THE WANDERINGS OF ODYSSEUS

(Prelude)

Narrator: When the ancient Greeks went to war with the Trojans, one of their greatest leaders was the crafty king of Ithaca, Odysseus. The war lasted for ten long years and when it was over Odysseus had many years of trouble and wandering in his attempt to sail home to his wife Penelope. Our play is based on these wanderings told in the marvelous tale by Homer called "The Odyssey."

Penelope: The first days of our marriage were so wonderful. It was a joy just to be near Odysseus. He was so clever with his words and hands, and his eyes shone bluer than the skies. I can remember so clearly when he built our lovely home. Odysseus cut down a huge olive tree and from its stump he carved out our bed. Then with his powerful muscles straining he lined up the stone walls of our home. He sang as he set up the doors and carved them with his nimble fingers. His hands were strong, yet always gentle when he touched me. And when our son Telemachus was born our joy increased.

But those happy days came to an end with the start of the Trojan War. The Spartan King came to enlist Odysseus into the Greek army. My crafty husband at first outfoxed the soldiers by pretending to be crazy. He hitched together a donkey and an ox, and went plowing down the beach, throwing salt into the rows like he was planting seeds. To make his act more convincing he slobbered and sang a lot of gibberish. They were completely fooled and were all sure that Odysseus was mad -- all except for one Spartan soldier. He grabbed our baby boy and placed him directly in front of the path that Odysseus was plowing. My husband dashed and snatched up the toddler just before the animals could crush the baby. They knew then that Odysseus was only pretending to be insane, and so he was obliged to join the army as it prepared for war.

That was twenty dreadfully long years ago. I've all but given up hope of his return. After all this time is it possible he alive and still struggling to return home?

(Song of the Cyclops)

Odysseus: Here is a smooth coastline shipmates. Let's beach our ship in this sheltered cove. (They get out of the boat)

Eurylochus: Let's search this strange land and see what provisions we can find.

Gorgio: I hope we find some food. I could eat a whole cow by myself.

Ithakite: You're always hungry, Gorgio. If your brain was as big as your belly you'd be the smartest human alive.

Gorgio: Well I'm certainly fed up with eating stale bread and dried meat. You may laugh at me all you like, but when we get home safe and sound, the first thing I'm going to do is have my servants fill the bathtub with wine. Then I'll have them float grapes and olives in it. I'll dive in and swim about, and every time I come up for air I'll have a servant waiting with a piece of savory roasted meat or a wedge of cheese to pop into my mouth.

Odysseus: Listen lads, is that the sound of sheep and goats I hear coming from that huge cave?

Gorgio: Oh boy! It's food.

Ithakite: Look at all those cheeses on the rack.

Gorgio (petting): Don't worry you cute little lamb, I will protect you from the big bad wolf. That way I can cook and eat you myself.

Hellena: Let's grab as much as we can carry and be on our way.

(Cyclops roars)

Odysseus: Quick mates, hide behind these rocks.

Cyclops: Inside my lovely sheep and goats, you too my fine-looking rams. Into your pens all of you. Now I'll roll back the massive stone that blocks our cave. (He strains)

Well, what have we here sneaking about my cave, a bunch of puny humans? Come out and tell me who you are, little ones.

Odysseus: We are Greeks, conquerors of the mighty city of Troy. Our ship was blown off course. We ask for your help in the name of the great god Zeus.

Cyclops: Conquerors of Troy. Hah! You're just little runts to me. As for your great Zeus, he doesn't scare me. I'm Polyphemus, a mighty cyclops, and I do whatever I please.

By the way, where's your ship?

Odysseus: It was wrecked upon your rocky shore and we are the only survivors.

Cyclops: That means you're stuck here. How lucky, you're just in time for dinner. I'm having a Greek dish tonight -- one of you. Ha ha!

(Greeks run but one is cornered and eaten by the cyclops.)

Eurylochus: How monstrous! The cyclops has killed one of our companions and is now eating his flesh and bones.

Odysseus: While his back is turned I'll shove my sword into his liver and kill this fiend.

