Friday, March 10, 2023

Hamlet; the Noir Adaption 2023 Act 2 Scene 2 Sub Scene 1

 Act Two

Act Two Scene Two

Sub Scene One

Minor acts to the fore.

“Welcome, dear Rosencrantz and Guildenstern.” Claudius received the two friends of Hamlet who were long friends of the family. “I knew their parents; talented actors like us way back.”

“Yes, I recalled then. They were the ones that helped Hamlet to his stage when he gets too drunk.” Gertrude smiled. “My condolences on hearing of your parent’s death. They were…”

“Gunned in public They put out a play to denounce the King then. They paid with their lives that night.”

“Such is the fate of actors with a bad script or killing audience,’ The Emperor sighed. “Our tragedies indeed.”

“We are better with your generosity, my Emperor.” Rosencrantz bowed to the newly crowned Emperor. “Or is it King with the old one died.”

“Rudeness dwells inside you, my son.” Claudius mocked the other. The two orphans were adopted by the Emperor to study at the same college as Hamlet. He did have an ensemble of actors to be his apprentice and one day may be better actors. It was not shared by the King who saw only the Prince succeed him.

“King Hamlet blessed his soul, ever remained the King to all of us. I am just his … meekly second.”

“Humble gesture, my Emperor.” It was the turn of Guildenstern to speak. “I had told Rosencrantz that only positive feelings will be when we get here. He flips the coin ninety-two times, and it was all positive on the display.”

“A double-headed coin perhaps it was.”  Claudius once again mocked the other. “I know of many tricksters who did it.”

“None the trickster we are. It was ninety-two in a row and even then I fear there may be ghosts overlooking us.” Rosencrantz smiled. “Talking of the ghost, where is the young Hamlet?”

“Talking of the ghost, he is indeed why seek your arrival here.” Gertrude cut in. “You knew my son well.”

“None too well, but we were close at some stages.” Rosencrantz smiled.

“Something have you heard of Hamlet’s transformation, so call it, sith nor the exterior nor the inward man that
resembles that it was. What it should be, more than his father’s death, that thus hath put him so much from the understanding of himself.”

“Madness itself?” Rosencrantz cut in.

“Rudeness does exist in you. Let me complete my part.” Claudius then cleared his voice and continued. “I cannot dream of. I entreat you both that, being of so young days brought up with him and with so neighbored to his youth and habits, you may vouch safely your in rest here in our court.”

“Some little time, so by your companies to draw him on to pleasures, and to gather so much as from occasion you may glean, whether aught to us unknown afflicts him thus that, opened, lies within our remedy.”

“I …” Rosencrantz find the words to say were stuck in his voice. “We..”

“Boys, please. A mother’s plea here.” It was Gertrude who cut in. “Good gentlemen, he hath much talked of you, and sure I am two men there is not living to whom he more adheres. If it will please you to show us so much gentry and goodwill as to expend your time with us awhile for the supply and profit of our hope, your visitation shall receive such thanks as fits a king’s remembrance.”

“My ..” Rosencrantz was nicked in the elbow and then Guildenstern spoke. “We both obey, and here give up ourselves in the full bent to lay our service freely at your feet, to be commanded.”

“Thanks, Rosencrantz and gentle Guildenstern.” The Emperor smiled.

“Thanks, Guildenstern and gentle Rosencrantz.” Gertrude conveyed her appreciation. “And I beseech you instantly to visit of my too much changèd son. “

The aides to the Emperor were called in.

“Bring these gentlemen where Hamlet is.” Claudius smiled.

“Heavens make our presence and our practices pleasant and helpful to him!” Guildenstern bowed to the Emperor. He pulled the sleeve of the other who was still in confusion.

“Are you mad, Guildenstern? We are minor acts in the play here.” Rosencrantz whispered to his friend while they lagged behind the servants.

“It’s been years since we met Hamlet, let alone share a cup of coffee.”

“Yes, we were apart but once we were together. He slept on the right side of me while you snored on the left side.”

“Hush your words, Guildenstern. The walls have ears, and an earful will feed the headlines should it is known.”

“I am to the lowest of my voice with you. We were …younger then, and a healthy catch he was then.” Guildenstern smiled. “You had your fun then without a stitch of mumblings.”

“A train set we were then, chugging down the tracks and bellowing the horns when it comes.” Rosencrantz mimics the train pulling.

“There he is. He reads a script there.” Rosencrantz cried out seeing the other reading what appears to be a book. “He who was one with us before.”

“Dally our call till we discuss here.” Guildenstern held the arm of the other. “He may not be whom we knew.”

“Allay the fear. He steps away now.” Rosencrantz said.

 

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