The Tree of Life

By Elana McKernan

Characters (6 actors):

-Jacob

-Wilhelm

-Death/ Giant/ Witch doctor

-Bippy/ Bird

-Kitten/ Zoe/ Rat

-Bradley/ King/ Alexander

Prelude

Death stands stage center. She is mature, stylish, and sharp, much like a Cruella DeVille figure.

Death: Once upon a time there was a poor farmer who moved to a cabin in an overgrown forest. He had a wife, and they lived a simple, happy life. The man farmed all day while the woman cleaned the cabin and cooked for her husband. They were so very much in love, and neither wandered far from their property. They raised two boys in that house, and for eight years followed the same routine with little interruption. One day their sons Jacob and Wilhelm went out into the heart of the forest, past the limits of their property, farther than they’d ever gone before, and stumbled upon a clear blue lake, and in the center of the lake: an island. And in the center of the island: a tree. This was no ordinary tree; it was the most magnificent tree they’d ever laid eyes upon. It was gold and pure and when the wind blew through it the leaves didn’t rustle—they chimed. On very windy days there was a symphony of leaves that echoed through the forest. These boys went there day after day and would stay for hours, intoxicated by the tree’s music, its gleam. It seemed that at that lake, nothing grew old. The sun always shone on golden leaves: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter. Even the boys could feel this lightness, this joy, this hope. One day, they decided to swim out to it. They should have noticed the clouds at the edge of the sky. But they didn’t. Jacob went first. He climbed onto the trunk of the tree and lay there as though he could feel its roots wrap around him like a blanket. Wilhelm followed right behind him. The wind grew colder and the night rolled in and the leaves began to shine like stars. Jacob, without a thought, reached up and touched one. It was warm. He draped his hand around it—tree and skin became one—and pulled. The leaf came off in an instant, turned green then brown then dissolved into his hand as though it were meant to be—as though it had always been a part of him. And the tree? Gone. Almost as though it had never been there, save a small imprint on Jacob’s hand. And he’s the only one that can find it now. The only one that can lead me to it.

Lights fade.

Scene One

Jacob sits in the woods, his head in his hands. A small elf creeps out and watches him, then shuffles quietly toward him and stops, sniffing the air. He/she repeats this action until he ends up directly behind Jacob. He sniffs Jacob’s hair. Jacob, startled, jumps up.

Bippy: HI.

Jacob: Who are you? What do you want?

Bippy: Why are you so sad?

Jacob: Where did you come from?

Bippy: My name’s Bippy.

Jacob: Leave me alone, ok?

Bippy: Are you alright?

Jacob: NO, as a matter of fact, I am not. But I’m sure it wouldn’t interest you. So scram.

Bippy: Oh, nobody needs to treat Bippy with respect, no. They can just walk all over him, even though he’s just trying to help. Why don’t you go rescue your brother yourself, then, hmmm? What’s stopping you?

Jacob: What do you know about my brother? I said what do you know about my brother?

Bippy: Oh, now you’re interested, before you couldn’t show me a little common courtesy but now that you want something from me—

Jacob grabs Bippy.

Bippy: Death is holding him ransom.

Jacob: Why would she do that?

Bippy: Well, generally speaking, one might hold a person ransom to get something that they want but don’t have. So by this logic, we can deduce that you have something that Death wants.

Jacob: What could Death possibly want from me?

Bippy: A tree.

Jacob: What? Why can’t she get a tree for herself?

Bippy: Oh, not just any old tree. The Tree of Life—

Jacob: The what?

Bippy: It kind of…defies explanation.

Jacob: Try.

Bippy: It’s like this big deal with all of these really powerful people. Mention it to the King and he’ll have an aneurism. Look, I really have no idea what half the shit I say means. They give me flashcards about this stuff, but I’ve never seen it.

Jacob: Well where is this…”Tree of Life”?

Bippy: If the question were that simple, what would Death need you for? All I know is that Death wants the Tree of Life and she won’t rest until she gets it. And for some reason she thinks you’re the one who can find it for her.

Jacob: Fine, ok, what do I do?

Bippy: I told you. When you find the Tree of Life, she will release Wilhelm. Simple as that.

Jacob: Except that we have no idea where the Tree of Life is, or what it is, for that matter.

Bippy: That’s what I’m here for!

Jacob: I thought you—

Bippy: Oh of course I don’t know how to get there.

Jacob: Look, I don’t know where you came from or what you are, but I really don’t have the energy for these little games.

Bippy: Look, I know you have issues with trust, but you’re just going to have to believe me—

Jacob: You haven’t said anything!

Bippy: Exactly! If you would just calm down and listen to me, your brother wouldn’t—

Jacob: Quit talking about him like you know him, okay?

