his sleeve
As he tried to leave
And he lost his coat to the wife.
Who said to hubby.Potiphar’s Wife “Darling! Joseph tried to rape me, snarling!”
RV So Joseph went to jail
All Without being granted bail.
Chorus Doo Wa! Doo Wa! Doo Wa!
RV Now Pharoah had a dream one summer night
Chorus Oo Wa!
RV And the dream he had gave him quite a fright.
Chorus Oo Wa!
RV No one could understand it,The meaning of his dreams
Chorus Oo Wa!
RV ‘Til someone said young Joseph
Can tell you what it means.
Pharoah Seven thin cows
Chorus Seven thin cows
Pharoah Ate seven fat cows
Chorus Ate seven fat cows
Pharoah And seven sheaves of corn
Eating seven bigger ones
ACh “It means seven years of plenty
Then seven years quite empty”
All That’s what Joseph told him it meant.
RV Now Joseph grew in stature
And stored up all the grain
But his family back in Canaan
They searched for food in vain.
So Jacob sent out ten,
His sons, all sturdy men
In search of food again
In Egypt’s land. But Ben,
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He wasn’t one of them.
But Joseph said that they were spies
And the brothers did not recognise
Young Joe and Joe said
ACh “Go get BenWhile one will stay. You. Simeon!”
RV Then they returned as they were told
And left with gold and food.
But Joseph hid a silver cup
And had the men pursued.
He decided to release them
But kept back Benjamin
The brothers pleaded saying for their Dad
It would be too much for him.
RV Judah told him
Judah “I will trade my life for that of Ben”.
RV Joseph cried and revealed himself
Saying he forgave the men.
And so they moved to Egypt
His family and his dad.
And Joseph lived a long life
Just like his father had.
So you see my son, forgiveness
Can help us to release
All The hatred and the bitterness
And live with all in Peace.
ACh I think I’m starting to get it now Reverend. After all the bad things that Joseph’s
brothers had done to him and even though he could have had them all put to death,
he chose to forgive them so he could be with his family and those he loved once
more.
RV That’s right Ah Cheng. Unfortunately, not everyone who came after Joseph was so
forgiving. That’s why God eventually decided to make the biggest sacrifice possible
as I told you earlier, by sending His son Jesus down to us to die for our sins so we
could learn to love and forgive.
As normal men it’s very difficult to have the courage to forgive and make peace with
those who’ve hurt us. Try and explain all this to your dad and if you feel nervous, or
the words won’t come out properly, just close your eyes and silently ask Jesus to
help. He’s never failed me and He won’t fail you either.
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To help you remember, here’s something for you (he hands ACh the wooden cross
from around his own neck). Wear it around your neck or hold it in your hand to
remind you that Jesus is always with you.
ACh Thank you so much Reverend. I’ll talk to my Dad but to be honest, I’m not looking
forward to it.
RV I understand. But be bold, walk upright and trust in the Lord in all things and I
promise you, everything will fall into place just as you wish it.
And by the way. Please give your wife to be my kindest regards.
ACh My wife to b…..? Oh, yes (he blushes). Thanks Reverend.
ACh exits.
RV (Looking upwards with hands spread) Well, it’s up to You now.
BLACKOUT and Curtain
Act 1 - Scene 8 – The Death
Cui Fei enters, skipping lightly along and humming. We here the strains of “The
Rising Sun” in the background and as the curtain rises a Japanese patrol is marching
into the town.
CF (Under her breath) Oh goodness, I’d better get home.
Cpl Issaki You there! What are you doing wandering around here on your own?
CF I’m er just on my way home. Please let me get on my way.
Guard 2 What’s the rush? Doesn’t a pretty thing like you want to spend time with a
handsome Japanese soldier? Come here. I haven’t touched a woman in months.
CF No! Please leave me alone. I haven’t done anything wrong. Just let me go home.
Cpl Issaki You don’t need to do anything wrong. We own you and everyone in this town and
country so get over here right now you Chinese piece of trash.
(He grabs her roughly and CF screams)
Guard 2 Guess it’s your turn anyway Issaki. Come on men, back to camp. We’ll see you later
Issaki. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! (They all laugh leeringly)
The rest of the patrol exit leaving Issaki with one hand grabbing CF’s neck whilst he
goes to undo his trousers. CF is weeping in terror and pleading to be left alone.
