Pieces, drawing, Varshita Munjeti '25
The Fall
Written by: Santino Castillo
(the setting is a royal chamber, with a large map hung on a wall. Humpty Dumpty and King Richard III are engaged in conversation.)
(Humpty Dumpty and the King are engrossed in coordinating the kingdom's affairs, preparing for the deployment of an army troop in the weeks coming up. Despite the gravity of their task.)
KING RICHARD III
Humpty, we have to discuss our decision on when to deploy our troops to strike the house of Lancaster.
(He says this with reluctancy in his voice)
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Of course your majesty. But may I ask, something seems off. Is there something on your mind?
KING RICHARD III
The troop deployment is near, and I can't help but feel a sense of unease.
HUMPTY DUMPTY
That is completely understandable, Your Majesty. It's a crucial decision, one that weighs heavily on us both.
KING RICHARD III
Indeed. The thought of sending our men into battle... it's a responsibility I don't take lightly.
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Nor do I, Your Majesty. But I trust in my- I mean our preparations and the resilience of our troops.
KING RICHARD III
Your confidence is reassuring, Humpty. What time do you think is best to depart our troops?
HUMPTY DUMPTY
I think the best time will be in a couple weeks.
KING RICHARD III
Weeks?! But what if he attacks soon?
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Trust me sire, he won’t
KING RICHARD III
(he thinks to himself) I’ll trust you Humpty. You've been making decisions like these for me for quite some time now. I have no doubt this is the wrong choice.
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Thank you for your words, Your Majesty. Now, if you'll excuse me, Today has been awfully stressful, so I'm going to go rest.
KING RICHARD III
Take care out there, Humpty. Together, we'll navigate these challenging times.
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Indeed, Your Majesty. Until next time.
(KING RICHARD III stares at the map hanging. HUMPTY DUMPTY sees reluctance in his eye)
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Death is a beautiful thing my lord.
(they stare at each other)
KING RICHARD III
Goodbye Humpty.
[Scene: The Forest]
(Humpty Dumpty sits on his wall, writing a letter) (NARRATOR enters)
NARRATOR
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed members of the court, and noble citizens of England,
Welcome to our humble stage, where tonight we bring you to a time of great turmoil and disharmony in our beloved kingdom. Set in the year 1485, amidst the intense Battle of Roses, during the reign of the heroic King Richard III of the House of York, our tale unfolds.
At the heart of our story lies the ambiguous figure of Humpty Dumpty, whose role as Royal Advisor to King Richard III has been pivotal in shaping the course of this war. Trusted by both monarch and subject alike, Humpty has wielded his influence with skill and cunning, his actions echoing far beyond the walls of the court.
Yet, as the war reaches its climax, with the forces of Henry Tudor, representing the House of Lancaster, ready to strike against the House of York, the fate of our kingdom hangs in the balance, and the decisions made within these walls will echo throughout the course of history.
So, let us embark upon this journey together, as we delve into this world of unbridled politics, power, and passion that defines our nation in this momentous time.
(the narrator freezes, looking into the crowd, then staring at Humpty)
fall… balance… fall… fall… balance… fall… balance… fall… balance.
(NARRATOR EXITS)
(End scene)
(HUMPTY DUMPTY is seen sitting on a wall in the middle of the stage, writing a letter. He is engrossed in his task, the quill scratching against the paper as he writes. He
finishes and carefully folds the letter, placing it into an envelope. As he moves to stand up, he loses his balance and topples over the edge of the wall.)
(Blackout)
(The LADY enters. She carries a basket and wanders through the trees, collecting herbs. Her attention is drawn to the figure sitting against a wall, and she approaches cautiously.)
(The LADY’s eyes widen with shock and concern as she sees Humpty Dumpty. Tears well up in her eyes as she rushes to his side, dropping her basket in the process.)
LADY
(Voice trembling)
Humpty! What has happened?
(She gently cradles his head in her hands, her heart heavy with sorrow. She looks around frantically, searching for help.)
LADY
(Calling out) Someone please! Help!
(She strokes his forehead gently, her eyes filled with tears.)
LADY
I’ll be right back, don’t you worry.
(She gets up to run for help.)
(The stage fades to black as the sounds of the forest echo in the distance.)
[Scene: The Village]
(King Richard III sits at the top of his castle with his cane at his side, giving a speech about the war their kingdom is going through, with his Kingsmen and horse by his side.)
KING RICHARD III
Esteemed citizens of our realm, loyal subjects, and va val-
(KING RICHARD III looks over to Edward because he can’t pronounce the word.)
(In a whisper)
Edward
Valiant.
(Normal voice)
KING RICHARD III
Valiant warriors, as we gather here today, I ponder on the unity and strength of our kingdom. Every day as this treacherous war goes on, we all become stronger and stronger as one. As I work with my companion and friend Humpty Dumpty, thi- oh! And my fellow kingsmen and horse (The king tries to name them but blanks. He looks at James while whispering) what’s your name?
JAMES
James
KING RICHARD III
James!
(KING RICHARD III looks at Edward)
Edward
Edward
KING RICHARD III
Edward!
