K-Town: An Operatic Tragedy in Five Acts
Dedicated to the memory of Xalan Apichonrattanakorn
Libretto by Jaime Azcárraga Castillo, after SHAKESPEARE
SETTING: KOREATOWN, THE SUMMER OF 2016.

 

ACT ONE, Scene 1 (LAZARO AND DESDEE’S NIGHT OUT):
INT. THE LOBBY OF A KARAOKE BAR, NIGHT TIME
(THERE ARE PAINTED MURALS OF BIGGIE AND TUPAC ON THE WALL AND A LARGE TV PLAYING K-POP BEHIND KANG, THE CASHIER, WHO IS BEHIND THE COUNTER. THE LOBBY IS FURNISHED WITH BLACK COUCHES. LAZARO AND DESDEE ARE ON A DATE, SEATED, WAITING FOR A ROOM.)

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Lázaro: Trust? That you, fair Desdee, hold my bank? As though the strings were yours?
Desdee: If ever I did dream that this were indeed the case, may you abhor me.
Lázaro: I know your price, my wort’ no worse the place. But I, as loving of my own pride and purposes may be, know you might say, “and who are you?”  For I, in my ways, am great a mat’matician in my logic. So I’d be damned that by a girl so fair as you, if you should ever set a squadron in the field, or the division of a battle know, be nothing more than mere talk wit’out practice.
Desdee: By heaven, better to be your executioner than to follow you in such a manner. And what more should you ask of me?
Lázaro:  If you’d give me more of your lips than of your tongue, which you offen bestow, I’d have enough.
Desdee: Alas, I have no speech for such a thought. To this your talk does have too little cause.
Lázaro: Come now, Desdee. Though a lady out of doors you be, you also hath another side, a mute duplicity. Sweet-tongued among your friends, spitfire behind their backs. A saint when injured, a devil when offended.
Desdee: Oh, piss off, you slanderer.
(LAZARO SMILES.)
Lázaro: Nay, ‘tis true, and not your only quirk. You rise to play and go to bed to work.
Desdee: You think you know me thus?
Lázaro: Well, let me get to know you better, then. 
Desdee: In such a manner would I not reveal myself to you.
Lázaro: Mija, be you content. To follow me would serve your turn as well. I know you mark many a duteous and knee-bending fool. That doting in their own obsequious servitude, wear out your time and, much worse, your lips. But women there are, who keep their hearts attending to themselves, do well and thrive by the men they choose. And when they have lined their coats they do themselves homage. I talk of men with souls, and such a one do I profess myself to be. For it is as sure as you are Desdee, were I the less, I would not be Lázaro. In following me you follow but yourself. As you can see, my outward action demonstrates that I do wear my heart upon my sleeve.
Desdee: If this be true, where is the full fortune that should carry it thus?
Lázaro: Just ask among these streets, that I, amongst my kinsmen, in a fertile climate dwell.
Desdee: And what about my father’s house? What should I make of you?
Lázaro: Speak of me as I am, nothing extenuate, take care not to plant a thought of malice. Do, though by tim'rous accent, speak only of the truth.
[END SCENE]

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ACT ONE, Scene 2 (FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE): 
INT. JAE-SAHN’S RESIDENCE, AFTERNOON
(JAE-SAHN, EUNICE, AND LAZARO ARE SEATED AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE. LAZARO HELPS JAE-SAHN FILL OUT THE PERSONAL INFORMATION FORM FOR A BUSINESS LICENSE FOR AN ASIAN FUSION RESTAURANT AND BAR THEY PLAN ON ESTABLISHING. EUNICE TAKES NOTES.)

 

Lázaro: So you only have the one arrest, correct?
Jae-sahn: Yeah. 
Lázaro: They need the certificate number on your naturalization form
Jae-sahn: Okay.
Lázaro: How many times have you been suspended, fired, or resigned?... Any disciplinary action? 
(LAZARO PAUSES AND LOOKS UP.)
Lázaro: Have you ever been party to a lawsuit?
Jae-sahn:  No.
(LAZARO LOOKS BACK DOWN.)
Lázaro: They need a copy of the floor plan.
Jae-sahn: Okay, what else?
Lázaro: All right… so now they want your residence and job history for the past ten years, including any  part-time work…
Jae-sahn: Yeah?
Lázaro: ...and that of your four brothers.
(EUNICE LOOKS UP FROM HER NOTEPAD.)
Jae-sahn: Oh, come on!
(LAZARO LAUGHS TO HIMSELF.)
Lázaro: Just fuckin wi’tchou. Let’s see… Are we goin to have any entertainment?
Eunice: Only if Desdee chooses to sing.
(THEY LAUGH.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT ONE, Scene 3 (THE REAL ESTATE): 
INT. THE RESTAURANT, MORNING 
(THERE ARE FAUX SAMURAI SWORDS MOUNTED, TEN WOODEN LIGHT FIXTURES, 3 SPEAKERS MOUNTED AT 3 CORNERS NEAR THE CEILING, ONE SAPPORO NEON SIGN, ONE JAPANESE KITTY STATUE MOUNTED NEAR THE FRONT OF THE RESTAURANT AND A WOODEN FLOOR, ETC. IN THE KITCHEN  THERE IS A WALK-IN FREEZER, A RICE COOKER , A DEEP FRIER WITH A HOOD ON TOP, A STOVE TOP, A GRILL, AN OVEN, A 3 PART SINK WITH A MOUNTED DISH RACK, AND A SINK FOR THE EMPLOYEES TO WASH THEIR HANDS, ETC. THE RESTAURANT ALREADY HAS CHAIRS AND TABLES.)
(ENTER  JAE-SAHN, LAZARO, AND REBECCA.)

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Lázaro: So this is the rest’rant we talked about earlier?
Rebecca: Yes. As you can see by the décor, it used to be a Sushi Restaurant.
Jae-sahn: What happened to the previous owners?
Rebecca: They just stopped showing up.
Jae-sahn: What kind of hood are we looking at?
Rebecca: It’s a vented hood.
(THE FLOOR CREAKS UNDER JAE-SAHN’S FOOT.)
Jae-sahn: There’s water damage here.
Rebecca: Yes. This location will require an extensive re-model.
Lázaro: They’ve got a sake machine over there.
Rebecca: Let me show you the kitchen.
(THEY STEP INTO THE KITCHEN.) 
Rebecca: So, as you can see, the walk-in is quite large and relatively new.
(JAE-SAHN’S FACE LIGHTS UP.)
Jae-sahn: Oh, I could do alot with this.
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO INSPECT THE KITCHEN.)
Jae-sahn (to Rebecca): You’ll have to excuse us for a minute while we discuss.
Rebecca: Sure. Absolutely.
(REBECCA PULLS OUT HER CELL PHONE. JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO LEAVE THE KITCHEN AND ENTER THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
Jae-sahn: So, what do you think?
Lázaro: I think we could make this happen.
Jae-sahn: Yeah. Any other thoughts?
Lázaro: Well, they got the University across the street.
Jae-sahn: What does that mean?
Lázaro: University girls, man.
(THEY BOTH CHUCKLE.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT TWO, Scene 1 (GETTING THE RESTAURANT READY TO OPEN FOR BUSINESS): 
INT. THE RESTAURANT, EARLY MORNING
(AUGUST AND EFRA ARE IN THE KITCHEN CLEANING THE HOOD BEFORE THE RESTAURANT IS OPEN FOR BUSINESS. DESDEE AND EUNICE ARE OFF TO THE SIDE SUPERVISING THEM. JAE-SAHN'S GREEN BANDANA IS HANGING OUT OF EUNICE'S BACK POCKET.)
(ENTER LAZARO.)

