Script of the hit musical The Rising Son

8/17/2019 Script of the hit musical The Rising Son

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Cast

Lead Characters

1.

Andarupin Gupta Singh (Andy) – Narrator – Indian – Tenor/Bass – age 40 +

2.

Ah Chong – Coffee House owner and father of Ah Cheng

-

Chinese – Baritone – age 40 plus.

3.

Ah Ming – Coffee House owner and father of Cui Fei – Chinese – Tenor – age

40 +

4.

Reverend Augustine Vaz – Missionary – Indian – Tenor/Baritone – age 40+

(could also be Irish – The Reverend Flynn if no Indian actor is confirmed)

5.

Ah Cheng – son of Ah Chong and boyfriend of Cui Fei – Chinese – Tenor –Age

early 20’s6.

Cui Fei – Daughter of Ah Ming and girlfriend of Ah Cheng – Chinese – Soprano

– late teens/early 20’s

7.

Captain Yashimoto – Captain of Japanese Guard – Japanese look -

Baritone/Bass – age 30 +

Second Leads.

8.

God/Jesus – Gives the revelation to Reverend Vaz -Bass/Baritone – any age.

(could be played by same character as Ah Fatt)

9.

Ah Fatt – 3rd

partner but only seen at the beginning and singing his

posthumous confession near the end – Chinese – Bass/Baritone (could be

played by same character as God/Jesus)

10.

Corporal Issaki – Japanese Guard who tries to assault Cui Fei - Japanese look –

no singing – any age.

Others.

11.

Messenger who declares the Japanese surrender – Young boy/girl/teenager,

any race.

12.

Andy’s friends (Roti in my Dhoti) – 2 x Indian women + 2 x Indian men – SATB.

13. Cui Fei’s girl friends – Soprano, Alto

14. Chorus – Japanese Soldiers (Men only), coffee shop customers & towns

people. SATB


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The Rising Son

Notes by the author/composer.

The Rising Son – The Musical is a work of fiction which seeks to portray a story of how hope and

forgiveness, driven by the message of Christ’s birth, life and death can bring about peace in even themost hopeless and intractable situations. Perhaps ‘Scripture in Action’ could be a sub-title.

To write a musical which showed the full force of Japanese brutality and portrayed the reality of the

hardships faced on a daily basis by the Malay population during the period 1941 to 1945 would

hardly be classified as entertainment. Therefore, historical accuracy has had to take a back seat in

order for the message of forgiveness to be effectively conveyed.

The reality has therefore by necessity, been considerably sweetened. There were no coffee shops

overflowing with an abundance of food and drinks as portrayed in the opening song. Indeed, some

Chinese housewives have been recorded as being forced to search for mice and other vermin inorder to put food on the table.

There were no church bells, few if any missionaries and racial harmony was almost non-existent with

the Japanese favouring the Malays to help with administration, sympathising with the Indians who

they felt were under the British colonial yoke, but treating the Chinese with unmitigated cruelty.

The Japanese occupation was initially brutal and repressive, but administration was carried out

generally by communal organizations and pre-war administrative structures. About 60% of the

population was Malay, 30% Chinese and the remainder Indian, mostly Tamil. Most of the population

collaborated with the Japanese, generally out of necessity and the Japanese occupation was seen as

a time simply for survival. The Japanese were often inept and introduced measures that alienated

the population, and as the natural resources far exceeded Japan's use for those resources, the

termination of trade that Malaya had been dependent upon before the war caused severe economic

difficulties. Although the Japanese occupying forces were able to maintain order, Malaya was not

self-sufficient and suffered increasing shortages of food and basic goods. The problem of self-

sufficiency was intractable, and high unemployment, inflation, and a raging black market resulted.

By 1945, the situation for the Malaya population was grim.

There was also evidence of a moral decline during the occupation in which making money (for

survival) was paramount and often loyalty did not extend beyond or sometimes even to, the

immediate family or community.

After the war the history of the occupation became "taught" (and modified) for various reasons until

the population's remembrance of the occupation became conflicted and confused.

Many records were destroyed by both the Japanese (in order to avoid war crimes charges) and the

British so that much of what happened became solely reliant on eye-witness testimonies.

So please enjoy the musical and reflect on its message but please do not view it in any way as a

history lesson. It is not.


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For further reading on the reality of the Japanese occupation in Malaya I recommend the following

books which have been a rich source of information and inspiration for me:

‘Red Star Over Malaya’

Boon Khong Cheah - NUS Press

‘The Japanese Occupation of Malaya 1941-45’

Paul H Kratoska – C. Hurst and Co. Publishers

‘War and Memory in Malaysia and Singapore’

Patricia Pui Huen Lim and Diana Wong – Institute of South East Asian Studies

And, for a Japanese perspective:

‘New Perspectives On The Japanese Occupation Of Malaya and Singapore 1941-1945’

Yōji Akashi and Mako Yoshimura – NUS Press 2008

Paul Michael Baker

May 2013


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OVERTURE

Act 1 - Prologue

Spotlight come onto an Indian man sitting on the stage wearing a turban and a dhoti. He stands and

salutes the audience.

Prologue

Andy: Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Captain Andarupin Gupta Singh (Call me Andy),

late of the 2nd

India Rifles reporting for duty. But that was a long time ago and now I

live in a small town in Perak, Malaya getting by as best I can. It’s not easy being one

of the only Indians living here but more on that later. However, I do make a small

income telling stories to the towns folk around here and that pleasure ladies and

gentlemen is yours for this evening.

It seems like only yesterday when they came but already the Japanese have

occupied Malaya for nearly 4 years. It’s now August 1945 and the brutality and

suffering has left its mark on everyone.

Oh how different things were 25 years ago. So much hope, optimism and youthful

vigour when 3 friends set out from Canton in China, travelling to Malaya to make

their fortunes supporting the booming tin industry in Perak.

Blackout

Cut to front of stage by steps where Ah Chong, Ah Ming and Ah Fatt are chatting away excitedly.

Ah Chong: I tell you ah! My uncle never lies. He say streets of Perak are paved with gold.

Ah Fatt: Not gold, tin you idiot (laughs).

AC: Well whatever, he say all the workers there making soo much money and nothing to

spend it on. I tell you. We can’t lose. We’ll all be rich in a few years.

Ah Ming: Hey you always lose. Look at all the money I took off you at dice last night (all laugh)

AF: No, Chong’s right. I heard that too and I also hear the girls there are SOOOOO

beautiful and always looking for new handsome China boys. But hey. What business

to do ah?

AM: Why you so dumb ah? How did you get to look like your name Ah FATTTT? Food and

drink. It’s obvious. Those men work all day and get a real appetite plus they need a

good start every morning to get their energy up. We’ll open a noodle stall.

AC: No, not a noodle stall, an EVERYTHING stall. Breakfast, lunch and dinner and snack

and drinks in between. Coffee shops do everything and are springing up all over

Malaya and making BIG money.

AF: OK, Coffee shop it is then. Who’s in?(all put hands up and high 5’s all round. Lights fade.)


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Andy: (From offstage) But that was many years ago and what started out as a beautiful

friendship and a thriving business has become…. Well. See for yourself.

Act 1 - Scene 1

1. Opening Song – The Best Coffee in Town

Two Coffee shops in the square are opposite each other with customers sitting down drinking and

eating. Ah Chong is outside one, trying to entice customers and Ah Ming outside the other doing the

same. Both are also warily eyeing the other and their families making rude gestures to one another.

Each is calling out to the street like stall holders in a pasar malam but sung

AC Kopi Ohhhhh

AM Kopi C

AC Foo Chow

AM Hokkien Mee

AC Drink with Me

AM Come and sing

AC Ah Chong

AM With Ah Ming

Musical intro – soft shoe shuffle style

AC If you want a decent coffee house

AM Then come to me and not that louse!

AC For Perak’s best don’t walk straight past.

AM His food will come straight out your…….

Both pause to seat customers

Both Come right over. Take a seat.

Here’s our menu, browse our treats.

Pause

AC We’ve food and drinks

AM His service stinks!