ACh enters Stage left on his way back from RV’s house and sees the scene.
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ACh (Screaming) What’s going on? Get off her you animal.
Cpl Issaki Get out of here boy and mind your business or I’ll cut you AND her to pieces.
ACh Leave her alone. You can’t do this.
Cpl Issaki Can’t? CAN’T? In the name of the Emperor I can do ANYTHING I want so vanish NOW
you scum.
ACh No!! (ACh runs at Issaki who takes his hand off his trousers and whilst still holding CF
by the arm draws his pistol with his other hand. ACh grabs his pistol hand and Issaki
lets go of CF. The two men struggle and with ACh’s back to the audience we here a
gun shot. ACh jumps back and we see Issaki clutching his blood covered chest. Issaki
drops to his knees, in his hand the wooden cross he has wrenched from ACh’s neck
during the struggle. Issaki collapses and dies.
Ah Cheng stands transfixed at what he has just done. CF grabs his arm.
CF Come on! We need to get out of here RIGHT NOW!
After a pause, ACh runs off with CF dragging his arm.
Almost immediately the Japanese patrol sprints on to the stage led by Captain
Yashimoto. He sees Issaki lying on the floor clutching his chest.
CY (Shouting) Who committed this terrible crime against our Emperor?
CY’s eyes fall to the ground and he sees the wooden cross in Issaki’s hand. Bending
down, he takes it from Issaki and stands. In the spotlight he stares at the cross with
hatred.
CY The missionary!
He clenches the cross in one hand and raises both fists to the sky.
8. Song – Yashimoto Swears Revenge
CY (Singing recitative
Dramatically and vengefully) Reverend Vaz!!!
You’re God will not save you now
We will crucify you upside down.
The Imperial Japanese Army
WILL BE AVENGED!!!!
Thunder and lightning ensues and the end of the Act is signified with a massively loud gong.
BLACKOUT
END OF ACT ONE
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ACT TWO
Entr’acte
Act 2 – Scene 1
Curtain up
The townspeople are lined up on either side of the stage kneeling down with their faces to the floor.
In the centre stands the Japanese Patrol with Captain Yashimoto at the front.
9. Song – The Sun Has Risen
Soldiers The sun has risen now
All Asia now will bow.
Freeing you from colonial powers
And over everything our Emperor’s presence towers.
The sun has risen here
This country’s ours so fear.
Crushing foes in his mighty name.The Emperor, the rising sun are just the same.
He is the mighty slayer.
For him we rule Malaya
Kneel before him and bow your heads
Disobey this and you all will end up dead.
CY recit Many thousands of years ago when the sun was made.
From the heat and the flames there leapt a God
And he became man to rule us
And through the countless generations of his ancestorsOur beloved Emperor reigns today
Our Emperor Hirohito!
Soldiers Our Emperor Hirohito
He is the risen sun
Our people act as one
We worship him and do his will
And he will make our nation even stronger still.
The sun is here to stay
So pay respect today
Do as you’re told and you may live
Imperial Japanese no we do not forgive.
The sun has risen now
All Asia now will bow.
Freeing you from colonial powers
And over everything our Emperor’s presence towers.
The sun has risen here
This country’s ours so fear.
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Crushing foes in his mighty name
The Emperor, the rising sun are both the same.
The Emperor, the rising sun are both the same.
The Emperor, the rising sun are both the same.
Music fades.
CY That was just a little explanation as to why your friends in Great Britain and America
can NEVER win this war. We have divine right on our side and our Emperor is a living
God, whereas your Gods are all dead. So you’d better get used to the idea of being
under our rule.
Now. GET TO YOUR FEET. ALL OF YOU! He takes his pistol out and randomly shoots
one of the townspeople dead.
That is going to happen again and again each and every minute. Earlier today,
someone here committed a terrible atrocity against the Japanese Imperial army.
One of my most trusted men, a man who has brought no harm to anyone was
murdered in cold blood right here in this town.
Fortunately, unlike other occurrences, we know EXACTLY who carried out this crime.
You are here with us now. But instead of just arresting you right this minute, I want
to see just what you’re made of, given the character of the person who did it. So you
have exactly (he looks at his watch) 32 seconds to step out of line and give yourself
up or another of your friends will be shot.
All look around at each other in terror. Ah Cheng takes a big breath and starts to
step forward but RV puts his hand across him and steps forward himself.
