QUARREL
An Immersive Stage Show based on Chess
written by
Cassidy Haley
1072 Myrtle Ave 2F
Brooklyn NY 11026
510 990 1792
~Those that shine the brightest cast the darkest shadow~
Born into opposing kingdoms locked in endless war, two princes in a secret love affair discover their warring fathers have slain each other on the battlefield and must now face each other as kings or give up everything to be together.
Quarrel is a real chess game played on a life-size 24’x24’ chessboard stage by two players. The Stage acts occur before, during and after the game with some narrative elements and timing changing based on gameplay.
PART ONE- ENDLESS WAR
PROLOGUE: WORLD BUILDING
FADE IN:
The stage is a 24x24 ft chessboard. The space is dark. A single spotlight hits the NARRATOR, who stands at the center of the board.
NARRATOR
We are at war. Two forces battle for the soul of the universe. The Light, expanding outward in electric brilliance And the dark, contracting inward in silent magnetism. Tonight, here and now, these eternal forces manifest as two warring kingdoms locked in an endless Quarrel....The Kingdom of the Light (gestures to the light side) and the Kingdom of the Dark (gestures to the Dark side).
A thousand years ago these once powerful allies shared a great technological alchemy, and together they traveled the stars in perfect harmony. The merkabah. But somehow..someway.. there was a CONFLICT (harsh jolt of energy and disruption) and the harmony was derailed. The great technology was lost. Each kingdom blamed the other and they devolved into bitter medieval warfare for generations. And now the children of their children's children, born into this endless war, are taught to hate and fear the other side.
Can you imagine being born in an empire of war? Being taught since the day you were born that horrific acts of violence enacted by your country, i mean kingdom, are not only justified but necessary in the name of war. Vast resources accumulated by rulers who sit in high castles commanding the peasants to sacrifice, suffer and die for their war games.
So this is where we find ourselves now, as we come upon the strong and loyal prince of light, contemplating these very things as he finds much needed solace by the river that divides the two kingdoms:
The Narrator gestures to the Prince of Light taking his position on the chessboard stage.
EXT. RIVERSIDE CONTINUOUS
ACT ONE: ENDLESS WAR
[SONG 1: ENDLESS WAR]
EXT. RIVERSIDE DAY
Lighting is cool blues. Sounds of rivers and birds play softly. A peaceful riverside at the border of two kingdoms. A 24x24 ft Chessboard Stage represents the terrain.
GAYLEN (Prince of Light) is discovered lounging by the river. He appears uneasy. GARETH (Prince of Dark) emerges from the shadows behind him, creeping forward like a predator.
GAYLEN senses danger and grabs for his sword.
GARETH lunges! It appears as an attack, but it is a misdirect. GARETH falls on top of GAYLEN, laughing. Gaylen catches his sword stroke at the last second.
GARETH
(Rolling over GAYLEN;
staring into his eyes)
Gotcha!
GAYLEN
(Jokingly)
Come on, Gare, knock it off! I could
have hurt you.
GARETH
(Playfully raising his
weapon with a smirk)
Haha, I would like to see you try!
GAYLEN laughs and raises his hand to Gareth's face.
GAYLEN
Gareth of the Dark, don't you have
some dusty cave to explore?
GARETH
(Pushing him playfully)
Dusty cave, huh? Oh, you have no idea
of the splendor in our volcanic temples.
(Sobering; looking into
the distance)
Maybe someday I can show you.
GAYLEN
(Flirting)
Haha, can you imagine? Me, the Prince
of Light, trapped in the Kingdom of the
Dark? Although if it was with the devilishly handsome prince of Darkness?
GARETH
(Smiling, then Impassioned changing
the subject)
Oh Gaylen, let's just get out of here.
Run away where no one cares that our
kingdoms are at war. Find a little
Place somewhere far from everywhere.
We can watch the sunset every night.
GAYLEN
(Impatient but tender)
Gare, we have been through this. You
know I can't leave my people. I can't
afford to think about faraway places
or sunsets. I have to be here. Now.
I am the heir to the throne. The Prince!
GARETH
(Frustrated)
Well, so am I, Gaylen. But I will not
be ruled by the throne I am meant to
rule. Both our kingdoms are broken. We
would be better off on our own.
GAYLEN
I am sorry, Gare. My father is old.
Maybe someday once I am King I can set
things right. I can make peace with your
kingdom. And we can find a way to be
together.
GARETH
(Rolling his eyes, then Tickling GAYLEN)
Or kill each other! Haha!
They embrace and kiss. Suddenly, a low, rhythmic drum beat begins. A trumpet
blasts a sharp, dissonant note.
