The Essence of Love · terraces in Marrakech. Scene 1 – 2.30 in the afternoon Scene 2 – 10.30...

The Essence of Love

by

Philip Ayckbourn

© Philip Ayckbourn. The Essence of Love. Abridged for schools version 2009


1a b

Characters

Diana – mid 40’s Gemma – her daughter 19

Martin – mid 40’s

Tom – his son 21 Abdul-Hamid – street vendor 50’s

Synopsis of scenes

The action of the play takes place on two adjoining hotel roof

terraces in Marrakech.

Scene 1 – 2.30 in the afternoon

Scene 2 – 10.30 the following morning

Scene 3 – 6.30 that evening Scene 4 – 9.00 the following morning

Scene 5 – 5.00 that afternoon

Scene 6 – 10.00 that evening

Scene 7 – 4.00 the following afternoon Scene 8 – 10.30 the following morning

Time – the present

Scene 1

2.30 p.m. Two adjoining hotel roof terraces in Marrakech. Potted

plants form a divide between the two areas. On the SR area Tom sketches in an artist’s pad. A nearly empty plastic water bottle

rests on the floor beside him. Martin sits restlessly in a chair

reading his book.

Martin Come on Tom, let’s do something.

Tom I’m doing this. Martin Don’t you want to see Marrakech?

Tom No.

Martin Why not?

Tom Because I want to do this. Read your book. Martin I’m bored of reading. Don’t you want to look around…

check out the local ladies? Come on Tom, we’re on

holiday, in Marrakech, let’s have some fun.

Pause.

Tom. Tom Look, if you want to see Marrakech, go and see

Marrakech, I’m doing this.

Martin Great fun you are.

Slight pause.

I’m going.

Tom Good.

Slight pause.


2a b

Martin See you later.

Tom Take your time.

Slight pause.

Martin Last chance to come. Tom Ah!

Martin Okay, okay, I’m gone.

Exit Martin through USR doorway. Tom drinks the rest of his

water. He looks out at the view. He takes off his shirt. He lies

down close to the divide. After a couple of moments Diana enters

through USL doorway. Tom squeezes himself close to the dividing wall.

Diana Oh, look at this! Come out here darling, you’ll love this. We’ve arrived in paradise.

Gemma enters sulkily through USL doorway.

Isn’t this wonderful! Look. You’re not looking darling.

Oh, he was a nice boy. I thought you might want to talk to

him. Gemma No. I wanted to read my book.

Diana That’s not the way to meet boys by ignoring them.

Gemma I don’t want to meet boys. I’m perfectly happy without boys thank you.

Diana No you’re not.

Gemma Yes I am. Diana I had so many boyfriends when I was your age.

Gemma I know, you keep telling me.

Diana You would help yourself darling if you wore something –

how shall I put it… a little sexier instead of… and a little

make-up doesn’t do any harm. Gemma Mum!

Diana Tomorrow we’ll buy ourselves some wonderful Moroccan

clothes – (Noticing Tom) Oh!… Hello?

Tom Hello. Diana Didn’t see you there. Diana, how do you do? Enjoying the

sun I see?

Tom Yes. Diana You are?

Tom Tom.

Diana How do you do Tom. We’ve just arrived. My daughter:

Gemma. Gemma Hi.

Tom Hi.

Diana Are you alone Tom, or are there more of you here? Tom My dad.

Diana Ah. Oh, artist I see. Wonderful. I’m an artist too – not

drawing, no – actor me: theatre. Well isn’t this lovely. Goodness it’s so hot, I need to put on something a little

cooler. Perhaps we can all share a drink together later.

Diana exits through USL doorway.

Tom Look…

Gemma Gemma. Tom Gemma. I’m actually here to work – I was just taking a

little break that’s all. So I apologise, but I’m not here to

socialise, make conversation – however… interesting. Gemma Fine.

Tom Please tell your mother. Enjoy your holiday.


3a b

Tom takes up his sketchpad and resumes sketching. Martin enters

through USR doorway. He wears his sunglasses on his head/hat.

Oh, I thought you’d gone.

Martin I had. Sunglasses. You haven’t seen them have you?

Hello… what’s this, neighbours? Tom you didn’t say. Hello there. Martin – Marty.

Gemma Gemma.

Martin Gemma, lovely name. Martin Are you here alone or…

Gemma My mother.

Martin Ah. So where are you from Gemma?

Gemma Brighton. Martin Brighton, lovely. Welcome to Marrakech.

Gemma Thanks.

Martin So… are you at university? Gemma No. I work… in a shop.

Martin Ah. Selling?

Gemma Toys. Martin Oh… what kind of toys?

Gemma Children’s toys.

Martin Ah. Fascinating.

Tom Your sunglasses are on your head. Martin Oh… silly me. I’m always doing stupid things like that.

Tom You can go now.

Martin What’s the hurry. Honestly. Gemma and I are having a nice conversation, aren’t we Gemma?

Gemma Yes.

Diana enters through USL doorway wearing a new outfit.

Diana Hello, you must be Tom’s father.

Martin Ah… yes, I am.

Diana Diana – Di. Martin Martin.

Diana Hello Martin.

Martin Well, excuse me, I’m just off… out.

Diana Oh. I was hoping you might join us for a drink. I’ve got a little champagne to celebrate our arrival.

Martin No thanks I need to… go out.

Diana Later perhaps. Martin Yes, perhaps. Bye Tom.

Martin exits through USR doorway.

Diana Well, you’ll join us for a little champagne won’t you

Tom?

Gemma Mum, I think he wants to work. Diana Oh don’t be silly, nobody comes on holiday to work – eh

Tom? What’s the point of a holiday if one’s just going to

work? Holidays are for relaxing, meeting new people, enjoying a laugh, a drink… or two, not working.

Gemma Mum!

Gemma exits through USL doorway.

Diana Ah, Gemma, she’s so shy. I’m trying to encourage her to

be a little more… sociable. I think she reads too much, she’s always reading – I didn’t read a book until I was

twenty-eight – not a serious one – far too busy having fun

me, at her age. I’ll have to see some of your artwork Tom – if you want to show me that is. I love the impressionists

myself: Degas, Monet, Van Gogh – oh and Cézanne, I

adore Cézanne. Well… ready for that drink Tom? I am.