RV It was I Captain Yashimoto.
CY Of course it was, Reverend Vaz. I knew that all along. Tell me, aren’t you going to let
us know what prompted such a holy man as yourself to carry out such a brutal
crime?
RV No Captain. A sin is a sin. I don’t believe it would make much of difference to my
sentence anyway would it so please, just shoot me now and spare these innocent
people.
CY You’re correct Reverend but I have no intention of shooting you now. I want to see
you suffer. I want to see you squeal in terror. I want to see the blood drain from
your face when you realise your God has abandoned you and the look on your face
as you realise that the only true God is our beloved Emperor. You will die as your so
called God Jesus died but in even worse agony. It could be today, or tomorrow or
the next day. But you will suffer in the waiting I promise you.
RV As you wish Captain.
CY Men, escort the prisoner back to Batu Gajah.
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Risen Sun music fades in again. As CY reaches stage exit he turns to the townspeople.
Let this be a lesson to all of you and know you all where divine power really lies.
Townspeople exit dejected.
Act 2 - Scene 2
Curtain with ACh in front.
10. Song – What Have I Done?
Ah Cheng’s dilemma Reprise of middle part of ”Once I had a Friend”
and “Every Part of Me”
What have I done that I can live again?
He took my place but he is innocent.
I’m the one who’s to blame.
How can I live in shameKnowing he died in my place?
I must do what is right.
I must do what is right.
I must give myself up now.
I must go right away.
But I’m frightened all the same.
Yes I’m frightened all the same.
How can this man
Who hardly even knows meTake my place
For killing that Issaki?
I didn’t, but now I understand it,
The sacrifice God made for us
So we could learn to love.
But I am young
And have my life before me.
I can marry
And live my life with Cui Fei.
Have children and build a loving family.
But if I hold my tongue, he dies
And Jesus died for nothing.
He’s now every part of me
He’s my waking and my sleeping
He’s my right arm, my left arm
He’s my legs and my feet
He’s my laughter and my weeping
He is every part of me
And every part of being
He’s the wind in the trees
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He’s the buzzing of bees
He’s my hearing and my seeing.
Now I know.
And even though it pains me.
I must goAnd free the man who saved me.
Or I cannot face the world each morning.
Though born again and whole again
I must meet Jesus soon.
Music fades, curtain up and Ah Cheng moves across to be with his dad in darkness stage left.
Act 2 - Scene 3
Spotlight Stage right on Ah Ming and Cui Fei
AM. Well well, the Reverend Vaz. Who'd have thought it? I wonder what on earth got
into the fellow. Well he's certainly got a new respect from me I can tell you.
CF. Papa it wasn't the Reverend Vaz. He was just taking the blame. I know. I was there. It
was Ah Cheng. He was trying to.......
AM. Ah say no more. That makes much more sense. That vicious little toad just like his
father if you ask me. Got one our people killed too, no conscience that......
CF (Screaming) PAPA STOP IT!!! Issaki was trying to rape me. Ah Cheng tried to stop
him and the gun went off by accident. I swear to you.
AM. Why on earth would he risk himself to save you? You know there's no love lost
between our families.
CF. Because Papa he's in love with me.
AM. Well that's not surprising, you’re turning into a very beautiful woman. I wouldn't be
surprised if half the men in this town were falling all over you.....
CF. And, Papa. I love him.
AM. WHAT? You? Him? The son of that snake?
CF. Papa, if it wasn't for Ah Cheng I could be dead right now or worse. He saved my life
Papa.
AM. But he's.... I mean that he's...... I always thought that...... you know. Oh God I'm
finding it very difficult to deal with this. NO I Can't allow it!
Cut to stage left .
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AC. Strangest thing that. Reverend Vaz killing that Jap. Unbelievable. Oh well this war
has thrown up so much, nothing surprises me anymore.
ACh. It wasn't Reverend Vaz Dad, it was me.
AC. What? You? How? What's going on?
ACh. Issaki was trying to do something terrible to Cui Fei and I had to stop him.
AC. What that tramp? Don't be ridiculous. She was probably begging for it. I mean
you've only got to look at her. And remember who's daughter she.......
ACh. SHUT UP DAD!
AC. What did you say? How dare you speak to me like tha......
ACh. I said shut up Dad and don't ever speak about Cui Fei in that way again.
