{The play was written for a cast of eight, five female, three male.}

Transcription

1 The Snow Queen

2 Characters : verskou Grandmother The Snow Queen Queen of Spring {} Queen of Summer {Fredrica} Queen of Autumn {Robber Girl} Snowdrop Bindweed Daffodil JJ Lily Robber Girl Robber Mother Laughing Robber. Bae Snow Creatures /Trolls? {The play was written for a cast of eight, five female, three male.} {Running Time. First half-55 minutes. Second half 40 minutes.} Note: The play begins in a re-imagined industrial landscape; a northern brick making town in a northern country- like Denmark in the late 19 th century. The costumes may then, reflect this pre modern age even though the speech rhythms of the characters are of now. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 1

3 Act One. Once upon a time-there it s been said and we re about to begin and here you are-wondering what on earth it s all going to be about. Well-I can tell you this-we shall know more about it at the end, than we do now. So-Once upon a time- {Music} In the far frozen north of the world-there lived a beautiful and powerful Queen, The Snow Queen. [Lights rise on the Snow Queen.] She lived in a palace made of ice and snow-oh what a sparkling, cold palace it was with endless empty halls and in the middle of it a frozen lake into which the Snow Queen looked from time to time to see how beautiful she was, but she was not content because the lake always had some natural flaw in it-a crack, a bubble of airand her own face could not be perfectly reflected back. So one day she ordered her servants- [Lights rise on Ice trolls] -strange troll like creatures she d blown together with bits of ice and snow, to make her something that would perfectly reflect her own cold image for ever and ever. A Mirror. For a thousand years the ice trolls toiled with elements most harmful to them-molten lava, rock, sand, water,fire-until one day the mirror was made. [Lights rise on the mirror] Oh how perfect it was, without blemish or blight and as the Snow Queen gazed into the mirror she thought Oh-how beautiful I truly am now that I see myself clearly -if only everything was as perfect and as cold as me. As she stared into the mirror her vanity and pride grew and grew and the mirror reflected these cold qualities back a thousand times- and the world became as heartless and as cold as she and inch by inch ice began to cover the world. The age of ice had begun-and it was a long and terrible time, very little grew and anything that did grow soon froze to death. The Snow Queen was so pleased with herself that she clapped her icy hands in glee and the trolls heard her cold rhythm and picked up the mirror and began to dance. Oh what a dance. They danced for a thousand years until even they grew weak and tired-and then one day-- [The Mirror is dropped] That s right-they dropped it. A small crack appeared, hard to see at first but the mirror was oddly misshapen-the glass distorted and when the Snow Queen looked into it she did not seem beautiful or perfect anymore. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 2

4 In a cold rage she ordered the ice trolls to destroy the mirror and with a freezing breath blew them to the top of the tallest mountain and there with all their strength they flung the mirror into the night sky. Higher and higher it went, spinning in the stillness of the heavens, until with terrible force, cover your ears now- [A huge explosion] It cracked and shattered, splintering into a million tiny pieces. The years passed and the ice retreated, and the Snow Queen retreated too and the world changed and the seasons were born-and so was the world we live in. The world we have made, from molten lava, rock, sand, water,fire- [Lights rise on s world] But here s the thing -since the day the mirror cracked fragments of it have been falling down to earth. Some the size of household mirrors, some smaller than specks of dust small enough to get into people s eyes-and when this happens they becomehow should I say- a touch vain- a little proud and they see the world differently. Everything that was good suddenly seems bad, beautiful landscapes look like boiled spinach. Some people even get a little bit of glass into their hearts and when this happens-well, you will see what happens. As for the Snow Queen-she s all but forgotten and most children never get to hear her name but-i say to you-be careful because in her cold heart she longs to be powerful again. She visits now-just once a year-when the snow begins to fall as it does now-on our cold northern town. [The Snow Queen moves unseen among the children,, and who enter throwing snowballs. does not join in.] Come on - No I can t- I have a new skirt It s only snow. It s dirty. No it isn t. Ow Got you! I love the snow -I really love it-i m in love with it-i love the taste of itthe feel of it the, the, the, the snowness of it the-ow. Got you! [Enter in a world of his own dancing to a rhythm in his head- he almost bumps into.]! What are you doing? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 3

5 Dancing- You call that dancing? I thought it was great I loved it-really loved it-i m in love with-with yourdancing. Oh yes-how about this then? [ dances madly and makes them all laugh, except who watches seriously] Oh - Your turn. Go on. [He sets up a rhythm for her] Right [ dances even more madly than and and applaud when she finishes.] Your turn-gerd- Come on - No I- We made fools of ourselves. Now it s your turn. Leave her alone. No-she can dance- can t you? No I--I can t-i don t want to. Why? It s not dirty Gerty like snow. I said leave her alone. [Silence. School bell ring.] Come on we ll be late for school. Learn to live. Live to learn. [Invents] That s our motto all this term. [They form a line and chant the school motto as they enter the school room and sit] Children Learn to live-live to learn. That s our motto-all this term. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 4

