Omid Djalili
Omid Djalili. Born , ) is a and . Djalili was born in to parents from and is a Baha’i himself. He attended the in , , studying and . Djalili has appeared in a number of films, most notably , , , , , and . He is probably best-known to American audiences as Nasim from the , starring alongside actress . He recently picked up an international film award for Best Supporting Actor in Casanova.
Information taken from “Wikipedia: The Online Encyclopedia”
Costume: Because the play will be set in and around a Prisoner Of War (POW) camp, many of the characters uniforms will be the same due to the mandatory uniform policy that had been set for NATO prisoners during present wars. However, the officers (captain Docherty, Lieutenant Brandy and Lieutenant Harrison) uniform will slightly differ as in the POW camps, all officers are entitled to wear service dress.
POW Uniform Service Dress
Synopsis
Upset by the soldiers and resources wasted in recapturing escaped prisoners of war, the MEC (Middle Eastern Coalition) High Command concentrates on a high-security prisoner of war camp that the commanding officer, Colonel Al-Abbes proclaims escape-proof. (The play is set in the year 1987)
The MEC deliver to the camp a high ranking officer, Captain Docherty (Marlon Brando), warning him that he will be shot should he ever escape again. Docherty immediately plans another escape. - A tunnel system for exfiltrating 170 of the 320 prisoners of war.
At night, Randerson and Hilts, who are up drinking some tea debating whether the appointment of corporal Carlson as digging assistant was right, see Parkinson and Delilah sneaking into the showers. They decide to warn Brandy (Delilah’s father) of their sightings. Brandy is in a rage at what he hears.
When the prisoners in camp are gardening with the other POW’s, the guards discover one of the tunnels.
Teams of men are organised to survey, dig, hide soil, manufacture civilian clothing, forge documents, provide security and distractions, and get hold of contraband materials. The worst of the work noise is covered from the men choir singing, and dirt from the tunnels is concealed in the men’s' trousers and emptied in the gardens. Corporal Carlson (Sean Astin) finds ways to get whatever the others needs. Staff Sergeant Parkinson (Denzel Washington) is in charge of digging.
The prisoners work on two escape tunnels ("Tango" & "Delta") simultaneously. After the first tunnel (Hotel) is discovered, morale seriously drops low and Brandy is adamant that Parkinson should be held responsible. Brandy brings his accusations to Captain Docherty. Captain Docherty knows that without Parkinson the completion of the tunnel will be difficult and therefore allows Parkinson to carry on his relationship with Delilah. He also puts Parkinson in charge of digging tunnel “Tango” and allows Delilah to accompany him. The POW’s abandon the first tunnel and put all their efforts into completing the second. The act finishes with Hilts procuring a plan to become Parkinson’s digging assistant.
Act 1
Scene 1
27th April 1987. POW camp 01101. In block 27, opposite woman’s shower block. Enter Private Randerson and Corporal Hilts. The men sit down at a table with two cups of tea.
Randerson
Look here Hilts, I don’t mean to put too fine a point on it. But that’s the fourth teabag of mine you’ve used. You’re acting as if what’s mine belongs to you. I’d hate to think you were using me…
Hilts
Easy now randy, I didn’t know you minded. Never dream of doing such a thing personally.
Randerson
I hope so. Say, what’s this I’ve been hearing ‘bout that new Docherty blokes escape and evasion plan?
Hilts
Yeah, I heard he thinks he’s doing it by tunneling. He only came in two days ago and he’s got three working at once. Hotel, Tango and Delta.
Randerson
Shame we’re not working on them isn’t it.
Hilts
Hmm…especially seeing as that Carlson fellow has been appointed. Have you heard? A fresh flipping’ logistics private that just come in a few weeks ago gets to be a god damn tunnel assistant! I mean, they had the choice between me, an experienced frontline soldier who’s had 4 years of experience and an officer bum lick who builds stuff. Who do they pick? The bum lick. I bet he’s a load of good down in the tunnel to them, with all his bookish theorems and whatnot. I bet ‘twas Parkinson who appointed him, the man with whom I served in four operations. I saved his black ass so many times back there and all he does is give me a job as his scrounger.
Randerson
By Jove, can’t you do anything about it?
Hilts
Nothing. That's the blight of being a full screw. You get promoted when someone likes you, not because you're next in orbat. Now, you tell me, should I feel loyal to the Moor?
Randerson
Shrugs quit life mate.