AC. Why? what's she to you? She's a nothing.
ACh I love her Dad.
AC. Now you really are crazy.
ACh. And she loves me.
AC. NO. This cannot happen. I forbid it.
ACh. You can't forbid a feeling Dad and anyway there's no way we can be together now.
AC. Good. Glad to see you've come to your senses boy.
ACh. Oh no Dad. I love her and I always will but I can't allow Reverend Vaz to take the
punishment for something I did. It's wrong. I have to give myself up to Captain
Yashimoto.
AC. No son, please don't do that. You know what will happen. Please. I mean Reverend
Vaz is a lot older than you and you've got your whole life in front of you. You can't
do this. It will break mine and your mother's heart.
ACh. Dad, I have to.
AC. No... I Mean.... Ah yes... isn't that his job to make sacrifices just like his boss that
Jesus chap did. To be a martyr. Yes. yes that's it. You wouldn't want to deny the
Reverend his ultimate job satisfaction would you. It would be so selfish.
ACh. That's exactly the point Dad. Reverend Vaz was explaining to me earlier about loving
and forgiving our enemies and I thought I'd got it. But it wasn't until he stepped
forward just now to take the blame for what I did that I REALLY got it.
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Reverend Vaz hardly knows me and isn't even family yet he showed his love for me
and, even you if you think about it, by offering to die in my place for MY sin. I can't
let that happen Dad.
AC. But if he's got the strength to go through with it.........?
ACh. No Dad. He draws tremendous strength from God but he's not Jesus. Jesus died for
ALL our sins so that we might love one another and forgive our enemies. I WON'T let
Reverend Vaz die in my place. That would be a deliberate sin and to me, now that
I've finally got it, it’s just not an option.
Dad. I love you, I love mum and I love Cui Fei. I know you'll all be sad but I must do
the right thing. Maybe Dad, after I've gone, you also can do the right thing and
forgive Ah Ming and become friends again.
AC. NO! I cannot......
ACh. You can dad. I know you want to. I want you to and so does Cui Fei. If I can do the
right thing dad, even though it will probably cost me my life, then surely you can
too. I promise, you will feel a whole lot better when you have.
AC. Well..... I....... I don't ........
ACh I have to go now dad. I need to tell Cui Fei and be on my way. Remember dad.
Sung Once you had a friend
And he can be again.
Spoken Forgive him dad. Forgive him. For my sake.
ACh exits and two spotlights fall on AM and AC stage left and right.
11. Song – He Loves Her (and She Loves Him)
AM He loves her, my daughter
And she loves him
What a sacrifice to offerI always thought that he was scum.
Now I’m more confused than ever
Than I was when it begun.
AC She loves him, my son
And he loves her.
That he put himself in danger
For that girl I thought was trash.
Now I’m more confused than ever.
Maybe, just maybe I was rash.
AM & AC How can the child of one I hate
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Love my child, so young?
I thought that love could never conquer all.
Maybe I was wrong.
Music continues quietly and spotlights dim slightly on AM and AC. ACh and CF meet downstage
centre. ACh looking sad but determined.
CF You’ve decided haven’t you?
ACh Yes. I really have no choice.
CF begging But you do, you do. I can’t bare it if you die. Please don’t go.
ACh You have no idea how much I want to stay but I can’t. Don’t you see Cui Fei, if I let
Reverend Vaz die for something I did I can never be truly happy again. Every time I
see a sunrise it will be stained with his blood and every time I look at our children I’ll
see the Reverend’s face staring back at me. I’m truly terrified but inside me now Ihave a new strength which comes from God Himself. And with that strength I must
do what is right, no matter what it takes. So although you’ll probably never see me
again, in my absence you’ll remember the man who had the courage to do right and
not live with the coward.
I have to go now, but please always remember.
Singing I’ll love you forever.
CF And I’ll love you too.
ACh We’ll meet again one day I promise.
CF My love for you will always grow.Both One last kiss so we remember.
ACh Now….. I must go.
They hold hands one last time and gradually let the grip fall away as ACh exits.
CF Screaming NO!!!!!! ACh CF fall to the floor weeping hysterically. Music dramatically heightens.
Spotlight on AM and AC comes up again.
AM & AC How can the child of one I hate
Love my child, so young?
I thought that love could never conquer all.
Maybe I was wrong.
