Chapter Text
SCENE 1
The Campus - grounds in front – Morning, A year ago
The freshmen year, the last days of September, the Last day of moving-in
Macaria McLellan (22) exits a slick black car. She's wearing a long black coat, with high-heeled custom leather boots. There is an expensive-looking purse in her gloved hand. She's wearing sunglasses despite there not being much sun. A driver takes two big dark purple suitcases out of the trunk. As soon as the suitcases touch the ground, Macaria turns around and starts walking toward the campus entrance, the driver with her suitcases in tow
CUT TO:
The other side of the grounds-parking lot
A taxi pulls up. Horatio Andreassen (22) steps out. He has a warm-looking dark blue jacket and boots on. The old green beany doesn't really match, but it keeps his ears warm. His black backpack is draped over one shoulder. He takes one big-ish suitcase and a smaller one out of the car. The taxi takes off. He just stands there for a second. He was excited, but now he's more nervous than anything. He pulls the suitcases after him as he starts walking. One in each arm.
CUT TO:
Romeo's and Anthony's dorm
Romeo Montague (22) has already unpacked most of the stuff he brought. His roommate Anthony (21) hasn't stood up from his computer since he introduced himself. Romeo looks at his watch. No, he should wait a little bit longer.
ACT 1
SCENE 3
Mac and Romeo look at each other. What now?
ROMEO
Should we follow him?
MAC
I mean... yeah? I guess.
They start walking. And then walking faster... ok they're running. They stop at an empty corridor
splitting into two hallways.
ROMEO
Where did - Where is he?
MAC
I don't know.
ROMEO
Why didn't he wait for us?
MAC
He probably thought we know where he's going.
Romeo groans.
ROMEO
How are we supposed to-I don't know, exist here?
MAC
We should just find the guy first...
They start walking again when Mac stops.
MAC
Wait!
She grabs Romeo by his sleeve.
MAC
In the play! The-the ghost- where did Horatio see it?
ROMEO
(tries to remember)
Um, ahh... The-the balcony or something...
MAC
You said you were on a balcony when you came here…Did you see a ghost?
ROMEO
No, I sprinted away.
MAC
Do you remember how to get there?
ROMEO
(points to her almost confidently)
... No.
MAC
Seriously?!
ROMEO
You try appearing mid-walk when you were supposed to be dead!
Mac shuts up promptly.
MAC
This castle can't be that big. We'll find it.
Romeo looks around.
ROMEO
(he points to one of the passages)
This looks familiar.
MAC
Does it look familiar because you were there or because everything looks the same?
ROMEO
Can't exactly be picky with why I find things familiar.
MAC
Fine, but if we somehow end up back here again I will... cry.
ROMEO
So will I Mac, so will l.
They start walking down the hallway Romeo pointed at.
SCENE 2
Juliet's and Macaria's dorm
Juliet has already organized her part of the room, everything is unpacked, there are pens and the laptop on her desk, and the bed sheets are changed. She is trying to not seem anxious about meeting her roommate, but she is. She's sitting on her bed, mindlessly scrolling on her phone and checking the time. She is supposed to be here already- That's when the doors open and Macaria enters.
JULIET
(stands up)
H-
She doesn't finish the greeting when Macaria turns around to the driver as he wheels the suitcases in. She tips him a few bills. He nods at her as a "thank you«. He closes the doors behind himself. Mac finally turns to Juliet and takes her sunglasses off.
JULIET
Hi. I'm Juliet Capulet.
She offers Macaria her hand. Macaria accepts, but not without giving her a quick once-over first.
MACARIA
(smiling, but there is something disingenuous about it)
Lady Macaria McLellan.
JULIET
Nice to meet you.
MACARIA
And you... I didn't know I was sharing a room with a scholarship student.
Juliet doesn't know what she is talking about.
JULIET
I' m...not.
MACARIA
(feigns surprise)
Oh... [she looks Juliet up and down knowing full well most of what she's wearing is designer] You hide it well.
Juliet immediately figures out the type of person she is. Great.
Juliet's previously friendly demeanour turns icy in an instant. Macaria has no idea who she's dealing with. A knock on the doors.
JULIET
(not taking her eyes off Macaria)
It's open, come in.
Romeo enters, so excited to see Juliet. He stops at the door when he sees Juliet isn't alone in the room.
