The Myth of Osiris - 3. Chapter 3 - the story in a play

THE MYTH OF OSIRIS

A play in eight acts

By

Andy021278

 

The characters in the play

(In their order of appearance)

 

RA - king of Egypt

NUT – wife of Ra

THOTH - god of wisdom

GEB – Lover of Nut

KHONSU - moon god

UNKNOWN V/O – the voice of an unknown god (for this play the voice will be provided by the same actor who plays SETH)

CHILD OSIRIS – first born son of RA and NUT

CHILD HORUS A – second born son of RA and NUT

CHILD SETH – third born son of RA and NUT

CHILD ISIS – first born daughter of RA and NUT

CHILD NEPHTHYS – second first born daughter of RA and NUT

OSIRIS - king of Egypt

SETH - evil brother of Osiris

ISIS - sister and wife of Osiris

NEPHTHYS - sister of Osiris, wife of Seth

GROUP – a group of Egyptian people, total numbering nine

ASO – the evil Queen of Ethiopia

PARTYGOERS - a group of Egyptian people, total numbering eleven

CONSPIRATORS – a group of Egyptians, numbering four

GUARDS – three large palace guards, carrying spears

PEASANT MAN – an Egyptian male

PEASANT WOMAN - an Egyptian female

PEASANT CHILDREN – a group of three children aged nine or ten

KING – the King of Byblos

WOODCUTTER – a Syrian

HANDMAIDEN I – a Syrian handmaiden belonging to the queen of Byblos

HANDMAIDEN II – a Syrian handmaiden belonging to the queen of Byblos

HANDMAIDEN III – a Syrian handmaiden belonging to the queen of Byblos

QUEEN – the Queen of Byblos

HORUS B – the son of Osiris

 

ACT I, SCENE I

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. CS there are two thrones, seated upon them are RA and NUT. THOTH loiters CSL.

 

THOTH: In the beginning there was Ra the king of Egypt and his consort Nut. Nut however was in love with Geb.

 

GEB enters SR

 

NUT walks over to GEB and stands next to him

 

THOTH: One day Queen Nut will give birth to a son, who will become king,

RA: (angry) Nut will give birth to no son on any day or any night of any year.

 

RA exit SL

 

THOTH: Nut my queen, the dire curse of King Ra must be fulfilled but fear not for I have an idea.

Exeunt SR

 

ACT I, SCENE II

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like Heaven. CS there is a table and two chairs. Upon the table a Senet board is set up.

 

THOTH enters SL, KHONSU enters SR. They each take a seat at the table.

 

THOTH: Khonsu I challenge you to a game of Senet.

KHONSU: What would ask of me if you are victorious?

THOTH: I would ask for one-seventh of your light Khonsu.

 

A game of Senet is played. THOTH is the victor.

 

KHONSU: You are the victor Thoth, here is your reward. (hands a glowing orb to Thoth)

 

Exeunt THOTH SR and KHONSU SL

 

A thin black curtain covered in stars drops just in front of the backdrop. Five new stars descend from the fly loft. This scenery is illuminated from behind very brightly. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is played by the orchestra (adagio), and this closes the scene.

 

ACT I, SCENE III

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. CS there are two thrones, NUT is seated upon one throne crying and the other is empty.

 

THOTH enters SR

 

THOTH: My Queen Nut I have glorious news for you. I have created an additional five days. On these five days you will be able to bear children.

 

NUT looks up and acknowledges THOTH, but does not talk.

 

THOTH exit SL

 

The faint sound of a woman in childbirth mingled with the crying of a child is heard, and this continues until the end of the scene

 

THOTH V/O: On each of those five days, Queen Nut gave birth to a child. On the first day she gave birth to Osiris.

UNKNOWN V/O: (yells at full volume) On this glorious day the Lord of all the Earth is born

THOTH V/O: On the second day, Nut gave birth to Horus.

 

Pause.

 

THOTH V/O: On the third day, Nut gave birth to Seth.

 

Pause.

 

THOTH V/O: On the fourth day, Nut gave birth to Isis.

 

Pause.