Music heightens again in intensity. AM & AC turn to face each other and start to walk towards centre
stage. They halt, look at each other then slowly walk towards each other and embrace. Music
reaches climax with CF still prostrate on the floor as AM & AC hug.
BLACKOUT
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Act 2 - Scene 4 – The Prison
RV is sitting down on the floor in his cell reading his Bible. CY enters stage right and stands over him.
CY Well Reverend. I must say you look rather relaxed given your situation. Aren’t you
terrified of what’s going to happen to you today or tomorrow, or the next day?
RV No Captain. You see I have learned the secret of being content in any and every
situation.
CY You’re quite mad. I’ve never heard such nonsense come out of anyone’s mouth
before.
RV Well they’re not my words Captain but those of St Paul who was in a rather similar
situation. Here, take a look (RV offers CY his bible).
CY No thank you. But I am curious. I always thought that it was us Japanese who were
the only ones who never felt fear. Have you studied our culture?
RV No Captain. You see I forgive you for what you are going to do to me. That
forgiveness comes from God and it puts inside me an almost supernatural calmness
which I cherish and which at times like this is indispensable.
CY What? Forgiveness? I don’t want your forgiveness. I will not allow it. You must hate
me. It is your right!
RV Fortunately Captain there are some things which escape even your power to control
and forgiveness is one of them. Let me tell you why.
12a. Song- I Always Have a Friend – Reprise
I’ve always had a friend.
He is like no other.
He walks with me throughout the day.
Loves me as a father.
He wipes my tears when I am down.
He always smiles and never frowns.
He cares for me, never lets me drown.
Yes, Jesus is my friend.
So Captain I forgive you
CY I don’t want your forgiveness
RV You know not what you do.
CY I know exactly what I’m doing.
RV I must love my enemies
CY What?
RV Which, Captain includes you.CY No you must hate me, MUST hate me.
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CY We are two foes on either side
So one must win and one must die
There is no room for pious pride
Forgiveness is no friend
Both And so I still believe
RV That love and peace will win
CY The mighty will win
RV And through God’s son
CY The Emperor Sun
Both A new peace will begin.
Music continues quietly.
CY Nice try Reverend. But the fact is, you are the jailed and I am the jailer so clearly all
your talk of peace, love and forgiveness has and will get you nowhere. The mighty
and the powerful always have and always will triumph.
RV You are so right there Captain.
ACh enters stage right.
ACh Captain Yashimoto. I have to come to tell you that you arrested the wrong man. It
was I who killed Corporal Issaki. It was an accident. He was trying to rape Cui Fei and
when I tried to stop him his gun went off by mistake.
So you can let the Reverend go now.
CY Well well. How noble. I really don’t know who to believe and even if you are the
culprit, the Reverend here is guilty of withholding evidence. With both of you dying,
your friends in town will know never to try anything like this again. You Reverend, if
your friend here is telling the truth, can hammer the nails into his hands and feet
yourself and then I’ll decide what to do with you. But whatever your fate, I’ve now
decided. Tomorrow will be the day for both of you.
You young man can stay in this cell with your friend as you seem to think so highly of
him.
CY exits. (Muttering) Peace, love, forgiveness.. Ha!
RV Ah Cheng. Why on earth did you give yourself up? You’ve got your whole life in front
of you and I probably only have a few more years on this earth.
ACh Well, I guess it was sort of your fault Reverend.
RV My fault? I don’t understand.
ACh I think you do. In fact I know you do. It’s because….
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12b. Song- Now I Have a Friend – Reprise
ACh Now I have a friend
RV Now you have a friend?
ACh My Father and my Master
RV The Father and the Master.ACh To guide my steps
RV And lead us true
Both Now and ever after.
Now I (I’ll always) have a friend.
Blackout
Act 2 - Scene 5 – The Surrender
The following afternoon. The townspeople are sitting drinking tea and looking sad. AC, AM and CF
are also sitting together and talking quietly, heads down. Slow music in the background.
Andy. Well. I suppose that's it. Although safe in the arms of Jesus, Ah Cheng and the
Reverend Vaz were executed and died gruesomely and in terrible agony and Ah
Ming, Ah Chong, Cui Fei and the rest of the townsfolk lived miserably ever after.
No. Hang on a minute. Something's not quite right here. What kind of a story teller
would I be if I let that happen? Well who'd pay me for one thing and for another,
haven't you all heard of God's perfect timing?
