Transcription
[Music] Stay, stay, stay back. This ram is not for you. Stay, stay. Andus, stay. Andos, you must show me Teresa's. Please bring me to [Music] [Music] Him. Is you have risked much to seek a blind prophet. Terus, bring the ram forward. Offer it up first. Show me the way. You're a clever man, a disuse of Etha, but not a very wise one. You keep your eyes only on your home; blinded, you do not see that it is the journey itself which makes up your life. Only when you understand this will you understand the meaning of wisdom.
No wisdom I will find alone. Help me find my way. The answer has been before your eyes every night. And see, on this side of Poseidon's realm, there is a constellation which never sinks Beneath The Horizon, shaped like a hunter. Yes, sail towards its brightest star, and there you will reach the Straits of Sila and Charybdis. On one side there, a creature vile, ferocious, that is Scylla, insatiable for blood; she lurs in the shadow hoping to fill her belly. And the other, a tidal pool, Charybdis; her waters appear calm, she invites you in, but she is a thing of Terror. When she opens her gaping mouth, you and all with you will be swallowed by her force. [Music]
Ha, this way, my son. Mother, yes, I'm here, Mother. I took my own life out of grief. I could wait no longer for you. Forgive me. You must leave this place. Where is Penelope? She's waiting for you; where you must hurry. Men are trying to steal your [Music] world. [Music]
Penelope was alive and waiting for me, but my mother's words burned my soul. Men would stop at nothing to steal my [Music] kingdom. Who's this then? Look, look at this fool. You are Queen Penelope. I am the wife of King Odysseus. I humbly—I am the humble—He, what I am, is Iolus of Delum, owner of sheep and pigs. I have come; I am here to join these noble men. I've been—Gifts of gold and wool and music and jugglers for your palace. Cl—what a car. I'm worried. I'm [Applause] worri—the finest in [Music] Delum. Woman, bring us more wine. [Music] [Laughter] Yeah, I hope my father died a hero. If he is alive, he has forgotten me. Come, come with [Music] [Applause] me. [Applause] [Music]
The day the gods gave you to us, they took your father from me. But he promised me, with you lying here in my arms, that he would return alive, as this tree around which we built our world is alive. If he is alive, why isn't he come? I know your father; he is [Music] alive. There is something you must know. The day your father sailed, I swore to him a promise that if he had not returned by the time you were a man—beard on your chin—that I must remarry. I will keep my promise. We have time to wait; you do not have your beard yet, and these men, I will hold them off. Take me to you, mistress Queen. [Music]
Penelope, all here believe Odysseus, King of Ithaca, is dead. Yes, I do. Not today. I will begin to weave a shroud for my lost husband. If he has not seen Ithaca before I finish, I will choose one of you to take his place beside me. I will send for maidens to help you. I alone must do this work; weave alone. We'll be old men by the time you [Applause] finish. You have brought gifts to my door; I have given you a proper feast in return. Now I depend on your honor. Return to your homes. When my work is done, you will hear my decision. We will stay where we are; we will not leave here until you choose. Weave slowly. Your husband's wine is very [Laughter] [Music] good.
