ROOM–DAY,
Enter PROSPERO and MIRANDA. She sits on the bed with a grunt, frustrated. He looks at her with worry, touches his mustache, and sighs.
Thunder
MIRANDA looks out the window and then back at her father.
MIRANDA
[Pleadingly] Please, Papi. If your magic conjured this terrible cyclone, calm the waters down. It’s as if Tlaloc is angry. I have seen the people that died on the shore because of this very storm. I suffer with them. Oh, if only I were the god of rain, I would have made the sea disappear. As I saw the tragedy, my heart sank; the same way their boat did.
PROSPERO
[In a soothing voice] Calm down. Tell your sinking heart that everything is alright; no one was hurt.
MIRANDA
[Frustratedly] I am miserable!
PROSPERO
[In a soothing voice] All my life I have been taking care of you, my dear daughter. I do not blame you for being ignorant of our past, much less of knowing where I come from; but I am much more than the Prospero you know, master of only this room and your father.
MIRANDA
It had never occurred to me that there was much more to know.
PROSPERO
I believe it is time that you know, but first take off my magic sarape.
MIRANDA stands up and takes the magic sarape off PROSPERO’S shoulder.
PROSPERO
[Calmly] Lay on the bed and wipe your tears, dear. I know that you are a kind soul, and the view of the wreck broke your heart. I recognize that it was my doing but do not worry, you should not cry for anyone aboard that ship. It is time that you know.
PROSPERO sits next to MIRANDA.
MIRANDA
You have tried many times to tell me about our past, but you have always stopped midway through and said, “You are not ready yet.”
PROSPERO
[Calmly] You are ready now. Be attentive and listen closely. Do you remember the times before we arrived here? I do not think you do; you were barely three years old.
MIRANDA
Well, Papi, I do.
PROSPERO
What do you remember? A house or a person? Tell me what you can remember.
MIRANDA
It feels like a distant dream; did I have five maids that tended to me as a child?
PROSPERO
[Speaks softly but seems desperate] Yes, there were, but there was more. Swim into that distant dream, look for moments that happened in the past. If you remember times before we landed on this island, you can recall the journey that brought us here.
MIRANDA
[Whispers tearfully] That I cannot remember.
PROSPERO
[Breathy voice] It has been twelve years since I was Duke of Galicia, in New Spain. A viceroy with much power.
MIRANDA
[With an elevated voice] You are my father, right?
PROSPERO
[Breathy voice] Your mother was a good and honest person and she said you were my daughter. Because I was Duke of Galicia, and you were my only heir, a noble princess. I have never questioned it.
MIRANDA
[Surprised tone] Oh my god! But what happened? Did someone punish us or were we lucky to move to this island?
PROSPERO
[Breathy voice] Both things. Someone was evil enough to rip our titles and privileged positions from us, but we were lucky to have secret help.
MIRANDA
[Tearfully] I am so sorry to remind you of such a painful time in your life. However, I would like you to finish the story.
PROSPERO stands up and paces as he speaks.
PROSPERO
[Bitterly] Your Uncle Antonio—listen carefully, (oh what a betraying rat) was the person who I loved and trusted the most. I trusted him to rule Galicia, the most powerful reign in New Spain. I, the most powerful duke, was admired because of my extensive knowledge. My brother ran the government for me while I focused on my studies. . . . Are you still listening?
MIRANDA
Yes, very attentively.
PROSPERO
[Bitterly] He was smart, so he soon knew exactly how to manipulate people that were not as powerful as he. He corrupted those who I thought were my allies. Because he had enough power over the government and crucial people, he was invincible, almost as powerful as Quetzalcoatl, king of kings. He was like the seaweed that grows on this island, invasive and reckless. He took the vitality out of my life . . .
PROSPERO looks back at his daughter with a scolding look on his face. He sighs.
PROSPERO
[Exasperatedly] You are not listening to me.
MIRANDA
I am, I promise.
PROSPERO
I urge you to listen. I trapped myself in the pursuit of knowledge, of topics that are rarely appreciated. This is when my brother became evil. The more I trusted him, the more of a liar he became; and unfortunately, I trusted him infinitely. He used my position and wealth to get his way and, after lying for so long, he seemed to truly believe that everything that was mine ought to be his. Including the title of Duke of Galicia, and the privileges and rights that come with it. His ambition grew exponentially. . . . Are you listening?
