PROLOGUE
AT RISE: Street corner. A political rally. A burly figure at the microphone,
surrounded by fans with placards: PRESTANOVSKY FOR PRESIDENT;
PUT THE “PREZ” BACK IN PRESIDENT.”
“PRES FOR PREZ” etc.
PRESTANOVSKY
So that’s my platform, folks: Elect Prestanovsky and get yourself a president for the people. Just remember those two letters: PP: President for the People. For every one of the people: old young middle-aged: JOBS! and with jobs what do you get? FOOD on the table; CLOTHES on your back! a ROOF over your head! And with a roof 0ver your head, what do you get? A BED to lie down in! And without a bed to lie down in, what do you get? SWEET DREAMS? You better believe it!
Are you thrashing are you turning
in a narrow bed at night
are you aching are you burning
from a fire that gives no light
Do your arms embrace a pillow
when they reach to touch a cheek
are you weeping like a willow
where your heart has sprung a leak
O all ye broken hearted lovers
Listen up to Prestanovsky
Listen well to what he sez:
if you’re kinky or you’re straight
if you’re homo or you’re lez
he will mend your hearts like
broken cups and saucers
when you vote him in as prez
It’s a promise it’s surefire
he will regulate desire
he will make a law
a law a law a law against
UNREQUITED LOVE
You no longer will remember
sleepless nights and hopeless days
not a cinder not an ember
will remain from that hot blaze
you will be as peaceful as the sheep
in the psalm who safely graze
It’s a promise it’s surefire
he will regulate desire
Hurrah for Prestanovsky
our next PREZ!
STRANGER
Hey, hey! hold on a minute.
PRESTANOVKSY
Who are you and what do you want?
STRANGER
Never mind who I am. I have a question for you.
PRESTANOVSKY
Fire away, Mister. This is Prestanovsky. Happy to answer any question within reason. Questions are the salt of the earth. Where would we be without questions? What time is it? How are you? How much does it cost? That’s an important one. That’s a big one. Too much. Always too much. Under Prestanovsky that’s going to change. Let me tell you –
STRANGER
(interrupting)
How do you intend to deliver?
PRESTANOVSKY
What?
STRANGER
How do you intend to deliver on your promise to cure the lovesick?
PRESTANOVSKY
Simple: I’ll set up a commission of experts, they’ll study the matter, both houses will vote, and there you are!
STRANGER
You’re going to legislate against love?
PRESTANOVSKY
That’s the ticket, Buddy. You heard me. You think I can’t do it?
STRANGER
No. No. Of course you can do it. I have every faith in you. Not only do I believe you can do it. I believe you will do it.
PRESTANOVSKY
So what’s your gripe, fellow.
STRANGER
I don’t think it’s wise.
PRESTANOVSKY
Wise? You want the human race to keep suffering the way it does now? Do you have any idea how much human folly is the product of unrequited love? How much in this world goes wrong, thanks to the miseries of the heart?
WOMAN
My daughter can’t get out of bed. She can’t eat. It’s killing her.
ANOTHER WOMAN
I can’t work. I hate my face in the mirror.
MAN
I lost ten years to that bitch!
MAN
You said it. Love is hell. It’s a great new idea.
PRESTANOVSKY
Listen: the Vox Populi! There you go, folks. Prestanovsky! He’s the first to recognize this burden to the soul. Vote for Prestanovsky!
(to STRANGER)
And you favor the status quo? Com’on, mister. Get smart. Don’t you believe in progress?
STRANGER
Progress?
PRESTANOVSKY
Sure, you know. The wheel. The steam engine. Outer space.
STRANGER
What about the flip side?
PRESTANOVSKY
The flip side?
STRANGER
New and horrible diseases. Destruction of the ecosystem. Nuclear night.
PRESTANOVSKY
You’ll have to excuse me, fellow. I don’t see what the wheel has to do with nuclear night. Now look, I’ve been very patient with you. Ain’t I patient, folks? When Prestanovsky’s prez, everyone will have a voice!
(to STRANGER)
Let’s wrap this up –
STRANGER
Wait. Wait a minute. Think of the consequences of such a policy. It’s …
PRESTANOVSKY
(getting angry)
You heard me. Let’s move on here.
STRANGER
(to crowd: suddenly charismatic and authoritative)
I’ll spell it out. I’ll spell it out so you’ll never forget it.
PRESTANOVSKY
OK, Buster, this has gone far enough! There’s a limit to patience, even for Prestanovsky.
(gesturing to his goons)
You better get moving, or…
VOICE
No, wait! Let him speak! If you really mean that about everyone having their say, let’s find out what he means.
GUARD ONE
(trying to grip the STRANGER’s arm, somehow
can’t manage)
What’s going on here?
(makes another effort, grabs the other
GUARD instead)
GUARD TWO
(jerking free)
Whaddya doin’ to me, Fred. Take it easy.
STRANGER
Look, folks. I’ve got no stake in this election. I just want to tell a story – It’s a good story. You’ll enjoy it. That’s a promise. And I never break a promise.
VOICES
Let him talk. No harm in talking. Give him the floor. I’m for it, etc.
STRANGER
And Mr. Prestanovsky, you’re going to thank me. It’s a promise. And I’ve never made a promise I haven’t kept. If you don’t believe me, I’ll back it up with security –
(removes a stickpin from his tie)
– the arrow is gold, the feathers are diamonds; if you don’t thank me, you can put it in your campaign kitty. How’s that?
PRESTANOVSKY
(biting stickpin and turning it over)
Where do you get an item like this in times like these?
STRANGER
Family heirloom. Is it a deal?
CROWD
Give him the time, Prez.
PRESTANOVSKY
I bet it’s worth…. You know what, folks? You’re the people! You want to hear this guy’s story, be my guest. PP – President for the People! Young middle aged old. That’s the ticket. Go ahead, Mister. The floor is yours.
STRANGER
OK, everyone. Pick a place. Get comfortable. Settle down.
(Blankets and pillows fly in from the wings.
Everyone pulls back to the side of the stage
as lights start to dim.)