6 verskou The fact of the matter is that that which is produced, which we call the outcome is always and without exception directly related to that which is put in which we call the income. Income and outcome always being therefore in this symbiotic relationship it is possible for us to predict through the empirical analysis of the facts and the figures the inevitable outcome dependent upon as I have said the relative income to which the outcome is consistently and forever related. Is that quite clear? [They stare at him like frogs] Good. That is by the way of example-a satisfactory outcome. Now-to last evening s homework. [They take a deep breath] I asked you to design a new town-for a new age- a perfect town-a town with so many factories employing so many people wearing so many clogs, in which workers earn so much money and spend so much money-income and outcome etc. Sir? Why are you here? I beg your pardon sir? Answer the question boy -why are you here? Oh-right-um-because my parents fell in love Sir- and one thing led to another-- [Slams cane down] Sir? MR O Why are you here-in this room? To get a good education sir. Oh? Am I in the wrong room? [The others breathe in apprehensively.] Almost certainly. And what is the purpose of this education-? To learn to live-live to? Yes Father- [He slams down his cane] Sir. To help us get good jobs sir. And what Job would that be -? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 5

7 MR O I don t know sir. A town with six brick making factories and you don t know? I know what I d like to be. I DON T CARE WHAT YOU D LIKE TO BE! If every child ended up in the job they d like the world would be full of boxers and ballerinas. Look outside- what do you see? WHAT DO YOU SEE? Um-Streets-factories-shops-houses- Any penguins? [Silence] Any penguins Master Fyn? No sir. Then how do you explain this? [ holds up or reveals a large sheet of white paper on which is a design for a new town. In the centre there is a penguin, wearing a bobble hat.] MR O I don t know sir-it just appeared- Master Fyn, you are insubordinate. Thankyou sir. Which means-insolent-rude- But I did see a penguin sir- YOU DID NOT SEE ANY PENGUINS! THERE ARE NO PENGUINS IN THIS TOWN. You are an imbecile Master Fyn. What are you? An imbecile SIR! You will write out a thousand times there are no penguins in this town. All of you repeat after me, There are no penguins in this town. Now get out all of you [Thus chanting There are no penguins in this town they leave school. Finally laughs] [ and hurry off.] It isn t funny - A thousand lines- I ll still be doing them at the end of time. Where are you going? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 6

8 Home. Not that way-here-take my hand. What? My hand quickly-quickly. No-stop-people are looking. They re not people they re-imbeciles-and they re after us-they re going to eat us and our only escape is is across the rickety rope bridge. What rickety rope bridge? The one across this ravenous ravine. Quick. [He grabs her hand.] Let go of me-let go! No, no,no, don t let go-don t let [She pulls away and falls over. He falls with a fading cry] My skirt. You let go? And I fell a thousand feet from the rickety rope bridge down into the ravenous ravine onto the the-raggedy rocks See what you ve done? It s only a little mud -it s what the world s made of. You don t understand--my Father. [She starts to breath rapidly] Don t panic so- But it s- [She breathes into a brown paper bag. He waits-used to this] -new. Come over to my house right now and Mother will clean it off in no time. Come on. No-no. She d love to see you-she s always saying-ask in for some tea and a slice of Copenhagen cake. [He drags her forward. A light rises on. She stands over a wooden tub full of washing, and with a long pole she stirs and beats the water. She is exhausted but at the sound of s voice-she smiles.] Mum! The Snow Queen by Charles Way 7

9 -and too-how very good. We don t see enough of you these days. You re tired I suppose after all that learning. I ll make some tea and you ll have a slice of cake I hope-from Copenhagen. I don t want to put you to any s got some mud on her skirt. It s alright really.! [, who has not stopped working up to this point hands the pole to. He continues in her stead. takes a sponge and starts to work on the skirt] And it s important her father doesn t know. Oh? s not getting you into trouble I hope? No -not me. Or himself.? A thousand times up and down There are no penguins in this town. I beg your pardon? drew a penguin on his homework. Coming out of a shoe shop- [ laughs] Wearing a bobble hat. I d like to have seen that. [Exit] [Continues to work in rhythm] Learn to live-live to learn That s our motto-all this term. Do your sums dot your eyes Don t answer back and don t ask why. Figures and facts-can t be denied If you fail at school You might as well Die-IE The Snow Queen by Charles Way 8

