Macbeth Amongst the Stars Archives - Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 5 – The Sky is Falling

Philip Robotham — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 18:44:05 +0000

Below we present the complete text of “The Sky is Falling”, episode 5 (and final) of our new Science Fiction adaptation of Macbeth Amongst the Stars. This is a brand new (unpublished) series (featuring the familiar Shakespearian characters against a backdrop of starships, rayguns and intergalactic politics). If you would like to see these new stories advance from being drafts into polished publications then please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our previously published titles. Every sale directly funds the production of new stories.

Audio Drama for Schools – SWFS002 –
Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult situations and themes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #5 – THE SKY IS FALLING

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Creative Commons Attritubution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

CC by-nc-nd 4.0

This play is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) International license. This play may not be commercially reproduced, performed, or sold. Non-commercial production, performance, and reproduction is allowed under this license so long as attribution is maintained. No derivative content or use is allowed. It can be freely shared in its current form (without change) under this license. If you would like to purchase one or more copies of this work (for your own personal non-commercial use, or to help financially support the author) then please return to http://www.weirdworlstudios.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Serial #2: Macbeth Amongst the Stars

General Macbeth and Banquo face down and defeat the traitor Macdonwald in a space battle that saves the empire from alien invasion. However, when they are intercepted by aliens who deliver a cryptic prophecy on their return home, the fire of ambition is lit within Macbeth and he sets out on a bloody quest to seize the empire for himself. In order to succeed Macbeth must navigate terrorist plots, a nano-plague, and even pit himself against his former friends and allies. Will his plans and manoeuvrings help him gain the prize he seeks? Tune in to “Macbeth amongst the stars” and experience this classic tale (now set in a sci-fi future) for yourself.

Episodes in the Host Your Own “Old Time Radio Drama” series are designed to provide a fun dinner party experience for 6–8 participants. Read along, taking on the role of one or more of the characters in the story, and listen as the exciting drama unfolds. This is the theater of the mind, where the special effects are only limited by your imagination, and your participation will build a memory that you’ll treasure for years to come.

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

MACBETH: Emperor of human space

LADY MACBETH: Wife to the Emperor

ADVISOR#1-2: Advisors at the imperial court

MACDUFF: General in service to Malcolm

MALCOLM: Son of the murdered Emperor; Duncan.

SPY: The Emperor’s chief of spies

ROSS: General in service to Malcolm

ANGUS: General in service to Malcolm

DOCTOR: Doctor to the Emperor.

PRIOR: Alien conspirator

EXTANT: Alien conspirator

ULTERIOR: Alien conspirator

OTHERS: Chorus of generals

CONTROLLER: Communications officer

VOICES: A chorus of voices of the damned

SFX ARTIST: Minimum 1 required

SCENE 1: (INT) THRONE ROOM ON PALACE DUNSINANE
(NARRATOR, MACBETH, ADVISOR#1, ADVISOR#2, ADVISOR#3, LADY MACBETH, SPY)

MUSIC: OPENING THEME AND TITLE – LET IT FINISH
NARRATOR: To secure his throne from all rivals, Macbeth has murdered his best friend and the family of Macduff, one of his most honest and loyal generals. Meanwhile Malcolm is raising an army against Macbeth and the imperial administration faces numerous new threats, not the least of which is the defection of large numbers of generals who now feel the Emperor is, if not mad, increasingly unstable. Can Macbeth regain the loyalty of the military and save his empire from destruction, or will he crown the mountain of corpses he has left in his wake with one last life? His own?
SOUND: (WALLA) ANGRY MURMURINGS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS ENTERING – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: What is the meaning of this commotion?
SOUND: ANGRY MUTTERING SUBSIDES – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: That’s better. What is going on here?
ADVISOR#1: Forgive us, your highness. We have received distressing news.
MACBETH: Oh?
ADVISOR#1: (BEAT)
MACBETH: Come on man. Out with it! I’ve never known members of the trade delegation to be backward in the bringing of bad news before.
ADVISOR#1: The food shortages within the empire have increased. It is said that, despite your best efforts, the nano-blight infection has been spreading from planet to planet.
ADVISOR#2: And there is worse news. The star at the center of the Andover system just went supernova. We now have a massive refugee crisis on our hands.
MACBETH: We were aware of the impending solar event. A blockade was established to help process the refugees.
ADVISOR#2: It appears that the blockade has not held. A large number of troops opted to change sides rather than obey the orders you had given them.
ADVISOR#1: And now it appears there may be a new threat. The blight may have jumped to the human population. There is word that planet Cobain is seeing strange mutations in segments of the population. That, in order to fend off starvation, many have taken to eating the infected grain, and succumbed.
ADVISOR#2: But most concerning of all are the rumours that numerous planets and systems, led by your own generals, have defected and abandoned you. It is said that Malcolm has returned and is leading an army headed by Macduff and Fleance. That even Ross has gone over to join them.
MACBETH: Enough of this. The Emperor’s court has always been a breeding ground for rumour and innuendo. That you would allow these unsubstantiated and fallacious…
LADY MACBETH: (DISTRESSED) Husband, husband! What have you done? What have you done?
MACBETH: Gruoch! This is not the time…
LADY MACBETH: I have received word from Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR). There has been a massacre. My cousin, Marissa… The children…
MACBETH: (FURIOUS) Clear the court! Clear the court!
ADVISOR#1: Er… Yes, your majesty. (TO THE CROWD) Quickly. Go. Go now. Move!
SOUND: DEPARTING ADVISORS – FADE OUT UNDER
SPY: Do you wish me to depart as well, my Lord?
MACBETH: No, not you! I want you to stay!
LADY MACBETH: (WEEPING – UNDER)
MACBETH: Calm down, my love. Think of the baby.
LADY MACBETH: How could you do this?
MACBETH: Macduff was planning to expose us. I thought it best to…
LADY MACBETH: To murder my kin?
MACBETH: to keep these dark, but necessary, deeds from you. How did you discover this?
LADY MACBETH: Surely you knew I’d find out?
MACBETH: (FRUSTRATED) Of course I knew. I just didn’t think you’d come screaming about it into the palace court. (BEAT) You are not the only one who has suffered loss in this business. It was you who set my hand to the murder of my own cousin and my best friend. This is the price we pay for power.
LADY MACBETH: But Marissa…
MACBETH: Marissa was a necessary sacrifice.
LADY MACBETH: No. No. The blood! The blood, it’s everywhere. It’s on my hands. Fetch me water. Fetch me water. I need to wash it out!
MACBETH: (CONCERNED) Gruoch! Gruoch!
LADY MACBETH: The blood is everywhere. (IN PAIN) Ungh!
SPY: My Lord, if I may…
MACBETH: Go now. Fetch the doctor. The Lady is unwell.
SPY: Yes, my Lord.
MACBETH: And hurry.
SOUND: FEET DEPARTING IN A HURRY – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 2: (INT) A HALLWAY IN PALACE DUNSINANE
(DOCTOR, MACBETH, SPY)

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS RUNNING – LET IT FINISH.
DOCTOR: I’ve got to escape this madhouse. If I run now, I may still get out before…
MACBETH: Doctor! Where are you going?
DOCTOR: (FLUSTERED) Er… Ah… Um, I was just… I was just coming to see you, my Lord.
MACBETH: And I was coming to see you. Though I expected to find you in the royal apartments… attending my wife.
DOCTOR: My Lord, I have terrible news. The babe came early and…
MACBETH: What? Has something happened?
DOCTOR: My Lord, your wife, she was in such a state. She kept crying for the baby so we placed him in her arms.
MACBETH: A son! I have a son!
DOCTOR: My Lord! It all happened so fast. She cried out saying “The Emperor’s murderer has no right to happiness” and then she dashed the child against the floor. When we rushed to the child’s aid, she grabbed a scalpel and slashed her own throat. (BEAT) My Lord, your wife and child are dead!
MACBETH: She… she killed herself? And the baby?
DOCTOR: My Lord… I am so sorry for your loss.
MACBETH: It… it’s alright. I’m sure you did all you could. And her cry at the end?
DOCTOR: Clearly the ravings of delirium, my Lord. She was obviously not in her right mind.
MACBETH: Too true. Doctor. I’m glad you found the courage to tell me these things. I appreciate hearing the news from someone who cared so much for her. In fact I intend to reward you with…
SOUND: LASER FIRE – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: (WITH CONTEMPT)…the only reward worthy of a coward. (BEAT) I know you’re there, my Chief of Spies, hovering about. Come out where I can see you.
SPY: Yes, your majesty. And do you intend to kill me as well?
MACBETH: No. Your hands are as steeped in blood as my own. I have nothing to fear from you. In fact, you may be the only man in the empire of whose loyalty I can be completely certain.
SPY: It is my intention to stay by you to the end, your Majesty.
MACBETH: And I am glad to hear it. Now, clean this up and have my ship prepared.
SPY: Do you intend to run, my Lord?
MACBETH: Run? Don’t make yourself out to be a fool, now, man. I am going to take my wife’s body and that of my son into the asteroid belt. I have nothing to fear, here. Dunsinane is self-sufficient. It cannot be blockaded and the encircling asteroid field has always stood as its first and greatest defense – no fleet may pass through it, and so they must come at us through a narrow opening in it, one that allows us to pick them off like fish in a barrel – and the asteroid field has other significance for me besides. I wish to commit my wife and child to the deep, where their bodies will not be molested by my enemies.
SPY: Yes, your Majesty. I will see to it immediately.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 3: (INT) MALCOLM’S WAR ROOM
(MALCOLM, MACDUFF, ANGUS, ROSS, CROWD OF GENERALS)

SOUND: POLITE MURMUR – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
MALCOLM: Welcome gentlemen. I’m glad you could all join us.
OTHERS: Thanks, Prince Malcolm. Thankyou. Etc.
MALCOLM: I should begin by saying how much I appreciate the risks you have taken to join me. All of you were former generals in my father’s army. Your loyalty to him and his line does you credit. And you have all risked much to join me here today.
MACDUFF: Aye. And paid dearly in more than a few cases.
MALCOLM: We will see your family avenged for the Emperor’s actions, General Macduff. He will not go unpunished.
OTHERS: (MURMURS OF ASSENT). Mmm. Mmmhmm. Yes. Etc.
MALCOLM: But victory will not come cheaply. Dunsinane has never fallen. There is a reason that it is both fortress and capital to the empire. The asteroid field of Birnham is impassable to our great fleet. The only way through is a gap barely 30 miles wide. We are bound to take heavy losses bringing the fleet through there. It will be like shooting fish in a barrel.
OTHERS: (MURMURS)
ANGUS: What of the aliens? Will they help us?
MALCOLM: No. This is our fight. They offered me sanctuary and, I believe, wish us no harm. They provided assistance to Macdonwald’s rebellion but did so in response to incursions into their territory by my father. If we respect their borders, they will leave us in peace. They will not, however, take part in our civil war.
MACDUFF: Even without the alien armada, we have the numbers now. Enough planets have joined us to make the victory possible.
ANGUS: And many of those who could not bring themselves to participate in open rebellion have made it clear they will not put any impediment in our way. They certainly won’t be going to the Emperor’s aid.
MALCOLM: So, he is isolated. We have numbers and truth on our side. But he is extremely well fortified. I won’t lie to you. We are going to lose many men in this enterprise.
ROSS: Perhaps not.
MALCOLM: Ross?
ROSS: I have an idea. Something that the Emperor said to me once, back when he was still just a lowly General. I think I have a means by which we can make every fighter in our fleet the equal of a battleship…
OTHERS: (MURMURS OF INTEREST).
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: (EXT) IN THE ASTEROID FIELD
(MACBETH, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SOUND: HUM OF FIGHTER ENGINE – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
SOUND: EXPLOSIONS OF ASTEROIDS CRASHING TOGETHER – BACKGROUND UNDER.
MACBETH: (SUBDUED) Well, here we are Gruoch, in the Birnham Asteroid belt, and here I will release your body to the stars. You will embrace my son, and the two of you will be embraced in turn by this field. I can’t imagine what drove you to this madness, but know that I loved you both… And know that my enemies will beg for a forgiveness I will never grant them in light of this grief or I will go down in ignominy, though I strived to seize the moment by main force.
SOUND: BEEPS – HISS OF AIRLOCK RELEASE – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: Farewell, my love. There is one more stop I wish to make before I return to Dunsinane to seal my fate. I will find the oracles that spoke to me when first I came this way with Banquo. I will find them and wring from them the outcome of this fight. I will know if this has all been for naught.
SOUND: RATTLING BEGINS AND INCREASES – UNDER.
MACBETH: Ah, here it is. Come on, you ghosts, show yourselves! I want to talk with you.
SOUND: RATTLING INCREASES FOLLOWED BY SHOOP OF RIP SWALLOWING MACBETH – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: And here I am again. But where are you, you filthy demons of the spaceways?
PRIOR: You became Emperor. You spilled a river of blood.
MACBETH: I did. I did what was necessary to secure my place in history, for good or ill.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You are preparing for battle. You do not intend to give up.
MACBETH: I do not. I have lost this chance at dynasty, true, but there may be others.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We will tell you of the future…
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) For that is why you are here.
MACBETH: Yes. Tell me. Will I be victorious? Will I win in the end?
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) No-one yet born,…
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Nor any who ever will be born,…
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Can take your life.
ULTERIOR: (BEAT) Dunsinane will never fall until Birnham Asteroid field crashes upon it’s surface.
MACBETH: Ha ha! Then I am safe. I cannot be killed by any born to life and this field has floated here in space since time immemorial. It will remain here, the greatest defense of Dunsinane, long after my time is up. (BEAT) I do not know what manner of things you are, nor what motive has driven you to set me on this path. Perhaps I would have been happier without it, but I thank you anyway.
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You have thanked us.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We are thanked.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) And we will see you again, one last time.
SOUND: SHOOP OF RETURN TO NORMAL SPACE – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: I am three times reassured. I will not be killed. The planet will not fall. And I will see them once more. These are better tidings than I had hoped for. And now, to marshal my forces for war.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 5: (EXT) THE GAP IN THE BIRNHAM ASTEROID FIELD
(MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SOUND: HUM OF SPACESHIP ENGINES – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
MACDUFF: Malcolm, I really don’t like this plan of yours.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Don’t tell me you’re feeling scared, Macduff. Not now that the action is about to begin.
MACDUFF: Of course I’m scared. Any man who is willing to attempt what we’re about to attempt would be a fool not to acknowledge his fear. We’re heading into the gap through the Birnham Asteroid field. Every projection we’ve run has indicates at least 70% losses to our forces coming in.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) There’s still time to turn back. I won’t think anything less of you.
MACDUFF: Don’t be daft, your majesty. I’m concerned about you, not me. Without you, there will be no-one suitable to put on the throne. We’ll be back where we started, without anyone who holds a legitimate claim.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) There is the princess Fleance. She was named successor by Macbeth, true, but, as you and I have both come to learn, she will make a worthy empress.
MACDUFF: (SLYLY) Aye, and I’ve noticed that the two of you have rarely been apart since she joined us in alien space.
MALCOLM: A fact I will trust you to not mention again, MacDuff. You said it yourself. The area we’re entering is lethal. I couldn’t ask any man to fly into this hell without being willing to go myself. I’m sending a great many men in here to die, just to create a diversion for our main attack. It is essential that we commit enough lives to this assault to convince the Emperor that this is our main force.
MACDUFF: I understand the strategy, and it does you credit that you want to fight beside your men where the risk is greatest… but couldn’t you just do what other monarchs do and tell the men how much you want to be with them? I mean, do you have to actually put yourself in harms way?
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (WARNINGLY) Macduff…
MACDUFF: Alright, alright. It was worth a try. We’ll be in range of their guns shortly. You’d best give the order to attack.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Men, this is Malcolm, son of Duncan. The battle for Dunsinane is about to commence. The tyrant Macbeth is trusting to defenses that have never yet been defeated. But today we have a chance, a real chance, to put an end to his reign, one that we must buy with blood and sorrow. Trust to your guns, fight bravely, and take the battle to this murderer. Attack!
SOUND: LASERS (MANY, MANY) – FADE OUT
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 6: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE
(MACBETH, CONTROLLER, SPY)

