Much ado about Brothers: A play in 2 acts

Much Ado About Brothers: A Play in two acts

*Note: Hamlet is a non-speaking role and therefore, the director could cast the same actor in the roles of Hamlet and Gar.


Location: King Claudius’s chamber
Background info into scene i.: Hamlet has just exposed Claudius as the murderer of his father, and is now watching Claudius “pray” in his room.
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(I.i)

Enter Claudius, with Hamlet hiding nearby

CLAUDIUS: Oh, how can the Almighty forgive such a treacherous deed such as mine? Our heart bleeds with guilt at the murder of our brother, Gar. We must cleanse our soul and make it white again, as white as a lamb. But can we be forgiven for the misdeeds against our brother. Oh, We are marked like Cain--forever lost in the wilderness of our transgressions. We will lose our dear sweet Queen and crown, but what about our salvation? Will the Almighty forgive our misdeeds and find us in His good graces?
Bow stubborn knees, and heart let our sins be exposed.

He kneels

TIME: Good Evening, Lords and Ladies. Prince Hamlet’s grandfather, King Rek led his people through a furious battle with the King of Norway, Fortinbras the Eldest, grandfather of the current Fortinbras. King Rek later married Lady Astrid, and together they ruled Denmark through a few years of peace and prosperity.

A short time later, the Queen produced two heirs to the throne --Princes Hamlet, affectionately called “Gar” and Claudius. The two sons grew up happily, but a bitter rivalry grew between the two when it was announced that Gar, not Claudius would become king upon the death of his parents. Despite the calm demeanor of Gar in the public eye, he was secretly a vicious and ruthless savage to his younger brother--this was hidden even from their parents. I blather on...so, without further delay-- Let’s go back 20 years........

(I.ii)
Location: Castle

Enter King Rek and Queen Astrid

REK: Good Day, my dear wife. How are you feeling today?

ASTRID: Well My Lord.
REK: Did Gar enjoy our gifts?
ASTRID: Yes, he did indeed! He marvels at the wonderful trinkets we gave him today, but his heart will always love that olive tree that we planted when he was just a boy.

REK: Very Good! Ah, here comes our other child.

Enter Claudius

REK: Good Morn... (Long pause)

ASTRID: Good Morning, Claudius

REK: (aside) Ah, yes that’s the name!
Good Morning Claudius, how are you?

CLAUDIUS: I am well, Father! Did you bring me any gifts? I thought I saw my brother with some gold.

REK: I’m sorry (stares off into space trying to remember his name) Cloud Burst....I know nothing of this. Your mother and I need to attend to some business, so please go play now.

CLAUDIUS: Father, you know I am too old to play.

REK: All good men enjoy a good play my son.

Exit King and Queen

CLAUDIUS: I could be eaten alive and those idiots could care less, Oh, if I were King everyone would bow down to me! By Heaven, I will have that crown if it is the last thing I do. Oh no! Here comes my brother. I wonder what he wants this time. More torture and abuse, I’ll have none of that!

Enter Gar

GAR: Hey, Second-best! How is my favorite brother? (Punches Claudius in the stomach)

CLAUDIUS: (weakly) I was well, brother.

GAR: Pardon?

CLAUDIUS: I was well--My Lord.

GAR: That’s better, my little punching bag. I’m trying to find Polonius, have you seen him?

CLAUDIUS: (still struggling to breathe) No, my Lord.

GAR: He must be hiding again. Honestly, he’s a grown man--why does he still like to hide like a child?

CLAUDIUS: (Regaining Composure) I don’t know.

GAR: (Clenching fists) You don’t know what?

CLAUDIUS: (flinching) I don’t know......My Lord.

GAR: That’s better! (Kicks him in the shins)

Exit Gar

CLAUDIUS: (Sarcastically) Yes, My Lord. I’ll show him; I’ll show them all! Years down the line, throngs of people will proudly shout from the highest mountain tops-- (waves fists in the air) KING CLAUDIUS--Ruler of Denmark.

MESSENGER: My Lord, the King wishes to speak to “His Clown”

CLAUDIUS: Very Well. Tell my father that his “Clown” will be in to greet him shortly.

MESSENGER: Yes, my Lord.

Exit Messenger

CLAUDIUS: “Clown” I’ll show you a clown old man! Why does everyone hate me so much? Am I not kind? Do I not love with an open and honest heart? Am I not filled with patience and a Good Christian? Why God, why must I be looked at with scornful eyes?