[MUSIC CUE: DARK, DRIVING SYNTHS AND PERCUSSION as ENDLESS WAR starts]
The lighting shifts to chaos and flashes.
GAYLEN
(Adjusting his tunic and getting serious and worried)
The War Cry. My father! Something has happened. I
have to go to him.
GARETH
Wait, Gaylen! Its my father too. They..This means we are going to war. We have to stop it!
GAYLEN
I have to go Gare, my family needs me. I can’t-
He turns away and they get pulled apart as both CHESS PIECE TROUPES begin to march onto the board from each side, ending in an outward formation towards the audience on their respective sides.
Lighting shits to spotlight on the dark queen.
DARK QUEEN
(Addressing the Kingdom
of the Dark)
KINGDOM OF THE DARK
YOUR KING IS LOST
TAKEN BY THE KINGDOM OF THE LIGHT
HIS ONLY SON
She gestures towards GARETH as he steps into a spotlight.
DARK QUEEN
MUST CARRY ON AND LEAD US INTO BATTLE TONIGHT!
Lighting shifts to spotlight on QUEEN OF LIGHT.
QUEEN OF LIGHT
(Addressing the Kingdom
of the Light)
KINGDOM OF THE LIGHT
YOUR KING HAS DIED
TAKEN BY THE KINGDOM OF THE DARK
HIS ONLY SON
She gestures towards GAYLEN as he steps into a spot.
QUEEN OF LIGHT
MUST CARRY ON UNTIL THAT KINGDOM'S TORN APART!
Both sides start marching again around the board.
VOICES (ENSEMBLE)
FOR THE DARK!
FOR THE LIGHT!
THIS IS WAR IT STARTS TONIGHT!
FOR THE DARK!
FOR THE LIGHT!
THIS IS WAR IT STARTS TONIGHT!
GAYLEN / GARETH
IT'S AN ENDLESS WAR!
GAYLEN AND ENSEMBLE
ENDLESS WAR!
ENDLESS WAR!
IS IT AN ENDLESS WAR?
The stage erupts into a chaotic, choreographed battle on the 24x24 ft
chessboard. Gaylen and Gareth are swept away from each other by their
respective armies.
VOICES (ENSEMBLE)
FOR THE DARK!
FOR THE LIGHT!
THIS IS WAR IT STARTS TONIGHT!
FOR THE DARK!
FOR THE LIGHT!
THIS IS WAR IT STARTS TONIGHT!
The music reaches a thunderous crescendo as the chess pieces find their place
on the board.
[BLACKOUT]
VOICES (ENSEMBLE)
FOR THE DARK!
FOR THE LIGHT!
SPOTLIGHT on the two princes at the center of the board. Everything else in
shadow.
ACT TWO: LOVERS QUARREL
[SONG 2: LOVERS QUARREL]
EXT. THE BOARD CONTINUOUS
SPOTLIGHT on the two princes at the center of the board. Everyone else is
frozen in shadow.
GARETH
(Whispering)
Gaylen, what are we going to do? Our
families are going to war again.
GAYLEN
(Solemnly)
I don't know Gare. My people are
calling for blood, I don't think I
can stop them.
GARETH
We have to end this. We are both the
kings for gods sake. If not us then
who?
GAYLEN
(With resolve)
I don't know what to do Gare. My
Mother... I can't abandon her.
GARETH
But we can't fight each other... I
love you!
GAYLEN
(Sighs, resigned)
Was it foolish of us to think we could
love in this world of hate? For gods
sakes our fathers just murdered each
other on the battlefield. My mother...
she lost the love of her life, by your
kingdom's hand! I have to keep my
family together.
GARETH
Screw my kingdom! Screw your kingdom.
Let's get out of this mess. Go somewhere
new. Somewhere beyond this endless
quarrel of light and dark. We can be
invisible. And together. I can't stand
this place. Come with me.
GAYLEN
I can't abandon my kingdom, I... We
can find another way. I will try to
hold back my forces, just put on a
show for the masses calling for blood.
We try to slow the deaths. Ease out of
the conflict, work together from the
inside. Please don't make me choose.
GARETH
You already have.