Bippy: You’re scared, so you’re lashing out at me. You never learned how to deal with death even though you were orphaned at a young age, and you’ve become a control freak to help you deal with the unknown. You’re naturally mistrustful of strangers because you’ve been used or hurt by everyone you’ve known, but I’m telling you. I can help you if you’ll just listen to me. You don’t even have to trust me. Just listen.

Pause.

Jacob: So?

Bippy: A little “please, continue,” would suffice.

Jacob: Please. Continue.

Bippy: Where was I? Oh right. We have to find the princess!

Jacob: …Okay…

Bippy: She’s a very attractive young woman, I think you’ll like her.

Bippy starts to walk offstage. Jacob remains still.

Bippy: Do you really have a choice?

Jacob: Fine, alright, I’ll go.

Jacob follows Bippy offstage. Lights fade.

Scene Two

Wilhelm’s prison cell/torture chamber. Death sits at a large, expressionistic chair UR with Wilhelm crumpled DL of her. Death is reading a magazine, bored. Pause.

Death: Jesus Christ, will you do something for a change? I’m so sick of you and your little victimized-crumpled-in-the-corner-like-an-old-sock act. It’s getting old. You’re like a puppy that does nothing but eat and throw up. Bradley. BRADLEY!

Bradley, Death’s hunchbacked butler, hobbles onstage. Death immediately perks up and speaks to Bradley flirtatiously.

Bradley: Yes, m’Lady?

Death: Mmm, your hunch is rather…pronounced…today.

Bradley: Hmmhmmm yes, m’Lady.

Death: Smashing. (Wilhelm coughs) Ugh. Prop that boy up. I can’t stand him sitting on the floor like a deflated balloon.

Bradley does his best to prop Wilhelm against a chair. Wilhelm is barely conscious.

Death: Think I could seduce the information out of him? (To Wilhelm) Boy. BOY. Entertain me, goddamnit! Earn your keep in this torture chamber! (Pause) Sit there like a wet mop! Atta boy.

Wilhelm: (Feebly) Jacob—

Death: Bradley, he stirs.

Bradley: Yes, he stirs…

Wilhelm: Jacob…

Death: What is he saying?

Bradley gets closer. With sudden violence, Wilhelm grabs him.

Wilhelm: Where the hell is my brother?

Death: (Gleefully) HA! This is the liveliest my lair has been since Genghis Khan was in here! Jab him, Wilhelm, in the ribs! Atta boy!

Bradley: Master…

Death: Yes, of course, sorry. (To Wilhelm) Unhand him.

Wilhelm crumples to the ground.

Death: (To Bradley) Oh, don’t look so sour, you’re hardly even injured.

Bradley: He’s clearly dangerous—

Death: Oh, quit being a crybaby.

Pause.

Wilhelm: What have you done with Jacob?

Death: You know, I could hear you the first time.

Bradley laughs.

Death: I’m sorry, Bradley. I would hate to intrude on your good time, but is there something that you wish to share with us? You clearly find something humorous.

Bradley: It wasn’t the first time, you didn’t hear him until the fourth.

Death: Is that so?

She raises her scepter.

Bradley: No, ma’am, no! Please—

Death taps Bradley’s arm lightly with the scepter. He doubles over in pain.

Death: Go bandage your wound and come back when you’re feeling more agreeable. (Bradley starts to leave) And Bradley dear? Take mind not to contradict me further, hmm? That’s a doll…

Bradley hobbles offstage. There is an awkward silence.

Death: Breath mint?

Wilhelm: No, thank you.

Pause. Death steps towards Wilhelm with an incredibly awkward feminine swagger.

Death: Alone at last.

Wilhelm: What are you going to do to me?

Death: Oh…nothing. I mean, not nothing. I mean. You have such strong muscles from working in the fields. You kept a very impressive grip on Bradley, and he’s my strongest minion yet.

Wilhelm: Please, just stop prolonging it. Torture me, kill me, I don’t care. Just don’t touch Jacob.

Death: All this talk of your brother. I’m not going to hurt anybody. Unless you like it that way. Rough, I mean. (Pause) Look, I just want to talk. I’m your friend. Can I get you anything? (Pause. Death is incredibly nervous) BRADLEY, GET BACK IN HERE.

Lights fade.

Scene Three

Jacob and Bippy enter a court to find the King, an eccentric and portly grey-haired man. He does not notice them. He pours himself tea, pretending to be a butler. He then sits at the table, pretending to be a young princess.

King: (As princess) Thank you Melvin, tee-hee!

King: (As Melvin) My pleasure dear. May I offer you a…lump of sugar?

Jacob and Bippy enter, unnoticed.

King: (As princess) Oh, Melvin, you randy fool. Not in public.

King: (As Melvin) Oh, shut up and kiss me.

King: (As princess) Gasp! Oooh, Melvin…

Bippy: Excuse me, sir?