Hilts
No, relax. I'm biding my time. I know that I can’t be a staff, but I’m not saying we should follow them all either. Look at all the devoted soldiers who work for nothing but their rank, and then when they get old they're discharged. They are stupid. But then there's another kind of soldier who looks dutiful and devoted, but who's really looking out for himself. By pretending to be faithful, these men get far. And that's the kind of guy I am. I intend to get Parkinson for what he’s done. Degrading me like some common soldier. I may seem to love and obey him, but in fact, I'm just serving him to get what I want. Parkinson will regret his actions.
Randerson
Don’t go doing anything stupid now. There have been enough deaths in this bleeding war.
Hilts sighs, gets up and leans on the windowsill. Outside, S. Sgt Parkinson and L.Corporal D.Smith sneak into the showers. A smile forms on Hilts’ face.
Randerson
What you smiling at? Cranes his head
Hilts
I don’t think Lieutenant Brandy will be too happy about his daughter getting off with some dark NCO.
Randerson
What! Do you mean…d’you mean you just saw them?
Hilts
Yes. Yes I did. How about we go for a walk eh?
Randerson
At this time? What do you achieve out of going for a walk at this time? Besides, the guards will bullock you if you’re caught.
Hilts
I think old Brandy would appreciate being told of our sightings. How’d you feel if your daughter was being done by Bantu?
Randerson
You’re only doing this ‘cos you never got the appointment
Hilts
Smiles. To each his own and if this suits me, I will do as I wish.
Hilts gets up and walks over to the door, he picks the lock and walks out warily, and he is followed shortly by Randerson. They set off towards block 32. They arrive their without any trouble.
Randerson
Well, here’s the block. I’ll wake him.
Randerson walks forward and unlatches the window, he climbs into the block and disappears from view.
Exeunt Randerson.
After a moment the block door opens and Brandy and Randerson walk out.
Enter Brandy and Randerson.
Brandy
Yawns what’s happening? It’s all dark. Corporal Hilts? Is that you?
Hilts
Yes t’is. Let’s go to our block. It’s warm in there.
The trio travel back to block 27
Brandy
So, you wake me up and trundle me half way across the camp for what reason may I ask? I hope it’s not for him [points at Randerson] to ask my permission for his… lustful desires related to my daughter. If it is I’ll make sure you’re on sandbag duty for the rest of the week.
Randerson scowls
Hilts
Lieutenant, you will soon wish the matter were as simple as that.
Brandy
Why? What has happened?
Randerson
I suggest that you brace yourself sir. This may come as quite a shock.
Hilts
Staff sergeant Parkinson. What do you know of him may I ask sir?
Brandy
A very admirable man, he’s been on active duty all around the world. He’s tried to escape from this prison six times in-fact. Very audacious.
Hilts
Courageous enough to take your daughter and have sex with her behind your back.
The room goes silent for a moment
Brandy
Never, no. I cannot believe that. Why are you saying this?
Hilts
What if I told you the crime was taking place less than twenty meters from where you’re standing
Brandy
What? Where?
Hilts gestures towards the showers with his head.
Brandy
How do you know of this?
Hilts
I saw them going in whilst talking to corporal Randerson here.
Brandy
This is the British army! We’re meant to be disciplined! Not a bunch of lascivious beasts.
Randerson
We thought it was better if you knew.
Brandy
You’d better not be pulling my leg corporal! You’re a Scotsman with a reputation for lying.
Randerson
And you’re a fat Welshman…sir. If the matter at hand happened with your approval then it was indeed very rude of us to wake you. However, if it did not, you have no cause to be mad at us. I'd never play pranks on you. If you didn't allow your daughter to do what she's doing, then she's rebelling against you, she’s disobeying a direct command from both her father and a senior rank. She's throwing her life away on some stranger. Go ahead; see for yourself if she's in the showers. If she isn’t, you can punch me for lying to you.
Brandy
I feared this would happen. I’m starting to believe what you are telling me. I fear my daughter has gone out of my control. I’ll have to take the matter to Captain Docherty. But for now, I will see whether you are lying to me. If I find either Parkinson or my daughter in their blocks I will take this to the CO. I take my leave.
Exeunt Brandy
Hilts
Good. Very good. Just as I predicted. it’d be better if I was not seen by Parkinson. I’ll go to bed. I would’ve stayed but it would not be proper for me to be seen working against Parkinson.
Randerson
What do you think Rupert’s going to do to Parkinson if Brandy complains?