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Lázaro: What’s up, gentlemen?

August: You’re usually the first here. How you been feelin this morning?
Lázaro: Naw, I’m alright, just been out thinkin. 
(DESDEE GRABS JAE-SAHN'S BANDANA OUT OF EUNICE'S BACK POCKET AND WRAPS IT AROUND HER HEAD.)
August: Any news from the Coast, Efra?
Efra: Not much. The winds are whipping the waves so high, you’d half expect them to touch the sky. The children seem to pelt the clouds with stones, they’re so low. And from the thunder such a sound you’d think the wind had spoke aloud about the land. A fuller blast had never shook us upon our soft-tops. If it had roughhoused before so upon the sea, what ribs of oak, when barrels break on them, could hold the foam?
August: I think we’re done here for now.
(LAZARO AND DESDEE EXIT TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE TO CLEAN UP AS AUGUST AND EFRA STAY BEHIND TO TAKE TURNS SANITIZING THEMSELVES IN THE WORK SINK.)
(EUNICE SIGHS, TAKES OFF JAE-SAHN'S BANDANA AND SETS IT DOWN ON A COUNTERTOP) 
(EUNICE TAKES A SEAT AT HER SPOT AT THE "OWNER'S TABLE" TO DO SOME WORK ON HER LAPTOP.)
(EUNICE BANGS HER HANDS ON THE TABLE, STARTLING EVERYONE.)
Eunice: Ai-yah!
Lázaro: What’s the ruckus for, woman?
Eunice: Do I look like a fool to you?
Lázaro: Hey, girl, don’t take it out on me.
Desdee: Let her speak.
Eunice: Well, what noise then would you make of me, should you have the chance?
Lázaro: You don’t wanna know.
Eunice: Come now, Lázaro, I am not happy, though I do beguile. How do you judge the spear? Which one would you deny?
Lázaro (taken aback): My words, they do escape me now. As my father once told me, “If her be fair and wise: to her fairness and wit. But if him be black and fit, he’ll find a white to get wit’.”
Desdee: What?! How do you dare?
Lázaro: The truth’s offen a dare. How one should secure an heir.
Eunice: These are but a pot-head’s paradox. What little shrift you give a lady.
Lázaro: This, fair lady, is how the game is played.
Eunice: But how then shall the meek get laid? What vouch-safe could then goodness bring, so as not to trap a snare or a sling?
Lázaro: She that was ever fair and never proud, her tongue at will and yet was never loud. She that in wisdom never was so frail to choose the head nor to follow the tail. She that could think and not disclose her mind, wit’ suitors fallin and not be left behind. Yet wit’ such weight, if ever such weight were.
Eunice: For what?
Lázaro: To find the perfect hops. 
Eunice: What now?
Lázaro: The perfect cut of steak.
Eunice: What the hell? How is this fool your boyfriend, Desdee?
August: This is how we speak.
Lázaro: There’s no one so thick-headed that does not play the same games the fair and the wise ones do.
[END SCENE]

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THE CREW OPENS UP THE RESTAURANT FOR THE DAY

 

ACT TWO, Scene 2 (GABRIEL’S LUNCH AT THE RESTAURANT): 
INT. THE RESTAURANT, MID-DAY
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO ARE IN THE KITCHEN REVIEWING PAPERWORK ON TOP OF SHIPMENTS JUST RECEIVED. GABRIEL IS SEATED ALONE IN THE RESTAURANT EATING A BOWL OF KIMCHEE.)

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Jae-sahn: There is no computation in these invoices that give them credit.
Lázaro: Indeed they are disporportion’d. This invoice says forty lbs.
Jae-sahn: And mine says fifty. I’ll take care of this.
(LAZARO EXITS TO KITCHEN TO THE FRONT OF HOUSE.)
Lázaro: How do you like the kimchee?
(GABRIEL TAKES A BITE.)
Gabriel (with a full mouth and pointing at the kimchee): This is really good, man.
Lázaro: We are glad you enjoy it.
Gabriel: Is the head chef here?
Lázaro: Yes.
Gabriel: May I speak with him?
(LAZARO WALKS OVER TO THE PARTITION THAT SEPERATES THE KITCHEN FROM THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
Lázaro (calling into the kitchen): Chef.
(JAE-SAHN walks out of the kitchen.)
Jae-sahn: What’s up?
Gabriel: This is your kimchee, yo?
(GABRIEL TAKES HIS LAST BITE AND PUSHES THE BOWL AWAY. LAZARO STEPS IN AND TAKES THE BOWL INTO THE KITCHEN.)
Gabriel: It’s really good, man.
Jae-sahn: Thank you. I ferment it myself. And that’s just the appetizer.
(LAZARO WALKS INTO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE WITH THE ENTRÉE AND SETS IT ON THE TABLE.)
Lázaro: This is our special of the day.
(GABRIEL TAKES A BITE.)
Gabriel: Is that lobster?
Jae-sahn: Yessir. 
(GABRIEL PUSHES THE BOWL AWAY.)
Gabriel: Let’s talk bizness. 
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO TAKE A LOOK AT EACH OTHER, THEN TAKE A SEAT AT THE TABLE.)
Gabriel: How much do you need to keep the Restaurant in operation for a year?
(JAE-SAHN GRIMACES, SOMEWHAT UNCOMFORTABLE WITH THE QUESTION.)
Jae-sahn: I’m sure we’ll do fine our first year, sir.
Gabriel: I’d like to make an investment.
Jae-sahn: What’s your name, again.
Gabriel: Gabriel.
Jae-sahn: Jae-sahn.
(THEY SHAKE HANDS WITH ONE PUMP.)
Jae-sahn: We have enough chiefs as it is, Gabriel. But thank you for the compliment.
Gabriel: I could be a silent partner.
(JAE-SAHN PAUSES.)
Jae-sahn: And how would you have us split the equity?
Gabriel: Me and Lázaro, Lázaro was it?
Lázaro: Yessir.
Gabriel: Me and Lázaro get thirty-three points and you get the controlling share at thirty-four.
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO SNICKER)
Lázaro: I don’t even get thirty points.
Jae-sahn: This is not a conversation I have time for right now, sir, but give Lázaro your business card and we’ll get back to you.
(JAE-SAHN GETS UP FROM THE TABLE.)
Jae-sahn: Good Lázaro, be my relief in my absence. Good day Gabriel, in us your balance is well protected. I must proceed to the depot.
(JAE-SAHN EXITS THE RESTAURANT. GABRIEL WATCHES HIM LEAVE.)
Gabriel: We’re goin to get rich, bruh.
(LAZARO SMILES.)
Lázaro: Or die tryin.
[END SCENE]

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ACT TWO, Scene 3 (BAR FIGHT AT THE RESTAURANT):
INT. THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE, LATE NIGHT
(GABRIEL, EFRA, AND RODDY ARE SEATED AT A TABLE DRINKING A BOTTLE OF SOJU, PLAYING THE BOTTLE CAP GAME.)
(LAZARO ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN AND TAKES A SEAT AT THE TABLE.)