Eurylochus: Wait Odysseus. If your kill the cyclops we will never escape because that giant stone must weigh at least 5,000 pounds and only the cyclops could move it.

Odysseus: That is true. Listen to me friends I have an idea. (whispers)

Cyclops: Tiny Greeks, your friend had good taste.

Odysseus: Mighty cyclops, I have two gifts for you. Here is some rich red wine to wash down your meal. Perhaps this gift will make you show some kindness.

Cyclops (drinks): Ahhh! That is sweet and strong. Give me more. (Drinks 2 more times) Tell me your name shrimpy mortal.

Odysseus: My name is Noman, mighty cyclops.

Cyclops: Noman, eh? Well since you gave me this tasty wine, Noman, then I'll give you a reward. I'll eat you last. Ha ha ha. (He lays down to sleep)

Odysseus: He's in a drunken slumber. Now's our chance, mates. Here let's sharpen this log. Now heat it in the fire until it's red hot. Steady hearts, remember our murdered companion. (They poke out the eye and the cyclops screams.)

Odysseus: There's my second gift, you bloody cannibal. I hope you got my point.

Cyclops: Noman! I'll kill you and your friends. (chases unsuccessfully then screams)

Shouts off stage: Polyphemus, our brother cyclops, is someone hurting you?

Cyclops: Noman has hurt me. Noman is torturing me.

Other cyclopes: If no man is torturing you, then it must be punishment from the gods. (They stomp off)

Cyclops: Oh, my aching head. I'm blind for good. I hear you, my bleating sheep and goats. Is it time for your grassy breakfast already? I'll move this massive stone and out you go. (strains) But I'll feel your fleecy backs to make sure none of those pesky Greeks escapes.

Eurylochus: Quick, mates, under the sheep. Hold on to their wool if you want to escape. (All scoot by but Odysseus who stops under the cyclops)

Cyclops: What's this, my big-horned ram? You are always the leader. Why are you last today? Is it because you are grieving for you master's injured eye? Well out you go, too.

Gorgio: Let's herd this whole flock to the boat. I have no guilt taking from this monster.

Odysseus (from boat): Lovely morning, cyclops. Are you enjoying the view? (Cyclops hurls a boulder)

Eurylochus: Quit your boasting, Lord Odysseus. He is aiming at your voice.

Odysseus: If anyone asks, loathsome cyclops, tell them that it was crafty Odysseus who made you blind. (Cyclops throws again)

Eurylochus: He almost got us with that one. Row lads, put your backs into it.

Cyclops (arms uplifted) : Poseidon, my father, ruler of the deep ocean. Punish this Greek who has injured your son.

Odysseus (fading) Odysseus has blinded you ......... Odysseus has blinded you ........

(curtains)

Narrator: During his wanderings even the gods of Mt. Olympus took notice of Odysseus and Penelope's troubles.

(Music of the gods)

MT. OLYMPUS SCENE

Athena: Come my fellow Olympians and consider the sad state of crafty Odysseus. He has toiled and struggled for nearly two decades. Let's bring an end to his woes and grant him a happy homecoming.

Ares: I'll have to admit he is a brave man.

Hephaestus: He is a noble man and he uses his intelligence, not just his brawn and muscles.

Hermes: A tricky fellow is this Odysseus -- my kind of guy. I'm willing to help him.

Athena: How about you, Demeter. Don't you remember your sadness when your daughter was kidnapped by the king of the Underworld. Think of poor Penelope weeping over her husband.

Demeter: You have indeed touched my heart, Athena. I agree, let's put an end to this couple's grief.

Athena: And you Apollo, god of light, what do you think?

Apollo: You know that I sided with the Trojans against these Greeks. Even so Odysseus and his men have been respectful of the gods, so I am willing to aid him on his trip. But mind you, his journey will lead him past my island where the sacred cattle of the sun graze. If his men harm my priests or my cattle then his ship shall not escape my wrath.

Athena: How about you Aeolas, god of the winds? Let a gentle breeze guide Odysseus home safely.

Aeolas: This foxy Greek is still your favorite among mortals isn't he? Well, I'll go along with your wish. What about you, Aphrodite?