Hilts
He’ll probably just give him a warning. Parkinson is needed for the Hilts looks around to make sure no one’s eavesdropping. For the escape attempt. He’s in charge of hotel you see
Randerson
What’s your policy going to be for now?
Hilts
I think I’ll appease him for now. There’s no need for him to be suspicious at this early stage.
There’s a noise from outside.
Hilts
I should go. If you need me anytime tomorrow I’ll be on gardening duty.
Exeunt Hilts
Enter Brandy looking defeated
Brandy
It appears you are telling the truth Corporal Randerson. I have failed in my one main objective. To wed my daughter to a man of some dignity. Tell me everything Randerson, what did you see? When? Are you certain you know their intentions? Have I taught her nothing? Oh……. He sinks onto a bed.
Randerson
What will you do sir?
Brandy
To think she could trick me so easily. Argh…I feel like such a fool. In an imitation of Delilah’s voice “I promise I won’t do anything stupid daddy” and I fell for that!
Randerson
There will be a time to grieve sir, but now is not the time. Tell me what you intend to do.
Brandy
Tell me corporal, do you think they’ve actually done it?
Randerson
Yes, I’m afraid I couldn’t be more certain.
Brandy
I’ll see what Harrison thinks. God damn it Randy, I wish I’d let you have her now! I’ll have to take the matter to Captain Docherty. He must be notified that we have a lustful black beast among us.
Randerson
Yes, I think that is the best course of action
Brandy
Perhaps Parkinson got my daughter drunk.
Randerson
May I remind you we’re in a prison sir?
Silence precedes these words
Brandy
I will keep you informed of my dealings with Parkinson, but thank you corporal for telling me of this ordeal. I will try to get something out of this for you. Now we should go to bed, Docherty expects us to dig another 20 feet tomorrow! Cheerio.
Exeunt Brandy.
Lights turn off covering Randerson in darkness.
Scene 2
28th of April 1987. Enter Parkinson and Hilts talking quietly among two sections. Sections carrying various gardening tools walking towards green area whilst being escorted by ten armed guards.
Hilts
I know that murder is wrong colour. But last night I had a burning desire to strangle that Rupert with my bare hands.
Parkinson
Don’t get into any trouble on my account
Hilts
The things he was saying, you should have heard colour. If there’s one thing I hate it’s a racist and he commented on your race so often I felt like killing him there and then. Anyway…what has he done so far? Are you and Delilah…sorry, corporal smith still together?
Parkinson
There is no need for the formalities at this moment. Please, talk freely.
Hilts
But are you and smith still together?
Parkinson
Yes, yes. We trust each other. We’d walk off the face of the earth for each other if we had to.
Hilts
Colour, do not under estimate Brandy. He has a lot of influence over the battalion. He'll try to ruin your relationship, or else give you whatever punishment captain Docherty and his commission will allow him to.
Parkinson
Let him try. My worth to Captain Docherty is more than his complaints ever will be. Not many know of this, but Lieutenant Harrison’s my nephew. Brandy will not be able to use him in his…campaign to arrest me. And let me tell you this, I love Delilah, and she loves me. Nothing as weak as Brandy will ever split us apart.
MEC Guard
Halt!
Enter Docherty and Al-Abbes
The Sections halt and stand to attention as Colonel Al-Abbes walks past talking to captain Docherty. Focus of the stage shifts to the officers who are walking towards a hut
Al-Abbes
Captain Docherty, you have been chosen to act as a Liaison between me and the prisoners. I wish to make clear to you certain matters of…
Docherty
The word’s policy
Al Abbes
Thank you. Now, the MEC have been forced to use ridiculous amounts of manpower, energy and equipment on hunting down escaped prisoner of war soldiers.
They reach the hut and go inside; it is filled with filing cabinets and a desk. The men sit down on either side of the desk.
Docherty
Really, I insist you don’t go to so much trouble for our sakes.
Al-Abbes
For us it is not a matter of levity. There will be no escapes from this camp.
Docherty
Colonel Abbes, it is SOP for all officers to try to escape. If they cannot, it is their sworn duty to cause the enemy to use an inordinate amount of troops to guard them and also their sworn duty to harass them to the most of our ability.