Our gourmet chef

AC Is blind and deaf

And full of lice

AM He makes great rice


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And Char KwayTeo

AC Don’t ask me how.

Slowly

Both Minum and Makan is very much our prideSo eat and drink until you’re full with family by your side

But save the best till last please and I will come around,

To serve what you must agree is

The best coffee in town

Polka Speed

AC I’ve oodles of noodles

AM White rice and fried rice

AC Delicious SiewMai

AM I serve all dai

Both And the best coffee in town.

AM I’ve Bi Hoon and Mee Hoon

AC Fried Mee and Congee

AM Otak Otak,

AC Fried Foo Chok


AM I’m famous all across Malaya

AC Even Royalty come to eat and drink here

So when I get my Dato’ship after the war

AM And people come and ask me what I got it for,AC I’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around

Both It’s the best coffee in town.

AM I’ve Kopi O & Kopi C

AC And Kopi Peng it’s loverly.

AM Or Kopi Kosong just the trick

AC Or maybe try some Teh Tarik

AM Or Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao

AC Or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow


AC I’ve orange juice and honeydew

AM And watermelon, got that too,

AC And Lychee soda, mangosteen

AM And soya milk and iced red bean

AC Or Lemonade just sweetened up

AM Or barley ice or coconut


AC I’m famous all across Malaya

AM Even Royalty come to eat and drink here

AC So when I get my Dato’ ship after the war

AM And people come and ask me what I got it for,


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AC I’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around

Both It’s the best coffee in town.

Chorus : (Both verses sung at the same time)

They’ve oodles of noodles They’ve Kopi O & Kopi C & Kopi Peng it’s loverly orWhite rice and fried rice Kopi Kosong just the trick or maybe try some Teh Tarik or

Delicious Siew Mai they serve all dai Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow

And the best coffee in town. And the best coffee in town.

They’ve Bi Hoon and Mee Hoon They’ve orange juice and honeydew & watermelon, got that too

Fried Mee and Congee Lychee soda, mangosteen & soya milk and iced red bean

Otak Otak, Fried Foo Chok Or Lemonade just sweetened up or barley ice or coconut

And the best coffee in town. And the best coffee in town.

They’re famous all across Malaya

Even Royalty come to eat and drink here

AC & AM So when I get my Dato’ ship after the war

And people come and ask me what I got it for,Chorus He’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around

It’s the best coffee.

AC You call that coffee?

I’ve the best coffee

AM It’ll make you sore and puffy.

Both & Chorus It’s the best coffee!

The best coffee!

It’s the very, very very, best, best coffee in TOWN!

As the song finishes, one youth, Ah Soon and Ah Cheng grab each other and start to fight but a gong

announces the arrival of Japanese soldiers on patrol through the town who point their rifles at the 2

troublemakers.

Captain Yashimoto: Stop this NOW! The Japanese Imperial army will not tolerate such

behaviour. You two cockroaches ( pointing at Ah Cheng and Ah Song), you’re under

arrest. You’ll soon learn the meaning of respect. I’ll crush you under my boot just

like the rest of your cowardly country men. Corporal, take them back to the campand put them in the box.

Reverend Vaz steps forward in chaplains clothes and dog collar and carrying a Bible.

Rev Vaz: Now, now Captain, there’s no need for any of that. It’s just youthful bravado. I’m

sure you were just as spirited at their age and I’m sure a man of your importance is

much too busy to spend time dealing with such trivial matters.

CY: No! You are quite wrong. As a Samurai I was groomed from an early age to serve our

imperial and immortal Emperor and would never have behaved in such a disgraceful

manner. However, you’re quite right. I do have important matters to attend to so….


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RV: Boys. Apologise to the good Captain here.

ACh& AS: We’re very sorry Captain Yashimoto (they bow). It won’t happen again.

CY: Hmm. Very well. Just this once. But if either of you ever step out of line even an inch

again, I’ll have you shot before you’ve time to blink. UNDERSTOOD?

ACh& AS: Yes Captain.

CY: And Reverend. As you seem so concerned for these vermin I shall hold you

personally responsible for their behaviour. One more incident like this and you’ll be

joining them with a bullet through your pious heart. Carry on the patrol Corporal.

CI and soldiers exit. Lights out and spotlight on Andy.

Andy: Now, I did say I was ONE of the only Indians living here didn’t I? Well apart from me

and a few other lowlier forms of the Indian species there is of course the very saintlyand incredibly holy, Reverend Augustine Vaz. Although I’m not sure he can still

qualify as Indian as (whispering with his hand to the side of his mouth) he’s gone

Christian.

An orphan growing up in the slums of Calcutta, he was rescued and adopted by a

British missionary, taken to England where he qualified as a priest and, after a short

spell back in Calcutta, tells us he was called by God to travel to Malaya, become a

citizen and preach the Good News to all.

Let’s see how he’s getting on.

Lights back on. RV is on a n upturned crate while the crowd is still sitting at the

coffee shop playing mah-jong and dice but one or two including Ah Cheng are

waiting for him to speak.

RV: Brethren. I come bearing Good News. Ho siew si kar

Crowd 1: Wah! Indo can speak canto wor! (all laugh except Ah Cheng who frowns at them)

RV: As you just saw, conflict and aggression don’t always have to be met with more

conflict. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to earth two thousand years ago so that we may

have peace and goodwill amongst all men. God sent his only begotten son to save us

all by dying for our sins and He can be your saviour too. Just ask him to come into

your life and receive His perfect peace, love and joy.

Crowd 2: Tell you what Reverend!! I’d “LOVE” to take a PEACE” of that Jap Captain with his

own sword by sticking it where the sun doesn’t shine. That would give me real

“JOY”.

Go tell some other suckers Reverend. You’re interrupting our dinner.

Other discouraging remarks from the crowd are given as they wander off the stage

RV hangs his head in disappointment but Ah Cheng comes close to his ear.


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ACh: Thank you (he runs off but pauses as he sees Cui Fen. They smile at each other and

exit left and right)

Curtain drops and RV stands in front on podium whilst scene change behind.

RV is left on his own. He gets off his podium and raises his arms and head to heaven

RV: My God, My God. Why have you forsaken me? Three years here and not a single

soul have I brought to You. Lord. Please show me the way.

RV Exits and BLACKOUT

.

Act 1 - Scene 2 – Augustine’s Revelation.

The room at RV’s house has a single bed in one corner and a simple cross decorating

the wooden wall. RV enters and kneels before it.

RV Father, forgive my discouragement earlier in the market place. I so want to serve

you well and I feel so ashamed that in the three years since I arrived I haven’t

managed to bring anyone to the foot of your cross. People mock me and laugh at

your message and sometimes I think the cross I have to bare is just too heavy.

2. Song – Your Cross

Harp intro.

RV The cross, I have to bare

Is to take Your news and share.

I struggle every day and then

I face the nights without a friend.

How I wonder how and when my life

Will get much better.

Chorus

So I close my eyes in prayer

Knowing that You’re always there

Listening to me weep and moan and pine.

And suddenly I realise

As I see Your face and behold your eyes.

That the cross that You carried was heavier,

Was much heavier than mine.

Verse 2

The cross I have to bare

Is to love and give and care.

No one gives me gratitude

They laugh at me and are so rude

I try to stay in graceful mood yet still,

It’s so frustrating.

Chorus

So I close my eyes in prayer


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Knowing that You’re always there






Verse 3

The cross You had to drag

Would have made a mountain sag.

The sins of every human soul

Were carried on that wooden pole

Which added to Your painful toll

Of saving us forever.

Chorus.

So I close my eyes in prayerKnowing that You’re always there






Spoken

Thank you Lord… Thank you so much for protecting me.

He gets up and climbs into bed and the lights dim. He falls asleep and a figure dressed all in whiteappears behind his bed.

3. Song – Sleep My Friend

God: Sleep my friend.

Rest in my bosom

For your time is coming

And here’s what you must do.

There is a task that needs achieving

And by me you have been chosen

Two good men, alike in dignity and pride.