Exit Claudius

(I.iii)

Location: Royal Chambers
Background: King Rek and Queen Astrid are sitting in the chambers, awaiting the arrival of their son, Claudius.

REK: God must be smiling down on us, my dear, Astrid. Such a happy occasion!

ASTRID: Yes, most happy indeed! Please excuse me Lord; I must fetch something in my closet.
REK: Don’t be long my Sweet.

ASTRID: Yes, my Lord. I will not be long.

Astrid goes to her closet

ASTRID: I want you to hide here, my son. Your father is going to announce the news that you are to be King upon our deaths.

GAR: Yes Mother, but please hurry! You know how much I enjoy a good nap under my olive tree.

ASTRID: Yes, my son. Oh, and before I forget, here is your allowance my dear.
(Hands him a bag of gold)

GAR: May God bless my gracious mother for this.

ASTRID: Now remember; do not tell your brother I give you money every week, because I don’t care for the little bastard anyway. Oh, and don’t tell your father either. He doesn’t know it, but I always steal some money from him when he isn’t looking.

GAR: Mother, you are incorrigible.

Enter King

REK: My dear, what are you doing?
ASTRID: (shutting the closet quickly) Oh, I’m sorry my love; just fetching a shawl.

REK: Our little Clodhopper has been waiting for you.

ASTRID: I’ll be there right away. (looks back at her closet)

Back in the Chambers; Gar still in the closet.

ASTRID: My son, I apologize for my tardiness.

CLAUDIUS: Think nothing of it, mother. Now, what is it you would like to tell me?

REK: Joyous news! You’re brother will be King of Denmark upon our deaths.

CLAUDIUS: (feigning happiness) What great news! Oh, this is such a wonderful occasion (continues to ramble on--trying to sound happy.)

GAR: Yes, it is great news, you little windbag.

CLAUDIUS: Oh, what a joy this is.

GAR: Why, don’t you take a breath already? You arrogant jerk! You’re almost as bad as Polonius. Speaking of Polonius, I still haven’t been able to find him; he must be hiding again.

ASTRID: We’re both delighted that you are so happy my son. (Gives him a kiss) Now don’t be jealous when that time comes.

CLAUDIUS: Me? No! I am happier than a pair of turtledoves entangled by love.

REK: Well, that’s good. You should congratulate you’re brother! Where is he anyway?

A bang is heard from Astrid’s private closet.

REK: What was that?

ASTRID: Oh, nothing my Lord. Just a mouse.

CLAUDIUS: No Ma’am, it’s a rat. (Running to the room)

REK: What a son we have! Go get it Clarinet.

ASTRID: (aside) Oh, no my plans are going to be ruined!

Enter Claudius

REK: Did you get the rat, my son?

CLAUDIUS: No Father, he got away.

Gar runs back to his garden, out of breath.

GAR: That brother of mine almost caught me. But this is one cat and mouse game he’ll never win, because he’ll always be second best. Anyway, the crown is ALL MINE! (laughs maniacally) I hate Claudius, why I don’t really know, maybe it’s because he’s always been such a goody two shoes--and with that attitude he’ll never be king. Why am I talking to myself? I need a nap. (calling out) What’s that? Coming olive tree.

Gar Exits

TIME: Hello again! I hope you’re enjoying the play. I...Hey! You! Come back here; we still have one more act to go. Sixteen years have come and gone, and these years have been marked with sorrow. The King and Queen, both suffering with small pox, are on their deathbeds, and the brothers are stricken with grief. Do you think that the brothers are up in arms about the whole thing? No, both are consumed with the title and money that each will receive. This has caused an even greater rift between the two, but they still manage to put on a brave face for their mother and father. And now--the beginning of Act II.
(II.i)

Location: Royal Chambers

REK: My dear, the time our time is growing shorter. We must confess our sins to the Almighty, so that we may enter the Heavenly Kingdom.

ASTRID: Yes, my Lord we must.

REK: I will begin. (aside) “Merciful Father, I beg your mercy for sleeping with my wife’s chambermaid for all of these years.”

ASTRID: Husband?

REK: (not sure if he said it aloud) Yes, my Sweet?

ASTRID: I beg you take mercy on me. I’ve stolen money from you for a long while.

REK: Is it possible?