Winter turned to summer as we neared the Straits of Scylla and Charybdis. After a 16-year ordeal, nothing could frighten me or my warriors, but we have never seen what waited between those rocks. Under close light, a torch—There's nothing [Applause] there. Give, give, give. [Music] Help! Push, push! Is should in [Applause] there. Come on! Try me, polite. This—give it the [Applause] goat. Athena, protect us! Push, push, push, push, push, push. [Music] Come [Music] on! Come on! Come on! T me [Music] R, stay to the side. Ro, for your light. [Music] [Music] G [Music] This—hold [Music] on like this. Climb [Music] climb! This—hold on! Ho, sh! Master, you—this [Music] hand. You close, Master. Close, Master! Hold on! Hold [Music] on! B, close about. [Applause] Univers—you're a clear can't to see the men of [Applause] thirsty. This tapestry will never be finished. I will take the work if you wish. No, lock the doors, mistress, the [Applause] door. I will serve these filthy strangers no longer; frinking, sleeping where they drop. I have to crawl over that pig, Iolus, each time I want to open the treasury, and to watch men from our own island eat you and Telemus out of house and home. It's more than I can bear. At least there is life here now. Now, Milan, quiet. Yes, take care of you. I've seen the way you run after that snakey, Eurycleia. He asked me to serve him; I cannot refuse my mistress's guests. Guests, guests, leave when asked. How much longer can we stand this? How much longer do we have to take you? Cal, down! Stop it, to Pig! Listen, I've ordered—you may hear me—they will have no meat; they—they will go. I can't drive them away, but they are men; they will follow their empty bellies. I'm won—me [Applause] won alone. My men lost before my eyes. I floated endlessly on Poseidon's sea, wandering when he would take my [Music] life. [Music]
People, people, where am I? You are safe. I need water. Bring him water. I need a ship. There are none here. H—no one comes or goes from my island. I must—I must find a way home. You are home. Please, please do not mind my maids; you are the first man they have seen in their lives. I myself have not laid eyes on one for over 100 years. You are a goddess. I am Calypso. Come [Music] [Music] rest. [Music] [Music]
It is only a dream. It's true, my man, my brothers—they're lost. You must forget—no [Music] forget [Music] N, Tactus, what are you doing here in the dark? I'm going to kill Antinous, all of them, if I have to. Calm yourself, Tactus. Antinous is a warrior; he's been to battle; he's cut men in two with his sword. You've not done that yet. Now is the time. No, it is not. If you kill him, the others will not leave; you'll give them an excuse to turn against you. Then tell me what can I do. Do as your father would do; call on those who are still loyal to him for help. Me, call the assembly. Who am I? You know who you are; you are Adius's son. Call them here; they will listen. [Music] The all to [Music] thebly. [Music]
In the name of—in the name of—A glorious me! Good men, hear me. I, Mentor, Keeper of the staff, have long, long, long waited for this day. Me—to let him speak. [Music] Good men, it is I, Prince Tlemachus, son of Odysseus, King of Ithaca, who summon you to this place. An army of suitors has invaded my palace; they slaughter my oxen, my pigs, my sheep to feast on. Soon I will have nothing to eat myself. They offer no proof of my father's death, yet seek to take his place, and before my mother's eyes, they beat my servants and rape my—I ask you, men of Ithaca, in my father's name, help me rid my house of these shameless thieves.
Good men, hear me. The boy lies. We suitors have broken no law; taken nothing which was not rightfully ours. Shame lies with his mother; we brought her precious gifts, and she took them with open arms. Now she must choose between us, which is right. This is your right; she must choose. Good men, now one of us should spill blood over pigs and sheep. Ah, yes. You can do no more. Let us go. But my father is dead. You want to kill me. Tell me. I can see it. Wait, please wait. If you will not help me, then give me a ship. I will sail for Ithaca and find my father. It is no use, Terus. Wait, wait. The boy should not be punished. If he wishes a ship, we will give him a ship. Ship. Elders, you will have your ship. Telemus, you will have your ship. Telus, go and find your father. You have a reason for this; he will end like his father. And if he returns, we will greet him with the spear in his back. [Music]