A church bell is heard faintly in the background and increases in volume. A young boy rushes onto the
stage waving his arms frantically.
Boy. Listen everybody, listen. Haven't you all heard? The Japanese have surrendered!
Man1. Of course they have. Nice joke.
Man 2. You boy. How did your parents bring you up to be so sick. With Ah Cheng and the
Reverend dying today this is no time for practical jokes.
Boy. No. They have. Really! Come and listen. I think we're in time.
He switches on the radio in the coffee shop and all gather around. President Truman's surrender
acceptance speech is broadcast. Half way through the broadcast, CY and the Japanese patrol quietly
enter in semi darkness and lay their rifles down in front of them.
At the end of the speech all cheer and bubble with excitement.
AM (Shouting) Be quiet all of you! Captain, what about Ah Cheng and the Reverend.
CY. (dejectedly) They were due to be executed this evening but our Emperor has ordered us to cease
hostilities and lay down our arms and he must be obeyed. They will be released
soon. It is also my duty to pass onto you a letter from a former friend of yours. I
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have kept it for some time, never expecting this outcome. He was captured two
years ago during our operations to wipe out the Malay resistance and was sent
north to work on the Burma railway where he died a few months ago. I kept this
letter from you as your family feud served my purpose in keeping your antagonism
against each other rather than us but now. Well now, it no longer serves that
purpose. Here, take it.
CY hands the letter to AC
AM, AC and CF gather around the letter and they and the crowd freezes left in darkness. Spotlight
comes on to CY front stage left who kneels. He is close to tears.
12. Song – How Can This Be?
CY. How can this be?Their God must be greater than mine.
How can this be?
That the sun no longer shines.
I have served you with unswerving loyalty and pride
But surrender has left something missing inside.
How can this be?
I salute you my Emperor God
Now I must shed my blood in shame
A new God has come to this land.
Things will never be the same.I hear you calling me.
Take my hand.
But as I die I still ask the question.
How can this be?
He takes out his samurai sword and plunges it into his stomach, falling to the floor dead. The lights
come up. RV and ACh enter and all move towards the body of CY.
AC. A cruel but noble man. But we forgive you too Captain.
The rest of the guard remove CY's body from the stage and the townspeople exit leaving just RV, AC,
AM, CF and ACh on stage.
AM So. Who’s going to open it then?
CF Maybe Ah Cheng should after all he’s been through.
ACh OK. Here goes.
He opens the letter and starts to read. His voice fades as another voice on the screen (Ah Fatt) takes
over.
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Ah Fatt (spoken) Dear friends, if you can still call me that after you’ve read this letter. If you are
reading this then I am almost certainly no longer alive and in order for you to have received it, one
side or other will probably have won this terrible war. I pray that it is our British and American allies
and not the cruel Japanese who have caused so much suffering. I decided some time ago that I could
not go to my grave without letting you know the terrible injustice I have brought upon you both.
13. Song – Ah Fatt’s Confession
Sung Verse: This is the time
For me to make amends
Though the war divided men,
I divided my friends.
This is the time
For my confession.
I hope that you’ll forgive meAnd put away aggression.
(From Once I Had)
I’m the one who betrayed your trust.
I’m the reason why you nearly went bust.
I was the poison in your drink,
Was that viper in the sink,
Was the wolf in sheep’s clothing.
I was a liar and a cheat.
I would steal while you sleepEverything that you’d worked for
I would take that and more.
And I stabbed you in the back
Yes I stabbed you in the back.
Once I had two friends
So brothers please forgive me.
It’s not too late, throw out the hate
And come together so….
Chorus 1 Peace will reignThroughout all lands and races.
Across the sea, across our earth
Of multi coloured faces.
Stretch out your hand
Forgive all those who hurt you
And love the ones you used to hate
So peace can reign.
Enter towns people and join in
Chorus 2 Peace now reignsAcross Malaya’s land
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All Asia, Europe and beyond
Will join our loving band.
And one man’s birth
Proclaimed this joyous anthem
That all can learn forgiveness so
That peace will reign.
Music continues quietly in the background.
AM So it was Ah Fatt all along.
AC Yes, I never really believed it was you anyway.
AM You sure about that?