King: (suddenly booming) WHO ENTERS?

Bippy pushes Jacob forward.

Jacob: It…it is…I…uh…Jacob Grimm, sir.

King: WHAT BUSINESS HAVE YOU HERE?

Jacob: Uh, none, sir, I just…

Bippy: He wants to see the princess.

King: Zoe? My Zo-zo-kins? (Sizing Jacob up) Well, I’m sorry, you’ll have to come back in a week, Zoe is grounded.

Jacob: I’m sorry, sir, it’s urgent—

King: SO IS MY TEA AND THAT’S GROWING COLD THANKS TO YOU. Now if you’ll excuse me, before I have you thrown out…(He ushers them to the door) Yes, that’s right, off you go.

Bippy: Wait! He’ll do anything! Absolutely anything!

Jacob: What?

King: Really? (He giggles) Anything, you say? (He giggles more) Have a seat.

Lights fade.

Scene Four

Wilhelm’s prison cell. This time, a round table has been put in the center of the room with a teapot on it. Bradley hovers over the table. Wilhelm is even feebler than he was before.

Death: Bradley—

Bradley: Yeeeeeeeeees?

Death: Will you please pour Wilhelm a cup?

Bradley: I’d love to.

Death: Wilhelm, come join us at the table. (Pause) Not many can say they’ve dined with Death, mmm?

Bradley laughs loudly. Death shoots him a glance.

Death: You are clearly thirsty. Darling Wilhelm. Drink with me. It’s from China…

Wilhelm: Where have you taken—

Death: Oh, my god, he’s like a mockingbird, Jacob Jacob Jacob. At least pronounce it differently every once in a while. Look dear, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

Wilhelm: What have you done with Jacob.

Death: Bradley…

Bradley walks over to Wilhelm menacingly.

Wilhelm: My brother. What have you done with—

Bradley: Yah-cob. Mmmhahahammm.

Death: That’s enough, Bradley. I’ve tried to explain to you, darling. Your brother…

Wilhelm: I don’t believe you.

Death: You won’t even let me finish! Manners! You ask a question and then ignore the answer. It’s like talking to a doorbell.

Wilhelm: I ignore lies. I’d be happy to hear the answer.

Death: Yah-cob is gone. He’s probably seducing some rich princess as we speak.

Wilhelm: I’ll bet he’s trying to find me. He wouldn’t just leave me here without a reason. You’re probably just scared of him.

Death: I can’t talk to the little twerp anymore. Scared of your brother? Do you have any idea who I am? Are you going to have tea, or not? (Pause) Bradley, knock some sense into him.

Bradley confronts Wilhelm, Wilhelm cowers.

Death: Bradley. I changed my mind. Bring me…the Document.

Bradley: (Winces) Not The Document, miss!

Death: Yes, Bradley. The Document

Bradley: But—

Death: Go.

He exits. Awkward silence.

Death: Crumpet?

Bradley enters bearing a gigantic old book and a quill pen. He kneels in front of Wilhelm and opens the book. Wilhelm touches it. The book slams shut on his hand.

Wilhelm: Jesus!

Death: Honey, you’ve got to be more careful around old books!

Wilhelm: It doesn’t even have anything in it.

Death: Exactly. Bradley! Pen.

He hands her the quill.

Death: Now Wilhelm, this is going to seem a little strange to you, but I want you to try try a little game with me, hmm?.

Wilhelm: Why should I do anything to help you?

Death: Honey. You’re not fooling anyone. You know what I see written on your face? Doubt. Look. I understand what you’re going through. I do. I understand that you probably want to smash my face in right now—

Wilhelm: Yeah.

Death: The point is, you are bearing the weight of the world on your shoulders, while your brother is off skipping through the forest with some little elf, and…

Wilhelm: With who? Where?

Death: He left you here to die. All you have to do is write a harmless little story about your life, and you’re free. Your brother gets…what he deserves…and you live happily ever after. You are so strong, Wilhelm. It must be tiring. (She places the pen in his hand) Even Jesus accepted help from his apostles.

Wilhelm: Don’t you dare touch me.

Death: You realize what we’re going to have to do now? We’re going to have to kill you. Three days. That’s all you’ve got. How much do you trust that brother of yours? Bradley, get the door.

Wilhelm spits on Death. Death confronts Wilhelm.

Death: I’m not going to stop at you, Wilhelm, ooh don’t be so naïve. I’m going to get your brother, too.

Bradley: (Warning) Ma’am.

Death: He’ll think he’s safe, he’ll think he’s saving you, but he’ll lead me to the Tree of Life and I’ll kill him. In front of you.

Bradley: Ma’am!

Death: Then I’ll make it so that nothing can live. All in front of your very eyes. And then I’ll kill you last, viciously, slowly. Hell will look like a paradise after what I do to you. Come on, Bradley.