Al-Abbes takes out some files
Al-Abbes
Yes, I know. Your men have been very successful. This man, Raymond-Barker for example. Caught in Helmand, escaped, recaptured, escaped, recaptured. Gregory Hilts, four escape attempts. Even tried to jump out of the truck coming here. Mr. Weirre-Dunne. Nine. Hendley; the American, six. One man’s got twenty two escape attempts! Docherty, this is close to insanity and it must stop.
Docherty
Colonel, do you expect us to forget our duty?
Al-Abbes
I ask what I have been told to ask by the higher command. They have also told me to inform you that you will be shot should you try to escape another time.
Docherty
Now really, that’s just mean!
Al-Abbes
This is a new camp; it has been built to house you and your men. You will not be denied the usual facilities. Sports, a library, a re-creation hall. And for gardening, we will supply you with tools. We trust you will use them for gardening. Devote your energies to these things; give up your futile escape attempts. With your…intelligent co-operation, we may all comfortably sit out the war.
Docherty
Don’t be sur…
Al-Abbes
I have spoken! You will be held responsible with the ultimate penalty for any rash actions you may make from this point.
Al-Abbes get up and walks swiftly out of the room. Docherty is left in the spotlight which dims. When lights come back on, the two sections accompanied by Parkinson, Hilts and the MEC guards are in the green area. Hilts is leaning upon a shovel, watching Parkinson dig out some weeds.
Hilts
So, how’s hotel coming along?
Parkinson
Nothing’s certain yet. There’ll be a meeting tonight, the preparations will happen then
Hilts
Fix up, look sharp! Carlson’s coming.
Carlson walks in, followed shortly by another fire team.
Parkinson
How can I be of assistance corporal?
Carlson
Captain Docherty needs to see you colour
Parkinson
The meeting was scheduled for tonight
Carlson
This is a totally unrelated matter, he’s asked me to tell you to be in his block at NAAFI
Parkinson
What d’you think he wants?
Carlson
Most likely it’s about the arrangements for hotel, not sure though… must be a serious matter however. He’s sent four people after you
Parkinson
It’s good you found me. I’ll have a word with the guard. Don’t want him to think I’m running away.
Exeunt Parkinson
Carlson
[To Hilts] what was Parkinson doing here? I never thought of him as much of a gardener
Hilts
You heard about the love thing going on?
Carlson
Love thing?
Hilts
Yeah, Parkinson’s having a relationship with…
Enter Parkinson
Are you ready sir? Let us leave quickly
Parkinson
Yes, I’m ready
Carlson
There’s Lieutenant Brandy
Hilts
Just your luck colour
Enter Brandy, Randerson, Hills and a section
Parkinson
Good morning sir, how are you?
Brandy
Do not try and appease me with your dewy words. You bastard. What have you done with my daughter? Why does she avoid me? Anyone with an inkling of sense or sight could tell that a beautiful happy, young girl like Delilah would not run off with a beast like you. You’re something to fear, not love. I think you’ve blackmailed her. I bet that’s what happened. I’m putting you on sandbag duty for a month! Men, take him away! If he struggles, use force.
Parkinson
Just a minute sir, I don’t need anyone to tell me when to fight! You’re accusing me of some serious crimes, I’d like to know where you get your information from, or even what you intend to do to me.
Brandy
I intend to chuck you in the cooler and withdraw all you privileges.
Parkinson
I’m afraid that you won’t be doing any of this stuff now. You may take this matter to the captain if you object but for now you cannot touch me.
Hills
I’m afraid he’s right sir, your rank does not permit you to touch him.
Brandy eyes Parkinson for another minute then walks away furiously. Followed by hills, Randerson and the section
Parkinson
Someone’s not very happy. Come; let us return to our block, I’ve had enough of gardening for today.
Parkinson, Hilts and Carlson walk back to block 45. When they arrive, they find the block surrounded by MEC guards.
Carlson
Dear god, I think they’ve found hotel!
Parkinson
Act normal, there’s no need for them to think it was us.
Colonel Al-Abbes walks in and speaks briefly to one of the guards. He then turns to the crowd of prisoners who had slowly gathered.
Al-Abbes
Gentlemen, you have betrayed our trust. My men inform me that they have discovered a tunnel. I will hold the whole battalion responsible if no one owns up to the crime
There is silence throughout the camp. Distant gunshots can be heard.
You have till Friday to decide who did it. If there’s no success by then… I’ll think of a suitable punishment.
The colonel walks off, followed by a majority of the MEC guards. The prisoners start talking abruptly with raised voices.