Once upon a time in a far away country, there was a king who had a beautiful daughter named…
ACT I
Lights up on a courtyard. The KING and his DAUGHTERS, one petite, one statuesque.
KING
Psyche! Psyche! Where is that girl? New suitors have arrived.
MARY
She won’t be interested.
ANN
She cares no more for one than another.
MARY
She is incapable of love.
ANN
Who are they, Father?
KING
Handsome young men of good family.
ANN
What are their names?
KING
I don’t remember. I see so many of them, the names go in one ear and out the other.
MARY
It doesn’t matter.
ANN
YOu should put your foot down. That’s what fathers are for. If you told her to marry, she’d have to obey you. You’re too soft. I know what you’re thinking: I don’t want to lose her. I won’t be able to look at her until I die. But think how selfish!
MARY
Ann’s right. We can’t get married until she does. But as soon as our suitors look at her, they forget us. All they can think is Psyche Psyche Psyche. Marriage would remove her from sight. Then we’d have a chance too.
ANN
The longer you wait, the more dangerous it gets. DOn’t you want grandchildren, Father?
MARY
YOu have three daughters. Two are being sacrificed to the beauty of the third.
ANN
It isn’t fair.
MARY
It isn’t fair.
KING
It isn’t fair.
ANN
And that’s the least of it. Everyone is so in love with Psyche they have neglected their duties.
MARY
The farmers read her life story instead of plowing.
ANN
And she’s not even old enough to have a life story.
MARY
THe shepherds ie all night dreaming about her instead of watching their sheep.
ANN
The astronauts refuse to leave the earth with Psyche on it.
MARY
Worst of all is what’s happening to the altars of Venus.
ANN
Unfrequented.
MARY
Overgrown with weeds.
ANN
Mute testimony to a dying civilization.
MARY
And there will be trouble in high places.
ANN
You can count on it: Trouble in high places.
MARY
I don’t think Venus will stand for it much longer.
ANN
She is a jealous goddess.
(ENTER two young men, one husky and tall,
one small and wiry)
CHRISTOPHER
We got tired of waiting.
KING
Come in, come in. Let me introduce you to Psyche’s sisters.
ANN
I’m Ann.
MARY
I’m Mary.
JOHN
I’m John.
CHRISTOPHER
I’m Christopher.
ANN
Father, why don’t you see if you can find Psyche?
MARY
Yes, it’s too bad to keep these nice gentlemen waiting.
ANN
(to CHRISTOPHER)
I’m sorry. Her manners are atrocious.
MARY
(to JOHN)
You’ll have to forgive her.
ANN
But we’ll be glad to keep you company until she arrives.
MARY
Do go look for her, Father.
ANN
I think I heard her say she was going to the library.
MARY
You’ll probably find her there reading.
ANN
(to CHRISTOPHER)
She has scholarly interests, you know.
MARY
I pity the man who is married to her.
ANN
She’ll lie in bed at night taking notes. With her glasses on.
MARY
Her eyesight is bad. She’s blind without her contacts.
KING
All right. I’ll go see. My other daughters will be happy to entertain you. They are very accomplished.
ANN
I can sing.
MARY
I can dance.
ANN
Sit down. We will entertain you.
(SHE takes centerstage and sings while
MARY accompanies on the flute)
ANN’S AUBADE
My voice is as pure and clear as the voice of Chanticleer
whose song is herald to the dawn
Ki ri coo coo
Ki ri coo coo
The night with its delights is through
Time to put your shoes & socks back on
My voice is as clear and pure
as a Callas signature
on a coloratura trill
(SHE trills)
Ki ri coo coo
Ki ri coo coo
Whoever lies in bed with who
Mary Jane with Jo, Elaine with Bill
(or Murgatroid with Sue)
Wake up! Wake up!
The day is breaking!
Good heavens, how much time you’re taking
Her ring is on the chiffonnier
Go hook the back of her brassiere
Your wallet’s lying on the chair
Forget the shave but comb your hair
Ki ri coo coo
Ki ri coo coo
It’s time to cease your bill and coo
and heed your Barnyard Balladeer
Chanti – Chanti – Chanti – cleer!
(SUITORS clap politely without enthusiasm)
JOHN
But where is Psyche?
MARY
Possess your souls in patience. She’ll be here soon enough. In the meantime I will perform for you the famous dance that Salome danced to win the favor of Herod Antipas and the head of John the Baptist.
(to JOHN)
Nothing personal. It’s my best number.
(SHE dances while ANN accompanies on the flute. The dance is erotic and threatening. At the end, the SUITORS clap politely without enthusiasm. Enter PSYCHE with KING. Following them at a discrete distance is a COLLEGE OF ASTROLOGERS)
JOHN
Oh, how beautiful!
CHRISTOPHER
Oh, how beautiful!
JOHN
More beautiful than rumor rumored.
CHRISTOPHER
More beautiful than imagination imagined.
ANN
(sotto voce)
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
MARY
Handsome is as handsome does.
PSYCHE
Forgive me for keeping you waiting. We have had terrible news.
KING
Terrible news.
ASTROLOGERS
Terrible terrible news.
PSYCHE
If you had come yesterday, I would have refused you because I don’t love you. Today I must refuse you because I am engaged.
KING
THis college of astrologers –
ASTROLOGERS
Terrible terrible news –
A rare configuration of the stars
The conjunction of Venus and Mars
KING
… informs us that Psyche is demanded in marriage by a monster
who will lay waste to the kingdom if she is not delivered to him by sundown on top of –
(Pointing)
yon high mountain.
ASTROLOGERS
Virgo in the quadrant of the moon
The eclipse of the sun at high noon
CHRISTOPHER
What kind of monster? The world is full of monsters, some more dangerous than others.
JOHN
Yes. You’ve got to be very careful what kind of monster you’re getting mixed up with.
