EL SUEÑO El Sueño is written for an 8-person Cast of 29 Characters. There are three Character Levels delineated thusly: 1st, *2nd, º3rd. Doña María & Abadesa Moría though Primary are played by the same actress. Secondary Characters may be Masked and Tertiary Characters should be Masked. For a Concert or Staged Reading the Italicized Stage Directions in the script can be omitted as can the Tertiary Characters. Música plays a Guitar and/or Vihuela; he provides the music as described in the Stage Directions. The musical selections are suggestions. Scores for music that can be played by a solo musician and perhaps a duet of singers can be found in the Stevenson citations. If possible or necessary recorded music can substitute for live music in which case the character, Música, can be omitted. A Scrim-like, Shadow Screen, is the Upstage Backdrop. It is used to project different locales and for use by the Shadow Puppet Characters: The Moon and The Sun. The Moon has three faces: Full, Half & Quarter. These Characters are rod and hand-rod puppets. A puppeteer can be cast separately or every cast member can double as a puppeteer depending on availability. The Stage, though barren, recalls the baroque embossment of the Cathedral of Zacatecas, México. Her cell, consisting of a Desk and Chair, Upstage Right, resembles a womb. There are Table and Chairs, Center Stage: and an Altar to The Mater Dolorosa, with a Crucifix above it, Upstage Left. Translations of Sor Juana's poetry by Elwin and Rita Wirkalá. Translations of Sor Juana's "Response" and Sor Filotea's "Letter" are used with permission from A Sor Juana Anthology, translated by Alan S. Trueblood, Harvard University Press. Biblical quotes from the Jerusalem Bible, Doubleday Publishing. Material from The Portable Machiavelli, Penguin Books. Material from The Sacramental Mysteries, a Byzantine Approach, by Casimir Kucharek, Alleluia Press, used with permission. Material from The Myth of the Goddess, Evolution of an Image, Anne Baring & Jules Cahford, Penguin Books. Thanks to Leslie Swackhamer & Peggy Shannon of ACT (A Contemporary Theatre, Seattle), Steven Weeks (Dramaturg), Olga Sánchez & TEATRO LATINO & The Aston Magna Academy. Musical Selections: "Nueva España", Joel Cohen & The Boston Camerata, ERATO-(CD) #2292-45977-2 (Titles & Composers in the Script are correct). "Mas no puede ser", Borroco Español, Deutsche Harmonia Mundi, BMG-(CD) #05472-77325. "Mexican Baroque" Chanticleer & Chanticleer Sinfonia, Das Alte Werk, TELDEC-(CD) #4509-93333-2. "El Repertorio de San Miguel Acatán", La Cantoría de Tomás Pascual & Cuarteto Contemporáneo, PAJARITO DISCOS-(CD) #50294-1. Scores: Stevenson, Robert M. Latin American Colonial Music Anthology (1975), & Renaissance and Baroque Musical Sources in the Americas (1970), Washington, D.C.: General Secretariat, Organization of American States. EL SUEÑO "Responsorio Segundo de S.S. José", by Ignacio de Jerúsalem fades up until the play begins. ACT 1: PROLOGUE Juana Inés & Abadesa Moría (leading a Chorus of two Nuns) are present. "Exultate iusti, in domino" by Juan Guitterez de Padilla fades up. Manuel Fernández, Bishop of Puebla, enters, vested in Golden splendor. FERNANDEZ Juana Inés Ramírez is a gem the Church would grieve were it to spurn her. Juana kneels, arms outstretched like a cross. JUANA INÉS With the help of God, Mother Abbess Moría, I now ask to be allowed to make perpetual profession in this community of San Jerónimo, for the glory of God and the service of the Church. ABADESA MOR A/CHORUS Thanks be to God. FERNANDEZ In baptism you have already died to sin. Do you now resolve to unite yourself more closely to God by the bond of perpetual profession, and to undertake that life of perfect chastity, obedience, and poverty chosen for themselves by Christ, our Lord, and the Mother of God, and to persevere in it forever, in prayer, willing penance, humble work and holiness of life, striving steadfastly for perfection in the love of God and neighbor, living the Gospel in your heart? SOR JUANA I do. ACT 1: SCENE 1 - 1665 Blackout: "A este sol peregrino" by Tomás de Torrejón y Velasco fades up. Special