Act 1 Episodeion 2

ACT 1
Episodeion 2

(On all four screens, images of storm laded seas
continue over from the last scene as does the sound of
the choros)

(Images of the ocean are replace by images of a map
tracing the journey of Odysseus)

Island of Aeolia

(On screen 1, an island)

(On screen 2, a house that resembles a Hellenistic temple)

(On screen 3, the columns at the entrance of the house)

(On screen 4, the interior of the house)

The house of Aeolos

Lord of the Wind

(Aeolos ‘RA’ enters the room. In all other locations
light cones ‘VA’ representing Aeolos appear)

(Sound of the choros fades out)

For an entire month Odysseus feasted at the table of Aeolos

Until thoughts of lovely Penelope stirred his longing for home

(Odysseus ‘RA’ enters. Light cones ‘VAs’ appear on
all other stages)

(On screen 2, Odysseus’ vital signs)

OdYSSEUS

Aeolos, you have been the most gracious of hosts but now my men and I must make our way home. Will you help us?

AEOLOS

I will gladly help you, Odysseus, for you have treated me with respect and have not mocked me as others have done.

(On screen 4, net data)

OdYSSEUS

Mock you, surely no one mocks you?

AEOLOS

(Walking around the room)

Oh but they do. They treat me with scorn because I am a minor deity, a lessor god. They ask me what is your power, Aeolos? And I tell them I am the Lord of the wind.

(On screens 1 and 3, video of storms breaking and uprooting trees)

AEOLOS

I have the power to rip the roots of giant oak trees from the earth and send them crashing to the ground.

(On all screens, alternating images of horrible wind
swept fires)

AEOLOS

The power to send fires cascading across the most rugged of terrain...and yet they remain unimpressed. They laugh at me. Why, some fool farts and what do they say? They say, Aeolos, Lord of the Wind, it is his doing.

OdYSSEUS

Forget your troubles, Aeolos. They do not compare with mine. Besides, your power is more than sufficient to send me back to Ithaca, the land I left so many years ago.

AEOLOS

Yes, Odysseus, you are right.

(Aeolos reaches out with a piece of flayed ox skin
which has been sewn shut)

(On screen 4, net data)

(On screen 1, the hand of Aeolos holding the skin)

(On screen 3, the open hand of Odysseus)

(On screen 2, the hands of Aeolos and Odysseus merge
exchanging the skin)

AEOLOS

I have harnessed the winds within this skin and have bound them so that the tranquil breezes from the West will gently fill your sails and send you and your companions back to your proud homeland.

(All screens go black and the lights fade out, leaving
the stage completely dark)

(A moment later, all four screens begin to show
various images of a calm sea)

VOICE

Aeolos was true to his word and for nine days and nights they sailed with no difficulty. And then, on the tenth day, they came within sight of their cherished Ithaca. Odysseus unable to contain his weariness any longer fell asleep. His companions, thinking the tightly bound package held valuable treasure opened the skin and released the fury of the wind.

(The choros comes in softly and swiftly builds in intensity)

(On screen 1, visualization of the choros)

(On screens 2, 3, and 4, alternating images of
horrendous storms, swelling waves, and pounding surf)

(Stage lights flicker on and off replicating the
effect of lightning)

(The pounding of Odysseus’ heart)

(The sound of thunder)

VOICE

So fierce was the storm that had been unleashed that Odysseus and his companions were soon driven all the way back to the Island of Aeolia.

(Sound of the choros fades out)

(On screen 1, the house of Aeolia)

(On screen 2 the entrance of the house)

(On screen 3, the interior of the house)

(On screen 4, net data)

(We see Aeolos ‘RA’ standing in the room as he is
illuminated. On all other stages light cones "VA"
representing Aeolos appear)

(Odysseus enters the room startling Aeolos)

(On screen 2, Odysseus’ vital signs)

AEOLOS

Odysseus, why have you returned? I went to great trouble to send you back to Ithaca.

OdYSSEUS

Aeolos, I have been undone by my men. Thinking the skin you gave me contained precious gold and silver they opened it and let loose the most terrifying of storms. Correct this damage that has been done and you will have my gratitude.

AEOLOS

You have angered the gods, Odysseus. You are no longer welcome here. You must leave at once.

OdYSSEUS

Will you provide no help?

AEOLOS

I am just a lowly god with limited powers. I have no desire to question the will of my superiors and risk their displeasure, for once they have scorned you, you are deemed the most vile of creatures. Go! And never return.

(Lights fade out leaving the stage dark and empty)

(The sound of the choros)

(On screen 1, visualization of choros)

(On screen 2 and 3, windless seas)

(On screen 4, net data)

VOICE

Burdened by lack of wind, Odysseus’ men labored mightily. Rowing for seven days until they reached the rugged home of the Lestrygonian.

(On screens 2 and 3, maps tracing the journey of Odysseus)

VOICE

In this land of savages Odysseus lost many companions and once again narrowly escaped with his life. Weary and filled with grief, Odysseus remained at the mercy of the sea

(On all four screens, various images of a calm sea)

(The sound of the choros remains)