They exit. As they are leaving, Bradley addresses Death under his breath. They may no longer be onstage, or only be onstage for the first line or two.

Bradley: That was a right stupid thing to say to the boy.

Death: Shut up, Bradley.

Bradley: OOOOW.

Wilhelm pockets the pen. A rat scurries onstage.

Rat: I can help you.

Wilhelm: What?

Rat: I have friends on the outside. I can reach Jacob for you.

Wilhelm: You’re kidding!

Rat: Shhh! You mustn’t let her hear you. I’ll steal you some paper from her cabinet. You may write him a letter, just one, and I will see that it is delivered. But you must not let her suspect anything. She would have us both killed.

Lights fade.

Scene Five

Lights up on Jacob and Bippy, walking back and forth in a “forest” outside the castle. Jacob has a frilly hat on his head (if possible, a hat that the King used in the previous “tea time” scene to indicate his princess character).

Jacob: “Ooh, it’s alright, Jacob will do anything, sir!” How the hell am I supposed to fell an entire forest in one night?

Bippy: No use shouting about it. If I knew you were going to be dramatic, I would have opted for helping that man with the four heads—

Jacob: Dramatic?

Bippy: You are obviously determined to be as unhappy as possible.

Jacob: Give me a reason, then. To be happy.

Bippy. I have connections.

Jacob: Oh?

Bippy: I have a ho in the forest.

Jacob: A…excuse me?

Bippy: A bitch, a babe, a sugar momma. (Calling out) KITTEN!

Jacob: What?

Bippy: Kit-Kat, Kittylicious, Miss Puss!

Jacob: What are—

Kitten: (Offstage) ME-OW! (To Jacob) Hello stranger, looking for some fun? (She spots Bippy and runs to him. She is heavily made-up, and wears stilettos and fishnets and possibly a cat tail and some ears) BIPPERS! Oh my god, how are you?

Bippy: Kitten!

Kitten: Honey, you wouldn’t believe how this place has gone to shit since you left! Oh, I want to show you some new toys I’ve got…

Bippy: Kitty…I’m sorry to say that today is strictly business for me. Tonight, on the other hand…

Jacob: So, Bippy uh, said that you can help me…

Kitten: Mmm, you bet I can.

Jacob: I…I have a problem—

Kitten: Oh honey, it’s nothing to worry about…

Jacob: No! I…I need to knock down a forest. (Pause)

Kitten: Well you’re forward, aren’t you?

Jacob: Look, the King says

Bippy: Jacob!

Kitten: (To Bippy) Shit, you didn’t say he was with the government!

Bippy: Of course he’s not with the King. Look puss, this man’s in trouble. His brother has been captured by Death.

Kitten: Oh my god.

Bippy: I know.

Kitten: (To Jacob) Oh, honey…

Jacob: Thanks.

Bippy: So Death has this poor fellow’s brother, and Jacob here has to get a hold of the princess before Wilhelm goes kaputz. But first he has to go through all of this shit with the King before that can happen. We interrupted his tea party. I’m surprised we got off this easy. Are you in?

Kitten: I’ll do anything.

Bippy: Do you still have the bottled hurricane wind?

Kitten: Yes, of course. Of course…

Lights fade.

Scene Six

Wilhelm is alone onstage, with a piece of paper. He looks at it, then puts it in his pocket and addresses the audience as though he were addressing Jacob.

Wilhelm: Dear Jacob. Do not let anyone read this. I don’t know where you are, but I cannot stress this enough: Do not trust anyone. Even if they say they are going to help you. You must not accept help from anyone, no matter how innocent they may seem. Death has helpers all over the world and she is out to trap you.

Rat enters unnoticed.

Wilhelm: Do not go to the Tree of Life no matter what others may say to convince you to the contrary. Jacob—I…I miss you. Sometimes I can’t bear to imagine what you are going through. It’s just too much. With all my love, Wilhelm.

Rat: Are you finished?

Wilhelm: How long have you been there?

Rat: I just entered.

Wilhelm: Here’s the letter. You won’t let anyone read it?

Rat: If I let someone read it, I’d be dead, now wouldn’t I?

Wilhelm: I suppose so.

He deliberates, then hands Rat the letter. Rat exits with it. Lights fade.

Scene Seven

King wears his crown around his arm and twitters about as though he is the Queen of France greeting her imaginary fans.

King: Bon soir, madame, ce’st tres tres magnifique! Oho, monsieur, non, non, ce’st tragique c’as! Je suis le gran reine du frances et vous, vous et un monster!

Jacob and Bippy enter triumphantly.

Jacob: Ahm, sir?

King quickly places his crown on his head and begins grumbling.

King: Mmm yes so you’ve—

Jacob: Accomplished my task.

Bippy: Pff.

Jacob glares at him.

King: Your first task. Of course. Right. What?