ROMEO
Oh, sorry. [to Macaria] Um, hi! I am -
MAC
I'm sure you are.
She puts her sunglasses back on and leaves the room. Whoever this guy is she has no wish to small talk. Romeo has to close the door behind her. Juliet goes to give him a kiss. She hugs him. She's so happy to see him.
ROMEO
Was that your roommate?
JULIET
Yep. A massive bitch. Just my luck.
ROMEO
(feels bad)
I'm sorry, Cara Mia.
Juliet just shrugs. What can you do?
JULIET
I'll just have to ignore her for a year and then ask for a transfer.
ROMEO
Maybe we could room together.
He kisses her.
JULIET
Mmm... That sounds perfect. How's your roommate by the way?
ROMEO
Ok. Doesn't say much. I don't think he'll be too difficult.
JULIET
I'm glad. Do your parents know I'm here?
ROMEO
I didn't tell them.
JULIET
I didn't tell mine either. Let's keep it that way for as long as we can.
Romeo smiles and kisses her again. Juliet misses the sad edge in his expression.
ACT 1
Hamlet's Castle-random hallway
Mac is pacing.
MAC
How are we UNABLE to find a fucking balcony?!
ROMEO
Because I wanted to mark the stones and you said "No, I have a good sense of direction".
MAC
You don't have the tools to mark it.
ROMEO
We have swords. I could carve an X into the rock or something.
MAC
Romeo, no offence, but you couldn't carve a half-pipe.
ROMEO
I don't know what that means. Maybe we could wait for a guard on something to come by and-
MAC
Ask for the direction in my own castle? No.
ROMEO
It wouldn't be that suspicious. Aren't you supposed to be going mad anyway?
MAC
(waves it off)
That's later in the story when all that shit with Ophelia goes down.
Silence, Mac is still deep in thought.
ROMEO
(realizes something)
Hey…[she turns to him] If you are Hamlet and I am Horatio... Who is Ophelia?
ACT 1
SCENE 5
Macbeth's castle
Ophelia is looking into the mirror. She's wearing Lady Macbeth's face. This cannot be happening. A messenger bursts into the room. She jumps at the sound. Messenger is saying something but it's muffled. When the sound clears, the messenger has already stopped talking and is now waiting for any acknowledgement from her.
OPHELIA
Uh, can you repeat that. Please.
MESSENGER
The king is coming.
OPHELIA
The king- Oh right! The [she forgot his name] The-the guy-the king. That's... great.
MESSENGER
(kind of confused)
But we aren't prepared! The servants-What should we do?!
OPHELIA
We aren't? No, yeah, of course we aren't, why would we be. Uh, oh [claps her hands together] Prepare a room, tell the kitchens to is start on dinner, nothing too fancy but not too plebeian either, a duck maybe and tell Macbeth that I will find him.
MESSENGER
How did you know your husband is returning as well?
OPHELIA
… Wifely intuition.
Messenger nods. Convinced somehow. He exits. Ophelia lets out a breath. Listening to her father panicking about royal festivities finally paid off.
This whole thing is a fucking nightmare!!
OPHELIA
Oh my god. I am going to kill that fucking witch-
She gets an idea. She practically leaps toward the little table she left the letter on. The words make more sense now. The wheels in her head a turning. Macbeth enters.
MACBETH
My love [Ophelia freezes and turns around slowly] Duncan's coming here tonight.
OPHELIA
(can't believe she forgot the name)
Duncan! Of course... [notices Macbeth's surprised reaction so she tries to save it] Of course he's coming.
MACBETH
He plans to leave tomorrow-
OPHELIA
Yeah great whatever, can we talk about the letter?
MACBETH
But the king-
OPHELIA
(impatient)
Macbeth, let's put a pin in the whole king business for a second, and just.... I want to hear more about the witches you mentioned in your letter. Mainly where you found them and how does one get there?
Silence.
MACBETH
That is a very strange question. Yeah, it probably is.
OPHELIA
I can see that. But I really need to know.
MACBETH
Are you feeling alright-
OPHELIA
I am super. Just answer the question.
MACBETH
Um, well, they found us.
OPHELIA
Of course, they did. Life is just that easy for you, isn't it?!
MACBETH
I have just returned from battle.