4a b

I’ll fetch the champagne.


Tom God, why me… why me?

Tom takes his drawing materials and exits through USR doorway.

_____________________________________

Scene 2

10.30 a.m. The following morning. Gemma enters through the USL doorway. She carries a book. She sits and reads. Tom enters

through USR doorway. He carries his drawing materials and an

almost full bottle of water. He commences sketching. After a few moments Diana enters through USL doorway wearing her

exercise outfit. She carries her bag.

Diana Here you are. (To Tom) Good morning, good morning. Tom Hi.

Diana You missed your champagne yesterday.

Tom Yes… headache. Too much sun. Diana Oh dear. Better today I hope.

Tom We’ll see.

Diana We’re going shopping later, aren’t we Gem? Look around the markets – or souks as they call them here apparently.

Now I won’t disturb you if I practice my morning

exercises I hope.

Gemma Mum, do you have to? Diana Yes I do, my body is my instrument, I have to keep it in

pristine condition.

Gemma Oh.

Diana commences her exercises which include vocal warm-ups.

Tom eventually exits through USR doorway.

Now look what you’ve done.

Diana Oh.

Gemma Maybe he wants some peace and quiet. Diana He’s bored. Why don’t you talk to him?

Gemma I have. He wants to be left alone, he told me.

Diana I don’t believe you.

Gemma It’s true – anyway, I don’t want to talk to him, he’s arrogant and conceited and extremely rude.

Diana Nonsense. You’re far too judgemental of people – that’s

one way to stay a virgin all your life. Gemma I am not a virgin. Oh!


Diana Gem, Gemma sweetie? Oh, why do daughters have to be

so complicated!

Diana recommences her exercises. The voice of Abdul-Hamid is

heard below.

A-H (Off) Gold bracelets, silver bracelets, amulets, talismans,

lucky charms.

Diana (Calling down) Hello down there. A-H (Off) Salam lady. You take a look?

Diana (Calling down) Why not.

A-H (Off) I bring.


5a b

Abdul-Hamid climbs up onto the terrace. He carries a bag.

Greetings.

Diana Greetings.

Abdul-Hamid opens his bag. The inside of the bag extends to

create a display with compartments filled with various items.

A-H Please, look. Bracelets, necklaces, rings. All good.

Diana May I?

A-H By all means.

Diana tries on a bracelet.

Beautiful. Try this.

Abdul-Hamid takes out a pendant and puts it round Diana’s neck.

Diana Good?

A-H You see.

He takes a mirror from his bag and holds it up.

Diana Oh yes, that works.

A-H This.

He takes out a bracelet. Diana puts it on.

Good. Like wife of sultan. Ring. Moroccan love-stone.

Diana puts on the ring.

Diana I like that. That mirror’s pretty too. A-H For you.

Diana Ah, thank you. Okay… now how much?

A-H For everything, one thousand dirhams.

Diana One thousand, that sounds a lot. A-H For you, special price, nine-hundred.

Diana Eight-hundred and fifty?

A-H Eight-hundred and seventy. Diana Eight-hundred and sixty… seven?

A-H You bargain well. Deal.

Diana Deal. Oh…

Diana fetches her purse from her handbag. She takes out a

handful of notes. She is confused.

A-H (Taking notes) Eight of these… six of these… and seven

of these. Now, for beautiful woman and good customer,

free gift.

Abdul-Hamid takes out a phial.

Love potion. Very strong. Diana Oh.

A-H A few drops in the cup will awaken the sleeping lover.

Diana (Sceptically) Really. A-H No want?

Diana I didn’t say that. It’s a gift is it? Then I’ll take it. Thank

you.

Diana takes the phial. Abdul-Hamid packs up his bag.


6a b

A-H You look million dirhams.

Diana Thank you. A-H Allah be with you. Enjoy sunshine.

Diana I will. Ciao for now.

A-H Ah – ciao for now.

Abdul-Hamid exits the terrace by the way he came. Diana enjoys

her purchases. She opens the phial and sniffs the contents.

Diana Love potion. He’s probably just given me water.

Diana looks across to the adjacent terrace and notices Tom’s

water bottle. She crosses to the SR terrace. She looks through the USR doorway and then pours a few drops into the water bottle.

She examines the water. She crosses back to the SL terrace.

(Calling) Ge –

She hesitates. She smiles to herself and recommences her exercises. She is struck but a sudden thought.

Oh my God, what if it’s poison! Fool Diana, fool! What

am I thinking!

She makes to cross the divide again but Tom enters through USR

doorway. He wears headphones and carries his portable music device. Diana turns her attempted cross into a leg stretch.

Got your sounds? Tom (Speaking loudly) Yes it is.

Tom picks up his water bottle (containing love potion). He puts the

bottle to his lips.

Diana I don’t think that’s a –

Tom drinks. He removes one headphone.

Tom What?

Diana Oh just… nothing…

Tom takes out the other headphone. He stares at Diana.

Everything okay? Tom…? Tom Ah…

Gemma has entered through USL doorway. She has Diana’s mobile. She hands mobile to Diana.

Gemma Lionel. Diana Lionel?

Gemma You know…

Diana Oh, Lionel.

Diana takes the mobile.

(To mobile) Lionel darling, how are you?… No, I’m in Marrakech… Yes… Yes it is…

Gemma is aware of Tom’s staring as she sits and reads her book.

Who’s that, Tony Hogget?… Yes, I think so… Just a

moment…


7a b

Diana exits through the USL doorway.

Tom Oh… Oh…

Gemma Sorry…?

Tom What’s her name? Gemma Are you talking to me?

Tom What’s her name?

Gemma Mum? Tom Her name?

Gemma Diana.

Tom Diana?

Gemma Yes. Tom (To himself) Diana.

Gemma Is something…

Tom (To himself) Ah… Di-an-a…

Tom is lost in thought. Martin enters through USR doorway with

his book. He wears sunglasses and moves slowly.

Martin Oh, is that you Tom? God knows what was in my drink

last night. Hello there… is it…?

Gemma Gemma, yes. Martin Ah.

Gemma Bad night?

Martin Yes. Something in the drink. Quiet one today I think. Reading? Romances?