Whose friendship has been frozen.

Through my words and through my life

You must undo this strife

Bring peace to those who hate

And through forgiveness wipe the slate

Clean and make it whole once more.

Tomorrow will come to you a man

With a pure and loving heart but not for me

As yet, but for his wife to be.

And you will help him see the answer


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That because and through my birth

Peace will reign once more upon this earth

And upon his family.

Take up your cross again.

The path will not be easy.But I will be there by your side to hold your hand and help you ride

The storm before the calm.

Sleep my friend.

Rest in my bosom.

For your time is coming.

And you know what you must do.

Remember:

I’ll always be your friend.

BLACKOUT

Act 1 - Scene 3 – Andy’s Scene

Andy: So despite all his suffering and rejection it looks like there is hope for the Reverend.

Actually there’s hope for all of us, including me, so onwards and upwards as they

say. Do you remember that earlier, I promised to tell you a little bit more about

myself?

Well I’m here in Perak because just like our Chinese friends I heard about the boom

in Malaya.

My early years here were really hard. Until, I found out that the locals thought I was

crazy and took pity on me.

Why? Well let me tell you about it.

Andy is joined on stage by two Indian ladies wearing salwar kameez and two Indian

men wearing kurta pajamas.

4. Song- I Eat My Roti In My Dhoti

(Sitar intro)

Freely I grew up in a life quite suburban.

Just my parents and me, and my turban.

From a very good caste, for the army I passed

And went off to fight Zulus in Durban.

As a soldier I never knew fear.

Won medals whilst in the Kashmir

But a bayonet with one jab, got me in the Punjab


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And from then on, my life was quite…… queer?

quicker

I developed certain habits, like speaking French to rabbits,

Reciting Shakespeare backwards to annoy.

But the habit they all laugh atWhen they stare at me on my mat

Is the one I’ve had since I was just a boy.

Chorus

I eat my roti in my dhoti

Though my beard is kind of goatee

And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.

I eat my roti in my dhoti and I

Really am a devotee

Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.

The ladies they can eat their peas,

The men can eat bananas

While dressed in their salwar kameez

Or men, kurta pajamas.

I can eat my curry in a suit

Or biryani, even fruit

While dressed up to the nines without a care

But the one thing I will always do

Even if it bothers you

Is eat my roti in my dhoti. So there.

Spoken whilst they all dance.

You know people have always laughed at that habit, especially as I came from a very

good family. But here in Perak where people are so kind, it really has helped me live

a good life and get on with ease…. With Chin..ease, with Japan…ease and with

Malay…ease.

Sung

I travelled round India’s streets

Telling stories and ditties so sweet.

In Chennai and Calcutta,

They called me a nutter.

For eating while dressed in a sheet.

In Delhi, well those time were fun days

Got paid and took time off on Sundays.

But in Hyderabad, they declared me quite mad.

For munching chapattis in undies.

I soon got so tired of the mocking

For employment on doors started knocking

Got a job in Sumatra to sing like Sinatra.

After each of the following lines the other 4 Indians groan and shake their heads


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I’ve Got You Under my Turban.

Oh you beautiful dhal you great big beautiful dhal.

You’re untouchable in every way.

You make me feel sotong.

Chapati’s over. It’s time to call it a day.

But eating half dressed they found shocking (or was it my singing?)

And I still

Chorus

Eat my roti in my dhotiThough my beard is kind of goatee

And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.

I eat my roti in my dhoti and I

Really am a devotee

Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.

The ladies they can eat their peas,

The men can eat bananas

While dressed in their salwar kameez

For men, kurta pajamas.

I can eat my curry in a suit

Or biryani, even fruit

While dressed up to the nines without a care

But the one thing I will always do

Even if it bothers you

Is eat my roti in my dhoti. So there.

Now in Perak I make a good living

The people are kind and forgiving

They share out their food and are never too rude

And even help out with the singing.

He starts to sing the chorus but the others don’t join in

Spoken I Said

Sung Even help out with the singing!

Chorus: He eats his roti in his dhoti

Andy: Though my beard is kind of goatee

Chorus: And the little crumbs get trapped inside the hair.

Chorus: He eats his roti in his dhoti

Andy: And I really am a devotee

Chorus: Of eating bread while dressed in underwear.


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Ladies: We can always eat our peas,

Men: And we can eat bananas

Ladies: While dressed in our salwar kameez

Men: Or our kurta pajamas.

Andy: I can eat my curry in a suitOr biryani, even fruit

Chorus: While dressed up to the nines without a care

But the one thing he will always do

Andy: Even if it bothers you

Chorus: Is eat his roti in his dhoti.

Andy: My dhoti’s kind of noti but

Chorus: He’ll eat his roti in his dhoti.

Andy: So there!

BLACKOUT

Act 1 – Scene 4

(Stage right) Ah Chong is sitting at home with his daughter, Cui Fen next to him. (Stage left) Ah Ming

is also at home sitting with his son, Ah Cheng. Dusty spotlights come up on both pairs. We hear

crickets chirping in the background and the moon is overhead. Cricket chirping dies out as music

starts with a single violin.

5. Song - Once I Had a Friend

Cui Fei: Papa. You never told me what happened between you and Ah Chong. Mama says

you used to be friends but now you never even speak to each other.

ACh: Dad. Why do you hate Ah Ming so much? He must have done something really

terrible to you. What was it?

AM: You’re right. Perhaps it’s time you knew the truth.

AC: Well, it all started a long, long time ago.

AM: Once I had a friend.

He was like no other.

I walked with him to school each day.

Loved him as a brother.

AC: He wiped my tears when I fell down.

He always smiled and never frowned.

He rescued me when I nearly drowned.

Both: Yes, he was my friend.

AC: I thought I knew him well.

AM: Thought I knew him better

AC: Than all the friends before or since,

Both: Until I got this letter.

AM: That’s how I found out he’d betrayed my trust.


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AC: He’s the reason that we nearly went bust.

AM: He’s the poison in your drink.

AM: He’s that viper in the sink.

Both: He’s that wolf in sheep’s clothing.

AM: He’s a liar and a cheat.AC: He would steal while you sleep

AM: Everything that you’ve worked for

AC: He would take that and more.

Both: And he stabbed me in the back

Yes he stabbed me in the back.

AC: At first business was good in this land of milk and honey.

AM: We had customers galore, but

Both: Where was all the money?

AC: The coffee shop was full

AM: But the till was dry.Both: Someone was stealing then I found out who and why.

AM: Now I’ll hate him ‘til I die.

AC: Yes I’ll hate him ‘til I die.

AM: Once I had a friend.

I thought that it was Chong

Then Ah Fatt told me the truth

And I knew that I’d been wrong.

AC: Once I had a friend.

I thought that it was MingThen Ah Fatt told me the truth

And that changed everything.

Both: Once I had a friend

But he’s my friend no more.

My friend Ah Fatt has gone to fight

The Japs to end this war.

And yet I still believe

By rolling back the years,

We’d talk again just like before

And wipe away the tears.

Cui Fei: (Spoken)

But Papa, why can’t you and Ah Chong make peace?

ACh: Why can’t you forgive and forget and mend your friendship?

AM: No. It’s too late for that. All those bitter memories.

AC: All that hatred.

Both: No, we can never be friends again.


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AM: Never.

AC: Ever.

AM: But,

AC: Yet….

Both: Once I had a friend.

And I can still remember

The joys we shared, the dreams we dreamed.

Now, no more than embers.

Once I had a friend.

BLACKOUT and curtain

Spotlight on Andy front of curtain

Andy: So there you have it. Two men who were once best friends, divided by the real

culprit and each too proud to find out the real truth. For years Ah Fatt had been

increasingly skimming the takings to fund his ever worsening gambling habit. One

day, he nearly got caught red handed and being so close to being found out, decided

to run away and join the Malay resistance, but not before leaving letters to both Ah

Chong and Ah Ming telling each of them that the other was to blame.