Jacob: My task…the forest, remember, I cut it down—

King: How in Hades’ hand basket did you—

Bippy coughs.

Jacob: Well actually there was this—

Bippy: Hard work and determination, sir. He’s quite the logger, though he’d never admit it.

King: Yes, quite right, that. Well, if you were able to fell an entire forest in a night, surely you will be happy to bring me hair from the scalp of Rolf, the vicious neighborhood giant. If you do not succeed, well, I guess I won’t even have to behead you because I’m sure that Rolf will appreciate that pleasure himself.

Jacob: Oh…splendid.

King: (Ominously) That is all.

He removes his crown and stares at them. Jacob and Bippy back out of the room. Lights fade.

Scene Eight

Rat is alone, onstage. She looks at the letter for a long time and then eats it/rips it into shreds. Bradley finds her. She tries to escape, but he drags her offstage. Lights fade. During the transition, Death walks to a platform/the right or left audience wing to become Giant.

Scene Nine

It is night. Jacob and Bippy walk nervously through the forest.

Jacob: So what are we going to do when…

Bippy: Don’t look at me. I don’t do giants.

Pause. Jacob stops.

Jacob: I’m so scared, Bippy.

Bippy: Tell me about it.

Jacob: I’m not talking about the giant.

Bippy: Oh, Jacob…

Jacob: I just…I have no idea how he’s doing, you know? I have no idea…if he’s even…

Bippy: Jacob, he’s alive. I can feel it. Look at me. It’ll be ok, I know it will. Trust me.

Jacob: Of course you’re right. I just…Thank you. Thank you for…everything.

Bippy starts walking again.

Bippy: Let’s go catch that giant.

Jacob: Aaw, look, you’re shaking.

Bippy: Shut up and move.

They walk for a moment until they arrive at the base of the Giant’s platform.

Rolf: WHO TREADS HERE?

Jacob: Shit. Uh…it is I, sir…Jacob. Jacob Grimm.

Rolf: RAAARGHLERGLORUGLGGLGH.

Bippy: (To Jacob) You can do it!

Rolf: WHY HAVE YOU COME?

Jacob: I was sent by the King

Rolf: RAAAAARGHWLWLWLSHALAKDLSLDFRGH!

Bippy: (Overlapping) NO, Jacob, don’t mention—

Rolf: WHO SPEAKS?

Jacob: That…that was I, sir Rolf…

Rolf: THERE IS ANOTHER. STEP FORWARD OR YOU SHALL BE EATEN.

Jacob: Bippy, don’t go.

Bippy: (He steps forward) I’M DOWN HERE, ROLFIE. I’d like to see you try.

Rolf: WHO DARES SPEAK TO ME LIKE THAT?

Bippy: (Shouting up to Rolf) The name’s Bippy, pea-brain. Do you need me to spell it out for you?

Jacob: Bippy, shut up! (To Rolf) He’s gone mad, sir, please pay no attention to—

Bippy: (Loudly) He probably doesn’t understand half of what I’m saying to him anyway, right, poop-eating dung beetle?

Rolf: I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS BEHAVIOR…

Bippy runs up to Rolf.

Bippy: Oh yeah? Why don’t you prove it to me?

Rolf stoops down and grabs Bippy. Bippy struggles long enough to pull out some of Rolf’s hair. Rolf screams in pain.

Bippy: Jacob. RUN.

Jacob grabs the hair and runs offstage.

Bippy: I’m so sorry.

Rolf devours Bippy. Pause, then slowly, ritualistically, Bippy approaches the Tree of Life and becomes a part of it. Lights fade.

Scene Twelve

Wilhelm is alone in his cell again, pacing. Rat runs into the room, and Death enters shortly thereafter. She is much more powerful than in the previous scenes, and much more violent. Rat runs towards Wilhelm, but when Death raises her scepter and speaks, Rat freezes.

Death: HALT. (Rat writhes in excruciating pain) You have betrayed me. How does your little stunt feel now? Hmm? Does it burn?

Rat: STOP! Please, oh god, stop, please!

Death: WHAT’S THAT? Mercy? Excuse me? NOW? Does that feel better?

Rat: AAAH—

Death: ENOUGH. (Rat crumples, dead, to the floor) I got sick of listening to her whine.

Death places a chair in the center of the stage. She raises her arm and Wilhelm sits.

Death: Bradley informed me of your little shenanigans.

Wilhelm: I—

Death: SILENCE. I will not be made a fool of in front of my servants, do you understand?

Wilhelm: Yes (Death holds her hand out and twists) Aaaaah, yes, I understand.

Death: Good. You are not to contact Jacob, is that clear?

Wilhelm: Yes.

Death: If I catch you pulling another stunt like this, I will kill you and your brother on the spot.

Wilhelm: Fine, I get it.