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Gabriel: Hello Lázaro, it’s time for some more Soju.
Lázaro: It’s half past nine o’clock. Jae-sahn closed the bar down early. He’s outside with his lady.
Roddy: Eunice is hella fine.
Efra: And have you seen her eyes?
(LAZARO GOES TO THE SAKE MACHINE AND FILLS UP 3 CUPS.  THEN HE FILLS HIS OWN CUP WITH TAP WATER AND RETURNS TO THE TABLE.)
Gabriel: She’s full of game and yet seems quite modest. 
Lázaro: She is indeed perfect.
ALL: Geonbae!
(THEY TAKE A SHOT.)
Lázaro (sotto voce, to himself): I’ve filled my own cup up with water, so that I should feign to have a measure of sense.
(RODDY ATTEMPTS TO POUR SOJU INTO EFRA'S DRINKING GLASS, BUT HE WAVES IT DOWN.)
Roddy: Let’s salute those fools we beat back from across the way.
Efra: No, not tonight, Roddy. My head’s already light from drinking.
Lázaro: Don’t be a punk, Efra.
Efra: This is my second bottle and I’m still buzzing from the first. I dare not tempt my weaknesses anymore.
Gabriel: What a fool this is. This night needs revelry, the gallants deserve it. 
Efra: What are you gettin at? I already fucking told you. I will not drink no more.
Roddy: Come on player, just one shot.
Efra: If I have but one shot with you, I will be as full of quarrel as any prude’s irrational defense.
(LAZARO TAKES OUT HIS CELL PHONE AND STARTS TEXTING JAE-SAHN.)
Lázaro (sotto voce, to himself): Now my sick heart has turned the wrong side out. For tonight, this Eunice has aroused vexations deep. Therefore this Gabriel is the one to watch. And if Gabriel should but approach? If consequence does but approve, my flow sails freely with both wind and steam.
(AUGUST ENTERS FROM THE KITCHEN AND TAKES A SEAT AT THE TABLE.)
Roddy: For heaven’s sake, another round.
August: Calm down nephew, not passed a pint. Fore I am a soldier.
Gabriel: Fine, gentlemen, let’s have no more of this. Forgive us our sins. Let’s look to our bizness, I’m not a… I’m not a drunk.
(GABRIEL STANDS UP.)  
Gabriel: I can stand well enough.
(GABRIEL STUMBLES OUT OF THE RESTAURANT.)
August: Go now, Roddy. You’re done for tonight.
(RODDY EXITS THE RESTAURANT. AUGUST WATCHES HIM LEAVE THEN TURNS TO LAZARO.)
August (in hushed tones): Is Gabriel offen like this?
Lázaro (in hushed tones): He drinks until he passes out.
Efra (in hushed tones): Jae-sahn’s good nature looks not upon his faults.
Roddy (offstage): Get off me!
August: What noise is this? 
(RODDY RUNS INTO THE RESTAURANT, GABRIEL RUSHES IN BEHIND HIM.)
Gabriel: I’ll beat his punk ass!
Roddy: Beat me?!
August: Lieutenant stay your hand!
(AUGUST RUNS OVER AND RESTRAINS GABRIEL.)
(EFRA RUSHES FROM THE TABLE TO TURN THE LIGHTS UP.)
(GABRIEL ESCAPES AUGUST'S GRIP AND THEY TUSSLE ON THE FLOOR.)
(JAE-SAHN ENTERS THE RESTAURANT.)
Lázaro: You’ve shut down the bar, Gabriel. They’ve summoned our own Gen’ral, Jae-sahn.
Jae-sahn: For Christian shame put down this barb’rous brawl. Lázaro how did this happen?
Lázaro: I don’t know, holmes. I cannot say.
Jae-sahn: Have you forgot yourself, Gabriel?
Gabriel: Please, Jae-sahn, pardon me.
Jae-sahn: And you, August. Why unmake your reputation?
August: Let Lázaro speak what he knows.
Jae-sahn (to LAZARO): Who started this? And who’s on watch?
Lázaro: It’s best not to abuse my discretion and do thereby cause offense.
(JAE-SAHN GIVES  LAZARO AN EXASPERATED LOOK. THEN HELPS AUGUST UP AND THEY EXIT THE RESTAURANT. EFRA AND RODDY FOLLOW THEM OUT.)
Gabriel: My reputation’s been tarnished with drink. Like one who’d never left these hostile streets.
Lázaro: You’ve lost no rep, nor none of my esteem. Let’s not blame drink, for you the plan is this: the owner’s girl, implore the fair Eunice.
[END SCENE]

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ACT THREE, Scene 1:
INT. THE RESTAURANT, EARLY MORNING (EUNICE AND DESDEE’S PLEA FOR GABRIEL’S FORGIVENESS)
(EUNICE, DESDEE, AND GABRIEL ARE STANDING IN THE KITCHEN.)

