BB+_P1_Punch

__CAST LIST:__ Captain Vere............William Veazey Billy Budd................Vincent Capluzzi John C. Claggart......Jared Raish Albert......................Dylan Moore Surgeon..................Nate Marino Sailor Minstrol 1.......Naomi Snowden Sailor Minstrol 2.......Katlyn Kelly

__THE PUNCH SCENE: SCRIPT__

//In the Captain's quarters stand Captain Vere and Claggart. The lighting is dim, the scene is quiet yet tense. Albert, Captain Vere's valet, leads Billy Budd to the isolated cabin (enter from stage left, move through doors to downstage center). Billy Budd enters the cabin somewhat surprised to see Claggart and Captain Vere standing there. Claggart stands with his hands at ease and his chin tilted slighty towards the ceiling. His expression seems snide; he is careful to avoid eye contact with Billy.Vere stands tall and expectant.//

SAILOR MINSTROL 2: (s//inging)// Here the men stand! Claggart (//motioning to him)// has accused Billy of planning a mutiny!

SAILOR MINSTREL 1: (a//ppearing from behind Sailor Minstrel 2, gasps loudly then sings)// Here awaits their confrontation!

CAPTAIN VERE: Shut the door, Albert. (//Vere motions to him and Albert obediently begins to do so)// Stand without, and let nobody come in. (//Albert nods and exits) ...//Now, Claggart, tell this man to his face what you told of him to me.

CLAGGART: //(stepping close to Billy Budd, looking him fiercely in the eye)// You, Billy Budd..are involved in the planning...of a mutiny...against the authority of...the //Indomitable//.

SAILOR MINSTREL 1 AND 2: //(singing in unison)// Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! No he didn't! (Snap three times)

//Billy, not fully understanding the magnitude of the accusation, stands flabbergasted. After a few moments of silence, Billy's realization of the matter is seen through his change of expression. His face is now pale and ghostly. He stands like one imapled and gagging. Claggart's eyes take on an evil appearance.//

CAPTAIN VERE: Speak, man! //(stepping toward Billy Budd)// Speak! Defend yourself!

SAILOR MINSTREL 1 AND 2: //(singing in unison)// Speak, speak, speak! //(louder)// BILLY!

//Billy Budd, clearly tongue-tied and horrified at his accusor, continues to stand, occasionally stuttering under his breath. He looks almost as if he is suffocating.//

CAPTAIN VERE://(slowly recalling Billy Budd's speech impediment)// There is no hurry, my boy. //(putting his hand on Billy Budd's shoulder)// Take your time.

SAILOR MINSTROL 1 AND 2: //(singing in unison a soft lullaby)// Lalalala, lalalala.

//Billy Budd's expression gradually changes from shock to anger. Captain Vere's mollifying triggers an effect opposite to what was intended. Billy Budd is clearly livid. Sailor Minstrels 1 and 2 look at each other with expressions of apprehension and fear. Suddenly, Billy Budd's right arm shoots out and strikes Claggart directly in the forehead.//

CLAGGART: //(as he falls)// Oh, I am slain!

//Claggart drops swiftly to the deck floor. He lays motionless; it is clear he is dead.//

CAPTAIN VERE: //(in despair)// Fated boy, what have you done? But here...help me.

//(Captain Vere leans down and begins to tend to Claggart. Billy Budd stares, motionless. After a long silence he begins to help Captain Vere.)//

CAPTAIN VERE: Tell somebody to send Albert here. Also send the surgeon. You need not to come back until called.

//(Billy Budd slowly exits stage right. Albert and Surgeon enter.)//

SURGEON: //(blurts out immediately upon entering)// Well //he's// dead.

CAPTAIN VERE: Is it so then? I thought it...but verify it.

//(Surgeon kneels and begins testing Claggart's pulse. Vere paces the floor, then stops abruptly.)//

CAPTAIN VERE: Struck dead by an angel of God! Yet the angel must hang!

//(Lights out)//