The two former friends fought bitterly and Ah Ming decided to let Ah Chong havethe coffee shop (it was almost worthless by then anyway) and set up shop on his

own directly opposite (as is the Malayan way). As they never spoke again, the real

truth never came out and who would suspect a hero of the resistance anyway?

Act 1 - Scene 5

Front of curtain while scene change behind.

Cui Fen and Ah Chong enter from Stage L and Stage R and come together but both look nervously

around.

CF: I just came to tell you that Papa finally told me what happened between him and

your Dad. It’s awful. How could your Dad do such a thing?

ACh: I’m sorry? You mean your Dad! Mine told me exactly what happened.

CF: No, I mean your Dad.

Both: He was stealing money from the business! (Both pause)

AH FATT! Oh No!


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CF: We have to do something. This feud is destroying both our families and we can only

meet like this in secret.

ACh: I know my love. It’s eating me up too. But what can we do? My Dad’s so stubborn he

won’t even talk about it. Oh how I wish I could hold you in my arms without looking

over my shoulder all the time.

CF: I feel the same. Every time I see you when anyone else is around I have to lower my

eyes because if I look at you I swear my heart will burst. But even if I could get him

to talk he’d never accept it was the war hero Ah Fatt who was stealing. We can’t

prove it anyway. But without finding a way to bring them back together they’ll never

agree to us marrying. We HAVE to find a way.

Both pause to think.

ACh: How about….. no never mind.

CF: What is it?

ACh: No it doesn’t matter. It’s a silly idea.

CF: Ah Cheng please tell me.

ACh: Well you know that missionary chap?

CF: You mean Reverend Vaz?

ACh: Yes him.

CF: Go on.

ACh: Well you know he’s always banging on about this man called Jesus?

CF: Yes. Who doesn’t around here?

ACh: Well he says that this Jesus chap was born to bring peace to everyone and that he’s

got the answer to peace and forgiveness if we believe it.

CF: Yes now I remember. Didn’t he also say something about this Jesus dying for our sins

or something and that he can bring about forgiveness so that we can love our

enemies?

ACh: Are you sure you’ve got that right? It sounds a bit weird to me. Loving your enemies.

What’s the point of having enemies if you can’t hate them? It’s not natural.

CF: Look Ah Cheng. It’s a brilliant idea and anyway what have we got to lose? Even if all

this Jesus stuff doesn’t make sense, Reverend Vaz does seem to be good at solving

conflict. Look what he did yesterday when the Japs came.

ACh: Yes you’re right. I haven’t had the chance to thank him properly for saving me from

the Jap camp anyway so that would give me a good excuse to visit him and pick his


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brains about all this peace and forgiveness stuff. I’ll pop over tomorrow at

lunchtime.

CF: Good luck my darling. I’ll be thinking of you.

They embrace and exit.

BLACKOUT

Act 1 - Scene 6

The next morning, Cui Fen and her friends have gathered together to try on different clothes they’ve

made and cut each other’s hair.

The scene opens with general girly giggling and chatter.

Girl 1 Ever tried wearing your hair in a bun permanently Cui Fei? It suits you and as it looks

like you’ll never be getting married, you should get used to the spinster look.

CF Don’t say that. I’m just not sure if I’ve found the right one yet.

Girl 2 Come on Cui Fei, we all know you’ve got a serious thing for Ah Cheng. He’s only got

to walk by and you turn into jelly.

Girl 3 Dream on girl. Your Papa would rather marry you off to Captain Yashimoto before

he’d let you get within a mile of Ah Cheng and he hates the Japs as much as any of

us.

CF I suppose you’re right. I pray at the temple every day that somehow his dad and

mine can be friends again but the Gods never seem to answer my prayers.

Girl1 But do you love him Cui Fei? Do you really love him?

CF If I could define love, bottle it and sell it, I’d be the richest girl in the world. So do I

love him? Well I know how I feel and that’s all I know.

Girl 2 So. How DO you feel?

6.

Song- Every Part Of Me

CF Freely Well –

Do you remember before the war

That spread that looked so sunny.

Girls (Spoken) Oh yes butter. How we miss that rich taste on our roti.

CF: And do you remember if you left it out in the sun

How it would go all runny?


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Girls Yes, yes.

CF: Well, when I pass Ah Cheng each time

It’s like that, but in my tummy.

Verse Something’s missingBut whenever he is near me,

I’m alive and something grows within me.

A feeling that never can be reasoned

Like butterflies my spirits rise

And I am whole again.

All my life

I’ve always felt quite empty

Through the years

It’s made me feel quite guilty

But lately I’ve realised the answerOnly Ah Cheng can fill me up

And only he can do it.

Waltz tempo He is every part of me

He’s my waking and my sleeping

He’s my right arm, my left arm

My legs and my feet

He’s my laughter and my weeping

He is every part of me

And every part of beingHe’s the wind in the trees

He’s the buzzing of bees

He’s my hearing and my seeing.

When I study

He’s my buddy

Even though he is nowhere in sight

When I feel low

He’s on my pillow

Enchanting my dreams through the night


And without him I’m just not the same

So if that is love

I thank heavens above

That it’s made me whole again

Girls Dance

When I study

Girls He’s your buddy

Even though he is nowhere in sight

CF When I feel low


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Girls He’s on your pillow

CF Enchanting my dreams through the night

Girl 3 Cui Fei. If I ever get to feel like that about someone, there’s no way I’d let a family

feud get in the way. You’ve got to do whatever it takes to solve this. Think about it.

Girls exit. Curtains drop and CF sings front of curtain

Slower He is every part of me

And without him I’m just not the same

So if that is love

I thank heavens above

That he’s made me whole again.

BLACKOUT

Act 1 - Scene 7 –Reverend Vaz’s house.

We hear Ah Cheng knock on the door

ACh Hello. Reverend Vaz. Is anybody home?

He enters through the unlocked door and sees the cross on the wall. He is looking at it reflectively

when RV enters drying his hands.

RV Good morning young man. What can I do for you this fine day?

ACh (startled) Oh! Sorry Reverend. The door was unlocked and I just came in to….

RV Don’t worry about it. God placed me here in this house and all are welcome. There’s

no need to apologise. So, how can I help you?

ACh Well I…. I mean…. It’s just that……..

RV You want advice about how to get your father to make peace with Ah Ming. Is that

right?

ACh Well I… How on earth did you know that?

RV Let’s just say that I too have a father, although not of this earth and he, shall we say,

let’s me in on certain things.

ACh (blurting out) Oh Reverend Vaz. You’re so wise and kind and if only you knew what I

was going through with all this bitterness with our families. Please help.

RV I’ll do my best. Now. Where to start?

Let me ask YOU a question. Is there someone in your life whom you love very much?

ACh Yes Reverend there is. And I think you know who.


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RV Yes I do. But tell me. If Cui Fei hurt you by say not seeing you again or by saying

something bad about you, would you still love her? Or would you hate her?

ACh That’s easy. I’ll always love her and always forgive her no matter what she did. I

could never hate her.

RV So you recognise that it’s possible for someone to do wrong to us and still love and

forgive them?

ACh Yes I suppose so. But this situation between our two fathers has gone way beyond

that. It’s just too big.

RV Is it? You’ve heard me talk about Jesus haven’t you?

ACh Yes but I’m sorry to say I haven’t paid much attention to it before.

RV Well Jesus was mocked, beaten, tortured and executed in a terrible way by soldiersand he still loved and forgave them all. And, because he was the son of God, when

he died he not only forgave and loved his executioners, he forgave all of us,

including those who were to come after for every wrong thing they ever did or

would do. He loved us all then and he loves us all now. That’s why God sent him

down to earth to be born, live and die among us and his pain and suffering was a

little bit bigger than some suspicions over a coffee shop don’t you agree?

And Ah Cheng, if we practise Jesus’s teaching of love and forgiveness then peace is

the natural result. It’s not easy but with the help of Jesus you can do it. All you have

to do is ask for His help.

ACh I think I understand what you mean Reverend but isn’t the purpose of having

enemies to hate them? I mean where would we all be if we let people hurt us all the

time and get away with it?