SONG ABOUT MONSTERS
(Christopher and John)
There are old-fashioned monsters who belch smoke and fire
There are newfangled monsters who favor mustaches
uniforms epaulets medals and sashes
these are world class monsters
when you see them coming, woman or man,
run, run for your life as fast as you can
But the monster you really must fear
Is the monster who does not appear
to be a monster as such:
He’s a monster you cannot see or touch –
He doesn’t hole up in a cave or a palace
He isn’t equipped with a beard or a phallus
He’ll give you no warning, woman or man
He’ll ruin your life as fast as he can
Whether you call him newfangled Unconscious
Or dub him old fashioned Sin
He’ll gobble you whole and spit out the bones
then lick his chops and wipe his chin
Oh the monster to fear is the monster you know
and the monster you know is [the monster] within!
KING
Well, this is a one hundred percent monster, that’s all I can tell you. When the astrologers say he’s a monster, it’s a monster.
CHRISTOPHER
(to astrologers)
What’s his name?
JOHN
Yes, what is his name?
ASTROLOGERS
Two stars in the Belt of Orion
Unrest in the Sign of the Lion
KING
You’re not going to get much help from them I’m afraid. But it is folly to ignore them. Their predictions always come true.
PSYCHE
They predicted my birth, to the day and hour.
ANN
And mine.
MARY
And mine.
PSYCHE
I have to go. I don’t want to but I have to.
A SHADOW OF FEAR LIES OVER MY HEART
The day that dawned was bright and mild
The sky was clear as a mirror
But a cloud came sailing sailing sailing
and cast a fearful shadow
over my heart.
I was as carefree as a child
at play in a grassy meadow
when a bird came flying flying flying
and cast a fearful shadow
over my heart.
Goodby, my grassy meadow
Goodby, my clear blue sky
Carefree days are gone from me
My world has gone awry
A phantom terror haunts my mind
Each step I take is unwilling
But my fate is calling calling calling
“do not keep me waiting” –
Though a shadow of fear lies over my heart.
KING My dear, my darling, my own precious heart
PSYCHE My way lies before me I must depart
SISTERS Beauty is never sacrificed in vain…
SUITORS We shall cut out the monster’s heart
SISTERS in vain
ASTROLOGERS Consider the data on Psyche’s chart
SUITORS We shall boil his liver and stew his brain
SISTERS in vain
KING My dear, my darling, my own precious heart
SUITORS And mince his gizzard in a cuisinart
SISTERS in vain
PSYCHE Goodby, goodbye, now our ways part
(as SHE goes off escorted by the
ASTROLOGERS)
ALL Psyche, Psyche, take heart
Heaven preserve you, and see you safe home again
ACT II
Scene i: CUPID’s palace, somewhere on the Mediterranean. Daytime. A glittering blue sea is visible through colonnades. CUPID and PSYCHE are sitting sage right eating breakfast. Throughout this scene, Psyche can see no farther than a foot in front of her.
PSYCHE
Life is full of unexpected reversals. A week ago I was cast up on a naked rock. Today I live in luxury’s lap. A week ago I expected to die. Today I feel immortal. A week ago I had no inkling what love was. Today I cannot live without it. Are you there? Do you hear me?
CUPID
Yes.
PSYCHE
Are you really so ugly?
CUPID
I have blond hair and I am incredibly handsome.
PSYCHE
Then why can’t I have my contacts back?
CUPID
It’s Verboten.
PSYCHE
Who says so?
CUPID
The Powers that Be.
PSYCHE
But why? It makes no sense.
CUPID
Ours is not to reason why. Ours –
PSYCHE
… is but to do or – I didn’t know there was a war on.
CUPID
There is always a war on.
PSYCHE
Oh, why wasn’t I given decent eyes!
CUPID
You were. You see with the eyes of love.
The Eyes of Love
The eyes of love are wide awake
When ordinary eyes are dim
They see what’s wonderful in her, in him,
The eyes of love see through the walls men make.
Look! There goes a harridan
But he who sees with the eyes of love
sees the one he wants to marry
The eyes of love are visionary
They see beneath the skin
Look! there goes an ugly troll
But he who sees with the eyes of love
sees the one she wants to marry
The eyes of love are visionary
They see into the soul
Love is bold and love is daring
Love is no nambypamby simp
Love can see the lady in the whore
and the gentleman in the pimp
O, my darling, O my dear,
Mortal eyes are as good as blind
Their sight is cloudy and unseeing
Love’s eyes alone can see immortal beauty’s being
Immortal beauty’s being
forever far, but always near,
reach out and touch it –
(he touches her)
Look! It’s here.
(they kiss)
PSYCHE
Well, but then there’s what other people see. The servants, for example. I can’t see them either.
CUPID
Neither can I.
PSYCHE
What?
CUPID
They are invisible. Like the wind that brought you here.
PSYCHE
Oh…. But they can see you…
CUPID
Yes.
PSYCHE
And I can’t.
CUPID
(patiently: they have had this conversation
before)
Psyche, I’ll do anything in my power to please you. But that isn’t in my power. If you look at me, the evil consequences will be irreparable. Not only will we lose each other, you will bring a mountain of tribulation down on yourself.
PSYCHE
Well, if I can’t see you, I could at least see my sisters. Let them pay me a visit.
CUPID
Psyche, your sisters are not your friends.
PSYCHE
(not listening)
I want them to know that I’m safe. And happy. And I want my father to know it. They must think I’m dead.
CUPID
All right. I’ll have them brought here. But I warn you: they mean you no good. They are vipers.
PSYCHE
How dare you speak that way about my sisters? Mary is the soul of kindness. So is Ann.
CUPID
You are blind. Believe me, I know them better than you do.
PSYCHE
I’ve lived with them all my life. You haven’t even met them! And who are you anyway? Some stupid voice! You have a nerve!
(SHE gets up in a fit of pique and thrashes around trying to find him. HE dances around teasing her from different directions.)
CUPID
Here I am! Stupid voice! Here I am!
(SHE lunges at his voice each time, while he deftly sidesteps.)
PSYCHE
Oh, I hate you!
CUPID
No, you don’t.
PSYCHE
It isn’t fair.
CUPID
It isn’t fair.
PSYCHE
(SHE sits)
Can I? Can I see them? Can they visit?
CUPID
Yes, but be careful. I’m not joking. Don’t let them turn you against me.
PSYCHE
Nothing could do that.
(FADE OUT)
Scene ii: Same. LIGHTS UP stage left where ANN and MARY are drinking coffee
ANN
It looked different last time.
