dub man

An excerpt from the screenplay

The Dub Man

(an adaptation of Shakepeare’s “The Tempest” for modern day Jamaica)
Copyright ©1999 Jim Gabour. All Rights Reserved.

---

EXT. MOUNTAIN PATH, NEAR MAGIC WOODS — DAY

Antony lEADs Sebastian ACROSS THE PATH to where the GOVERNOR and GONZALES are sleeping.

ARIEL SPEEDS TO STAND OVER the sleeping pair. He RAISES HIS HANDS like a conductor. As Ariel “conducts”, the MUSIC RISES AGAIN in waves, and the DUPPY LIGHTS start to swirl. Antony and Sebastian STAND OVER THE GOVERNOR & GONZALES.

ANTONY(indicating the Governor)
If you will do the honor, Sir Sebastian…
Sebastian gets in place. Antony nods, and they RAISE THE STONES.

SEBASTIANHere’s an end to bowing down to old fools!
ARIEL BRINGS THE MUSIC TO A CRESCENDO, and the gigantic CYMBAL CRASH that finishes the song.

Antony and Sebastian are so stunned that they are FROZEN IN POSITION.

The Governor and Gonzales WAKE immediately to find their two associates standing over them with rocks raised.

GONZALES(protectively pushing the Governor behind him)
What are you two doing!
SEBASTIAN

(totally at a loss, dropping stone)
He said…

ANTONY… that I…
(improvising)
… heard an animal.
(looking to Sebastian for confirmation)
I heard an animal approaching, and these rocks were the only things we had to defend ourselves with!

GOVERNORYou seemed awfully close to us.

ANTONYYes, we were worried for you. Sleeping as wild animals approached. We saved your lives.

SEBASTIAN
Saved your lives!

GONZALESI heard no animal. Sounded like another car wreck.

ANTONY(sensing his way out)
Maybe it was! Maybe we’re close to another road! Let’s hurry — we’ve got to get to that wreck while there’s still someone there. We can get help — rescue the boy!

GOVERNOR(suddenly sobering)
My son! My son! Yes, Robert, let’s hurry. We’ve got to find Franky.
The Governor STARTS OFF down the path rapidly. Gonzales gives Antony and Sebastian an evil look, not at all convinced of their “animal” story. Then he headS OFF AFTER THE GOVERNOR.

Sebastian looks at Antony in relief. Antony scowls.

ANTONYThat old man has got to go — he’ll remember and remind the Governor of this — if we ever find that boy and his head clears. C’mon.
He grabs Sebastian by the collar and heads down the path.