RV We’d be at peace Ah Cheng. Isn’t that what you and every person in Malaya wants

right now, quite apart from your own family squabble?

ACh Hmmm (Still looking unsure)

RV Tell you what. Let me give you an example. Have you heard of Joseph?

ACh I know Joseph Green who used to be the British area commissioner around here

before the war.

RV No. This Joseph lived thousands of years ago in the time of ancient Egypt. Tell you

what. You can help me out. Just pretend to be Joseph as I tell you the story.

ACh OK. Sounds like fun

As RV sings, the chorus and others act out the characters in the story in mime as ACh

plays Joseph complete with multi-coloured coat.


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7. Song – Joseph.

Chorus Now hear the tale of an upright male

Who had so many woes.

But just like you

He’ll make it throughAnd this is how it goes.

(Spoken) Go Reverend! Go!

Chorus (Sung) Doo Wa! Doo Wa! Doo Wa!

RV Joseph was a boy in the land of Israel

Chorus Oo Wa!

RV His daddy was Jacob and his Mum was Rachel

Chorus Oo Wa!

RV He had eleven siblings every one another boyChorus Oo Wa!

RV But Joseph was his daddy’s pride and joy

He got a coat.

Chorus He got a coat

RV A coloured coat

Chorus A coloured coat

And the coat was from his dad

And it made his brothers mad

They were filled with jealousy

And so they zealously

All Gave him a really hard time.

RV Then he had a dream

Concerning sheaves of wheat.

Where all his brothers sheaves

Were bowing at his feet.

And when the dream was done

He had another one

In which the moon and sun

(Which they thought was dad and mum)

All Also bowed down as one.

RV (Spoken) Oh dear! That was not a good idea!

(Sung)This drove his brothers quite insane

So much they wanted Joseph slain

But they threw him in a pit instead

And told their dad that he was dead

But they changed their minds and sold him

To a man called Potiphar.

Then stained his coat with blood of goat

All And gave a piece to Pa!

Now God He favoured Joseph


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Who became a rising star

In the household of the Pharaoh

And his Captain Potiphar

But the Captain’s wife was naughty

And wanted Joseph’s kisses.But he turned her down

And with a frown said

ACh “No! You’re my bosses missus”

Faster As he fled in strife

To save his life

She grabbed his sleeve

As he tried to leave

And he lost his coat to the wife.

Who said to hubby.Potiphar’s Wife “Darling! Joseph tried to rape me, snarling!”

RV So Joseph went to jail

All Without being granted bail.

Chorus Doo Wa! Doo Wa! Doo Wa!

RV Now Pharoah had a dream one summer night

Chorus Oo Wa!

RV And the dream he had gave him quite a fright.

Chorus Oo Wa!

RV No one could understand it,The meaning of his dreams

Chorus Oo Wa!

RV ‘Til someone said young Joseph

Can tell you what it means.

Pharoah Seven thin cows

Chorus Seven thin cows

Pharoah Ate seven fat cows

Chorus Ate seven fat cows

Pharoah And seven sheaves of corn

Eating seven bigger ones

ACh “It means seven years of plenty

Then seven years quite empty”

All That’s what Joseph told him it meant.

RV Now Joseph grew in stature

And stored up all the grain

But his family back in Canaan

They searched for food in vain.

So Jacob sent out ten,

His sons, all sturdy men

In search of food again

In Egypt’s land. But Ben,


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He wasn’t one of them.

But Joseph said that they were spies

And the brothers did not recognise

Young Joe and Joe said

ACh “Go get BenWhile one will stay. You. Simeon!”

RV Then they returned as they were told

And left with gold and food.

But Joseph hid a silver cup

And had the men pursued.

He decided to release them

But kept back Benjamin

The brothers pleaded saying for their Dad

It would be too much for him.

RV Judah told him

Judah “I will trade my life for that of Ben”.

RV Joseph cried and revealed himself

Saying he forgave the men.

And so they moved to Egypt

His family and his dad.

And Joseph lived a long life

Just like his father had.

So you see my son, forgiveness

Can help us to release

All The hatred and the bitterness

And live with all in Peace.

ACh I think I’m starting to get it now Reverend. After all the bad things that Joseph’s

brothers had done to him and even though he could have had them all put to death,

he chose to forgive them so he could be with his family and those he loved once

more.

RV That’s right Ah Cheng. Unfortunately, not everyone who came after Joseph was so

forgiving. That’s why God eventually decided to make the biggest sacrifice possible

as I told you earlier, by sending His son Jesus down to us to die for our sins so we

could learn to love and forgive.

As normal men it’s very difficult to have the courage to forgive and make peace with

those who’ve hurt us. Try and explain all this to your dad and if you feel nervous, or

the words won’t come out properly, just close your eyes and silently ask Jesus to

help. He’s never failed me and He won’t fail you either.


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To help you remember, here’s something for you (he hands ACh the wooden cross

from around his own neck). Wear it around your neck or hold it in your hand to

remind you that Jesus is always with you.

ACh Thank you so much Reverend. I’ll talk to my Dad but to be honest, I’m not looking

forward to it.

RV I understand. But be bold, walk upright and trust in the Lord in all things and I

promise you, everything will fall into place just as you wish it.

And by the way. Please give your wife to be my kindest regards.

ACh My wife to b…..? Oh, yes (he blushes). Thanks Reverend.

ACh exits.

RV (Looking upwards with hands spread) Well, it’s up to You now.

BLACKOUT and Curtain

Act 1 - Scene 8 – The Death

Cui Fei enters, skipping lightly along and humming. We here the strains of “The

Rising Sun” in the background and as the curtain rises a Japanese patrol is marching

into the town.

CF (Under her breath) Oh goodness, I’d better get home.

Cpl Issaki You there! What are you doing wandering around here on your own?

CF I’m er just on my way home. Please let me get on my way.

Guard 2 What’s the rush? Doesn’t a pretty thing like you want to spend time with a

handsome Japanese soldier? Come here. I haven’t touched a woman in months.

CF No! Please leave me alone. I haven’t done anything wrong. Just let me go home.

Cpl Issaki You don’t need to do anything wrong. We own you and everyone in this town and

country so get over here right now you Chinese piece of trash.

(He grabs her roughly and CF screams)

Guard 2 Guess it’s your turn anyway Issaki. Come on men, back to camp. We’ll see you later

Issaki. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do! (They all laugh leeringly)

The rest of the patrol exit leaving Issaki with one hand grabbing CF’s neck whilst he

goes to undo his trousers. CF is weeping in terror and pleading to be left alone.

ACh enters Stage left on his way back from RV’s house and sees the scene.


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ACh (Screaming) What’s going on? Get off her you animal.

Cpl Issaki Get out of here boy and mind your business or I’ll cut you AND her to pieces.

ACh Leave her alone. You can’t do this.

Cpl Issaki Can’t? CAN’T? In the name of the Emperor I can do ANYTHING I want so vanish NOW

you scum.

ACh No!! (ACh runs at Issaki who takes his hand off his trousers and whilst still holding CF

by the arm draws his pistol with his other hand. ACh grabs his pistol hand and Issaki

lets go of CF. The two men struggle and with ACh’s back to the audience we here a

gun shot. ACh jumps back and we see Issaki clutching his blood covered chest. Issaki

drops to his knees, in his hand the wooden cross he has wrenched from ACh’s neck

during the struggle. Issaki collapses and dies.

Ah Cheng stands transfixed at what he has just done. CF grabs his arm.

CF Come on! We need to get out of here RIGHT NOW!

After a pause, ACh runs off with CF dragging his arm.

Almost immediately the Japanese patrol sprints on to the stage led by Captain

Yashimoto. He sees Issaki lying on the floor clutching his chest.

CY (Shouting) Who committed this terrible crime against our Emperor?

CY’s eyes fall to the ground and he sees the wooden cross in Issaki’s hand. Bending

down, he takes it from Issaki and stands. In the spotlight he stares at the cross with

hatred.

CY The missionary!

He clenches the cross in one hand and raises both fists to the sky.