AC Well…. Er, may be not a hundred per cent but I am now. Please forgive me for
doubting you. I reckon I’ve got the best buddy in the world and always have had. Iguess I forgot that for far too long.
AM No, it’s you who should be forgiving me and it’s me who’s DEFINITELY got the best
buddy in the world.
AC No it’s me.
AM No I have.
ACh (Laughing) Come on you two, don’t start again.
CF Yes, grow up Papa. Come on, we really should be celebrating.
AC Yes. Good idea --- FREE DRINKS?
AM FREE FOOD?
AM&AC For EVERYONE!!
14.
Song - Finale – The Best Buddy/Family in Town/Peace Can Reign
AM We’ve oodles of noodles
AC White rice and fried rice
AM Delicious siew mai we serve all dai (day)
Both With the best buddy in town.
AC We’ve bi hoon and mee hoon
AM Fried mee and congee
AC Otak otak, fried foo chok
Both And the best buddy in town.
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Both We’re famous all across Malaya
Even royalty come to eat and drink here
So when we become Dato’s now it’s after the war
And people come and ask us what we got them for,
We’ll say it’s ‘cos the Sultan said when he came around
You’re the best buddies in town.
Music continues
RV Spoken Well, it looks like my work is complete here at last. Maybe it’s time I was going
somewhere new where I can help spread the good news.
AM Not so fast Reverend. I think we might have one small task for you before you go if
you don’t mind. (To AC) What do you think? (He winks and whispers in RV’s and AC’s
ear).
AC Well…. I’m not sure I really want to be ACTUALLY related to you but…. What theheck? At least none of us will ever forget this day in a hurry.
RV Gentlemen. I’d be delighted as long as it’s OK with these two young people. CF and
ACh grin broadly and nod vigorously.
AM and AC cross over to CF and ACh respectively and take them by the arm.
Someone rushes on and puts a jacket on ACh and a girl puts a white veil over CF’s
head. AC and AM lead them both to centre stage where AM hands CF over to ACh.
Snippet of wedding music and RV gives the blessing.
RV By the powers invested in me I now pronounce you man and wife. That which God
hath joined together let no one put asunder.
Sung
CF I’m Cui Fei
ACh I’m Ah Cheng
AC I’m Ah Chong
AM I’m Ah Ming
CF&ACh We got married today
All So shout hooray!
For the best family in town.
Chorus Hooray!
CF The world is at peace now
ACh So join us and drink now
AM With joy and goodwill
AC Until you’re full
All 4 With the best family in town.
AC & AM We’re famous all across Malaya
Even Royalty come to pay respects here
AC So when we get our Tan Sri’s now it’s after the war
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AM And people come and ask us what we got ‘em for,
AC & AM We’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around
All 4 You’re the best family in town.
Entire cast assembles on stage.
AM& AC Sing everybody sing. One, two, one two three.
All:They’ve oodles of noodles They’ve Kopi O & Kopi C & Kopi Peng it’s loverly or
White rice and fried rice Kopi Kosong just the trick or maybe try some Teh Tarik or
Delicious SiewMai they serve all dai Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow
They’re the best family in town. And the best family in town.
They’ve Bi Hoon and MeeHoon I’ve orange juice and honeydew & watermelon, got that too
Fried Mee and Congee Lychee soda, mangosteen & soya milk and iced red bean
Otak Otak, Fried Foo Chok Or Lemonade just sweetened up or barley ice or coconut
They’re the best family in town. And the best family in town.
AC & AM We’re famous all across Malaya
Chorus Even Royalty come to pay respects here
AM So when we get our Tan Sri’s now it’s after the war
AC And people come and ask us what we got ‘em for,
AC & AM We’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around
Chorus They’re the best family.
AC He’s my best buddy
Chorus The best family
AM And he’s my best buddy
All They’re the best family!
The best family!
They’re the very, very very, best, best family in TOWN!
The entire cast join hands
Peace will reign
Throughout all lands and races.
Across the sea, across our earth
Of multi coloured faces.
Stretch out your hand
Forgive all those who hurt you
And love the ones you used to hate
So peace can reign.
Peace now reigns
Across Malaya’s land
All Asia, Europe and beyond
Will join our loving band.
And Jesus’ birth
Proclaims this joyous anthem
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That all can learn forgiveness so
That peace will……
Andy Now that’s what I call a happy ending
All REIGN!!!.
THE END
Curtain Call