[MUSIC CUE: BUILDING TEMPO, EMOTIONAL BALLAD]
GAYLEN
I KNOW YOU'RE ON YOUR OWN
BORN INTO A LIFE YOU NEVER CHOSE
FORCED TO LIVE BY RULES THAT YOU OPPOSE
OUR KINGDOMS ARE STAINED WITH BLOOD AND GOLD
GARETH
WE COULD CHOOSE ANOTHER ROAD
LEAVE BEHIND THIS ENDLESS WAR
BURY ME IN THE FINEST GOLD
I'D RATHER DIE THAN LET YOU GO
IF YOU STAY BY MY SIDE
GAYLEN
I'D LOVE NOTHING MORE
GARETH
WE CAN LEAVE ALL THIS BEHIND
GAYLEN
THAN TO HAVE YOU TO HOLD
GARETH
WE CAN LEAVE TONIGHT
GAYLEN
BUT I CAN'T LET MY PEOPLE DIE
GARETH
ENDLESS WAR
GAYLEN
I CANNOT GIVE UP ON THIS CROWN
GARETH
ENDLESS WAR
GAYLEN
THAT IS WHY I CANNOT GO
ENSEMBLE
ENDLESS WAR
GAYLEN
THAT IS WHY THIS MUST BE WAR
ENSEMBLE
IT'S AN ENDLESS WAR
ENDLESS WAR
GARETH
SO YOU SAY THAT YOU MUST FIGHT
WELL THEN, IT WILL BE WAR TONIGHT
The lights shift across the board as the music rings out.
GAME INTRO / TUG OF WAR INTERLUDE
EXT. THE BOARD CONTINUOUS
TUG OF WAR INSTRUMENTAL PLAYS. Lighting is chaotic but focused on the board
while the two kings move to the sides of the space to prepare for their crowning.
The NARRATOR steps into the light, projecting over the noise.
NARRATOR
We are at war. Gather your forces...
The two armies march to the kings, clustering around them as they get their stilts on and prepare for the crowning moment.
NARRATOR
champions of the Dark! Champions of the
Light!Rise! your time is coming! be prepared!
The two armies cheer and cause a Ruckas,distracting from the stilt transformation behind them
NARRATOR
Who will win, who will lose, tonight we
decide the fate of the universe! Will it
be the Light??
Light chess pieces cheer.
NARRATOR
Or the dark???
Dark chess pieces cheer.
Lights spot to the platforms where the armies split to reveal the kings who are positioned strategically to hide the stilts. Music continues as they dramatically and in sync have their gauntlets, robes and crown placed on their head. Together they stand, revealing the stilts, leading their armies on to the stage and into position on the board.
NARRATOR
(Addressing the pawns who
have been brought into
position on the center
of the board)
Now, my fearless warriors. You may die
on this battlefield tonight, but your service will never be forgotten! All you have to do is listen to the hands of fate and the path ahead will open up for you!
The Narrator gestures to the sky.
PLAYER
(Speaks into microphone)
Light pawn 1 to E4.
A spot shines on E4.
NARRATOR
Now, pawn 1, you follow the Light
bravely forward. Perhaps you will kill. Perhaps you will die. Only the hands of fate will decide.
The Narrator leads the pawn to the appropriate spot.
NARRATOR
Now, if you fall my brave soldiers, your soul will be regaled for all eternity by your god of darkness. And we will send you off with a final death scene. Your chance to show the world what you got. You can die however you want. And no one will judge. You will be honored as the true champion of the light or dark. Are you ready??
The hands of fate are calling!!! Its time to begin! Welcome to Quarrel! We are in it now. Who will win, who will die? Will our two young lovers find a way to peace?
These are the questions only our hands of fate can answer! Playing as the Light Hand of fate tonight,
is {PLAYER NAME}!
The NARRATOR gestures up to the light hand of fate at their place at the
microphone.
NARRATOR
And playing tonight for the Dark hand of fate we have {PLAYER NAME}! Let the game
begin!
-END PART ONE-
PART TWO - GAME PLAY
GAMEPLAY BEGINS.
The first moves are called out. When the first Pawn dies, light spotlights on
the pawn. Cast gasps. The first death.
NARRATOR
Im sorry my dear, your time has come. You
have fought bravely for the (dark/light)
and now you shall go to the great beyond.
Let us honor you by speaking your name.
Oh champion!
PAWN says their name into the mic.
NARRATOR
{Their name} of the {dark/light}!!!
People of the {dark/light}, honor your
fallen champion!
The NARRATOR removes their pawn costume and leads PAWN around the board and out
into the audience of their side, getting the crowd to cheer.
NARRATOR
Its getting serious now, folks. The war
is underway and only The hands of fate
know which way this will go!
GAMEPLAY continues with each pawn that is killed getting disrobed and their
name spoken out loud and sent off into the audience.
ACT THREE: LA PETITE MORT
Triggered by the death of the first Bishop.
Music starts as the spotlight shines on the bishop being taken. All the bishops
start moving and weaving through the board and out into the crowd singing.