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Eunice: I’ll do ev’ry thing I can for you, Gabriel.
Desdee: Please do, Eunice. Lázaro’s so upset about Gabriel’s drinking, you’d think Gabriel’s problems were his own.
Eunice: Your man is such a good man, don’t you worry, my dear.
Gabriel: Whatever becomes of me, I will always be here for you.
Eunice: Your Jae-sahn’s friend and may you rest assured he’ll stand in strangeness no farther off than a polite distance. I give you warrant of your place.
Gabriel: I’d better go.
Desdee: Bye, now.
(LAZARO CHUCKLES AS HE AND JAE-SAHN ENTER THE RESTAURANT.)
Lázaro: No, not like that. 
Jae-sahn: Like what then?
Lázaro: Never mind, mí carnál. 
Jae-sahn: Did you hear the back door shut as we came in?
(JAE-SAHN AND LÁZARO PROCEED TO THE KITCHEN.)
Lázaro: Back door? No, I don’t think so. Who would be leaving out the back at this time?
(JAE-SAHN AND LÁZARO STOP, SURPRISED, WHEN THEY SEE EUNICE AND DESDEE IN THE KITCHEN.)
Eunice: Jagiya, I was just talking on the phone with someone who grows weak in your anger.
Jae-sahn: What are you talkin about?
Eunice: Why, your dude Gabriel. If I have any pretension to move you, his present reconciliation take. For if he be one for whom you’ve shown some love, that errs in ignorance and not in cunning.
Lázaro (to JAE-SAHN): I cannot read his face, I ask you call him back. 
Jae-sahn (to EUNICE): Not now, sweet Eunseon.
Desdee (sarcastically): Wednesday then? Or Tuesday in the morn? Please name a time.
Eunice: But no later than Thursday night. In faith he is penitent.
Desdee: And deserves more than punishment.
Eunice: I wonder in my soul what you would ask of me that I would deny or stay here muttering.
Jae-sahn: Enough, you will be denied no more.
Eunice: I do you no favors. Have I ever denied you anything?
(EUNICE AND DESDEE EXIT TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
Jae-sahn: What do you think of this? 
Lázaro: Think of what?
Jae-sahn: There must be something here, he makes good company, free of vice and full of honesty. But he does not weigh his words before he speaks. 
Lázaro: Certain men are exactly as they seem.
Jae-sahn: I believe so. Why then I think that Gabriel is an honest man. Yet, there is more to this, I see you thinking.
Lázaro: Jae-sahn, pardon me, I act out of duty.
Jae-sahn:  Do you conspire against your friend, you Lázaro? Or if he be wrong do you make it his right? Or are you a stranger to his thoughts?
Lázaro: Though I perchance am vicious in my guess, I do confess. It is my nature’s plague as one who so imperfectly conceits, so Jae-sahn, pardon me, my scattered and unsure observance.
Jae-sahn:  What did you say to me? Do you besmirch Gabriel’s good name? Say he were to pilfer my good name instead. He would rob me not of that which him enriches, but of what leaves me the poorer indeed. A good name in a man and woman, good Lázaro, is the constant jewel within their soul.
Lázaro: This shall not pass WHILE in my custody. Beware, mí carnál. The cuck who lives in bliss, who, certain of his fate, hates not his wronger. Who dotes, yet doubts, suspects, yet soundly loves. Is poor, though picked, and never rich enough.
Jae-sahn: Be a man, you think ev’ry wedded fellow is a joke? There are millions now alive that lie each night. Which I do swear, peculiar as the case may be, better that, in spite of the hell that it may cause.  You speak now surely of misery. For know, you Lázaro, that if I did not love the gentle Eunice, I would not my unhoused condition put into circumscription and confine. These are matters of life and death.
Lázaro: Then death and life they be. With franker spirit therefore I am bound. Receive from me I speak not yet of proof. Let your eyes be thus, not jealous nor secure, so as to keep your free and noble nature. 
Jae-sahn: Let him do what he will. The service which I have done for Eunice shall out-tongue his advances.
Lázaro: Yet, if in this manner it be thus abused, I know your country disposition well. Do not show your hand.
(JAE-SAHN LOOKS AWAY.)
Jae-sahn: Understood.
(LAZARO EXITS TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
(EUNICE ENTERS THE KITCHEN.)
Eunice: What’s going on, my darling Jae-sahn? The keepers of this gen’rous enclave do await your presence.
Jae-sahn (sotto voce): I am to blame.
Eunice: Why do you speak in whispered tones? Are you sick?
Jae-sahn: I have a pain upon my forehead, here. 
(EUNICE PULLS OUT JAE-SAHN'S BANDANA FROM HER BACK POCKET AND PATS HIS FOREHEAD.)
Eunice: ‘Tis but a lack of sleep.
(EUNICE PUTS DOWN JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA AND BEGINS TO MASSAGE HIS TEMPLES.)
[END SCENE]

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KITCHEN WORKER SCENE 

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Act THREE, Scene 2 (EUNICE AND JAE-SAHN):
(INT. JAE-SAHN’S RESIDENCE, LATE EVENING)
(EUNICE IS SEATED ON THE COUCH WATCHING A KOREAN SOAP OPERA ON TV.)
(SHE HEARS JAE-SAHN’S KEYS JINGLING IN THE DOOR. SHE RUNS OVER TO UNCHAIN IT. JAE-SAHN ENTERS.) 

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Jae-sahn:  Oh my fair soldier!
Eunice: My dear Jae-sahn.
Jae-sahn: It’s been a long day. Great is my content to see you here before me. If after ev’ry tempest came such calm, let the winds blow until they awaken death itself. Let the laboring sail climb hills of seas and duck again as low as hell is beneath heaven.  In you my soul has such content that no comfort like this could supplant another fate.
Eunice:  Heaven forbid that our love and comfort should yet increase the more, even as our days do grow.
Jae-sahn: Amen to that! Let this our greatest discord be that ever our hearts should make.
[THEY KISS.]
Jae-sahn: ‘Tis of great credit that you love me as I am.
Eunice: It is your constant, loving, noble nature. A good husband will you prove to make.
Jae-sahn: Come, my dear love, the purchase made, the fruits are to ensue. The benefits to come ‘tween me and you.
[JAE-SAHN LEADS DESDEE AWAY BY THE HAND.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT THREE, Scene 3 (EUNICE AND JAE-SAHN’S ARGUMENT):
INT. JAE-SAHN’S RESIDENCE, EARLY EVENING
(IT IS A HOT SUMMER DAY. EUNICE IS SEATED AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE DRINKING TEA WITH DESDEE. EUNICE’S CELL PHONE RINGS. SHE PICKS IT UP.) 

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Eunice: …I’ll be right there.
(EUNICE GOES TO THE DOOR, UNLOCKS AND UNCHAINS IT AND OPENS IT UP A CRACK. GABRIEL IS AT THE DOOR.)
Eunice: Hey now, good Gabriel. What is the latest news?
Gabriel: Madam, my former suit I do bid you to restore. That by your righteousness, I may come yet to exist and be a member. And with the office of my heart, I guarantee the honor. It would not be delayed, if such offense be of such mortal kind, to service not my past nor present sorrows.
Eunice: Alas, thrice gentle Gabriel, so help me, ev’ry spirit testify, as I have spoken all my best. You must be awhile patient. What I can do, I will, and for myself I dare let that suffice.
(EUNICE PATS HER HEAD WITH JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA AND IT INADVERTERTENTLY FALLS FROM HER HAND ONTO THE FLOOR. DESDEE STANDS UP.)
Desdee: Eunice, I miss you.
(EUNICE TURNS HER HEAD AROUND.)
Eunice: I’ll be right there.
(WHILE EUNICE IS NOT LOOKING, GABRIEL QUICKLY REACHES IN, GRABS THE BANDANA AND SHOVES IT INTO HIS POCKET.)
Eunice: Now, go now, go.
(EUNICE SHOOS GABRIEL AWAY. HE EXITS. EUNICE SHUTS THE DOOR AND LOCKS AND CHAINS IT. EUNICE RETURNS TO DESDEE AND THEY STAND BY THE PATIO DOOR.)
(EUNICE, SUDDENLY PANICKING, PATS HER POCKETS AND HER HEAD.)
Eunice: Have you seen Jae-Sahn’s bandana, Desdee? Believe me, I’d have rather lost my purse. I could have sworn I just had it. This is not good.
(EUNICE AND DESDEE LOOK AROUND FOR THE BANDANA.)
Desdee: Since when are you the one to invoke his wrath?
Eunice: You don’t know the half.
(EUNICE AND DESDEE PAUSE.) 
Desdee: Alas, what does this gentleman conceive? Are you all right, Eunice?
Eunice: I’m burnt out and half asleep.
Desdee: What is the matter with our Jae-sahn, Eunice?
Eunice: If that an answer could supply to cope with this then I would settle so.
(THEY HEAR THE DOOR UNLOCK.)
Desdee: Here, take mine for now.
Desdee: In case he asks for it, it is the same color.
Jae-sahn (offstage): Eunice, unchain the door.
(DESDEE HANDS EUNICE HER GREEN BANDANA. EUNICE STUFFS IT INTO HER POCKET, THEN GOES TO UNCHAIN THE DOOR.)
Eunice: How have you been, jagiya?
(SHE LETS JAE-SAHN IN. HE PASSES BY HER, VISIBLY UPSET. DESDEE EXITS DISCREETLY TO THE PATIO TO GIVE THEM PRIVACY.)
Jae-sahn: Oh, how to disassemble? Well, my good lady, give me your hand.
(EUNICE GIVES JAE-SAHN HER RIGHT HAND.)
Jae-sahn: It is moist, give me the other one.
(EUNICE GIVES JAE-SAHN HER LEFT HAND.)
Jae-sahn: Lend me your bandana.
(EUNICE REACHES INTO HER POCKET AND GIVES JAE-SAHN DESDEE’S BANDANA.)
Eunice: Here you are, my fella.
(JAE-SAHN LOOKS AT IT BRIEFLY.)
Jae-sahn: Where is the one I gave you?
Eunice: I have it not about me.
Jae-sahn: Why not?
Eunice: I could not find it, dear.
Jae-sahn: Mak-jang! That was the first gift given me by a friend when I first came to this country. To lose it would be my perdition.
Eunice (sadly): Indeed? ‘Tis true? Then would to heaven I had seen it.
Jae-sahn: Just tell me where you put it last.
Eunice: Have mercy, please. It is not lost. But what then if it were?
(JAE-SAHN GLARES AT HER THEN EXITS THE RESIDENCE.)
(EUNICE IS ON THE VERGE OF TEARS. SHE SITS DOWN AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE AND HOLDS HER HEAD IN HER HANDS.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT THREE, Scene 4 (JAE-SAHN HAS TOO MUCH TO DRINK)
(INT. JAE-SAHN’S RESIDENCE, LATE NIGHT.)
(JAE –SAHN IS SITTING AT THE DINING ROOM TABLE WITH TWO EMPTY BOTTLES OF SOJU AND A HALF EMPTY BOTTLE OF HITE ON THE TABLE.)
(JAE-SAHN LETS OUT A LOUD WAIL. EUNICE ENTERS FROM THE PATIO.)