MARY
I don’t think that lamp was there.
ANN
It wasn’t. The lamp that was there was the one she gave you. It must be a replacement.
MARY
I like this one even better.
ANN
And those screens are new.
(moves closer, takes out a magnifying glass,
examines the painting.)
Masterful!
MARY
(squinting)
Looks mythological. What’s the scene?
ANN
Venus trapped by Vulcan with Mars.
MARY
Tch-tch. Did you remember to bring her contacts?
ANN
Yes.
MARY
Better check your pocket. It was pretty rough riding on that wind. Rougher than last time.
ANN
I know. I’m not looking forward to the trip home.
MARY
Oh, that will be a breeze.
ANN
What makes you think so?
MARY
He doesn’t want us to be here and he’s glad when we leave. Psyche said she had to jump through hoops to get him to let us come back. You heard her. And besides, you can feel it.
(looks around and shivers)
The atmosphere is unfriendly.
(The screen falls over)
You see?
(SHE goes over to place it upright, then stops herself and comes back.)
Oh, let one of those invisible servants do it.
ANN
You don’t think he knows about the contacts?
MARY
No. He’s just generally suspicious. If he knew, he wouldn’t have let us come back. Period.
(The screen rights itself.)
ANN
I’m dying to find out who he is.
(Enter PSYCHE, stage right, carrying tray with fresh coffee and cake. She pauses uncertainly)
Over here, dear!
(As PSYCHE nears the table, the tray is invisibly removed from her hands and set on the table, while the chair is pulled out for her. SHE sits, feeling for the coffeepot with her hand, grabbing it possessively on contact)
PSYCHE
Ann, give me your cup.
(SHE pours, ditto with MARY)
I think I’ll go mad if I can’t start doing things for myself.
MARY
Darling, that’s a beautiful screen. I wish you could see it.
PSYCHE
Do you want it? Take it.
MARY
It might be a little hard to carry.
PSYCHE
Oh, Zephyrus can carry anything. He can carry whole houses. If I ask him, I’m sure he’ll be glad to do it.
MARY
Psyche, are you any closer to finding out who he is?
ANN
Yes, has he told you his name or how old he is or if he plans to marry you?
PSYCHE
I thought we were already married.
MARY
Oh? Who are the witnesses?
PSYCHE
Witnesses?
MARY
Yes. To be married, you must have witnesses.
PSYCHE
I never thought of that.
ANN
He could drop you any minute.
MARY
You really can’t know anything until you see him.
ANN
If he had nothing to hide, why didn’t he court you in the open?
MARY
Because he knew you would refuse him, that’s why.
ANN
That’s why he won’t let you see him.
MARY
That’s why.
ANN
That’s why.
PSYCHE
I can’t answer your questions. But he wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. He loves me. And besides, if I look at his face, I pay a terrible price. I bring down on myself a mountain of tribulation. I told you.
MARY
Threats.
ANN
Conditions.
MARY
And you talk about love!
ANN
What do you know about love anyhow? You’ve spent your whole short life thinking about astronomy and mathematics. You come to it like a lamb to the slaughter.
Sister, Sister
Sister! Sister!
Heed our advice!
The god of love
is not very nice
He’ll burn you with fire
and freeze you with ice
Sister! Sister!
Heed our advice
Love can devour
your heart in a trice
Remember Medea
Dido and Phaedre
They trusted love
and they paid the price
Sister, be careful!
Sister, beware!
Love has a side
that’s hidden from sight
Love has a side
that’s darker than night
Sister, be careful!
Sister, beware!
Love is delusion
Love is a snare
Sister, sister!
Heed our advice
Love is a gamble
against loaded dice
Sister, Sister
Sister, think twice
PSYCHE
But what am I to do?
MARY
(hiding her hands behind her back)
Left or right?
PSYCHE
Oh, I don’t know. Right. I thought you were going to help me.
ANN
We are!
(MARY holds out her hands.PSYCHE bends over very close peering into her palms. SHE gasps.)
PSYCHE
Contacts!
MARY
We found your extra pair.
ANN
They were lying beside the telescope.
(As PSYCHE reaches for them, they are mysteriously knocked out of reach. ANN rescues them and brings them back, protectively handing them to PSYCHE, who slips them down her dress front)
But don’t put them on until its nighttime.
ANN
That way, he can’t possibly notice.
MARY
We’ve figured it all out Wait until he’s asleep and then take a look at him by candlelight.
PSYCHE
I don’t know…
MARY
Of course if you don’t want to….
ANN
Only if that’s what you decide.
MARY
We just want you to have the option.
ANN
It’s only fair.
MARY
It’s only fair.
PSYCHE
It’s only fair.
Scene iii. The same. Night. Dumbshow.
CHORUS OF HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS
Psyche is waiting
for Cupid tonight
Psyche is waiting
Cupid is late
(Simultaneous shadowplay: PSYCHE reclining on a couch, turning from time to time and throwing back an arm.)
Her body is restless
Her blood is like sap
welling in summer
It must have a cap
What keeps him from her?
Why is he late?
Hurry! Hurry!
Psyche can’t wait.
(CUPID moves from stage right toward the couch. PSYCHE rises silently, listens and holds out her hand. He takes it and she draws him down. There is an interlude of music.The stage is in
total darkness. By and by a dot of light appears to the side of the couch. It flickers fitfully.)
REPRISE
(ANN and MARY, in PSYCHE’s mind)
Sister, be careful
Sister, beware
Love is delusion
Love is a snare
(The light flares getting bigger and bigger.
PSYCHE can be seen in a circle of light to her waist, holding the lighted candle and bending over the couch. She does not move.)
CHORUS OF SPIRITS
Hot wax is dripping
drop after drop
sliding and slipping
Too late to stop
Plop…..plop!
(CUPID sits up suddenly jerking his arm so it knocks over the taper. PSYCHE gasps and covers her eyes, falling back. The stage lights up when the light goes out.)
CUPID
(roars in pain)
No!
(stares at taper, pickes it up, looks at it
carefully, puts it down)
PSYCHE
I was tempted.