Aphrodite: This is asking a lot of me to forgive the Greek whose scheming plans destroyed my favorite city, Troy. Still, my son Aeneas has reached Italy safely. I'm not overly vengeful, so have your way, Athena.

Athena: Aphrodite has laid aside her grudge. Poseidon, lord of the watery deep, will you join with the rest of us?

Poseidon: I have no love for this conniving Odysseus. After all he blinded my son the cyclops Polyphemus. If all the gods except me favor his return I will allow it. But by my trident he shall shall have a rough return!

Zeus: Come my brother, lay aside your bitterness. Your son the cyclops has behaved as a bloodthirsty cannibal and he deserved to be punished. It's is not good to stand alone in bitterness.

Poseidon: I consent, but reluctantly.

Zeus: Then go Athena, and you too speedy Hermes, and give Odysseus the aid he so desperately needs.

(Curtains and Reprise of music of the gods)

Song 2 Circe's Isle

Ithakite: Land ahead! Let's beach by that gurgling stream.

Eurylochus: This is a lush green isle but there may be danger here. Three men come with me to explore this land.

Gorgio: With all these luscious plants there ought to be some delicious fruit trees around. And unless my nose is playing tricks I believe I smell baking bread.

Hellena: Good heavens! A pack of wolves and lions.

Gorgio: But look, their tails are wagging. Why they're as tame as puppies.

Ithakite: And their eyes look so human.

Eurylochus (aside): This is strange. I will hide behind this bush and see what happens.

Hellena: See there. Smoke is coming from the chimney of that mansion. I smell the aroma of baking bread. Here at last is a place where humans live.

Circe: Greetings friends. I am Circe, queen of this isle. Tell me who you are.

Ithakite: We are Greeks sailing home from the Trojan War.

Circe: You are welcome here. Come inside, my companions will feast you with a royal banquet. (They sit)

Attendant: Here are fresh loaves of bread, cheese, and butter.

Nymph: And here are assorted savory roasted meats and mounds of fruit.

Maiden: Here is juicy red wine. Our queen, Circe, has said that you may eat as much as you like for there is plenty. And there is enough wine that each of you could bathe in it.

Gorgio: Enough wine for a bath! Look at all these different kinds of meat. Ho ho, I believe we've come to Paradise.

Hellena: Look Gorgio, purple grapes, golden apples, peaches, and roasted almonds. When was the last time you had almonds?

Ithakite: Watch out lads, I believe it's a thundershower of olives. (throws olives and catches with his mouth)

Gorgio: Listen, I believe I hear the gurgle from the fountain of perpetual wine. (he gargles)

Circe (aside): I have placed a magic potion in the wine so that these sailors will be changed into the animals they resemble most. Judging by their table manners these louts will probably become rats or squealing pigs. (taps her wand) Be transformed Greek sailors!

Gorgio: By Hades! My hands look like hooves.

Ithakite: And my nose is becoming a snout.

Hellena: There's bristles all over my face. (They begin to snort)

Circe: Ahhh! The metamorphosis is complete. Now into the pig sty all of you or I'll fry you up as bacon.

Eurylochus: This is terrible. The woman is a sorceress. I must warn the others. (Runs) Odysseus, let us flee from this island at once. It is ruled by a powerful witch who has changed our shipmates into squealing pigs.

Odysseus: This is a horrible fate. I will try to save them, but if I am not back in one hour then you lads must sail away. (Odysseus walks cautiously and Hermes sneaks behind him then taps his shoulder)

Odysseus: Good heavens! Are you the speedy messenger god, Hermes?

Hermes: I am indeed, and I've come to help because if you meet Circe without some magic of your own you'll soon be turned into a beast. Here is a magic flower moly. Place it in the cup she gives you and it will combat her spells. When she sees that you are unharmed by her magic then make her swear an oath to the gods of Olympus and then you will be safe the whole time you're here. (Odysseus picks the flower and Hermes dashes away.)

Odysseus: There's the house of the sorceress. (shouts) Is anyone home?