BISHOPS
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA PETITE MORT
SWEET SENSATION
OVERFLOWING THROUGH ME
ONLY FOR A MOMENT
BUT IT FEELS LIKE AN ETERNITY
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA PETITE MORT
SWEET SENSATION
OVERFLOWING THROUGH ME
ONLY FOR A MOMENT
BUT IT FEELS LIKE AN ETERNITY
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA
LA LA LA LA LA LA
LA PETITE MORT
SWEET SENSATION
OVERFLOWING THROUGH ME
ONLY FOR A MOMENT
BUT IT FEELS LIKE AN ETERNITY
As the song ends the bishops send off their fallen comrade and move back into
their original positions.
ACT FOUR: TUG OF WAR
Triggered by the death of the first Knight.
SPOTLIGHT shines on the taken knight as their king cries out, this was his
friend. All the pieces from that side gasp and cry out.
GAYLEN
(Singing from his place
on the board)
WELL NOW I SEE THIS IS HOW IT'S GONNA BE THE FRIEND BECOMES THE ENEMY
GARETH
(Singing from his place
on the board)
YOU MAY WEAR THAT CROWN BUT IT'S BLINDING YOU NOW ITS AN IGNORANCE THAT YOU COULD DEFEAT
GAYLEN / GARETH
TAKE THIS BROKEN HEART FROM ME MY FLESH IS STONE NOW I DON'T FEEL A THING FOR YOU
GAYLEN / GARETH
YOU ARE A STRANGERS TO LOVE AND SO FAMILIAR WITH THE TUG OF WAR
Knights emote intensely towards the audience as the two kings make their way to
each other through the board.
GAYLEN / GARETH
OF WAR I FEEL THE TUG OF WAR OF WAR OF WAR IT'S THE TUG OF WAR
Song ends as the fallen knight is removed from the board and the two kings end
up back in their original position.
ACT FIVE: ALIVE
INT. THE BOARD LATER
Triggered upon the death of the first Rook.
The heavy, imposing armor of the fallen Rook is slowly removed, revealing the
vulnerable, beautiful human underneath. This becomes a breathtaking, cathartic
dance of LIFE.
[SONG 5: ALIVE]
NARRATOR
I COULDN'T SPEAK FOR SEVEN THOUSAND DAYS I TRIED TO SCREAM ONLY A WHISPER CAME AND WHEN I SLEEP SOMETIMES I STILL FEEL THE...
The Rook takes a sharp, desperate gasp of air, as if breathing for the very
first time.
NARRATOR
I WAS SO YOUNG AND I WILL NEVER KNOW WHO I MIGHT HAVE BECOME DOWN THAT OTHER ROAD, BUT I KNOW WHO I AM NOW
I'M ALIVE
OH I'M ALIVE
I'M STILL ALIVE
I'M ALIVE
NARRATOR
OH I'M ALIVE
STILL ALIVE
I'M ALIVE
FOR THE FIRST TIME
IN MY LIFE
OH I BELIEVE
YES I BELIEVE
Rook's armor is fully pulled off to reveal the human
I DESERVE TO BE ALIVE
The music swells into a massive, triumphant crescendo. The Rook leaps and dances around the stage with total freedom, shedding the weight of centuries of war.
NARRATOR
OH I'M ALIVE I DESERVE TO BE ALIVE I'M ALIVE
I'M STILL ALIVE
I'M ALIVE
As the final note rings out, the Rook stands tall and peaceful. They calmly exit the board. GAMEPLAY CONTINUES.
END PART TWO
PART THREE - FINALE
ACT SIX (VERSION A):LIGHT WINS
(Upon the light king being taken to end the game)
EXT. RIVERSIDE NIGHT
The final blow has been dealt. The Dark King, GARETH, has been cut down with barely enough strength left to get back to the river's edge.
As he lays there, blood pools out and drips into the water. A figure approaches, moving fast. The Light King, GAYLEN.
GARETH
(Weakly)
Is that you, Gaylen?
GAYLEN
Gare! Oh god, what have I done? Gare,
I am so sorry. I...
GARETH
(Trying to smile)
Just a flesh wound, Gaylen. I will
be fine.
GAYLEN
(Distraught, but trying
to stay positive)
Yes, yes of course. It is going to
be ok.
Gaylen draws Gareth into his arms and rocks him back and forth.
GARETH
(Getting delirious)
Gaylen, let's go now. Together. We
can get out of here and never look
back. Find a little place somewhere
far from everywhere.
GAYLEN
(Holding back tears)
Yes, Gare. We can go now. Wherever
you want to go.
Gareth starts drifting off.
GAYLEN
Oh god, no. Gareth, stay with me!