OPHELIA
(almost sarcastically)
Thank you for your service.
She wants to leave but then stops realizing it was kind of insensitive.
OPHELIA
Are you... alright?
MACBETH
(weirded out a bit)
Yes.
OPHELIA
(awkwardly)
Good... Um, that you aren't dead.
She starts slowly backing out.
MACBETH
Why do you want to speak to the witches?
OPHELIA
Just ask some questions.
MACBETH
They won't tell you anything more.
OPHELIA
I can try.
MACBETH
They said I will be king. They won't tell you more than that.
Of course, he would think that's what it is about. She can use it.
OPHELIA
We have to know everything we can. You can't become royalty without doing proper research. Trust me.
MACBETH
They only speak to those they have foreseen to be destined for greatness.
Ophelia narrows her eyes.
OPHELIA
Greatness is never guaranteed.
MACBETH
It has been foretold.
OPHELIA
A lot of things are said Macbeth, very few are promised.
MACBETH
You don't believe the witches? That they can see the future?
OPHELIA
Even if they can... knowing exactly what will happen to you is not the gift you think it is.
MACBETH
I thought you wanted me to be a powerful man.
OPHELIA
And I am trying to help you become that. So I'm going to find the witches and-
MACBETH
I forbid it.
OPHELIA
Excuse me?
MACBETH
If someone hears you talking about magic and fortunetelling... They will accuse you -of witchcraft. Or of madness!
OPHELIA
(been there done that)
Sometimes a girl gotta burn.
She leaves the room with Macbeth behind her. That's when the servant runs up to them.
SERVANT
The king is here.
Macbeth grabs her arm and practically drags her toward the staircase.
CUT TO:
The balcony is looking over the gate. She is trying to pull their arm out of his grip. The gates open. The king and Banquo ride in.
She stops struggling when she sees Banquo.
FLASHBACK
Ophelia is reading Macbeth.
CLOSE UP; The page of the play
Enter MACBETH and BANQUO
MACBETH
So foul and fair a day I have not seen.
BANQUO
How far is't call'd to Forres? What are these
So wither'd and so wild in their attire,
That look not like the inhabitants o' the earth,
And yet are on't? Live you? or are you aught
That man may question? You seem to understand me,
By each at once her chappy finger laying
Upon her skinny lips: you should be women,
And yet your beards forbid me to interpret
That you are so.
MACBETH
Speak, if you can: what are you?
First Witch
All hail, Macbeth! hail to thee, thane of Glamis!
END FLASHBACK
Banquo. She can ask him. He was there too. She straightens her back, making her posture regal and proper.
MACBETH
Your Majesty! I welcome you to my home.
Ophelia bows deeply. At least she knows how to play this part well.
SCENE 3
Græsted Private Institute for Mental Health_Ophelia's room – 5 years ago
Ophelia's cross sitting with her back to the wall. She's wearing an egg-shell/beige coloured track-suit. Someone taps on the other side of the wall.
OPHELIA
Yeah, I'm here. You ok?
A tap: Code for affirmative
Morse code: --- ..--.. (O? – code for Ophelia)
OPHELIA
I'm fine. How was the music therapy?
Morse code: --. --- --- -.. (Good)
Ophelia smiles. She glances at the packed bags prepared at the foot of the bed.
OPHELIA
I'll miss you you know.
No answer. Ophelia nods. She understands. After a few moments of silence.
Morse code: ...- .. ... .. – (Visit)
OPHELIA
(rests her head against the wall, to be closer to the person on the other side)
I'll try... But you have to let them know you don't want the sleeping pills anymore ok?
A tap – Code for affirmative
Pause
A tap – Code for affirmative
(Yes. Yes.)
SCENE 4
Horatio's and Hamlet's dorm - Freshmen year, moving day
Horatio has just started to unpack. there is a knock on the door. He goes to open, thinking it's his roommate only to be greeted by an intimidating-looking man in a black suit, sunglasses and earpiece. There are two other people similarly dressed behind him.
HORATIO
May I help-
BODYGUARD
Horatio Andreassen?
HORATIO
(kind of scared to confirm it was him)
Yes?
He muscles his way in, followed by the other two. Horatio was about to say something but he feels like his complaints will not be acknowledged when they started to thoroughly inspect the room.
HORATIO
Um, what is -
HAMLET
Sorry about that.
