The Tragedy Of Queen Alexia
/I love listening to Natalie Haynes Stands Up for the Classics on BBC Radio 4. In the episode on Euripides she retells the play Medea and is amazing. Inspired by how miserable it is I decided to see if I could have a go at a short play based on Greek theatre. The Tragedy Of Queen Alexia is the result.
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ACT I
Scene 1
A woman late thirties (Alexia) is sitting on the
ground centre stage. She has been traveling in
difficult conditions for a long while and you can
tell by the state of her practical but good
quality clothes. She is staring into the distance.
Behind her is a white screen.
Masked women (Chorus) enter from behind the
screen, briefly look at Alexia then stand beside
her and turn to the audience.
CHORUS
The Kingdom is in ruins
It is so nearly rent
A war has broken out
Which the King could not prevent
His family were taken
A wife and his two sons
Only little children
And the woman he so loves
Somehow she escaped their hold
She knows she must return
To a King so enraged
He would let the whole world burn
The Chorus takes a step back to the right of the
screen and sit on a bench.
A noise from the right. Alexia turns to look
offstage to see who is coming.
ALEXIA
Who is that?
A woman late thirties (Irina) enters from the
left. She shows the signs of hardship, her clothes
are not the quality of Alexia’s. She looks down to
Alexia putting a cup down next to her.
IRINA
It is a little water, it was all we could spare.
ALEXIA
Where are my children?
IRINA
You will get your answers but first be assured that you
are safe here. We are supporters of the King and your
face is not one we would take in error Queen Alexia.
ALEXIA
(Relieved)
You have my thanks in giving me your hospitality. But
please where are my sons Rico and Dya? They are so
young...
Alexia stands and Irina follows.
IRINA
They are being looked after. Become calm.
ALEXIA
Who are you?
IRINA
My name is Irina. I no longer know who I am...
ALEXIA
Your answers are not reassuring me. How long have I
been here?
IRINA
You have been here only one day. Our spies found you on
the edge of the forest, you looked all but dead, you
must have all be exhausted beyond your limits. It was a
risk.
ALEXIA
We had to travel at night. We are free now but I know
the price on our head and the danger as it will not now
be paid.
IRINA
I meant it was a risk for us. This village has been
under siege for two years, from just after the war
began. We took in your cousins for refuge and the enemy
surrounded us. They would have been taken and executed.
Our loyalty has cost us.
ALEXIA
When this is over you will be much repaid. My family
are still here?
IRINA
We dug a tunnel under the barricade and they fled to
other parts three months ago. It was only just in time.
Soon after the soldiers made camp at the mouth of the
passage, they do not know it is there. If they found it
they would come and realise their prize was gone. We
would then all be slain.
ALEXIA
Your noble sacrifices...
IRINA
Are more than you could ever comprehend in a nightmare.
beat
ALEXIA
We were brought via the passage?
IRINA
Watchmen saw you stumble so close to the enemy camp
their breath was lost. In the early hours they opened
the tunnel once more and brought you all inside. It was
a risk we should not of had to take, but the King has
proclaimed if none of his family are returned by sunset
the day after tomorrow he will send weapons so great
the Kingdom and the world could not withstand the light
they would shine.
ALEXIA
The price of a world, so much greater than I knew our
heads were valued. But do not worry. When we return he
will not carry out his threat. It is just he must be
much grieved by our loss.
IRINA
Grieved? These years of war have sent the King mad. Is
his grief of more importance than ours? Yet the
destruction he holds in his hand and plays with, he
does not see as anything other than his own pains. The
lives of men, or many men, women and children and the
horror and injustice for those left behind are not what
grieves him. Lady you do not know the price that has
been paid for your family’s souls, or the blood that
has been spilt. I wonder are you really worth so much?
In war there are no winners but a loss such as this? We
were loyal for love when the war began. Now we are
loyal from fear.
ALEXIA
(Urgently)
Then we must fly.
IRINA
We wait until the darkest hours. We can not risk keep
using the tunnel. But this last time when the Watchmen
decree it to be safe you will start your journey. You
must be returned to the King. For now I must go.
Irina turns her back and makes to go.
ALEXIA
Please bring me my children, Yico and Dya. They are
only young and have been through so much already.
Irina leaves not responding.
The Chorus rise and stand either side of Alexia
CHORUS
What price have all these people paid?
Now in fear of a man enraged?
Do not expect passage so free
Compensate for their loyalty
ALEXIA
But I am a queen, their allegiance is demanded.
The King has provided for those he commanded.
CHORUS
Oh woman a choice must be made
Time is short it won’t be delayed
War is hell and you will feel it
Unwise words from madness caused it
The Chorus back to where they were before but
remain standing.
(Later) Irina enters.
IRINA
Preparations are being made to take you back to the
King. We can not let this insanity happen.
