Jerusalem liberated

 

 

play by M. Francis

based on the epic of Torquato Tasso
translation of Artur de Azevedo
adaptation by Ruth Salles

NOTE

The epic “Jerusalém Libertada”, by Torquato Tasso (sixteenth century), recounts episodes of the first crusade romanticized by the author, as he himself confesses at the beginning, asking the muse for forgiveness “if, among the true accounts, / I put on the sheets some other charm". This piece was based on her. The crusade in which Jerusalem was liberated in 1099, preached by Pope Urban II, is part of Christendom's movements to free itself from Muslim power. Before, Muslims allowed pilgrims free access to the holy places, but with the capture of Jerusalem by the Seljuk Turks, coming from Turkestan and with a rigid fanaticism, all access was forbidden. At that time, the Church of Rome had its share of worldliness, which caused the reaction of humble and fervent characters, such as Peter the Hermit and Saint Bernard, who also encouraged the trip to Jerusalem. In their ardent enthusiasm, the Crusaders – so called because of the great cross they wore painted on their armor and shield – actually dreamed of Jerusalem as a new, more Christian Rome. The Christian spirit, however, was overthrown by the very cruelty of the fighting. However, the pilgrims, when meeting the Greeks, saw that there were other Christians, the Orthodox, and they also met later, generous Muslims, of high spiritual level.

In addition, they took to Europe different concepts of culture and art, new techniques in the planting of cereals, in addition to cotton, muslin, divan, pillow (words of Arabic origin) and the custom of making bazaars (another word of Arabic origin). They also learned to deal with tariffs, taxes, and saw communities with state criteria, which did not yet exist in Europe. All this pilgrimage from west to east, despite the horror of the war campaigns and the subsequent retaking of Jerusalem by the Muslims, broadened the vision of Christians and carried from east to west a great treasure of culture and art. At the request of the class teacher, Angela Mazur Chiessi, I created more female characters: three weavers of time, one from the Past, another from the Present and another from the Future, who open and close the play; I also created a handmaid for the Saracen Sadira and I took the liberty of changing the names of some Muslim characters in the play to names really of Arabic, Turkish and Persian origin. This is the second adaptation I make of this piece, updating the language more and reducing the passages in verses, at the teacher's request. The first adaptation was made in 1989, at the request of teacher Tiseko Yamagushi. As for the music, I made two suggestions of Arabic music and French medieval music, but I leave the choice to the music teacher. The sung prayer I made for Scene 2 of Act One is optional. That's why I left the lyrics only at the end of the piece.

Ruth Salles

 

CHARACTERS

Godofredo de Bulhões (Duke)
Baudouin, his brother
Robert of Normandy
Gernando (prince, son of the King of Norway; may later play Ajib)
3 Officers of Gernando
Tancred
Tancredo's page
Guelph (Count)
Reinaldo, his nephew
Francolim, Reinaldo's squire
three christian squires
Be heavenly (can also play Peter the hermit)
Peter the hermit
Aladdin, Saracen chief, king of Jerusalem
Ajib and Omar, his officers
three muslim squires
aladin's slave
Suleyman, Saracen
Ismenus, Saracen Mage
Zadig, you mute
3 Shadow Beings (can also be represented by the 3 weavers)
weaver of the past
Gift weaver
weaver of the future
Tamara, Saracen of Persian origin
Sadira, Saracen of Turkish origin
Nuray, handmaid to Sadira (old woman)
3 servants of the shadow realm

 

INTRODUCTION TO THE FIRST ACT

 

(Godofredo is at the front, in a corner, dressed as a crusader, looking into the distance, as a representative character of the Crusade. which remains immobile all the time.)

 

THREE WEAVERS (enter weaving and talk to each other):
– Sisters,
in our income, all destiny is written,
from forever to infinity...

GIFT WEAVER (comes forward, weaves and then speaks):
– The present tense is what I weave…
And I weave what's going on...

WEAVER OF THE PAST (steps forward, reads in her lace and then speaks):
– I weaved the Past… I weaved what happened
with whom to the east he sojourned…

WEAVER OF THE FUTURE (comes forward, takes the needle to weave, then speaks):
– I will weave the Future.
I will lighten the dark
of what is about to happen
to every kind of being...