CUPID
Your sisters. It was your sisters, wasn’t it?
PSYCHE
They brought my contacts.
(Her hands go involuntarily to her eyes)
But I didn’t have to put them in. It was my choice.
CUPID
I warned you.
PSYCHE
I know. I didn’t listen… How beautiful you are. … I think I know… who you are… You’re … Love… aren’t you?
CUPID
(gloomily)
Yes.
PSYCHE
I knew anyhow. But I didn’t believe it… But why me? What made you choose me?
CUPID
My mother was jealous. She wanted to punish you. She sent me to join you irrevocably to a loathsome beast. Instead I took a wound from one of my own arrows. Don’t ask me how. Don’t ask me why.
PSYCHE
What happens now? Something awful will happen now. Won’t it?
CUPID
Yes.
PSYCHE
What?
CUPID
It’s over.
PSYCHE
No.
CUPID
Yes.
PSYCHE
I have to live without you?
CUPID
Yes.
PSYCHE
Live without love… I can’t.
CUPID
You’ll have to.
PSYCHE
Isn’t there anything I can do?
CUPID
I doubt it.
PSYCHE
Nothing?
CUPID
Ask my mother.
PSYCHE
She hates me, doesn’t she?
CUPID
Yes.
(PSYCHE starts to weep silently. CUPID turns and walks away)
CHORUS OF HOUSEHOLD SPIRITS
Troth with a god
is broken not lightly
broken not lightly
the high holy oath
What sacrifice
of blood will suffice
to make whole again
the body of faith
when eyes violate
its most sacred rite
It loses not lightly
loses not lightly
its pure virgin state
ACT III
Scene i: Nondescript hotel room, the present. A full length mirror hangs on the back of the bathroom door. PSYCHE is standing at the window in a slip. JOHN is on the bed. He has a mustache.
JOHN
Get away from the window.
PSYCHE
Why?
JOHN
Because I don’t want anyone else looking at you.
PSYCHE
It doesn’t matter.
JOHN
Yes it does. Why should someone else enjoy what’s mine?
PSYCHE
(moving away)
No one can see. It’s raining.
JOHN
My name is Juan. I’m a good fellow. My friends will tell you.
PSYCHE
Where are you from?
JOHN
(looking at watch)
San Sebastian. I have to get back to the store.
(dressing)
Will you meet me tomorrow?
PSYCHE
(lying)
Yes.
JOHN
I’ll make you a good boyfriend.
(pointing out the window)
At the entrance to the park. Four o’clock. I’ll shut the store early.
(HE goes into the bathroom. PSYCHE goes back to the window, in the same position as before, looking out. CHRISTOPHER comes out of the bathroom combing his hair. HE wears glasses.)
CHRISTOPHER
I thought you were celebrating your graduation.
PSYCHE
Why?
CHRISTOPHER
Because you ordered lobster. No one eats lobster without a special occasion.
PSYCHE
What time is it?
CHRISTOPHER
Four o’clock. This time yesterday was my cousin’s funeral. He was buried by a cardinal.
PSYCHE
The last funeral I went to was my father’s. That was a special occasion. My sisters left the coffin open.
CHRISTOPHER
What did he die of?
PSYCHE
A broken heart.
CHRISTOPHER
Who broke it?
PSYCHE
I did.
CHRISTOPHER
How?
PSYCHE
I lost my looks.
CHRISTOPHER
You look all right to me.
PSYCHE
He saw me with the eyes of love.
CHRISTOPHER
My girlfriends are usually rather odd. The last one was on the borderline of sanity.
PSYCHE
What happened to her?
CHRISTOPHER
She got married. It didn’t help, though. She’s in the asylum.
PSYCHE
Oh.
CHRISTOPHER
I go to brothels. I have special tastes. We might work something out. Think it over.
(HE leaves. PSYCHE goes back tothe window and writes on the misty pane: CUPIDON)
The Counsels of Despair
A devil is beating
on the walls of my skull
He can’t get out
A devil is beating
on the walls of my skin
Who let him in?
There is no window
There is no door
There is no doctor in the house
There’s only a carpet that hates my feet.
There’s only a mirror that hates my face.
There’s only a phone that hates my voice.
(SHE picks up the phone)
Operator, help!
Get me my husband
Get me my father
(The KING’s bass through the telephone)
The case is open and shut
You are a worthless slut
Your beauty is a lie
Daughter, you deserve to die
(CUPID’s voice through telephone)
The case is open and shut
Your heart is ash
Your mind is smut
Your beauty is a lie
Wife, you deserve to die
PSYCHE
My beauty is a lie
(leaves the telephone and goes to stand in front of the full-length mirror)
I deserve to die
(On the last note she picks up an ashtray an smashes the image. The glass shatters. MARY and ANN reach out and draw her through the frame. In the background, very muted, is the sound of the hurdygurdy fair music that will open scene iii.)
(Scene ii. An elevated platform. VENUS at her dressing table, putting on makeup. CUPID sitting in a leather armchair with h is legs crossed, smoking a cigarette. Art Deco decor. When VENUS gets up at the end of the scene the audience sees she has been making up a mask, which covers half her face. She selects a wig and puts on a gown that resembles a chiton.)
CUPID
Why do you hate her so much?
VENUS
I don’t hate her.
CUPID
Oh, stop lying.
VENUS
That’s no way to talk to your mother.
CUPID
You’re jealous.
VENUS
Of course, I’m jealous. There can’t be two goddesses of love.
CUPID
But Mother, she’s not a goddess. She’s not immortal.
VENUS
But you are. And knowing you, you’ll find some way to make her immortal too.
CUPID
Mother, this isn’t worthy of you. You are a great and revered and indispensable goddess. Why are you being so mean and petty? No one cares about Psyche but me.
VENUS
She had one chance. Why should she have two? She’s only getting what she deserves. I don’t see why you stand up for her anyhow. She’s completely promiscuous. She’s screwing around with other men.
CUPID
That’s because she can’t replace me. She’s in despair.
VENUS
She’s tougher than you think. She resisted suicide.
CUPID
Yes, but she’s afraid she’s going mad.