(KING RICHARD III looks at PALFREY)
PALFREY
Palfrey
KING RICHARD III
And Palfrey! This chapter of our kingdom comes to an end. Humpty and I have Henry Tudor and the House of Lancaster in the palm of our hands.
(KING RICHARD III looks at his guards and whispers)
KING RICHARD III
This is not how I speak. Why did Humpty write this speech like this?
Edward
Just keep going.
(Normal voice)
KING RICHARD III
Fine, In the next couple of days, Henry Tudor will be surrounded by our army in Lancashire. We will show our strength and bravery in this final battle.
(In a whisper)
KING RICHARD III
I’ll just skip some of it.
(Normal voice)
KING RICHARD III
Ummm Long live our kingdom, long live our people, and long live the spirit of unity that binds us together as one. Thank you.
(The people cheer for the king as he walks into the castle, and JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey stand at the front of the castle to guard.)
(The Lady, with tears streaming down her face, arrives at the front of the castle. She tries to get through JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey, but they push her to the ground.)
LADY
Please! You have to help me!
James
My apologies, madam, but you cannot simply rush into the castle unannounced. Do you have an appointment with the King?
LADY
It’s urgent! Humpty has fallen off his wall, and I’m afraid his condition is serious!
James
Oh dear, let me take you to the King so you can tell him what has happened.
(They walk into the castle. The King is revealed sitting on his throne with his cane at his side,)
James
(Addressing the King) Your Majesty, this woman has urgent news regarding Humpty.
KING
What has happened to him?
LADY
(Voice trembling) I was in the forest collecting herbs for my family, and I found Humpty lying on his wall. He’s fallen and is terribly injured.
(The King turns pale from the LADY’s words.)
KING RICHARD III
(Looking at JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey) You three, go to Humpty and aid him! Find a way to put him back together.
JAMES, EDWARD the PALFREY
As you wish, Your Majesty.
(The Lady watches JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey leave in relief, knowing Humpty is in good hands.)
[Scene: Humpty's Wall]
(The JAMES, EDWARD and PALFREY arrive at HUMPTY's location. They approach cautiously, nervous as they assess the situation.)
PALFREY
(Examining Humpty) It's bad, but perhaps we can still help him.
EDWARD
What do you suggest we do?
JAMES
(Thinking quickly) We need to stabilize him first. Get some bandages and splints.
(The JAMES, EDWARD and PALFREY spring into action, gathering supplies from their packs and working together to tend to Humpty's injuries.)
PALFREY
(Wrapping a bandage around Humpty's arm) Hold on, Humpty. We're going to get you through this.
PALFREY
(Carefully splinting Humpty's leg) You're going to be alright. Just hang in there.
(Humpty lies still, his breathing labored, and his eyes closed. Despite their efforts, his condition does not improve.)
EDWARD
He's not responding... I think we're losing him.
PALFREY
Keep trying. We can't give up on him yet.
(Suddenly, Humpty's eyes flutter open. He reaches for the sky with his bloody hand.)
HUMPTY
I sought power but found only flames...
(Humpty looks into the sky and takes a deep breath as if he saw something. His body becomes limp, and he closes his eyes.)
(The KINGSMEN and PALFREY react with a mix of shock, sorrow, and uncertainty. They exchange glances filled with disbelief, their expressions reflecting the weight of the loss they've just experienced. they lower their heads in silent mourning.)
[End of Scene]
JAMES
Humpty left a letter, should we read it?
JAMES
No, let's go back to the King and give it to him. He’ll want to read it; he and Humpty were close friends. We should start heading back to tell the King what has happened.
EDWARD
What about Humpty? We can’t just leave him here.
JAMES
We can come back for him. Let's get on our way. [End Scene]
[Scene: Castle]
(JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey arrive back at the castle with the terrible news about Humpty’s death.)
KING RICHARD III
What has happened!?
JAMES
He didn’t make it.
(The King, in frustration, rips off the map on the wall and accidentally hits his cane, causing him to fall.)
JAMES
(Tries to help him up)
KING RICHARD III
GET OFF ME!
(The King gets up.)
EDWARD
The last thing Humpty was doing was writing a letter. (Hands letter to King) We thought you should read it.
KING RICHARD III
(Takes letter) Get out!
EDWARD
But, sire, do you want us to get his b-
KING RICHARD III
GET OUT! And tell everybody the news.
(JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey are in shock from the King's emotion and leave.)
(The King sits at his throne and opens the letter while JAMES, EDWARD and Palfrey tell the village people what happened.)
PALFREY
(Stands on a crate) Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention.
(The crowd of village people gathers around Palfrey)
PALFREY
Today, on August 22, 1485, at 9:27 am, our dear Humpty Dumpty fell off his wall. A village person found Humpty on the ground and came to us to help him. At 12:52, Humpty Dumpty passed away from his fall. The three of us did all we could to save his life, alas we could not.
(The crowd of people is distraught. They don’t know how to feel. Some of them start crying, and others fall to the ground.)
VILLAGER 1
Where is the king? Why are we being informed by a horse?