Horatio turns around. He didn't even notice the short guy standing at the door.
HAMLET (CONT'D)
It's an overkill, but my mother insisted.
HORATIO
Right... Who are you?
HAMLET
OH! [sort of a nervous squeek] Sorry, I'm Hamlet. Isaksson.
His roommate. That makes sense. That name does sound familiar though.
HORATIO
Nice to meet you. I thought your last name was Norgaard.
HAMLET
Yeah, that was fake. I didn't want anyone googling me.
HORATIO
What are you? In witness protection?
Hamlet bursts into a short anxious giggle.
HAMLET
No, I'm -
BODYGUARD
Your Highness, it's clear.
HAMLET
Ah, uhm, thank you.
He glances nervously toward Horatio who pieces it together.
HORATIO
Oh my god, the prince. You are that prince!
HAMLET
(looks down)
Yes.
HORATIO
Shouldn't you have like a private president-suite dorm or something?
HAMLET
Um, no, I wanted - The »real collage experience«. It's, uh, I didn't want to be alone in the, um, the room. Dorm that is.
Horatio kind of thought princes would be more eloquent.
HORATIO
Well I hope I will be satisfactory.
HAMLET
(way too eager)
You are. [realizes that's kind of an insane thing to say] I mean... I'm sure you will be.
He coughs. The bodyguards exchange looks among each other. It's kind of painful to watch. Horatio finds it charming.
HORATIO
(about the bodyguards)
Will they be sharing a bunk?
HAMLET
What? [looks over his shoulder] Oh, no, it's... My mother just wanted them to escort me here. They are leaving.
The bodyguards get the message and start walking out. The leader bows his head to Hamlet who nods. He also shakes Horatio's hand and leaves without a word. They close the door behind them. Now that they are alone, it's kind of awkward.
HORATIO
So... What if someone wants to kidnap you?
Hamlet didn't see this conversation opener coming.
HAMLET
I've actually been taking self-defense classes and judo since I was 10 so I wouldn't need them.
HORATIO
Oh... Damn. Progressive solutions I guess.
HAMLET
(rambling)
I'm lucky. If I was a princess I wouldn't have been allowed to be without them even if I was John Wick.
Silence.
HORATIO
So, selective progress.
HAMLET
It's our specialty.
Hamlet takes off his expensive-looking coat. A silver necklace with a skull is in a stark contrast to the deep bordox red sweather he is wearing. Horatio's gaze moves away from the necklace to the slope of Hamlet's neck. He should stop.
HORATIO
Cool necklace.
HAMLET
(brightens up)
Thanks! My dad gave it to me.
He takes off his gloves. His nails have black polish on them. Mostly. Some of it is scratched off. Despite hiding it quite well Hamlet is obviously really uneasy. He kind of seems like he wants to puke. Way more than Horatio, who has just learned his roommate is royalty.
HORATIO
(wants to make him more comfortable)
Hey, do you want to get coffee?
HAMLET
(genuinely surprised)
What?
HORATIO
Coffee. I saw this caff near the campus, [he gets kind of insecure now that Hamlet is just silent] You don't need to I - I just thought -
HAMLET
No! I mean... Yes, I would like to go. I just... Didn't think you would ask. So thank you.
Horatio takes his jacket.
HORATIO
(laughs)
It's just coffee man. Not that big of a deal.
Horatio leaves thinking Hamlet is following him. Hamlet is looking after him. He has no idea just how big of a deal it is. To Hamlet. Horatio pops his head back in.
HORATIO
You coming [sees this expression] or do you need a second?
Hamlet shakes his head and Horatio gives him a little smile.
HAMLET
Yeah, sorry I just need to get my wallet-
HORATIO
No, no my treat.
HAMLET
You really don't have to.
HORATIO
I asked you! It's the gentleman's way.
Hamlet would argue more, but Horatio doesn't seem like he'll be backing down.
HAMLET
(smiling)
Ok.
He takes his coat. They leave the dorm. Horatio locks behind them. They're walking down the hallway, away from the POV. It's getting harder to hear them.
HORATIO
Do you actually have a crown?
HAMLET
Yeah, but they usually give me the fake for functions. The real one is for maybe once a year.
HORATIO
Because it's heavy?