THREE WEAVERS (when discovering the figure of Godofredo):
– Here's the Crusader!

GIFT WEAVER (to Godofredo):
– Crusader! your chest closes
the most fervent ardor,
because you want to free the earth
where Our Lord walked.
As you go to war,
May God be your protector!

WEAVER OF THE PAST (to Godofredo):
Your courage soars,
take you to the blessed land,
because in your ear it echoes
the voice of Peter the hermit.
She resonates and resonates
in your infinite faith.

WEAVER OF THE FUTURE (to Godofredo):
– Godofredo de Bulhões,
you will always be remembered
for all hearts
who are by your side.
success and disappointments
you will take as equals,
and fulfill your missions
in Jerusalem, crusader!

 

FIRST ACT

Scene 1

Moonlight night. Ancient Jewish Cemetery on the outskirts of Jerusalem.
Godofredo, Gernando, Tancredo, Guelfo, Reinaldo, Balduíno, Roberto; then Aladdin, Suleyman; Ismenus, beings of shadows; Sadira.

(Godofredo, at first impatient, finally sees his six companions arrive.)

GODOFREDO (expanding concern): – You have finally arrived! (to his brother): – Frankly, Balduíno, what a delay! This old Jewish cemetery is a dangerous place.

BALDUIN: There is nothing to fear here, my brother. Besides, as we've seen, everyone is sleeping in Jerusalem at this hour, isn't that right, Roberto?

ROBERTO DA NORMANDIA: – Anyway, let's be careful. But what do you want to tell us, Godofredo?

GODOFREDO: – You are my chiefs, and I have noticed in you less impetus to fight. What happens to you? After all, we have already been victorious in Antioch and Nicaea.

BALDUINO: You are wrong, Godofredo. We will not rest until we liberate Jerusalem.

GERNANDO: - It is only necessary to consider that here King Aladdin is firmer on his throne than we all thought.

TANCREDO: – What Gernando says is true. Egypt sent reinforcements to Aladdin. And Suleyman, the king of Nicaea, to avenge his defeat, united, from Libya, divided Arab tribes, and is now with Aladdin.

REINALDO (laughing and joking): – I know what worries you, Tancredo… Yesterday, at the fountain, you met Tamara, the beautiful Muslim warrior, and your heart is overwhelmed with passion…

TANCREDO (angry): – Now, shut up, Reinaldo!

GODOFREDO: – So that's why, Tancredo, you now despise the fight?

TANCREDO: — Not at all! I'm ready to go all the way in this campaign.

GUELPH (sits on the ground): – When the Arabs ruled Palestine, they allowed Christians to visit the holy places, although paying tribute. But now that the Turks are in control, the pilgrims have been treated cruelly and even risk their lives.

GERNANDO (sitting down too): – Guelfo is right. The Turks always burn the lands that some Christians own here.

GODOFREDO: – Friends… If we left our homes and exposed our lives to the dangers of this war in such a distant place, it was not to gain fame or to possess land. It was to reclaim Jerusalem, the holy ground where Christ trod!

REINALDO (sitting down): – Well spoken, boss! The Saracens, whether Arabs, Persians or Turks, have Mecca as their holy city. We are entitled to ours too!

GODOFREDO: – My brave Reinaldo, that's right! And, all of you, be of good cheer! Tomorrow is the decisive moment. We must break camp at daybreak. And may our march be swift, that we may come by surprise to the east gate of the city!

ROBERTO (also seated, in a low voice): – Silence… Someone approaches…

REINALDO (gets up, looking into the distance): – They are Saracens!

GODOFREDO: Let's go quickly, comrades! And may God give us the victory! (all seven come out on one side)

SULEYMAN (enters from the other side, followed by Aladdin): – This is the place we were told, but there is no one here, sir.

ALADIN (looking around): – What a dark and scary place, Suleyman…

SULEYMAN: If you had listened to my advice, you would not have come. You are Aladdin, the king of Jerusalem, and you stealthily leave your palace in the middle of the night to attend an appointment arranged in an anonymous message!