10 It won t come off. What? Are you the same that lived next door? What do you mean? There used to be this girl next door-unusual is how I d describe her-and when we were little she and I used to play together all the time. Our houses were so close at the top we could jump from my room to hers-across the ravenous ravine. We even put a plank across and built a little garden on it Stop it. Some roses-but they never grew. She used to laugh at my silly rhymes-laughed a lot that - like a drain. I can laugh-when I need to. [Enter with tea] Cold out now. The river will be frozen by tomorrow. Great-I d go skating-if- I -had -some skates. Skates? You know how much skates cost? What s wrong with sledging? Sledging s good-if you haven t got SKATES.- [Outside the house Mister Overskou approaches.] -are you at home? Father- What does he want-here? My skirt my skirt Don t fluster yourself -now go upstairs. I ll be with you now verskou-[she shoos them upstairs] in a minute. Go-go. MR O Ah Mister Overskou-you look well though a little tired, I hope you don t mind me saying-it s the teaching profession-it s not the same these days -with all those forms you have to fill in, targets to reach, boxes to tick. I ve read all about it- you d like a cup of tea and-and --- these are cold. [Exit] Jump-you ll have to jump The Snow Queen by Charles Way 9

11 I can t. Why not-you ll be home before he is? You know why. You re frightened. It s forbidden.? I m here in a professional capacity. [Enter with the same cups of tea] Ah-I thought so-you ve come about the penguin.! No-I d like to speak to you. Oh? I m very pleased to hear that Mister Overskou-Thomas. We ve known each other so long but these days we barely pass the time of day, and we have so much in common. I have such fond memories of your dear wife. I remember once -- -this is difficult enough Oh? [Above them puts a plank across the divide between the upper stories of the two houses and as her father speaks she gingerly makes her way across. The Snow Queen watches] This is a hard cold town, as you know. Everyday folk come in from the countryside, looking for work and they re prepared to accept harsh conditions-they re prepared to accept reality. Unfortunately your son does not seem to have any notion of this reality. He lives in some sort of dreamland imagining that one day he will become a famous singer-or worse-a poet. The reality is, that these options are simply not open to him-not here-not now. These dreams will only make him miserable-in the long run. And here s the hardest fact of all Mrs Fyn-I have twenty-thirty children waiting to take his place, children who are willing to learn from me-all they need to know about the real world and how to survive in it. I fear I cannot educate your son. Out of respect for you and your circumstances I will give him one more chance -though I fear he is incapable of taking it-after that I will let him go. I will expel him-if I have to. Thankyou, verskou-for your honesty. Will that be all? One other thing-. For s sake I would be grateful If you would tell your son- not to speak to her anymore. [Silence] I fear he is a bad influence -at this time- and is capable of leading her astrayand I must protect her. You understand I m sure. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 10

12 [She takes his cup from him] Goodbye Mister Overskou. [verskou Steps outside and snow falls upon him. He goes into his own house where s grandmother is stirring soup in an iron pot. Upstairs treads quietly ] You look troubled Thomas. Where s? She s not home yet. [They both hear a noise from upstairs.] I want to speak to her. Would you fetch --- I bought the boots The boots? The boots you asked me to get for. Shoes Mother-not boots. Boots is better all around- When snow and ice are on the ground. [She shows them to ] No,no,no, black shoes, not red boots. Had red boots when I was a girl. can t go to school in red boots- you stupid woman. She can t go to church or even to the shops-she can t do anything in red boots unless she s running away to join the circus!.. [Silence ] I know you meant well but you must understand Mother that this is not the age of-of red boots. GERDA. [ comes down and as she leaves her room crosses from his room to hers. and overhears what s said.] Oh you are home-must have snook right by me, as I was sleeping-stupid old me. --Yes-I-I must have., you know that everything I do is in your best -what have you done to your new skirt? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 11

13 Nothing-I was playing-i fell. Playing-who with? --Who with? With. Master Fyn. I see- you will not play with Master Fyn anymore.from this day on you will not associate with him. Associate? What do you mean by associate? Mother- I don t know what associate may mean, seeing as he s our next door neighbour but then I am a bit stupid. The subject is not open for discussion-and- I have already spoken to his mother. You will not speak to him or spend anytime in his company. But I don t understand, he s-i ve known him all my life It s for your own good and there s an end to it. [ is about to reply but then turns and goes up to her room- hides in her room.] See she gets some supper I will. You can fetch your own. [-is breathing hard-she goes to her window and takes the cold air into her lungs. Enter Grandmother.] There now child-you ll come and have some supper. I m not hungry. Why, I have never seen such a serious face-and no tears neither. Not a drop. Poor child, what have we done to you? I m quite alright. Then eat-and come away from that window before the Snow Queen gets you. The Snow queen? Don t tell me your mother never told you about the Snow Queen? I know what you re trying to do -but it won t work. Your Father can t stop you being friends with. It would be like trying to stop spring following on the heels of winter. It can t be done. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 12