8. Song – Yashimoto Swears Revenge

CY (Singing recitative

Dramatically and vengefully) Reverend Vaz!!!

You’re God will not save you now

We will crucify you upside down.

The Imperial Japanese Army

WILL BE AVENGED!!!!

Thunder and lightning ensues and the end of the Act is signified with a massively loud gong.

BLACKOUT

END OF ACT ONE


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ACT TWO

Entr’acte

Act 2 – Scene 1

Curtain up

The townspeople are lined up on either side of the stage kneeling down with their faces to the floor.

In the centre stands the Japanese Patrol with Captain Yashimoto at the front.

9. Song – The Sun Has Risen

Soldiers The sun has risen now

All Asia now will bow.

Freeing you from colonial powers

And over everything our Emperor’s presence towers.

The sun has risen here

This country’s ours so fear.

Crushing foes in his mighty name.The Emperor, the rising sun are just the same.

He is the mighty slayer.

For him we rule Malaya

Kneel before him and bow your heads

Disobey this and you all will end up dead.

CY recit Many thousands of years ago when the sun was made.

From the heat and the flames there leapt a God

And he became man to rule us

And through the countless generations of his ancestorsOur beloved Emperor reigns today

Our Emperor Hirohito!

Soldiers Our Emperor Hirohito

He is the risen sun

Our people act as one

We worship him and do his will

And he will make our nation even stronger still.

The sun is here to stay

So pay respect today

Do as you’re told and you may live

Imperial Japanese no we do not forgive.

The sun has risen now

All Asia now will bow.

Freeing you from colonial powers

And over everything our Emperor’s presence towers.

The sun has risen here

This country’s ours so fear.


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Crushing foes in his mighty name

The Emperor, the rising sun are both the same.



Music fades.

CY That was just a little explanation as to why your friends in Great Britain and America

can NEVER win this war. We have divine right on our side and our Emperor is a living

God, whereas your Gods are all dead. So you’d better get used to the idea of being

under our rule.

Now. GET TO YOUR FEET. ALL OF YOU! He takes his pistol out and randomly shoots

one of the townspeople dead.

That is going to happen again and again each and every minute. Earlier today,

someone here committed a terrible atrocity against the Japanese Imperial army.

One of my most trusted men, a man who has brought no harm to anyone was

murdered in cold blood right here in this town.

Fortunately, unlike other occurrences, we know EXACTLY who carried out this crime.

You are here with us now. But instead of just arresting you right this minute, I want

to see just what you’re made of, given the character of the person who did it. So you

have exactly (he looks at his watch) 32 seconds to step out of line and give yourself

up or another of your friends will be shot.

All look around at each other in terror. Ah Cheng takes a big breath and starts to

step forward but RV puts his hand across him and steps forward himself.

RV It was I Captain Yashimoto.

CY Of course it was, Reverend Vaz. I knew that all along. Tell me, aren’t you going to let

us know what prompted such a holy man as yourself to carry out such a brutal

crime?

RV No Captain. A sin is a sin. I don’t believe it would make much of difference to my

sentence anyway would it so please, just shoot me now and spare these innocent

people.

CY You’re correct Reverend but I have no intention of shooting you now. I want to see

you suffer. I want to see you squeal in terror. I want to see the blood drain from

your face when you realise your God has abandoned you and the look on your face

as you realise that the only true God is our beloved Emperor. You will die as your so

called God Jesus died but in even worse agony. It could be today, or tomorrow or

the next day. But you will suffer in the waiting I promise you.

RV As you wish Captain.

CY Men, escort the prisoner back to Batu Gajah.


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Risen Sun music fades in again. As CY reaches stage exit he turns to the townspeople.

Let this be a lesson to all of you and know you all where divine power really lies.

Townspeople exit dejected.

Act 2 - Scene 2

Curtain with ACh in front.

10. Song – What Have I Done?

Ah Cheng’s dilemma Reprise of middle part of ”Once I had a Friend”

and “Every Part of Me”

What have I done that I can live again?

He took my place but he is innocent.

I’m the one who’s to blame.

How can I live in shameKnowing he died in my place?

I must do what is right.

I must do what is right.

I must give myself up now.

I must go right away.

But I’m frightened all the same.

Yes I’m frightened all the same.

How can this man

Who hardly even knows meTake my place

For killing that Issaki?

I didn’t, but now I understand it,

The sacrifice God made for us

So we could learn to love.

But I am young

And have my life before me.

I can marry

And live my life with Cui Fei.

Have children and build a loving family.

But if I hold my tongue, he dies

And Jesus died for nothing.

He’s now every part of me

He’s my waking and my sleeping

He’s my right arm, my left arm

He’s my legs and my feet

He’s my laughter and my weeping


And every part of being

He’s the wind in the trees


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He’s the buzzing of bees

He’s my hearing and my seeing.

Now I know.

And even though it pains me.

I must goAnd free the man who saved me.

Or I cannot face the world each morning.

Though born again and whole again

I must meet Jesus soon.

Music fades, curtain up and Ah Cheng moves across to be with his dad in darkness stage left.

Act 2 - Scene 3

Spotlight Stage right on Ah Ming and Cui Fei

AM. Well well, the Reverend Vaz. Who'd have thought it? I wonder what on earth got

into the fellow. Well he's certainly got a new respect from me I can tell you.

CF. Papa it wasn't the Reverend Vaz. He was just taking the blame. I know. I was there. It

was Ah Cheng. He was trying to.......

AM. Ah say no more. That makes much more sense. That vicious little toad just like his

father if you ask me. Got one our people killed too, no conscience that......

CF (Screaming) PAPA STOP IT!!! Issaki was trying to rape me. Ah Cheng tried to stop

him and the gun went off by accident. I swear to you.

AM. Why on earth would he risk himself to save you? You know there's no love lost

between our families.

CF. Because Papa he's in love with me.

AM. Well that's not surprising, you’re turning into a very beautiful woman. I wouldn't be

surprised if half the men in this town were falling all over you.....

CF. And, Papa. I love him.

AM. WHAT? You? Him? The son of that snake?

CF. Papa, if it wasn't for Ah Cheng I could be dead right now or worse. He saved my life

Papa.

AM. But he's.... I mean that he's...... I always thought that...... you know. Oh God I'm

finding it very difficult to deal with this. NO I Can't allow it!

Cut to stage left .


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AC. Strangest thing that. Reverend Vaz killing that Jap. Unbelievable. Oh well this war

has thrown up so much, nothing surprises me anymore.

ACh. It wasn't Reverend Vaz Dad, it was me.

AC. What? You? How? What's going on?

ACh. Issaki was trying to do something terrible to Cui Fei and I had to stop him.

AC. What that tramp? Don't be ridiculous. She was probably begging for it. I mean

you've only got to look at her. And remember who's daughter she.......

ACh. SHUT UP DAD!

AC. What did you say? How dare you speak to me like tha......

ACh. I said shut up Dad and don't ever speak about Cui Fei in that way again.

AC. Why? what's she to you? She's a nothing.

ACh I love her Dad.

AC. Now you really are crazy.

ACh. And she loves me.

AC. NO. This cannot happen. I forbid it.

ACh. You can't forbid a feeling Dad and anyway there's no way we can be together now.

AC. Good. Glad to see you've come to your senses boy.

ACh. Oh no Dad. I love her and I always will but I can't allow Reverend Vaz to take the

punishment for something I did. It's wrong. I have to give myself up to Captain

Yashimoto.

AC. No son, please don't do that. You know what will happen. Please. I mean Reverend

Vaz is a lot older than you and you've got your whole life in front of you. You can't

do this. It will break mine and your mother's heart.

ACh. Dad, I have to.

AC. No... I Mean.... Ah yes... isn't that his job to make sacrifices just like his boss that

Jesus chap did. To be a martyr. Yes. yes that's it. You wouldn't want to deny the

Reverend his ultimate job satisfaction would you. It would be so selfish.

ACh. That's exactly the point Dad. Reverend Vaz was explaining to me earlier about loving

and forgiving our enemies and I thought I'd got it. But it wasn't until he stepped

forward just now to take the blame for what I did that I REALLY got it.