Docherty
SILENCE! We work as a team! If one of us goes down, we all go down! No one will point the finger of blame at anyone, so get back to your knitting or whatever it is you people do! We will carry on as normal.
Exeunt Docherty
Hilts
How did they find it?
Parkinson
I don’t know. We’ll see what’s going to happen tonight at the meeting. Until then there’s not much we can do, come, let’s go to the Sports hall.
Exeunt
Scene 3
28th of April 1987. 2300 hours. Block 33. Platoon 1 is assembled around a table with flickering lights waiting in silence. Hills is also in the block.
Enter Docherty
Hills
ROOM, roooom, shun!
Docherty
Thank you under, at ease.
Docherty walks briskly across the room and sits at the head of the table. He slams down his papers and looks up.
Gentlemen, we have been infiltrated. Today, as I am sure you are aware, at 1400 hours a group of MEC guards stormed block 45. The heart of Hotel. They did not find anyone in there, but they found our air pump, shovels, picks and most of the other equipment.
Lookout 1
Sir, I heard the goons have got hold of some X-ray technology. They’re using that to scan the grounds for our tunnels.
Lookout 3
You fool! Do you really believe all this propaganda they’re pumping into us? They only say that to make us think tunneling is hopeless. More likely they saw the unusual amount of activity going on in and around that block
Lookout 2
They may have heard us. We should be more careful what we say within earshot of the goons. But the main thing is, they found us.
Docherty
I agree, what the cause is is not important. It is frightening that with all our countermeasures they still found our escape route. We will…
Enter Parkinson, Brandy, Hilts, Randerson and Carlson
Ah, please come in and sit down gentlemen. We were about to start our E&E plans.
Parkinson
We are most grateful to you for waiting for us
Docherty
Gentlemen, you have no doubt heard the words of colonel Al-Abbes. “Devote your energies to things other than escape, and sit out the war as comfortably as possible” well, that’s exactly what we’re going to do. We’re going to devote our energies to sports and gardening, all the recreational activities as far as they’re concerned. In fact, we’re going to put the goons to sleep. Meanwhile, we dig. When I first arrived at the camp, not even a superficial look revealed to me that blocks 44 and 47 are closest to the woods. We are to continue with two existing tunnels. “Tango” and “Delta”. Sergeant Weirre-Dunne, have you completed your survey yet?
Weirre-Dunne
Only a temporary one sir. I make it just over 90 feet
Docherty
Tell me when you have an exact one. Parkinson, this time, we’ll dig down vertically 15 feet before we go horizontal, which should rule out probing or x-ray or whatever.
Parkinson
Yes sir, but does that mean I’m in charge of a tunnel again?
Docherty
Yes it does. I hope you’re ok with that. There’ll be two tunnels, if the goons find one, we’ll move into the other.
Officer
How many men d’you intend to take out sir?
Docherty
170. there’ll be no half measures this time. ID papers for everyone. RB, I want you to get your hands on maps, blankets, rations and compasses.
Carlson
Sir, who’s going to handle security for all this?
Docherty
You are. I want a signal system so effective that you’ll be able to shut down the project before a goon gets 50 feet near the tunnel. Parkinson and Mr. Hills will be tunnel kings.
Hilts
What of us who don’t have jobs sir?
Docherty
Well, if you’re not recruited by any of the departments I’m afraid you’ll just have a back space.
Brandy
Sir, if I may have your attention for just a moment. I wish to bring to your attention a rather personal matter. A matter which has caused me a lot of grievance.
Docherty
Why? What has happened?
Brandy
It is about Corporal Smith sir. My daughter.
Docherty
The goons? Have they done something to her?
Brandy
Worse than that sir. It was one of us. A man has taken my daughter against her will and… had sex with her. They must’ve blackmailed her who made her to do it, because she has the sense to not do it
Docherty
Whoever tricked and deceived your daughter will pay for it. And you yourself will determine the sentence as you see fit, even if the criminal were my own son
Brandy
I modestly thank you sir. The man in question is in the room, your dear ace of spades. I believe you had your own reasons for summoning him
Docherty
Is this true? What do you have to say for yourself?
Parkinson
Most brave, dignified soldiers whom I serve. It is true what the lieutenant accuses me of. I have taken his daughter, and have had a relationship with her. But that is my only offense. I have done nothing more to her. I am not a smooth speaker and I am rather awkward in my speech. I am a soldier from the age of 16. I do not know much about anything else in the world apart from fighting. So I won’t do myself much good by talking to save my own skin. However, if you will permit it, I will tell you the plain and simple facts of how I and Corporal Smith came to be together. Also of what “antics” I used to get a hold of her, seeing I’m being accused of blackmail.