ALADIN: But think of the strange words it contained: 'Tonight, when the moon has run three-quarters of its course, it goes to the ancient Jewish cemetery; there I will give you the means to triumph over Geoffrey's army.”

SULEYMAN: Well, there's only one way to defeat Godfrey and his army: it's to fight him with all our strength. My sword will do more for you than that mysterious being you came here to seek.

ALADIN: - Shut up, Suleyman. Everything tells me that this man is one of those who subject nature to the force of his magic.

SULEYMAN: But this superhuman being takes a long time; surely he thought you would come alone and he dares not exercise his lying art in my presence.

ISMENUS (appears suddenly and mysteriously): – You are wrong, Suleyman. I am here.

SULEYMAN (raises his sword): – Speak, who are you? Answer or die!

ALADIN: Wait, Suleyman!

ISMENE: This fool's sword will break in his hand.

SULEYMAN (exasperated by Ismeno's ironic tone): – You're an imposter!...

(Pushes at him, wants to hurt him, but his sword breaks.)

ISMENE (laughing satanic): – Humble yourself, Suleyman, and understand that there is a power greater than that of man. (to Aladdin): – Aladdin, you did well to trust my message, because your triumph or your ruin depends on this interview. In vain would you try your luck in combat; in vain your troops, gathered with those of Suleyman, would fight against the soldiers of Christ. Victory was reserved for Geoffrey; a few more days, and Jerusalem would fall into the hands of the Christians.

SULEYMAN: And what can you, alone, against an entire army?

ISMENUS: What can I do? My voice is joined by those who, like me, have magical powers. And, by the force of my enchantments, the invisible worlds are opened, and I dispose of shadow beings as I wish, as if they were my slaves.

SULEYMAN: And what proof will you give us of that power?

ISMENUS: Well, look! (a horn sounds, which he was wearing around his waist)

SHADOW BEINGS (appear and evolve on the scene screaming): – Uh… uh… uh…

ALADIN (looking at the evolution of beings): – What a terrible spectacle!

SHADOW BEINGS (they leave exclaiming): – Ismeno!… Great is your power!…

SULEYMAN: (with disdain): - They are beings of the shadows. And the other human being you spoke of, who would have magical powers as well? Where is he?

ISMENUS: Where is she, it must be said. She is a woman, full of youth and beauty. Let her show up! (smoke appears, to which Ismeno addresses):
– Smoke of the great mystery, help me to bring Sadira here!

SADIRA (appears from the smoke and speaks slowly): – I am Sadira, niece of Idraorte, governor of Damascus. The dark king told him to send me here to help you.

ISMENUS (also slowly and solemnly): - Sadira, you who have, under your delicate appearance, a strong thought, listen to the plan that will be triumphant with your help!

SADIRA (in the same tone): – I'm ready. Speech!

ALADIN: What a wonder!!

SULEYMAN: - Forgive me, Ismeno, your power is infinite.

ISMENE: – Sadira, you will have the power to inspire ardent love to all who contemplate you. The fiercest hearts will not be able to resist your beauty; each of your worshipers will think himself the only one preferred by you, and you will love none of them.

SADIRA: – Seduction and indifference…

ISMENE: But do not be captivated by any man; because if you give in to love, you will become a woman like the others and you will be exposed to all the evils that weigh on humanity.

SADIRA: – And what should I do?

ISMENUS: – Go to Geoffrey's camp. There, before your charms, the main ones will break their oaths and disobey the voice of their leader. Only one, perhaps, will resist you: it will be Reinaldo. This brave young warrior, the terror of our soldiers, is the most dangerous of all defenders of the cross. If he escapes your snares, we are hopelessly lost!

SADIRA: – Like all the others, Reinaldo will succumb.

ISMENUS (hits him with a magic wand): – Sadira! May the earth and the kingdom of shadows submit to your voice!

(Thunder. The shadow beings reappear and evolve on the scene.)