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Eunice: Upon my knees, what does your speech import? I hear the fury in the sound but not the words themselves.
Jae-sahn: Oh, Eunice, what are you?
Eunice: Your fiancé, my lord. Your true and loyal one at that.
Jae-sahn: Come, swear it! That you be true of heart.
Eunice: Heaven does truly know. To whom, jagiya, with whom? How could I be false?
Jae-sahn (annoyed): Get out, Eunice, get out.
(JAE-SAHN SOBS QUIETLY.)
Eunice: Alas, the heavy day. Why do you weep? What’s wrong, my dear? Am I the motive of these tears? If anyone’s to blame for this incident, even if my father, though, it be. Lay not the blame on me. If you have lost him I have lost him too.
Jae-sahn: Alas, it has pleased heaven to try me with affliction. Has rained all kinds of scorns and schemes upon my head. Steeped me in poverty to my very neck. Worked me so as if into captivity I had been bound. And for my upmost hopes, I still cannot find in my soul a drop of patience. But alas, I am only a figure of scorn for others to point fingers at. Yet also do I bear this well, yeah, very well. But there where I have gathered up my heart, from where either I must love or bear no life, the fountain from which my current runs or else dries up, this I cannot bear.
Eunice: I wish I knew how to help you.
Jae-sahn: Are you, who are so lovely and so fair and smell so sweet that at your presence the senses ache, just another weed to pull up?
Eunice: Why would you say a thing like that?
(JAE-SAHN FALLS TO THE FLOOR. EUNICE DRAGS THE HEAVY JAE-SAHN UNTO THE COUCH AND PLACES A SHEET OVER HIM.)
[END SCENE] 

 

INTERMISSION

 

ACT FOUR, Scene 1 (THE NEW GIRL AT THE RESTAURANT):
INT. THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE, MID-DAY
(DESDEE SUPERVISES SOO-JIN, THE NEW SERVER, WHILE ATTENDING OTHER CUSTOMERS AT THE RESTAURANT. GABRIEL IS AT A TABLE EATING ALONE AND THERE IS A BOTTLE OF SAKE ON THE TABLE. LAZARO IS OFFSTAGE IN THE KITCHEN.)

 

Gabriel: How are things with you, sweet Soo-jin? Indeed you are the reason that I come here.
Soo-jin: And I, in turn, wait for your presence. And why were you a week away? The days pass more tedious eightscore times!
Lázaro (offstage): Desdee, come in here a minute!
(DESDEE EXITS TO THE KITCHEN. GABRIEL WATCHES HER GO.)
Gabriel: Forgive me, Soo-jin. I have with leaden thoughts been pressed. But I shall in more continuate a time, strike off this leave of absence. Have a shot with me, Soo-jin.
(SOO-JIN GRABS A SHOT CUP AND TAKES A SEAT AT THE TABLE.)
(GABRIEL RAISES HIS CUP DISCREETLY AND SOO-JIN FOLLOWS SUIT. THEY TAKE A SHOT.)
(GABRIEL INHALES.) 
Gabriel: Work on, sweet medicine, work on. Soo-jin, I have for you a gift.
(GABRIEL HANDS SOO-JIN JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA.)
Soo-jin: From whence came this? (flirtatiously) You got this from another girl.
Gabriel: That is but a silly guess.
Soo-jin: Come now, where did you get it from?
(GABRIEL TAKES A LOOK TOWARDS THE KITCHEN.)
Gabriel: This neither do I know, I found it in my room. I fancy the design. Before it be demanded, as I know it will, I’ll have to make a copy, but for you this one I’ll give. But keep it in your room for no one else to see, so that it remain a gift for you and me alone.
Soo-jin: Oh! Thank you!
(SOO-JIN STUFFS IT PARTIALLY IN HER PANT POCKET. GABRIEL REACHES OVER AND STUFFS IT ALL THE WAY IN. SOO-JIN GIGGLES)
(GABRIEL TAKES SOO-JIN’S HAND AND KISSES IT. SOO-JIN BLUSHES. LAZARO ENTERS THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE MID-KISS.)
Lázaro (with a stern look upon his face): Gabriel.
(GABRIEL LOOKS UP.)
Lázaro: If spells such as these strip you of your lieutenancy, make sure you kiss each finger before you return her hand.
[END SCENE]

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BACHELORETTE SCENE:
INT. FRONT OF HOUSE, EVENING
INSTRUMENTAL
(THE RESTAURANT HOSTS A BACHELORETTE PARTY.  RODDY AND HIS CREW ARE SEATED SEPARATELY AT A 4-TOP WITH A HALF-EMPTY “BOAT” CONTANING 2 BOTTLES OF SOJU. RODDY IS SITTING WITH HIS BACK TO THE AUDIENCE.  AN EMPTY BOTTLE OF SOJU AND A BOTTLE OF SAKE ARE STANDING ON THE TABLE. SOO-JIN MAINLY SERVES RODDY’S TABLE BUT ALSO HELPS WITH THE PARTY.)
CAST: EUNICE, DESDEE, SOO-JIN, RODDY, LAZARO AND EXTRAS.
…
(LAZARO SETS THE CHECK ON THE TABLE. THE MAID OF HONOR PICKS IT UP, PUTS IN HER CREDIT CARD AND HANDS IT BACK TO LAZARO.)
(DESDEE STANDS IN FRONT OF THE BACHELORETTE PARTY UNTIL SHE HAS THEIR FULL ATTENTION.)