ASTRID: Yes, my Lord. I gave it to our son Gar at the expense of our other son.

REK: How could you do such a thing? You didn’t have to thieve from me! You are a worthless pile of trash. I hope you go the other way.

ASTRID: My Lord, please do not be angry with me, I only did what was best.

REK: To steal from our son, is a terrible sin! God may forgive you, but I will not. Oh, miserable day. I’ve lost my fair wife, but good riddance. I don’t need her. I’m dying....

He Dies

ASTRID: Oh, my dear poor husband. It were as if I killed him myself, and not this disease--Oh, Merciful God, take me to you; I have confessed my sins. I will confess that I loved my son, Gar more than my other son. I convinced my husband to choose wicked son, Gar to be King, but I know now that Claudius is the rightful owner of the crown. Oh, cruel agony....now I die.

She Dies

Claudius comes forward

CLAUDIUS: Oh, foolish woman. How could you be so cruel? Everyone has turned their back on me, so I will do likewise. My vicious toad of a brother is now King of Denmark, but that title is mine; I will have it!

Exit

(II.ii)

Location: The Kings’ chambers
Background: The appointed King Gar (who has taken back his birth name, Hamlet) has been king for many years. During this passage of time, he married a lady-in-waiting, Gertrude and had a son, Hamlet. Since the birth, he has been styled Old King Hamlet.

OLD KING: Ah, my countrymen. How I adore them, and how much they adore me. Gertrude, I am so happy, and yet--I feel so hollow inside. Why do you think that is?

GERTRUDE: I don’t know my Lord. You have everything a man either prince or pauper could want: a kingdom, a crown and a family who adores you!

OLD KING: (Aside) I must be unhappy because I have not apologized to my brother, Claudius. My foolishness towards him has left me a cold and bitter man on the inside. But I am too proud a man to admit my shortcomings! I will hold onto these sins forever!

GERTRUDE: My lord, you appear deep in thought. What’s the matter?

OLD KING: Just reflecting. My angel, Gertrude, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your kind words.

GERTRUDE: No thanks necessary, My Love. (she kisses him)

OLD KING: I’m very tired dear.
GERTRUDE: Well, then you must rest.

OLD KING: The old olive tree is calling me, “Come lie under me, Noble King.” I have lain under that tree for so long that I feel I am apart of it.

GERTRUDE: (laughing) You are beginning to sprout leaves, husband.

OLD KING: Will you wake me in a few hours, My lady.

GERTRUDE: Yes, dear.

OLD KING: Ah, I could sleep forever.

He Exits to the Garden

END

Something rotten in the State of Massachusetts

A young man of roughly 17 years of age has just passed away after being stabbed with a poisoned dagger by his Uncle. His coffin is filled with the finest jewels of all of Denmark, and is festooned with brightly colored velvets. Who could this young man in the prime of his life be? Why it is none other than the Prince Hamlet of Denmark; desperate to avenge his father’s murder, he was struck down in the process.

On the other side of the world, in a small Puritan village in Salem Massachusetts a young man, by the name of Goodman Brown is lying asleep in his bed—he violently tosses and stirs as he is awakened from a terrible nightmare, one of which he can’t help but feel an extreme guilt. He has dreamt that he went into the woods, and was barraged with visions of the devil and his followers gathered around a fire in a satanic ritual—among them the young man’s new wife. He also dreams that because of his vision, he harbors a deep resentment for his beloved and doesn’t know what to do—he decides to go off for a bit of fresh air in the woods.

On a cloud in heaven, God is drinking tea and is well aware of the events that are unfolding with the two men and this is where our story begins…

God: (Aside)
“These two men are in need of a spiritual awakening; one man was so desperate to destroy Claudius, his uncle, that he devised a plan to kill him. Although I am not pleased with the actions of Claudius, and will deal with him as I see fit, I do not condone the actions of this young man. I should give him a chance, though perhaps he would be a good companion with another struggling individual.”

He is in deep thought when he sees a traveler on a path into the deep, dark woods now filled with the bright, exuberant light of morning. Why, it’s Nathaniel Brown, a young man struggling with his faith in God’s word, but also Faith his wife.