She hands her a bowl and a spoon.
IRINA
It is a long journey and you will need strength. We
have been under siege for so long food is very short.
We must make do with what we can.
ALEXIA
I am grateful.
She takes the bowl and begins eating.
ALEXIA
Please where are my sons, Yico and Dya?
The screen lights up from behind. Two silhouettes
of small manikins can be seen.
ALEXIA
(On seeing them)
My boys. My beautiful children. Please bring them to
me. They must be terrified. Oh they have been my sanity
all this time, though they do not know it.
IRINA
Cast your eyes upon them. They can not hear you yet. We
will bring them soon so you can say goodbye.
ALEXIA
Goodbye? I don’t understand.
IRINA
The King has said if none of his family are returned he
will send devastation. Only one need be returned.
ALEXIA
Yes of course, it is not wise to send us all together.
You will look after them and later send Yico and
Dya when it is safe?
IRINA
This village has suffered such terrible things in the
service of your family. You too must play your part.
ALEXIA
I have said you will be rewarded when this is over.
IRINA
How? Can money or titles equal our losses, our pain,
our degradation?
ALEXIA
I fear you think I understand this situation...
IRINA
We will ensure you do.
beat
IRINA
Whilst your cousins were safe, we fell so far. They did
not see, we made sure of that. If they had known they
would have punished us, and we would then not be
treated well if the war was won by either side. But now
it is too late to hide. The village has been under
siege for too long and can not get out or bring in our
needs. You have only seen this room. If you were to see
the streets, if you were to feel what this has done to
our people. If you could hear their cries. Ever the
stench of death hangs putrefying in the air and we
would vomit but our bellies are empty. The rats are not
safe from us. We would eat the mud for any sustenance
we could find. And in desperation we have endured to
keep your family safe; to depths we have sunk.
Depravity is the results of the terror, trapped and
isolated with only the knowledge of what might happen
to us. Is this worse than if we just let them in?
ALEXIA
But you gave sanctuary to my cousins. You have honour.
IRINA
What honour is this? Conditions of hell create beasts.
ALEXIA
From what you have said I can imagine the sacrifices.
IRINA
Imagine? How can you even know? A mother, a father, who
has had to give up their children. For there were too
many mouths and not enough food or water.
ALEXIA
(turns to look at her "children")
I...
IRINA
When by concert we accepted our fates. Adults could
live without children. Children could not survive
without us. The strongest may need to fight at any
time. The weakest went first from all ages to relieve
the suffering of the rest. But then the children... We
all agreed it would happen and to all of them over
time, to find some justice in this hell. Justice for us
the monsters.
ALEXIA
(horrified)
And you...
IRINA
I was a mother of two.
They both turn to the silhouettes.
IRINA
They were old enough to understand. One boy and one
girl. Some days they fought some days they loved each
other. We still have their toys. I can not let go that
I... We never told them, but I know they understood.
ALEXIA
When...?
IRINA
Today. Yesterday. The day before. It has happened
every day to them since. To me. To have to lead them by
their hands. To not be able to say goodbye, because you
can not speak and you have to be brave for them. This
is how we survive this world created by the power
struggles of another family.
(beat)
Maybe it would be better to keep you here. Let the
brightness light up the horrors we have committed here
and end it for good. We do not deserve salvation for
the things we have done. We do not deserve to be
understood. To survive we... I did and do things of
which I should never speak. Instead light our crimes
and let it all go.
(beat)
But the blood on our hands is already too much. We hold
you. We hold the key to let it rain destruction on this
war that burns to deeper savagery then could ever be
dreamt of.
(beat)
But the blood on our hands is already too much. We hold
the key that will save others, even if we have not
saved our own souls. So we must let you go. But you
will know what you have done to us.
(beat)
ALEXIA
This can not be. We did not ask for such a sacrifice.
IRINA
What would have happened if the King had conceded
before the war began? What was at stake? Is it equal to
what has been lost? Or is the crown worn so precious it
could never be given to pretenders who do not yet know
that the lack or weight upon their heads is a privilege
that could have saved them from shedding blood? Blood
upon this earth, blood that is so often required but is
not necessary.
ALEXIA
But you are a villager a peasant. What do you know of
higher responsibilities? That it is for the protection
from chaos that we have law and order and it must be
secure. To just give up the crown to any who demand can
not be. Would a fair King avoid a battle but bring in
cruelty?
IRINA
Is this not cruelty enough? What needs this
conversation? The deeds have already been done. Your
sons will have the same fate as every child who we
looked in the eye. Say Goodbye to Yico and Dya, it is a
closure I have been denied.
ALEXIA
Do I now understand your meaning of this? No, you do
not intend what I think you imply. You can not. I am
the Queen. Tell me I am mistaken. You will not do this.
IRINA
But we must.
ALEXIA
But no, not to me.
