All scripts and ideas have to start from somewhere. The following looks at those very early ideas for the original stage version of Traveller. (Please note: this was the first script I wrote!)
To being with, I wanted to try and get a feel for the mood of the play and how Will's character would come across. Scene One: Voice, was just a play with ideas regarding the character Voice. I cut it out soon after because it didn't seem to fit at all with the final versions of the script.
SCENE ONE: Voice
The stage is bare except for a single chair placed centre stage. On this chair sits VOICE, arms folded. The stage is fully lit.
VOICE: (Spoken carefully and slowly). Who am I? A character? If so, is this the voice of the character? Or is this the playwright’s voice? Or could they be someone else’s words been said through me? (Pause). Or could I be an actor on a stage? Does that make these the character’s words? Or am I saying the words of the playwright? Could I even be reciting someone else’s words? (Longer pause). What if I am the playwright? Am I saying my own words? Or am I a character called Playwright in someone’s play? Could these then be the words of someone else? (Pause). And what if I am that someone else... (Fade to blackout).
Scene Two: Reflections, was an introduction to Will. Here, he is setting he scene and you know that something has happened that he can't explain. Again, this was also cut, this time because it asked far too many questions at the opening of the play, and could very easily loose the audience.
SCENE TWO: Reflection
‘You Take My Breath Away’ begins to play. The stage is dark. A small area of light is cast down on centre stage with WILL in it.
WILL: (Addressing the audience). Just recently there’s been a few questions floating through my mind. What happened to me? How can I understand what went on? Can someone tell me? Will I ever find out what really happened? I have often wondered if all of it was made up. Whether it was some sort of attention seeking, or an over dramatic reflection of stress, or something like that. Compared to what has happened to other peoples’ lives, mine seems so trivial and very insignificant. But while I’ve been looking over what went on and what my experiences and emotions were, I have to conclude that something did happen. I have several explanations, some logical and some not. While looking at my past I have to keep that logic in mind and yet at the same time open my mind up to the possibilities of anything - no matter how far fetched and fantasy like they are. But often the most out-of-this-world things that can’t easily be explained tend to be the closet answer that you’ll ever get. Okay, so this sounds almost like science-fiction, which I would have to agree with, but when you've experience the things that I have, you have to allow the possibilities for anything. It was around the Autumn of ‘97 since it all ended. To be honest though, I wasn’t that sure that it had then, but I believe it has now. It’s hard to explain it and understand, but you have to believe it and except that something went on. I know I keep stressing that but I don’t want to push anyone away with what I’m saying. I want them to know. But what is it that I want them to know? What I went through? Or do I want to give them a warning - give them help and tell them that they’re not alone when experiencing these feelings. But the second I start talking, they won’t want to hear about it. They either don’t believe in what I'm saying or can’t accept it and refuse to believe. (Little laugh). It’s so confusing isn’t it? I haven’t even started yet and it doesn’t really make sense. (To himself). It didn’t to me at the time. (To the audience). It’s like a little voice in my head questioning everything. (Pause). Now here my story. Let me tell you about it...
Then I jumped straight to the final scene. The Closing Scene was an attempt to throw as many Queen lyrics that I could into it. (I used 6 in the end). It also acts as Will's release from it all. This scene did appear in the final version, although slightly altered.
CLOSING SCENE
The stage is empty and WILL steps forward. It is very dark and a very dim blue light casts shadows around. As he begins to speak, ‘Track 13’ from the 'Made in Heaven' album is played.
WILL: (Quietly to himself). This has been going on too long. There’s no living in my life anymore. Nothing really matters to me.(Pause). I know I can defeat it – but I’m tired. I just want a rest. (Longer pause). I promised myself that I’d sort this out by the end of the holiday. But I can’t do that right now. I’m aching through the mental torture that I have placed on myself. How strong can you be with matters of the heart? (Longer pause. He looks up to the heavens and addresses God). So please God, for just this once – just this once. (Softly). Take it away from me – take it away from me. Please. (Pause). All that I ask you for is a rest. (Pause). Just one rest. (He lowers his head). I am so tired. (Pause). I’m so tired. (His eyes begin to water and the music builds up. The stage is slowly becoming more lit by the blue lighting as he gently falls to his knees and raises his right hand as he begins to feel a warm presence surround him). There’s a kind of magic in the air. (When the guitar is heard, he closes his eyes and a small smile spreads across his face). Music is playing in the darkness. (The smile widens). I can hear the music playing in the darkness. (As the music begins to reach its climax, a sense of release falls upon WILL. All his troubles over the past few years are taken away from him and the feeling of overwhelming happiness sweeps through him. When the music finishes the lights dim and return to their original brightness as at the beginning of the scene. WILL stands up and slowly steps backwards mouthing ‘Thank you’ several times. And slowly...)