Circe: Welcome, honorable-looking sailor. Come into my banquet hall and refresh yourself. Nymph, bring this handsome guest some wine and food. (Aside) This regal looking Greek will soon be a lion or some other noble beast. (taps wand) Be transformed proud Greek!

Odysseus (stands with sword): You treacherous witch. I am unharmed by your spell. Let's see if you're unharmed by sharp sword.

Circe: Have mercy on me. You must be Odysseus, for the glittering god Hermes foretold that you would come and my magic would have no power over you.

Odysseus: Then you must vow to the gods and also free my pig-changed men.

Circe: I swear by the mighty gods of Olympus that I will practice no more spells against you or your men. And I will transform your friends back to sailors. (waves wand) Be changed, squirming piglets, back into human form.

(sailors shout for joy)

Circe: I will undo all my harms Odysseus and furthermore I will supply your ship with provisions for your long journey. Maidens help load the Greeks' ship with food and drink.

Odysseus: Thank you, lovely Circe.

Circe: Hear me conquerors of Troy. By my mystic arts I have learned that you shall not return home until you first visit the land of the dead and consult with the blind prophet Tiresias.

Odysseus: To cross the River Styx and seek Tiresias among the shadowy spirits of Hades. This is dark news but I must endure it. (kisses Circe's hand) Farewell, enchantress. May your kindness and beauty be the only spells you cast from now on.

Circe: Good luck noble Greek. Some mighty god must be watching over you.

(curtains)

Song 3 The Land of the Dead

Eurylochus: I am uneasy about crossing the murky waters of the Styx, the River of Death. Are you sure it's the only way we can return?

Odysseus: That is what Circe said.

Eurylochus: Here we are at the cave that leads into Hades. Let's pour out the blood of this sacrificed ram and see if the spirit of Tiresias comes to drink and will give us advice.

Hades: Who has dared to enter my realm before Death has claimed you?

Eurylochus: It is Hades, god of the underworld.

Persephone: That is correct, mortal, and I am Persephone, queen of the underworld. Now answer Lord Hades.

Odysseus: I am Odysseus sent here by the enchantress Circe.

Eurylochus: And we have brought blood for Tiresias to drink so that he will tell us how to return to Greece.

Hades: Then I will allow you to visit with his spirit. But be warned other spirits will arise from the pit of darkness. Keep them at bay with your swords until Tiresias has spoken. (exit Hades & Persephone)

Alkmene: Let us drink.

Ariadne: Let us taste of the liquid that gives life to animals.

Eurylochus: Who are you?

Alkmene: I am Alkmene, mother of the great hero Heracles.

Ariadne: And I am Ariadne, princess of Crete.

Eurylochus: Back I say, we will hear from Tiresias first.

Slain man: Odysseus don't you recognize me? I am your sailor who was slain by the cyclops.

Leda: And I am Leda the human who married Zeus.

Patroklos: Blood.

Peleus: Let us drink.

Spartan: Yes, give us the blood.

Eurylochus: Stand back all of you, or I'll run you through even if you are a bunch of ghosts.

Odysseus: I wished we had not come. I recognize my own dead mother.

Mother: My son, how I long to hold you but I have no solid arms for I am now just a wispy spirit. Do not stay here but return to the land of light.

Agamemnon: Do you soldiers recognize me, too?

Eurylochus: Agamemnon, leader of all the Greeks. Did you not return safely to Greece as hero of the Trojan War?

Agamemnon: I returned, but not safely. I have come to give you a warning. My own nephew and evil wife plotted to take my kingdom. On the day I returned home they stabbed me in the back as I was bathing. Be ware, Odysseus, there is treachery in Greece. If you do return home to your island of Ithaca do not let your guard down. Wicked men are plotting to slay you and take your throne, too.

Tiresias: Who has awakened me from the shadowy depths?

Eurylochus: It is the blind prophet Tiresias.

Odysseus: I am Odysseus and I seek your help to return home.