MIRANDA
Your tale is like 6:00 p.m. coffee, I cannot get enough of it.
PROSPERO
He played the role perfectly, but the only obstacle left in his way was to be the legitimate Duke. And as for myself, I was still enjoying my books. He allied himself with the King of Vizcaya to get rid of me. My brother agreed to pay the King a huge amount of money every year, and to cede the dukedom to the control of Vizcaya. My poor, independent Galicia!
MIRANDA
[Surprised tone] Oh, my God!
PROSPERO
[Bitterly, hurt] Do you think I can truly call him a brother after his pact with Alonso and what happened because of it?
MIRANDA
I cannot think anything negative about abuela, because she is your mother, but sometimes good trees make bad apples.
PROSPERO
Now you must hear the consequences of the alliance. Antonio asked my enemy, King Alonso, to banish me and all immediate family from Galicia so that he could take the dukedom. In exchange, Antonio would pay and be loyal. They reunited an army to get rid of us. It was a dark midnight when soldiers rushed us out of the castle.
MIRANDA
[Tearfully] In the name of Tezcatlipoca, how miserable we must have been! I cannot remember if I cried then, but I sure will today!
PROSPERO sits beside MIRANDA and doesn’t meet her eyes while he talks.
PROSPERO
I must tell you more.
MIRANDA
[Tearfully] Why were we not killed after they rushed us out of Galicia?
PROSPERO
My story includes the answer to that question. They would not dare. I was beloved, and the stains of my blood would ruin their plan. They moved us to the open sea of Tlaloc so that we could be put in a boat with no equipment, food, or garments. The sea is merciless, as you know. The wind mimicked our sighs and, even if it was the tiniest breeze, it made us more uncomfortable.
MIRANDA
[Surprised tone] Oh my god! I must have been a burden.
PROSPERO
[Emotional, looks at her while talking] You were my anchor. Your smile cured the bitterness of my tears. It gave me courage to protect you and overcome the challenges we would inevitably face.
MIRANDA
How did we find this island?
PROSPERO
With the help of the Aztec gods. A nobleman from Vizcaya was put in charge of making us leave Galicia. He was kind and gave us necessities that have lasted for many years. He also gave me my most precious books.
MIRANDA
I wish I could meet him someday.
PROSPERO stands up and puts on his magic sarape.
PROSPERO
Listen to the rest of the story. Since we arrived here I, your teacher, have given you more education than other princesses received; because they can distract themselves with foolish things and not pay close attention to their educators.
MIRANDA
May the gods thank you for it! But I am still wondering: Why did you create such a destructive cyclone?
PROSPERO
[Soothing tone] You may only know that by some strange miracle, Xochiquetzal, the goddess of luck, has brought the protagonists of this story to this island. I cannot miss this chance by doing nothing. Do not ask any more questions. I can tell, you are sleepy.
MIRANDA lays on the bed and falls asleep. ARIEL enters.
ARIEL
[Cheerful tone] Hello to you, Master! Greetings! I come to do whatever you want me to: dancing cumbias, collecting volcanic rock, even flying. Whatever you need, Ariel shall do.
PROSPERO
[Serious and severe tone] Spirit of mine, have you created and controlled the cyclone as I told you to?
ARIEL
[Cheerful tone] I have done everything! I boarded the king’s ship. In every room I turned myself into fire and terrorized everyone. I even did so in many places at the same time! From mast to mast I burned, and then I joined in a single flame. Not even Xolotl—the Aztec God of Fire and Lightning—could blaze as fast as I did. I even think that Tlaloc was scared by the violent waves.
PROSPERO
[Excitedly] Excellent, Spirit! Was anyone in the ship strong enough to withstand the cyclone?
ARIEL
Everyone aboard was desperate enough to act foolishly. Everyone except the crew jumped into the sea to escape. Ferdinand, the king’s son, was the first one to jump, screaming: “Mictlán, the place of the dead, is empty and their damned souls are here!”
PROSPERO
[Excitedly] Well done, Spirit! Did this happen out at sea?
ARIEL
By the shore, noble man.
PROSPERO
Are they out of harm, Ariel?