SHADOW BEINGS: – Uuuuh… Sadira, sister! We pay tribute to you!…

 

 

scene 2

The Christian camp, with tents on either side if possible.
Peter the hermit; Godofredo, Balduíno, Roberto, Gernando and his 3 officers, Tancredo and his page, Guelfo, Reinaldo, his squire Francolim and 3 more squires; Ismene; then Sadira and her handmaid Nuray; later, the heavenly Being.

(Christians are kneeling on either side of the camp. In the center, Peter the hermit blesses them. They touch their foreheads to the ground, then rise. After the blessing, they say their speech or sing the prayer, which is at the end. of the play.)

PETER THE HERMIT (blesses): – Knights of Christ! May God help you!

CHRISTIAN CHORUS (raising his head): – O Lord, give us courage!

PEDRO, THE HERMIT (hands Godofredo the flag with the cross): - Godofredo de Bulhões, noble leader of this valiant army, my eyes will still see this redemptive sign shine on the walls of Jerusalem.

GODOFREDO (already standing): – Jerusalem is for us a holy city, chosen by Christ to die on the cross, to be buried and to rise again after three days.

CHRISTIAN CHORUS (only the leaders, already on their feet): – We will endure whatever comes. We don't want easy honors and we know very well that many will lose their lives here.

CHRISTIANS CHORUS (plus the officers, squires and page): - But if we die where the body of Christ was buried, we will have a happy end. Weep not our death!

GODOFREDO (after a moment of silence): – Soldiers, prepare your weapons for tomorrow! Jerusalem will not fall to the first assault. Suleyman, our implacable enemy, once defeated by us at Nicaea, will make us pay dearly for his defeat. Our troops, moreover, need rest.

(Peter, the hermit, the officers, squires, and page enter the tents, except Francolim, who leaves. Godofredo, standing still, seems to be giving orders to the principals.)

ISMENUS: Here I become invisible, and no one hears me. (pause) – Brave soldiers, who believe you are already our rulers, before an hour you will have despised your general and desecrated your flag, because envy, jealousy, hatred and revolt form Sadira's procession, and Sadira already tramples yours. camping.

GODOFREDO: – Reinaldo, Gernando, and you, Tancredo, follow me! Let us hasten our preparations; it is necessary for the war machines to tear down the strongholds that Suleyman will try to defend. (Godofredo and the others go out, but voices and a trumpet are heard warning of something sudden) – What does this great uproar mean? – Reinaldo, call your squire. He went out there. You have to know what happens.

REINALDO: – Francolim!!

(Soldiers emerge from the tents and stand ready. Francolim rushes in.)

GODOFREDO: – What happened? Aladdin attacks our trenches?

FRANCOLIM (half out of breath from running): – Thank heaven…, sir…, the Saracen doesn't think about us; however…, people leave the tents, chiefs and soldiers jostle each other… to admire a young foreigner who has just arrived. (with himself) – Heavens, how I ran!

GODOFREDO: – A woman?

FRANCOLIM: – Yes, sir!… And, by Saint Luke, my patron, she is the flower of the works of God!… A princess covered in jewels from head to toe! He is asking to speak to the general of the Christians; but everyone wants to see her, talk to her…; the crowd grows larger and larger around him!

GODOFREDO: – Who will this foreigner be?

GERNANDO: Sir, I will guide her here. (He leaves)

FRANCOLIM (to the warriors; the sound of voices outside): – Do you not hear these acclamations? It's a delirium, an enthusiasm for my sins. I was a little dizzy myself. This princess has a look that crumples one's soul.

GODOFREDO (hearing screams): – Now I hear screams of terror.

REINALDO (looking into the distance): - The crowd scared the horses that pull the girl's car. They shoot and run towards an abyss!

ALL (except Godofredo): – Let's go quickly!

ISMENO (always invisible and unheard): – Godofredo, it was only for Sadira to appear, and you were left alone. To your valor and the divine protection that surrounds you, I oppose a woman, and you will be defeated.

(To the cheers from outside, the warriors return to the scene in front of Sadira, who enters by Gernando's hand and followed by her handmaid Nuray.)

GERNANDO: – Madam, I don't know if I confuse the earth with the celestial, because the sky dresses you in more light than any other mortal being. So explain to me who you are, so that I may know you and offer you my adoration.