Irina exits
ALEXIA
Please.
Alexia turns to look upon her "children"
ALEXIA
Only now do I gather the situation as a reality. This
is what they actually intend. How can I say goodbye?
No. They can not do this to me. They can not do this to
us. My sons who I carried for nine months. We were one.
Yico, my first. From the moment I knew you had come to
be, how I loved you. With each kick I knew you better
and loved you more. Yico my son. The forests were your
playground, no tree could not be climbed in times of
peace. You never knew the fear I had that you might
fall. But what is a break to the arm or leg with what
we face now? Yico who tried to protect me when we were
both captured. How the enemy laughed, how my heart
swelled even when we were both in chains. Dya my
youngest. I would listen to your laugh all the day.
When the horses refused to take your father in the
snow; nothing would persuade them. You watched from the
window howling with joy. So much so you spared them his
wrath. You made my world so full of colour. You
comforted your brother when we were in bonds. I could
not love you more. I could love neither of you more. Oh
that they would cut out my heart and not my womb. What
can I do so we escape this fate?
The Chorus turn towards Alexia.
CHORUS
Be careful the path you choose to tread from here...
ALEXIA
Is this the last I will see of my children? How can it
be?
CHORUS
Be careful the path you choose to tread from here...
ALEXIA
But if I refuse to go without them. The threat of the
King can be my threat to them.
CHORUS
Be careful the path you choose to tread from here...
ALEXIA
Would they allow that outcome to occur? I have
something with which to bargain.
CHORUS
But it is already done and your choice is not yet as
terrible as the one you imagine you have made.
Irina enters.
IRINA
We will bring Yico and Dya to you now. Make your words
good, but only you will remember them.
ALEXIA
Your words become crueller. Tell me what good does this
bring?
IRINA
A Royal will feel the pain we have been put through.
Learn your lesson. Know the consequences of the
responsibility you have.
ALEXIA
But how can a mother say "Goodbye" to her children? She
would not be able to speak for the weeping. What you
ask for is...
IRINA
What we have already given. What I already know. Do not
think I can not answer your questions. But answer mine:
why should you avoid the blade we have endured?
ALEXIA
If I refuse. What then? No, I will not go. I will not
meet the King before sunset the day after tomorrow. The
power is in my hands not yours.
IRINA
You would allow this to be our destiny?
ALEXIA
For the love of a mother? Yes I would.
IRINA
Say goodbye to your children.
ALEXIA
I will not. I can not.
IRINA
Be careful the path you choose to tread from here.
ALEXIA
Maybe this world has gone too far. Take my children to
this fate and I will be true to my word. The King will
not see me.
IRINA
Be very careful the path you choose to tread from here.
For if we believe your threat to be true we will take
one child by force to the King. We can tell whatever
tale we conjure to appease him. But at least one member
of his family must be returned. But only one is needed.
You and the remaining one will seal your fate here.
ALEXIA
Why not take both and leave me here?
IRINA
For you to know the pain you have brought upon us. One
child will be taken the other will be lost. You must
choose which we will return to the King and which will
suffer. You will live on, knowing you chose between
them.
ALEXIA
You can not make this demand of me.
IRINA
You will know what you have done to us. It is decided.
Only one will be returned, you must choose.
ALEXIA
You used to be a mother, how can you do this?
IRINA
Because I used to be a mother, now I am a monster. Tell
me your answer
ALEXIA
No. I will not speak.
beat - silence - beat
IRINA
Your lack of compassion has proven us right in this
course. You must be made to learn that others have
suffered by your actions. You speak of responsibility,
make this moment yours. You will not speak, but you
will decided. Remain silent, but if no more words are
spoken it is consent we take Yico to the King. If you
speak Dya will survive. Choose your son.
CHORUS
Alexia, Alexia. Is the knowing loss of both
Worse than the choice you must now make?
If only you had been silent before
Your actions now will make your heart break
Beat
IRINA
(turning to the two "children")
Who is it to be? Who will you condemn? One word is
needed to save Dya. Silence to save Yico.
CHORUS
Silence to condemn Dya
Speak to condemn Yico
Silence to condemn the youngest
Speak to condemn your first born
Beat
Beat
ALEXIA
(Breaking down she wails)
My Dya...
She is broken.
IRINA
It is done.
beat
IRINA
I will take Dya to the tunnel. But know what you have
done.
Irina exits behind the screen taking "Dya" with
her.
CHORUS
Your pain Queen Alexia will speak in your ear and in
your heart forever. We must go, there is nothing more
we can do.
Chorus exit.
The remaining "Yico" stays. The lights go out but
not the back lit one on the screen. All that can
be seen is "Yico" and then this light too goes
Out.
By Arthur Hofn
From: United Kingdom
Website: https://arthurhofn.home.blog/
Twitter: AHofn