ARIEL
Everyone’s scattered around the island in small groups as you told me, master. No hair on their head has been harmed and their clothes are clean. The king’s son is alone in a corner of the island. He is sitting with his arms crossed, pouting.
ARIEL mimics FERDINAND who crosses his arms and sighs dramatically.
PROSPERO
What did you do with the ship, the crew, and all the other ships around them?
ARIEL
The ship is hidden in the gulf where you once summoned me to go get corn from the Cabo Islands. The sailors are sleeping because of a spell I cast and because of all of their effort during the cyclone. The other ships are scattered in different oceans and are now going to Vizcaya believing that their beloved king is dead.
PROSPERO
You have done everything perfectly, but there is more work to do. What time is it?
ARIEL
[Annoyed] Past twelve.
PROSPERO
The wreck was at 10. The time between now and 6 is precious, we cannot waste any.
ARIEL
[Disappointed] Why is there more work to do? Because you give me more tasks, I have to remind you that you have not fulfilled your promise.
PROSPERO
[Annoyed] What is it that you want from me? You are so moody.
ARIEL
[Annoyed] My freedom.
PROSPERO
[Offended and surprised] Before our deal is complete?! No way!
ARIEL
Please, I have done good work. I have never lied. I do not make mistakes. I have been a cheerful servant. You promised to shorten my time as a slave by a year.
PROSPERO
[Annoyed] Have you forgotten what I freed you from?
ARIEL
No.
PROSPERO
It seems to me that you have. Now you think that walking across the ocean, running up north, or doing work for me on the sand when it is cold is too hard.
ARIEL
I do not, sir.
PROSPERO
Do not lie, you evil spirit! Have you forgotten your old master, the witch Sycorax, who was so old and mad she grew a hump? Have you truly forgotten?
ARIEL
No, sir.
PROSPERO
Where was she born? Tell me this instant.
ARIEL
In Palenque, sir.
PROSPERO
Was she? Why do I have to repeat this story every month? Oh, because you forget. The witch Sycorax was thrown out of Palenque for committing the most terrible crimes with the most terrible magic. If I remember correctly, there was only one reason that they did not kill her.
ARIEL
Yes, sir.
PROSPERO
[Conceitedly] The ugly witch was brought to this island while she was pregnant. You were her servant, but always too kind and warm-hearted to commit crimes for her. She was so enraged that she put an extremely powerful spell on you. You were locked inside a pine tree for TWELVE years. She died and you were stuck there, in the greatest of pain, as if blades were being stabbed into you. The only person left on the island was her son, was it not?
ARIEL
Yes, Caliban, her son.
PROSPERO
[Conceitedly] Stupid spirit, I said that. You know the pain that you were in. Bears and wolves pitied you. The spell she put on you was made for the damned in Mictlan. I was the one who stopped your suffering, remember?
ARIEL
I thank you, Master.
PROSPERO
If you keep complaining, I will split a papaya tree and make you cry for at least twelve years.
ARIEL
[Sorrowfully] Forgive me, master. I will perform all my tasks happily.
PROSPERO
Do that, and you will be free in two days.
ARIEL exits. PROSPERO walks toward the bed and shakes MIRANDA to wake her.
PROSPERO
[Whispering] Wake up, dear! You have slept well. Wake up!
MIRANDA
[Drowsily] Your story made me sleepy. It is so strange.
PROSPERO
Well, shake it off. We have got to visit Caliban, the rudest of the slaves.
MIRANDA stands up and starts fixing her hair.
MIRANDA
He is evil, Papi. I do not like him.
PROSPERO
We cannot manage without the creature. He fetches wood and builds fires. Caliban! Answer me, pile of dirt. Answer!
CALIBAN
[Offstage, screaming rudely] There is enough wood!
ARIEL enters as a water nymph.
PROSPERO
[Happily] What a pretty spirit! Now Ariel, listen closely.
PROSPERO whispers something indiscernible to ARIEL.
ARIEL
[Cheerfully] Consider it done, Master!
ARIEL exits the room. PROSPERO turns to the window.
PROSPERO
[Screams angrily] Ugly slave, son of the ugliest of demons, come forward!
CALIBAN enters.