14 [ hugs her. In s house looks for him. Mister Overskou hears her voice and eats his soup] GM,? Who is she then? The Snow Queen? Very beautiful-very fancy at this time of year-in her pomp you might say. Its high time I spoke of her because every child should be warned. Warned? You see the snowflakes falling -sometimes when the wind gets up they start to swarm-like bees-flying so thick and fast you can t see the road ahead. That s when the Snow Queen flies. She flies? Never settles on the ground for long-she s the Queen after all-and doesn t want to be turned into a snowball-or anything as base as that-so up she flies-around the town peeping in at windows. One moment she s on the outside-the next---and this is her time-so beware. Can she get in here? Let her try-we ll put her on the stove and melt her. What would I do without you? You d do very well child. Sleep now-sleep. [ sends her off to sleep with the following rhyme] Against the snow, the ice, the cold To my hand tightly hold The blood within is warm and true The heart is hot and red of hue. [ goes down and snatches the bowl from hands. falls asleep and creeps out-he crosses the plank-as he does this the Snow Queen crosses to his room, and looks in at the window. ] - there you are-hiding were you-from me-hey hey. I heard what verskou said. Well-we ll deal with him tomorrow-my, it s cold in here-frost on the window. I can t obey mother I won t The Snow Queen by Charles Way 13

15 Something s changed in that man-ever since his wife passed on I suppose. Father wasn t like that-was he? Ha-no-in no way-your Father? Bless the holes in his socks. Mother- have you heard of the Snow Queen? Of course-when I was a girl. Why didn t you tell me about her? Too much washing to be done I suppose and a thousand other things- One day things ll be better for us mother I ll audition for the Grand theatre and make lots of money- no more holes in socks-i promise. Thankyou son. Will you sing to me mother? It s getting late Just one please. Snow snow, falling down Soft and light on the ground Covering the world with a blanket bright Softly falling through the night. You made that up! Of course-goodnight. [She goes down and returns to her relentless washing-but keeps humming the tune she just invented. The lights change and the Snow Queen slowly becomes manifest in s room-he wakes in a kind of dream and sees her. She beckons to him-but he pulls the covers over his head and she goes away. Lights fade] [Morning-he plans to see and lifts up the plank used to bridge the two buildings underneath which he sees a pot-and a rose.],,,,- [He keeps repeating her name as he pushes the plank across from one ledge to the other. She looks out. He lifts the flower pot onto the plank and pushes it across and follows it.] Look what I found-our little garden. What are you doing? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 14

16 You remember we planted some seeds- and nothing happened. Gerad Be careful. What are you doing? Didn t your mother tell you I can t speak to you-or see you? But you are speaking to me. I m not. And you can see me? I can t. [She laughs-for the first time in ages.] Brilliant-I m invisible. And what do I find beneath the snow? A rose in winter-in our garden a miracle I d say. Yes -a miracle. She smiled [looks up to the sky] thankyou-ow [He has got something in his eye-and it is accompanied by a sharp tense sound] Agh.? I ve got something in my eye [The sharp sound increase so that it s almost unbearable-and he doubles over clutching his heart] What is it? My heart-my- Shall I fetch the doctor? -! [She holds on to to stop him falling from the plank-then the music subsides and he recovers] Are you alright? Yes-it was just my eye and-my [Holds his heart] Let me look-- I said I m alright- stop fussing. But you were in agony. Hardly. What am I doing out here-its freezing? Here-have my gloves. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 15

17 [He takes them without any gratitude and puts them on] They ll do I suppose. [He stands] Be careful. [He knocks the rose pot over and it fall down to the street below with a crash] The garden- Don t fret so - But our rose. It s nothing to be upset about-just a silly rose-are you crying? You are- No [ Laughs] What s so funny? You-your face. All over a worm eaten old rose. I heard someone call-are you two alright? [She sees the plant] Oh. Don t worry Mrs -it s just a bit of dirt-it s what the world s made of. Is it so-well here s the broom - you can come down and clear it up. Why should I?? She s got a broom in her hand and nothing else to do all day- why doesn t she do it? I m sure he means nothing by it. You fetch yourself down here young man-before I have a word with your mother. Don t bother-we re not allowed to speak to you-or hadn t you heard?! Well I--come down from there now. [ goes back into his room and downstairs. goes through her house-dressing for cold weather as she does so.] You d better eat something before school what? This place-could really do with a good clean. I-oh? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 16

18 There s muck everywhere. If you re offering to help I ll fetch a mop and bucket. Don t bother-i ve got school. [He goes outside-leaving his mother open jawed. The Snow Queen is alert to now. He stands-puts out his hand and catches a snowflake which he proceeds to examine. Enter. The Snow Queen retreats] - What? Can t you see I m busy? What s the matter with you? Nothing. Have you ever looked at a snowflake -really looked? Its -perfect -six identical points, perfectly structured-makes everything else look likeboiled spinach. -I thought- after school-i d come sledging. What for? We ll be going fast and I mean fast-and you ll have one of your panics and ruin everyone s fun-as usual. [ runs off upset.] Bye then. [Enter with Sledge nearly colliding with.] MR Where are you going? Sledging- What about school? There s no school, the boilers broken down-it s really fantastic --[Sees approaching] --ally upsetting. Come on. {Exit} Master Fyn! Sir? About -I hope your mother explained-- It s alright sir-i understand sir-is that all sir? [He goes home leaving verskou-open jawed. ] I hope you re in a better mood. Schools closed-i m going sledging. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 17

