Ghostlight 1.2

Macbeth sits on the set, prepared to begin the meeting. Clyde, an older gentleman with a spunky side, wanders on stage.

Clyde: Hey, Mackie! What are you up to?

Macbeth: Preparing for the ritual. And you?

Clyde: Ritual? So soon?

Macbeth: So it seems. I sent Belasco to announce the meeting. (pause) Clyde, will you go-

Clyde: Yes, I'll go announce the meeting. (Clyde almost exits, then) HEY GUYS, COMPANY MEETING!!!

Leo enters, followed closely by Rhetta. Alicia finds her way on stage and sits with the others. Some hubbub while Natalie enters frantically, running across the stage. She reemerges with comically large scales and places them center stage.

Macbeth: Are we all met?

Leo: Where's Belasco?

Rhetta: And Oliveretta?

Clyde: (to Leo) Probably together. On the casting couch.

Olive enters, giggling, pursued by Belasco.

Olive: Easy, sugar, I have to look presentable.

Macbeth: I see you are enamored once again.
The love of young in some as old as you.

Olive: HEY Watch who you're calling old, grandpa!

Natalie: Quiet on the set! We have business to attend to!

Macbeth: Thank you, Natalie. Now. The company has begun rehearsal on their next production. (hubbub among others) Yes, we all know that this is surprising, seeing how the last production... concluded. However, our mission is the same: determine the will of the Fates and act accordingly. This art has the power to touch lives, and we will play the part of the fingers.

(Belasco whispers to Olive, who giggles loudly.)

Rhetta: Will you two, please, have some respect?

Olive: You're no fun, Rhetta.

Rhetta: Our job is an honor, and our satisfaction and joy come in a job well done. These are not mere performances; they are rituals and will shape destiny.

Belasco: Respect is great and all, but fun is what puts butts in seats and girls on laps. We don't even need the ritual, the Fates want comedy every time! Let's just get to work.

Macbeth: Enough! All I ask is for one smooth fulfillment of the Fates' will. Can we please begin the ceremony? (pause) Thank you. Natalie, the masks.

Natalie runs off stage, and emerges with a massive tragedy mask. 

Natalie: I can't find the comedy mask, they're usually together.

Belasco: I know where it is, let me get it. (Macbeth eyes him suspiciously) Relax, you grumpy Scotsman. I'm being helpful!

Belasco enters with massive comedy mask. Natalie takes mask from Belasco, checking it over suspiciously. She gives a nod to Macbeth, and hands it back to Belasco. Alicia, clearly new to this ritual, watches with earnest. Belasco and Natalie take their places on opposite ends of the scales.

Macbeth: (beginning ritual) We find ourselves again before you, Fates.
This band of artists seek to honor you
And we, respectfully, do seek the same.
The stories shared upon this wooden floor
Are echoes of the songs we sung to you.
We ask you now the part you wish us play:
Comedian, Tragedian. Both are
Assistants to your hand, two sides, one coin.
Their parts equally fit in your design,
And we, the gears of your grand clock, will turn
This show of theirs to fit your fantasy.
We know the cost of difference to your will;
The dire consequence of our misdeeds
Has shown our need to follow your design.
Which mask shall we put on? Which part to play?
Your will alone, dear Fates, will lead the way.

Natalie and Belasco place masks on scales. The scales tilt toward Comedy. 

Belasco: And there you have it!

Natalie: Alright everyone, I will write up assignments and distribute them among you before the night is over. Those actors are getting an early start, and we can't let them get too far ahead of us! If you have ideas or favorite gags from the past, let me know and I will try to work them in.

The group huddles around Natalie, throwing out ideas of ways to prank the production company below. They gather upstage, while Alicia quietly wanders to Macbeth.

Macbeth: Don't be nervous, darling. Natalie will give you a task that will be easy to carry out. You'll fit right in before long.

Alicia: That's not what I'm worried about. I guess I just... don't understand all of this yet.

Macbeth: (sighs) It will take time. I have been here so long, I have forgotten how hard it can be to transition. I suppose the only advice I can give is... to continue onward.

Alicia: I don't really have much of a choice in the matter, do I? I mean, whether I want to or not, I will... continue.

Macbeth: That's the spirit, spirit.

(Macbeth exits.)

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