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: Your highness, your Generals are gone. They’ve all either defected or deserted. Your personal troops, those who have served you from the beginning, are all that remain.
MACBETH: It is of no consequence. My troops would be more than enough to defend Dunsinane, were there half as many of them.
SPY: Yes, sire.
CONTROLLER: The enemy fleet is entering the gap now, sir. They are about to begin their attack.
MACBETH: Put them on the screen.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: That’s quite the armada… but still not so large a force as I feared Malcolm and Macduff might raise. It will, indeed, be like shooting fish in a barrel. Let me address the troops.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: Loyal soldiers of the empire, I address you now, not as your Emperor, but as a fellow warrior, one who has fought beside you in many a battle. We have been comrades in arms and I have been with you and have led you to many victories. I am not a superstitious man, but I have been touched by destiny. Prophecies have been given to me about this day. The same prophets that predicted my ascension to Cawdor and more recently to the throne of empire have spoken saying that none yet born, nor any who will be born, may take my life. Dunsinane itself will never fall until the asteroid field of Birnham itself falls upon us. Take heart, my brothers. Fight hard. The victory is ours. We have but to claim it. Commence your attack upon the invading fleet.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 7: (EXT) THE ASTEROID FIELD
(ROSS, ANGUS)

SOUND: SHIPS ENGINES – LET IT FINISH.
ANGUS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) The battle has been joined, General Ross. How long must we wait before we can begin our part?
ROSS: The bulk of our small fighters have made it through the asteroid field to its edge and are hidden with us. We need only wait for the Emperor to commit his forces to defending against the prince’s attack upon the gap before we begin our part in this.
ANGUS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Ross, this strategy of yours…
ROSS: … will work. So long as the Emperor’s busy with the main force, he’ll never see it coming. Wait, there he goes. He’s redirected the orbital cannons to take up positions defending against the attack on the gap. We’re ready to go.
ANGUS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) On your mark, General Ross.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
ROSS: General Ross to all ships, use your tractor beams to bring an asteroid with you out of the field. We are going to engage in a planetary bombardment. Every ship is to accelerate an asteroid ahead of them onto the planet. The falling asteroids should provide us with sufficient cover to take out the planetary defences. The Emperor will be forced to surrender… or die. Either way, this civil war will have been brought to an end.
SOUND: WHOOSHES OF ASTEROIDS BEING LAUNCHED – FADE OUT.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 8: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE
(MACBETH, SPY, CONTROLLER)

SOUND: INTERMITANT EXPLOSIONS – ALARMED MURMUR OF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICERS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
CONTROLLER: (PANICKED) The asteroid strikes are occurring planet wide, your highness. It appears the enemy sent the bulk of its small attack ships and fighters through the asteroid field in order to launch a surprise attack. We’ve lost most of our orbital defenses and a large number of our battleships and other fleet vessels. Many of our ground defenses have been destroyed due to the asteroid strikes. This bombardment is as effective as any heavy ship-mounted artillery known to us.
SOUND: BIG EXPLOSION – LET IT FINISH.
CONTROLLER: That was our communications array. We’ve lost our ability to talk with our fleet. Your highness, I think the battle is effectively over.
MACBETH: You coward! This is not over.
CONTROLLER: You said yourself that when the Birnham Asteroid field came crashing into Dunsinane, then Dunsinane would fall…
MACBETH: No. No! We are not done yet.
SPY: Your majesty… I think I may have a solution that will yet gain you the victory.
MACBETH: Yes? What is it? What do you have in mind?
SPY: Come with me to the throne room sire. You had best see this for yourself.
MACBETH: Alright. The rest of you, keep working to get the communications back up and running.
CONTROLLER: Yes, sire.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS – FADE OUT.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

ACT 3

SCENE 9: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE THRONE ROOM
(MACBETH, SPY)

SOUND: FOOTSTEPS – FADE IN.
MACBETH: Now, what is this plan of yours? What is it that…
SOUND: PHUT OF DART STRIKING – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: (GRUNTING) Ugh! What have you done?
SPY: Come this way, my liege. I think it best if you sit down. Yes, that’s right, over here on your throne. The paralytic will render you immobile very shortly and I don’t fancy trying to shift your carcass once the poison has taken effect. There you are.
MACBETH: Mmmmpf. Mmmmm-mmmmmmpf.
SPY: Oh, look. It is fast acting isn’t it? I’m afraid I lied to you a little about having a solution for you, sire. The fact is, the battle really is lost. It’s only a matter of time before your enemies launch the ground assault. But before they find you I have one final commission to fulfil.
SOUND: CLANKING OF MACHINE – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: I suppose you can see this thing, yes? (BEAT) Yes, your eyes are still responding. I’m guessing they are about the only things in your body that still are, aside from your heart and lungs of course. This rather nasty looking machine I’m carrying is about to go over your head. There we are. You see I was told that if I wanted to live, I would have to kill you at some point. That prophecy of yours was rather interesting. “No-one yet born or yet to be born” could kill you. But of course, you’re forgetting that I’m a clone… and an assassin… and an assassin always fulfils a contract.
SOUND: BEEP – POWER-UP SOUND – THEN SLICING SOUND – LET IT FINISH.
SOUND: METALLIC CLUNK ON FLOOR – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: Now I have no idea why they wanted me to collect your head this way, but then who am I to question my employer? The body I’ll leave here for your enemies shall I? But I’d better get a move on if I’m to escape what’s about to happen. Come-on. (GRUNTS) This is a lot heavier with your head in it. (BEAT) There we are. Let’s go.
SOUND: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 10: (EXT) ALIEN SPACE
(SPY, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR, VOICES)

SOUND: SHOOP OF ENTERING ALIEN SPACE – LET IT FINISH.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) You removed Macbeth’s head?
SPY: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) He is dead.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) No, he is not.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We will take it from you.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) It is a trophy. It marks our success.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We will look after it now.
SPY: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) But why?
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) That is no concern of yours. Only that we have given you your life.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Return to your new Emperor. Serve him. He will have much for you to do in coming days.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) But do not forget us.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We may call upon you again some day.
SOUND: SHOOP OF SPY BEING RETURNED TO NORMAL SPACE – LET IT FINISH.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We won. Malcolm was implanted with our technology. As was Fleance and Macduff.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Others will be our puppets also. The humans will not be able to resist us.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) The victory is ours. Their new Emperor is under our control…
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) and shortly, they will have a new Empress to share his throne. We will enslave them…
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE)…as we have enslaved so many others.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Place the head on the shelf and activate it.
SOUND: BEEP AND POWER UP – LET IT FINISH
MACBETH: What’s happening? Where am I?
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) You are a trophy. The spoils of war.
MACBETH: I can’t feel my hands. I can’t… what is this place?
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) It is our trophy room. The place in which we house…
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Those we have defeated in the past.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) You will be here forever.
MACBETH: No. I should be dead. Let me die!
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) Don’t cry out. You’ll wake the others.
MACBETH: Others?
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) All those we have defeated in similar fashion.
ULTERIOR, PRIOR, EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICES)(LAUGHTER FADES) Hahahahahaha!
MACBETH: No. You’ve damned me. I’m damned. I’m daaaamned.
VOICES: (ECHOING) We’re damned. We’re daaaamned.
MUSIC: CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH.

Casting Sheets – Main Roles

There’s no reason that any of the major (non-lead) characters should be necessarily male or female roles. The aliens, Stuart, Ross, Angus, and the Spy, though written as men, could easily be changed to female roles with a modification of pronouns.

PRIOR (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAST – AN AGED SAND-PAPERY HISSING VOICE): I have been responsible for the past. I spoke of ages gone by. I told of yesterday’s events. My voice was only heard when the past tense was used. I was oldest of my siblings.

EXTANT (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRESENT – A CHITTERING VOICE, HARSH, LIKE a BIRD OF PREY): I am responsible for the present. I speak of what is now, in this moment. I speak only in the present tense. I am the middle child among my siblings. I flit from sentence to sentence, moment to moment, like a bird of prey in search of its next kill.

ULTERIOR (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE – A SINISTER CHILDLIKE GOBLIN – THINK GOLLUM – VOICE): I will be responsible for the future. I will tell you of what is to come. I will reveal what tomorrow has in store. I will speak only in the future tense. I will be the youngest of my siblings.

MACBETH (A BEAR OF A MAN WITH LITTLE SELF-AWARENESS AND A STRONG AND BOMBASTIC MANNER OF SPEECH WHO ENJOYS A GOOD FIGHT – A CROSS BETWEEN BRIAN BLESSED AND BILLY CONNOLLY): I am Macbeth; loyal, capable, cunning. I don’t tolerate nonsense or second-guessing from anyone. I am a man of action, first and foremost, and I don’t have time for prissy little milk-sops who want to waste time on empty words. So, speak up! What is it that you want?

LADY MACBETH (SMART, AMBITIOUS, RUTHLESS AND A LITTLE PRONE TO PARANOIA): Do I know you? Who sent you? The palace is full of gossips and weaklings; small-minded women who plot and scheme. I’ll not be taken for one of those simpletons. Return to your master or mistress and give them this message – you’ll pick up no juicy tid-bits of gossip from me… But have a care. If I ever find you snooping around my apartments again, I will have the skin off your back as an example of what happens to those who cross me. The only one of you to whom I’d give the time of day is my cousin, Marissa. Why she married that bumbling fool, Macduff, is quite beyond me.

MALCOLM (SON OF DUNCAN – YOUNG, IDEALISTIC, BRAVE): Ah, thankyou. It’s easy to take for granted the things that people do for me. Growing up in a palace, despite all the training in arms and battle, can make me forget how sheltered I’ve really been. It’s easy to take for granted the army of servants who have been on hand to watch over and look after me. So, thankyou. Your work is appreciated.

SPY (CRUEL, CALCULATING, MERCENARY, AND IRONIC IN NATURE, OFTEN COMES ACROSS AS LACONIC AND FASHIONABLY BORED WITH EVERYTHING): Oh, there you are. I rather forgot about you for a moment there. It’s the work you see. The Emperor depends on me for so much. Like right now, he’s depending on me to loosen your lying tongue. Now, now. Don’t struggle with your bonds. You’ll need your energy to speak after I begin pushing these needles beneath your finger nails. Oh, don’t worry, we’ve got all the time in the world. And I do like to be very thorough in my interrogations.

MACDUFF (SLOW OF THOUGHT, BUT STEADY AND PERSISTENT. NOT A NATURALLY SMART MAN, BUT DOGGED IN FINDING THE TRUTH, AND A GOOD MAN BESIDES): They say, that given enough time, I can see through a solid wall. I guess that’s a compliment. I do tend to mull things over until I’ve got the measure of them, no matter how long it takes me. Little things, inconsistencies and the like, these worry at me and nag me until I get to the bottom of them. I’m not really cut out for politics – I can’t stand the double talk – but I’m a loyal man and I can get things done. These traits still count for something in these troubled times.

ROSS (CONFIDENTE OF DUNCAN, HUMOROUS, EFFICIENT): Welcome to Duncan’s court. I see you’ve managed to leave the wife and bairns behind again, General. We have your cot and monk’s cell prepared for you as requested, along with a regular morning bowl of gruel. What’s that? Oh, yes. Your wife contacted us to make all the arrangements. Apparently she wished you to know how much she appreciated being left behind with the children while you came to visit the Emperor’s court.

Casting Sheets – Minor Roles

Though often written as men, there is, however, no necessity for any of the following roles to be cast as any particular gender.

CONTROLLERS AND REPORTERS (GENERIC): I’m a communications officer. It is my job to keep the communication channels open. It’s an important job and I take it very seriously. The last person in this role let the Emperor’s priority channel drop out and… well, lets just say I’m not going to let that happen to me.

ADVISORS (GENERIC SYCOPHANTS): If I could just get the Emperor’s ear, then I’d show them. My idea for a mandatory tax on beards would revolutionize our revenues. I just have to get noticed.

VOICES (AN ARRAY OF DISEMBODIED HEADS, INSANE, WAILING): Help meee! We’re doooomed. We’re daaaaamned! Help meeee!

DOCTOR (SYCOPHANTIC, OILY, AND PUFFED UP): The Emperor is lucky to have me on his staff, and he trusts me implicitly. After all, I take care of his most intimate needs. Eh? Well, no, he doesn’t actually speak to me, but I did get to compliment him on the fine polish of his boots the other day.

ANGUS (A GENERIC STRONG, NO-NONSENSE, WARRIOR GENERAL WHO CONCENTRATES ON GETTING THE JOB AT HAND DONE): Alright, the troops are in position. When the guns are charged and ready I’ll give the order to attack. (BEAT) Attack!

NARRATOR (A TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, POSSIBLY ENGLISH VOICE – THE KIND YOU WOULD TRUST TO SELL CHILDREN’S PHARMACEUTICALS: I bring the audience up to speed on what has happened in previous episodes. I relish the telling, a little like the hosts of the horror anthologies of the past. I try to convey a ghoulish enthusiasm for the story to the audience.

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

The events of Macbeth existed fully formed in Shakespeare’s original work. As a result there was not much need for dramatic invention in the construction of this play. The scenes had their own conflict etc. built in. However, a challenge still remained, and some considerable thought was given, with regard to how best adapt the work to a science fiction setting.

The question of how to effectively parallel and remain true to the themes and meaning built into Shakespeare’s work within a scifi setting, and how to communicate the work to a contemporary audience who would not share the social and historical context that made much of the work sensible to its original hearers and informs the understanding of modern audiences, especially where that context has been deliberately replaced with a futuristic setting, remained central in my approach.

In its original setting Macbeth is a politically conservative work, written to curry favour with a newly established monarch, James I, who has just survived the gunpowder plot. There is some reason to believe that Shakespeare was genuinely fearful of failing to be seen to be a supporter of the new King since there was, in fact, some connection between the conspirators who had tried to blow up parliament and his father’s family.

James I was a descendant of Banquo, and Macbeth serves as a polemic both in defense of the status quo and as an attack upon the notion of regicide and rebellion. In it, nature itself is turned upon its head by the death of Duncan. The murder of a king is portrayed as so “unnatural” an act that the natural world is rendered unnatural in response.

The three witches in the original work, are a curious amalgam of the Greek fates, and the popular notion of witchcraft (a topic with which King James was fascinated).

In this version of Macbeth I have tried to maintain both of these elements of the story. I introduce a “nano-blight” – a mutating plague that spreads in the background of the story – to stand in for Shakespeare’s perverted natural order. The witches, and their commitment to an upside down morality and world order have been replaced with a more overtly fate-like trio of aliens – one representing the past, one representing the present, and one representing the future. This choice was made because, in the view of this author, the witches ultimately undermine their own commitment to the perverted natural order by facilitating Macbeth’s downfall, actions more consonant with the fates than the proposed philosophical commitment of witchcraft in Shakespeare’s work.

Planets were substituted for castles and, after some thought, Birnham Wood was altered to Birnham asteroid field, allowing an asteroid bombardment to be used to represent the coming of the forest to Dunsinane.

The science fiction setting allowed the use of cloning to take the place of caesarean section as the means by which Macbeth’s nemesis managed to be “not born of woman”.

Lastly, I took one final liberty with the original text and made Fleance a woman. While the original audience were aware that James I was the descendant of Banquo (via marriage at some future time into Duncan’s line) and fulfilled the witches’ prophecies, the relationship of Banquo’s descendents to a future throne needed more immediate establishment in a scence fiction setting. By making Fleance female it became possible to explicitly place those descendants on the throne via a marriage between Duncan’s heir, Malcolm, and Fleance (now transformed into a female character).

Having established the broad, iconic, parameters of the play, along with their parallels, it was now easier to introduce original scenes (and modify traditional scenes), create new characters, and create new events that served the telling of the story, and revealed the deeper nature of the protagonists. Despite some new twists, characters, etc. Macbeth remains a tale of “o’er-leaping ambition” and the perils of the Machiavellian “will to power”.

Since I have been arrogant enough to attempt to adapt a master-work of English literature in this way (and worse to subject it to substantial alteration) I deserve anything I get in terms of “hate” from those who love the original. An attempt like this can’t help but offend many, but , I hope, there will be a few that forgive me and end up enjoying my attempt at imagining my favourite of Shakespeare’s stories, itself an adaptation of material found in Hollinshead’s Chronicles (in turn based on even older material), transplanted into the far future.

Except where noted above, there’s no reason that any of the major (non-lead) or minor characters should be necessarily male or female roles. The aliens, Stuart, Ross, Angus, and the Spy, though written as men, could easily be changed to female roles with a modification of pronouns.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Philip Craig Robotham grew up in a house full of books and has held numerous jobs as a teacher, computer programmer, graphic and web designer, e-learning consultant and, most recently, writer. He currently lives in Sydney, Australia with his wife and two sons. When he was younger and fitter he enjoyed martial arts, but in recent years his hobbies have tended towards more sedate fare (board games, movies, books, and role-playing games).

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and in general make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

Don’t forget to check out the free sample portions of our titles at http://weirdworldstudios.com/product-category/our-products/ .