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Reverend Vaz hardly knows me and isn't even family yet he showed his love for me

and, even you if you think about it, by offering to die in my place for MY sin. I can't

let that happen Dad.

AC. But if he's got the strength to go through with it.........?

ACh. No Dad. He draws tremendous strength from God but he's not Jesus. Jesus died for

ALL our sins so that we might love one another and forgive our enemies. I WON'T let

Reverend Vaz die in my place. That would be a deliberate sin and to me, now that

I've finally got it, it’s just not an option.

Dad. I love you, I love mum and I love Cui Fei. I know you'll all be sad but I must do

the right thing. Maybe Dad, after I've gone, you also can do the right thing and

forgive Ah Ming and become friends again.

AC. NO! I cannot......

ACh. You can dad. I know you want to. I want you to and so does Cui Fei. If I can do the

right thing dad, even though it will probably cost me my life, then surely you can

too. I promise, you will feel a whole lot better when you have.

AC. Well..... I....... I don't ........

ACh I have to go now dad. I need to tell Cui Fei and be on my way. Remember dad.

Sung Once you had a friend

And he can be again.

Spoken Forgive him dad. Forgive him. For my sake.

ACh exits and two spotlights fall on AM and AC stage left and right.

11. Song – He Loves Her (and She Loves Him)

AM He loves her, my daughter

And she loves him

What a sacrifice to offerI always thought that he was scum.

Now I’m more confused than ever

Than I was when it begun.

AC She loves him, my son

And he loves her.

That he put himself in danger

For that girl I thought was trash.

Now I’m more confused than ever.

Maybe, just maybe I was rash.

AM & AC How can the child of one I hate


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Love my child, so young?

I thought that love could never conquer all.

Maybe I was wrong.

Music continues quietly and spotlights dim slightly on AM and AC. ACh and CF meet downstage

centre. ACh looking sad but determined.

CF You’ve decided haven’t you?

ACh Yes. I really have no choice.

CF begging But you do, you do. I can’t bare it if you die. Please don’t go.

ACh You have no idea how much I want to stay but I can’t. Don’t you see Cui Fei, if I let

Reverend Vaz die for something I did I can never be truly happy again. Every time I

see a sunrise it will be stained with his blood and every time I look at our children I’ll

see the Reverend’s face staring back at me. I’m truly terrified but inside me now Ihave a new strength which comes from God Himself. And with that strength I must

do what is right, no matter what it takes. So although you’ll probably never see me

again, in my absence you’ll remember the man who had the courage to do right and

not live with the coward.

I have to go now, but please always remember.

Singing I’ll love you forever.

CF And I’ll love you too.

ACh We’ll meet again one day I promise.

CF My love for you will always grow.Both One last kiss so we remember.

ACh Now….. I must go.

They hold hands one last time and gradually let the grip fall away as ACh exits.

CF Screaming NO!!!!!! ACh CF fall to the floor weeping hysterically. Music dramatically heightens.

Spotlight on AM and AC comes up again.

AM & AC How can the child of one I hate

Love my child, so young?

I thought that love could never conquer all.

Maybe I was wrong.

Music heightens again in intensity. AM & AC turn to face each other and start to walk towards centre

stage. They halt, look at each other then slowly walk towards each other and embrace. Music

reaches climax with CF still prostrate on the floor as AM & AC hug.

BLACKOUT


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Act 2 - Scene 4 – The Prison

RV is sitting down on the floor in his cell reading his Bible. CY enters stage right and stands over him.

CY Well Reverend. I must say you look rather relaxed given your situation. Aren’t you

terrified of what’s going to happen to you today or tomorrow, or the next day?

RV No Captain. You see I have learned the secret of being content in any and every

situation.

CY You’re quite mad. I’ve never heard such nonsense come out of anyone’s mouth

before.

RV Well they’re not my words Captain but those of St Paul who was in a rather similar

situation. Here, take a look (RV offers CY his bible).

CY No thank you. But I am curious. I always thought that it was us Japanese who were

the only ones who never felt fear. Have you studied our culture?

RV No Captain. You see I forgive you for what you are going to do to me. That

forgiveness comes from God and it puts inside me an almost supernatural calmness

which I cherish and which at times like this is indispensable.

CY What? Forgiveness? I don’t want your forgiveness. I will not allow it. You must hate

me. It is your right!

RV Fortunately Captain there are some things which escape even your power to control

and forgiveness is one of them. Let me tell you why.

12a. Song- I Always Have a Friend – Reprise

I’ve always had a friend.

He is like no other.

He walks with me throughout the day.

Loves me as a father.

He wipes my tears when I am down.

He always smiles and never frowns.

He cares for me, never lets me drown.

Yes, Jesus is my friend.

So Captain I forgive you

CY I don’t want your forgiveness

RV You know not what you do.

CY I know exactly what I’m doing.

RV I must love my enemies

CY What?

RV Which, Captain includes you.CY No you must hate me, MUST hate me.


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CY We are two foes on either side

So one must win and one must die

There is no room for pious pride

Forgiveness is no friend

Both And so I still believe

RV That love and peace will win

CY The mighty will win

RV And through God’s son

CY The Emperor Sun

Both A new peace will begin.

Music continues quietly.

CY Nice try Reverend. But the fact is, you are the jailed and I am the jailer so clearly all

your talk of peace, love and forgiveness has and will get you nowhere. The mighty

and the powerful always have and always will triumph.

RV You are so right there Captain.

ACh enters stage right.

ACh Captain Yashimoto. I have to come to tell you that you arrested the wrong man. It

was I who killed Corporal Issaki. It was an accident. He was trying to rape Cui Fei and

when I tried to stop him his gun went off by mistake.

So you can let the Reverend go now.

CY Well well. How noble. I really don’t know who to believe and even if you are the

culprit, the Reverend here is guilty of withholding evidence. With both of you dying,

your friends in town will know never to try anything like this again. You Reverend, if

your friend here is telling the truth, can hammer the nails into his hands and feet

yourself and then I’ll decide what to do with you. But whatever your fate, I’ve now

decided. Tomorrow will be the day for both of you.

You young man can stay in this cell with your friend as you seem to think so highly of

him.

CY exits. (Muttering) Peace, love, forgiveness.. Ha!

RV Ah Cheng. Why on earth did you give yourself up? You’ve got your whole life in front

of you and I probably only have a few more years on this earth.

ACh Well, I guess it was sort of your fault Reverend.

RV My fault? I don’t understand.

ACh I think you do. In fact I know you do. It’s because….


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12b. Song- Now I Have a Friend – Reprise

ACh Now I have a friend

RV Now you have a friend?

ACh My Father and my Master

RV The Father and the Master.ACh To guide my steps

RV And lead us true

Both Now and ever after.

Now I (I’ll always) have a friend.

Blackout

Act 2 - Scene 5 – The Surrender

The following afternoon. The townspeople are sitting drinking tea and looking sad. AC, AM and CF

are also sitting together and talking quietly, heads down. Slow music in the background.

Andy. Well. I suppose that's it. Although safe in the arms of Jesus, Ah Cheng and the

Reverend Vaz were executed and died gruesomely and in terrible agony and Ah

Ming, Ah Chong, Cui Fei and the rest of the townsfolk lived miserably ever after.

No. Hang on a minute. Something's not quite right here. What kind of a story teller

would I be if I let that happen? Well who'd pay me for one thing and for another,

haven't you all heard of God's perfect timing?

A church bell is heard faintly in the background and increases in volume. A young boy rushes onto the

stage waving his arms frantically.

Boy. Listen everybody, listen. Haven't you all heard? The Japanese have surrendered!

Man1. Of course they have. Nice joke.

Man 2. You boy. How did your parents bring you up to be so sick. With Ah Cheng and the

Reverend dying today this is no time for practical jokes.

Boy. No. They have. Really! Come and listen. I think we're in time.

He switches on the radio in the coffee shop and all gather around. President Truman's surrender

acceptance speech is broadcast. Half way through the broadcast, CY and the Japanese patrol quietly

enter in semi darkness and lay their rifles down in front of them.