SADIRA (haughty): – Sir, I do not have this excessive merit, nor do I have such praise. I'm mortal, yes. (turns to Reinaldo): – Sir knight, you saved our lives, using the bridle of my horses, which would tear the car apart. May I know the name of my generous savior?

REINALDO: – I'm Reinaldo, ma'am. (guides her to Godofredo) I present to you our general.

SADIRA (bows to Godofredo): – Foreigner and fugitive, sir, I come with my handmaid Nuray to implore asylum and protection. Though born in the religion you intend to annihilate, I dare ask for your help in my disgrace.

GODOFREDO: – Misfortune, madam, is always entitled to our protection. What can the general of Christians do for you? Speech!

NURAY (while Sadira is silent, feigning shyness): – When you know who my lady is, you'll guess what help she asks of you. She is Sadira, daughter of the King of Damascus. Her parents died when she was still a child, leaving the kingdom in the hands of an uncle. He watched her grow and designed her marriage with his son, a vile and rude man. (speaks indignantly) Faced with Sadira's refusal, her cousin usurped the throne and expelled us, threatening us with death. The people of Damascus, however, impatiently bear their cousin's yoke and call loudly for her to take up arms.

SADIRA (speaking modestly): – I, poor woman that I am, cannot assume the leadership of my people and fight with them. Lord, give me some of your warriors… Terror will march before them, and I will be victorious. (becomes animated) A guard in Damascus promised to open a secret door for me and introduce me to the palace at night. He told me that the company will be successful if I get help, as everyone knows the value of Christian knights.

GODOFREDO: – Madam, I would give you what you ask, if our first duty were not to free the people of God and raise the banner of Christ on these walls.

1st OFFICER OF GERNANDO: - Sir, he who supports an innocent maiden does not shy away from the service of God.

GODOFREDO (to the official): – Silence! (to Sadira): – Madam, I will not bear the brunt of my refusal alone. The Council, meeting, will decide.

2nd OFFICER OF GERNANDO: – It is the duty of a knight to help a lady.

GODOFREDO (to the official): – Silence! (to Sadira): – Until the Council's answer is known, this tent, which belongs to Reinaldo, will be a safe haven for you. In a short time you will have our decision. (He leaves)

3rd OFFICER OF GERNANDO: – Let it not be said in France that we run away from the risks of a fair work.

REINALDO: - Calm down, comrades. Let's go to the Council and respect the result, whatever it may be.

(Reinaldo leaves; everyone else follows him, giving Sadira looks of interest and love. Sadira reclines on the cushions of Reinaldo's tent, with Nuray at her feet. Ismeno, who has been hiding, comes to stand beside her.)

ISMENUS: – Sadira, the conquest of Jerusalem is no longer the main thought of these knights. I am very satisfied with my work! (rubs hands)

SADIRA: - Which is very imperfect: for why do I have so many powers if I also have all the weakness of a woman? (sighs)

NURAY: – Reinaldo barely replied to your thanks, and that hurt you, didn't it?

ISMENUS (severe): – Sadira, beware, I already told you. May love not take possession of your heart, for as soon as you say "I love" all your power will dissipate.

SADIRA: – There is nothing to fear, master. I'll be careful. To rule men, the elements, and even the shadow realm itself, that is my power. I will not trade you for the love of a man.

ISMENUS: Very well. So you will do more for Aladdin than Suleyman with all his army. Zadig, my particular demon, who can take all forms, is also in the Christian camp, sowing discord. – Christians! You will not even see the tomb of Christ, which you came to free!

FRANCOLIM (enters talking to himself): – Francolim, Francolim… My master, when he shouts for me, it's just that nickname horrible. My name is Franco, strong name, loyal name! Francolim… Francolim is a partridge, a kind of chicken with no future… (suddenly sees Sadira) Oh! There is that goddess of my sins...

ISMENUS (hiding himself): – Sadira, who is that man?

FRANCOLIM (to himself): – How strange… Now that I’m in front of her, my tongue feels like it’s stuck to the roof of my mouth…

SADIRA (to Francolim): – What do you want with us?