When I touch your skin, I wonder how you got this scar. Troy. The Dardanelles was taken from us, from a battle. A wild boy I was, 15, and my mother cried tears of happiness. Go here [Music] here. Bring him back. [Music] You were going to leave without even thanking me for my kindness. Don't you see? No one leaves my island, and all that live here exist to serve me. There'll be another ship, perhaps in another 10 years, perhaps never. Forget Ithaca; you are home now. Who did not say goodbye to your mother? The sorrow is on your face. She would try to stop me. You are right to fear the—I'm not afraid. I've never set foot from Ithaca. Do not worry; the gods are watching you with favor. Favor. The gods of—cursed me, oh, since the day I was born. Leave me [Laughter] alone. Your head is as hard as your father's. Athena, uh-huh. You—a mentor? When I wish to be. Yes, you spoke very well at your assembly; you kept your wits and used them wisely to get the ship, but you did not help me. You are your father's son. Remember, the gods will not do for man what man must do for himself. You must make this journey. This wind will take you. Go, go before the ship sails without you. I never crossed the sea. Where should I go? Sparta. Sparta. Sparta. Malas, what will I say to such a man? Use your wits; I will guide you. Cannot hear [Music] you. I'm alone now, for two more years. Calypso's island was my prison, forgotten by the outside world, abandoned by Athena. My hopes have ever—reaching Penelope began to [Music] [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] fade. Heres—none another—oh, Calypso, the concealer, is not overjoyed to see me get away from here. Calypso, I'm only a messenger who loves to bring painful news. You're keeping this man prisoner. I have given him a home. It is not Odysseus's fate to end his days on your island. You are to set him free without delay. These are the words from the lips of Zeus himself. Neither Zeus nor any god pities Odysseus. By me openly making love to a mortal man, choosing him as my husband. Calypso, it is I who pulled him from the sea, who tended to his wounds. You're all jealous of my happiness. Do not incur Zeus's wrath. Offer this man his freedom, or your island will be driven to the bottom of Poseidon's sea. Farewell. [Music] Stop it! Go home to your Penelope. Why is there a ship? No, now go, swim! I do not care. They will not try to stop you. Just leave my eyes. A moment ago you left this cave with so much love in your eyes; now you want me to leave. You are no longer worthy of me. Why? We—that cuz someone comes. You—was it our m—you must help me build a ship. Please, please. On the far side of the island, in a cave, there is dry wood, pushed onto the shore. Sh—were—she—were—h—stand. Take this. Take this tender—me—tender meat. I will find my own. You are not afraid of me because you're a woman. I only wanted to offer you some wine, just a [Music] taste. Tell me what keeps your mistress from finishing a tapestry. Oh, is a secret. It is a secret. [Applause] Milan, Milan, where are you? Where are you? [Music] So it is true. Oh, I do not mean to frighten you to enter your room, but I had to see—oh, my—leave me! It is a mistake. You know your deceit can only bring trouble. I will not speak a word, but your maid—she may tell another. That's it. I have no choice. Yeah, it will not trick them much longer. It has been too long since you felt a man's touch. 16 years—longer—take mine in the siege tonight. These other men—they come for your fortune; I come for you. I cannot; I love my husband. Your husband is not alive. I will wait for his return, or till my son brings proof. I am sorry; it is I who have no [Applause] choice. I am [Applause] sorry. [Applause] You may stay if you choose to. Your wife is aged during these years, Odysseus; she will not match my beauty. No mortal woman could ever match you. I love both, and she has—as I have—and when I reach you, there we'll grow old together, huh? With me, you will never grow old, never die. I can make you immortal. I would rather lie in my wife's arms for one moment as a man than to live forever without [Music] her. [Music] [Music] O—o [Music] you [Music]
Who is this boy? My son. Brings Tactus of Ithaca. Highness, welcome to Sparta. [Music] Stranger, there is the king. Now go. Good King Menelaus, I have traveled long and far to meet you. Oh, you have your father's searching eyes, the same thoughtful forehead. Yes, oh yes, you are Odysseus's son. You are his son. I sailed from Ithaca to find him. Can you help me? You know, I saw you on the day you were born; it was the proudest and most painful day of your father's life. We fought together at Troy, side by side, watching our brothers fall. Your father stopped the slaughter; he freed us to return to [Music] Greece. But he will never see his home again. Is dead? How can you know? Not one day, not one hour passed for Odysseus at Troy without you and your mother in his heart. Only death could stop him returning to Ithaca. But you, you, Tlemachus, you must return, and you must fight for what is—is his and yours now. [Music] Go. [Music] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Music] P [Music] P—PID. What do you [Music] want? H—what do you want from me? I want you to suffer much more. I have nothing left; I have nothing. All that is left is my life. I—goal is not to kill you. You must understand what—what—what—what—what do you want from me? What do you want me to understand? Speak to me, speak to me. That without gods, man is nothing. [Music] [Music]