He shakes him and holds him, knowing it is the end. Gareth dies.
GAYLEN
No! How could I be so foolish? Why
did I not leave with him? Now... no.
He hangs his head. A moment passes. Finding new resolve, he lifts back up. A
calm washes over him.
GAYLEN
Yes, my love. Let's go now. We can
be together forever.
With that, Gaylen takes Gareth's blade from his side and plunges it into his
own heart. He collapses into Gareth's arms, taking his own life just as the
remaining armies from both sides arrive at the river to find them locked in an
embrace forever.
[MUSIC CUE: BEGIN SONG COLLIDE]
ACT SIX ( VERSION B): DARK WINS
(upon the light king being taken)
EXT. RIVERSIDE NIGHT
The final blow has been dealt. The Light King, GAYLEN, has been cut down with
barely enough strength left to get back to the river's edge.
As he lays there, blood pools out and drips into the water. A figure
approaches, moving fast. The Dark King, GARETH.
GAYLEN
(Weakly)
Is that you, Gareth?
GARETH
Gaylen! Oh god, what have I done?
Gaylen, I am so sorry. I...
GAYLEN
(Trying to smile)
It's not so bad, Gare, I've seen worse
haha
GARETH
(Distraught, but trying
to stay positive)
Yes, yes of course. It is going to
be ok.
Gareth draws Gaylen into his arms and rocks him back and forth.
GAYLEN
(Getting delirious)
Gare, I'm ready. Let's go now. Together.
We can get out of here and never look
back. Find a little place somewhere
far from everywhere.
GARETH
(Holding back tears)
Yes, Gaylen. We can go now. Wherever
you want to go.
Gaylen starts drifting off.
GARETH
Oh god, no. Gaylen, stay with me!
He shakes him and holds him, knowing it is the end. Gaylen dies.
GARETH
You're in the light now Gaylen.
He hangs his head. A moment passes. Finding new resolve, he lifts back up. A
calm washes over him.
GARETH
Yes, my love. Let's go now. We can
be together forever.
With that, Gareth takes Gaylen's blade from his side and plunges it into his own heart. He collapses into Gaylen's arms, taking his own life just as the remaining armies from both sides arrive at the river to find them locked in an
embrace forever.
[MUSIC CUE: BEGIN SONG COLLIDE]
FINALE [SONG: COLLIDE]
The full cast approaches the dead kings, surrounding them.
NARRATOR / ENSEMBLE
WE HAVE WORN THE STAINS OF WAR
SO LONG WE CAN'T RECALL
A TIME WHEN OUR HANDS
WERE NOT BLOOD RED
WE HAVE LOST OUR WAY
THROUGH THE SMOKE AND MIRROR BLAZE
BLINDED BY THE RAGE
AGAINST OUR HEADS
BUT WHEN THE PAWNS THROW DOWN THEIR SWORDS
AND WE STAND BEFORE THE KINGS AND THE LORDS
WE WILL FINALLY TELL THEM ALL
WAR NO MORE
Kings rise with NARRATOR's que, stripping off their suits as half naked angels.
ENSEMBLE
SO RAISE YOUR HEAD
AND LIFT YOUR EYES
FROM THE ASHES WE WILL RISE
AND REACH ACROSS
THIS GREAT DIVIDE
Full cast starts to find their way to their counterpart.
ENSEMBLE
I WILL LOVE YOU
ON THE OTHER SIDE
I WILL LOVE YOU 'TILL
THE EARTH AND STARS COLLIDE
WHEN THE PAWNS THROW DOWN THEIR SWORDS
AND WE STAND BEFORE THE KINGS AND THE LORDS
WE WILL FINALLY TELL THEM ALL
WAR NO MORE
SO RAISE YOUR HEAD
AND LIFT YOUR EYES
FROM THE ASHES WE WILL RISE
AND REACH ACROSS
THIS GREAT DIVIDE
I WILL LOVE YOU
ON THE OTHER SIDE
I WILL LOVE YOU 'TILL THE EARTH AND STARS COLLIDE
(INSTRUMENTAL PART while cast focuses on dancing and prepping for final tableau)
KING PRINCES dancing and singing together echoing each other while the full cast is ballroom dancing each with their counterpart.
KING PRINCES
I WILL LOVE YOU
ON THE OTHER SIDE
I WILL LOVE YOU 'TILL
THE EARTH AND STARS COLLIDE
Song ends with finale tableau of all characters facing outward intertwined with both sides.
FADE OUT.
CURTAIN CALL - lights come up. Bishops come up first, then knights then rooks and finally the royalty. Everyone bows as the audience goes wild.
END PART THREE