Tiresias: Odysseus, king of Ithaca. I see you have ram's blood. Let me taste it and then I shall give you aid. (he drinks) You must sail east past the island of the sirens. Half bird and half women, these creatures have enchanting songs that lure men to death on their rocky shores. Plug up the ears of your sailors with wax and you shall sail safely past this isle. Next you will have to stop at the island of the cattle of the sun. No matter how hungry you are do not let your men catch and barbecue any beef there. Otherwise Apollo will seek vengeance by destroying your ship, and then you would return home alone to face many evil suitors who wait to kill you.

Odysseus: Thank you, Tiresias. Now come you other spirits. Tiresias has spoken and you may all now have a taste.

(curtains)

Music

Narrator: Odysseus and his crew sailed safely past the isle of the sirens. But some of his hungry men killed and roasted some of the cattle of the sun. So Apollo with the aid of Poseidon wrecked Odysseus' ship with a great sea storm. Everyone drowned except for Odysseus who was washed up onto the island of the sea goddess Calypso. She offered to make him immortal if he stayed to be her husband. Odysseus knew that if he attempted to continue his homeward journey that he would face more sea perils and danger at home. If he survived he and his wife Penelope would someday grow old and die like all mortals.

Dance

Antinoos: Marvelous entertainment, but I'm anxious for Queen Penelope to choose one of us as her husband. She fooled us for a while by saying that she would marry after she finished her tapestry. But though she worked each day, every night she would undo much of her work. This way she delayed the wedding day. But we finally caught her at her trick one night.

Iros: I almost wish she would delay longer. I like coming here every day. We pay nothing, eat someone else's good food, drink wine, play games, and wink at all the servants of the palace. (winks and kisses)

Cleia: Leave my serving girls alone, you villain. You call yourselves nobles, but not one of you is worthy of Queen Penelope. You eat and drink up her fortune like a bunch of parasites. Show at least some courtesy to Prince Telemachus who is coming this way. (exit)

Telemachus: Sirs, I have given permission to this poor beggar to ask for food among you. I ask you to be generous. (exit)

Beggar: Could you spare a morsel of food for an old man?

Mela: Here's a crust you old vagrant.

Phobia: Take this bone with a scrap of meat on it.

Suitor 1: Here's a few grapes old man.

Beggar: Thank you, kind sir. How about you Madam?

Kakos: Go away from me, you lousy bum. Don't you dare touch me, you filthy tramp. I won't give you anything.

Beggar You certainly are stingy with food that you haven't paid for.

Antinoos: Shut your mouth or I'll give you a taste of an Egyptian whip gutter tramp.

Eury: Better sit by the door, old man and take what crumbs we don't give to the dogs. (Beggar shuffles to the side)

Antinoos: As I was saying earlier, Prince Telemachus is too old for us to bully around anymore. He's nearly 21 and only the fear of our numbers keep him at bay. He'll make trouble for the one who tries to take over his father's kingdom. I say that tomorrow night we slit his throat.

Mela: But then Queen Penelope may refuse to marry one of us.

Iros: We can kill the old beggar, then we can put the bloody knife in his hand. Then we could tell Queen Penelope that the beggar came at the prince with a dagger, and before we could come to the rescue he had done his deadly work.

Phobia: What if the Queen is suspicious?

Antinoos: Then we'll force her to marry one of us anyway.

Kakos: Shhhhh, here comes Queen Penelope now.

(enter Penelope w/ Cleia)

Penelope: I find I difficult to choose any of you for a husband. (suitors grumble) But since you are determined to make me marry one of you then I will do so by a contest. My husband was an expert archer. He used to set up 12 ax heads lined up for forty feet, and shoot an arrow straight through their socket holes. Tomorrow, my son Telemachus will set up 12 ax heads. Whichever of you can string Odysseus' might bow and shoot an arrow through the ax heads, that man I will wed. Any man on Ithaca is free to try his hand.

Eury: That sounds fair enough. We've got about an hour of sunlight left, men. Let's go practice a bit. May Apollo the archer-god grant victory to the best man. (exit suitors)

Cleia: Dear Queen, this is the wanderer that your son told you about.

Penelope: My son says you have news of Odysseus, my kingly husband.

Beggar: Gracious queen I have news indeed. Only a few days ago during my travels I heard that Odysseus is in the nearby kingdom of Theprotia. I swear by the immortals that he will be here before one week passes.