Death: Hey. Enough with the attitude. I chose not to have children, I shouldn’t have to deal with the surly teenager spiel, alright? (She crouches close to his head and runs her finger in front of his neck, causing him clear pain) A little more enthusiasm, Wilhelm.

Wilhelm: Yes! Great! Kill us both!

Death: Hopeless. I’ll see you later.

She exits. Wilhelm looks at Rat. Lights fade. <Should Rat join the Tree of Life?>

Scene Thirteen

King’s court again. King paces about, troubled. Jacob enters solemnly and places Rolf’s hairs before the king.

King: Oh, yes then. I was afraid of that. Still want little Zo-Zo, right? (Jacob nods) Yes, of course. Well, you completed your end of the bargain. (He begins to tear up) Take good care of her, ok? Promise me?

Jacob: I promise.

King: You know how hard it is to lose someone, I’m sure.

Jacob: Yes, sir, I do.

King: She’s outside. You’d better not keep her long, she hates waiting.

Jacob: Thank you, sir. (He starts to leave)

King: Jacob.

Jacob: What?

King: Be careful.

Jacob steps out of the “room” and meets Zoe.

Zoe: What took you so long?

Jacob: Let’s get going.

Zoe: Oh-kay. Not much of a talker. Right. The name’s Zoe, by the way.

Jacob: Yeah, great. Can we…?

Zoe: Nice to meet you too, Jacob.

He starts walking stage left.

Zoe: Do you even know where we’re going? The witch doctor is that way (she gestures right).

Jacob: The what?

Zoe: The witch doctor. You mean Bippy didn’t tell you? Oh jeez.

Jacob: Why…?

Zoe: I don’t know, I just follow orders.

Jacob: Well, do you even know how to get there?

Zoe: Of course, I’ve been there before.

Jacob: Why?

Zoe: None of your business.

She walks offstage. Jacob pauses, then follows her.

Scene Fourteen

Wilhelm’s chamber again, Wilhelm is alone, looking for something. Death and Bradley speak from offstage.

Death: Have you given him his bread and water, yet?

Bradley: No, madam, I forgot.

Death: Goooood. Give him some compost instead. See what he does with it.

Bradley laughs. Wilhelm sticks his hand in his pocket and takes out the pen that Death gave him. He conceals it in his hand.

Death: Bradley!

Bradley: What?

Death: Shut up. I’m going to bed. Should I wait up?

Bradley mumbles something and giggles licentiously. Death giggles.

Death: Night, dumpling.

Pause. The sound of footsteps. Wilhelm sits down and pretends he’s sleeping. Bradley enters carrying a bucket of leaves.

Bradley: Did you miss me?

He walks over to Wilhelm.

Bradley: I brought you a little present…

He goes to kick Wilhelm, but Wilhelm grabs him and stabs him in the leg with the pen, scattering the leaves over the floor. Bradley starts to scream, but Wilhelm stops him.

Wilhelm: Scream and I’ll put this quill through your heart.

Bradley: Master will kill you.

Wilhelm: Oh, I’m sure she will. Not before I take you with me, though. Death isn’t much good at resurrections, is she?

Bradley: Not yet. (Wilhelm twists the pen) Argh!!!

Wilhelm: What was that?

Bradley: Argh!

Wilhelm: Before that. (Pause. Twist) We can make this easy or we can make this painful. Either way, you’re going to talk.

Bradley: What do you want to hear?

Wilhelm: Death. What does she want from me and Jacob?

Bradley: You wouldn’t understand.

Wilhelm: Try me.

Bradley: AAAAAAAH

Wilhelm: SHHH! Now! What does she want from us?

Bradley: Life!

Wilhelm: Oh, very cute.

Bradley: No, really. You are the only people who have seen the Tree of Life. She wants to know where it is so that she can partake of it and then destroy it. AARGH.

Wilhelm: Where is Jacob?

Bradley: I can’t tell you—GAH—he’s leading her to it. He thinks that it’s the only way he can save you.

Wilhelm backs away from Bradley, who starts to scream. Wilhelm stabs Bradley in the heart and he dies. Wilhelm backs away, drops the quill, and escapes through the door. Lights fade.

Scene Fifteen

Dream sequence. The lights are surreal and blue. Wilhelm holds leaves and as he walks stage center, where there is a sharp circle of light, he scatters them about the stage. Jacob runs up to him, but cannot pass the edge of the light. Death comes up behind Wilhelm holding a large scepter. She enters the circle of light.

Jacob: No. No no no no no no no no no….

Zoe: (From offstage) Jacob.

Death raises the scepter high into the air.

Jacob: STOP. Stop, I want to help you, Wilhelm let me help you NO DON’T DO IT—

Death and Wilhelm: Let him go.

Jacob runs to Death, who flashes her scepter at him before he even reaches her; he falls to the ground. Zoe runs onstage to help Jacob.