This post and all its content is copyright © 2013 Philip Craig Robotham and has been released under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) license. This play cannot be reproduced, shared, or performed commercially without the written permission of the author. The production of derivative content, merchandise, or creative works and materials is expressly forbidden under this agreement. However you may share, reproduce, and perform this play freely so long as authorship is acknowledged, no money changes hands, and the play is not modified in any way.

The post MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 5 – The Sky is Falling appeared first on Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama.

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 4 – The Heel of the Boot

Philip Robotham — Fri, 17 Nov 2017 09:10:13 +0000

Below we present the complete text of “The Heel of the Boot”, episode 4 of our new Science Fiction adaptation of Macbeth Amongst the Stars. This is a brand new (unpublished) series (featuring the familiar Shakespearian characters in a against a backdrop of starships, rayguns and intergalactic politics). If you would like to see these new stories advance from being drafts into polished publications then please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our previously published titles. Every sale directly funds the production of new stories.

Audio Drama for Schools – SWFS002 –
Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult situations and themes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Creative Commons Attritubution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

CC by-nc-nd 4.0

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Serial #2: Macbeth Amongst the Stars

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

SPY: Chief spy to the Emperor

MACBETH: General in the service of the Emperor and then Emperor thereafter

LADY MACBETH: Wife of Macbeth

ROSS: General in the service of the Emperor

MACDUFF: General in the service of the Emperor

LADY MACDUFF: Wife of General MacDuff

NURSE: Nurse-maid to the MacDuff children

SERVANT: Servant to Macbeth and Lady Macbeth

PRIOR: The Alien that speaks of the past

EXTANT: The Alien that speaks of the present

ULTERIOR: The Alien that speaks of the future

SFX ARTIST: Minimum 1 required

SCENE 1: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, SPY)

MUSIC: OPENING THEME AND TITLE – LET IT FINISH
NARRATOR: Shortly after announcing Fleance, the daughter of his best friend, as his heir, newly crowned Emperor Macbeth, murderer and usurper of Emperor Duncan I (THE FIRST), has discovered that his wife is pregnant. In light of this, instead of a an event designed to provide stability and certainty with regard to Macbeth’s regime, the naming of Fleance now appears to be an impediment to the establishment of Macbeth’s own dynasty. What dark deeds is the Emperor now willing to contemplate in order to achieve his latest ambition?
SPY: My Lord, how can your Chief of Spies serve you today?
MACBETH: Do you have a family, my friend?
SPY: No, your highness. I am vat-bred, a clone, prepared for your service since I was grown in the jars of the breeding factory on Planet Haverness. We are, of course, incapable of having families of our own.
MACBETH: Indeed. Forgive me, I forgot, having been caught up in my own news. You have heard, of course, that my Lady Gruoch carries an heir?
SPY: Of course, my lord. The entire empire is rejoicing at the happy event.
MACBETH: And you are aware that I have announced that Fleance, the daughter of General Banquo, my very good friend, will succeed to the throne upon my death?
SPY: (NEUTRAL) Yes, my Lord.
MACBETH: It occurs to me that Banquo has not given enough attention to his security.
SPY: Sire?
MACBETH: He underestimates how dangerous a hotbed of dissidence, Cawdor is. Recently, I received news that the governor of one of the districts, Macmahon, I believe, was murdered.
SPY: (DRILY) Fancy that.
MACBETH: I would like to charge you with the task of ensuring Banquo and his daughter…
SPY: Both of them, sire?
MACBETH: Yes, both of them. I would like you to ensure that the TWO of them do not fall prey to any seditious plots or terrorist actions when they travel to Dunsinane.
SPY: And you believe such action is likely?
MACBETH: Oh, I believe it to be a certainty.
SPY: Yes, my lord. I will make all the necessary arrangements.
MACBETH: Thank you. I was certain that I could rely on you.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 2: (INT) THE PALACE AT CAWDOR (BANQUO, FLEANCE)

SOUND: QUICK WALKING – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
SOLDIER: General Banquo, Princess Fleance, your ships are waiting.
BANQUO: Thankyou Soldier, that will be all.
FLEANCE: I know you trust him father, but I have reason to believe he is…
BANQUO: Nonsense, Fleance. The Emperor is my oldest friend. He is a brave and honourable man.
FLEANCE: And a ruthless one. I am not so sure about his honour, though.
BANQUO: What makes you say such things?
FLEANCE: Have you heard about the quarantine?
BANQUO: Yes, of course. It was put before the council for approval.
FLEANCE: But do you know what has happened since?
BANQUO: Stop teasing. What do you know?
FLEANCE: Nothing concrete…
BANQUO: I thought not.
FLEANCE: But there are reports of refugees attempting to break the blockade and being blown out of space by imperial troops.
BANQUO: Nonsense. The Emperor…
FLEANCE: The Emperor was probably behind the extermination of entire cities on Cawdor… he could easily be behind this.
BANQUO: You were the one who investigated the massacres on Cawdor.
FLEANCE: And I was told to end those investigations after Macmahon was killed. Only…
BANQUO: Only you didn’t.
FLEANCE: Only I didn’t. I have developed contacts while working as the chief of your intelligence division and I have uncovered some disturbing things.
BANQUO: Are these the same contacts that provided your information on the quarantine?
FLEANCE: They are, and before you ask, I do trust them.
BANQUO: Alright. But even if our Emperor is behind some… disturbing… actions, he is hardly a threat to us. He has declared his intention to name you to the throne.
FLEANCE: And Gruoch is now pregnant. How long will I survive as an impediment to the creation of his own flesh and blood dynasty? I have a bad feeling, father, like an itch that I can’t quite scratch. I do not think you can trust to your friendship any longer. Please, be on your guard.
BANQUO: Alright. I won’t pretend I haven’t had a few concerns of my own since that long ago journey through the asteroid field with Macbeth.
FLEANCE: What’s that?
BANQUO: Another time. (BEAT) So, is it your intention to take a separate ship?
FLEANCE: Yes, it is. We will make less tempting targets if we are not together.
BANQUO: It will also signal our distrust of the Emperor.
FLEANCE: I’ve already taken care of that. In a moment I will receive an urgent message from my department regarding a grave threat to planetary security. It will require that I follow after you in a second ship.
BANQUO: It seems you’ve thought this through.
FLEANCE: I have.
BANQUO: And if the worst should happen?
FLEANCE: Then nowhere in the empire will be safe for us. If one of us should die, then the other should head for alien space.
BANQUO: Are you mad?
FLEANCE: Perhaps, but I have reason to believe that our welcome would not be as uncertain as we might once have thought.
BANQUO: Alright. Good luck to you, daughter.
SOUND: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 3: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, SPY, MACDUFF, ROSS)

SOUND: BACKGROUND MURMUR – LET IT FINISH.
ROSS: Macduff, I’ve never seen the Emperor like this. Nor his lady.
MACDUFF: Neither have I, Ross. If he gets much drunker…
ROSS: He looks angry. It can’t just be that Banquo and his daughter are late.
MACDUFF: No, something is bothering him. He’s like a snake that’s had a meal snatched from its jaws. And Gruoch looks like she can barely contain herself. She keeps trying to calm him down but…
MACBETH: (EXPLOSIVELY) Where is he? I’ve a room full of guests and no guest of honour!
SERVANT: Sire, we know no more than you do.
MACBETH: (SOUNDING DRUNK) Then go and find someone who can tell us more. The finest communications array in the galaxy, and we can’t find someone who is actually on his way here?
SERVANT: Yes, sire. Right away, sire.
MACBETH: And send me more wine! (BEAT) No wait. What’s that?
SERVANT: Sire?
MACBETH: That! What is that?
SERVANT: I can’t see…
MACBETH: It’s a ship. I see a ship.
SOUND: EXPLOSION – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: It’s exploded. Exploded! In pieces.
SERVANT: My lord, are you alright?
MACBETH: And now it’s changing. I see… I see… a man. No! No. Don’t look at me that way! You’re late. You’re late and your daughter will not be Empress. How can we have an Empress whose father is late? How can we…
LADY MACBETH: Ladies and gentleman, I apologize for my husband. He appears to have had a little too much wine. I’m sure that if we wait a little longer…
MACBETH: Blood. Look at the blood. You can’t come to the royal hall looking like that. It’s just not done, man! Clean off the blood at the least. No one will give your daughter a throne if you appear dripping with gore.
LADY MACBETH: (PANICKING) Uh… he’s drunk, friends. Please, perhaps it is best to cancel the festivities, this evening. He has been very stressed lately, dealing with the quarantine and food shortages and such. I’m sure you understand.
MACBETH: The ship. It’s back
SOUND: EXPLOSION – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: And it’s being destroyed again.
SOUND: EXPLOSION – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: And again.
LADY MACBETH:(ALMOST CRYING) Please, friends, let’s not witness my husbands distress. It is the strain. I’ll summon the doctor.
SOUND: MURMURS AND MOVEMENT – UNDER
LADY MACBETH: (GENTLY) Come, husband, we shall retire.
ROSS: Did you see that?
MACDUFF: I did. But I’d counsel you not to speak of it openly.
ROSS: But…
MACDUFF: I understand… and it looks to me, also, like a troubled conscience is emerging from the Emperor’s cups.
ROSS: What will you do?
MACDUFF: I’ll not stay. That much is certain. I have a journey I need to make. Perhaps quite a long one. And I will need to prepare my ship right away. (BEAT) Look to your own safety, Ross. I believe the Emperor has gone mad and I do not expect he will treat those who witnessed this fiasco with any gentleness.
ROSS: Good luck, Macduff. I believe we are all going to need it.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (LATER) (MACBETH, SPY)

SOUND: FEET WALKING – LET IT FINISH
SPY: My liege, I bring grave news. As you feared, there has been an attack upon General Banquo by terrorists from Cawdor. Sadly, the General was killed in an explosion upon his ship.
MACBETH: And his daughter? How fares Fleance?
SPY: Fortunately, the daughter escaped the trap. Her current whereabouts are unknown.
MACBETH: (ROARING) What??? Escaped. How?
SPY: (UNFAZED) My lord? Your joy at this news does you credit.
MACBETH: (COUGHS) Of course, but you fail to see the reason for my concern. Once before the offspring of one of my most trusted friends committed patricide. Now it appears that Fleance has done the same. It would not surprise me if she has fled to join Malcolm.
SPY: Undoubtedly, my Lord. Do you wish to have this news announced? A search of the empire could begin almost immediately.
MACBETH: Yes, see to it. I want the empire to be abuzz with news of the treachery of Fleance. Leave no stone unturned.
SPY: Of course, my Lord. (BEAT) There is other news, also.
MACBETH: Better news, I hope.
SPY: I wouldn’t presume to say. But it also appears that General Macduff has disappeared. (BEAT) You did ask me to keep an eye on the General after Duncan’s death… due to his close association with the perpetrator, Malcolm.
MACBETH: Ah, of course. It appears that the General has become a turncoat also?
SPY: As you say.
MACBETH: He has clearly joined with Fleance in hopes of linking up with Malcolm. What of his family, do they remain at the palace on Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR)?
SPY: They do.
MACBETH: It is a pity that he should expose them to such peril. Any true patriot on Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR) might take it upon himself to be revenged for the betrayal involved in these events. It would not surprise me if the entire family met with a horrible and untimely end.
SPY: The universe is indeed a dark and dangerous place, my Lord.
MACBETH: Indeed it is, but traitors and those who harbour them can expect no less.
SPY: Indeed.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 5: (EXT) TRAVELLING THROUGH SPACE (SPY, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SOUND: HUM OF SPACESHIP ENGINE, OCCASIONAL BEEPS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
SPY: It’s a funny old life. One day you’re employed by one Emperor to keep the secret of our invading and annexing the territory of a newly encountered alien species, the next there is a new Emperor on the throne, and you’re being paid to oversee a series of convenient accidents that just happen to remove his enemies. Still, that’s the nature of the job. I keep their secrets… and they in turn come to depend on me and fear what would happen if I were ever to break my silence. Ha ha ha ha. It is a comic form of detente. Mutual distrust for mutual benefit. While I live, their secrets are safe. While their secrets are kept safe, I live. It all comes tumbling down the moment that any of it comes out into the light, of course. But where would the fun be, if there wasn’t any risk?
SOUND: RATTLING NOISE – FADE UP UNDER.
SPY: What the? What is happening to my instruments? Nothing is responding and the readings have all turned to junk.
SOUND: RATTLING NOISE – INCREASES.
SPY: (UNDER) It feels like the ship is about to be torn apart.
SOUND: SHOOP OF BEING SWALLOWED – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: (LONG BEAT) Where in the nine hells am I?
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You have killed, human, many times and for many masters.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You are an assassin, yes?
SPY: No, I’m a…
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) (ANGRY AND BEYOND CONTRADICTION) YES!
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You will kill for us soon.
SPY: But… I have a commission.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) True, you have a job at present.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We will not attempt to stop you.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We have what you want.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We will pay you.
SPY: What do you have?
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We have your life.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We will give it back to you if you assist us.
SPY: Do I have a choice?
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) No.
SPY: Then what is it you want?
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) I will tell you…
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 6: (INT) LOCHABER PALACE (MACDUFF, LADY MACDUFF, CHILD, SPY)