 

THOTH V/O: On the fifth day, Nut gave birth to Nephthys.

 

ACT II, SCENE I

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. CS there are two thrones, seated upon them are RA and NUT.

 

Enter SL CHILD OSIRIS, CHILD HORUS A, CHILD ISIS

 

Enter SR CHILD NEPHTHYS and CHILD SETH

 

CHILD OSIRIS, CHILD HORUS A, CHILD ISIS and CHILD NEPHTHYS run around CS, CSR, DS and DSR playing together and laughing

 

CHILD SETH hangs around CSL and does not get involved in the children’s game.

 

No words are spoken in this scene which lasts for two minutes

 

Exeunt

 

ACT II, SCENE II

 

The backdrop shows the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like the room of a royal palace. There is a wedding canopy CS, the floor is covered in white rose petals.

 

RA, NUT, OSIRIS and SETH are already on stage and are under the wedding canopy

 

Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin starts (vocals accompanied by trumpet, three flutes and three violins).

 

Enter ISIS SL and NEPHTHYS SR (slowly). ISIS stands next to OSIRIS and NEPHTHYS stands next to SETH

 

No words are spoken during the ceremony.

 

After the conclusion of “Bridal Chorus”, RA ascends a flight of stairs SL to exit. A large sun slowly crosses from SL to SR.

 

Wagner’s “Bridal Chorus” from Lohengrin starts again (instrumental only)

 

Exeunt SR (slowly)

 

ACT II, SCENE III

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. CS there are two thrones, seated upon them are OSIRIS and ISIS. CSR there is a statue of the god Ra, DSR there is a small collection of books, USL there is the appearance of a farm

 

Enter GROUP SR

 

SETH is secluded DSL

 

GROUP approach OSIRIS and ISIS, and bow.

 

ISIS takes three members of GROUP DSR and they begin reading from the books

 

OSIRIS takes three members of GROUP CSR and they begin praying before the statue of Ra

 

The large sun again crosses from SL to SR

 

OSIRIS takes the remainder of GROUP USL and they begin working the farm

 

OSIRIS and ISIS return CS and sit back on their thrones

 

ISIS: We are truly blessed my husband. The people adore you and sing of your greatness.

OSIRIS: I have indeed brought civilization to this great land, but there are yet other lands which are not so civilized. I must journey forth to these lands, and teach them what I have taught my people. While I am gone my Isis, you will rule in my name.

 

Exeunt all SR except SETH

 

SETH walks CS and places an arm on the throne of OSIRIS

 

SETH: I curse the name Osiris. He will regret treating me the way he has. Ignoring me the way he has. I spit his name. While he is gone, I will make Egypt mine. I will sit on her throne and her people will bow down and worship me. The name of Osiris will be consigned to oblivion.

 

Exit SR

 

ACT III, SCENE I

 

The scene opens in Ethiopia in the palace of Queen Aso

 

CS there is a throne. ASO is seated on the throne.

 

Enter SETH SL

 

SETH: (walks CS and bows to Aso) Queen Aso I come seeking your help. Osiris must be overthrown. I will split the wealth of Egypt with you in exchange.

ASO: I will assist you Seth, but you know as well as I that while Isis sits on the throne nothing can be done. Her power and control over Egypt is absolute, we must await the return of Osiris before we can act.

SETH: We will need to ensure that we have enough able-bodied people behind our plan in order for it to succeed.

ASO: I have arranged for us to meet with seventy two people who would follow us. Do you have a plan?

SETH: I do. I have obtained Osiris’ bodily measurements and will have a box made to his exact measurements. I will then lure him into it, seal it shut and we will toss him into the Nile.

 

Exeunt SR

 

ACT III, SCENE II

 

The scene opens at the party of SETH, and the stage is made to look like a luxury villa. Music is playing (three flutes, pan pipes and two violins).

 

SETH, ASO, and PARTYGOERS are already on stage.

 

After a few moments the music stops. There is a fanfare.

 

Enter OSIRIS SL

 

SETH: Welcome my brother

OSIRIS: Thank you for inviting me, brother of mine.