HAMLET
No, I forgot it in a bathroom once. They don't trust me anymore.
Horatio laughs. Their conversation continues as they turn the comer to the staircase, but can't be heared anymore.
ACT 1
SCENE 3
The Capulet residence
Lady Capulet and the nurse are looking at Hamlet unimpressed.
HAMLET
It wasn't my fault! The dress is too long- WHAT did you call me?
Lady Capulet sighs, already quite fed up with him.
LADY CAPULET
Nurse, can you leave us for a moment. We need to talk in private.
The nurse nods, ready to walk away.
LADY CAPULET (CONT'D)
On second thought, maybe you should be a part of this discussion.
HAMLET
Wait, no, why?
LADY CAPULET (CONT'D)
As you know my daughter is becoming a lovely young woman.
HAMLET
(kind of insulted)
Becoming?
NURSE
Yes, of course, I know Juliet's age to the hour.
Hamlet looks at Lady Capulet. That's kind of weird no?
LADY CAPULET
She's not yet twenty.
This gives Hamlet pause.
HAMLET
I'm 19?! AGAIN?! What the f- [sounding suspiciously like a whine] I'm a teenager?! This is the worst-case scenario!
LADY CAPULET
Juliet, I am trying to have a conversation. [back to the Nurse] Two weeks and a few days until the August harvest festival.
HAMLET
(to himself while his mother chats with the nurse)
Oh my god, if I have acne again I will do something drastic. This is so unfair-
LADY CAPULET
Indeed, getting married is just what I came to discuss. Juliet, what are your thoughts on marriage?
HAMLET
I think it's an industry that relies on old-fashioned patriarchial views and brainwashes people into spending thousands for something that will probably end unhappily anyway.
Silence.
LADY CAPULET
You are more than old enough to start thinking about it AND taking it seriously. In Verona girls younger than you have already been married for years. Some are even mothers. You know, when I was your age-
HAMLET
Really, we're going there?
LADY CAPULET
WHEN I was your age, I had already given birth to you, and you're still a virgin-
HAMLET
How is that not a positive in this time?
LADY CAPULET
But lucky for you Paris has asked for your hand in marriage.
Hamlet crosses his arms. He remembers who Paris is and he is not interested.
NURSE
Oh, what a man that Paris. The world hasn't seen such a man.
LADY CAPULET
Truly, no summer flower could compare.
HAMLET
(weirded-out)
Umm... Ok.
LADY CAPULET
Could you see yourself loving this gentleman? He is going to be at the party tonight-
HAMLET
Wha- No, you can't just spring this on me? I need to prepare! I can't just raw dog this, mam! And- and I need to find Romeo and figure out who he is-
LADY CAPULET
(threatening)
What did you just say?
HAMLET
Rom- [realizes his mistake] Nothing, not a thing, let's go meet the French guy-
Lady Capulet grabs his arm really tightly. Painfully.
LADY CAPULET
How do you know the Montague's name?
HAMLET
(playing dumb)
Who?
Lady Capulet starts pulling him with her. She pushes her through the doors into Juliet's bedroom.
Juliet's bedroom
Hamlet almost trips over his dress again.
LADY CAPULET
You will not say that name again in this house!
HAMLET
(his defensive mechanism, superiority, jumping out)
Or what?
LADY CAPULET
You better remember your place in this family! There is no room for disloyalty- Of any kind.
Hamlet glares back. His chin high.
LADY CAPULET
You will stay here until the evening. You should think about your actions. I will not let you ruin everything we've worked for.
She closes the doors and locks. Hamlet tries to open it. He kicks it after not being able to.
HAMLET
She's a psycho, that's - Juliet, it's a miracle you turned out as well as you did, because... wow.
He notices another door in the room. He goes to open it. It's a balcony. He goes out and looks over the railing. It's high. He looks down. Could he jump maybe?
HAMLET
Nope.
He returns back inside. He starts walking in a circle and brushes through his hair. This is not good. Not good at all. Hamlet pulls his hair in frustration after he steps on his dress again. He sits on his bed.
HAMLET
(softly, like a prayer)
Wherever you are. Please be safe.
He's palming the sheets on the bed. He looks down at them. And then at the balcony door. Now that's an idea.