19 Alright-when I ve done these I ll come by and watch awhile. Uh-don t think so. [He goes out with his sledge and and enter with theirs] What do you think of this mate-made it myself? Looks like it-mate. Oh -I wish it would snow forever. I love the snow. I really love it-i m in love with itthe taste of it-the feel of it the, Ow. [She has been hit by another snowball from, who looks away innocently.] Cool sledge -really-handsome- Thanks -and you ve got a-a- A tray. Nice-nice tray-[he makes a face to and sits grumpily] Are we going to race or what? Are you alright? What do you mean? Seem a bit- Moody. I just want to race Go faster than you- Faster and Further That s what I ll do I ll beat you both Down to the town Further and faster and win the crown! As you say -as you say. [He looks at and shrugs] After three One The Snow Queen by Charles Way 18

20 All Two Three- [With a tremendous yell the race starts-and is ferociously competitive-soon leaving the others behind. Music-belonging to the Snow Queen who now enters in her beautiful white sleigh. Her entrance has the effect of magically slowing the action down. Only seems to move forward. The Snow Queen is beckons to him, again and this time he approaches] Would you like to go really fast? Who are you? Faster-than you ve ever been before-in your life? -Yes. Then climb in next to me. What about my sledge? Leave it. You won t need it anymore. [He throws it carelessly away] and climbs into the sleigh] Come to me hold on tight. Fly with me across the night Between the stars that burn so bright Come to me and hold on tight. [He climbs into the sleigh. Exit sleigh-and and unfreeze and reach the spot vacated by the Snow Queen.] +?? [Enter ] -have you seen? Isn t he here-with you? He was --. But he just disappeared. He was going so fast. Which way did he go? Don t know-he just kind of- The Snow Queen by Charles Way 19

21 Vanished. Vanished? One minute he was here the next he was- Gone-like someone had just--.cei. CEI! Don t panic. We ll find him-we ll search The three of us. Together! -.. [ runs home-time passes the skies darken but for the moments are all one-] -have you seen? No-and I if I did I d give him a clip round the-what s the matter? [She runs over to. Time passes lights darken further.]? Is at home? No dear-i haven t seen him all day- Oh- What is it? What s happened? Something s wrong-i know it is. Well where is he? I thought you were all together-out sledging. I m sure it s nothing to worry about. But its getting late- dark. We ll find him soon enough. And so cold. -fetch a shawl and a lantern., go and get your Father. [Goes out and calls].. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 20

22 MrO Father? CEI! [Enters] What s all the shouting for? Its - I thought I told you- He s missing. Missing? He s not come home. Thomas-put your coat on and bring a lantern. I will do no such You will do as you re told!, go and fetch your friends.-go on. -. Fyn Now -you and I will take the south of town. and her friends- the north beyond the square. Thomas- Yes Mother? Go through the town gate-as far as the river. But he knows he s not to go anywhere near the river - Just to be sure. [Music-they all search, calling his name-the lanterns lighting their grim faces as they searchin and out. The Snow Queen s sleigh enters on another level -flying through the night sky] Are you cold-little? V-V-very Creep into the bearskin-i wouldn t want you to freeze. [She kisses him on the forehead]there does that feel better? Yes-thank you. Good.We ve travelled well you and I. Above the world-so very high. [ looks over the side of the sleigh and gasps.] Exciting-isn t it? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 21

23 Who are you? Don t you know? The Snow Queen? [She smiles at him] I thought you were made of ice-even your eyes. Look below -tell me what you see. It s fantastic-i can see everything-every field every shape-how it all-fits together. Look-there s a village. A village? With only-sixty two houses-which means-at an average of four people in each house, 248 people-which means if they have two pairs of clogs each that s 844 clogs. How clever you are-how precise. See--there-there s a farm on fire. Oh? People are shouting-running-someone s trapped I think -we should go down and help them. Why? See how quickly the scene vanishes behind us- But Isn t it better-up here-far above the troubles of the world-flying through the night- with me? Yes- much better. Precisely. Are you getting cold again? Here [She kisses him again] No more kisses now-or I should kiss you to death. Why not sleep awhile-sleep-sleep. Over forest and lake we fly Over sea and land Below us the snow sparkles And the moon shines over all The Snow Queen by Charles Way 22