 

Desdee(to the Bachelorette Party): “I wonder as I wander out under the sky, how Jesus, our Savior, did come forth to die for poor od’n’ry people like you and like I. I wonder as I wander out under the sky. When Mary birthed Jesus ‘twas in a cow’s stall with wise men and shepherds and farmers and all. And high in the heav’ns a star’s light did fall, the promise of ages it then did recall.” (J. Niles)
(RESTAURANT GUESTS CLAP, THEN ACTION RESUMES AS NORMAL.)
(LAZARO HANDS THE MAID OF HONOR HER RECEIPT AND THEY EXIT THE RESTAURANT.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT FOUR, Scene 2 (EFRA COURT’S SOO-JIN) :
INT. SOO-JIN’S BEDROOM, AFTERNOON 
(IT IS A SMALL BEDROOM WITH A FUTON, BOOKCASE, TV, AND DRESSER. EFRA AND SOO-JIN ARE SEATED ON THE BED. SOO-JIN IS WEARING A MODEST SKIRT.)

 

Efra: I’ll tell you now, from year to year, the sieges and the fortunes I have passed. I’ll run it through even from my boyish days.
Soo-jin: ‘Tis this very moment that I bid you tell me it.
Efra: I speak of most disastrous chances, of accidents, of floods and fields. Hair-breadth escapes, the imminent deadly breach. Of being taken by insolent foes. Redemption, servitude, my comport and history.
Soo-jin: Do tell.
Efra: Wherein of watered caves and deserts idle. Rough quarries, rocks and hills whose heads touched heaven. Of when to speak, of what process to take. Of friends who’s heads began just at their shoulders.
Soo-jin. Wow. Go on.
Efra: Of most fav’rable rides and happy speeds. Tempests themselves, high seas and howlin winds. The gutter’d rocks and congregated sands. Traitors immersed that overturned the boat rather than, from sense of duty, let go their mortal coils.
(SOO-JIN LEANS IN CLOSER. HER CELL PHONE RINGS AND STARTLES HER. SHE PUTS IT ON MUTE AND PUTS IT IN HER POCKET.)
Soo-jin: Sorry about that.
(THEY LAUGH.)
Soo-jin: Come again, my ear is greedy now. ‘Tis strange, ‘tis passing strange. I don’t know how much more that I could hear, without yet being beguiled by tears.
Efra: Enough of me, let’s talk more about you.
(SOO-JIN LEANS BACK.)
Soo-jin: What would you say of me, Efra?
Efra: A woman still and quiet in her motion, yet within a boldness that’s concealed. Of lineage and wise beyond her years.
Soo-jin: I wish I knew a man like you.
Efra: I am a man like me.
(EFRA GETS UP AND GOES TO THE BOOKCASE TO LOOK AT SOO-JIN’S COLLECTION.)
(EFRA PULLS OUT A BOOK.)
EFRA: This is a really good book.
SOO-JIN: Song of Solomon?
EFRA: Yeah.
SOO-JIN: Yeah. 
(THERE IS A BREAK IN THE CONVERSATION.)
SOO-JIN: Wait, I’ve got an idea.
(SOO-JIN TAKES OUT HER CELL PHONE AND BEGINS TO TAKE PICTURES OF EFRA.)
(EFRA POINTS TO THE BOOK IN HIS HAND AND SOO-JIN TAKES A PICTURE. EFRA REACHES FOR THE TOP OF THE BOOKCASE AND SOO-JIN TAKES A PICTURE, ETC.)
EFRA: I’ve got an idea. Does your cell phone have a timer?
SOO-JIN: Yeah.
(SOO-JIN HANDS HER PHONE OVER TO EFRA. EFRA SETS IT ON THE BOOKCASE SO THAT IT IS EYE-LEVEL WITH THE BED. THEN CLIMBS INTO THE BED LAYING DOWN ON HIS BACK.) 
EFRA: Come here.
(EFRA PLACES SOO-JIN SO THAT SHE IS STRADDLING HIM ON ALL FOURS. EFRA PLACES HIS RIGHT FOOT ON THE TOP OF SOO-JIN’S ASS, HITCHING UP HER SKIRT JUST A LITTLE BIT. THEY KISS AND THEN THE CAMERA CLICKS.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT FOUR, Scene 3:
INT. THE RESTAURANT,    NIGHT TIME (LAZARO AND EFRA’S FIGHT IN THE KITCHEN)
(EFRA IS AT THE SANITIZE COMPARTMENT OF THE KITCHEN SINK. LAZARO SUPERVISES SOO-JIN AS SHE WAITS ON GABRIEL AT THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE. IT IS ALMOST CLOSING TIME, SO THE LIGHTS ARE DIM.)

 