PALFREY
The King shares our grief. We will retrieve him to decide our next steps.
(The KINGSMEN and PALFREY walk into the castle to see everything is a mess, and the king is missing.)
EDWARD
What has happened?! Where is the King?!
JAMES
All of his belongings are missing? It’s like he vanished.
(EDWARD notices the letter HUMPTY was writing on the floor)
Edward
Look, it’s the letter Humpty was writing.
(Humpty Dumpty walks onto the stage while Edward reads the letter silently and Humpty walks on stage and reads.)
HUMPTY DUMPTY
Dear King Richard III,
I hope this message finds you in good health. As you read these words, I will be back home in the House of Lancaster.
From the moment you bestowed upon me the title of Royal Advisor, I pledged my undying loyalty to you and the House of York, dedicating myself tirelessly to our cause. Through the darkest days of battle, I have stood by your side, a steadfast beacon of support and leadership.
My judgment and leadership have been observed by people of your kingdom, who now regard me as a symbol of hope amidst the chaos. I have worked effortlessly to improve the infrastructure of our kingdom, ensuring the prosperity and well-being of all who dwell within its borders.
A battalion led by Henry Tudor, twice the size of our own, marches inexorably towards us. It pains me to confess, but I have harbored a secret allegiance to the House of Lancaster for nigh on a decade.
As I know the ins and outs of the kingdom's structures and landscape I have disclosed this information to Henry Tudor causing his attack to be effortless.
In a form of “loyalty”, I have acted as a spy within your court, gaining the trust of both you and your people. And now, as the war that has consumed our nation for thirty long years draws to a close, my deceit has come to an end.
May God be with you.
Your Royal Advisor, Humpty Dumpty.
(Humpty walks off stage, JAMES, EDWARD and PALFREY stand there in silence.)
PALFREY
He fled in fear.
EDWARD
WHAT DO WE DO? THE KING HAS LEFT, AND WE HAVE NO ONE TO LEAD US!
(James thinks to himself)
JAMES
You know what… perhaps this is for the best
PALFREY
What do you mean?
JAMES
I mean, think about it. With both King Richard and Humpty gone, the kingdom is left without its usual leaders.
(EDWARD envisions JAMES’s fantasy)
EDWARD
And we are the only ones who know what really happened.
JAMES and EDWARD
We could lead the kingdom!
PALFREY
What are you guys talking about? We know nothing about governing a kingdom.
JAMES
Trust me, we can do it. King Richard wasn't an effective ruler. He was always reliant on Humpty to clean up his messes, to make the tough decisions he couldn't handle. He didn't care about us or the kingdom.(His frustration boils
over as he recalls the king's neglect.) I MEAN FOR HEAVEN'S SAKE HE DIDN'T EVEN KNOW OUR NAMES.
(EDWARD and PALFREY exchange concerned glances)
PALFREY
James, you have to calm down. We can tell this is all getting to your head.
EDWARD
Palfrey’s right James. King Richard was a coward. But now is not the time to let our anger consume us. Our kingdom needs us, we are all they have left.
PAlFREY
We have to prepare for battle… we know a fight is comi-
(Suddenly a villager barges into the castle)
VILLAGER 2
Your majesty! Henry Tudor and his army are here!
VILLAGER 2
Where is the king?! What happened?!
JAMES
Don’t worry about it; he left us in charge.
(Loud footsteps from a battalion are heard in the distance, the lights start to go off and on with a dim, village people begin running from Henry Tudors army)
[End Scene]
[Scene Change: Humpty’s Wall]
(Humpty’s body is gone. A white flower is spotlighted that replaces his body. Lights turn to complete red. The kingdom is in ruins. A flag from Henry Tudor placed from the army stands…)
[END]
King Richard III:King Richard III is the monarch of the House of York, facing the difficult decisions amidst the turmoil of war. Despite his royal persona, he grapples with internal conflict and relies heavily on the advice of his trusted advisor, Humpty Dumpty.
Humpty Dumpty: serves as the Royal Advisor to King Richard III, but harbors a secret devotion to the House of Lancaster. Cunning and manipulative, he betrays the House of York, leading to terrible consequences for the kingdom.
The Narrator: serves as the storyteller, guiding the audience through the unfolding events of the War of the Roses. With an omniscient perspective, they provide insight into the characters and the overarching narrative, setting the stage for the story that unfolds.
The Lady: is a compassionate and empathetic character who discovers Humpty Dumpty after his fall.
Edward: a loyal and composed figure in the kingdom's court, respected for his integrity and dedication to his duty. His calm demeanor makes him a trusted presence in times of uncertainty.
James: a passionate advocate for justice within the kingdom, with his outspokenness and unwavering loyalty. Despite not having formal training, his determination and heartfelt commitment inspire his companions.
Palfrey: a practical and resourceful member of the court, valued for his ability to stay calm during intense situations with ease.
The Villagers: the common people of the kingdom, who are impacted by the decisions and actions of their rulers. Reacting with shock, grief, and confusion, vulnerable in the face of political doom and impending danger.