 

SETH and OSIRIS embrace as brothers and then the music resumes.

 

After a period of two minutes the party stops. A beautiful, ornate chest is brought on stage from SL, and is brought to a halt CS.

 

SETH: To which ever man can fit in this chest perfectly, I will make it a gift unto them.

 

PARTYGOERS climb into the chest one after another. As they take turns they become more restless and vocal as nobody will fit, hushed murmurings are heard.

 

OSIRIS then climbs inside the chest

 

CONSPIRATORS enter SL, rush to the chest and seal the lid shut.

 

CONSPIRATORS: (ensemble) Off to the Nile with him

 

The chest is wheeled off SR.

 

Exeunt CONSPIRATORS, PARTYGOERS and OSIRIS (in the sealed chest)

 

ASO: (to SETH) Your plan worked perfectly my lord. There is now nothing you from sitting on the throne of Egypt

 

A loud splash is heard in the background

 

Exeunt SL

 

ACT IV, SCENE I

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. The backdrop shows the land of Egypt, with a malevolent deity in the skies above it. CS there are two thrones, seated upon one is SETH and the throne is draped in red cloth, the other throne sits empty. The stage is lighted using red light; sounds are heard of whips being cracked, and the crying of children.

 

Enter GROUP SL

 

They approach SETH CS and cower before him.

 

SETH claps his hands

 

Enter GUARDS SR

 

SETH points to GROUP and dismisses them

 

GROUP is led away forcibly by GUARDS

 

Exeunt GROUP and GUARDS SL

 

SETH remains seated on his throne. The sound of distant crying is heard.

 

No words are spoken during this scene

Exit SL

 

ACT IV, SCENE II

 

The stage is divided. CSR contains the room of a plush villa. CSL contains a backdrop of the land of Egypt and the stage is made to look like the banks of the Nile, with a blue swathe representing the Nile. ISIS (now heavily pregnant) is already on stage, in the villa.

 

ISIS dons a black cloak, the cloak of mourning, and leaves the villa. Cross CSL.

 

ISIS: I must find my husband’s body if he to journey into the afterlife.

 

ISIS wanders around CSL

 

Enter PEASANT MAN USL

 

ISIS: Have you seen the jewelled chest that was thrown into the Nile by the vile one, Seth?

 

PEASANT MAN: Alas my lady, I have not

 

Exit PEASANT MAN SL

 

Enter PEASANT WOMAN USL

 

ISIS: Have you seen the jewelled chest that was thrown into the Nile by the vile one, Seth?

 

PEASANT WOMAN: Alas my lady, I have not

Exit PEASANT WOMAN SL

 

Enter PEASANT CHILDREN USL

 

ISIS: Have you seen the jewelled chest that was thrown into the Nile by the vile one, Seth?

PEASANT CHILDREN: (ensemble) We have my lady. We can tell you where the vile one threw the chest into the Nile.

 

Exeunt SL

 

ACT IV, SCENE III

 

The scene opens on a house. The backdrop is of an island. ISIS is already on stage CS, sitting on a chair cradling a child.

 

ISIS: My child, my child with Osiris, I name you Horus to honour your uncle who loves you. I must leave you here in Buto, on the island of Chemmis, while I continue the search for my husband’s body. Through my magic, I make the location of this island constantly change, so that none will find you my son. You are the heir to your father’s throne and I will guard you from my brother, Seth.

 

Exit SL

 

ACT IV, SCENE IV

 

The scene opens on the shore of the sea. The floor is covered in blue representing the sea. SR there is a collection of tamarisk bushes.

 

Enter SL the chest containing the body of Osiris. The chest crosses the stage and into the bushes.

 

Once in the bushes a tree sprouts from the bushes and encloses the chest.

 

Enter KING DSR

 

KING looks at the tree and summons WOODCUTTER.

 

Enter WOODCUTTER USR

 

KING: Woodcutter I desire this tree. I want it to adorn my palace at Byblos. Cut it down and make haste.