CALIBAN
[Bitterly raising voice] I hope that water droplets as evil as the ones that my mother used to pick from poison swamps drop on you both! I hope that the hot wind from the southwest gives you blisters!
PROSPERO
[Calmly] Just for saying that, be sure that you will have sharp pains that make it hard to breathe. Creatures will come out at night to do anything they want to you. Every centimeter of skin will be stung, and each sting will hurt a lot more.
CALIBAN
[Bitterly] It is time for dinner. This island is legitimately mine, given to me by my mother. When you first came here, you treated me kindly, giving me water with berries; you taught me the names of constellations and the sun and moon. I learned to love you then, and I showed you the island—the beautiful springs, saltwater pits, fertile land. I hate myself for doing that! May all the charms of Sycorax haunt you with horrible creatures! I am your only slave and subject, where I was once king. You confine me in this cave and do not let me roam on MY island.
PROSPERO
[Raising voice] You are a lying monster; it is good you only understand whipping and not kindness! Even though you are scum, I treated you fairly. I let you live in my own shack, until you tried to take advantage of my daughter.
CALIBAN
[Half-laughing, mocking] OH, HA; HA! I wish I had succeeded! If you had not stopped me, I would have filled the island with my children!
MIRANDA
[Flustered and frustrated] You repulsive slave! No matter how much effort is made to make you a good person, you are only capable of evil! I pitied you. I tried to teach you to speak and learn! You savage, who did not know the meaning of words and babbled like a beast. I gave you the means to communicate your desires. But you are so evil that good people cannot befriend you! You deserve to live in the cave.
CALIBAN
[Mockingly] You may have taught me words, but all that I learned is how to curse. May you die from the plague for teaching me!
PROSPERO
[Screaming angrily] You son of a witch, move! Bring us firewood. Be quick, I have more work. Are you shrugging, refusing my orders, evil monster? I will fill your body with sharp pains. Your bones will ache and make you scream like a wild animal!
CALIBAN
No, I am begging you.
CALIBAN starts to walk away while talking to himself.
CALIBAN
I must obey. He is so powerful that he could even make Setebos, my mother’s god, his slave.
PROSPERO
Well then, go, Slave!
CALIBAN exits. FERDINAND enters with ARIEL, who is invisible, playing music and singing.
ARIEL
[Singing]
Walk toward these yellow sands,
and then take my hands.
Have you charmed and kissed
The wild waves into a whisper?
Tap lightly here and there,
let them carry, sweet spirits
The burden. Listen!
SPIRITS
[Singing offstage]
Bow—bow.
ARIEL
[Singing]
The watchdogs bark.
SPIRITS
[Singing offstage]
Bow—bow.
ARIEL
[Singing]
Hark—Hark. I hear
The melody of a rooster
who cries cock-a-doodle-do.
FERDINAND
Where is this music coming from? The air or the earth? It is quiet now—it may be played for some god of the island. The music came from the roaring waves as I sat mourning the loss of my father’s ship. It soothed both me and the fury of the water. It led me here, but I cannot hear it anymore . . . wait, it has started up again.
ARIEL
[Singing]
Your father lies below the sea,
his bones are coral,
his eyes resemble pearls,
every part of him is mortal.
He has been changed by the sea,
into something rich and strange,
his death bell is played.
SPIRITS
[Singing offstage]
Ding-dong.
ARIEL
Listen, I hear the bell.
SPIRITS
[Singing offstage]
Ding–dong, bell.
FERDINAND
This song is in honor of my dead father. It cannot be made by mortals, as I hear it above me.
PROSPERO
Miranda, lift your eyelashes and tell me what you see.
PROSPERO points at FERDINAND.
MIRANDA
[Mesmerized] Is it a spirit? What is it? It is looking all around. Believe me, Papi, it is very good-looking. But it must be a spirit.
PROSPERO
No, my dear. It eats, sleeps, and feels as we do. He was shipwrecked and even though he is painted with grief—which always spoils beauty—you could call him handsome. He has lost his companions and is trying to find them.
MIRANDA
[Mesmerized] I could describe him as a god; I have never seen anything so beautiful.
PROSPERO
[To himself] Everything is happening as I hoped it would. [To Ariel cheerfully] Wonderful spirit, you will be free in two days for doing your job so well.