Gemma No, environment book.

Martin Ah. Good for you. I’m reading about the kings of Morocco – very exciting.

Tom has been considering his attire and checking his body odour.

He crosses to USR doorway.

All right Tom?

Tom exits through USR doorway.

Gemma Is he…?

Martin Hm?

Gemma Okay? Martin Tom? You know what I think he needs: a good holiday

romance.

Diana enters through USL doorway.

Diana Hello.

Martin Oh… hello. Diana (Concerned) Everyone all right?

Martin Not me.

Diana Oh? Martin Feels like I’ve been poisoned. Excuse me.

Martin crosses to his chair and sits. Gemma mimes drinking

action. Martin removes his shirt.

Diana Where’s Tom?

Gemma He went inside. He’s acting a little… strangely. Diana Tom? Strangely?

Gemma He was just standing there going ‘oh… oh’. He wanted to

know your name. Diana My name? He knows my name.

Gemma He kept repeating it to himself: ‘Diana… Diana’. He’s

coming.


8a b

Tom has entered through the USR doorway. He has changed his clothes. Gemma sits. Tom looks over to Diana.

Tom Ha.

Gemma (Whispering) See. Diana Changed I see.

Tom Yes… yes… changed.

Slight pause.

Um…

Diana Yes? Tom Diana…

Diana Yes?

Tom Would you like to… Diana Yes?

Tom Take a look at my…

Diana Yes? Tom Art.

Diana Oh – yes… sure.

Tom Yes?

Diana Absolutely. Tom Great.

Tom helps Diana across the divide.

Diana Oh… thank you.

Tom So… er… this is just a few of my… sorry I’m a little… Diana Don’t be nervous, I’m not a savage critic.

Tom shows drawings to Diana.

Yes… Oh yes… Now that’s… I like that… Tom Yes?

Diana I do. Is that a fish there?

Tom No it’s a – well it could be, if that’s what you see.

Diana Oh I like what you’ve done here. Tom Thank you.

Diana Now that’s nice. I can see that one in my bedroom.

Tom You can. Diana Absolutely.

Tom Take it.

Diana What?

Tom I want you to have it – for your bedroom. Please. Diana Oh… thank you.

Tom Thank you.

Diana Well, these pictures Tom are very very… Tom Perhaps we could… go for a walk.

Diana A walk?

Tom Together. Diana Ah.

Tom I’d really like to… hear your ideas – what you think

about… art… other things.

Diana I see. Well… sure. Tom Yes?

Diana Okay. When? Now? Okay, I’ll…

Tom I’ll… meet you at the front of the hotel. Diana Sure.

Tom Five minutes?

Diana Okay.

Diana crosses the divide. Tom exits through USR doorway.


9a b

Gemma Well?

Diana Well what? Gemma Isn’t he behaving a bit strangely?

Diana Not at all – he’s a perfectly charming young man. One just

needs to know how to talk to people – men. We’re in fact

going for a walk together. Gemma A walk! What for?

Diana Why do people take a walk together. Honestly Gem.

Right, need to change. I’ll see you later.


Gemma Oh!

Martin snores.

____________________________________

Scene 3

6.30 p.m. That evening. Gemma is listening on her mobile. She

hangs up. Martin enters through USR doorway with a glass of

whisky and a bowl of peanuts. He moves carefully due to his sunburn.

Martin Hello. Gemma Oh… hi.

Martin Ah!

Gemma How’s the sunburn?

Martin Painful. My own fault. They’re still not back. Gemma No.

Martin Are you absolutely sure they went off together?

Gemma Yes. Martin Together together?

Gemma Yes.

Martin Hmm. Well they’re obviously having fun.

Gemma Yes. Martin Perhaps you’d care to join me for an aperitif; whisky?

Gemma Oh…

Martin Or perhaps something a little more refreshing; I’ll order up some chilled white wine, perfect for this time of the

day.

Gemma No… I’m fine. Thanks.

Gemma’s mobile beeps. She checks it.

It’s her. Martin Oh?

Gemma She says ‘everything’s okay’.

Martin Oh well… good, everything’s okay then. Gemma Yes.

Martin So… travel much do you Gemma?

Gemma Oh… not really.

Martin No boyfriend to take you away on romantic breaks? Gemma No.

Martin Well that’s not good enough is it… a pretty girl like you.

Ah, it’s nice to be on holiday, have a rest from work. Gemma What do you do?

Martin I look after a big team of sales people. I’m the boss.

Gemma Ah. What do you sell? Martin Water filtration units.

Gemma Ah.

Martin They respect me, my team; I’m hard, but fair, that wins


10a b

respect. Respect is very important.

Gemma Yes. Martin Gemma, I’m a good judge of people and I think perhaps

you don’t have enough respect for yourself. Am I right?

Gemma Well…

Martin Probably your mother doesn’t help you. Right again? Gemma I…

Martin Listen Gemma – I’ve got an idea: tomorrow, why don’t

you and I explore Marrakech together. Gemma Oh…

Martin Get away from your mother – just for the day. It will do

you good. If they can go off having fun together, so can

we eh? Gemma Ah…

Martin We can look at the architecture, visit the markets. We

might even get lucky. Gemma Hm?

Martin Might pick up a magic carpet – or a magic lantern; ‘yes

master, your wish is my command’. Gemma Ha.

Martin It’ll be fun. Think about it.

Gemma I will. Well…

Martin Are you sure I can’t interest you in a glass of wine? Gemma No, really… thanks. I need to…

Martin A peanut at least. Go on.

Gemma takes a peanut and eats.

You know the interesting thing about Marrakech is, is that it has one of the most –

Gemma starts coughing on the peanut.

Oh oh, gone down the wrong way. Hang on.

Martin fetches the water bottle (containing love potion).

Here, drink some of this.

Martin gives bottle to Gemma. Gemma drinks.

Better?

Gemma stares at Martin.

Gemma Ah.

Martin Breathe.

Gemma Thank you I… Martin Yes?

Gemma I…

Martin Yes? Gemma I was just… wondering if your offer of that glass of wine

was…

Martin Oh… absolutely… absolutely. I know, instead of wine,

let’s have some champagne. You’d like that? Gemma Yes.