Downstage Center: seated at the table, Stage Left, Juana (15) is reading poetry in Latin from a large, leather-bound volume. The fire in the kitchen hearth glows warmly filling the room. Two large wax candles on either side of the book surround her in an effusion of light, as if she were enveloped in a halo. Isabel Ramírez (35) mother of Juana, enters. She establishes herself at the other end of the table and begins making tortillas as the music fades. Sunrise on the Shadow Screen. Muted Sounds: church bells, a rooster crows (3x's), a dog barks. ISABEL RAMIREZ Juana Inés! When are you going to get your face out of those books and do your chores? I have plenty to do without worrying about you. Come, help me with the dough. Juana reluctantly takes some dough, moving to the center of the table and begins patting out tortillas. JUANA INÉS I've been up since four and done my chores. Besides, you have slaves to take care of everything. ISABEL RAMIREZ I must watch them like a hawk if we are to keep anything of value. They are lazy, shiftless, children! Children! Indians, negros, mulattos; I'm surrounded by children! JUANA INÉS Tomorrow I come of age. ISABEL RAMIREZ Today you're still a child. JUANA INÉS Grandfather gave me this book of Latin Poets for my birthday! Virgil, Ovid, Seneca ... ISABEL RAMIREZ Holy Mother of God! Your grandfather is another child! What did I do to deserve such an offspring? Latin Poets, indeed! JUANA INÉS Maybe God has cursed you because I was born out of wedlock? ISABEL RAMIREZ Can't be. All three of you, were born illegitimately. You're the only one who reads so much. Mi amor, no man wants a reader, you'll scare them off. I wish you'd try harder to be nice to the boys. JUANA INÉS The boys are stupid. How did you frighten papá? ISABEL RAMIREZ It wasn't reading that frightened him. He didn't have the courage to raise a family. He dreaded his own children?! JUANA INÉS Why didn't you marry him? ISABEL RAMIREZ If your father had married me, he would have stolen all I have. We'd be poor as dirt. Besides you have to put up with those priests flapping their arms around with their incantations and their nosey ways always telling you what to do and who with. No, I'd rather be left alone by those ones. I'm free, Juanita, to do what I want. Juana stops patting the tortillas. She has a stack before her. She covers it. JUANA INÉS And Diego? ISABEL RAMIREZ Ahhh! Diego Lozano is good with his hands. He rides well and pulls his share around the ranch. What more can a woman ask for? You tell me? Why do you apply your mind to things a girl shouldn't know? JUANA INÉS You're the only woman in this district who runs and owns an hacienda. Aren't there rules against that? I need to learn mamá! I must go to Mexico City! I will! ISABEL RAMIREZ I see you burying your face in books. I see you spending your time with your grandfather, with no friends your own age. JUANA INÉS I could dress like a boy and attend the University. ISABEL RAMIREZ You will not dress like a boy. You will not attend the University. (Pause) Is that Latin you're reading? Where did you learn Latin? JUANA INÉS Sister Josefa at the Convent. (Pause) I was going to tell you. It was grand, ... glorious! ISABEL RAMIREZ I'm afraid for you little one. Isabel stops. She covers her stack. Isabel and Juana gaze at each other. JUANA INÉS Don't be. I'll be fine. You'll see. I'll find a man, who's a good lover, and settle down with him. If he runs away, I'll find another. I'll be fine. ISABEL RAMIREZ The University? Dress like a man? JUANA INÉS You'll think about it? ISABEL RAMIREZ The two of you are relentless. The offstage squeal of hogs invade the kitchen. ISABEL RAM REZ(continued) The pigs are out again! That lazy carpenter is off drinking -- somewhere! Daughter, be careful with books, you're only a girl, your head might ... Explode!! Isabel exits. Sunset, on the Screen. The bells of the church toll the hour. The sound of nocturnal animals fill the quiet. A dog barks. Pedro Ramírez (60) sits behind a large oak desk, Upstage Stage Right, reading from the, Gospel of Luke. Several candles illuminate the space. Dusk becomes