Brandy
She is a good girl. She blushes at the slightest offer from a man. What you are asking from me is to believe that despite her proper upbringing and her young age she fell in love with monkey boy. She would have to be completely insane to make a mistake as big as that. The only way I can see of you taking her is by means of blackmail!
Docherty
We cannot simply believe what you say! You need rock hard evidence to prove an allegation of that depth.
Lookout 1
Parkinson, did you or did you not win Smith’s heart by treachery?
Parkinson
Please, we are not achieving anything from this conversation. Let us fetch Corporal Smith. She is probably in the NAAFI. If she has anything bad to say about me, I will accept whatever punishment you deem necessary to put into place.
Docherty
Bring Delilah hither
Parkinson
Hilts. Go and fetch Delilah
Exeunt Hilts
In the mean time, I will tell you of how I and Delilah came to be together
Docherty
Please, do
Parkinson
It all started before the war. Just after I got back from Burma with the ones, I was invited by Lieutenant Brandy to go over for dinner. I accepted his invite and arrived at his house, we talked for a long time. He was continually asking me of my TOD’s. I told him everything. From my childhood, all the way up to the point where I was talking to him. I told him of my injuries, my rolling assaults, my triple contacts and other dangerous ventures I’d had to endure. I told him when I was captured in Cyprus, what I had to endure in that hellhole. How I escaped. My ventures through the deserts of Larnica until I found a friendly regiment. When I was talking about these things, I noticed Delilah listened very closely and attentively. If her dad asked her to do some type of chore, she would do it very quickly and return to listen in again. When I was relaxing, out of sight of Brandy, she would snuggle up to me and pull me aside and ask to hear some part of the story she had missed. She would become tearful as I went through some of the rougher times of my life. When I was finished, she would tell me how adventurous and heartbreaking my life had been. She would say she shouldn’t have heard it. How she wished there was a man like me for her. She then thanked me rather rigorously. She said that she loved me. I asked why. She said for all the dangers I’d encountered and I said I loved her for feeling such strong feelings for me. That’s the only antic I ever used. Anyway, here she comes. You can ask her for yourself.
Delilah and Hilts Enter
Docherty
‘Tis a most noble story staff. I’m sure a story like that would win over the hearts of a lot of women. Brandy, I insist you try to accept what has happened. Try to make the best of it.
Brandy
Let’s see what she thinks. Should she agree with the arrangement, I will say no more. Delilah darling, who is it that your heart most desires?
Delilah
Dad, this isn’t easy for me. I’m torn between two conflicting thoughts. You have given me life, a home, an education and a job. You’re dad! But you have to understand dad, I’ve grown up now. You need to be a bit more flexible with me. I want to have my own life, have a relationship. Think of mum, she chose you over her dad, and the time has come for me to make that decision. I’m afraid I will have to stay with Parkinson.
Brandy
I’m finished then. Captain, please carry on with your business. I’m happy to say I can no longer claim possession over Delilah. A wasted, spoilt brat if ever I saw one. I’m glad you’re my only child as I would be a lot harsher with the others after your rebellion. I take my leave sir.
Docherty
Please, do not be too harsh on them. They’re young. A poet once said
Though here at journey's end I lie
In darkness buried deep,
Beyond all towers strong and high,
Beyond all mountains steep,
Above all shadows rides the Sun
And Stars for ever dwell:
I will not say the Day is done,
Nor bid the Stars farewell.
Do not bid your star farewell Brandy, there is already enough evil at work in this war
Brandy
Talk is cheap; I do not believe such things. I insist you get back to your plans.
Docherty
Staff, I need to ask you a big favor. I need you on tunnel Tango digging shift for the whole of tonight. We’re at a critical point in the excavations and we need to make sure the tunnel doesn’t cave in.
Parkinson
What’s wrong with Carlson doing it?
Carlson
I’m going to be arranging some security precautions. I need to organize a choir and various other distractions
Parkinson
I’m used to the hardships of military life. Ok, I’ll do as you ask. But I ask you to make some suitable arrangements for Delilah. I wouldn’t like he gestures at brandy with his head to do anything vile to her.
Docherty
I see nothing wrong with her staying in her fathers block
Brandy
I won’t allow it
Parkinson
Neither will I
Delilah
Please listen to what I have to say sir
Docherty
What is your wish m’am?