God: I must bring these two together! They need one another to see how truly wonderful I AM, and to recognize the love that I have for all of humanity—including them. I would like to give them the opportunity to realize that even though I am displeased with their thoughts and actions, that I am a merciful God. Perhaps, just perhaps they will also spread my message to others.
With a flash of beautiful light, the crypt of Hamlet is opened. His body is raised and God breathes life into the young man’s limp body and then transports the prince to 17th Century Salem, Massachusetts.

Hamlet: (looks around in shock and bewilderment)
“Almighty Heavens,” I do remember being stabbed by that damned king, Claudius, and now I am in eternal paradise. But where is my God?

As Hamlet is calling out to God, Nathaniel Brown is walking along a path. He stops abruptly when he hears a voice; he stops and quickly hides behind a tall, withered looking tree. He inadvertently steps on a twig. Holding his breath, he prays silently that his hiding place will not be discovered.

Hamlet: (unsheathes his sword) Halt, who dares to approach me? Come now and reveal yourself to me!

Nathaniel steps out from his hiding place.

Hamlet: Who are you, and why are you following me?

Brown: It is I, Nathaniel Brown. (Extends his hand) It is a pleasure to meet you, who are you and what brings you to Massachusetts?

Before Hamlet can respond, a booming voice from the heavens is heard.

God: Hamlet put your sword away for this man means you no harm. I am depending on you both to help one another succeed, so don’t fail me.

Brown: I promise my Lord, you will not be disappointed with me.

Hamlet: I too promise, my Heavenly Father.

God: I am certain that neither of you will disappoint me, please heed my words.

With that, the heavenly light that flowed from the sky disappears. The two men agree to follow God’s words. Nathaniel suggests they get a few pints of the finest ale and engage in conversation. Hamlet agrees and they venture away from the woods.

Hamlet: So, you envisioned that Satan held everyone in this town captive?

Brown: Aye, it was the most intriguing and frightful of all of my visions. I pray to Almighty God that my visions are false, but I have been doubtful of my marriage for quite some time.

Hamlet: You are aware my good friend, that the Lord has brought us together for a Higher purpose. I feel in my heart that he sent me here for a higher purpose.

The two men stop talking for a while, pondering in their minds what that higher purpose could be. They finally reach their destination, a small pub, known as the W.S. a mile from the woods.

Brown: Hamlet, my dear friend, I have thought about what you have said. I too, believe that God has placed us here for his doing. However, I have not the answer as to what that purpose is!

Nathaniel orders drinks for his guest and they begin to converse over their ales. Hamlet confides in his comrade about his own sordid life.

Hamlet: Nathaniel, I must confess to you, that I have killed my uncle, Claudius. I knew that it was poor judgment, but I couldn’t take the pain of losing my mother to that demon spawn. So I became crazy—only in jest at first. However, I became even more obsessed by my desire to destroy the wickedness that was the King.

Brown: Hamlet, it seems to me that we were both tempted by Satan’s evil path, by betray our own families through dishonesty and disloyalty to get what we wanted. In the process, we both have lost sight of what is important.

Hamlet: What? I beg you tell me what that lesson is!

Brown: We both lost our faith in our Lord; we were so busy following the selfish acts of Satan, namely revenge that we lost sight of our true purpose on Earth. We were both summoned by God to share our testimony with the world, to stop the evil that dwells within others who feel that only through hurtful actions may they find solace within ourselves.

Hamlet: You are very wise my friend, very wise indeed.

Brown: No my friend, only Almighty God has the wisdom to assist me in carrying out this message to you.

They begin to analyze where they have fallen short in terms of their relationships with their families as individuals.

Hamlet: It appears to me that by sharing the events of our lives, we could potentially spark a change in how people view the issue of forgiveness. People would also come to realize that we were two individuals who lost our faith in God and humanity, but are now learning from our mistakes.

Nathaniel pulls out a piece of parchment and a quill from the pack he carries with him on his trips to the woods. He and Hamlet begin to write down everything that they felt was pertinent to helping humanity.

Hamlet: Why, we should discuss how we both are overcoming our issues of resentment, and I could write about my ill feelings that I feel led to my premature death at the hands of my uncle.
Brown: (with a bit of confusion in his voice) My good sir, I feel as though our stories have already been told—oh, no matter we will continue to press onward.

Hamlet and Nathaniel write furiously.

Brown: I will speak of how I fell out of love with my wife and how Satan tempted me to “lose my faith” (p. 2263) and how he persuaded me to follow him.