At the end of the speech all cheer and bubble with excitement.

AM (Shouting) Be quiet all of you! Captain, what about Ah Cheng and the Reverend.

CY. (dejectedly) They were due to be executed this evening but our Emperor has ordered us to cease

hostilities and lay down our arms and he must be obeyed. They will be released

soon. It is also my duty to pass onto you a letter from a former friend of yours. I


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have kept it for some time, never expecting this outcome. He was captured two

years ago during our operations to wipe out the Malay resistance and was sent

north to work on the Burma railway where he died a few months ago. I kept this

letter from you as your family feud served my purpose in keeping your antagonism

against each other rather than us but now. Well now, it no longer serves that

purpose. Here, take it.

CY hands the letter to AC

AM, AC and CF gather around the letter and they and the crowd freezes left in darkness. Spotlight

comes on to CY front stage left who kneels. He is close to tears.

12. Song – How Can This Be?

CY. How can this be?Their God must be greater than mine.

How can this be?

That the sun no longer shines.

I have served you with unswerving loyalty and pride

But surrender has left something missing inside.

How can this be?

I salute you my Emperor God

Now I must shed my blood in shame

A new God has come to this land.

Things will never be the same.I hear you calling me.

Take my hand.

But as I die I still ask the question.

How can this be?

He takes out his samurai sword and plunges it into his stomach, falling to the floor dead. The lights

come up. RV and ACh enter and all move towards the body of CY.

AC. A cruel but noble man. But we forgive you too Captain.

The rest of the guard remove CY's body from the stage and the townspeople exit leaving just RV, AC,

AM, CF and ACh on stage.

AM So. Who’s going to open it then?

CF Maybe Ah Cheng should after all he’s been through.

ACh OK. Here goes.

He opens the letter and starts to read. His voice fades as another voice on the screen (Ah Fatt) takes

over.


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Ah Fatt (spoken) Dear friends, if you can still call me that after you’ve read this letter. If you are

reading this then I am almost certainly no longer alive and in order for you to have received it, one

side or other will probably have won this terrible war. I pray that it is our British and American allies

and not the cruel Japanese who have caused so much suffering. I decided some time ago that I could

not go to my grave without letting you know the terrible injustice I have brought upon you both.

13. Song – Ah Fatt’s Confession

Sung Verse: This is the time

For me to make amends

Though the war divided men,

I divided my friends.

This is the time

For my confession.

I hope that you’ll forgive meAnd put away aggression.

(From Once I Had)

I’m the one who betrayed your trust.

I’m the reason why you nearly went bust.

I was the poison in your drink,

Was that viper in the sink,

Was the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

I was a liar and a cheat.

I would steal while you sleepEverything that you’d worked for

I would take that and more.

And I stabbed you in the back

Yes I stabbed you in the back.

Once I had two friends

So brothers please forgive me.

It’s not too late, throw out the hate

And come together so….

Chorus 1 Peace will reignThroughout all lands and races.

Across the sea, across our earth

Of multi coloured faces.

Stretch out your hand

Forgive all those who hurt you

And love the ones you used to hate

So peace can reign.

Enter towns people and join in

Chorus 2 Peace now reignsAcross Malaya’s land


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All Asia, Europe and beyond

Will join our loving band.

And one man’s birth

Proclaimed this joyous anthem

That all can learn forgiveness so

That peace will reign.

Music continues quietly in the background.

AM So it was Ah Fatt all along.

AC Yes, I never really believed it was you anyway.

AM You sure about that?

AC Well…. Er, may be not a hundred per cent but I am now. Please forgive me for

doubting you. I reckon I’ve got the best buddy in the world and always have had. Iguess I forgot that for far too long.

AM No, it’s you who should be forgiving me and it’s me who’s DEFINITELY got the best

buddy in the world.

AC No it’s me.

AM No I have.

ACh (Laughing) Come on you two, don’t start again.

CF Yes, grow up Papa. Come on, we really should be celebrating.

AC Yes. Good idea --- FREE DRINKS?

AM FREE FOOD?

AM&AC For EVERYONE!!

14.

Song - Finale – The Best Buddy/Family in Town/Peace Can Reign

AM We’ve oodles of noodles

AC White rice and fried rice

AM Delicious siew mai we serve all dai (day)

Both With the best buddy in town.

AC We’ve bi hoon and mee hoon

AM Fried mee and congee

AC Otak otak, fried foo chok

Both And the best buddy in town.


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Both We’re famous all across Malaya

Even royalty come to eat and drink here

So when we become Dato’s now it’s after the war

And people come and ask us what we got them for,

We’ll say it’s ‘cos the Sultan said when he came around

You’re the best buddies in town.

Music continues

RV Spoken Well, it looks like my work is complete here at last. Maybe it’s time I was going

somewhere new where I can help spread the good news.

AM Not so fast Reverend. I think we might have one small task for you before you go if

you don’t mind. (To AC) What do you think? (He winks and whispers in RV’s and AC’s

ear).

AC Well…. I’m not sure I really want to be ACTUALLY related to you but…. What theheck? At least none of us will ever forget this day in a hurry.

RV Gentlemen. I’d be delighted as long as it’s OK with these two young people. CF and

ACh grin broadly and nod vigorously.

AM and AC cross over to CF and ACh respectively and take them by the arm.

Someone rushes on and puts a jacket on ACh and a girl puts a white veil over CF’s

head. AC and AM lead them both to centre stage where AM hands CF over to ACh.

Snippet of wedding music and RV gives the blessing.

RV By the powers invested in me I now pronounce you man and wife. That which God

hath joined together let no one put asunder.

Sung

CF I’m Cui Fei

ACh I’m Ah Cheng

AC I’m Ah Chong

AM I’m Ah Ming

CF&ACh We got married today

All So shout hooray!

For the best family in town.

Chorus Hooray!

CF The world is at peace now

ACh So join us and drink now

AM With joy and goodwill

AC Until you’re full

All 4 With the best family in town.

AC & AM We’re famous all across Malaya

Even Royalty come to pay respects here

AC So when we get our Tan Sri’s now it’s after the war


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AM And people come and ask us what we got ‘em for,

AC & AM We’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around

All 4 You’re the best family in town.

Entire cast assembles on stage.

AM& AC Sing everybody sing. One, two, one two three.

All:They’ve oodles of noodles They’ve Kopi O & Kopi C & Kopi Peng it’s loverly or

White rice and fried rice Kopi Kosong just the trick or maybe try some Teh Tarik or

Delicious SiewMai they serve all dai Teh C Peng or Tut Kiao or Teh Kosong but made Foo Chow

They’re the best family in town. And the best family in town.

They’ve Bi Hoon and MeeHoon I’ve orange juice and honeydew & watermelon, got that too

Fried Mee and Congee Lychee soda, mangosteen & soya milk and iced red bean

Otak Otak, Fried Foo Chok Or Lemonade just sweetened up or barley ice or coconut

They’re the best family in town. And the best family in town.

AC & AM We’re famous all across Malaya

Chorus Even Royalty come to pay respects here

AM So when we get our Tan Sri’s now it’s after the war

AC And people come and ask us what we got ‘em for,

AC & AM We’ll say it’s cos the Sultan said when he came around

Chorus They’re the best family.

AC He’s my best buddy

Chorus The best family

AM And he’s my best buddy

All They’re the best family!

The best family!

They’re the very, very very, best, best family in TOWN!

The entire cast join hands

Peace will reign

Throughout all lands and races.

Across the sea, across our earth

Of multi coloured faces.

Stretch out your hand

Forgive all those who hurt you

And love the ones you used to hate

So peace can reign.

Peace now reigns

Across Malaya’s land

All Asia, Europe and beyond

Will join our loving band.

And Jesus’ birth

Proclaims this joyous anthem


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That all can learn forgiveness so

That peace will……

Andy Now that’s what I call a happy ending

All REIGN!!!.

THE END

Curtain Call

Documents

Script of the hit musical The Rising Son