VENUS
Darling, you’re making mountains out of molehills. What’s one more unhappy girl more or less in the world?
CUPID
I warn you, if you don’t let up you’re going to regret it.
VENUS
Is that a threat?
CUPID
Yes. It’s a threat. A serious threat.
VENUS
I look peaked lately.
(yawning and looking over the edge of the platform)
I think I’ll send down to the Underworld. Persephone has a beauty renewal preparation that’s guaranteed. I tell you what: If Psyche can fetch me the box without opening it, I’ll let you have her back.
CUPID
Word of honor?
VENUS
Word of honor.
Scene iii: The other side of the mirror. Night. A Psychedelic Carnival. There are booths for food and games. Crowd milling about. Hurdygurdy fair music, rap rythmns for the barkers. MARY, ANN, snd PSYCHE enter from the archway through the mirror. Mulit-lightbulbs flash on and off in an arch over the
entrance way: NOTHING’S WHAT YOU THINK IT IS.
Competing Travel Booths
BARKER l (JOHN) BARKER 2 (CHRISTOPHER)
Hey folks hey Hey, folks hey
If you’re at an all time low
When you don’t know where to go
then why not get hip
take an interstellar trip
buy yourself a high
on a supersonic ship
let your fancy rip
take a flight to the moon
on a heroin balloon
any weekday afternoon
fly out of this world
spread those cocaine wings
discover Saturn’s rings
hey, yeah, man
outta this world hey, yeah, man
outta this world
check it out at JFK
check it out at O’Hare
fly into the stratosphere
take the first flight outtahere
other planets, other stars
check out Venus, check out Mars
outta this world, man
outta this world
Hey man, get a whiff
all the dope you can smoke
all the coke you can sniff
in a pipe or just a toke
only don’t shoot up
don’t shoot up
one little prick
with a dirty needle
will do the trick
you’ll crash so quick
you’ll get so sick
it will take you outta this world
it will take you outta
this world
hey, yeah, man hey, yeah, man
outta this world outta this world
(like a round, the chant can repeat itself indefinitely from “check it out at JFK” it continues to be heard under, graudally fading until it is overtaken by the FORTUNE TELLER at Booth 2)
MARY
C’mon, Psyche, let’s fly!
ANN
Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!
PSYCHE
No. I don’t want to.
MARY
Party poop!
ANN
Spoil sport!
PSYCHE
No. I’ve been there.
MARY
Been where?
PSYCHE
I’ve been in heaven and I’ve been in hell. No artificial stimulus needed.
MARY
Aren’t you Little Miss Sensitive. Well, I’m gong to get a ticket to Aldabaron, whether you want to or not.
ANN
Me, too.
(THEY go over to the Travel Booth. PSHCHE wonders off past the Fortune Teller’s Booth)
FORTUNE TELLER
I have a little crystal ball
a little crystal ball
It’s just a dirty piece of glass
alas!
I have a little pack of cards
a little pack of cards
It’s just a dirty dogeared pack
alack!
You have a pink and wrinkled palm
a pink and wrinkled palm
It’s just a little wrinkled palm
but to me it is
the Map of Destiny
(SHE catches PSYCHE by the hand as she passes.
Stares at her palm)
FORTUNE TELLER
Your name is PSYCHE. You have a long row to hoe.
PSYCHE
Let me go.
FORTUNE TELLER
Faith is your stumbling block. Don’t open the box.
(PSYCHE breaks free and moves on)
FUN HOUSE BARKER (CUPID)
Ladies and gentlemen, step right up and buy your ticket
Don’t miss the opportunity to pay a flying visit
to the fabled underworld of Greek antiquity
with punishments designed for each iniquity
Cross the River Styx and pet the threefold head
of dreadful Cerberus, the watchdog of the dead.
Pity Tantalus, who thirsts but cannot drink,
the water rising round him to his hips
Pity Tantalus, who hungers but can’t eat
the grapes that cluster inches from his lips
Pity Sisyphus who rolls a rock uphill
that will never never never reach the top
Pity Sisyphus, whose toil is nonstop
Pity Tantalus Pity Sisyphus
visit in the flesh
the misty world of myths
Visit Hades and the court of Dis its King
And Queen Persephone, the goddess of the spring
She has the gift of giving beauty back to earth
She knows the secret of perpetual rebirth
Her art can rescue beauty past its prime
Her art can remedy the damage done by time
PSYCHE
(approaching BARKER)
Is it true? Can Persephone renew beauty?
BARKER
If winter is here, can spring be far behind? Buy your ticket and find out for yourself.
PSYCHE
How much is it?
BARKER
Whatever you want to pay.
PSYCHE
What do I do?
BARKER
Go right in and take a seat in the boat. It’s about to leave.
(PSYCHE goes in through the door. Enter
MARY and ANN)
ANN
There she is! She’s going into the funhuouse.
MARY
Psyche! Wait! Wait for us. We want to come too.
(THEY run after her; the BARKER stops them)
BARKER
You’re too late. The boat just left.
MARY
Oh. When’s the next one?
BARKER
In half an hour.
ANN
We’ll wait.
(THEY sit down. Images of PSYCHE appear in projections in the back. SHE is wondering through a maze of buildings and deserted streets, frightened and lost, trying to find a way out. The streets turn into the aisles of a crowded department store where she rides up and down escalaters, and searches among counters,frantically looking for something)
ANN
I’m flying. The world is beautiful.
MARY
The world is beautiful. What do you see?
ANN
Rubies flashing in the fiery eyes of Mars
What do you see?
MARY
Venus blazing in a diadem of stars
TOGETHER
The crystal mountains of the moon
The coral forests of the sea
The gold and silver apples
on the tree of paradise
shining in eternity
(as they finish singing, PSYCHE emerges from the door
of the Fun House looking shaken. Her sisters rush up to her)
MARY
Psyche, dear, are you all right?
ANN
We’ve been waiting for you.
MARY
What’s in the box?
ANN
Oh, let me see it.
(SHE snatches it, holds it up and shakes it)
PSYCHE
Oh, Ann. Be careful. it wasn’t easy to get.
MARY
Look. There’s something written on it. What does it say?