THE CURTAIN FALLS
This next script was written whilst planning the original stage version of Traveller. I wrote it just to get a feel for the characters and to see how they would interact with each other. This is the first time the character of Madra appeared on paper.
MADRA: I don't understand.
WILL: I don't think you can.
MADRA: Do you?
WILL: I’m not sure. It may take time. In fact I think it will take a long time to fully understand.
MADRA: Do you think there is an answer to the question?
WILL: I don't even know what I'm asking, let alone whom I’m asking.
MADRA: Well, who have you asked so far?
WILL: I haven’t really asked anyone straight forward. I keep mentioning things in conversations with people, hoping that we could start talking about it. But, it often doesn’t happen.
MADRA: I think you're tip toeing around the truth.
WILL: The truth? I'm not even sure if anyone can answer that.
(Pause)
MADRA: Have you asked God?
(WILL makes a small nervous laugh under his breath).
You haven't have you?
WILL: To be honest, I'm a little afraid.
MADRA: You're a little afraid about asking God your ultimate question? The question that could answer everything?
WILL: I know, but . . .
MADRA: But what? What are you really afraid of?
WILL: If I'm wrong. If everything that happened to me was nothing and I'm just trying to make something out of total nonsense. What if God right now is looking down on me, laughing and saying that all of this is just me trying to get some attention and trying to make myself feel special?
MADRA: No, no, Will. Don't be silly. That's the last thing you want to think. When will you realise that everyone is special in their own way?
WILL: Yes, I know that. But what if I'm trying to make myself that extra bit more special than anyone else?
MADRA: But why would you do that?
WILL: Because I'm like that? Oh, I don't know.
MADRA: You know what your problem is? Low self-esteem. You have very little respect for yourself and take everything to heart when someone is trying to help you. Why do you do that?
WILL: I don't know.
MADRA: Is that all you're able to say? ‘I don’t know.’
(WILL just stares ahead and doesn't say anything).
You doing it right now, aren’t you? Everything I'm saying you’re taking to heart.
And finally, the first real attempt at creating a first scene. I wrote about half of the script, stemming from this one scene. Dialogue later changed as it felt too clichéd for what I was trying to achieve. But three scripts later from this, I had the final stage version of Traveller.
SCENE ONE: A meeting in the park.
The stage is in darkness, except for a single street lamp casting a small area of light down stage right. Beneath the lamp is a park bench. WILL steps into the light, looks at it and decides to sit down. He is wearing a long dark coat, gloves, and is smartly dressed. He removes his gloves and leans forward, placing his head in his hands, sighing. After a short time, MADRA walks into the light.
MADRA: Hello. Do you mind? (Indicating the bench).
WILL: Oh no. (Clears his throat). Not at all. (Sits up).
MADRA: Madra. (Introducing herself).
WILL: Hi. (Takes her hand and shakes it). You know shouldn’t be wandering around the park at this time of night.
MADRA: I only live across there. (Points out). Across the road. I just came out for a breath of fresh air.
WILL: Me too. (Pause). Do you normally sit and talk to strangers?
MADRA: No. But you don’t seem the kind of person who would try anything.
WILL: How do you know? I could be pretending all of this.
MADRA: You could. But I don’t think you would try it. (Takes out a personal attack alarm).
WILL: An attack alarm. Good idea those things. Personally, if anyone tried to attack me I’d be off like a shot. I’m not a fighter.
MADRA: (Laughs). I don’t know you, but I like you already.
WILL: Thanks.
(Pause).
MADRA: You look like a person who’s got a lot on their mind.
WILL: What makes you say that?
MADRA: Just a feeling.
WILL: Well, you’re right. I do have things on my mind. Personal though.