Delilah
I wish to be with Parkinson. I made up my mind when I fell in love with him that I will live with him if ever I can. Even to the point that I threw away my dad. I ask you to allow me to sleep in his block.
Parkinson
Sir, I would be most thankful if you were to let her do just that. I don’t want her near me for sex, now is not the time for such things. I want this because she wants it. It will not affect my duties in any way. In fact, I will not permit it. I want to help in the escape effort!
Docherty
I don’t particularly care what she does, as long as it does not affect your duties and the other men in the block do not mind.
The roommates of Parkinson murmur their agreement to the new settings
Well, it seems set then. I’m afraid you’ll have to start straight away.
Parkinson
I will do just that sir
Docherty
I will meet with you tomorrow at 0900 hours. Let one of your men bring Delilah and her possessions down to your block now. I want you to get straight onto the job.
Parkinson
Carlson, you see to that
Docherty
All right, thank you for your time men. Good night to you all. – (To Brandy) sir, please try to see past the ethnicity of your son in law. He is a good man.
Brandy
Keep an eye on her Parkinson. She has betrayed me and may do the same to you
Docherty, Carlson, Brandy, Lookouts, officers and NCO’s exeunt
Parkinson
I bet she doesn’t betray me, Hilts, make sure Carlson does his job quickly. Let’s go Delilah; I need to get to Tango.
Delilah and Parkinson exeunt
Randerson
Hilts…
Hilts
What?
Randerson
What do I do now?
Hilts
Just…just go to sleep. Get back to your block.
Randerson
I’m going to hang myself
Hilts
No, you silly man. I will think most badly of you if you do such a stupid thing.
Randerson
It’s stupid to live when life is torture. Only death can ease my pain.
Hilts
Please, shut your trap. I’d rather be a dog than kill myself for some girl I can’t have
Randerson
What do you suggest I do? I know it’s idiotic to be in so much love but it’s not up to me!
Hilts
Not up to you? Twaddle! What we are is up to us. You just desire sex too much! Control that desire!
Randerson
I don’t believe it
Hilts
You sense love because you feel desire and you have no resolve. Come on, be a man. Hang yourself? Hanging is for fags or broken men. Don’t hang yourself! I've told you I'm your friend, and I'll stick by you. Here's what you'll do. Sell all your possessions, your camera etc... and turn it into money. Delilah can't prolong loving the Afric’ant any more than he can continue loving her. She fell in love with him very loosely, and they'll break up just as suddenly. Blacks are moody people. So get rid of your stuff and raise a lot of cash. Offer it to the goons. What seems sweet to him now will soon turn sour. She'll dump Othello for a younger man. When she's had enough of the Moor's body, she'll realize her mistake. She'll need to have a new lover. She'll have to have it. So have your money ready. Raise all the money you can. I can get the better of religion and a few flimsy vows between a foolish barbarian and an immoral girl. You'll get to sleep with her; just put together some money. And to hell with hanging yourself! That's completely beside the point. If you're ready to die, you can risk death by committing crimes in an attempt to get the woman you want. Don't just give up on her and hang yourself.
Randerson
I see sense in that. Can I count on you?
Hilts
You can trust me. Go now and get the dough. I told you before, and I'll tell you all over again: I hate the Moor. I'm dedicated to my cause of detesting him, just as devoted as you are to yours. So let's join forces and get vengeance. If you seduce Desdemona and make a fool out of him, it'll be amusing for both of us. Lots of stuff may occur. Go dig up money. We'll talk again tomorrow. Adieu.
Exeunt Randerson
That's how I do it, being paid cash from fools. I'd be wasting my time dealing with a ponce like that if I couldn't get something useful out of him. I hate Parkinson, and word has reached my ear that he talks ill of me. I'm not certain it's accurate, but just the doubt is sufficient for me. He thinks well of me. Carlson’s a handsome man. How can I take his place and use him to hurt Parkinson at the same time? How? How? Let's see. After a while I could start telling Parkinson that Carlson is getting close with Desdemona. Cassio is a silky speaker and an attractive guy, the kind of man that people would expect to be a seducer. Parkinson is open and simple. He thinks any man who appears truthful is truthful. People like that are easy to control. I've worked it out. With a little luck, my plan will work.
Exit
As Hilts walks off, the song “Tainted Love” by Marilyn Manson starts playing.