night. He reads out loud to himself and has not noticed Juana who has entered, quietly. PEDRO RAMIREZ "Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, one of the Twelve. He approached the chief priests and officers to discuss some way of handing Jesus over to them. Pedro sees Juana listening. He raises his voice to include her. They were delighted and agreed to give him money. He accepted and began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus to them without people knowing about it." It seems Judas succeeded in betrayal but not in keeping it secret. How's my little angel? JUANA INÉS Oh, grandfather, I'm the worst of all girls. Mamá hates me and I've never even seen my papá. I'm such a blockhead, I don't fit with anybody. I scare the boys. I'm miserable. PEDRO RAMIREZ No, no, Juanita never think that. Your mamá loves you very much. More than anybody could. More than your father, ... that ... PEDRO RAM REZ(continued) irresponsible ... and boys? ... boys are always afraid of girls; (Smiling) though you may be a blockhead, one can never tell such things. JUANA INÉS Why won't she let me go? You really think I'm a blockhead? PEDRO RAMIREZ You said so. JUANA INÉS Blockheads can't read Latin. PEDRO RAMIREZ So you've changed your mind. JUANA INÉS Well .... yes, ... but I'm still miserable. PEDRO RAMIREZ Not a blockhead though, good, that's progress. How do you like the Latin Poets? JUANA INÉS Incredible! I'm so excited! What amazing mythologies! Whatever happened to the Goddesses? Where are they? Have they disappeared without a trace? Can we save them, grandfather? PEDRO RAMIREZ They sleep in your mind, Juanita. They dream in the stillness of the dark when the night birds sing in muted voices as not to disturb the silence. You can save them with your poetry. You can bring them all back to life, if you wish? JUANA INÉS I do! I do! Isis, the Mother Goddess, who revives her brother, Osiris, then marries him. How romantic. PEDRO RAMIREZ And more than a bit perverse. Sounds like the antics of the royalty to me. Isabel and Sofía, the cook, prepare supper, Center Stage. In the distance, a high-pitched wail pierces the air, as if a mother has discovered her lifeless, bloody child. Pedro puts his finger to his mouth to quiet Juana. She is mouthing, "Who?" PEDRO RAM REZ(continued) La Llorona, the Wailing Woman. She is a a Shadow, a Ghost. If you see her, your own death is imminent. JUANA INÉS Are we shadows? PEDRO RAMIREZ What exactly do you mean? JUANA INÉS Like Plato said? Are we shadows on the cave wall? If we are, what's the point to existence? A shadow feels nothing, sees nothing, hears, smells, knows nothing. Except, perhaps what a shadow knows, which is a mist, a dream barely remembered. Pedro stands, casting shadows about the room as he moves. Diego Lozano, Dieguito, and Beatriz join Isabel & Sofía. PEDRO RAMIREZ The shadows we see are caused by the opaqueness of our bodies in occlusion to the sun or some other light source. They belong to the natural sciences. The shadows that Plato speaks of are born in the mind, mature in thought, then dwell in the structures of philosophy, theology and art! JUANA INÉS And poetry? PEDRO RAMIREZ Yes, and poetry. They join the others for dinner. Pedro Ramírez sits at the head of the table. The crucifix is directly above his head. Isabel Ramírez sits at the other end. Juana's sister Beatriz (20), Diego Lozano (30) and Dieguito (10, Juana's younger half-brother by Lozano) fill in the remaining seats. The tortillas occupy the center of the table. A simple Mexican meal is set before them. PEDRO RAMIREZ Bless, O Lord, these thy gifts which we are about to receive, through Christ, Our Lord. ALL Amen. They all cross themselves. Sofía (40) serves the family. She has the reputation of being a curandera, a healing woman, a witch. ISABEL RAMIREZ What were you two scheming at? PEDRO RAMIREZ Why scheming? ISABEL RAMIREZ Papá, don't try to fool me. You and Juanita are plotting constantly. How will she get to Mexico City? PEDRO RAMIREZ Well, she's fifteen tomorrow and it's time she made something of herself. She'll never meet a man around here. DIEGO