MADRA: Do you want to talk about it? I’m a good listener.
WILL: (Small laugh and to himself - ) That’s my line.
MADRA:I’m sorry?
WILL: Nothing. Long story anyway.
MADRA: Go on. Try me. (Teasing). I’m not letting you leave this park until you’ve told me.
WILL: (Playing along). I’m not going to get away am I?
MADRA: (Smiling). No.
WILL: All right then. (He stands up and removes his coat). Where do I start? (Thinks). I know.(The lamp goes out and the rest of the stage is lit up. Positioned centre stage there are two armchairs where WILL walks over to and sits down on one).
[The scene then leads into the mock Chat Show]
To being with, I wanted to try and get a feel for the mood of the play and how Will's character would come across. Scene One: Voice, was just a play with ideas regarding the character Voice. I cut it out soon after because it didn't seem to fit at all with the final versions of the script.
SCENE ONE: Voice
The stage is bare except for a single chair placed centre stage. On this chair sits VOICE, arms folded. The stage is fully lit.
VOICE: (Spoken carefully and slowly). Who am I? A character? If so, is this the voice of the character? Or is this the playwright’s voice? Or could they be someone else’s words been said through me? (Pause). Or could I be an actor on a stage? Does that make these the character’s words? Or am I saying the words of the playwright? Could I even be reciting someone else’s words? (Longer pause). What if I am the playwright? Am I saying my own words? Or am I a character called Playwright in someone’s play? Could these then be the words of someone else? (Pause). And what if I am that someone else... (Fade to blackout).
Scene Two: Reflections, was an introduction to Will. Here, he is setting he scene and you know that something has happened that he can't explain. Again, this was also cut, this time because it asked far too many questions at the opening of the play, and could very easily loose the audience.
SCENE TWO: Reflection
‘You Take My Breath Away’ begins to play. The stage is dark. A small area of light is cast down on centre stage with WILL in it.
WILL: (Addressing the audience). Just recently there’s been a few questions floating through my mind. What happened to me? How can I understand what went on? Can someone tell me? Will I ever find out what really happened? I have often wondered if all of it was made up. Whether it was some sort of attention seeking, or an over dramatic reflection of stress, or something like that. Compared to what has happened to other peoples’ lives, mine seems so trivial and very insignificant. But while I’ve been looking over what went on and what my experiences and emotions were, I have to conclude that something did happen. I have several explanations, some logical and some not. While looking at my past I have to keep that logic in mind and yet at the same time open my mind up to the possibilities of anything -
Then I jumped straight to the final scene. The Closing Scene was an attempt to throw as many Queen lyrics that I could into it. (I used 6 in the end). It also acts as Will's release from it all. This scene did appear in the final version, although slightly altered.
CLOSING SCENE
The stage is empty and WILL steps forward. It is very dark and a very dim blue light casts shadows around. As he begins to speak, ‘Track 13’ from the 'Made in Heaven' album is played.
WILL: (Quietly to himself). This has been going on too long. There’s no living in my life anymore. Nothing really matters to me.(Pause). I know I can defeat it – but I’m tired. I just want a rest. (Longer pause). I promised myself that I’d sort this out by the end of the holiday. But I can’t do that right now. I’m aching through the mental torture that I have placed on myself. How strong can you be with matters of the heart? (Longer pause. He looks up to the heavens and addresses God). So please God, for just this once – just this once. (Softly). Take it away from me – take it away from me. Please. (Pause). All that I ask you for is a rest. (Pause). Just one rest. (He lowers his head). I am so tired. (Pause). I’m so tired. (His eyes begin to water and the music builds up. The stage is slowly becoming more lit by the blue lighting as he gently falls to his knees and raises his right hand as he begins to feel a warm presence surround him). There’s a kind of magic in the air. (When the guitar is heard, he closes his eyes and a small smile spreads across his face). Music is playing in the darkness. (The smile widens). I can hear the music playing in the darkness. (As the music begins to reach its climax, a sense of release falls upon WILL. All his troubles over the past few years are taken away from him and the feeling of overwhelming happiness sweeps through him. When the music finishes the lights dim and return to their original brightness as at the beginning of the scene. WILL stands up and slowly steps backwards mouthing ‘Thank you’ several times. And slowly...)