24 Large and bright-cold and clear In the long winter night. [Lights fade on Sleigh. Below the search has continues, is more frantic now] Has anyone seen my son-- Fyn? [They all gather back except Thomas-their lanterns close together] Look. There s someone coming. -is it? [Enter slowly-he drags behind him s sledge. gasps] Where did you find it Thomas? On the river-on the ice he-he must have fallen through-he-? No-no it can t be. There, there - No no Not -not. [She collapses onto the sledge and this precipitates-music and a change as time and action meld together through the feelings of. All back away from the grieving mother apart from - slowly picks up the sledge and exits. stands frozen unable to accept what has happened] Where is he? Where s.?? Please tell me.? Father.! [She keeps calling his name as her world disintegrates around her-literally vanishing before her eyes.]!! -stop now child-you must stop. Why? Is he dead? No one could survive beneath the ice-no one. Is dead? Is that what you mean?? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 23

25 MR O -! Listen to your grandmother-please Is dead? Go away child-go away. Please tell me you must tell me what s happened. I must? For pities sake girl [Exit] -stop now child-you must stop. Listen to your grandmother. Why have you stopped looking-we must find him! -please-you friend has gone-gone. Gone? No one could survive beneath the ice. No one- Listen to your Grandmother, please. [Stops] I won t believe it. I won t. I will find you -I will find you. [The music shifts and time moves forward] look- see-winters fading fast-the ice is melting. The ice? It will soon be spring- Time to start over. And tomorrow- it s your birthday-remember. Look what we bought - To cheer you up Red boots-red boots. [As if coming out of a trance- looks at them-] Thank you -Father-thankyou. [Exit and -she stares at the red boots. She puts them on and immediately hears the sound of the river] Oh cold, cold river-is it true- have you taken my friend The Snow Queen by Charles Way 24

26 Stolen him, from me-from us all? Oh cold, cold river-hear my voice. I would give anything to have him back. Here, have my new red boots-take them But in return give back to me-give him back [She throws them in-but the river gives them back.] What more can I give you-what more do you want? River River,, -are you there in the river? Are you there?,,gerda? Is that you? [ steps into the river-which lifts her up-spinning her away]. SPRING [The lights rise on lying prostrate before a little white picket gate. Beside her lies a sizable branch. Beyond there is a spring garden-beyond that a bed. The sound of a spring day. Three flowers-{snowdrop, Daffodil and Bindweed} suddenly move towards her-she groans-they stop as if playing Grandmothers footsteps. Before long they tower over her but she is still unaware of them. suddenly pushes through them.] Shoo, shoo you nosey parkers. Why-little girl-and all wet through-poor dear-there there. [ takes a small bottle from her apron and wafts it beneath s nose] Where am I? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 25

27 On the banks of a river my dear-that runs right by my pretty little house. It s a wonder you re not drowned --There was a branch-i clung on- For dear life-and life is dear dear-and here you are now-out in the wide world. Can you walk a little? Yes thank you. [They pass through the gate-which ear closes behind her carefully] Then you re to come inside this instant and tell me all about yourself-and you ll have a little tea I hope and some cake, and a dry towel would come in handy I dare say- [To the flowers] Shoo shoo. [The rather dazed looks around but the Flowers are perfectly still once again] Mrs It s very nice to have some company-i must say-now then however did you drop into the river? I shudder to think-. What s that? That s why I m here-have you seen him? Who? -my friend. I m looking for him and everyone else says he fell through the ice-and no one can survive cold like that-but I know in my heart that it isn t true-and I will find him-i will. Not tonight you won t my dear-look at that lovely sun dipping down-it s nearly time for your bed. He hasn t been here then? No- and your not to worry about him-not tonight. What you need is someone to worry about you-for a change. Poor dear-you do have a winter look about you- Now slip off those wet boots-and take a sip of tea-how does that taste? It s lovely. And it is too. You re very kind-but I can t stay-i must find my friend. [ stands and sways] The Snow Queen by Charles Way 26

28 Oh dear, dear, you poor thing. You must sleep here tonight and recover your strength [She leads to the bed which is covered by a duvet with a rose pattern on it] ear Lay yourself down-on this pretty bed and in the morning you ll feel so much-- [Sleepily] Roses? That s right dear. They were s favourite flower-we grew some-together Did you so? I feel rather woosy. Its woosy tea dear-from the garden--helps you forget-helps you sleep and dreamof nothing at all- I m- I m - who - who are you? Oh- I m ear Dear- for short-that s who-that s who. [ sleeps. turns the Duvet over so the rose pattern vanishes. goes outside and the flowers approach.] Now we have some company, at last, an honest name if I ever heard one and we have to be very kind to her and tomorrow you must play sweetly and no teasing. She s had quite enough upset in one little life already. So whatever games you play-keep her safe-that means don t let her leave the garden-she s not to leave on no account -poor thing. Shoo -Shoo. Oh roses? I ll have a word with youprivately. [The others back away] Roses, roses go underground Stay in the earth- make no sound Lie in the mud fast asleep Down you go so very deep [The roses disappear. picks up the red boots and hides them then watches the sun finally fade and instantly rise. Morning.] Morning -my little acorn-how refreshed you look and here s a slice of toast. You re very kind The Snow Queen by Charles Way 27