FERDINAND
[Mesmerized while seeing MIRANDA] This is obviously the goddess that the music is playing for! Please answer my prayer and let me know if you live here and explain how I should act. But I have saved the most important question for last—oh you beauty—are you a girl or not?
MIRANDA
I am not a goddess, sir. I am a girl.
FERDINAND
[Ecstatic] She speaks my language. My god! If only we were back home.
PROSPERO
[Surprised] What!? What would happen if the King of Vizcaya heard you say something like that?
FERDINAND
I am amazed to hear you mention Vizcaya. I am the King of Vizcaya—I saw with my own, sorrowful eyes—my father was killed in the shipwreck.
MIRANDA
That is terrible!
FERDINAND
The King’s lords have perished, as well as the Duke of Galicia and his brave child, too.
PROSPERO
[To himself] The real Duke of Galicia and his even braver daughter could control you right now if they wanted to. She fell in love with him at first sight! [To Ariel] Delicate Ariel, I will free you for making this happen.
MIRANDA
[To herself] Why is my father so rude to him? This is the third man I have ever seen and the first that has made me sigh. I hope my father is moved by pity so that he wants the same that I do!
FERDINAND
Oh, Miranda, if you are a virgin and you have not given your love to someone else, I will make you queen of Vizcaya.
PROSPERO
Wait sir! Allow me one more word!
[To himself] They’re already in love. It is a quick love. I have to put obstacles in the way so that they appreciate each other. [To Ferdinand] I demand that you hear me. You have stolen a name that does not belong to you. You have come to the island of Cozumel as a spy and to try to take my island.
FERDINAND
No, I swear!
MIRANDA
His body is a temple and nothing evil can happen in it. If Mictlan had such a beautiful house, only beautiful things would live in it.
PROSPERO
Follow me. [To Miranda] Do not try to defend him, he is a traitor. [To Ferdinand] I will chain your feet and neck together. Your food will be saltwater, mussels, roots, and papaya peels. Follow me.
FERDINAND
I will resist such unfairness until my enemy defeats me.
FERDINAND draws his sword; PROSPERO puts a spell on him so he cannot move.
MIRANDA
[Pleading] Please, Papi. Do not be too harsh on him. He is a gentleman, too brave for his own good.
PROSPERO
[To Miranda] Are you trying to tell me what to do? [To Ferdinand] Put down your sword, traitor. I can tell you can make a show, but you do not dare to strike; your conscience is too guilty. Let your guard down, another spell of mine can disarm you.
MIRANDA
[Pleading] I beg you, father.
FERDINAND
Stay away from me! Do not grab my clothes.
MIRANDA
Father, have pity, I can assure you of his good intentions.
PROSPERO
Silence! Say another word and maybe I will even hate you. You are advocating for an impostor? Be quiet. You believe that he is handsome, but you have only seen Caliban. Foolish child, to most he looks like Caliban and compared to him, most are angels.
MIRANDA
Then my attachment is humble, I do not want to see a better-looking man.
PROSPERO
[To Ferdinand] Obey! Your body is like one of a baby, with absolutely no muscle or strength.
FERDINAND
My strength is gone as if I was in a nightmare. The loss of my father, my weak body, the death of my friends. . . . This man’s threats would be nothing if I could see this girl once a day. I would not need to go anywhere on Earth. I have enough space in the prison.
PROSPERO
[To himself] It is working. [To Ferdinand] Come on! [To himself] Ariel has done well! [To Ferdinand] Follow me. [To Ariel] Listen to what you need to do for me.
MIRANDA
Take comfort. My father is of better character than he seems. His actions are unusual.
PROSPERO
[To Ariel] You will be free as mountain winds after you do everything I say.
ARIEL
Every little thing.
PROSPERO
[To Ferdinand] Come, follow.
[To Miranda] Stop! Do not defend him.
ALL EXIT
Regina Gutiérrez is from Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico. Regina is currently studying at PrepaTec Saltillo, where she is a junior. Her love for literature started at 10 years old with a book called Serafina and the Black Cloak. Since then, her reading interests have evolved from fantasy worlds and science fiction into murder mysteries and romance sagas. She is also passionate about writing, especially poetry and short stories. Regina forms part of the very first NEHS chapter at her school and is eager to keep participating.