LADY MACDUFF: You’re doing what?
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’m heading into alien space. I’m going to try and meet face to face with Malcolm and Fleance.
LADY MACDUFF: You’re insane. The Emperor is on the rampage. There’s even talk that he believes you are part of the conspiracy to kill Duncan and Banquo.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Damn his stupidity! I thought I’d have more time to sort this out. (BEAT) I can’t quite figure out whether Macbeth is a monster, or mad, or the victim of some greater scheme, but, whatever the case, I don’t think even he will try to move against me until I return.
LADY MACDUFF: And when do you intend to return? Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR) is on the very edge of human space. We need you here to help maintain the empire’s defences.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) If I can’t get to the bottom of this mystery, and shortly, there may not be an empire left to defend. Ross and a number of the other generals are now openly discussing civil war. It is essential that I find a way to bring Malcolm home, either as the rightful king, or in chains. You’ve said it yourself, Marissa, I’m not a clever man. But I do know right from wrong and I will find a clear path through this maze before I’m through.
LADY MACDUFF: I know you will, my love. If anyone can do this, it is you. But try to do it as quickly as you can. We cannot afford to take too much time.
SOUND: ZAP AND SCREAM – LET IT FINISH.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Marissa, what was that?
SOUND: TWO MORE ZAPS AND ACCOMPANYING SCREAMS – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACDUFF: It sounded like laser fire.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Where are your guards?
LADY MACDUFF: In the hall. I’ll call them in to…
SOUND: ZAP – SCREAM – BODY DROP – LET IT FINISH.
SOUND: DOOR SLIDES OPEN – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: Ah, Lady Macduff. I was looking for you.
LADY MACDUFF: Who? Who are you?
SPY: Oh, my lady, who I am is of little consequence. More importantly you should be asking who I represent.
LADY MACDUFF: (SCARED) Alright, who do you represent? And what do you want?
SPY: Two questions? Really? Then I will answer them. Perhaps we should take it in turns. Firstly, as to who I represent… Can’t you guess?
LADY MACDUFF: The Emperor. Only he would be so bold!
SPY: And there you are. Your first question answered. But now here is the first of my own. Where is your husband?
LADY MACDUFF: He has made an expedition into alien space. He believes Malcolm and Fleance have fled there and he hopes to capture and bring them in before more harm can be done.
SPY: Oh dear. You have no idea how much that saddens me. You see, my Lady, that means that your husband is actually a patriot rather than a traitor. He is looking to do his Emperor a great service. Unfortunately, should he succeed, he will discover the truth, and that would be most unfortunate. I dare say that you know what truth that is, don’t you my Lady? (BEAT) No guesses? Here let me try to help you. An intelligent woman like you should be able to work this out for herself.
SOUND: CUTTING – START THEN UNDER.
LADY MACDUFF: (SCREAMS) Aaargh!
SPY: Oh So, can you make a guess? Just one little educated guess?
LADY MACDUFF: (PANTING AND IN PAIN) That Malcolm and Fleance didn’t murder their fathers.
SPY: Ah, you see? I said you were intelligent. And now I will answer the second of your questions. I have been sent to complete the mission my master has charged me with. Though, now, if truth be told, I rather feel I have two masters. (BEAT) Oh you’ve noticed this, have you?
SOUND: JANGLING CHAIN – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: Yes, It is rather a nasty looking bucket of a thing isn’t it? Apparently it can remove a head with ease. I’m not sure what all these sharp little needles are for though. I’ve been instructed to keep it with me until the contract is complete. But don’t worry. It has nothing to do with this contract. In short, my Lady, it is not going to be used on you.
LADY MACDUFF: Then, what…?
SPY: Uh-uh-uh! Only one question at a time, please. Besides, it’s my turn to ask something. Tell me, my lady, where are your children?
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (UNABLE TO HOLD BACK) You craven dog!
SPY: Oh, my lady. Now that was careless of me. I didn’t realise you had an open communication channel. And to your husband no less. I’ve been through something of a shock recently, so I think I can be forgiven for overlooking that little detail just this once. But still it is a little embarrassing.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Who are you, you filthy coward?
SPY: Oh, of course, forgive me General Macduff. I’m sorry to find you unavailable to callers just now. I’m afraid I won’t be able to exchange formal introductions. Nevertheless, I should let you know that you are a wanted man, marked by the Emperor as Malcolm’s accomplice and aid to Fleance. You have been in the wrong place at the wrong time, once to often, Macduff, and the coincidences are rather damning, don’t you think? (BEAT) No answer? What about if I do this?
SOUND: CUTTING – UNDER.
LADY MACDUFF: (SHRIEKS) Aargh!
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Leave her alone.
SPY: Oh, yes, I’ll leave her alone alright. After I arrange the evidence to make it appear one of your own citizens has taken it upon themselves to patriotically put an end to your traitorous bloodline.
MACDUFF (OVER COMMUNICATOR) AND LADY MACDUFF: No!
SPY: Did you really believe that the Emperor would draw the line at killing women and children? He who has killed his kinsman and best friend without a qualm?
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’m going to find you and reach down your throat to rip your spine from your body!
SPY: Oh, you are welcome to try, General. In fact I would be grateful if you did. Come back as quickly as you can. It will be too late for your family of course (GRUNTS) …
SOUND: CRUNCH OF BONE – UNDER.
LADY MACDUFF: (SCREAMS) Aaargh!
SPY: But it will make it easier to find you, and bring you to your end. (BEAT) Nothing to say? (BEAT) I thought not.
SOUND: ZAP AND BODY DROP – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: Oh, there she goes. I guess I could have kept her alive for a little while longer. As bait perhaps? Or even to help me find the children.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Marissa!
SPY: Oh, she can’t answer now. I just drilled a hole through her head with my laser pistol. If you thought you had hopes of yet playing the hero, General… swooping in at the last moment and preventing the deaths of your loved ones… I’m sorry to disappoint you. As it turns out, I’m not going to have to search terribly hard for your children, either. It seems, according to your wife’s electronic diary, that their nurse is due to bring them to this very room in order to kiss their mother good night very shortly. It’s not going to happen of course. I intend to intercept them on their way.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (BROKEN SOBBING) I’ll kill you, you cur. I’ll kill you. I’ll wring your identity from your cowardly master’s neck as I choke the life out of him, and then I will find and kill you.
SPY: Ah, that’s more like it. Sedition, a direct threat against the Emperor himself. It doesn’t matter much now, I know, but I’ll feel better about all this knowing that you are actually a traitor. Please, come and find me. I’ll be waiting. And so will the Emperor.
MACDUFF: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) So you think? Then I will come, and with an army led by the true heir to the empire. I will make it my task to raise that army and place Malcolm at its head.
SPY: And as I said, I really will be waiting for you. When you bring Malcolm here you will actually be helping me fulfil my second commission. You know general, I didn’t expect to find you so obliging. I should probably be thanking you for your assistance in all of this.
NURSE: (DISTANT – SCREAMS) Aaaah! The Lady’s guards are dead! Raise the alarm!
SPY: Oops, I’ve ended up taking a little too long. Feel free to stay on the line and listen, if you’d like. I’ve got to get back to work.
SOUND: DOOR SLIDES OPEN AND CLOSED – LET IT FINISH.
SPY: (DISTANT) Ah, there you are nurse.
NURSE: Who? Oh, no!
SOUND: ZAP – ZAP, ZAP – THREE BODIES DROP – LET IT FINISH.
MACDUFF: (WAILING) Nooooooooooo!
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

LADY MACDUFF (SMART, IDEALISTIC, VERY MUCH IN LOVE WITH HER HUSBAND, AND SELFLESS – LIVING FOR OTHERS MORE THAN HERSELF): I married well, despite what my cousin, Gruoch (Lady Macbeth), says. He’s never had the opportunities and leisure that I have had to study, read and think, but he is thorough, and good, and trustworthy. I have given him two fine children. They take after him, more than me, and they will be an asset to the empire. I am content if I can raise them to be strong and good, with compassionate hearts and enterprising drive.

ROSS (GENERAL IN THE SERVICE OF THE EMPEROR), HUMOROUS, EFFICIENT): Welcome to the emperor’s court. I see you’ve managed to leave the wife and bairns behind again, General. We have your cot and monk’s cell prepared for you as requested, along with a regular morning bowl of gruel. What’s that? Oh, yes. Your wife contacted us to make all the arrangements. Apparently she wished you to know how much she appreciated being left behind with the children while you came to visit the Emperor.

PRIOR (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PAST – AN AGED SAND-PAPERY HISSING VOICE): I have been responsible for the past. I spoke of ages gone by. I told of yesterday’s events. My voice was only heard when the past tense was used. I was oldest of my siblings.

EXTANT (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PRESENT – A CHITTERING VOICE, HARSH, LIKE a BIRD OF PREY): I am responsible for the present. I speak of what is now, in this moment. I speak only in the present tense. I am the middle child among my siblings. I flit from sentence to sentence, moment to moment, like a bird of prey in search of its next kill.

ULTERIOR (THE ALIEN REPRESENTING THE FATE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE FUTURE – A SINISTER CHILDLIKE GOBLIN – THINK GOLLUM – VOICE): I will be responsible for the future. I will tell you of what is to come. I will reveal what tomorrow has in store. I will speak only in the future tense. I will be the youngest of my siblings.

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

Though often written as men, there is, however, no necessity for any of the following roles to be cast as any particular gender.

SERVANT AND NURSE (TERRIFIED, JUMPS AT EVERY COMMAND): I need a new job. The Emperor is alright, but his wife? Ugh. She’ll be the death of me. I can’t seem to do anything right. I try and try and I… (SOBS).

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

The three witches in the original work, are a curious amalgam of the Greek fates, and the popular notion of witchcraft (a topic with which King James was fascinated).

The science fiction setting allowed the use of cloning to take the place of caesarean section as the means by which Macbeth’s nemesis managed to be “not born of woman”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and in general make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

Don’t forget to check out the free sample portions of our titles at http://weirdworldstudios.com/product-category/our-products/ .

The post MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 4 – The Heel of the Boot appeared first on Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama.

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 3 – Traitors

Philip Robotham — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 20:38:51 +0000

Below we present the complete text of “Traitors”, episode 3 of our new Science Fiction adaptation of Macbeth Amongst the Stars. This is a brand new (unpublished) series (featuring the familiar Shakespearian characters in a against a backdrop of starships, rayguns and intergalactic politics). If you would like to see these new stories advance from being drafts into polished publications then please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our previously published titles. Every sale directly funds the production of new stories.

Audio Drama for Schools – SWFS002 –
Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult situations and themes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #3 – TRAITORS

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Creative Commons Attritubution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

CC by-nc-nd 4.0

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Serial #2: Macbeth Amongst the Stars

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 3 – TRAITORS

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

SPY: Chief spy to the Emperor

MACBETH: General in the service of the Emperor and then Emperor thereafter

SOLDIER #1 & #2: Soldiers in the service of the Emperor

LADY MACBETH: Wife of Macbeth

MALCOLM: Son of Duncan

MACDUFF: General in the service of the Emperor

LADY MACDUFF: Wife of General MacDuff

BANQUO: General in the service of the Emperor and friend to Macbeth

DOCTOR: Doctor to Lady Macbeth

CROWD: Crowd at coronation of the new Emperor

SFX ARTIST: Minimum 1 required

SCENE 1: (INT) MACBETH’S PALACE ON CAWDOR – ROYAL SUITE (MACBETH, BANQUO, MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

MUSIC: OPENING THEME AND TITLE – LET IT FINISH
NARRATOR: Convinced that he is destined to succeed to the throne of empire by an alien prophecy, Macbeth believes his moment has come when the Emperor Duncan visits planet Cawdor. He seizes the opportunity to engage in an assassination attempt, setting off a bomb while the Emperor sleeps and blaming the attack on local terrorists.
SOUND: ALARMS BLARING, RUNNING FEET – ESTABLISH AND UNDER – CONTINUE TO 410.
SOLDIER: General Macduff. There has been an explosion in the Royal apartments. It looks like terrorists are attacking.
MACDUFF: What? Where is the boy?
SOLDIER: I’m sorry sir? I don’t know…
MACDUFF: Malcolm, the son of the Emperor? We need to get him off world.
SOLDIER: I thought he was in your care, sir?
MACDUFF: You’re no help at all. (BEAT) Malcolm? Malcolm, where are you, dratted boy?
MALCOLM: I’m here, General. You didn’t think I’d sleep through all this, did you? Do you know what is happening?
MACDUFF: (RELIEVED SIGH) Phew. I was beginning to panic. It looks like there’s been a terrorist bombing somewhere in the palace.
MALCOLM: (PANICKED) My father??!
MACDUFF: I don’t know and there’s no time to find out. I’m sure your father is fine, but we need to get you out of the palace and safely into space as fast as possible.
MALCOLM: But…
MACDUFF: Don’t argue, boy. It’s the way it has to be. There’s no knowing who the intended target was and until we know more I’m getting you out of harm’s way.
MALCOLM: Are you coming with me?
MACDUFF: Not immediately, no. I’ll follow shortly, or as shortly as I can. Go with my lieutenant. You will have command of the ship. If anything happens you will need to remember your training and take action to protect yourself. (BEAT) Do you understand?
MALCOLM: Yes, I understand.
SOLDIER: This way my lord.
SOUND: RUNNING AWAY – LET IT FINISH.
SOUND: FADE OUT BACKGROUD, THEN BEAT – UNDER AND OUT.
SOUND: FADE UP BACKGROUND – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
SOLDIER #2: General Macduff, where is Malcolm?
MACDUFF: Who’s asking?
SOLDIER #2: Sorry general, it is Major Macdougal; I run security for General Macbeth.
MACDUFF: Yes, of course. I didn’t recognize you at first. How can I help?
SOLDIER #2: Tell me where Malcolm is. I have orders for his arrest.
MACDUFF: What?
SOLDIER #2: Duncan has been murdered. We have witnesses who say Malcolm sent drugged wine to Duncan’s personal guard in order to allow the terrorist, a suicide bomber named Stuart, access to his father’s rooms.
MACDUFF: (HORRIFIED) Duncan dead? I don’t believe it.
SOLDIER #2: General Macduff, where is Malcolm?
MACDUFF: I just evacuated him from the planet. My orders required it.
SOLDIER #2: Damn it. We have to stop him. General, I need your help. You may have just aided a regicide.
MACDUFF: Of course. We need to get to the…
SOUND: LIFT OFF – LET IT FINISH.
MACDUFF: There he goes. That’s the Prince’s ship taking off now.
SOLDIER #2: Too late. We need to return to General Macbeth right away. You’ll have to come with me and give a report
MACDUFF: Yes, of course. We should also call in the fleet to intercept the ship.
SOLDIER #2: Leave that to us. Though I doubt the General will authorise an intercept. It is more likely the ship will be blown out of space.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 2: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE AT THE CORONATION (BANQUO, MACBETH)

SOUND: MURMUR OF CROWD – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
BANQUO: Generals, all. Welcome to Dunsinane on this most tragic yet important occasion. Our Emperor, Duncan, is dead. His son, believed responsible for this honourless act, is on the run, adding daily to his presumed guilt. In light of Malcolm’s defection, we are forced to the sad task of appointing a new Emperor in his stead.
It was my honour to recommend my lifelong friend, General Macbeth to the position. It is an even greater honour to report that the decision has been almost unanimously (with only one vote in abstention) in support of this motion. And to add honour upon honour, I have been granted the immense pleasure of introducing to you our new Emperor.
The Emperor is dead. Long live the Emperor.
CROWD: Long live the Emperor!
BANQUO: I hereby present to you, the man known formerly as General Macbeth, protector of planet Cawdor, now named Emperor Macbeth I of Dunsinane.
SOUND: CHEERS, APPLAUSE, ETC.- FADE OUT.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 3: (INT) DUNSINANE AFTER THE EVENT (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

LADY MACBETH: They suspect. I am sure of it.
MACBETH: (ANGRY) I am barely crowned and you are already trying to fill my head with suspicion. (BEAT) Can we not have even one day to enjoy our good fortune?
LADY MACBETH: (ANGRY IN RETURN) Good fortune has nothing to do with it! You have attained to this height out of main strength. But you must not weaken now.
MACBETH: And what weakness do you see in me, woman? Have a care how you answer, and take note that you speak, now, to the Emperor of the entire human realm.
LADY MACBETH: Emperor, you may be, husband. But I have known you long and your greatest weakness is the trust you afford to your supposed friends. (BEAT) Who was it that abstained from the vote that made you Emperor? How has Malcolm escaped us? Why is Malcolm only “believed” responsible? Why is Malcolm’s guilt “presumed”? Banquo recommended you before the council of Generals but if even he voices such doubts in public, what might any of them plot in private? (BEAT)
Enjoy your victory, my husband. You have earned it. But do not drop your guard. There are many challenges ahead and none of these fair weather friends are completely trustworthy.
MACBETH: (SIGHS) Alright! I will sleep with one eye open. But, please, enjoy this day. There will never be another occasion in which we will figure so prominently, except perhaps when we put an heir on the Imperial throne. Please? For me?
LADY MACBETH: All right, dear heart. I will try! But I suspect it is time to put away hopes of an heir. It would be a safer bet, in this regard, to side with the palace gossips.
MACBETH: I share your grief Gruoch. But we have survived without children this far. We will continue to do so and, if that is what fate decrees, we will thrive nonetheless.
LADY MACBETH: Enough of these maudlin thoughts. What will be your first order of business as Emperor?
MACBETH: Ugh. There is no distracting you from business at all, is there?
LADY MACBETH: No, there’s not. (BEAT) So?
MACBETH: I wish to curtail our territorial expansion. Duncan was over-extending us. It nearly brought us undone. We need to consolidate our successes and…
LADY MACBETH: And the change of policy will allow you to concentrate on the consolidation of your own power at home. I approve.
MACBETH: I rather thought you would.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: (INT) THRONE ROOM – LET IT FINISH

SPY: I bring word from Cawdor, your highness.
MACBETH: Approach. Word from my Chief of Spies is always welcome. How fares Banquo? Does his new position suit him?
SPY: He has been much concerned of late, my Lord. He has opened a commission into possible wrongdoing during your administration.
MACBETH: He thinks I was corrupt?
SPY: No, my Lord. He is trying to placate a hostile population and believes a number of your subordinates are responsible for the “excesses” committed during your rule.
MACBETH: Hmmm. Who, is he investigating in particular?
SPY: The provincial governor. But Macmahon has not given anything away to this point.
MACBETH: That won’t last if Banquo wishes to make a sacrificial lamb of him.
SPY: No, your highness.
MACBETH: I think we need to arrange an accident.
SPY: An accident?
MACBETH: Yes. I think a revenge killing would be suitable. Find a disgruntled relative of someone we executed and give them arms, access and opportunity. See that it is done quickly. I don’t want Macmahon to have the opportunity to testify. My support in the council has weakened of late and the hint of scandal, however ill founded, would be problematic.
SPY: Yes, my Emperor.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 5: (INT) COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE (MACBETH, BANQUO, CONTROLLER)