Penelope: Thank you for your words poor soul and here is a piece of silver for your troubles. My attendant will show you to a warm bath and a soft bed to rest your weary bones. (exit beggar and Cleia)

Probably it's just a tale made up by the old man to find himself a meal. But what if it's true and Odysseus is really homeward bound? Oh, how I long to see him. After all these years I still love him for he is so brave and handsome. But what if he is battle-scarred and worn out? .............Oh I would love him still.

But would he still love me? 20 years have passed and so have the years of my youth. My once glorious hair now has streaks of gray. My beauty has bloomed like a rose without my loved one here to see it.

What a foolish woman I am worrying about my looks. My hope has faded and I will soon be married to one of these wicked suitors. There is little chance Odysseus is alive. I'm afraid he's been slain on some distant battlefield or his shipwrecked bones have been picked clean by scuttling crabs of the deep blue sea. (exit)

(enter Telemachus to set up axes)

Antinoos: Ah the young whelp must have gotten up early to set up the axes. They say that Odysseus did this feat many times but now that I see all these axes lined up it looks impossible to me.

Telemachus: Try your hands gentlemen. See who can string the mighty bow and make the great shot.

Iros: I'll try first. (he strains)

Antinoos: What a sissy you are.

(other suitors try but fail)

Cleia: Only Antinoos is left. Let's see if his skill matches his bragging.

Antinoos: Hush old woman or I will put an arrow through your throat.

(he tries)

Mela: Look he almost has it strung ......... no, it's too tough.

Cleia: He tries again, only an inch to go .......... he fails again.

Antinoos (throws down the bow): This contest is not fair! I don't believe anyone could string this bow nor shoot through the axes, not even Odysseus.

Beggar: Old and feeble as I am, I'd like to try just to see if I have any strength left.

Antinoos: You scum bag! How dare you think you can join with noblemen to try for the Queen's hand.

Telemachus: Antinoos, remember that my mother said any man on the island could try. Though he has no chance at least let him remember the days of his youth when he handled a bow.

Cleia: Can it be you swaggering nobles are afraid that an old man can outdo you all?

Phobia: Let the old buzzard try, he may prove to be great fun.

Antinoos: Go ahead, you old bag of lice, but don't poke yourself with an arrow.

Iros: The old fool will probably tangle himself in the string. (laughter)

Mela: Look how he handles the bow. Maybe he doesn't know which end to use.

Kakos: Perhaps he's thinking about stealing it.

(Odysseus strings the bow)

Eury: Great Zeus! He's strung the bow.

Cleia: And it's a perfect shot through the ax heads. I must tell the Queen. (exit)

Odysseus (takes off the hood): You dared to plunder my house, forced my maidens to serve you, plotted to murder my son, and tried to bid for my wife. You yellow-bellied dogs! The lion has returned from Troy and your last hour has come.

Antinoos: Good heavens, it's King Odysseus. Flee for your lives! (suitors exit, O & T shoot arrows, screams off stage)

Telemachus: We've rid the house of villains forever. Father it's so good to have you home.

Odysseus: It's good to see you my son. So many days I've longed to see you. (they hug)

(enter Penelope & Cleia)

Penelope: My attendant tells me that you are Odysseus.

Telemachus: Mother, how can you be so hard-hearted and aloof from my father?

Odysseus: Peace my son. She has had so many try to trick her she has grown cautious. Let her test me to find out who I really am. (exit Telemachus & Cleia)

Penelope: Forgive me if you are indeed Odysseus. Your eyes are much like my husband's, but his hair was darker. Also he was thinner and fairer skinned than you. Still 20 years of seafaring could have caused these changes. But I'm not sure especially with you dressed in those rags. I will have my servants prepare a bath and furnish clean clothes. Then my servants will move Odysseus' bed into the hall. After you rest we will talk.

Odysseus: Put my bed in the hall? That's impossible. I carved it out of a stump of a giant olive tree and built our house around it.

Penelope: Our secret! Only we two knew about the bed. (embrace) Come Odysseus, we have so many stories to tell each other.