ANN
(reading)
For hand delivery.
MARY
Hand delivery to whom?
BARKER
To me.
PSYCHE
You! I thought… You know there’s something rather odd about you. You look ….vaguely familiar. If it’s really meant for you, tell me the return address.
BARKER
(Leans over and whispers in her ear)
Now, may I have it, please,
PSYCHE
It isn’t easy to give up. When I give this up, I give up hope.
ANN
Psyche, what is it?
MARY
Tell us, Psyche. We’re on tenterhooks.
PSYCHE
It’s the essence of springtime, the genius of rebirth. It will make me beautiful again.
BARKER
Is there Beauty without Love?
PSYCHE
(earnestly, to BARKER)
That’s just it: I lost Love before I had barely begone to know him. And after I lost him, I got uglier and uglier. And how can I ever get him back without Beauty?
BARKER
Haven’t you got the cart before the horse? Here. Better let me have it.
(HE holds out his hand; she hesitates)
MARY
Psyche, be careful.
ANN
Psyche, beware!
PSYCHE
No.
(SHE breaks and runs, then stumbles and falls. The box falls out of her hand and opens. A dark mist flows out of it, and envelops her. The others run up to her.)
MARY and ANN
She’s dead!
BARKER
No. She’s in a coma.
ANN and MARY
Oh, Psyche, how could you!
BARKER
That’s it. Her second chance to hell and gone.
VENUS
(spotlighted overhead, as she looks down, laughing triumphantly.)
Oh, my child. My poor ignorant foolish child of love!
ACT IV
Talk show studio. At an elevated level to the left and right are large frames, simulating TV screens. In a living room set at stage level sits VENUS with the ANCHORWOMAN and ANCHORMAN. Technicians fuss around briefly adjusting microphone on VENUS) ANCHORWOMAN waves them off frantically before turning to face front with artificial smile.)
ANCHORWOMAN (MARY)
Good evening, Ladies and Genetlemen. I’m Mary Allen and
(nods to ANCHOR)
ANCHORMAN (JOHN)
I’m John Tippet. Amd welcome to the NOW SHOW and tonight’s Special Report on the Total War of Love vs. Beauty. As you know, Eros has withdrawn from human affairs until his mother, Venus, agrees to restore Psyche to her former status as his bride. In the absence of love the world is not faring well. The effect on the economy has been no less than catastrophic. Here is a report on the latest developments from Prexy Nesbit, our Financial Analyst.
FINANCIAL ANALYST (CHRISTOPHER)
Wall Street is bleeding to death.
the Dow Jones is in a coma
business is at a standstill
from Fairfield to Sonoma
without underlying fantasies of lust
Hollywood has gone bust:
BEAUTY QUEEN
Venus Venus
in the name of the sex
symbols of the world:
Relent!
In the rock industry there is confusion and dismay
all the way:
ROCK EXECUTIVE
Venus Venus
in the name of the
Grateful Dead
Nirvana and Zero
on the Left
Relent!
The purveyers of romance and its atmosphere
are everywhere in parlous condition.
Listen:
FLORIST
I’m out of business
Roses no longer sell
RESTAURANTEUR
I’m out of business
I’ve lost my clientele
TELEPHONE EXECUTIVE
I’m out of business
No lovebirds on the wires
MATTRESS SALESMAN
I’m out of business
I don’t have
any buyers
ROMANCE NOVELIST
I’m out of business
I’ve lost my readership
TRAVEL AGENT
I’m out of business
another canceled trip
ALL
Venus Venus
In the name of the merchants:
Relent!
Panic and pandemonium among the makers of chocolates, condoms,
cosmetics, greeting cards, perfume, clothes, jewelry, and their
personnel is endemic
WORKERS
Venus, Venus
in the name of the workers
and manufacturers
Relent!
While Venus remains intransigent they can’t pay the rent.
Venus, O Venus, Relent!
ANCHORWOMAN
Thank you, Prexy. Sounds pretty desperate out there, doesn’t it? And now, from the cultural end of the spectrum, we have a report
from Ann Smith, our special correspondent for the arts. Ann:
(Reverse screens: ANN on the right, spokespesons on the left)
ANN
The news isn’t good, Mary. As everyone knows in this post-Freudian world, art is an indirect effect of Eros. No Eros, no art. It’s as simple as that.
A world without Eros
is a world without art
In a world without art
the artists depart:
Thousands of painters
are jumping out windows
hundreds of poets
are opening their veins
countless composers
are leaping off bridges
myriads of sculptors
have blown out their brains
asylums are bursting
with dancers and singers
musicians and actors
are gong berserk
behind every bush
bneath every stone
an artist is languishing
out of work
PAINTER Venus Venus
In the name of Leonardo
and Vincent
Relent!
COMPOSER
Venus Venus
in the name of Ludwig
and Wolfgang
Relent!
POET
Venus Venus
in the name of William and TS
Relent
ANN
The sun will set on civilization
in the flower of its discontent
if Venus withholds her consent
to the marriage of Cupid and Psyche
Venus 0 Venus, relent!
ANCHORW0MAN
Thank you, Ann. It’s a pretty grim picture out there. But we here at the Now Show pride ourselves on our balanced coverage. So before introducing you to tonight’s Mystery Guest, I would like to remind you that there’s a bright side. John:
JOHN
The pornography industy has been wiped out.
Overpopulation is a back issue.
Venereal disease is history.
And if war is defined as Eros run amok
the makers of tanks and missiles and guns
are out of luck!
ARMS DEALER
Venus Venus
the engines of death
are silent.
In the name of the violent Relent!
GENERAL
Venus, beloved of Mars
In the name of the mongers of wars:
Relent!
JOHN
The threads of life and death
are so closely woven together
love and war are interdependent
Venus 0 Venus, relent!
ANCHORWOMAN
That wraps up our crisis report. And now for tonight’s Mystery Guest. We are privileged to have with us this evening a woman adored by the whole world, but one who lately has become a contraversial figure. I mean of course, none other than Golden Aphrodite herself, or, as she is more commonly known, Venus.
Venus –
(turning toward her)
May I call you Venus?