LOZANO I don't understand all this talk about education, especially for a girl! DIEGUITO Especially for a girl! Dieguito makes a face at Juana. BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Why can't a girl study at the University? DIEGO LOZANO All I know, is that a man works from dawn to dusk. DIEGUITO Dawn to dusk. DIEGO LOZANO He works hard and wants a good woman to care for him. That's all I know. PEDRO RAMIREZ What if this girl knows more than you? SOF A In a dream before her delivery ... I saw Juana climb a great mountain. (To Juana.) You won a hold over the powerful of this world. ISABEL RAMIREZ It cost me three hens and a bantam. A spell she said. SOF A I suckle the Spirits. ISABEL RAMIREZ Now, you have a coop full of hens and a large, healthy rooster. Well, she's fifteen, a woman, and time she made something of herself. You're right, papá, She'll never get a man around here. PEDRO RAMIREZ What made you change your mind? BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Juana don't ever eat cheese. It makes you stupid. PEDRO RAMIREZ Don't say that. She believes you. BEATRIZ RAMIREZ It's true. PEDRO RAMIREZ How do you know? BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Everybody knows. ISABEL RAMIREZ I'll contact Doña María. BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Oooh, Doña María has such a beautiful house. JUANA INÉS I can go to the University?! ISABEL RAMIREZ You are not allowed into the University. You will live in your aunt's house, with her family. JUANA INÉS Then what's the point? I can study here as well. ISABEL RAMIREZ There's a chance ... that you could be introduced to the Viceregal Couple, Don Sebastián and Doña Leonor, the Marqués and Marquesa de Mancera. María's husband, Juan de Mata, is Captain of the Guard and has some influence. SOF A In my dream I see the Viceregal Palace. Juana is being flattered by very important people. Teachers come from around the world to ask questions of her. PEDRO RAMIREZ What made you change your mind? DIEGUITO What's the Viceregal Palace? DIEGO LOZANO What is the point?! What good is an educated woman? There's no place for her. PEDRO RAMIREZ No place indeed! Among the oafs at Court, where else? Juanita! There is an enormous library there, with all the books you would need. (To Isabel) What made you change your mind? ISABEL RAMIREZ Can't a woman change her mind? (To Juana) As you've grown I can't help but see the truth in the Witch's dream. (To Pedro) The vision and the evidence of my own eyes! PEDRO RAMIREZ You will be celebrated, Juanita! All men will bow at your feet and worship you as a Goddess. (Chanting) Juana Inés, Juana Inés, Goddess of the Amerícas. JUANA INÉS Heresy! Our Lady of Guadalupe is our Goddess! PEDRO RAMIREZ Heresy! She is the Mother of God but not a Goddess herself! JUANA INÉS But she appeared on the hill of Tonantzin, the Aztec Goddess! PEDRO RAMIREZ Heresy! To equate our Holy Mother with a pagan Goddess! ISABEL RAMIREZ Quiet! The two of you! We don't need these rantings reported to the Holy Fathers. The Church has no quarrel with me now and I have no quarrel with the Holy Office. Papá, you should know better than to encourage her in heretical thoughts. PEDRO RAMIREZ Isabella, we were only having some fun. ISABEL RAMIREZ Fun that could lead to poverty, torture and death. JUANA INÉS You're the one going to a Sorceress for guidance. ISABEL RAMIREZ Don't you talk back to me! I should slap you right now! PEDRO RAMIREZ No, no. It's my fault. You're absolutely right. Apologize to your mother. JUANA INÉS Sorry, I sometimes don't know my place. They hug each other. Will you come with me, grandfather? PEDRO RAMIREZ It would be the pleasure of my waning years; to escort the young woman of fifteen years, to Mexico City, and thence to the Viceregal Palace. DIEGO LOZANO We shall see when the eggs are fried. DIEGUITO When the eggs are fried. Everyone exits but Juana & Pedro. ACT 1: SCENE 2 Doña María (30), well dressed, & a Slave carrying luggage, enter. DOÑA MARIA Juanita you're so thin! Doesn't your mother feed you? María squeezes Juana's face against her huge breasts. You're as skinny as