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turning to page one
turning to page one
Lionel is at his desk listening to the radio. A news reader is talking about the death of King George V.
Two of his sons sprawl on the floor. Valentine is studying for the School Certificate. Antony, the youngest, is taking a break from homework, building a model airplane.
He switches off the wireless.
ANTONY
Dad?
LIONEL
What?
ANTONY
Time for a Shake, dad?
LIONEL
(flattered)
You sure? Allright put your
thinking caps on.
VALENTINE
(looking up from his book)
Go on, Dad.
This was, and still is, a much loved ritual. Lionel disappears behind a door..
ANTONY
Bet its the Scottish Play.
VALENTINE
No, I bet it’s Othello. It’s always
Othello.
LIONEL (OOMING OUT)
“Art thou afeard?”
VALENTINE
(Without even looking up)
Caliban!
LIONEL
Oh! For heaven’s sake.. that was a
lucky guess!
ANTONY
Don’t listen to egghead. Go on,
Dad.
Lionel has a pillow stuffed into his jacket to create a monstrous hunchback. His acting, performed just for his lads, is quite magical.
LIONEL
“Be not afeard; the isle is full of
noises,
Sounds and sweet airs, that give
delight, and hurt not. Sometimes a
thousand twanging instruments
Will hum about mine ears; and
sometimes voices,
That, if then I had waked after
Will make me sleep again:” (to
Valentine) Alright, clever clogs,
what comes next?
VALENTINE
“..and then, in dreaming, The
clouds methought would open, and
show riches Ready to drop upon me;
that...”
LIONEL
(overlapping)
...when I waked, I cried to dream
again.” It’s such a sad thought.
A KNOCK at the door. Lionel is not expecting anyone.
LIONEL (CONT’D)
Next patient must be early. You
better go lads, I’m sorry.
(to the door)
Won’t be a moment, Clifford.