SOUND: MURMUR OF COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE – LET IT FINISH.
CONTROLLER: I have General Banquo waiting on the line, your Highness.
MACBETH: Thankyou. I’ll take it in my private chamber.
CONTROLLER: Yes, sir. Putting it through.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS. DOOR SLIDES OPEN AND CLOSED – LET IT FINISH.
SOUND: BEEPING OF AWAITING MESSAGE – FADE IN AND LET FINISH.
MACBETH: General Banquo, your Emperor is here.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) You sound well, my Lord.
MACBETH: Banquo, when it is just the two of us, please drop the formal speech. All the pomp and ceremony of the court, the never-ending formality… it weighs heavy on a man of action.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) As you wish.
MACBETH: How has life been treating you these many months since the coronation? Cawdor is pretty this time of year.
SOUND: DOOR SLIDES OPEN AND CLOSED – UNDER – LET IT FINISH
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (LAUGHS) And when did you ever stop to admire the beauty of Cawdor? You’re going soft.
MACBETH: That’s more like it. If a pair of old soldiers can’t rib one another then there’s little joy left to be had in the world.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) In truth though, I’m sure you had little enough opportunity to appreciate the world in the months following Macdonwald’s defection.
MACBETH: I won’t lie. The constant rebellions and insurrections, the terrorism, and sedition that plagued the planet kept me too busy to truly appreciate the place. How does the world fare since you’ve taken control?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) We’re making progress. Since you broke the back of the rebellion, the people have been mostly peaceable. We’ve only had one major terrorist act, and that was against the butcher Macmahon.
MACBETH: Macmahon? A butcher? He was one of my most trusted governors. He was among the first to give his loyalty to the Emperor after Macdonwald was exposed for the traitor that he was.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) He was also overzealous in his pursuit of the Emperor’s enemies. Fleance, my daughter, did some investigating. Macmahon authorised the extermination of Inverness city in retaliation for an attempt to hide some terrorists.
MACBETH: No! I don’t believe it. (ACCUSING) I had no knowledge of this.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) And glad I am to hear it. I’d hate to think you capable of such a thing, my friend… even in the extremity of widespread rebellion. Macmahon was murdered by the brother of one of those who died. I guess it’s true what they say… that men reap what they sow.
MACBETH: Indeed. And what of Fleance?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’ve recalled her to my side. She is proving an able administrator, as well as a cunning warrior.
MACBETH: That is all to the good. I have heard many good reports of her and, well, since you bring her up, there is something I wish to discuss with you regarding her.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Indeed?
MACBETH: (EMBARRASSED) It is no secret that I have not produced an heir. In all likelihood, my line ends with me. This leaves the succession in doubt. And such doubts are a temptation to ambitious men.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What are you saying?
MACBETH: I have not forgotten the prophecy that we heard in the asteroid field of Birnham. How could I? Everything that was spoken to us has happened.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) True, and a wonder and a puzzle it has been.
MACBETH: Indeed? How so?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) If I didn’t know you, I might find the fortuitous death of Duncan here at Cawdor Palace very suspicious. There are some in the council of Generals who have concluded you had something to do with it.
MACBETH: It’s just such rumour mongering I wish to quell. I am many things, Banquo, but a traitor is not one of them. (BEAT) Who is responsible for these rumours? Is it Macduff? (BEAT) Wait, never mind. You don’t need to answer that. What I have in mind should remind them of my character. I intend to name Fleance as my heir.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What?
MACBETH: I wanted to talk to you about it first, but I can think of no other more suitable. Didn’t the prophecy say that I would be Emperor, but that your descendants would succeed me? By naming a successor I will short circuit the inter-council rivalries, fulfil prophecy, and demonstrate that I became Emperor in order to serve, rather than out of any cheap desire for power.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I am amazed and honoured sire. But…
MACBETH: But?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I have tried not to think about the prophecy since it was given. I watched your rise to the throne with great joy, but it concerns me that there still may be a price to pay.
MACBETH: You’re not superstitious are you?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Of course not. No more than you. But I still don’t know why those creatures spoke to us. What was their purpose? What was their intent? What price may they yet require for their portents? And is it wise to take a hand in events like this? Would it not be better to leave the prophecy alone?
MACBETH: You worry too much. The announcement will be as much an act of politics as friendship. By doing this I will gain much, and so will you. Should I turn away from a prudent path simply over unease about the words given to us amidst the asteroids?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I guess not. And I am honoured. Deeply. But I can’t help feeling uneasy all the same.
MACBETH: Shake it off, man. I’m decided. Unless you have something more than vapours to provide as a reason why I should not proceed, then I will make the announcement later this month.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Of course, my lord. And thankyou!
MACBETH: Emperor, out!
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: Damn him! Can’t he be happy! I’m trying to bestow an empire upon him and all he can do is quake like a damned woman!
LADY MACBETH: Is that really what you think of my sex?
MACBETH: Gruoch! Where did you come from?
LADY MACBETH: You didn’t hear me come in? I hope you pay more attention to the security of your other communications.
MACBETH: What do you want?
LADY MACBETH: There is a deputation in the throne room. They wish to entreat you for aid against the nano-blight?
MACBETH: Agriculture? A thousand courtiers, secretaries, and minor functionaries at my disposal and still this much minor administrivia makes its way up to my desk.
LADY MACBETH: You have a large empire, my husband. And this does seem serious. This blight has destroyed the crops on three planets. People are talking of famine. A quarantine may be required.
MACBETH: And this too, they shall somehow suggest is my fault. Alright, take me to see these grovelling sycophants.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS, DOOR SLIDES OPEN AND CLOSED – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 6: (INT) MACDUFF’S PALACE ON LOCHABER (MACDUFF, MALCOLM)

SOUND: BEEPING – LET IT PLAY BRIEFLY THEN UNDER UNTIL 533.
MACDUFF: By blind Io’s (EYE-OH’S) prehensile tail! Who’s calling me on a private channel at this time of night?
LADY MACDUFF: (SLEEPY) Isn’t it enough that you’ve been woken up? Do you have to wake me also with your racket?
MACDUFF: Sorry Marissa.
SOUND: BEEPING ENDS.
MACDUFF: This had better be important!
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) General Macduff, it’s me, Malcolm!
MACDUFF: Io’s teeth, boy! I’ll not be found to be talking with a regicide!
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I didn’t do it, Macduff. You have to know that!
MACDUFF: I know exactly nothing. There are plenty of witnesses.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Witnesses of what? I was in the guest wing the whole time.
MACDUFF: At your request, Lady Macbeth delivered wine to Duncan’s personal guard… wine that was drugged. She and her staff also report that you had arranged for Stuart, the bomber, to visit Duncan in the night.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Lady Macbeth reported this. And now her husband is Emperor in my father’s stead.
MACDUFF: I know it looks bad, but not as bad as your flight from Cawdor. Without you here to defend yourself, who do you expect will be believed?
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I doubt I would have survived the night had I remained. You saved my life when you put me on the ship and gave me its command.
MACDUFF: Until this moment, I believed the worst of you, lad. But frankly, I can’t fathom any reason why you would be contacting me if you were, in fact, your father’s murderer.
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (RELIEVED) Well, that’s all to the good. I have no other allies in human space.
MACDUFF: In human space? Where in the nine hells are you?
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’ve made a deal for sanctuary in alien space. They’ve taken me in, along with my ship.
MACDUFF: Are you mad, boy? At what price?
MALCOLM: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) That remains to be seen. I am beginning to believe my father may have been in error as regards his expansion of empire… but that is another story.
MACDUFF: No. I’ll not have it! First you run. Now you’re in alien space. And you think your father was in error. Do not contact me again, Malcolm. You have no allies here.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACDUFF: (SLEEPY) Who was that my love?
MACDUFF: No one of consequence.
LADY MACDUFF: You’re such a liar. What did the boy want?
MACDUFF: To tell me he was innocent.
LADY MACDUFF: And do you believe him?
MACDUFF: I don’t know. I would have sworn he was an honest lad when he was under my protection. He would have made an able Emperor, once he’d gotten a little less wet behind the ears. But I can’t see Macbeth committing regicide either.
LADY MACDUFF: I think you underestimate Gruoch, husband. Macbeth has always been wrapped around her little finger. And she has little conscience and less scruples. Even when we were children the ambition of my cousin was obvious. She has simply become more accomplished at hiding it as she has aged.
MACDUFF: Perhaps, but if that is the case, Malcolm’s call may be the harbinger of doom. I will have to think on this.
LADY MACDUFF: You may not be the wisest of the generals in service to the Emperor, but you are the most honest and persistent. If anyone can untangle this knot, it is you.
MACDUFF: I guess time will tell.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 7: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (LADY MACBETH, DOCTOR, MACBETH)

SOUND: FAST MOVING FEET – UNDER
LADY MACBETH: Husband! (BEAT) Husband!
DOCTOR: Lady Macbeth, as your doctor, I must insist…
LADY MACBETH: Shut up, quack! If I want your opinion, I’ll ask for it.
DOCTOR: (SULLENLY) A few moments ago, you were very happy to have my opinion.
LADY MACBETH: Shut up!
DOCTOR: Yes, my lady!
LADY MACBETH: Husband! Husband! Where are…
MACBETH: What’s all the commotion? What do you need?
DOCTOR: My Lord. Good news!
LADY MACBETH: Doctor, I swear, if you keep this up. Actually, I don’t know why I have put up with you this long. Get out!
DOCTOR: But, my lady!
LADY MACBETH: Out, or I’ll have you flayed.
MACBETH: She can’t have you flayed, Doctor!
LADY: I can so. The man’s an idiot! I can have an idiot, flayed. I can have a dozen idiots flayed.
MACBETH: Perhaps, Doctor, it might be better if you…
DOCTOR: Uh, yes. Perhaps you’re right.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DEPARTING – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACBETH: At last! How long must we put up with that obsequious fop?
MACBETH: He’s the best doctor in the empire.
LADY MACBETH: He’s an insufferable ass!
MACBETH: He is that as well. Now, what were you calling me about?
LADY MACBETH: Oh my. I almost forgot. Husband, you are going to have an heir!
MACBETH: What?
LADY MACBETH: It’s true. You’re not dreaming. You are going to have an heir… a son!
MACBETH: But… but this is wonderful news. A son, we’re going to have a son! (SOBERING) But wait…
LADY MACBETH: Yes, you must cancel the announcement.
MACBETH: But it’s too late, I’ve already signed the proclamation.
LADY MACBETH: What? No!
MACBETH: How have we come to this? If the news had come even a week sooner…
LADY MACBETH: No! I’ll not have it. Banquo’s daughter is not going to sit upon the empire’s throne in place of our own flesh and blood.
MACBETH: And what of the prophecy?
LADY MACBETH: What of it? While it served as a goad to your ambition, it was a useful tool. Its usefulness is over. The very fact that I am now with-child should convince you that the prophecy is nonsense. Your achievements are your own, accomplished with the strength of your arm and the cunning of your mind. What need do you have of prophecy? Husband, don’t grow weak now. A dynasty is within your grasp!
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH.

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

BANQUO (THOUGHTFUL, A WARRIOR BY NECESSITY, BUT A PHILOSOPHER BY TEMPERAMENT): Greetings, I am Banquo. I have risen high in the court. I like to think I have the Emperor’s trust because I am reliable. I complete every duty I am assigned. I am fair and honest, and I enjoy a good fight if I am forced into one. In the end though, I’d rather spend my time reading in my palace.

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

Though often written as men, there is, however, no necessity for any of the following roles to be cast as any particular gender.

SOLDIERS (GENERIC): I’m a soldier. I do what I’m told, when I’m told. And I don’t complain. Go here, do this. Go there, do that. I follow my orders.

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

The three witches in the original work, are a curious amalgam of the Greek fates, and the popular notion of witchcraft (a topic with which King James was fascinated).

The science fiction setting allowed the use of cloning to take the place of caesarean section as the means by which Macbeth’s nemesis managed to be “not born of woman”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and in general make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

Don’t forget to check out the free sample portions of our titles at http://weirdworldstudios.com/product-category/our-products/ .

The post MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 3 – Traitors appeared first on Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama.

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 2 – Of Eggs and Omelettes

Philip Robotham — Fri, 03 Nov 2017 20:37:05 +0000

Below we present the complete text of “Of Eggs and Omelettes”, episode 2 of our new Science Fiction adaptation of Macbeth Amongst the Stars. This is a brand new (unpublished) series (featuring the familiar Shakespearian characters in a against a backdrop of starships, rayguns and intergalactic politics). If you would like to see these new stories advance from being drafts into polished publications then please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our previously published titles. Every sale directly funds the production of new stories.

Audio Drama for Schools – SWFS002 –
Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult situations and themes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #2 – OF EGGS AND OMELETTES

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Creative Commons Attritubution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

CC by-nc-nd 4.0

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Serial #2: Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

DUNCAN: The Emperor of Human Space

MACBETH: General in service to the Emperor

LADY MACBETH: Wife of Macbeth

STUART: People’s representative to the Palace at Cawdor

SOLDIER: Soldier in service to the Emperor

AMBASSADOR: Trade ambassador seeking trade treaties and concessions

SFX: SFX operator (1 required)

ACT 2

SCENE 1: (INT) BUNKER ON CAWDOR (LADY MACBETH, MACBETH, STUART)

MUSIC: OPENING THEME AND TITLE – LET IT FINISH.
NARRATOR: Having saved the empire of Duncan I (THE FIRST) from destruction at the hands of invaders, Macbeth and Banquo encounter three more aliens that make strange prophecies regarding them. The planet Cawdor will become the protectorate of Macbeth who is named by the oracles as the next Emperor, while Banquo will be promoted to become the protector of the planet Glamis (GLARMS) and will have descendants who sit upon the throne.
When Macbeth is awarded Cawdor just as was prophesied, he finds the planet is a hotbed of insurrection fomented by the defeated traitor Macdonwald who sided with the invaders.
SOUND: SIRENS, DISTANT EXPLOSIONS, LASER FIRE – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
LADY MACBETH: I tell you Macbeth; this reeks of treachery.
MACBETH: Aye, my love, but there’s no need to panic.
LADY MACBETH: Panic? Who’s panicking? We’re only cowering in a bunker while the capital of Cawdor loses its mind. What’s to panic about?
MACBETH: This is a trap, a feint, intended to draw them out. They think they have us on the run. I merely want to give Duncan cause to let me declare martial law. We should soon have the rebels right where we want them. Their treachery will be stamped out in short order once I have sufficient power to…
LADY MACBETH: It is not the rebel’s treachery I’m concerned about.
MACBETH: What nonsense is this, wife?
LADY MACBETH: Why do you think Duncan gave you this planet? As tribute for your great deeds? Sometimes I think you’re feeble minded, my husband. He has grown jealous of you. The people of a hundred planets sing your praises because of your part in reversing the recent invasion. He wants you to fail… or better yet, die… on this planet.
MACBETH: You are insane, woman. Duncan is my cousin. I have known him since childhood. He warned me of the insurrection that awaited me here.
LADY MACBETH: Then why has he done nothing? You’ve wanted to impose martial law since your arrival. At every turn he has been an impediment and a stumbling block to your attempts at establishing order.
MACBETH: He listens to the dispatches from that weakling Stuart; constantly counselling peace where a firm hand is needed. He would have the empire drown in love. The fool!
LADY MACBETH: Speaking of fools. Here comes Stuart now.
STUART: (BARELY CONTROLLING HIMSELF) General, what have you done? Sending your troops to break up one of the Holy Day parades. It’s a deliberate provocation!
MACBETH: Is it now? A provocation to what? Acts of lawlessness? Mayhem?
STUART: You knew this would result in rioting.
MACBETH: I knew this would reveal the people for what they are, traitors and seditionists.
STUART: They’re just people and you knew that your heavy-handed provocations would not be tolerated indefinitely. Can’t you see what you’ve wrought? You’ve been forced out of the palace. Your troops are in retreat.
MACBETH: I will not coddle that rabble any longer. In moments I expect to receive permission from the Emperor to establish Martial Law. Your authority, Stuart, will be at an end. And then we’ll see who the real power on Cawdor is.
STUART: Wait, what?
MACBETH: My fleet is massed just beyond orbit. What you perceive as cowardice and defeat is actually a position of supreme strength.
STUART: The Emperor will hear about this…
MACBETH: I doubt it, Stuart. Sadly your communications equipment is unaccountably out of order. I sent some of my men to check on it this morning. They report that it has been subject to a most unfortunate act of vandalism. Worse news, all communications have been scrambled as part of the state of emergency created by the riot. The only way to speak with the Emperor right now is via the priority channel that I have kept open… and, sadly, you are not on my list of individuals authorised to make use of it.
STUART: You planned this. It is your doing. All of it.
MACBETH: Now, now. It hardly does you credit to be making such wild accusations. It is merely a matter of coincidence that, in the midst of this sudden, and wholly unexpected, emergency you find yourself without an effective means of intervention. After this is all over, I’ll be sure to let the Emperor know that you tried everything in your power to reach him, but were simply unable to do so.
STUART: This isn’t over, Macbeth!
MACBETH: That’s General Macbeth, Citizen Liaison Stuart. And you’d best be minding your manners. Anything can happen in the confusion of a civil disturbance. We’d hate for you to fall victim to any unfortunate accidents, wouldn’t we? The people of Cawdor have had so many tragedies to mourn recently, as it is.
STUART: (SNORTS) Hmpf!
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DEPART – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACBETH: (GIGGLES) Oh, I take it all back. You’re as wily as a snake and twice as dangerous. It was worth it, just to see the look of apoplexy on Stuart’s face… but are you sure this is such a good plan? Even though you are only feigning the appearance of weakness, you do look weak. And if Duncan learns the truth…
MACBETH: If Duncan learns the truth, I’ll handle it. I can express my regrets over the incident that provoked the uprising, and then use it to emphasise the extent of sedition lying beneath the surface. Believe me, his own insecurity will prevent him from truly trusting in Stuart’s assurances to the contrary, especially in light of our current “appearance of weakness”. (BEAT)
So long as our weakness is feigned, it is no bad thing, my love. It will bring my enemies out of hiding, it is just the thing to get Duncan in a magnanimous mood, and it will prove a useful tool for establishing our rule here.
LADY MACBETH: Then, I’ll say no more. It’s a pity we can’t remove Stuart as an impediment at the same time.
MACBETH: Not yet. He has too much local power. I need to discredit him further in the eyes of Duncan, and establish an alternative system of rule… but his day is coming.
LADY MACBETH: (LAUGHING) You may yet prove a worthy rival for Duncan, my love.
MACBETH: What?
LADY MACBETH: Oh, now don’t tell me you’ve forgotten your brush with destiny? A man who can out-manoeuvre the Emperor himself is surely more worthy of the throne than its current incumbent.
MACBETH: Quiet, woman. Are you mad! Such thoughts are treasonous in the extreme.
LADY MACBETH: Is it treason to value the good of the empire ahead of the man who leads it? Think on that, my husband, and we shall talk some more later.
SOUND: COMMUNICATIONS BEEPING – LET IT FINISH.
CONTROLLER: This is a priority transmission from Dunsinane control. The Emperor himself wishes to speak with General Macbeth immediately.
MACBETH: This is general Macbeth. I await the Emperor’s pleasure.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Macbeth! What the hell is going on down there? I hear that the entire planet is in revolt… and that you yourself have withdrawn into the palace bunker.
MACBETH: That is true my liege. It appears we underestimated the extent to which Macdonwald’s traitorous infection had established itself within the populace.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Give me a full report.
MACBETH: A cohort of imperial troops was ambushed in the city. It appears that this was the signal for a widespread uprising and coup. I’m afraid, cousin, that your gentleness with these people has been rewarded with treachery.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) And where is Stuart? He has been successful at settling these matters in the past.
MACBETH: Large areas of the city are completely blacked out. Rioting is widespread. Many of the militias have gone over to the rebels. There is fighting in the streets of the capital. We have been unable to locate Stuart. He has been of great assistance in the past, but his fate is currently uncertain.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Should you be preparing to evacuate?
MACBETH: For all the danger, I believe the situation is not yet lost. We need to act now, or risk losing this planet, true… and should even one planet secede from the empire successfully it may establish a precedent that we can little afford.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What are you asking?
MACBETH: Grant me the power to establish martial law. If I can bring the fleet in to…
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) No. This is not what I wanted. If we can’t establish order using the local militias and authorities…
MACBETH: The local authorities and militias were trained and funded by my predecessor Macdonwald. They are a hotbed of sedition. Cousin, I know you wanted to avoid military action, but the locals are incapable of the action that is required. I implore you, we stand on the verge of losing the planet entirely. Grant me the power to re-establish order. We can still redeem this situation.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) All right, Macbeth. Have it your way. Good luck to you, and if you survive this, we’ll speak again. Duncan out!
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH
MACBETH: (CHUCKLES THEN BEGINS TO LAUGH MORE AND MORE UPROARIOUSLY) Hmpf. Ha ha. Hahahahahaha!
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH

SCENE 2: (INT) CAWDOR PALACE (MACBETH, AMBASSADOR, SOLDIER, STUART)

MUSIC: LIGHT CLASSICAL MUSIC – FADE IN, ESTABLISH AND UNDER.
TRADE AMABASSADOR: Congratulations, General. It seems that you have restored order on Cawdor in fairly short order.
MACBETH: Thankyou, Ambassador. I appreciate this vote of confidence from the trade block.
AMBASSADOR: Rebellion is so… disruptive. For trade to flourish we require an environment that is stable, peaceful, and law abiding.
MACBETH: Especially where those laws support your own ends. I note that you were quite unable to contain your glee over the apparent destruction of the constitutional government of the second commercial city of Lonabar recently. Without their constitutional protections you will no longer have to “negotiate” with their leaders for your trade concessions, isn’t that right?
AMBASSADOR: You can hardly fault us for rejoicing that those unfair restrictions on our trading activities have been removed.
MACBETH: And the fact that the charges that led to the suspension of the government were found, in the end, to have been trumped up, bothers you not a bit?
AMBASSADOR: Well, General, of course, one deplores the…
SOUND: HURRIED FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING – LET IT FINISH.
SOLDIER: General, I have news to report.
MACBETH: (ANNOYED AT THE INTERRUPTION) Out with it man! There’s no need for prevarication.
SOLDIER: The rebels we were pursuing disappeared into the crowds. It looks like the people of Inverness City are hiding them.
MACBETH: Is that so? I think, then, that it is time we showed people what they risk when aiding these terrorists.
SOLDIER: Sir?
MACBETH: How many people are there in the city of Inverness?
SOLDIER: It is not a large city… perhaps about three million souls.
MACBETH: Make it known that harbouring criminals will no longer be tolerated. I want an orbital strike made against the city immediately following the announcement.
SOLDIER: General?
MACBETH: Is there a problem, commander?
SOLDIER: Er, no sir! Your orders will be carried out immediately. (BEAT) Uh, General, I was asked to inform you that Citizen Liaison Stuart is waiting outside.
MACBETH: Good, send him in.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DEPART – LET IT FINISH.
SOLDIER: (AT A GREAT DISTANCE) The General will see you now.
SOUND: SLOW FOOTSTEPS – LET IT FINISH.
STUART: (COLDLY) You summoned me, general.
MACBETH: It seems I have need of your help, Stuart.
STUART: My help? I have been unable to access your august presence for the last five weeks. What possible help could you want from me?
MACBETH: Well, perhaps help is too strong a word. (BEAT) It seems that the Emperor is very pleased with the way I have been able to bring the planet into line.
STUART: A graveyard provides little noise.
MACBETH: Just so. (BEAT) And as a result, there is, sadly, no reason to keep the liaison position open.
STUART: You can’t… Our charter with the Emperor…
MACBETH: Your charter was suspended the moment martial law was instituted. It is unlikely to be reinstated while the current emergency persists…
STUART: And I’m sure you’ll see to it that no reinstatement occurs, regardless.
MACBETH: I see you get my drift. Duncan is beginning to question the value of these little democratic experiments that have been springing up around the empire. With Macdonwald’s defection and your own failure to bring the planet back into line…
STUART: Why you…
MACBETH: He is coming to see the value in the provision of a firm guiding hand.
STUART: Tyranny, you mean!
MACBETH: Oh, do be careful, Stuart. It is not good form to be heard to call the Emperor a tyrant in the presence of one of his military governors.
STUART: You disgust me, General Macbeth. Well, what is it now? Am I to be arrested and disappeared into one of your “re-education” camps?
MACBETH: Oh, no. You’ll be watched of course… and most carefully. I might drag you out for the occasional public relations exercise, but no, you’ll be more or less free.
STUART: Why? And what makes you think I’ll cooperate?
MACBETH: You have a wife and two daughters, don’t you Stuart? It would be a shame for anything to happen to them. I doubt you’d be foolish enough to put them at risk by failing to cooperate. As for why? Well, it is simply that it gives me great pleasure to know that you have been rendered impotent – like a dog that has been neutered and brought to heel. This will be our last audience, Stuart. You are dismissed.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS BEGIN – LET THEM FINISH.
MACBETH: Uh, Stuart?
STUART: Yes, General?
MACBETH: Aren’t you forgetting something?
STUART: (BEATEN) Thankyou General.
MACBETH: (CHUCKLES).
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS DEPART – FADE OUT.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 3: (EXT) COMMUNICATIONS ROOM, PALACE OF CAWDOR (MACBETH, DUNCAN, LADY MACBETH, MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SOUND: HURRIED FOOTSTEPS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
LADY MACBETH: (PANICKED) I’m telling you it’s him. The fleet turned up on the scanners, 10 minutes ago. And they are coming this way.
MACBETH: That doesn’t mean he wishes us harm.
LADY MACBETH: Why wouldn’t he send word? It’s an attack. Duncan wasn’t happy about the way you put down the rebellion.
MACBETH: You don’t know that.
LADY MACBETH: Husband, call your forces to action stations.
MACBETH: Stop it! If we make a show of force, and you are mistaken, he will have the excuse he needs to order our destruction.
LADY MACBETH: Duncan is our enemy! When will you accept this?
MACBETH: Not today, at any rate. I’m going to send a message. Now hush, we’re going into the communications center.
SOUND: DOOR SLIDING OPEN – LET It FINISH
MACBETH: Control, give me a channel to the approaching fleet.
GUARD: Yes General.
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
GUARD: Your channel is clear.
MACBETH: This is General Macbeth to approaching fleet. Please identify yourself.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Oh, Cousin, you’ve spoiled my fun. I bet the cook we’d get way closer than this before you hailed us.
MACBETH: Emperor, it’s an honour. What brings you to this little backwater of your empire.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (MOCKINGLY SUSPICIOUS) Is that really you, cousin? You’re being surprisingly formal.
MACBETH: I’m trying to determine whether I’ll need to get the spare bedroom ready to accept your drunken carcass. We’ve barely managed to remove the smell since last time.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) That’s more like it! I’m doing a tour of the empire and figured I’d visit my favourite cousin. We’re “incognito”.
MACBETH: Just like you to consider a fleet of nearly 30 ships an attempt at travelling incognito.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) It’s these blasted Generals. They keep ruining all my fun. Everywhere I go they insist on providing an honour guard. They caught up with me at Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR), followed me all the way to Glamis (GLARMS), and won’t leave me be til I am safely ensconced with you at Cawdor. If it wasn’t for them I bet I’d just about have been able to land planet side and you’d never have known I’d arrived. (SIGHS) But as it is, they’ve cost me one of your Cawdorian Pigs.
MACBETH: They’ve cost you one of my pigs?
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Well, I am Emperor. What’s yours is mine cousin. And you’d best prepare that guest room. I’ll be with you shortly. Now that I’m safe in your care, I feel confident that my over protective honour guard can take their sycophantic selves away to a respectful distance.
MACBETH: Come ahead. You are, as always, welcome in our home. Gruoch sends her love.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) You made a good choice there, cousin. Any sign of an heir, yet?
MACBETH: No, my Emperor. Not yet.
DUNCAN: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Ah, well. There’s plenty of time. But while I’m speaking of heirs, I will have Malcolm with me, and general Macduff is in attendance as his bodyguard. I’ll see you shortly. (BEAT) And have one of those pigs ready for me. Emperor out!
SOUND: BEEP – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: Come wife. We need to prepare for the Emperor’s arrival.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS – DOOR SLIDES OPEN – FOOTSTEPS – DOOR SLIDES CLOSED – LET IT FINISH
LADY MACBETH: (MOCKING) Gruoch sends her love! The only thing I’d like to send that fat pig of a cousin of yours is…
MACBETH: Stop it. I know he’s annoying when he tries to be jovial, but you were wrong. He means us no harm and he is still the Emperor. He is just coming for a visit.
LADY MACBETH: (SCORNFUL) You think? He told you he’d been to Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR), and Glamis (GLARMS), before coming here. What if Banquo spoke about the prophecy?
MACBETH: Banquo is my best friend… and he doesn’t even believe in the prophecy.
LADY MACBETH: So he says. But ambition may change any man. (BEAT) Whether he believes in it or not, Banquo may yet try to profit by it. Removing you would give him Cawdor. He has more to gain through betrayal than you. And so you should not be foolish and trust to mere friendship.
MACBETH: Away with you woman! I need you to prepare for the Emperor’s arrival not fill my head with poisonous thoughts about my friends. And don’t forget the pig.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: (INT) MACBETH’S BEDROOM – AFTER THE FEAST (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

MACBETH: I’m ruinously tired after all that feasting. Let’s go to bed, dear heart.
LADY MACBETH: Not yet, I want to talk to you about something that has been playing on my mind.
MACBETH: Now, Gruoch? I’m tired.
LADY MACBETH: Stop your whining. This can’t wait.
MACBETH: Alright, what is it?
LADY MACBETH: It’s regarding the prophecy…
MACBETH: Not that again! We have enough to worry about with Duncan in the house without rehashing all of that. Let the prophecy take care of itself for one night. It has done well by us so far without our deliberations affecting it one jot. Can we not let it continue to do so until morning?
LADY MACBETH: No. For that is just my point. Tonight Duncan sleeps in our house and home. He is secure, or so he believes, amongst trusted friends. You will never have so good an opportunity to seize the empire as this. Couldn’t this be the very moment you have awaited?
MACBETH: Are you mad? Murder? You wanted me to try and take on the entire imperial fleet earlier today, and now you want me to murder Duncan in our own home. (BEAT) You are mad!
LADY MACBETH: Don’t pretend for a moment you hold Duncan in any high regard. His competence as an Emperor is as questionable as his greed at the table is obvious. You have outsmarted him on more than one occasion recently and he would likely not be Emperor at all if you hadn’t saved him from the results of Macdonwald’s treachery.
MACBETH: What are you saying?
LADY MACBETH: Just what I have always said, my love. That you would make a far greater and more effective Emperor than he. It is only an accident of birth that placed Duncan on the throne ahead of you. (BEAT) And if you won’t think of yourself, then consider our empire. Can it really be best to have this glutton on the throne when a more able man stands ready? Are the interests of the empire best served by tolerating the leadership of a buffoon?
MACBETH: Don’t under-estimate Duncan. He only plays the buffoon. And the empire has prospered and expanded widely under his leadership.
LADY MACBETH: I don’t under-estimate him at all. He has a native rat cunning that we overlook at our peril. He is jealous of you, my husband. He knows how strong and popular you have become. He granted you this world because of your capacity to lead, but had you failed in putting down the rebellion, that would have suited Duncan’s purpose just as well. He knows the two of you must face off against each other one day. And if he knows this, then why not bow to the inevitable and pick a day of your own choosing – this day, this very night.
MACBETH: And what would you have me do?
LADY MACBETH: What would I..? (ANGRY) Are you even a man? War and strategy are your bread and butter! I should be asking you how it could be accomplished, not the other way around. (MORE GENTLY) My husband, you have all the cunning you need to see this done. You can do it in such a way that no one will suspect you of wrongdoing. Think!
MACBETH: I suppose we could blame it on a remnant of Macdonwald’s men. Perhaps Stuart could be made to fit the frame.
LADY MACBETH: Stuart, of course! He’s made to order. And he is known to have had the Emperor’s ear.
MACBETH: We need to deal with Duncan’s personal guard, however.
LADY MACBETH: Leave that to me! I’ll send them some wine, mixed with a little something that grows wild on this world. They’ll not refuse to drink a toast to the Emperor with the Lady of the house. They will be asleep in a blink of the eye.
MACBETH: Ah, but that still leaves Malcolm. He is next in line for the throne. But wait. I don’t want you to drug the guards.
LADY MACBETH: But husband, we’ve already talked about this. Don’t lose your nerve now!
MACBETH: No, you misunderstand. Send the drink, but make a show, very publicly, that it has come from Malcolm. That will throw suspicion upon him and, when the thing is done, allow us to deal swiftly with Duncan’s whelp.
LADY MACBETH: Now there’s the husband that I know and love. But how is the deed itself to be done?
MACBETH: Duncan sleeps like the dead. With his guards asleep he will suspect nothing. A bomb, I think, would be the best way to do it. Suicide bombings have recently become the rebel’s signature method of carrying out mayhem. If, when you are arranging the drinks for Duncan’s men, you also make it known how surprised you are that Duncan has summoned Citizen Liaison Stuart to his chamber so late… Well, that should be enough to furnish us with some witnesses. If we place a device on Stuart’s body…
LADY MACBETH: He’ll be executed first, then?
MACBETH: Yes, and I’ll take great pleasure in ordering it done. The man has been a thorn in my side since we arrived here. Humiliating him was enjoyable, but it still stuck in my throat that I had to spare his life. This will go somewhat towards balancing the scales.
LADY MACBETH: Haha! You are as clever as I had hoped. You needed but a little prompting to let your true gift for strategy show. (BEAT) But what of Duncan’s ring?
MACBETH: What of it?
LADY MACBETH: The ring is the symbol of his authority to rule. You can’t risk its destruction in the explosion.
MACBETH: I can’t risk an attempt at recovering it prior to setting off the bomb. It is just too risky.
LADY MACBETH: Coward! Does uncontested authority mean so little to you?
MACBETH: Authority does not lie in trinkets.
LADY MACBETH: You have a great mind for strategy, Macbeth, but you have never properly understood the importance of symbols.
MACBETH: Bah!
LADY MACBETH: Then, if you will not do it, I will take care of it.
MACBETH: What, you?
LADY MACBETH: Yes, of course me! If you will not play the man, then it falls to me to do your part.
MACBETH: Nonsense. What experience with killing does a woman have?
LADY MACBETH: I slaughtered that pig your gluttonous cousin so enjoyed this evening with my own hands. It would be a pleasure to do the same to your “dear” Emperor. Once it is done I will cut the ring from his finger and return to you so that you can destroy the evidence with your little bomb.
MACBETH: No! You’re insane, Gruoch! The things you say highlight the madness of this scheme. I can’t believe I let go of my senses enough to consider this course of action for this long.
LADY MACBETH: I can do this, husband, as surely as I stand here. You are mistaken if you think I lack the courage or stomach for it.
MACBETH: I doubt you will even get as far as the door.
LADY MACBETH: Watch for me. And make the arrangements necessary for your part in this deed. When I return with the ring, or if, as you fear, I haven’t the courage and return without it, you must be ready with the bomb and our patsy.
SOUND: FOOTSTEPS AND DOOR SLIDES OPEN THEN CLOSED – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 5: (INT) MACBETH’S BEDROOM (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

SOUND: KNOCKING – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACBETH: (TREMBLING AND AFRAID) Open the door, husband. Let me in!
MACBETH: Ha ha. I knew you’d lose your…
SOUND: DOOR SLIDES OPEN – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: Hell’s flaming pits! Come inside. What happened? Are we discovered? You’re covered in blood.
SOUND: DOOR SLIDES CLOSED – LET IT FINISH.
LADY MACBETH: (RELIEVED) No we’re NOT discovered. I did the job. I never knew a man could hold so much blood. Here, I have the ring.
MACBETH: (HORRIFIED) It’s still on his finger.
LADY MACBETH: Then take it off… and take the finger back to his room with the bomb and Stuart’s corpse. Place the ring somewhere that will keep it safe from the blast, but where it can still be conveniently “found” later. I need to clean up this blood. (SUDDENLY SUSPICIOUS) You haven’t lost your nerve have you?
MACBETH: (RECOVERING) I haven’t. But did you walk through the palace like that?
LADY MACBETH: I did. But no one saw me. Now get it done.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 6: (EXT) PLANET CAWDOR

SOUND: (LONG BEAT) THEN EXPLOSION – FOLLOWED BY SIRENS, ALARMS, ETC. – FADE OUT
MUSIC: CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH.