FRANCOLIM (with one knee on the ground): – I… yes… Let me speak to you on my knees, madam princess… but don't look at me! There's something in your eyes that makes a heart catch on fire. Madam princess, you asked our general for some knights to expel your cousin, the one who did the barbarity of dethroning you. I am a mere squire, royal lady, but I will leave the Christian camp destitute for your sake. Accept me as one of your defenders. I will despise even my own master…

SADIRA (interrupts him): – And who is your master?

FRANCOLIM: – It's Reinaldo. We are from the same land. Lady, from now on, I will be brave and courageous, I will fight your enemies, I will kill your barbarian cousin, just because I want to be the squire of the beautiful Sadira...

SADIRA: – I accept your services.

FRANCOLIM: – Thank you very much, my lady! (aside, with hands and head turned towards the sky): – May my soul be taken care of!

GERNANDO (enters with his officers): – Beautiful Sadira, you must not expect anything from Godofredo. He refuses the help you begged for.

SADIRA: – Refusal?!!

GERNANDO: – But we will face your ban. I, Gernando, son of the King of Norway and volunteer in this army, can break the ties that bind us and offer my sword to the Princess of Damascus.

OFFICIALS OF GERNANDO: – We accompany you.

SADIRA: Noble knights, but what will your general say?

GERNANDO: What do we care? We are no longer your soldiers, we are your slaves. (kneel at Sadira's feet)

ISMENO (aside from Sadira): – This is the first victory.

SADIRA (to Ismeno aside): – But it's Reinaldo I want to see at my feet.

ISMENUS (to Sadira aside): – Hey there!

REINALDO (enters, while Francolim hides behind the tent): – What is happening here? The soldiers of Christ at the feet of this woman? Warriors, through me, Godfrey orders you to renounce this foolish plan.

GERNANDO: Well then! Tell him that Gernando and his officers no longer recognize him as their chief and have dedicated themselves to the cause of the Princess of Damascus.

REINALDO: Are you all mad? (to Gernando, who draws his sword): – Ah, do you draw your sword? Well, I'll use mine too!

(Gernando's officers want to attack Reinaldo. Gernando stops him.)

GERNANDO: – Go with Sadira! I will suffice only to punish this proud man!

(The officers leave, leading Sadira and Nuray out. Francolim follows, on tiptoe. Ismeno leaves, invisible. Gernando immediately falls to Reinaldo's blows.)

TANCREDO (enters): – What have you done, Reinaldo?

REINALDO: – I punish the insolent, the mutineer.

TANCREDO (angrily): – You were very imprudent! Didn't you think that now Gernando's officers will kill you?

REINALDO: – I have already faced death a thousand times in combats with the infidels.

TANCREDO: But you must not receive it from a Christian arm. Reinaldo, I would not give you advice that would be contrary to honor: in the name of Geoffrey, of Guelfo your uncle, of all your companions, do not affront the rage of Gernando's officers. Part! Get away from this camp, of which you are the best sword and the best heart... You will be called as soon as it is necessary to win.

REINALDO (indignantly): – Me, to run away from Gernando's officers? Impossible!

TANCREDO: – It is necessary. (Screams are heard outside) They're coming! In the name of God, Reinaldo, leave! Thou shalt not die here. You will be needed to lead us to victory. Go! I stay, to protect your retreat. (Reynaldo leaves.)

OFFICIALS OF GERNANDO (seeing him fallen): – Gernando!

1st OFFICER: – Where is Reinaldo? He dared to attack the prince of Norway. You have committed an unpardonable crime and must be punished. He's guilty of death!

TANCREDO: – Reinaldo left.

3rd OFFICER: – Justice! Godofredo has to show justice. Death to Reinaldo!

HEAVENLY BEING (imposes his shield on the soldiers, who kneel): – May there be no disagreement between brothers. All of you are indispensable to Geoffrey's mission: the liberation of Jerusalem. Calm down and think about the common good! (leaves)

2nd OFFICER: – What is this great power that has approached us?

1st OFFICER: – I don't know… Let's go, comrades. (They leave carrying Gernando, on the side where Sadira left. Tancredo leaves on the other side.)

END OF THE FIRST ACT

 

(to be continued)

 

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