Quickly, quickly, come and see! Come, see! Look! Yeah, I was alive, broken by Poseidon's waves, and still far from Ithaca, but I was alive. I had reached Phaeacia, a land of mariners and fishermen, unsure whether I would be welcomed. I was led to the palace of their ruler, the powerful King Alcinous. I've shared with you my food; now will you share with me your name? I cannot; my name has long been cursed; to let it leave my lips would only cause you pain. I know only one long-lost hero who, being cursed by the gods, could survive—it's cunning Odysseus. I am—me. I never dreamed I'd see Odysseus himself. It's an honor to all Phaeacia that such a hero as Odysseus of Ithaca sits among us. I will give my finest ship, heavy with gifts and food, and the finest mariners in all Phaeacia to sail you safely home. The fans carried me towards Ithaca, but it was Poseidon who allowed me to continue my journey. To consider his words, I understood that I was only one man in the world, nothing more and nothing less. What night without—without sleep. His body will fail him in Ithaca. Mourners, come here. Blend a sleeping [Music] potion. Yeah, drink [Music] this. [Music] [Music] Who's [Music] there? [Music] Jeesus, Master! My wife! [Laughter] You—you're—you [Music] last [Music] I'm [Music] you miss—who there? Your son; he left a year ago to look for you. Go, bring him here. Odysseus, you're safe. Yes, look at you. Tell me, how is my mother? She'll be overjoyed to see you, but come, tell me of your journey later; I must go to her. Tas, who is it? Who is there? It is your father. Do not dare say those words. Come out of there. What trick is this? It's not a trick. You cannot be my father. Odysseus is dead. Odysseus is alive, and he's standing before you. Stay back. [Music] Please, look at me. You see yourself in my face. I see only a man with no respect for a son's feelings. I know you are my son, and these are the hands here which brought you into this world, here in this field. No, I—you, for all the world to see. I showed you Ithaca; I showed you your home for the first time. And when I was taken from you and your mother, I placed you in her arms, in our bed, which I built with these [Music] hands. She must have told you [Music] this. [Music] Father. [Music] Father. [Music]
Boy, brother, and it makes my soul sick. These men have got black hearts; they fear nothing. People all run like dogs now. Yes, they deserve to die; yes, Antinous most of all. You mayos bring them food for the feast. I'll never feed them again, never. You will do as you have always done; you trust your crew. No, they were given to me out of the suitors' men. Tell them he'll join them later. Have no one. I have come, especially your mother. Have patience; use your mind; that's why I love you, my Odysseus. Any other man, after so many years, would have rushed home to embrace his wife and children, and blinded by his impatience, would have been hacked in two by the intruders. Only you—no better. Then tell me, how do I still keep my life and free my house of these men? Are these suitors what you're truly afraid of? There is nothing left for me to fear. You see me trembling; I tremble with rage. Oh, you still lie, well, my Odysseus, but I know what your head asks your heart. You are afraid your Penelope has been untrue to you. I need to know if her heart is still with me. That I cannot help you with, but only your son will recognize you. This way, go to your palace, find the answers you seek. [Music] He will not know your house when you see what they have done. You want to kill as much as I do. [Music] [Applause] There—of the time to fight. You must learn to be angry. It is easy to be angry at the right man, at the right time, and for the right reason. This is difficult. Leave me. Do you understand? Yes. [Music] [Applause] [Applause]