ACT 1
SCENE 1
Montague Household
Horatio leans back against the wall again. He has no idea what to do. He starts walking back through the hallway where he came from. He feels catatonic. He comes across the staircase and walks down. He sort of just lets the legs carry him. He needs to get out of there.
Garden
He exits the house. It's a nice day. He doesn't see a gate. But there a trees all around, Everything is so bright and green... He stops and looks-up at the branches. These are all old trees. Big and tall.
A distant memory;
HORATIO'S FATHER (V.O.)
Please, don't-don't go. She's just afraid for you…You know how upset she'll be. Please st-stay at home. We can play a boardgame.
END voice over.
Horatio squeezes his eyes shut. He doesn't want to cry. He decides against going among the trees. He walks down the stoned path and sees Lord and Lady Montague walk through the gate. He looks around in panic where he could hide and jumps behind one of those artisinal bushes. When he's sure they left he goes toward the gate... where a man is standing.
BENVOLIO
Oh, here you are.
Horatio just nods as a greeting. He doesn't know who this guy is. He could guess but doesn't trust himself with that right now.
BENVOLIO
Well, good morning to you too, cousin.
Ohhh, ok. He's Benvolio. He's almost relieved.
HORATIO
Sorry, I, uh, didn't notice it was morning.
It's a lame excuse, but his brain is still not working.
BENVOLIO
Just after nine.
HORATIO
Ah.
Awkward silence. Benvolio is observing Horatio's sullen and worried expression carefully.
BENVOLIO
Your parents are worried you know. I just spoke to them.
Horatio squeezes his eyes again. He hasn't felt this particular uncomfortable feeling sweeping over him since...
HORATIO
(a sentence all too familiar)
I'm fine, man. They worry too much.
He forces a carefree smile. Benvolio finds the change in attitude strange.
BENVOLIO
You seem... different somehow.
Horatio is trying to keep it cool, despite his stomach plummeting.
HORATIO
Why... How do you mean?
BENVOLIO
(can't really explain it really)
You seem more lost than sad.
Horatio tries to laugh it off.
HORATIO
Are you really living if you aren't even a little bit lost?
BENVOLIO
Oh... I see.
Horatio has no idea what he did.
BENVOLIO (CONT'D)
You're in love.
HORATIO
…What?
BENVOLIO
You only get this melancholically poetic when it's about a woman.
Silence. Horatio isn't sure how to respond.
HORATIO
I am. And I think I'll never see hi-HER again.
BENVOLIO
Why...Why do you think that?
HORATIO
We were never meant for each other…Maybe being pulled apart was the best thing that could've happened.
BENVOLIO
Who is she?
HORATIO
(shakes his head)
You wouldn't understand if I told you.
Benvolio is silent for a second. Just taking in Horatio's badly hidden expression of hurt.
BENVOLIO
It's unfortunate how love can be so nice until you actually experience it.
Horatio swallows. Benvolio is waiting for his response. Horatio almost feels uncomfortable by his gate, so he starts looking around. There were signs of a fight a few meters away. He remembers the plotline from the play.
HORATIO
(desperate to change the subject)
Was there a fight here?
BENVOLIO
Yeah, but it wasn't anything novel. You've heard it all before.
Oh for fuck's sake.
BENVOLIO
Oh,, don't look so defeated. It's not a death sentence... Who is it?
HORATIO
It's not important.
BENVOLIO
So does she not respond to your affections?
Tries to remember how it went in the play.
HORATIO
Uh, yeah, she's um... a virgin? Promise ring and all.
BENVOLIO
A what?
HORATIO
(feels very uncomfortable)
She's a very… chaste woman.
BENVOLIO
Quite a struggle, when god gets involved with the desires of the flesh.
HORATIO
I find it's not god's involvement that's the problem. It's more the people taking advantage of his word.
BENVOLIO
My, she really has you in a dark mood. What a woman she has to be... To make you speak blasphemy.
Horatio rolls his eyes. Benvolio puts his hands around his shoulder.
BENVOLIO
Want to know my advice... stop thinking about her.
HORATIO
(almost laughs)
And how do you propose I do that?
BENVOLIO
By letting yourself admire other women, of course.
They start walking back toward the house.
HORATIO
Yeah, sounds... foul proof. But I wouldn't get my hopes up. She possesses a beauty I will never find in another woman.
BENVOLIO
I will help you find it, my dear friend- That's a promise.
