ACT ONE
The scene represents a space in a large modern city. In front an upraised area with an outlet forward. Houses are indicated by strips of dark material and transparencies, upon which the changes of scene are projected in signs.
Night, darkness, uproar and turmoil, the music of boilers and an organ.
Elan Chol:
O, assuredly,
In this moment some grievous destiny is approaching!
Earth and heavens are collapsing!
Would that I were engulfed by an abyss
And concealed by stones!
What is life to me?
Woe unto thee, Elan Chol!
Thou art not as other men.
Unknown to thee are their joys,
Sorrow and hopes.
My soul is ailing;
My mind is creed by black plumage;
A black veil has covered it,
And night, drunken With juice from a black poppy, holds sway over it.
Naught is accomplished within me.
Within me only grief resides
As coldness within a stone.