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

MACBETH (A BEAR OF A MAN WITH LITTLE SELF-AWARENESS AND A STRONG AND BOMBASTIC MANNER OF SPEECH WHO ENJOYS A GOOD FIGHT – A CROSS BETWEEN BRIAN BLESSED AND BILLY CONNOLLY): I am Macbeth; loyal, capable, cunning. I don’t tolerate nonsense or second-guessing from anyone. I am a man of action, first and foremost, and I don’t have time for prissy little milk-sops who want to waste time on empty words. So, speak up! What is it that you want?

LADY MACBETH (SMART, AMBITIOUS, RUTHLESS AND A LITTLE PRONE TO PARANOIA): Do I know you? Who sent you? The palace is full of gossips and weaklings; small-minded women who plot and scheme. I’ll not be taken for one of those simpletons. Return to your master or mistress and give them this message – you’ll pick up no juicy tid-bits of gossip from me… But have a care. If I ever find you snooping around my apartments again, I will have the skin off your back as an example of what happens to those who cross me. The only one of you to whom I’d give the time of day is my cousin, Marissa. Why she married that bumbling fool, Macduff, is quite beyond me.

DUNCAN (VERY LIKE MACBETH BUT MORE JOVIAL): I am Emperor of all of human space. I spent my youth doing what a young man should; fighting, carousing, making war! They say I’m something of a gourmand (a selfish pig, they mean, ha ha). Well, I like my food. What of it? A man of action stuck sitting in committees listening to the buzzing of all these educated insects that live off me and call themselves “advisors”, can’t be expected to get by without a few little comforts now, can he? My aim is to expand this empire across the known galaxy. (BEAT) Ah, but here comes the roast pig, now.

STUART (FRUSTRATED, A GOOD MAN IN A DIFFICULT JOB, A BIT NAIVE): Yes, citizen, that’s right, I am Cawdor’s Citizen Liaison to General Macbeth. Now, what can I do for you? (BEAT) (SIGHS) No, I’m not sure that will be possible. The new regime sees us as an ungrateful rabble. General Macdonwald’s treason reflects badly on us all. (BEAT) No, I’m not sure I can convince General Macbeth to lift the travel restrictions. And yes, I understand you can’t afford to pay your workers while your goods are stranded on the docks. (BEAT) Don’t be a fool man. What will rioting achieve? Look, I have some favour in the imperial court, perhaps I can settle the situation down.

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

SOLDIERS (GENERIC): I’m a soldier. I do what I’m told, when I’m told. And I don’t complain. Go here, do this. Go there, do that. I follow my orders.

AMBASSADOR (AMBITIOUS, PUSHY, SELF-SEEKING, AND ARROGANT): Your highness, you have kept me waiting for three hours. This matter of the tariffs you have applied to our importation of hog flavoured condiments is of the utmost importance and my government demands you reconsider it, immediately.

NARRATOR (A TRUSTWORTHY, RELIABLE, POSSIBLY ENGLISH VOICE – THE KIND YOU WOULD TRUST TO SELL CHILDREN’S PHARMACEUTICALS: I bring the audience up to speed on what has happened in previous episodes. I relish the telling, a little like the hosts of the horror anthologies of the past. I try to convey a ghoulish enthusiasm for the story to the audience.

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

The three witches in the original work, are a curious amalgam of the Greek fates, and the popular notion of witchcraft (a topic with which King James was fascinated).

The science fiction setting allowed the use of cloning to take the place of caesarean section as the means by which Macbeth’s nemesis managed to be “not born of woman”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and in general make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

Don’t forget to check out the free sample portions of our titles at http://weirdworldstudios.com/product-category/our-products/ .

The post MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 2 – Of Eggs and Omelettes appeared first on Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama.

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 1 – A New Strategy

Philip Robotham — Fri, 27 Oct 2017 22:00:33 +0000

Below we present the complete text of “A New Strategy”, episode 1 of our new Science Fiction adaptation of Macbeth Amongst the Stars. This is a brand new (unpublished) series (featuring the familiar Shakespearian characters in a against a backdrop of starships, rayguns and intergalactic politics). If you would like to see these new stories advance from being drafts into polished publications then please consider supporting us by purchasing one or more of our previously published titles. Every sale directly funds the production of new stories.

Audio Drama for Schools – SWFS002 –
Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Recommended for mature audiences – may contain adult situations and themes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #1 – A NEW STRATEGY

by Philip Craig Robotham

Cover Illustration by Miyukiko

Unedited Draft

Creative Commons Attritubution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) Edition .

CC by-nc-nd 4.0

Other works by this author can be found at the author’s website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com or through select, online book retailers.

Serial #2: Macbeth Amongst the Stars

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

CAST LIST

NARRATOR: The Narrator

PRIOR: The Alien that speaks of the past

EXTANT: The Alien that speaks of the present

ULTERIOR: The Alien that speaks of the future

DUNCAN: The Emperor of Human Space

CONTROLLER: Communications officer for the Emperor

REPORTER: Battlefield reporter

CONTROLLER #2: Communications officer for the Emperor

REPORTER #2: Battlefield reporter

MACBETH: General in service to the Emperor

BANQUO: General in service to the Emperor

MACDONWALD: Traitor

ROSS: General in service to the Emperor

SFX: SFX operator (1 required)

ACT 1

SCENE 1: (INT) ALIEN CONGRESS (PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

MUSIC: OPENING THEME AND TITLE – LET IT FINISH.
NARRATOR: The spread of humanity throughout the stars has been accelerating. Emperor Duncan I (THE FIRST) has established more colonies than any of his predecessors and has an insatiable appetite for more. But suddenly his own empire has become the subject of an alien invasion. Far from the Emperor’s well fortified capital planet of Dunsinane, an alien enemy meet together to discuss his downfall.
SOUND: ELECTRICAL HUM AND STRANGE BEEPS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Our strategies have failed.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) They are proving unfruitful, it is true. The humans are spreading quickly.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) They have bred quickly with little concern for anything other than the consumption of resources and their own petty wars. They have been unsuccessful at wiping themselves out. Our invasion of the territories they have claimed was ill thought out. We should not have trusted to their willingness to betray one another.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We may yet prevail.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) A new strategy is needed.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) We have encouraged their self-destruction. We have encouraged external threats to their continued existence. We have aided their petty betrayals and sought to gain the upper hand through them.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) None are working as well as we’d like.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) Then, let us attack them from within.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) They have shown themselves open to corruption and betrayal.
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) There is a battle under way.
PRIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) It has been lost…
EXTANT: (ALIEN VOICE) Though it continues. I see an opportunity.
ULTERIOR: (ALIEN VOICE) And I will present a proposal…
MUSIC: OMINOUS SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 2: (INT) DUNSINANE COMMAND AND CONTROL (DUNCAN, CONTROLLER, CONTROLLER 2, REPORTER, REPORTER 2)

SOUND: BUSY CONTROL ROOM MURMUR – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
SOUND: BEEPING – LET IT FINISH.
CONTROLLER: This is Dunsinane Control, report!
REPORTER: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Planets Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR) and Glamis (GLARMS) are overwhelmed. We have lost communication with both General Macbeth and General Banquo. Macdonwald’s forces from planet Cawdor have joined with the aliens.
DUNCAN: Macdonwald! A traitor? That explains how they got through our defences so quickly. Planet Cawdor would have been the main impediment to their progress. With the first two garrison planets gone, and without the aid of Macdonwald there is nothing between the enemy and the seat of empire here on Dunsinane.
SOUND: BEEPING – LET IT FINISH
CONTROLLER: This is Dunsinane Control, report!
REPORTER #2: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) This is planet Glamis (GLARMS). General Macbeth has begun a counter offensive against the invaders. We… to… inside the…
CONTROLLER: I’ve lost the signal, sir.
DUNCAN: Macbeth is a good man. We shouldn’t count him out just yet.
CONTROLLER #2: Emperor Duncan, the screens are showing that a large force just linked up with the remnants of Banquo’s fleet and has begun attacking the invaders from behind.
DUNCAN: Macbeth! Ha ha! The sly fox! He let them believe they’d bested him while he held the bulk of his fleet in reserve. If we survive this, I’m going to give him Cawdor as his own governorship. Send out everything we’ve got. If those invaders are hemmed in both from the front and behind, we may still prevail. Macbeth may have just handed us victory. In fact he may even have secured the very survival of our species.
MUSIC: NEUTRAL SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH

SCENE 3: (EXT) THE HEART OF A SPACE BATTLE (MACBETH, MACDONWALD, BANQUO)

SOUND: ZAPS AND EXPLOSIONS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
MACBETH: (GLEEFULL) Drive them boys! Drive them like fish into a net. Don’t let any of them get away. Just, be sure to leave that traitor, Macdonwald, to me.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (CHEERFUL) Your glee is unbecoming, General Macbeth. Even a General should avoid giving the appearance of loving mayhem this much.
MACBETH: Ha ha! So you say, General Banquo, but I hear the excitement in your voice, too. Your blood rushes with the same fire as mine. We have the victory, and shortly we’ll have that traitorous dog, Macdonwald.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Sooner than you think. That is his capital ship on the scanners now.
MACBETH: That coward! Hiding in a capital ship while his men risk their lives on his behalf in the fighter craft.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) His ambition always was greater than his leadership acumen. Still, his men are loyal. It looks like they are forming up to attempt a final defense of his ship.
MACBETH: They have no choice. There isn’t one of them that won’t be visiting the Emperor’s execution chambers after such treachery. They must fight or die.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) On your left!
SOUND: ZAP SIZZLES PAST MACBETH’S SHIP – LET IT FINISH
MACBETH: Oh, you think you want to take a shot at me do you. Take that!
SOUND: ZAP AND BOOM – LET IT FINISH.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) You got him! How do you want to handle the approach?
MACBETH: See if you and your men can draw their fire while I put a torpedo into the aft engines. That should hold his ship in place while we get in position for the kill.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Will do.
SOUND: ZOOM AND STRAFING – FADE.
MACBETH: Right. Here goes. Come at me you beauties.
SOUND: STRAFING ZAPS – UNDER.
MACBETH: (LAUGHING LIKE A MANIAC) Hahahahahaha! And…
SOUND: TORPEDO LAUNCH AND WHOOSH – FADE UNDER
MACBETH: Away!
SOUND: DISTANT BOOM – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: And there we have it. What do you think Mac-bloody-donwald will have to say in reply to that, eh, Banquo?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Not a lot since you are bang on target, General Macbeth. Congratulations.
MACBETH: And to you, General Banquo! I’d call that a roaring success!
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) And it is, but if you don’t mind, there’s something I’d like you to do.
MACBETH: And what’s that?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Since I drew those fighters away, I’ve now got six of them on my tail and not a few of them have some major ordinance and a missile lock.
MACBETH: (COUGHS) Right. (BEAT) I’ll be there momentarily. Try and lead them back this way.
MCDONWALD: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) This is General Macdonwald to attacking ships. You’ve succeeded in crippling our fusion engines and we are unable to flee. I will give the order to lay down our arms and surrender on condition that you allow my men to go free. None of them are to be…
MACBETH: (INTERRUPTING) You cowardly gutter-feeder! Even in defeat you try to salvage your reputation – broadcasting on a wide, unshielded, band so your men can hear you. You’re a traitor, Macdonwald, and we’ll be giving no quarter. Here’s my answer to your conditions.
SOUND: TWO TORPEDO LAUNCHES WITH WHOOSHES FOLLOWED BY TWO EXPLOSIONS, FOLLOWED BY A RUMBLING THIRD – LET IT FINISH.
MACBETH: And so ends Macdonwald the traitor. (BEAT) But now, where is that dratted Banquo? It’d be just like him if he went and got himself killed right when we’ve won the day.
SOUND: WHOOSH OF MACBETH’S FIGHTER FLYING BY – FADE
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 4: (EXT) BIRNHAM ASTEROID FIELD (ON THE WAY TO DUNSINANE) (MACBETH, BANQUO)

SOUND: HUM OF SHIP’S ENGINE. OCCASIONAL EXPLODING ASTEROID – LET IT FINISH.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’m not so sure this was the best idea you’ve ever had Macbeth.
MACBETH: Don’t be such a child, Banquo. We’ve been summoned to Dunsinane by the Emperor no less. Going through the Birnham asteroid field is still the most direct route.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) We’re lost! And short cuts make for long delays, not to mention the – ahem – impact of being crushed by asteroids…
MACBETH: Jokes yet! I should have left you to the mercy of those ships you had on your tail.
SOUND: BIG SMASH OF ASTEROIDS TOGETHER – LET IT FINISH.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Damn, that was close!
MACBETH: (GLEEFULL) Stop your whining.
SOUND: WARNING BEEP – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
MACBETH: Oops! That’s not good.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Who’s whining now?
MACBETH: I just lost my navigation, laddie. I’m officially flying blind.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) We’ve been flying blind for the last hour and a half… damn, I’ve just lost my navigation as well.
MACBETH: What treachery is this? Something is deliberately scrambling our equipment. There’s nothing natural about it.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) We’re coming up on a clearing in the asteroids. It’s a perfect spot for an ambush. I’m heating up the blasters and cutting the engines.
MACBETH: Likewise. What do you think? Pirates?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) It’s a crazy place to hide… but I guess no-one would look for them here.
MACBETH: Hmmm. That’s a blind spot in our defenses. We’ll need to patch that hole when we get out again.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Macbeth, are you seeing this?
MACBETH: It looks like a hole is being ripped in the space ahead of us.
SOUND: RATTLING – GETTING MORE FRENETIC – UNDER
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) My controls are locked up. I’m being sucked in.
MACBETH: Damnit. Me too.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’ve got a very bad feeling about this!
SOUND: RATTLING INCREASES – FADE UP THEN STOP.
SOUND: SHOOP NOISE OF BEING SWALLOWED BY RIP – LET FINISH THEN HOLD ON SILENCE FOR A BEAT.
MACBETH: Where in Hell’s blood-soaked halls are we?
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 5: (EXT) STARLESS SPACE (MACBETH, BANQUO, PRIOR, EXTANT, AND ULTERIOR)