Martin Good girl. Hang on to these. I’ll be right back. Don’t go

away. Gemma I won’t.


Ooh! He’s so… ooh!


11a b

Gemma puts the water bottle and peanuts down on the dividing

ledge and considers her appearance. She exits through USL doorway. Martin enters through USR doorway.

Martin All ordered, on its… Gemma?… Hello?… Hello?

Diana enters through USL doorway. She wears a newly purchased

outfit.

Diana Hello. We’re back.

Martin Ah.

Diana What do you think? Sumptuous isn’t it. You should see

what Tom’s wearing.

Tom enters through USL doorway also wearing a newly

purchased outfit. He holds a shopping bag.

Doesn’t he look something?

Martin Yes… yes he does. Hello Tom. Tom Hi.

Diana Is Gemma about?

Martin Ah…

Diana turns into the USL doorway.

Diana (Calling within) Gemma? Gem darling?

Tom crosses to the SR terrace and gathers up his drawing

materials.

Martin Everything… okay?

Tom Yes… thanks.

Diana (Calling within) All right sweetie. (To Tom) Now maestro,

where do you want to draw me? Outside, inside…? Tom Inside.

Diana As you wish maestro. Now, would you like me in this…

Diana takes out another outfit from the shopping bag.

or in this?

Tom I don’t mind, they both look fantastic. Diana You heard it from the man. Perhaps one in each.

Gemma enters through USL doorway. She has changed into a

sexier outfit and is wearing make-up. She holds a tube of after-sun lotion.

Hi darling. Gemma Hi.

Diana What do you think?

Gemma That’s great. Diana You look… nice.

Gemma Thanks.

Tom Let’s start. Come on. Diana?

Diana Yes, yes – coming… coming.

Tom and Diana exit though USL doorway.

Martin That’s very… pretty.

Gemma Thanks.

Martin Champagne’s on it’s way. Gemma Goody. I brought you some of this.

Martin What is it?

Gemma For your sunburn.


12a b

Martin Oh.

Gemma I can put some on if you like. Martin Well…

Gemma Do you want to lift up your…

Martin Oh… yes.

Martin lifts up the back of his shirt.

Gemma Ooh, that looks sore.

Gemma rubs after-sun lotion on Martin’s back.

Martin Oh. Gemma Okay?

Martin Yes. Oh yes, wonderful. You have lovely hands… very…

very…

Sound of doorbell USR.

Ah. Thank you for that.

Gemma My pleasure.

Martin I’ll get the…

Martin exits through USR doorway. Gemma swirls about the

terrace.

Gemma Mmm, so beautiful. Love, love, love, love, love.

Diana enters through USL doorway.

Diana All right Gem sweetie?

Gemma Oh yes.

Diana Are you… going out somewhere?

Gemma No. Diana Oh… You just look…

Gemma Well, you’re always telling me to dress sexier and wear a

little make-up so I thought I’d take your advice.

Diana Yes, well… good.

Sound of champagne cork popping from within SR.

Martin (Off) Ha ha!

Diana What’s he doing?

Gemma Opening a bottle of champagne.

Tom (Off) Diana? Gemma Hadn’t you better get back to Picasso?

Diana exits through the USL doorway. Gemma dances around the terrace. Martin enters through USR doorway with two glasses of

champagne.

Martin Here we are.

Gemma Thanks.

Sound of laughter from within SL.

Martin They’re having fun.

Gemma So are we. Martin Yes… yes we are. Well, here’s to… happy holidays.

Gemma Happy holidays.

They drink.

Ah.


13a b

Martin That’s nice.

Gemma Do you dance Martin? Martin Marty, please.

Gemma Marty.

Martin Ah, well…

Gemma I’m not very good either. I took a few salsa classes last summer.

Martin Oh?

Gemma hums some salsa music as she demonstrates.

Very good. Very good.

Gemma Come on, I’ll teach you. It’s easy. Just follow me. Like this… Yes… That’s it… You’re getting it… See, it’s

simple. Now we put it together.

They dance together.

You’re a natural.

Gemma hums to their dancing. They dance for a few moments.

Martin Oh, I’m losing it… Ah, lost it. Ha ha. Gemma I enjoyed that.

Martin Yes, me too. I know what I’ve got.

Gemma What? Martin Wait there.

Martin exits through USR doorway. Gemma dances and hums contentedly. Diana enters through USL doorway in a new outfit.

Diana What do you think of this one?

Gemma It’s lovely.

Slight pause.

Yes?

Diana You two having a nice… conversation are you? Gemma Yes thanks.

Tom (Off) Hey, where’s my Venus!

Diana (Calling back) I’m coming. Just be a little careful. Gemma Careful?

Diana Remember he is more than twice your age.

Gemma So. Anyway, you’re a good one to talk Tom’s barely

twenty-one and you’re almost – Diana Yes all right… I’m just saying. I’m only letting him draw

my picture, there’s nothing more to it than that.

Tom (Off) Di Di Di Di! Where are you? Diana (Calling back) Coming. Just be… careful.

Gemma He’s waiting for you.

Diana exits through USL doorway. Martin enters through USR

doorway. He carries a portable c.d. player and a c.d.

Martin Here we are. Gemma Ooh music.

Martin (Reads) ‘The Spirit of Marrakech’. I bought it yesterday.

Might be terrible. Gemma Put it on.

Martin puts the c.d. in player. Music plays. Gemma dances in a seductive manner.

Martin Oh, belly dance. Didn’t know you could do that.


14a b

Gemma I’ll give you a show.

Martin Okay.

Martin sits.

Hoorah! Gemma Turn it up, turn it up.

Martin turns up the music as Gemma does her seductive belly dance. Her dance culminates in her sitting astride Martin’s lap.

She leans in and kisses him passionately. Diana enters through

USL doorway holding up a drawing of herself.

Diana Ta dah! Gemma!

Diana sees the water bottle (containing love potion).

(To herself) Oh God!

She picks it up.

(To herself, but partly to audience) Oh God.

____________________________________

Scene 4

9.00 a.m. The following morning. Tom enters through USR

doorway. He holds several drawings. He crosses over to the SL

terrace area and looks through the doorway. He arranges his

drawings on the SL terrace area. He crosses back to the SR

terrace area and sits. Gemma enters through USL doorway.