Efra: “Satisfy, my soul… satisfy my soul…”
(EFRA BREAKS A GLASS.)
Efra: Puchica!
(LAZARO ENTERS THE KITCHEN.)
Lázaro: Was that a glass I just heard break?
(EFRA  BLUSHES.)
Efra: Yeah. Sorry.
Lázaro: Make sure you clean that compartment thoroughly. And use gloves so that you don’t cut your hands.
(LAZARO EXITS TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
(EFRA RETRIEVES A PAIR OF DISPOSABLE KITCHEN GLOVES, THEN REMOVES THE BROKEN SHARDS. HE FINISHES REMOVING THE REST OF THE DISHES AND THEN DRAINS AND CLEANS THE SINK.)
(LAZARO ENTERS THE KITCHEN)
(LAZARO PUTS ON A SINGLE DISPOSABLE GLOVE, THEN RUBS THE SINK FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. HE PAUSES. HE PULLS OUT HIS GLOVE AND SHOWS HIS INDEX FINGER TO EFRA.)
Lázaro: What is this?
(EFRA’S SHOULDERS SLUMP)
Efra: What?
Lázaro (intensely, but not shouting.): It’s a shard of glass. Do you have any idea the grievous bodily harm you could cause to someone? Not to mention the litigation. You’d bankrupt the restaurant.
Efra: I don’t know what to say for myself.
Lázaro: You little punk!
(LAZARO SHOVES EFRA AND HE FALLS BACK AND HITS HIS HEAD ON THE OVEN. HE WINCES IN PAIN AND TOUCHES THE BACK OF HIS HEAD.)
(THEY GLARE AT EACH OTHER.)
(EFRA GETS UP.)
Efra (calmly): Fuck you.
(EFRA EXITS OUT THE BACK OF THE KITCHEN.)
(LAZARO LETS OUT AN EXASPERATED SIGH.)
Lázaro: Shit.
(SOO-JIN ENTERS THE KITCHEN.)
Soo-jin: What happened?
(WITH A LOOK OF DISAPPOINTMENT ON HIS FACE, LAZARO LOOKS AWAY. SOO-JIN LOOKS AT HIM FOR A MOMENT, THEN EXITS THROUGH THE BACK DOOR TO LOOK FOR EFRA.)
(LAZARO STARTS CLEANING UP THE KITCHEN.)
(SOO-JIN ENTERS THE KITCHEN FROM THE BACK DOOR AND GOES STRAIGHT TO THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE WITHOUT LOOKING AT LAZARO. GABRIEL LOOKS UP AND NOTICES THAT SOO-JIN IS UPSET.)
Gabriel: Is there something wrong, Soo-jin?
(SOO-JIN LOOKS AWAY.)
Soo-jin: No, it’s nothin.
Gabriel: Come here. Take a seat, girl.
(SOO-JIN STIFLES A SIGH, THEN TAKES A SEAT AT GABRIEL’S TABLE.)
Gabriel: What’s wrong? Are you having relationship problems?
(SOO-JIN’S FACE DROPS.)
Soo-jin: No, nothin like that.
Gabriel: Come on, Soo-jin. You can tell me.
Soo-jin: No, it’s fine.
Gabriel: Let me guess. There was an altercation in the kitchen and things got rough.
(SOO-JIN MAKES EYE CONTACT WITH GABRIEL.)
Soo-jin: There’s been a fallin out.
Gabriel: And things got rough. That’s just the nature of the industry, sweetie.
(SOO-JIN LOOKS DOWN.) 
Soo-jin: I just can’t understand how Lázaro could do something like what he did.
Gabriel: Well, not all men are as noble as they seem.
Soo-jin: No, not Lázaro. He comes from true nobility.
(GABRIEL LEANS BACK IN HIS CHAIR AND SUCKS HIS TEETH.)
Gabriel: Besides, why would you be with someone like Efra, anyways? He is a man without ambition.
(SOO-JIN GIVES GABRIEL A DIRTY LOOK.)
Soo-jin: A man like Efraín knows how to subdue the heart. Even to the very quality of his soul. I see Efra’s visage in my mind, and to his honor and his valiant parts do I my soul and fortunes consecrate. I therefore beg it not, that to please the palate of thy appetite, nor to comply with heat, though the young affects in me be not yet defunct, to be free and bounteous of your vicissitudes. And heaven defend your soul that you would think that I would deem your bizness with me serious and not scant.
Gabriel: Be that as it may, you should yet privately determine whether you should stay or you should leave him.
(SOO-JIN STARES AT GABRIEL IN DISBELIEF.)
Soo-jin: May the devil and his damned haunt you! You have not half the power to do me harm as you would think. You think me gullible, you dolt! As ignorant as dirt! God save me that the deed had not yet been done. I care not for thy sword, thus keep it sheaved. I’ll make you known though I lose twenty lives. And what did you mean to give me this?
(SOO-JIN TAKES OUT JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA FROM HER PURSE.)
Soo-jin: I was a fool to take it! A likely piece of work that you should find this in your room, and not know who left it there! Leave your tramp’s token for another girl. Here, give it to your hobby-horse.
(SOO-JIN THROWS JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA AT GABRIEL.)
Gabriel: Come now, Soo-jin. Calm down, calm down.
Soo-jin: By heaven, that I should take this as a gift! Now get the fuck out of my restaurant!
(STARTLED, GABRIEL NERVOUSLY STUFFS JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA INTO HIS SHIRT POCKET AND QUICKLY EXITS THE RESTAURANT.)
(LAZARO ENTERS THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE.)
Lázaro: What the hell was that?
(SOO-JIN BREAKS DOWN.)
[END SCENE]

 

THE CREW SHUTS DOWN THE RESTAURANT FOR THE NIGHT

 

ACT FIVE, Scene 1:
INT. JAE-SAHN’S RESIDENCE, AFTERNOON (GABRIEL VISITS EUNICE)
(EUNICE AND DESDEE SIT ON THE COUCH.)

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Desdee: Are you okay now, Eunice?
Eunice: Remind me what I should do with my man, again? Maybe Lázaro could speak to him for me. For by the light of heaven, I know not what I have done. Could such a thing as this be a trespass ‘gainst his love? HAVE not mine eyes, mine ears, my taste, and ev’ry other sense delighted him in every other form? Have I not done so yet? Or have I ever did or ever will? Though I yet shake off the thought of ever leaving him. The unkindness that has been shown to me as of late may yet defeat my life, but never taint my love.
Desdee: Let us pray now, Eunice, that this may merely be a case of overwork.
Eunice: Oh, that it be so that I should warrant… 
(THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR. EUNICE GOES OVER.)
Eunice: Who is it?
Gabriel: It is your humble servant, Gabriel.
(EUNICE UNLOCKS AND UNCHAINS THE DOOR AND OPENS IT A CRACK.)
Eunice: What can I do for you, Gabriel?
Gabriel: I’ve come with lunch made.
Eunice: Jae-sahn is away on bizness.
Gabriel: I’ve got the finest sake on the coast.
Eunice: Actually, I was going to order in.
Gabriel: Come now, just take a taste. It is divine.
(EUNICE STARES AT GABRIEL BLANKLY.)
Eunice: Go home, Gabriel.
(EUNICE SHUTS THE DOOR AND LOCKS AND CHAINS IT.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT FIVE, Scene 2: (INSIDE DESDEE'S BEDROOM)
INT. DESDEE'S BEDROOM, BEDTIME
(LAZARO AND DESDEE ENTER FROM STAGE RIGHT. DESDEE GOES TO BED AND LIES DOWN ON HER SIDE. LAZARO PICKS UP HIS KNIFE SHARPENER FROM THE TOP OF DESDEE'S SIDE DRAWER, THEN SITS AT THE EDGE OF THE BED AND PROCEEDS TO SHARPEN HIS KNIFE.)

 