Horatio lowers his eyes. He's resigned already. He's probably staying here forever. That's when he hears a faint melody of a piano melody. horatio stops to listen to it. Benvolio doesn't seem to acknowledge it.
ACT 1
SCENE 2
Hamlet's castle
Mac and Romeo are still wandering around, a little bit frantically. They finally see another person. It's a maid.
MAC
Hey you!
ROMEO
She has a name -
MAC
It's Shakespeare…She probably doesn't. [to the maid] Where is Ophelia?
THE MAID
(nervously, avoids Mac's eyes)
I-I am sorry, my prince, I do not know.
ROMEO
Is she even in the castle?
THE MAID
I am not sure.
MAC
What about her brother?
ROMEO
Or Polonius?
THE MAID
Um, they're gathered in the throne room I think.
MAC
Great!
She starts walking.
ROMEO
Thank you.
He follows her. They realize they don't know where they are going. They turn around.
MAC, ROMEO
(at the same time)
Where is that?
CUT TO:
Throne room
Claudius and Gertrude are sitting on their thrones. Polonius and Laertes are listening. As well as Cornelius and Voltemand. Claudius is in the middle of a speech when he's interrupted by Mac and Romeo arriving.
CLAUDIUS
The army is being assembled of -[entrance of Mac and Romeo] You're late.
MAC
For what?
Claudius wants to finish the command.
CLAUDIUS
(to Cornelius and Voltemand)
I'm sending you to deliver this message. Do not discuss or negotiate anything pass the terms I have detailed in this letter. Deliver this as quickly as you can. Goodbye.
Mac leans closer to Romeo. Claudius, Voltemand and Cornelius continue their conversation in the background.
MAC
Should Ophelia be here?
ROMEO
I... don't remember.
MAC
I really should've re-read it after the first time I fell asleep.
ROMEO
Should we ask?
MAC
Which one? The father I murder or the brother I murder?
ROMEO
They don't know that yet... Maybe we can create a better relationship this time.
MAC
Ugh, fine... But you're running point on that one. I'm in no mood to deal with in-laws.
CLAUDIUS
...make the most of it, [to Mac, getting her attention] But now, my nephew Hamlet. Also now my son-
Mac almost bursts out laughing.
MAC
(does not take it seriously)
Yeah, ok.
ROMEO
[fake cough] You're Hamlet [fake cough]
MAC
(oh shit, right)
... How DARE you imply I am in any way related to you anymore. After the betrayal, my saint of a father has experienced by your hands.
Romeo and Mac bump fists behind each other's backs. She nailed it.
CLAUDIUS
Is that why you're in such a foul mood?
MAC
Oh, so now, I am not even allowed to be upset that my father's dead? Makes sense since he's barely cold and you already want to call me son.
GERTRUDE
Hamlet, stop with the moodiness and start behaving yourself. Show some respect to the king. You –
There is something about her words that triggers a memory.
FLASHBACK
MACARIA'S OLDER SISTER
Would you behave yourself! You cannot afford to have an attitude. We all had to earn the right to demand.
FLASHBACK END
Something changes in Mac's expression then. Her anger isn't a ruse anymore. Romeo recognises that immediately. He tries to stop Mac, but she already started walking closer to the thrones.
GERTRUDE
…can't go on forever with your grave view on life; all your waking moments filled with your father. It's no life when you only think of death. And we only have so long on this earth-
MAC
Then why can't I choose how to spend it? Even if it's in mourning.
GERTRUDE
Why is your father's death so difficult for you?
MAC
Why is it so easy for you?
Gertrude is taken aback by that.
CLAUDIUS
It's a praise-worthy part of your nature to mourn his death so intensely. But insisting on this prolonged period of grief is bordering on stubbornness. It's not how a real man behaves –
FLASHBACK
3 WITCHES
(their voices blend with Claudius's)
You act as if you are one of them! You are not one of them!
END FLASHBACK
MAC
Don't tell me how to act!
Romeo is surprised by her outburst. She stomps even closer to the thrones now. She steps in front of Claudius. Towering over his sitting form.
MAC
And don't dictate my grief.
Romeo sees the guards reaching for their weapons. He moves to Mac's side. Just in case.
CLAUDIUS
You're crossing a line, young prince.
MAC
And you're sitting on a stolen throne, old king.