THE CURTAIN FALLS
This next script was written whilst planning the original stage version of Traveller. I wrote it just to get a feel for the characters and to see how they would interact with each other. This is the first time the character of Madra appeared on paper.
MADRA: I don't understand.
WILL: I don't think you can.
MADRA: Do you?
WILL: I’m not sure. It may take time. In fact I think it will take a long time to fully understand.
MADRA: Do you think there is an answer to the question?
WILL: I don't even know what I'm asking, let alone whom I’m asking.
MADRA: Well, who have you asked so far?
WILL: I haven’t really asked anyone straight forward. I keep mentioning things in conversations with people, hoping that we could start talking about it. But, it often doesn’t happen.
MADRA: I think you're tip toeing around the truth.
WILL: The truth? I'm not even sure if anyone can answer that.
(Pause)
MADRA: Have you asked God?
(WILL makes a small nervous laugh under his breath).
You haven't have you?
WILL: To be honest, I'm a little afraid.
MADRA: You're a little afraid about asking God your ultimate question? The question that could answer everything?
WILL: I know, but . . .
MADRA: But what? What are you really afraid of?
WILL: If I'm wrong. If everything that happened to me was nothing and I'm just trying to make something out of total nonsense. What if God right now is looking down on me, laughing and saying that all of this is just me trying to get some attention and trying to make myself feel special?
MADRA: No, no, Will. Don't be silly. That's the last thing you want to think. When will you realise that everyone is special in their own way?
WILL: Yes, I know that. But what if I'm trying to make myself that extra bit more special than anyone else?
MADRA: But why would you do that?
WILL: Because I'm like that? Oh, I don't know.
MADRA: You know what your problem is? Low self-
MADRA: Is that all you're able to say? ‘I don’t know.’
(WILL just stares ahead and doesn't say anything).
You doing it right now, aren’t you? Everything I'm saying you’re taking to heart.
And finally, the first real attempt at creating a first scene. I wrote about half of the script, stemming from this one scene. Dialogue later changed as it felt too clichéd for what I was trying to achieve. But three scripts later from this, I had the final stage version of Traveller.
SCENE ONE: A meeting in the park.
The stage is in darkness, except for a single street lamp casting a small area of light down stage right. Beneath the lamp is a park bench. WILL steps into the light, looks at it and decides to sit down. He is wearing a long dark coat, gloves, and is smartly dressed. He removes his gloves and leans forward, placing his head in his hands, sighing. After a short time, MADRA walks into the light.
MADRA: Hello. Do you mind? (Indicating the bench).
WILL: Oh no. (Clears his throat). Not at all. (Sits up).
MADRA: Madra. (Introducing herself).
WILL: Hi. (Takes her hand and shakes it). You know shouldn’t be wandering around the park at this time of night.
MADRA: I only live across there. (Points out). Across the road. I just came out for a breath of fresh air.
WILL: Me too. (Pause). Do you normally sit and talk to strangers?
MADRA: No. But you don’t seem the kind of person who would try anything.
WILL: How do you know? I could be pretending all of this.
MADRA: You could. But I don’t think you would try it. (Takes out a personal attack alarm).
WILL: An attack alarm. Good idea those things. Personally, if anyone tried to attack me I’d be off like a shot. I’m not a fighter.
MADRA: (Laughs). I don’t know you, but I like you already.
WILL: Thanks.
(Pause).
MADRA: You look like a person who’s got a lot on their mind.
WILL: What makes you say that?
MADRA: Just a feeling.
WILL: Well, you’re right. I do have things on my mind. Personal though.
MADRA: Do you want to talk about it? I’m a good listener.
WILL: (Small laugh and to himself -
MADRA:I’m sorry?
WILL: Nothing. Long story anyway.
MADRA: Go on. Try me. (Teasing). I’m not letting you leave this park until you’ve told me.
WILL: (Playing along). I’m not going to get away am I?
MADRA: (Smiling). No.
WILL: All right then. (He stands up and removes his coat). Where do I start? (Thinks). I know.(The lamp goes out and the rest of the stage is lit up. Positioned centre stage there are two armchairs where WILL walks over to and sits down on one).
[The scene then leads into the mock Chat Show]
EARLY SCRIPTS