  Longfellow’s “King Robert of Sicily” Illustrated with Tableaux. by the Author of “Preston (The following is designed for a high-school or academy entertainment.--Author.) Only “cue” lines from the well-known poem are given. The reader should stand in front of the drawn curtain, reading during arrangement of stage for scenic illustration. Everything must be in readiness for prompt and silent changes from one tableau to another, that the poem may be “illustrated,” not spoiled. The entire poem should be read--the tableaux shown at the cue. “On St. John’s eve, at vespers, proudly sat, And heard the priests chant the Magnificat.” 1. Stage represents church, with dim lights; at left altar, priests chanting; at right, king and retinue in pews. Altar may be fashioned from upturned box, over which showy table-spread is thrown; railing may be made by turning chairs of one pattern, with backs toward pews; king’s crown of pasteboard covered with gilt paper; loose robe of any soft, brilliant color; ermine can be made from sheets of cotton wadding cut in strips three or four inches wide having black spots an inch and a half long, tapering from half inch wide to round point; courtiers’ costumes brilliant with gilt and tinsel. “And leaning back, he yawned and fell asleep, Lulled by the chant monotonous and deep.” 2. Same scene; lights dimmer; music softer and more monotonous--King sleeping. “The sounds re-echoed from the roof and walls-- As if dead priests were laughing in their stalls.” 3. Same, but with lights all extinguished save one or two dimly burning; king alone, near door at extreme right. But all transfigured by angelic light.” 4. Banquet room brilliantly lighted in the palace; table elegantly equipped with damask, glass (the more beautiful color the better), silver, flowers, etc., people standing in groups; king’s counterpart on dais in background; real king in foreground, side to audience, staring at his “other self.” “And in the corner, a revolting shape, Shivering and chattering, sat the wretched ape.” 5. Barren dark room; straw bed in further corner, with king sitting thereon in plain dark robe, disheveled hair, wonder in face, and attitude. Ape may be omitted, or “made to order” of dark cloth, on wooden chair or stool in opposite corner. “He heard the garments of the Lord Sweep through the silent air, ascending heavenward.” 6. Same scene; but king kneels, facing audience. “Across these stones, that lead the way to heaven, Walk barefoot, till my guilty soul be shriven.” 7. King Robert in the foreground in same garments, bowed head, hands crossed on breast, standing; Angel King on throne in background. (Throne may be improvised from big old-fashioned sofa, or two large chairs without arms, having handsome spread thrown over it, with showy rug in front.) “Rose like the throbbing of a single string; ‘I am the Angel, and thou art the King.’” |
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