Montezuma

Synopsis:

"Montezuma" opens with a haunting monologue by Montezuma, the self-proclaimed reincarnation of the Aztec emperor, recounting the dramatic events of Cortes and the conquering of Mexico. As Montezuma delves into the well-known tale, he takes the audience on a journey through history, vividly describing the clash of civilizations, the bravery of the Aztecs, and the eventual downfall of their empire.

The narrative then transitions to the present day, where Montezuma finds himself at the center of a high-stakes interrogation led by a seasoned interrogator. The interrogator, driven by a commitment to justice, seeks to unravel the truth behind Montezuma's murderous actions at the Greek-American high school of Athens.

As the interrogation unfolds, a mental battle ensues between Montezuma and the interrogator. Montezuma vehemently insists on his identity as a national hero, claiming to have defeated Cortes and the Spaniards in a past-present life. The interrogator, however, remains skeptical, suspecting that Montezuma may be fabricating his delusions to avoid extradition to the USA on grounds of insanity.

The play weaves between the intense monologues of Montezuma, revealing his grandiose visions of historical triumph, and the interrogator's relentless pursuit of the truth. The ghosts of history, portrayed by an ensemble cast, materialize to further blur the lines between reality and delusion, creating a surreal and tense atmosphere.

As the interrogator delves deeper into Montezuma's mind, the play explores themes of justice, mental health, and the consequences of historical trauma and modern politics. Both characters face internal conflicts, challenging their preconceptions and forcing them to confront the complexities of truth and identity.

"Montezuma" is a riveting exploration of the human psyche, where the past collides with the present, and justice is sought amidst the shadows of history. The dynamic interplay between Montezuma and the interrogator, coupled with the haunting presence of historical ghosts, creates a thought-provoking and emotionally charged theatrical experience.

Characters: 

The Great Emperor Montezuma. Male.  Over 60. 

Background: A mysterious and enigmatic man who claims to be the reincarnation of the legendary Aztec emperor, Montezuma. His past is shrouded in ambiguity, and his actions at the Greek-American high school have left the world questioning his sanity.

Motivation: Montezuma believes he is a national hero, having defeated Cortez and the Spaniards in a past life. His actions in Athens are his way of reclaiming glory and protecting his people from perceived threats.

Complexity: The character of Montezuma is multifaceted in perpetual transition between the grandiosity of an ancient emperor and the vulnerability of a modern-day man caught in the web of his delusions or maybe well planed actions. 

The Interrogator . Male or Female. 40’s

Background: A skilled and seasoned interrogator who is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the high school tragedy. Skeptical of Montezuma's claims, the interrogator is determined to expose any deception and bring justice to the victims.

Motivation: The interrogator's primary goal is to ensure that Montezuma faces trial for his crimes. However, the character becomes increasingly conflicted as the line between reality and delusion blurs, raising questions about justice, mental health, and the nature of truth.

Complexity: The interrogator undergoes a psychological journey, battling doubt, empathy, and the pressure to make sense of Montezuma's claims. The character requires depth and nuance to convey the internal struggle between duty and compassion.