Gemma (Drawings) Ugh! (Seeing Tom) Oh. Morning.

Tom Morning.

Slight pause.

Is she up? Gemma Haven’t seen her. Is he?

Tom No idea.

Slight pause.

What the hell do you see in him?

Gemma Well, for your information: he’s kind, sensitive, charming and incredibly… incredibly sexy.

Tom Ha!

Gemma And you… I could say the same about you… with my mother.

Tom There’s no comparison! She’s beautiful.

Gemma Please.

Gemma makes adjustments to her outfit as she hums contentedly

to herself. Tom hums to himself. Their humming escalates into a

competition between them and an attempt to drown each other out. Gemma exits through USL doorway. Tom crosses to the USL

terrace and makes a couple of minor adjustments to the

arrangement of his drawings. He crosses back and then exits through USR doorway. Diana enters through the USL doorway.

She carries her bag.


15a b

Diana (Drawings) Oh my God.

She looks over to the SR terrace and doorway. She takes the water

bottle (containing love potion) from her bag.

Now, what to do… what to do?

She mentally attempts to work out a solution.

Hmm.

Abdul-Hamid is heard below.


lucky charms.

Diana (Calling down) Salam. A-H (Off) Salam lady. Allah send another beautiful day.

Diana (Calling down) Please, can you come up; I need your help.

Abdul-Hamid climbs up onto the terrace.

A-H (Drawings) You do these?

Diana No. A-H Hmm. Okay, how can Abdul-Hamid help?

Diana Yes, well, listen Abdul-Hamid, remember that love potion

you gave to me? A-H You try?

Diana Yes.

A-H It good yes? Diana Yes, extremely good. Unfortunately there’s been a little

complication with it.

A-H Complication?

Diana Yes and I was wondering if by any chance you might be

in possession of an antidote of some kind? A-H Antidote?

Diana Yes.

A-H This is interesting request.

Diana Yes. I suppose it’s a… A-H Wait… yes… perhaps I have something.

Diana Yes?

Abdul-Hamid searches in his bag. He takes out a phial.

A-H Here, antidote.

Diana reaches for the phial but Abdul-Hamid holds it back.

Ah. Sorry, this is not gift; this is purchase. Diana Oh… well… How much?

A-H One thousand dirhams.

Diana A thousand! A-H That is my price.

Diana Shall we say three hundred? Five hundred then? Six

hundred?

Abdul-Hamid puts phial back into his bag.

Nine hundred? A-H One thousand. No?

Abdul-Hamid starts to move toward the terrace edge.

Diana All right, a thousand then – and that’s my final offer.


16a b

Diana fetches her bag. She puts water bottle down on table and

takes out her purse. She gives Abdul-Hamid money. Abdul-Hamid gives Diana the phial.

A-H Good to do business with you.

Diana Yes, I’m sure. A-H More purchases?

Diana No, this is enough for today thank you.

A-H As you wish. Ma’a salama – or as you say, ciao for now. Diana Ma’a salama.

Abdul-Hamid exits. She examines the antidote phial. Gemma

enters through the USL doorway.

Gemma Morning.

Diana Oh…

Diana hurriedly throws phial into her bag.

Morning.

Gemma What’s that?

Diana What?

Gemma That, you just threw into your bag? Diana Oh… nothing, just some perfume I bought.

Gemma (Drawings, sarcastically) These are nice.

Diana Yes.

Gemma looks over to the USR doorway.

How about a cup of tea?

Gemma No thanks, Martin and I are going out for breakfast. We’re

going to spend the day together actually and I don’t care

what you think about it.

Diana Right. Some lemonade perhaps. Gemma No thanks.

Diana You must have some. It’s a wonderful start to the day.

Full of good healthy vitamin C. I’ll make some up for you.

Gemma I don’t want any. Have you seen my sunglasses?

Gemma exits through USL doorway. Diana looks in her bag.

Diana Oh no.

She takes out two identical phials.

Oh! Fool! Which one?

She holds them both up to the light.

Oh! I don’t know. This one.

She selects a phial and throws the other back into her bag. She

exits with the phial through the USL doorway. After a few

moments Tom enters through USR doorway. He sees Diana’s bag.

Tom Ah.

He makes another minor adjustment to the positioning of one of his drawings and then crosses back to the SR terrace. Martin

enters through USR doorway.

Martin Morning.

Tom Morning.


17a b

Martin looks eagerly across to the SL terrace. He sprays his

mouth with breath freshener. He exits through USR doorway. Gemma enters through USL doorway with her sunglasses.

Tom He’s waiting for you.

Gemma Is he? Tom We all are. I’ll tell him you’re ready.

Tom exits through USR doorway. Gemma goes to Diana’s bag and takes out a hand mirror. She checks her face. She notices the phial

and takes it out. She removes the top and sniffs it. She is bemused.

She puts some drops on her finger and tastes. She puts phial back

in the bag.

Gemma (Touching forehead) Oh.

Martin enters through USL doorway.

Martin Good morning, good morning, good morning. Gemma Oh… hello.

Martin And how’s the lovely Gemma this morning?

Gemma Okay, thanks.

Martin Just okay? Gemma Just okay.

Martin Ah.

Gemma Why? Martin Are you still wanting to…

Gemma Hm?

Martin Come out… with me… today? Gemma With you?

Martin Look… Gemma?

Gemma Yes?

Martin Last night…

Gemma Last night? Martin Yes, you and me…

Gemma Me and you?

Martin You don’t remember?

Gemma Remember? Martin Here on the chair…

Gemma On the chair?

Martin You didn’t have that much champagne. Gemma What are you talking about?

Martin With the music, your…

Martin approximates a belly dance.

Gemma What?

Martin And then…

Martin mimes their kiss.

Gemma Please, I don’t know what you’re talking about.

Gemma crosses to a chair. She takes the water bottle (containing

love potion) and drinks.

Martin Ah, well then… well then… my mistake… sorry.

Gemma stares at Martin.

Gemma Ah. Hi. How are you? Martin Ah…

Gemma Are we… going out… together… today?

Martin Ah…


18a b

Gemma You’ve changed your mind?

Martin Oh… ha ha ha ha! Very good. Gemma What?