Lázaro: It is the cause. It is the cause, my soul, let me not name it to you, chaste stars. It is the cause, yet I don't shed a tear nor scar this heart of mine, transparent as snow. 
(LAZARO STARES AT HIS KNIFE.)
Lázaro: Put out the light and then cut out the mic. If it quenches you, you flaming Desdee, I can again your former light restore. Should I retreat this once from your cunning method of transcendent nature?
(LAZARO PUTS AWAY HIS KNIFE.)
Desdee: Come, my fella, get some sleep.
Lázaro: Did you say your prayers tonight, Desdee?
Desdee: Yes, Lázaro.
Lázaro: If you but think of yourself of any crime, not reconciled as yet to see our cause, solicit it, let it be straight.
Desdee: Alas, my lord, what do you mean?
(LAZARO'S BODY TENSES UP IN ANGER.)
Lázaro: Let your repentance be brief. Just walk by, for heaven's no, if I'm to die, I'll not poison your soul.
Desdee:  Heaven forbid to love with such a heart. And yet I feel that 'tis a fatal blow.
(LAZARO MAD DOGS DESDEE, TRYING TO CONTAIN HIS ANGER.)
Desdee: Especially when you squint your eyes like that. Why should I fear? What guiltiness do I know? And yet I'm still afraid.
Lázaro: Just think again of your most naive thoughts.
Desdee: My only sin is loving you too much.
(LAZARO KISSES DESDEE.)
Lázaro: And for this cause, I sacrifice myself. 
(LAZARO BITES DOWN ON DESDEE'S BOTTOM LIP. DESDEE PULLS AWAY.)
Desdee: A life that dies for love's unnatural to me. Alas, why do you gnaw at such gentle lips? 
(LAZARO TREMBLES WITH RAGE.)
Desdee: Some blood-filled passion shakes you every frame. These sound like omens, yet I hope, I hope they do not point at me.
Lázaro: That perfumed bandana, which she thus gave to him, did she not give away for heart and soul?
Desdee: No, please, but spare his life. Send for the men they can explain.
Lázaro: Therefore thus I do confess my intent. That today ev'ry account reveals.
Desdee: Have mercy on him then.
Lázaro: To hell wit' that.
(LAZARO HOLDS DESDEE DOWN.)
Desdee: And mercy on me too for my offense, I never loved a man in all my life to warrant this arrest.
(LAZARO LOOSENS HIS GRIP ON DESDEE AND SHE SITS UP.)
Lázaro: Then did you not see her thus hold his hand? Oh perjured woman you defeat my heart. Don't dare call out what I intend to do. A murder which is but a sacrifice.
Desdee: Oh, fear approaches, why to go out like this?
Lázaro: Should all these tales be lies, I'd still have stomach for this great revenge.
Desdee: Alas betrayed and I undone.
(DESDEE LOOKS AWAY.)
Lázaro: Do not bow down now, look me in the face.
Desdee: Oh, banish me, my man, but shame me not. If thou would kill, but leave me one more night.
(DESDEE CLINGS TO LAZARO. HE PUSHES HER AWAY.)
Lázaro: Not if you strive.
Desdee: But half an hour then.
Lázaro: This shit is finished so there is no pause.
Desdee: But wait, just one more prayer.
Lázaro: No, it's too late.
Desdee: Oh my God, Lázaro, what will you do?
(LAZARO GETS UP AND GOES OVER TO THE WINDOW TO LOOK OUTSIDE.)
Lázaro: Soft by and by, let me the curtains draw. 
(LAZARO DRAWS THE CURTAINS.)
Lázaro: These erring thought's bot' near and far, do make of me a mad man.
Desdee:  Let guiltiness speak.
Lázaro: You heard her say not him.
Desdee: Did she say not him? Lázaro, report the truth. When will it cease?
Lázaro: Him, like a liar will burn in hell. And I will send him there.
Desdee: Oh, the angel, he. And this his darkest night.
Lázaro: He turned to folly.
Desdee: You do betray him.
Lázaro: Through fairness, the most foul.
Desdee: And you as rash as fire.
[END SCENE]

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ACT FIVE, Scene 3:
INT. FRONT OF HOUSE, EARLY MORNING (LAZARO CONFRONTS GABRIEL)
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO ARE HAVING A CONVERSATION BEFORE THE RESTAURANT OPENS FOR THE DAY.)

 

Lázaro: Stand you awhile apart, confine yourself, but in a patient pose, while overwhelmed wit’ grief. When Gabriel comes I will shift him away and bid him at once to speak what he has told me. But do encave yourself just for a bit, and mark the scorn, the tells that blemish his face. For I will make him tell the tale anew. Where, how, how oft, how long ago and when. His gestures shall betray him.
Jae-sahn: Now listen to me, Lázaro. I’ll be as patient as I can. But I am done with this.
(JAE-SAHN EXITS TO THE KITCHEN.)
(GABRIEL ENTERS THE RESTAURANT.)
Lázaro: How do you now, lieutenant?
Gabriel: Why the hell did you summon me at this hour?
Lázaro: Ask Desdee and she’ll tell you that if it were in Soo-jin’s power, how quickly she would come. I stake my life that I come from men of royal siege, and my demerits may speak unabetted to as proud a fortune as this that I have reach’d. ‘Tis yet to know which and when to boast. 
Gabriel: Bullshit! I know not of what you speak.
Lázaro: Rumors are widespread of your intentions.
Gabriel: ‘Tis true that I do carry myself well, and also do have a smooth disposition. And oft suspected to make true women false. And I, by fortune, hath achieved such maidens that paragon description and wild fame. One’s that excel the quirks of blaz’ning pens. And in the nat’ral vesture of their births so surpass as to tire their Creator. But I would not lead you by the nose as if you were an ass. I’ve heard enough. Your words and counsel are no kin to me. This charge is most unjust.
(GABRIEL EXITS THE RESTAURANT AS LAZARO LOOKS ON.)
[END SCENE]

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ACT FIVE, Scene 4 (THE CREW GOES TO A KARAOKE BAR):
INT. THE LOBBY OF A KARAOKE BAR, LATE NIGHT
(KANG, THE CASHIER, STANDS BEHIND THE COUNTER.)
(ENTER THE ENTIRE RESTAURANT CREW, EXCEPT FOR AUGUST, LED BY DESDEE AND EUNICE.)

 

Desdee (in a highly stylized, operatic voice): “Long ago…”
(THE CREW GIGGLES.)
Lázaro: If it quenches you, Desdee, I can again your former light restore.
Soon-ji (to EUNICE): These are the sheets you have made as you had asked.
Eunice: All’s well, goodness, how foolish are our hearts?
Desdee (to EUNICE): Now turn the key and keep our council.
(JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO APPROACH THE COUNTER.)
Kang: We have room 12 available.
(EUNICE, DESDEE, EFRA, AND SOO-JIN PROCEED TO THE BACK.)
Jae-sahn: You got bottle service?
Kang: Ek-cho-lee, you just press this button…
(KANG PULLS OUT A REMOTE FROM BEHIND THE COUNTER.)
Kang: and the wait staff will come and serve you.
Jae-sahn: How much to rent a room for two hours?
Kang: Eight dollars per person, per hour.
Lázaro (immediately): Ninety-six dollars.
(JAE-SAHN PULLS OUT HIS WALLET AND PAYS IN CASH.)
(THEY TAKE A SEAT ON ONE OF THE COUCHES. JAE-SAHN SIGHS.)
Jae-sahn: “What a day, what a day…”
Lázaro: So is everything straight with you and Eunice now?
Jae-sahn: It’s getting there.
Lázaro: If you but think yourself of any crime, not reconciled as yet to see our cause, solicit it, let it be straight.
Jae-sahn: Heaven forbid to love with such a heart.
Lázaro: She is honest. For if she be not honest, chaste, and true, there’s no man left happy on Earth. Forgive me my mistake if it was I that put it in your head. So let the gentle Eunice thus beguile. The free judgment from which thence your hours bear bot’ the sentence and the sorrow that, to pay grief, must of poor patience borrow. But words are words, though yet I offen hear that the bruised heart is pierced through by the ear.
Jae-sahn: By flint these stones were carved, still I’d rather take on such a hazardous mission than to put her up for public exhibition.
Lázaro: This reversal of fortune will soon be taught, desde mi alma entera, it cannot be bought. I vouch for her therefore beg it not.
(THE DOOR CHIMES AS GABRIEL ENTERS THE KARAOKE BAR SMILING WITH HIS ARM WRAPPED AROUND A GIRL’S SHOULDERS. JAE-SAHN AND LAZARO LOOK UP.)
(THEY BOTH NOTICE JAE-SAHN’S BANDANA STICKING OUT OF GABRIEL’S BACK POCKET AT THE SAME TIME AND IMMEDIATELY STAND UP.)
(GABRIEL SMIRKS.)
(JAE-SAHN BEGINS TO TREMBLE WITH ANGER.)
[THE MUSIC SWELLS TO A DISSONANT CLIMAX]
[CUT THE LIGHTS]
INSTRUMENTAL  EPILOGUE

 

 

 

Copyright ©2018 Jaime Azcárraga. Revised 2023. All rights reserved.