VENUS
Everyone does.
ANCHORWOMAN
Venus, I want you to know first of all how deeply I sympathize with you. I can imagine it is not very pleasant at this moment to be you. Perhaps you would like to share some of your thoughts on your dilemma with our viewing audience.
VENUS
It’s not my fault. I am the victim of blackmail.
ANCHORWOMAN
You mean, because your son has made Psyche’s return the condition of his consent to restore the libido?
VENUS
She has struck out twice.
ANCHORWOMAN
It’s an appalling situation I agree. But with all due rspect, isn’t it true that relations between mother and daughter-in-law are often vexed?
VENUS
I will not capitulate.
ANCHORWOMAN
But isn’t that cutting off your nose to spite your face? I mean, if no one ever falls in love again, what happens to the role of Venus? What happens to the ideal of beauty? Assuming of course that along with the collapse of nature, mankind is not abolished. Or do you look forward to being worshiped by testtube babies in Outer Space?
VENUS
He is trying to make me obsolete. Me, Venus, obsolete!
ANCHORWOMAN
Thank you, Venus. And now, in view of the catastrophic implications of what started out as a simple family quarrel, we have arranged to have with us this evening a second Mystery Guest, whom you will recognize as none other than…
(Enter CUPID)
VENUS
(gasps)
You!
CUPID
Hello, Mother.
ANCHORWOMAN
That’s right, Cupid himself. And now, John, will you take it from here?
JOHN
Good evening, and thank you for consenting to be with us this evening. Now tell us, Cupid – somehow it it doesn’t seem right to address you as Cupid –
CUPID
I know what you mean. It lacks dignity. It makes people think of a fat baby with curly hair and gossamer wings and a quiver full of pointed arrows. Not a picture to take seriously.
JOHN
Nobody is going to make that mistake again. I can tell you that. I mean, artists and poets have always paid attention to you, of course, and psychiatry has generated a new respect –
CUPID
You know, I agreed to be here tonight only on condition that –
JOHN
Yes, of cousre. That’s the third surprise for our viewing audience. Can you fellows bring in …
(Enter pallbearers with open coffin in which the unconscious PSYCHE is lying.)
CUPID
You didn’t have to put her in a coffin.
JOHN
It seemed the easiest thing to do.
VENUS
(going to look at her)
I wouldn’t say she’s more beautiful than I am.
ALL
Of course, she’s not.
CUPID
It’s a different kind of beauty.
VENUS
Oh? I wasn’t aware there were two kinds.
CUPID
Of course there are. There is your kind, which is self-sufficient. And Psyche’s kind, which needs me. And I need her.
CUPID
Mother mine
heed my plea
Give my darling Psyche back to me
ALL
Let divine
sympathy
stir your mercy:
Give her back to him
CUPID
Give my darling Psyche back to me
ALL
Ve-nus Ve-nus
Have pity on our plight
We’re the ones who pay for
love’s interrupted bridal night
CHRISTOPHER and JOHN
We are two
soul-less clones
MARY and ANN
Hearts of ice
freeze our bones
Here she lies
kiss her eyes
Bring dear Psyche back to life again
CUPID (kneels)
Mother, dear
Forgive a son
who has been
disobedient
Mother, hear:
I repent!
I repent!
ALL
Ve-nus, Ven-us
Give Psyche back to Eros
Give Eros back to US!
Relent!
VENUS
(visibly shaken)
Shall I?
ALL
Yes, yes!
VENUS
You will bring sacrifices to my altars and keep incense on them burning?
ALL
Yes, yes!
VENUS
You will always bear in mind that no single instance of beauty is superior to its absolute embodiment?
ALL
Yes, yes!
VENUS
Men and women are fickle and there is not a promise you have made you won’t break. But this war has gone on long enough.
(SHE bends over PSYCHE and kisses each eyelid. PSYCHE slowly sits up, opens her eyes, looks at CUPID, and recognizes him.)
DUET: MY LOVE HAS COME AGAIN TO ME
PSYCHE Is it you, my love?
Is it you I see?
Are you truly truly there?
Oh, don’t dissolve like smoke in air
CUPID It is me, my love
My love, it is me
I am truly truly here
I won’t dissolve or disappear
PSYCHE How wrong I was to doubt you
CUPID How long the time without you
PSYCHE Around a heart
that cannot feel
ribs of bone are bars of steel
My love is true
though I am false
BOTH He reached to me
(I’ll reaach to you)
through prison walls
and set (you) me free
My love has come again to me
(THEY embrace)
MARY
(with microphone)
Ladies and gentlemen, you have been witnessing events of the greatest historic import. Venus has capitulated. Psyche has revived. Eros is back in the world. In case you are wondering…
(There are twanging sounds, one right after the other, as if two arrows had been released. MARY and JOHN stagger backwards clutching their hearts and look at each other as if for the first time. Simultaneously, CHIRSTOPHER and ANN come in holding hands.)
ALL
(Reprise: Psyche is waiting)
Sings the soul in its prison
glory and light
glory and light
the soul has a vision
it loses not lightly
it loses not lightly
its vision of light.
EPILOGUE
(return to electioneering scene of the opening)
Listen up to Prestanovsky
Listen up to what he sez
If you’re kinky or you’re straight
If you’re homo or you’re lez
If you find an open coffin
thrills you to the very marrow
If a whip or pair of handcuffs
runs your heart through like an arrow
It’s a promise it’s surefire
YOU WILL GET YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
When you vote in Prestanovsky as your prez
Are there kises in the till
Left to give to someone still
But you think that love can’t happen
on the downside of the hill
It’s a promise it’s surefire
YOU WILL GET YOUR HEART’S DESIRE
Hurrah for Prestanovsky, your next prez
(CROWD cheers loudly, wave their placards: Hurrah! Hurrah! Hurrah! A brilliant light shines from overhead.)
VOICE
Will you look at that!
(ALL look up. The STRANGER, now CUPID undisguised,
waves from the top of a cloud, PSYCHE at his side)
CUPID
There’s something I forgot to say. Venus was right: after Psyche was reborn …
PSYCHE
… I was made immortal!
CURTAIN