 

WOODCUTTER proceeds to cut down the tree

 

Exeunt

 

ACT V, SCENE I

 

The scene opens on a garden in the city of Byblos. CS is a fountain. ISIS is already on stage, and is sitting on the fountain.

 

Enter HANDMAIDEN I, HANDMAIDEN II and HANDMAIDEN III SR

 

They sit with ISIS

 

ISIS braids their hair and sprays them perfume

 

Exeunt

 

ACT V, SCENE II

 

The scene opens in the palace at Byblos. SL there are two thrones and CS is the tamarisk tree containing the chest with Osiris inside it. QUEEN is standing CS.

 

Enter HANDMAIDEN I, HANDMAIDEN II and HANDMAIDEN III SR

 

QUEEN: What is that wondrous scent, my maidens?

 

HANDMAIDEN I: We met a stranger in the main garden your majesty

 

HANDMAIDEN II: She was kind to us your majesty. She braided our hair and perfumed us

 

QUEEN: I would like to meet this stranger. Go and bring her before me. I will her in my private chamber.

 

HANDMAIDEN III: As you request your majesty

 

Exeunt SR

 

ACT V, SCENE III

 

The scene opens in QUEEN’s private chamber. CS there is a table and two chairs. On the table there are two glasses and a pitcher of water on a silver platter. QUEEN is already on stage.

 

Enter HANDMAIDEN I and ISIS SR

 

HANDMAIDEN I walks CS to the table and bows to QUEEN

 

HANDMAIDEN I: This is the stranger your majesty. Her name is Isis.

 

HANDMAIDEN I indicates to ISIS to approach and sit at the other chair.

 

HANDMAIDEN I pours a glass of water each for QUEEN and ISIS

 

Exit HANDMAIDEN I SR

 

QUEEN: I thank you for your kindness towards my handmaidens, Isis.

 

ISIS: No thanks are necessary your majesty.

 

QUEEN: I would like for you to become nursemaid to my new born child. Follow me and I will show him to you.

 

Exeunt SR

 

ACT V, SCENE IV

 

The stage is dim, with the only light provided by a fake log fire which is CS. The stage is adorned with furniture suitable for the dining area of a castle or a great hall. ISIS, HANDMAIDEN I and HANDMAIDEN II are already on stage. ISIS is seated in front of the fireplace, HANDMAIDEN I is wiping down the table and HANDMAIDEN II is stoking the fireplace.

 

ISIS allows the infant to suckle on her finger

 

Exeunt HANDMAIDEN I and HANDMAIDEN II SL

 

ISIS places the infant into the fire, and she transforms into a swallow. ISIS moves about the stage and a recording of swallow songs are played for thirty seconds.

 

Exit

 

ACT V, SCENE V

 

The scene opens in QUEEN’s private chamber. CS there is a table and two chairs. QUEEN is already on stage and is seated at the table.

 

Enter HANDMAIDEN III SR (at a run)

 

HANDMAIDEN III: (excited and breathless) Your majesty! Your majesty!

QUEEN: Calm down. What has you so excited?

HANDMAIDEN III: It is Isis, your majesty. She threw the young prince into the fire and then changed herself into a swallow. I was about to retrieve the child when Isis pulled him out of the fire and they retired for the night.

QUEEN: You must be mistaken. Off to bed with you.

 

Exit HANDMAIDEN III SR

 

QUEEN: I cannot believe such a thing of Isis. She is a dear sweet person, who has done us no harm. I must see these events for myself if they are to be believed.

 

Exit

 

ACT V, SCENE VI

 

The stage is dim, with the only light provided by a fake log fire which is CS. The stage is adorned with furniture suitable for the dining area of a castle or a great hall. ISIS is already on stage with the infant child.

 

QUEEN loiters DSR

 

ISIS puts the child into fire

 

QUEEN runs to CS, shrieking, with her hands in her hair and grabs her child

 

QUEEN: How could you do this to me Isis? I have shown you no hostility and I welcomed you into my home.