Martin I believed you for a moment. Very convincing.

Gemma What?

Martin I shall have to watch you. I’m ready.

Diana enters through USL doorway. She holds a glass of

lemonade.

Diana (Curtly) Ah… hello.

Martin Hello.

Diana Here you are darling. Gemma I don’t want any.

Diana You must.

Martin I’ll meet you at the hotel entrance shall I? Gemma Yes.

Martin exits through the USR doorway.

Diana Got to drink some of this.

Gemma I don’t want any. Let me past.

Diana I’m not letting you out of this hotel until you’ve had some good vitamin C inside you.

Gemma Oh… all right, if you insist.

Diana Thank you.

Gemma takes the glass and drinks a little. It’s bitter.

Gemma Ugh that’s…

Gemma stares at Diana.

Diana Gemma? Gemma Oh Mum I love you, you’re always looking

after me.

Gemma throws her arms round Diana and hugs her.

Diana Oh no. Gemma… Gemma… let go.

Gemma What did I do to deserve such a wonderful mum? Diana Gemma.

Tom enters from USR doorway.

Tom Di.

Diana Oh… Tom, hello. You’ve been busy I see.

Tom You like them? Diana Well yes, they’re…

Tom I’ve been working on them most of the night.

Diana Yes, I can believe that.

Tom crosses to the SL terrace.

Gemma Mum, what are we going to do today? Diana Ah…

Tom begins to gather up the drawings.

Tom This one, just your eyes are discernable… only your eyes.

Gemma Mum? Tom And these three are a sequence.

Gemma Let me take you shopping.

Tom Form, colour and light.


19a b

Gemma We’ll buy you some nice things to wear.

Tom And this one is everything that I imagine to be uniquely you.

Gemma Whatever you want to do.

Tom And well this one –

Gemma Mum? Diana Look – listen everybody I’ve got an idea. Let’s all… go

out together.

Gemma What – Tom Together?

Diana Yes, why not… I would like that. Yes?

Tom Okay.

Gemma Okay. Diana Good. We’ll all go out and have some fun, the three of us

together. I’m ready.

Gemma So am I. Tom So am I.

Diana Then let’s go.

They all exit through USL doorway. After a few moments Martin

enters through USR doorway. He looks over to the SL terrace.

Martin Gemma?… Hello?…

Martin crosses to the SL terrace.

Are you hiding somewhere?… Hmm.

He picks up the unfinished glass of lemonade (containing love potion). He sniffs it and sips.

Ugh!

He looks through the USL doorway.

Hello?

He exits through the USL doorway.

(Off) Hello?… (To himself) Hello you.

He enters through USL doorway holding Abdul-Hamid’s mirror

and looking at himself.

Aren’t you something special… Yes you are… yes you are.

____________________________________

Scene 5

5.00 p.m. That afternoon. Martin enters SR with a shopping bag, the hand held mirror and a gin and tonic. He takes out a

Moroccan outfit from the bag and puts it on.

Martin I am the sultan. The sultan of Morocco. Whatever I

command, that will be done. Slaves bring me fruit.

Dancers, perform for me. I like that. I take a walk now along my royal pavilion. I see my peacocks… my royal

fountains… my royal gardens. Slaves, chocolates. My

royal drink, the nectar of the gods. Now before tonight’s

delights, some entertainment in my chamber. Dancers, slaves.


20a b

Martin exits through USR doorway. Diana enters through USL doorway. She wears a new outfit and carries her bag.

Diana Oh God, I’m exhausted.

Gemma and Tom enter through the USL doorway.

Gemma I’ve laid out all your new things on the bed. Diana Oh thank you Gem sweetie, you’re a love.

Gemma Anything for you Mum.

Tom Another massage?

Diana Oh yes Tom. Gemma It’s my turn, you did it at the café.

Tom You can do her feet if you must.

Gemma No, I want to do her shoulders. Tom Get off, I’m doing it.

Gemma It’s my turn.

Tom Off! Gemma Mum.

Diana Now now you two. Why don’t you two just sit down and

relax. Please.

Tom and Gemma reluctantly sit.

Thank you. (Aside) Oh. Now Diana, however much fun this is it must not continue. You must do the right thing

Diana, the right thing.

She takes the antidote phial from her bag and holds it up.

Yes. Think of Gemma… and Tom. It’s the right thing

Diana, the right thing to do.

She throws the phial back into her bag.

(To Tom and Gemma) Now, you two must be very thirsty.

A drink. Gemma What would you like?

Tom I’ll go.

Diana No, I’ll go.

Diana picks up the glass from the table.

A nice cool glass of lemonade for you both perhaps. Tom Ooh yes.

Diana I’ll sweeten it a little this time.

Gemma Thanks Mum. Diana Won’t be a minute.

Diana takes her bag and exits through USL doorway.

Gemma Ooh yes.

Tom Thanks Mum.

Gemma Idiot. Tom Child. Anyway, I thought you wanted to spend the day

with him.

Gemma Who? Tom Him, my dad.

Gemma No, why would I want to do that?

Tom You were kissing him last night. Gemma No I wasn’t.

Tom Yes you were.

Gemma Liar. I don’t wish to speak to you.


21a b

Tom Good.

Martin enters through USR doorway. He still holds the hand held

mirror and another gin and tonic.

What are you doing? Martin Are you speaking to me?

Tom Er… yes. Why are you dressed like that?

Martin If you wish to address me, you must call me by my proper title.

Tom Clown?

Martin Pah, commoners.

Martin exits through the USR doorway.

Gemma What’s wrong with him? Tom He’s drunk obviously. I thought you weren’t talking to

me.

Diana enters through USL doorway with two glasses of lemonade

(containing the antidote).

Diana Here we are. Gemma Lovely.

Tom Wonderful.

Diana Gemma…

Diana gives a glass to Gemma.

Gemma Thanks Mum you’re a star.

Diana So are you Gem sweetie, so are you. And… Tom…

Tom Thank you.

Tom takes the glass but Diana doesn’t let go.

Ah…

Diana Oh – there’s a fly in it!

Tom Where? Diana There. I’ll get you another.

Tom I’ll go.

Diana No… stay there you.

Diana exits through USL doorway with Tom’s glass.

Gemma Ha.