Hamlet: I will write about how anger and jealousy led me to lose everything including the woman I loved. (His voice breaking with emotion) Oh Ophelia, my belovéd, how I blame myself for my idiocy, and how I wish that you were here with me so I could tell you how much I truly felt for you!

Brown: (Full of emotion) Oh, sweet and kind Faith, I was such a fool to turn my back on you. You meant the world to me, and I began to push you away long before that nightmare of the dark forest ever entered my subconscious. This chance meeting has awakened my senses and my spirit; I will change my life, and completely devote my life to you and to my Lord.

The two men continue to write…. (5 months later)

The villagers in the town catch wind of the book and hold a special meeting to recognize the pair for their new book, “Giving Almighty God the power to control Our destinies (and how God planned a meeting between two unlikely friends) By: Prince Hamlet of Denmark and Nathaniel Brown.

Villager: I beg of you both, please explain your motivation for writing this book!

Hamlet: To be quite honest, my friend, I have come to realize that the anger I felt for my mother and uncle, was because I did not trust God enough to handle my situation. I was selfish, because I tried to get revenge for my father by causing mischief. By killing my uncle’s advisor Polonius, and causing the death of two good friends Rosencrantz and Guildenstern I have felt an utter sense of responsibility.

Brown: I have come to realize that my anger stemmed from not giving my marriage the love and nurturing that it deserved. I have learned much from my visions and I found that I no longer wished to be bitter for my feelings. I regained my faith in God, and my love for Faith, my wife, is now stronger than ever and I couldn’t be happier.

Back in Heaven, God is marveling at the wonderful things that these two people are sharing with the world.

God: Oh my wonderful servants, how much they have pleased me! They have done a great service to me and I must reward them both.

Hamlet and Nathaniel are taking questions from the audience; a young woman is in the audience smiling sweetly at the pair—joy fills her eyes. It is Faith Brown, whose husband has finally come to love and cherish her, just like when they were first married. Suddenly, a light illuminates the platform where they are speaking.

God: My dear friends, you have been so faithful to me and you have realized why you were brought here together! Now, I must reward you for spreading my word. For you my Dear Nathaniel, beginning in one year’s time you shall have a child, in fact, throughout your lifetime you will have many children and grandchildren, who will continue to follow your legacy long after you leave this world to join me.
Gentle Hamlet, you have learned to forgive the misdeeds of those in your life—you shall have whatever your pure heart desires.
Hamlet: Sweet and Merciful God, I would desire nothing more than to see my sweet Ophelia.

God: I shall grant your request, you shall have your beautiful Ophelia! Look, out in the crowd…

Hamlet looks out into the audience and sees a woman in white with crowflowers (pg. 235) in her hair.

Ophelia: Oh, my sweet Lord Hamlet how I have missed you so!

Hamlet: Oh, sweet Ophelia, I have kept so much pain and guilt in my breast that I found it unbearable to admit to you that I love you. Please forgive me for the foolish things that I have said. Pl—

Ophelia: Oh, no more apologies, I am just ever so happy to see you again!

The two embrace and share a passionate kiss. The crowd goes wild with excitement! After, the excitement has subsided God prepares a gigantic banquet for all to partake in—this is a feast to remember! After the festivities have ended God calls Hamlet and Ophelia to speak with him.

God: Both of you are so comfortable here, but I will give you a choice. You may stay here, build a family, and remain here for the rest of your lives. On the other hand, you may chose to go back to your own time in Denmark and I will restore your country back to it’s original time—before the reign of Claudius. I will let you decide what you would like to do.

Hamlet and Ophelia see all of the happiness overflowing in the village and they are torn between the choices that God has provided; however, they know in their hearts what they must do.

Hamlet: Ophelia, my love, we must leave this place, but we must never forget the wonderful people that we have met on our journey here.

Ophelia: Yes my love, but we must say goodbye to our wonderful hosts first!

Nathaniel and Faith notice that Hamlet and Ophelia are talking with God, and run over to greet them.

Hamlet: Thank you both for the wonderful hospitality that you have shown us. We will never forget either of you for it.

Faith: Thank you Hamlet for helping us get through our marital discourse, we too shall never forget you.

The Browns and Hamlet/Ophelia embrace one another and sob. After a long, extended period of hugging and crying, God stretches his arms and Hamlet and Ophelia are sent home. Although they are sent to their own periods, they know that they will have a lifetime of memories to share for generations to come!