Zoe: Jacob, are you alright?

Jacob: (Mumbling) Let him go. No no no let him go I won’t let you do this to him…I no don’t let him go I can’t—

Death raises the scepter into the air once again. Jacob is transfixed. She brings it down on Wilhelm, who crumples instantly.

Jacob: NOOOOOOOOO—

The lights go black, then rise. Wilhelm and Death are gone. Zoe runs over to Jacob, who is sitting with his eyes closed, asleep.

Zoe: Jacob. JACOB.

He starts.

Jacob: Where is he…Wilhelm?

Zoe holds him. He is hysterical.

Zoe: Jacob, you were dreaming, it was a dream, it’s ok. Shh…

Jacob: It was so real.

Zoe: I know. It’s over now…shhh…it’s ok…

Jacob looks up at her.

Jacob: Thank you.

Zoe: Don’t mention it, bub. (Pause) Who’s Wilhelm?

Jacob: A…friend. My brother.

Zoe: Look, I don’t know why you’re here, but if you ever need to…(Pause) I know what it’s like to lose someone.

Jacob: Oh?

Zoe: Yesterday…you asked how I knew the witch doctor?

Jacob: Yeah…

Zoe: Two years ago, I…I had a, uh…magical abortion.

Jacob: Oh, I’m…I’m sorry.

Zoe: Bippy was close to me, too.

She cries. Jacob holds her. Long pause.

Jacob: You know, I thought it was a joke. At first, you know? I woke up and he wasn’t in the house, but that wasn’t unusual; he gets up earlier than me all the time. Likes the morning sun, I guess. But then he wasn’t there for lunch or dinner…I just, I thought he was trying to get back at me for not cleaning my dishes, or something. And then I went to his room…and my whole body got cold, just walking in there, like a tomb. And his books, they were scattered everywhere. His desk, snapped in half. I spent the night in the forest, I couldn’t bear to be in that house, just imagining…he’s all I have, see. I can’t bear to lose him.

Zoe kisses him. Lights fade.

Scene Sixteen

Death enters Wilhelm’s cell through the open door. She spies Bradley’s dead body, runs over to it, and weeps. Bradley stands up and joins Bippy on the Tree of Life. Lights fade.

Scene Seventeen

Witch Doctor’s hovel. Zoe comes up, panting, and calls to Jacob, who is offstage.

Zoe: Jacob, hurry up, we made it!! (She sees Witch Doctor, played by a very loosely disguised Death) Oh…hello.

Witch Doctor strides up to Zoe and snaps her neck. Zoe falls to the ground. Jacob enters and runs up to Zoe.

Jacob: What—

Witch Doctor: Dropped dead of exhaustion. Have a seat.

Jacob: Oh…god…

Witch Doctor: This will go much more smoothly if you take your mind off other things.

Jacob: (Trembling) Would you please…can we please…move the…body? I can’t…I can’t look at it—

Witch Doctor: Oh, fine. (Calling offstage) ALEXANDER!

Her assistant enters.

Alexander: What, m’lady?

Witch Doctor: Will you please remove this body? Thank you. (To Jacob) Have a seat.

Alexander exits with the body. In the background, Zoe joins the Tree of Life. Jacob sits. Lights dim slightly.

Witch Doctor: I need you to clear your mind.

Jacob: (Pause) I’m sorry…I’m…a little distracted—

Witch Doctor: Think about Wilhelm. He needs you to do this. You’re so close, Jacob. Do it for him.

Jacob: Of course. (Breathing deeply) Ok.

Witch Doctor: Now, I want you to imagine a pristine lake in the center of a forest. And in the center of the lake, a tree.

Young Wilhelm laughs from offstage.

Witch Doctor: Do you have it?

Young Wilhelm: Jacob, don’t go out so far, I can barely keep up with you!

Jacob: Yes, I have it…

Witch Doctor: Good. Now go up to the tree.

Young Wilhelm: It’s so beautiful.

Witch Doctor: Pick a leaf.

Young Wilhelm laughs.

Witch Doctor: I need you to keep looking at the tree, Jacob, keep watching the tree.

Young Wilhelm: Look at it…it’s so perfectly golden, you can see yourself in it…

Witch Doctor: Jacob! Look up, don’t take your eyes off the tree.

Young Wilhelm: Where’s it going?

Jacob: Where’s it going?

Witch Doctor: Good, Jacob, good, now I need you to follow the tree.

Jacob: What’s happening, Wilhelm?

Witch Doctor: Jacob! Follow the tree, don’t let it get out of your sight.

Young Wilhelm: It’s disappearing…

Witch Doctor: (Placing a paper and quill in Jacob’s hands) Draw where it’s gone, Jacob, draw where it’s going.

Young Wilhelm: Jacob, don’t leave me!