Gemma crosses to a sun-lounger and is about to sit. Tom

manages to jump into it before her.

Oi!

Tom Too slow. Gemma Off!

Tom Too slow.

Gemma You…

Gemma attempts to push Tom off. Tom grabs Gemma’s fingers.

Ow! Let go, you’re hurting me.

Tom releases his hold.

Brute.

Tom Ha!


22a b

Tom lies back on the sun-lounger triumphantly. Gemma, unseen to

Tom, unscrews the top of the nearby water bottle (containing the love potion). She pours it on Tom’s head and mouth.

Ahhh!

Tom leaps up from the lounger and grabs the water bottle from

Gemma.

Why you little…

Gemma jumps into the lounger victorious. She drinks her

lemonade. Tom stares at Gemma.

(Lovingly) Ah…

Gemma (Touching her forehead) Oh…

Diana enters from USL doorway with another glass of lemonade

(normal).

Diana Here we are Tom, no secret ingredients this time… Tom?

Tom remains staring at Gemma. Diana notices the water bottle in Tom’s hand.

Ah.

____________________________________

Scene 6

10.00 p.m. That evening. Tom paces about on the terrace. He

checks his watch.

Tom Must’ve finished dinner by now.

Tom crosses to SL terrace and looks through the USL doorway.

Gemma, Gemma, Gemma, Gemma, Gemma, Gemma.

He checks his shirt.

Oh, sweating.

He crosses back to SR terrace and exits through USR doorway.

Diana enters through the USL doorway followed by Gemma.

Gemma I said I don’t want to talk about him.

Diana Gemma sweetie.

Gemma No. Last night he was totally in love with you. Diana No, he just wanted to draw me that’s all.

Gemma He was infatuated with you. He’s a fraud, a fake,

deceitful, a liar. Don’t talk to me about him. Diana Okay, I’m getting a drink. Want one?

Gemma No thank you.

Diana exits through USL doorway. Tom enters through USR

doorway.

Tom Hi.


23a b

Slight pause.

How was dinner?

Slight pause.

It’s a lovely night.

Gemma My mother’s in there.

Tom Your mother? Gemma Don’t you want to see her?

Tom No, I want to see you. I’ve been waiting all evening to see

you. I… I can’t stop thinking about you.

Gemma Really. Tom You’re so beautiful.

Gemma Please, go to bed.

Tom I will, to think about you. Gemma Please don’t.

Tom I can’t help it. My heart is on fire when I look at you –

your face, your eyes… everything. Gemma Save your breath, I’m not interested.

Tom Gemma, Gemma, Gemma.

Gemma Has my Mother told you to say this? Is she paying you to

say this? Tom No… no… no. Gemma, I… I love you.

Gemma Love me! Ha! Sorry, but I don’t believe you.

Tom Gemma? Gemma Last night you loved my mother.

Tom No, never. Please Gemma, don’t turn away. I will shout it

to the world, I LOVE GEMMA! Gemma Quiet!

Tom I LOVE GEMMA!

Gemma Tom!

Tom Say my name again, my name on your lips, those beautiful

lips. Say it… ‘Tom’. You are the sun, the moon, the stars, the universe, the heavens… I love you. Gemma. Beautiful,

wonderful, magnificent Gemma.

Gemma I don’t believe you.

Tom I love you. Gemma I don’t believe you.

Tom I love you.

Gemma I don’t… I don’t… I don’t…

They are about to kiss. Martin enters through the USR doorway.

He is bruised and bleeding and his clothes are scuffed and torn.

He still holds the hand mirror.

Martin My face, my beautiful face… look what they’ve done.

Gemma Oh my God! Tom What have you been doing? Fighting?

Martin Oh.

Gemma Who did this to you? Martin Cowards, scoundrels… villains. No respect for a king.

Gemma He’s still drunk. We need to get him to bed. Help me.

Martin Oh. Where are you taking me?

Gemma To bed. Tom (To Gemma intensely) I love you.

Gemma Yes yes… help me please.

Martin My face… oh my face.

They exit through USR doorway.

____________________________________


24a b

Scene 7

4.00 p.m. The following afternoon. Diana sits on the sun-lounger

on the SL terrace. She finishes a drink and throws her magazine on the table. She checks her watch. She gets up. She appears

bored and restless. After a few moments Martin enters through the

USR doorway. His wounds have been patched up but there is bruising. He carries the hand held mirror.

Diana Hello there. How are you today? Well it looks like Tom and Gemma seem to be enjoying each other’s company.

They’ve been gone most of the day. That’s good isn’t it.

Would you care to join me for a drink?


Okay.

Diana takes out a phial from her bag and contemplates it.

She’s happy, so why should I tell her. She doesn’t have to know. It would be cruel to tell her. It’s cruel not to tell

her. Oh Diana, Diana, Diana. She wouldn’t believe me

anyway. Oh conscience, conscience. What to do?

Gemma enters through USL doorway followed by Tom. She wears

a newly purchased outfit.

Gemma We’re back.

Diana throws phial back into her bag.

Diana Hello.

Gemma What do you think? Diana That’s super darling. Hello Tom.

Tom Hi.

Gemma What an amazing place Marrakech is. We’ve seen

everything. Diana Listen Tom, you might want to see how your dad is. I

think he may need some pills, painkillers or something.

Tom Okay.

Tom exits through the USR doorway.

Gemma Oh Mum, you wouldn’t believe how wonderful he is. I’m so in love.

Diana Gemma… Gemma darling, I need to tell you something.

Gemma Yes? Diana This is… difficult.

Gemma What is it? Mum?

Diana The reason… the reason why Tom is so in love with you… Tom’s taken a love potion.

Gemma Love potion?

Diana Yes.

Gemma What? Diana Let me explain –

Gemma (Laughing) Oh Mum, you may be jealous that Tom isn’t

interested in you anymore and is in love with me but… love potion! Mum, come on. It’s not good to be jealous.

Diana I have it here. Look. I can prove it.

Gemma Mum please, stop this. I need to get ready for dinner. Tom’s taking me out.

Diana Gemma, Gemma, listen to me.


25a b

Gemma exits through the USL doorway.

Oh! Gemma!

Diana exits through the USL doorway. Martin enters through

the USR doorway followed by Tom.