Repeat. Quiet. Our Prince has shown his face with an old beggar at his side. He's mine; I'll cut out his heart and feed it to the dogs. Now calm yourself, think. He must attack first, or all Ithaca will rise against us. You'll never do it. My voice makes him tremble. Prince Tlemachus, welcome home. Ah, the gods have delivered you safely. He went for his father and found a filthy beggar. Tell us, why have you given up your search? I sailed to Sparta and heard the words from King Menelaus's lips. I believe my father lies at the bottom of the sea. A—finally understands. Then you see, we have certain rights in your home. Yes. The boy, Prince, has returned home as a man of honor, and look, he even has his beard—his first beard. Weak, but it is a beard. It is time for you to enter the ring, enter into manhood. I will accept any challenge you offer, but now I must be with my mother. His mother. Until then, this beggar is a guest in my house; feed him generously. Bring your bow; they will serve you. You see, I've lived the boy to you. Cannot kill him in the ring. You can, as long as he tries to kill you. [Applause] [Music]
First, I did not find him, but I know my father is alive. Mother, you must hear me. I brought a wise old man, a beggar; he may help us find father. When the palace sleeps, I will let you see him, but now I must go. Antinous has challenged me, and as a man I must accept. Yes, you are a man. [Applause] [Music] Now know your place, beggar. [Applause] Your first [Applause] [Applause] scar. Do not take this humiliation. Take this—today is the day that you are dead. Come on, kill me! Kill me! You've wanted to for three years. Are you man enough? No. To be angry is easy. Come on, kill me! It's not the right time. Come on, coward, attack me! [Music] [Laughter] [Music]
I'm sorry. There's no shame. Tend your wounds. Tell your mother you conquered your angle. My mistress sent me to tend to you; her son told her. Thank you for saving his life. You love this boy; his father left him in my care the day he was born. That scar—I know that scar. Master, do not speak one word. A—US—lost—Ure—never be—I wanted to thank you and tell you that I'm sorry you were treated poorly in my house. There is no need; I am here for a night. You, trapped in this palace—at—must—it must be an eternity. Yes, I must end this misery while my son is still alive. Tomorrow he'll set a contest for my hand. Are you right to wish for a new husband? I do not wish it, but the day Odysseus left, he—he took me by my hand, here, right here, so gently, and he asked me to promise that I would do this. This is the last sacrifice I can make for him. Is alive. Odysseus is alive. He knows your sorrow and your pain, and he longs to touch your hands and hold you in his eyes, kiss yours. He will come to defend you; you'll see. You will [Music] come. If only it were [Music] true. Good [Music] night. Tomorrow I will take my world back. Get the [Music] spears. Bring the grave—it over [Music] here. I thought—what are these axes? The goat—he's with us; he may be trusted. No, shing it! Keep your wit. Tell us, Shepherd, what is your mistress's plan? I will tell you all. This is the bow of Odysseus, King of Ithaca. The man who strings it and shoots an arrow cleanly through all 12 axes will take his place. What? This is no way to choose; it cannot be done. My father did it. Maybe he can—wait, wait. You will not see the winner; you are all the same to me. Oh, it's not fair. I've never strung a bow. This is—this is not right. I gave up 50 sheep, 100 goats, as gifts from Del—fool! It's impossible. Fine, he won't be able to do [Music] it. Only two tries, Eurycleia. You can't do it. No, no, he's going. Come on! Farewell, Odysseus. I have been true to my word. Eurycleia has ordered us to the maid chambers; we to lock ourselves in. Hurry, hurry! Hide them! Hide them! Hurry! Athena, be with us. I've waited long enough. Give it here, weakling. Now watch this. Come on, Antinous, let's see you do it. Come on! Come on! Come, come on! I cannot do it. No man alive can. What about a man who was dead? What are you doing? Don't be foolish. Who are you, old man? Do you know me now? Odysseus! What is [Music] Eurycleia? Now is the right time for your anger. [Music] A—wait, wait, wait, wait! What is our crime? We treated your wife as a queen; we lived off your land, but that can be replaced. We did not kill anyone. Your crime is that you tried to steal my world—the world I built with my hands and my sweat—no, anyone—and my blood, the world I shared with a woman who bore me my son, and no one will ever take that from me. Now you will die, to a man, in a river of blood—a river of spears. We cannot die like [Music] lambs. Your masters are not worth dying [Music] for. [Music] Man, open the door! [Music] Open the door! No! [Music] Father! A—don't let your mother's eyes fall on this room when it is cleansed. You tell her I'm home. What—this [Applause] is—h [Music] is [Music] back! I will never believe you. [Music] How much I must have changed. No, you're still the same; you're still a liar. [Music] Odysseus, it's 20 years since you—you—in your eyes. That was only one day. Any one day. You've seen all the world. Yes, and there's much that is sacred and beautiful, but nothing as beautiful as a man's own world, that he could take in his hands and—no [Music] LP [Music] You're my [Music] world. [Music]