SOUND: HUM OF FIGHTER ENGINES IN FLIGHT – ESTABLISH AD UNDER
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What happened to the stars?
MACBETH: What happened to the asteroids?
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Macbeth, he who destroyed the traitor Macdonwald.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Macbeth, protector of the planet Glamis (GLARMS).
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Macbeth, who shall be protector of the planet Cawdor and Emperor hereafter.
MACBETH: What is this? Who is there? Show yourselves? (BEAT) Banquo, are you receiving this signal?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’m receiving it, but I can’t make out its source. Be on your guard.
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Banquo, a man who has shown great courage.
EXTANT (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Banquo, a man who is both suspicious and too trusting. The protector of planet Lochaber (LOCK-ARBOR).
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Hail General Banquo, who shall be protector of Glamis (GLARMS) when Macbeth ascends, and who shall be father to Emperors hereafter.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Is this a joke? Where are we? What have you done to us? Who are you?
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You are safe, General Banquo. We mean you no harm.
MACBETH: (DERISIVE) Ha! I doubt the good intentions of kidnappers. Show yourselves and I’ll show you a torpedo or two for your trouble.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We remain in darkness until our purpose is complete.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) And what is that purpose? I say again, who are you?
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Always you have asked the wrong questions, Banquo.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) But we will give you an answer.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We are oracles.
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We have interpreted the past.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) And we will create the future.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) You have a destiny, General Macbeth. As do you, General Banquo.
PRIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) We have seen it.
EXTANT: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) Do not be afraid to meet it.
ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICE) For it is coming, whether you look for it or not.
PRIOR, EXTANT, AND ULTERIOR: (OVER COMMUNICATOR ALIEN VOICES) (ECHOING LAUGHTER) Hahahahaha (FADE)
SOUND: SHOOP NOISE OF BEING SPAT OUT OF THE RIP – LET IT FINISH.
SOUND: LOUD RATTLING RETURNS. OCCASIONAL BOOMS OF ASTEROIDS BEING CRUSHED AGAINST EACH OTHER. INSISTANT PROXIMITY WARNING BEEP – UNDER.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) We’re back.
MACBETH: But we’re headed straight for that huge asteroid. Pull up.
BANQUO AND MACBETH: (STRUGGLING WITH THE CONTROLS) Uuuuuuuuuugh!
SOUND: BEEP STOPS.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (BIG SIGH) Phew. That was close.
MACBETH: I’ve got navigation back and I can see a way through to clear space.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Me too. I can’t put this field of debris and ghosts behind us too quickly.
MACBETH: Agreed. Let’s get out of here. Maximum burn.
SOUND: ENGINES INTENSIFY – ESTABLISH AND FADE.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 6: (EXT) SPACE (MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS)

SOUND: HUM OF ROCKETS – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
MACBETH: I’ve heard tales, from old spacers and the like, but I never believed them.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What was that?
MACBETH: The tales, man, the tales. About oracles, ghosts, and the angels of the spaceways.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) I’m not sure I believe it still.
MACBETH: But we encountered… something.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) But whether that something sought to do us good or harm is beyond my capacity to guess.
MACBETH: You think they spoke falsely?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) How could they not? No-one can see the future, Macbeth.
MACBETH: (UNCERTAIN) I’m not so sure. There have been tales about encounters in the empty spaces between worlds. Encounters that provided portentous prophecies that have changed the very shape of history.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Nonsense! Superstitious nonsense.
MACBETH: Perhaps. Doesn’t the idea of having your descendants sit upon the throne of empire appeal to you, Banquo?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) What man doesn’t wish glory upon his descendants? But I’d rather wisdom, courage and honour first.
MACBETH: The two are not mutually exclusive, my friend. But still…
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Don’t tell me that a few words uttered in empty space has lit the fire of ambition in your heart, Macbeth?
MACBETH: Don’t be a fool. Haven’t we just fought off a traitor? Putting our blood and bone between him and our Emperor? Do you think a few words could so easily move me to rash action?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Forgive me. Of course I don’t. But beware. Better men than us have been prompted to treason by a careless word. If the prophecy is true, it will be shown as such by the passage of time, without the help of you or I. And if it is false…
MACBETH: Yes?
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Well, we have our duty and our honour and the glory of serving our Emperor to keep us both happy and occupied.
MACBETH: Ha ha! You sound like a recruiting handbook, but yes, you’re right. (BEAT) And Dunsinane is approaching.
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) This is Dunsinane Control, General Ross speaking, hailing Generals Macbeth and Banquo. Welcome to planet Dunsinane.
MACBETH: Ross, you old swamp rat! Thanks for the greetings, and all hail the Emperor. How is the old beer swilling palace slug?
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) All hail. He is fit and well and in a celebratory mood. But I doubt he’d appreciate your choice of comparison. Only you, as his cousin, could get away with a comment like that Macbeth.
MACBETH: (TEASING) You don’t find the comparison an apt one?
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (LAUGHING) He may be your cousin, General, but he is also my Emperor and I do not choose to dignify your question with a response. Besides, I am also instructed, General Macbeth, by Emperor Duncan to greet you as the new protector of planet Cawdor.
MACBETH: (SHOCKED) What?
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) With Macdonwald vanquished, the Emperor has need of you as the planet’s new protector. And, as for you Banquo, since Macbeth will of necessity be vacating Glamis (GLARMS) to take up this new post, the Emperor instructs me to let you know that you will be promoted to protector of planet Glamis (GLARMS). Congratulations my friends!
MACBETH: Well, I’ll be stripped naked and buried in fingal dung!
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) (LAUGHING) In all probability! But you’d better not let the Emperor hear you speaking like that. Bring your ships into the palace docking bays.
BANQUO: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) The palace bays. This is an honour!
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) The Emperor is very pleased with the pair of you. It’s only the beginning of the honours he wants to bestow in gratitude for saving his empire.
MACBETH: Oh no! I’d hoped we’d get a chance to do some feasting. Now we’ll have to sit through my cousin’s interminable speeches. (BEAT) Ah well, no good deed goes unpunished, as they say.
ROSS: (OVER COMMUNICATOR) Indeed. I look forward to seeing you on the ground. God speed. This is Dunsinane control, out!
SOUND: TWO SHIPS PASSING – FADE OUT
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.

SCENE 7: (INT) THE PALACE (MACBETH, BANQUO, DUNCAN)

SOUND: PALACE IN CELEBRATION – ESTABLISH AND UNDER
MACBETH: You’ve been pretty quiet since we landed, Banquo.
BANQUO: There’s a lot to think about.
MACBETH: And a lot to discuss. We need to talk some more, don’t you think?
BANQUO: Yes, the promotions are… disturbing.
MACBETH: Disturbing? But you yourself said that time will reveal whether the prophecies are true or not. And they are being fulfilled without our needing to lift a finger.
BANQUO: I did say that, true. But I can’t help wondering about the motives of those creatures we encountered. If the prophecies are inevitable, then why tell us? Is it to garner our favour? Is it to betray us to some evil end we cannot see? Do not forget, Macbeth, we are at war.
MACBETH: You’ve always been wise and cautious, Banquo. I’ll not forget. But…
ROSS: Macbeth! Banquo! Well met, friends. I hope your journey wasn’t too uncomfortable.
BANQUO: A space fighter was never intended for long hops, but we endure.
ROSS: Indeed you do. They say you fighter pilots never quite lose the craving for it.
BANQUO: True enough, but the journey from Glamis (GLARMS) was long.
ROSS: And I heard you came through the asteroid field. That is generally considered… dangerous.
MACBETH: Not to small craft. You’d never get a battleship or cruiser through, but a small one-man fighter can, with a little cautious navigation, make it fairly easily. And it is far better than adding another nine hours to the trip by going all the way around. I’m saddle sore enough, thanks.
ROSS: Well, we’re glad you made the journey safely. Duncan would have been sorely vexed if you’d gotten killed before he had the chance to punish you properly for saving his empire.
MACBETH: (LAUGHING) I’m sure. Far be it from me to give him the satisfaction.
DUNCAN: (IN HIGH SPIRITS) Macbeth! You miscreant! Come here and give your cousin a hug! Ha ha. By the stars it’s good to see you. I was never so glad of you as when you brought your reserves up to launch that surprise attack. You and Banquo pretty much saved our bacon.
MACBETH: It’s what I do, Duncan. It’s exactly what I do.
DUNCAN: And so humble as well. (SUDDENLY SERIOUS) Look I wanted to speak with you for a moment, before all the formalities kick in. I’ve given you Cawdor, as you know already, but I want to give you fair warning; it could be more curse than blessing. Macdonwald was incredibly popular among the people there. You are likely to face some strong opposition to your takeover, possibly even rebellion. Be ready to put down an insurrection or two if need be.
MACBETH: (GRIMLY) I understand. And cousin, thankyou for this honour.
DUNCAN: Don’t thank me yet. This honour includes risk as well as grim and bloody work. You may not have much reason for gratitude before this is over. But I couldn’t have trusted it to anyone else.
MUSIC: SCENE ENDER – LET IT FINISH.
MUSIC: CLOSING THEME AND CREDITS – LET IT FINISH.

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

BANQUO (THOUGHTFUL, A WARRIOR BY NECESSITY, BUT A PHILOSOPHER BY TEMPERAMENT): Greetings, I am Banquo. I have risen high in the court. I like to think I have the Emperor’s trust because I am reliable. I complete every duty I am assigned. I am fair and honest, and I enjoy a good fight if I am forced into one. In the end though, I’d rather spend my time reading in my palace.

ROSS (CONFIDENTE OF DUNCAN, HUMOROUS, EFFICIENT): Welcome to Duncan’s court. I see you’ve managed to leave the wife and bairns behind again, General. We have your cot and monk’s cell prepared for you as requested, along with a regular morning bowl of gruel. What’s that? Oh, yes. Your wife contacted us to make all the arrangements. Apparently she wished you to know how much she appreciated being left behind with the children while you came to visit the Emperor’s court.

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

MACDONWALD (BRAVE, IDEALISTIC, HONOURABLE ACCORDING TO HIS BELIEFS): They call me a traitor but I’ve only ever tried to do right by my people. They deserve self-determination. They deserve the right to govern their own affairs. For too long, the empire has relied on its elitist and authoritarian traditions to hold the people in check. Some say I’m being controlled… Some say I’m being… Why can’t I think about this topic… Why can’t I just… (BEAT) Let them call me a traitor. I have allies from outside our realm now. There is a new order coming.

CONTROLLERS AND REPORTERS (GENERIC): I’m a communications officer. It is my job to keep the communication channels open. It’s an important job and I take it very seriously. The last person in this role let the Emperor’s priority channel drop out and… well, lets just say I’m not going to let that happen to me.

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

The three witches in the original work, are a curious amalgam of the Greek fates, and the popular notion of witchcraft (a topic with which King James was fascinated).

The science fiction setting allowed the use of cloning to take the place of caesarean section as the means by which Macbeth’s nemesis managed to be “not born of woman”.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

He is extremely grateful for the encouragement he receives from his biggest fans — his wife and two boys — all of whom read and enjoy his scripts and in general make his life worth living.

You can contact the author regarding performance rights (or simply to say hello) through his website: http://www.weirdworldstudios.com.

Don’t forget to check out the free sample portions of our titles at http://weirdworldstudios.com/product-category/our-products/ .

The post MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 1 – A New Strategy appeared first on Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama.

Macbeth Amongst the Stars Archives - Host Your Own Old Time Radio Drama

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 5 – The Sky is Falling

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #5 – THE SKY IS FALLING

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

CAST LIST

SCENE 1: (INT) THRONE ROOM ON PALACE DUNSINANE (NARRATOR, MACBETH, ADVISOR#1, ADVISOR#2, ADVISOR#3, LADY MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 2: (INT) A HALLWAY IN PALACE DUNSINANE (DOCTOR, MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 3: (INT) MALCOLM’S WAR ROOM (MALCOLM, MACDUFF, ANGUS, ROSS, CROWD OF GENERALS)

SCENE 4: (EXT) IN THE ASTEROID FIELD (MACBETH, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SCENE 5: (EXT) THE GAP IN THE BIRNHAM ASTEROID FIELD (MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SCENE 6: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, CONTROLLER, SPY)

SCENE 7: (EXT) THE ASTEROID FIELD (ROSS, ANGUS)

SCENE 8: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, SPY, CONTROLLER)

ACT 3

SCENE 9: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE THRONE ROOM (MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 10: (EXT) ALIEN SPACE (SPY, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR, VOICES)

Casting Sheets – Main Roles

Casting Sheets – Minor Roles

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 4 – The Heel of the Boot

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 4 – THE HEEL OF THE BOOT

CAST LIST

SCENE 1: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 2: (INT) THE PALACE AT CAWDOR (BANQUO, FLEANCE)

SCENE 3: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (MACBETH, SPY, MACDUFF, ROSS)

SCENE 4: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (LATER) (MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 5: (EXT) TRAVELLING THROUGH SPACE (SPY, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SCENE 6: (INT) LOCHABER PALACE (MACDUFF, LADY MACDUFF, CHILD, SPY)

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 3 – Traitors

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #3 – TRAITORS

MACBETH AMONGST THE STARS – EPISODE 3 – TRAITORS

CAST LIST

SCENE 1: (INT) MACBETH’S PALACE ON CAWDOR – ROYAL SUITE (MACBETH, BANQUO, MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SCENE 2: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE AT THE CORONATION (BANQUO, MACBETH)

SCENE 3: (INT) DUNSINANE AFTER THE EVENT (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

SCENE 4: (INT) THRONE ROOM – LET IT FINISH

SCENE 5: (INT) COMMUNICATIONS OFFICE (MACBETH, BANQUO, CONTROLLER)

SCENE 6: (INT) MACDUFF’S PALACE ON LOCHABER (MACDUFF, MALCOLM)

SCENE 7: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE (LADY MACBETH, DOCTOR, MACBETH)

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 2 – Of Eggs and Omelettes

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #2 – OF EGGS AND OMELETTES

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

CAST LIST

ACT 2

SCENE 1: (INT) BUNKER ON CAWDOR (LADY MACBETH, MACBETH, STUART)

SCENE 2: (INT) CAWDOR PALACE (MACBETH, AMBASSADOR, SOLDIER, STUART)

SCENE 3: (EXT) COMMUNICATIONS ROOM, PALACE OF CAWDOR (MACBETH, DUNCAN, LADY MACBETH, MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SCENE 4: (INT) MACBETH’S BEDROOM – AFTER THE FEAST (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

SCENE 5: (INT) MACBETH’S BEDROOM (MACBETH, LADY MACBETH)

SCENE 6: (EXT) PLANET CAWDOR

CASTING SHEETS – MAJOR CHARACTERS

CASTING SHEETS — MINOR CHARACTERS

Writer’s Notes – for students and teachers

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MacBeth Amongst the Stars – Episode 1 – A New Strategy

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

EPISODE #1 – A NEW STRATEGY

Macbeth Amongst the Stars

CAST LIST

ACT 1

SCENE 1: (INT) ALIEN CONGRESS (PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SCENE 2: (INT) DUNSINANE COMMAND AND CONTROL (DUNCAN, CONTROLLER, CONTROLLER 2, REPORTER, REPORTER 2)

SCENE 3: (EXT) THE HEART OF A SPACE BATTLE (MACBETH, MACDONWALD, BANQUO)

SCENE 4: (EXT) BIRNHAM ASTEROID FIELD (ON THE WAY TO DUNSINANE) (MACBETH, BANQUO)

SCENE 5: (EXT) STARLESS SPACE (MACBETH, BANQUO, PRIOR, EXTANT, AND ULTERIOR)

SCENE 6: (EXT) SPACE (MACBETH, BANQUO, ROSS)

SCENE 1: (INT) THRONE ROOM ON PALACE DUNSINANE
(NARRATOR, MACBETH, ADVISOR#1, ADVISOR#2, ADVISOR#3, LADY MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 2: (INT) A HALLWAY IN PALACE DUNSINANE
(DOCTOR, MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 3: (INT) MALCOLM’S WAR ROOM
(MALCOLM, MACDUFF, ANGUS, ROSS, CROWD OF GENERALS)

SCENE 4: (EXT) IN THE ASTEROID FIELD
(MACBETH, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR)

SCENE 5: (EXT) THE GAP IN THE BIRNHAM ASTEROID FIELD
(MALCOLM, MACDUFF)

SCENE 6: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE
(MACBETH, CONTROLLER, SPY)

SCENE 7: (EXT) THE ASTEROID FIELD
(ROSS, ANGUS)

SCENE 8: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE
(MACBETH, SPY, CONTROLLER)

SCENE 9: (INT) DUNSINANE PALACE THRONE ROOM
(MACBETH, SPY)

SCENE 10: (EXT) ALIEN SPACE
(SPY, PRIOR, EXTANT, ULTERIOR, VOICES)