Tom Okay, okay, whatever you say, just sit down… here. The

sun will do you good. Hold these. Martin What are they?

Tom Paracetamol. They’ll take the pain away.

Martin Will they help my face?

Tom Nothing will help your face. Martin Oh!

Tom I’m joking. I’ll get you some water.

Tom pats Martin on his back.

Martin Ow! Tom Sorry.

Tom exits through the USR doorway. Gemma enters through USL

doorway putting on earrings. Diana follows after with two glasses of lemonade.

Gemma Mum! Diana Two minutes Gemma, two minutes.

Gemma Mum, this is pathetic.

Slight pause.

Okay, you’ve got two minutes.

Diana Right, this is the one with the love potion and this is the

one with the antidote. I’ll put them here like this so we don’t get confused. Okay, you need to hide.

Gemma Oh.

Diana Hide behind there.

Gemma This isn’t funny. Diana Two minutes.

Gemma One minute.

Diana Hide.

Gemma hides in doorway.

Can you see? Gemma Yes.

Tom enters through USR doorway with a glass of water. He gives it to Martin.

Tom Here. Okay, I’m going out to dinner. You’ll be okay? Good man.

Tom pats Martin on his back again.

Martin Ow!

Tom Sorry.

Tom crosses to SL terrace area.

Diana So… dinner together, that’s nice. Tom Yes. Is she…?

Diana She’s coming. Oh could you just taste this for me to see if

it’s sweet enough.


26a b

Diana holds out glass of lemonade (containing love potion).

Tom Sure.

Tom drinks.

It tastes… Ah…

Tom stares at Diana.

Diana Gemma?

Gemma enters.

Gemma Coming Tom? Tom? Tom Where?

Gemma For dinner.

Tom Dinner? Gemma Yes.

Tom With you?

Gemma Yes.

Tom Ah… no… thanks. Gemma No? But… Tom? I thought you…

Diana What does Tom want to do?

Tom If you don’t mind, I’d like to draw you – just where you are with the mountains behind you.

Gemma Tom…? Oh!… Oh!

Gemma exits through the USL doorway crying.

Tom What’s the matter with her?

Diana Don’t ask.

Diana holds out glass of lemonade (containing antidote).

I think you better drink some of this.

Tom More lemonade? Diana Please… just drink.

Tom drinks.

Tom (Touching his forehead) Oh…

Diana (Calling) Gemma… Gemma darling.

Diana exits through USL doorway. Tom crosses to SR terrace

area. He puts the glass down on the table next to Martin.

Martin Thank you.

Tom exits through USR doorway. Martin picks up the lemonade and drinks.

(Touching his forehead) Oh…

Martin looks at his clothes.

Hm.

He looks at his face in the mirror.

Oh! What happened to my face!

____________________________________


27a b

Scene 8

10.30 a.m. The following morning. Gemma enters through USL

doorway with her book. She appears sad. Tom enters through USR

doorway with his drawing materials. He looks across to Gemma. She ignores him. Tom looks at his art. He seems frustrated. He

looks across to Gemma.

Tom Tell me, what do you honestly think of these?

Gemma Are you talking to me?

Tom Er… yes. What do you think of these?

Gemma Honestly? Tom Please.

Gemma They’re… okay.

Tom Okay? Gemma They’re not my kind of thing.

Tom They’re terrible aren’t they?

Gemma No, I wouldn’t say that… not terrible. I think they’re

too… Tom Too what?

Gemma Conceptual.

Tom Yes, but that’s what I want them to be… I think. Gemma Then don’t ask me.

Slight pause.

Tom I’m sorry I…

Slight pause.

Gemma I think you need to look at things more. I think you’re a

good artist but… Tom But what?

Gemma You don’t need my advice. I’m no artist.

Pause.

Tom What are you doing today?

Gemma Me? Ah… just reading. Why? Tom I just wondered if you… you know… wanted to go and…

take a walk. If you wanted to.

Gemma Oh.

Tom But if you just want to read I’ll…

Tom is about to exit USR.

Gemma Okay… sure… why not.

Tom Okay.

Gemma Okay. Tom Ah… when?

Gemma Whenever.

Tom Um… now?

Gemma shrugs.

Okay… good. I’ll meet you at the front of the hotel in five minutes?

Tom exits through USR doorway. Diana enters through USL doorway with a glass of lemonade.

Diana Sure you don’t want one of these?


28a b

Gemma No. I’m going out.

Diana Out? Gemma Yeah.

Diana Oh, I’ll come with you.

Gemma No, I’m going… I’m going with Tom.

Diana Ah… I see. Gemma I’ll see you later.

Diana Okay sweetie. Have fun.


Hm, well well… well well well.

Diana takes out a phial from her bag.

(To phial) And you… there’ll be no more trouble from you. You’re staying in there.

She throws phial back in her bag. Martin enters through USR doorway with a cup of coffee.

Martin (Calling back) All right Tom, see you later.

Diana Good morning. Martin Oh… hello.

Diana Another lovely day.

Martin Yes. Diana Any plans for today?

Martin No… just reading.

Diana Ah. Martin (To himself) Sunglasses.


Diana Read my magazine I suppose. Nothing else to do.

She thinks. She looks across to Martin’s cup of coffee. She takes

out the phial (containing love potion).

Well, I’m on holiday. No harm. Just for a couple of days.

She crosses to SR terrace and puts a couple of drops into Martin’s cup. She crosses back to the SL terrace. Martin enters with his

sunglasses. He picks up his coffee and crosses to the terrace edge.

He drinks. Abdul-Hamid is heard below.


lucky charms. Salam mister.

Martin (Calling down) Salam you. A-H (Off) You take a look?

Martin (Calling down) Oh yes, I will. You wait there.

Diana Oh no. Martin Don’t go away.

Martin excitedly exits through the USR doorway.

Diana Oh… Wait!

She grabs her bag.

Wait!

She hurriedly exits after through the USR doorway. Lights down.

____________________________________

The Essence of Love · terraces in Marrakech. Scene 1 – 2.30 in the afternoon Scene 2 – 10.30...

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Transcript of The Essence of Love · terraces in Marrakech. Scene 1 – 2.30 in the afternoon Scene 2 – 10.30...