Jacob: Wilhelm? What’s happening? Where are you? Wilhelm?

Witch Doctor: It’s just a game, Jacob. He’s not really gone, follow the tree.

Jacob: Wilhelm—

Witch Doctor: This is the only way you’ll get him back.

Pause.

Witch Doctor: Can you see it?

Jacob: Yes.

Witch Doctor: Draw it. (He does) Good. Can you see how to get there? Jacob?

Pause. Jacob opens his eyes.

Jacob: Yes.

Witch Doctor: Good. Go, go, what are you waiting for, go!

Lights fade.

Scene Eighteen

Wilhelm is alone in the forest, distraught. He looks around, frantically. Finally, a bird comes onstage, and flies around him.

Bird: Follow me.

Wilhelm follows the bird. Lights fade.

Scene Nineteen

Sunset. Jacob stands at the base of the Tree of Life. All of the significant “dead” characters (Zoe, Bippy, Bradley) form a part of the tree. Wilhelm enters.

Wilhelm: Jacob! We have to get out of here—

Jacob: Wilhelm, I can’t believe it’s—

Jacob runs to Wilhelm, about to embrace him, when Death enters.

Death: STOP. (They do) I hate to break up your fond little reunion, but…okay, well, I love to break it up, but that’s beside the point.

Wilhelm: Jacob, we have to stop her, she wants to—

Death: ENOUGH. (Wilhelm crumples to the ground.) ß<<OR SHOULD JACOB DIE HERE INSTEAD?>>

Jacob: NO—

Jacob runs to him and then to attack Death, who turns on him.

Death: Your brother wasn’t enough, eh Jacob? Couldn’t wait for your own turn? Well guess what? (He buckles over in pain) It’s your turn.

Jacob falls limp to the ground. Death walks slowly, triumphantly, up to the tree of life. She reaches out to grab a branch when one of the characters that form the tree grabs her. The rest follow and chant in unison to form the voice of the Tree of Life. As they speak, they pull her into the tree, so that she forms its trunk.

Tree: Wait, wait, take hold, take root. Wait, wait, live, grow. Dig through soil. Spread. die. Shhhh. Shhh.

The tree chant needs work. The final “shhh’s” (if I even keep them) should imitate the sound of wind through leaves. Once Death is firmly a part of the tree, they step down. Each holds a green leaf. They step over to Wilhelm and Jacob and trace over their bodies with the leaves. They drop the leaves to the ground and lift the characters up. One moves a bed onto the stage, downstage center (in front of the tree). Another moves a chair next to the bed. They guide Wilhelm to the bed and Jacob to the chair, and once again become the tree. The tree is silhouetted behind the stark, intimate lighting of Jacob and Wilhelm. There is a long pause. The staging on the next scene should be minimal and should bear a strong contrast to all of the previous scenes.

Scene Twenty

Jacob: Do you remember that…one time, we must’ve been like 7 and 8 or something, and we were running through this forest by our house. You remember the one?

Wilhelm: Of course.

Jacob: You were…you were pretending to be this…this…monkey or something, god, I don’t know, but you were captured by this Monkey King, I guess, it was so ridiculous, and I had to save you but you just moved so fast I couldn’t catch up. I thought I wasn’t ever going to catch you, until I chased you to this huge, clear, crystal lake in the center of the forest. God, it was beautiful, with trees hanging over it and vines that looked like arms reaching down into the water. We had never seen it before, and we decided to go swimming, I guess we grew tired of the monkey game.

Wilhelm: (Laughing) It was kind of a boring game.

Jacob: It was, wasn’t it? (Pause) At the center of the lake there was this, this little island and the only thing on it was a huge old tree, I swear it looked like it had seen the creation of the world and would live to see its end…it was just…timeless, I guess. And the water next to it felt…I don’t know, different…softer, or something. We swam up to this island, and we were so exhausted by that time, exhausted and content. We climbed up to this tree and just lay there, sprawled out in the sunshine. (Pause) I think about it a lot.

Wilhelm: As I recall you stole my sandwich and fed it to the fishes.

Jacob: Oh, I’d forgotten that, haha.

Pause.

Wilhelm: It gets easier.

Jacob: Can I get you some tea?

Wilhelm: I used to be so afraid—

Jacob: Look, we don’t have to…

Wilhelm: We do. (Pause) It’s not that I want it to come…but. I’ve spent so many nights awake, just…listening, waiting for the sun to come up, for the comfort of the sun. It’s just…it’s incredible how much one can endure…and still bask in the sun…

Jacob: I don’t want to lose you.

Wilhelm: I know.

Jacob: I remember…thinking…we were immortal that day.

Long pause.

Wilhelm: We were.

Maybe tbey embrace. Lights fade on them and rise on the tree, so that the brothers are silhouetted against the tree. Lights fade to black.