29 Oh think nothing of it-i ve been longing for a sweet little girl like you. You ll see how well we two get along. Yes-I m sure we will---my boots? What lovely hair you have an all-sit here and I shall comb it for you. [She does so and with a golden comb that makes forgetful.] Thank you- still I can t stay I have to-to find Yes I know dear all in good time and here you are in the very now of times-and I say that s the best of times-at your age-you let us big ones worry about yesterday and tomorrow-live for the now. What were you saying? I can t recall- exactly.-what a lovely comb. And it is- and its yours-a golden gift for a golden girl. Now while I prepare a spot of lunch for us ladies you go out and play. Play? Naturally. Who with? [ laughs as if to say oh you silly thing.] Out you go now-shoo shoo. [ goes into the garden. The flowers approach as before] All Hello? Anyone there? Morning. Hi there. Hello. Who s there? I heard you speak but I can t--- I did we did- he did- we all did. Oh. But you are plants. Plants? Yes-hurray-someone who understands-that that s what we all are-plants- Well I may be a plant-but I m not just a plant-i m also a very distinctive-highly individual- The Snow Queen by Charles Way 28

30 Plant and that s what holds us together-that s what we have in common. Yes-although some plants do happen to be prettier- than others- and that s what we don t have in common. My name is - Daffodil. Narcissus Daffodil NARCISSUS! And I m snow-snow snow -snow-snow-snow [ Drops off to a snoring sleep] Call me Bindweed-common as can be. Very-and he gets everywhere-- Nice to meet you. And you. And me. Oh hi-i m snow- snow-snow-snow-snow [ Falls asleep] Wakey, Wakey. Is he alright? Oh yes-it s just the nodding of his head -it makes him-drop off-it can happen at any moment. How inconvenient. Well-I wouldn t say it was that incon--[he drops off] Wakey, wakey. Hi-I m snowdrop. Nice to meet you -that s a nice name. Almost as nice as mine. Daffodil. They love each other really. Would you like to play? With me? With us. Which includes ME-and I know loads of games The Snow Queen by Charles Way 29

31 Wait-wait. What games do you like? Well I- I don t I m afraid- I don t know any games -as such. [Silence] All Didn t your mother play games with you-when you were little? Yes-I suppose she did but -I just can t remember them. In that case-we ll start very simply -what about hide- And seek Which is one game you understand-- Yes- I-remember that much-but- What? Isn t hide and seek-just a bit- you know-silly. [Silence-they stare at her in utter disbelief-then they ignore her completely] Who s on it? Me, me,me,me,me,me. As usual. 1,2,3,4,5- SN Hide-hide. Quickly you ve got to hide before she -[He drops off-bindweed slaps him on the back-he wakes and then scuttles off to hide] 6,7,8,9,10-Ready or not I m coming to get you. [She nearly finds but finds ] Found you-found you found you. Alright-alright- I m so good at this. Snowdrops on it. Yes-alright. Got the point.! [Covers his eyes] 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8 [He falls asleep] [After a moment steps forward to wake him-but his head snaps up] Gotcha. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 30

32 All- Oh but that s unfair-i was just- Oh that s so unfair Nice one snowdrop- Your face-ha ha ha ha. [- now laughs with them] Right then-1-2 [They scream with delight and go and hide] 3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10. Ready or not I m coming to get you. [This time the plants are very well hidden. Music - She looks and eventually she opens the little white gate and steps outside. In a moment the flowers are in front of her pressing her back.] + What do you think you re doing? You can t leave the garden. Unless you want to get me into trouble. I was just-playing the game. In the garden- Which you can t leave. It s not allowed you see. [Whispers] It s forbidden. Oh? By whom? By the lady- Shh. With the big secateurs. [He mimes a cutting movement] I m not listening-i m not listening. She told us-you re not to leave this garden. On no account-ever. [They turn and see -with a tray of lemonade] Hello dear-having a lovely time? How wonderful it is to be young like you running in and out the house all day- a spring in your step. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 31

33 Lemonade- homemade. Cool you down- all around. No point in having a gate is there-and leaving it open. No point at all. [She glares at the plants who shrink away] What have you been playing? Hide- And seek Simultaneously. Oh such big words from Bindweed-how clever he is. Remind me to cut you back before you spread your cleverness all over the garden. How s my little girl? Happy I hope. Yes I m very-happy-but I can t keep playing-for too long-i have to do something you see-which will mean-- leaving- [The plants breathe in] At some point. Leaving-but why would you want to leave dearie? I-I can t seem to remember. Rosemary s for remembrance. [ gives him clip round the ear] All And that s for interfering. Now let s hear no more talk of leaving-we wouldn t want you falling in the river again -would we. Here I can protect you [She gives her hat] There you go-protection. We don t want that pretty face of yours getting sunburnt do we? Oh what a picture you make, so much healthier than when you first arrived and you have brought so much hope here-hasn t she? Hasn t she? Yes-she has. And it would be wrong-quite wrong of you to take that away from us wouldn t it dear? [Silence-the others-implore her with their eyes] Yes-Yes it would-i suppose. Lunch won t be long. [She goes] Now she s angry with us. She ll cut us back. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 32