GERTRUDE
Hamlet!
CLAUDIUS
Your insubordination will cost you.
MAC
That's fine with me. I will pay it with your pound of flesh.
Claudius shoots up, but Mac doesn't even flinch. Romeo does. Mac and Claudius maintain eye contact.
CLAUDIUS
You're threatening your king?
MAC
No, I'm threatening my new father.
There is something about Mac's grin and her eyes that makes Claudius uneasy. There is an inhuman quality to them that Claudius can't explain but it makes his skin crawl. Mac bows her head to Gertrude. And then to the king.
MAC
(as bitchy as she can manage)
Mother. Father.
She storms out of the throne room with Romeo behind her.
CUT TO
Romeo pulls her into a random room in a hallway.
ROMEO
What the fuck was that?
MAC
I don't know.
ROMEO
You can't just threaten him!
MAC
He pissed me off!
ROMEO
This isn't personal! It's literally a play and I want to get to the end of it!!
MAC
How do you even know it will end?
ROMEO
Because every story ends.
MAC
And what will happen then?!
ROMEO
I don't know Mac! [a lot more viciously than Mac expects] You're the witch!
Mac frowns.
ROMEO (CONT'D)
We won't know until we get to the end of it.
MAC
Getting to the end will take forever. This play is longer than Interstellar.
ROMEO
What can you do? The timeline has literally been written.
Mac gets an idea.
MAC
Or has it?
ROMEO
(doesn't like the look on her face)
Yes.
MAC
We could speed it up. To get to the end faster.
ROMEO
You do remember what the ending is right?
MAC
(dismissively)
Yeah, yeah, Horatio's ex kills me. But if we knock over the right domino...
Romeo isn't convinced.
ROMEO
Which one?! There's a lot of dominos here.
Mac unsheaths her sword. She looks over the elegant blade, admiring it.
MAC
I'm going to kill Claudius.
ROMEO
That's a horrible-
Music starts playing. The same one that played around Horatio. It's a nice piano number. It sounds familiar. Mac doesn't recognize it. Romeo does.
ROMEO
Do you hear that?
MAC
Yeah. Is someone playing the piano?
ROMEO
This type of concert piano hasn't been invented yet.
MAC
What song is this?
CUT TO:
ACT 1
SCENE 6
Macbeth's castle_Entrance hall
King Duncan is talking, but Ophelia isn't listening. All she can hear is the piano music. She recognizes it. She looks around a bit. Where is it coming from?
Banquo is the only one who seems to pay attention to her strange behaviour. He even starts looking around himself to figure out what Lady Macbeth is trying to find.
CUT TO:
ACT 1
SCENE 3
Capulet Mansion_Juliet's bedroom
Hamlet is tying together the bedsheets and the curtains into an escape rope. He stops when the piano music starts.
He walks to the balcony and looks around.
What the hell is this song? He knows he heard it before.
CUT TO:
ACT 1
SCENE 1
Montegue household_ grounds in front, at the gate
Horatio walks past the gate and a little bit down the street. He's probably going insane because there is still PIANO PLAYING COMING FROM THE GODDAMN NOWHERE!!!
CUT TO:
Hamlet's castle- continuation
ROMEO
It's Out of My Head.
FLASHBACK
Montegue weekend house_piano room – 7 years ago
Romeo (16) is learning how to play Out of My Head. It's not going that well. Juliet (16) comes around the corner just watching him.
JULIET
I love that song. You're ruining it.
Romeo just laughs and tries again.
Closing in on Juliet's face. She realizes how in with him love she is .
TRANSITION; END FLASHBACK
SCENE X
Unknown location
TRANSITION; From Juliet at 16 to Juliet in the present
Juliet is humming the song. She is clearly thinking about Romeo's piano version of it. She picks up a small vial on the stone platform. She opens it and sniffs. There is no smell. She dunks a finger in it.
It's black dye. No, it's ink.
She is still humming as she wipes her pinger on the column and turns away. A few drops of ink drizzle down inside the cauldron. It creates a black mist. And then a mirror of sorts materializes from the mist in the air. In the mirror, it looks like it's showing Romeo in the castle with Mac. But the mist disappears as soon as it appears.
Juliet missed all of it because she was staring at the darkness in the corner again. She stopped humming.