ISIS: I am your sister. I am the Queen of Egypt. My magic and the magic of the fire would have turned your son into a god. (in anger) Now his immortality is lost. I had travelled here to Byblos to retrieve the body of husband, Osiris the King of Egypt. His body is inside that tamarisk tree that now adorns your throne room. I ask that the tree be cut open and my husband’s body returned to me.

QUEEN: As you ask, so shall it be.

 

Exeunt

 

ACT V, SCENE VI

 

The scene opens in the palace at Byblos. CS there are two thrones, KING sits on one and QUEEN sits in the other. ISIS is also already on stage and she is standing DSC. The chest with Osiris in it sits RCS. The cut open tamarisk tree sits CS.

 

KING: My sister Isis, I wish you a safe journey home.

ISIS: I thank both of you, my brother and sister, for you hospitality and for returning my husband’s body to me, so that he may be buried according to our customs.

 

Exit ISIS with the chest SR

 

KING: We will take the tree to the great temple and there our people will pay worship unto it for all time to honour our brother, the fallen King of Egypt.

 

Exeunt

 

ACT VI, SCENE I

 

The scene opens on the banks of the Nile. The stage is covered in trees and there is blue swathe of cloth which represents the Nile. The chest is CS. ISIS is already on stage CS next to the chest.

 

ISIS finally opens the chest and weeps.

 

Enter NEPHTHYS

 

The sisters transform into kites and circle around the chest (they limit themselves to CS and DCS). A recording of the screeching of kites is played during this part of the scene which lasts for two minutes.

 

ISIS and NEPHTHYS return to human form.

 

ISIS: Nephthys my sister, I must travel to Buto to recover my son Horus. Will you help me to conceal this chest from our brother Seth?

 

ISIS and NEPHTHYS cover the chest in branches and leaves

 

Exeunt

 

ACT VII, SCENE I

 

The scene opens on the banks of the Nile. The stage is covered in trees and there is blue swathe of cloth which represents the Nile. The chest is CS and is still covered in leaves and branches. The stage is dimly lit with a full moon hanging over the stage.

 

Enter SETH SL carrying a bow and a quiver of arrows

 

SETH crosses SL to SR. When crossing SR to SL, he discovers the chest.

 

SETH: (screams in fury) Why must you plague me, even in death. I thought I had gotten rid of you once, (gets louder with each spoken word) well let us see how my dear sister Isis copes with this.

 

SETH rips the body of OSIRIS to pieces

 

Exit SR (with the pieces of Osiris’ body)

 

ACT VII, SCENE II

 

The scene opens on the Nile. There is a papyrus reed boat CS with ISIS sitting inside it.

 

ISIS: (loudly) Why do you hate so, Seth my brother? Why are you so filled with jealousy and malice? Why do you defile your brother’s body so?

 

On the shore line ISIS finds one of the body parts of Osiris

 

She buries it and erects a shrine to him

 

ISIS: As I have done here, I shall do wherever else I find a part of my husband

 

Exit

 

ACT VIII, SCENE I

 

The scene opens with a backdrop showing the land of Egypt. The stage is set to appear like a throne room of a royal palace. CS there is a throne. Seated on the throne is HORUS B.

 

Enter OSIRIS SL (now in god form)

 

OSIRIS walks towards HORUS B

 

OSIRIS: Horus my son, it has been too long.

HORUS B: Osiris, my god my father. It has been many years since I have seen you, but you have never been far from my heart.

OSIRIS: Seth is a wicked and cruel person. The time has come for you to avenge my murder.

HORUS B: As you wish my father.

 

Exeunt

 

ACT VIII, SCENE II

 

The scene opens on the banks of the Nile. The stage is covered in trees and there is blue swathe of cloth which represents the Nile.

 

SETH and HORUS B are already on stage CS. Each is armed with a spear.

 

They begin fighting with each other. In the background the sounds of a battle are played.

 

The scene lasts for two minutes.

 

The light on the stage is slowly dimmed as the fighting continues.

 

UNKNOWN V/O: This battle between Seth and Horus, between good and evil, still wages on to this day. Only when Horus is finally victorious will Osiris be able to return to the land of the living and take his seat as ruler of the earth.

 

Exeunt

 

Curtain