34 + + So what fellow plants-just remember ever time she cuts us down-we rise up stronger than before. Oh pleeease. Look-Look. Yes-that s called- a hat With roses on it. Roses are are-are- s favourite flower-that s why I m here- Who s? He s the one I m looking for-they said he was dead but I don t believe it-i don t believe it.i have to find him-will you help me? Why should I? It s got nothing to do with me. And it s hardly in the common interest of the garden is it. Snowdrop? If you want to find out if your friend is dead-and buried-you ll have to ask the roses. But there are no roses. That s because she- With the big secateurs- Shh,shh. Made them all go underground-and that s where the dead go. I don t like this- I ll get into trouble. Can t you think about someone else other than yourself for just one moment? No. No more than you can think about anything except- the common interest whatever that is. Stop it both of you- s our friend- Right? Right. So we help her-if we can- Right? Right. Good-now ask the roses. Roses-roses can you hear me in the earth? [Music-the roses rise up from the earth] The Snow Queen by Charles Way 33

35 Oh roses how beautiful you are. Humph! I m looking for my friend. Do you know where he is? Try again-change the nature of the question. A rhyme might help. Oh roses-that are darkly red Tell me truly-is dead? Roses Dead he isn t. We ve been in the ground Where the dead are But isn t there. isn t there. Thankyou. You don t know how much better that makes me feel. Perhaps you know where he is? [Suddenly the roses shrink again-disappearing beneath ground. and the flowers turn slowly to see ear standing with large pair of clippers.] What are you doing little girl? I remembered-i have to find -and he s not dead-the roses told me so and I have to leave-now. [The plants breath in] Mrs d Leave? Yes. I ll need my red boots-for the journey. You can t go on any journey my dear-your far too- Young? Inexperienced. I m not as inexperienced as I was yesterday- and that seems-suddenly- a very long time ago. So please-my boots. You selfish-selfish-little girl. How dare you? How dare I what? The Snow Queen by Charles Way 34

36 After all I ve done for you-for you all. Every year it s the same-getting each of you just nice-to the right height-and every year-you just-with the first breeze that blows by. I m sure I m very grateful. But-my boots-l want my boots. Want, want,want, that s all I ever get for my trouble. [She fetches them and throws them down before.] Go on then-go if your going. [She puts them on ] You ve been very kind- all of you. For all the good it does me. [She bursts into tears-the flowers follow suit] I m sorry. I meant no harm. I know-i know. It has to be-and still I m always unprepared-somehow. And the flowers were a joy to play with. I won t forget you-any of you. Goodbye Snowdrop. Good, good-good[he drops off] Goodbye clever Bindweed. Divided we fall. Goodbye Narcissus- I m sorry I have to go. Don t be-you ve had quite enough attention as it is. Yes. You do know - that once you leave through that pretty little gate-you can t be coming back-and though I may seem selfish its that-which makes me-grieve so-- Yes -but If s alive-i must find him-bring him home. Yes Dearie. I understand. [ leaves-they all snivel and wave-as she vanishes ] The Ice Palace. [Lights rise on the Snow Queen standing over asleep] Wake up. Wake up. You ve been asleep too long and there s much to do. The Snow Queen by Charles Way 35

37 Where am I? Home-where you belong. Home? In the heart of a snowflake-you do like snowflakes don t you? Yes- I know-i know. And here you are- in the far far north of the world with all the snow you could ever dream of. How lucky you are.come-i have something to show you-something very special. [Music and lights as the Mirror is revealed, surrounded by broken pieces.] Once-it was perfect-but now- Now it is-- What happened to it? It fell-a long time ago from a very great height and shattered-as you can see. I ve been trying to mend it-for what seems an eternity. As yet I haven t found anyone clever enough to mend it. Perhaps you, can do this for me? Yes- I ll try. Trying isn t good enough! Not here-here only success matters. You do want to succeed? Don t you? Yes, yes I ll start right away. Good boy- and don t stop-don t stop until it s finished. [He immediately sets to work and the Snow Queen smiles, then laughs. Her breath sends a chill wind through the world. As he puts one section in after another she become more powerful. Below the wind is felt in springtime, gradually increasing in strength] There s a chill wind for the time of year? What s happening? It s very cold. I don t like it. I don t like it one bit. What s happening? What s happening? Help us-help us. [The Snow Queen descends into springtime and the flowers one by one are blown away. Eventually is forced to her knees by the cold. She reaches out to the Snow Queen-who The Snow Queen by Charles Way 36

38 walks by her-and puts around her shoulders a grey-snowy winter coat. is left thus frozen as the Snow Queen continues north as it were back to -eagerly working on the mirror] Good boy. [Interval] The Snow Queen by Charles Way 37