a rail too, Papá. I swear, Isabella must save everything for herself. After an eternity she releases Juana. The Slave exits. Well, she was always that way, thinking only of herself. This is the patio, we just finished it. She leads them to her sitting room Upstage Left, beneath the Crucifix. I love the smell of fresh mortar, fresh wood, don't you? Here we are,...you must be exhausted ... (Shouting) take their bags upstairs! (A Slave enters) .. Sit! Sit! Something to drink? Wine? Tea? PEDRO RAMIREZ Tea. For both of us. DOÑA MARIA You heard him! Tea! Bring tea! (The Slave enters & serves them) Juanita ... here to conquer the Viceroy. JUANA INÉS Conquest is for warriors. I was hoping to be introduced to the Court and perhaps impress them with my needs. PEDRO RAMIREZ Juana Inés is searching for a tutor, and the use of the Viceroyal library for her studies. DOÑA MARIA Isabel went on and on in her letter about your intellect. As you know, Dorotea is quite the student also. (Shouting) Dorotea! Come welcome your grandfather and cousin! Dorotea (17) enters. Dorotea is tall, tanned & healthy; a tomboy, she gives Pedro, then Juana a huge embrace. DOÑA MAR A(continued) You two go outside. The two girls walk Center Stage. María and Pedro exit. DOROTEA You think you're so smart? Dorotea twists Juana's arm. Juana whines and begs for mercy. Shut up! I'll break it! Shut up! Dorotea twists harder. Juana stops. I'm the boss here. You do what I say and you don't get hurt. Do... (twist)...you... (twist).. understand? Juana nods without making a noise. Dorotea lets her go with a grudging respect. She punches Juana in the stomach. Juana buckles, falling to the ground. Eventually she regains her breath. She stands. Understand? The Moon replaces The Sun. Juan de Mata (40) graying, bearded, stern and military of bearing, María, and Pedro enter. A Slave serves them. Juan sits erectly at the head of the table covered with a white linen tablecloth. Pedro sits at the other end. Juana and Dorotea take their places. JUAN DE MATA Bless O Lord these thy gifts which we are about to receive through Christ Our Lord. ALL Amen. They cross themselves. JUAN DE MATA Since this is our first dinner together I'd like to take the opportunity to welcome Juana Inés as a member of our family. He raises his wine glass in a toast as do the other adults. Dorotea frowns at Juana. The Slave serves dinner. JUANA INÉS Thank you uncle. I feel unworthy of such generous hospitality. DOÑA MARIA Nonsense! You are family. What is ours is yours, dearest. JUANA INÉS And I would like to thank all of you, uncle Juan, auntie María, and especially Dorotea for making me feel so welcome. PEDRO RAMIREZ Here, here! The adults drain their glasses. Dorotea glowers at Juana. The Slave refills the glasses. JUAN DE MATA Dig in everyone. How was your journey, Pedro? PEDRO RAMIREZ Between mouthfuls. Except for the pain in my buttocks, the soreness in my shoulders and the addling of my brain, I'd say quite uneventful, even pleasant. Juana Inés seemed not to suffer the jolts and bumps as much as I. JUANA INÉS I apologize grandfather. I was so absorbed in my own dreams I didn't even consider how that jarring ride must have felt for you. PEDRO RAMIREZ The curse of old age, my dear. For Our Lord's amusement all his frail creatures wither into dust. DOÑA MARIA What poppycock! You're as healthy as I. JUAN DE MATA That's not saying much. DOÑA MARIA The both of you have addled brains! DOROTEA I'm healthy! I can ride and shoot as good as any boy. JUAN DE MATA As any man! Show your grandfather your muscles. Go on. Don't be ashamed. Dorotea, now embarrassed, reluctantly gets up to show Pedro her biceps. Pedro makes a great show of being impressed. Dorotea goes back to her seat. DOÑA MARIA I don't see what good riding and shooting and ugh! muscles, will do, for a girl looking for a husband. María finishes her wine. The Slave refills the glasses around the table. Dorotea is chagrined. JUAN DE MATA And she'll make a fine wife. She's strong enough to bear lots of children. Any man would be proud to have her. Look at your sister, Isabel. She's as strong as a horse. DOÑA MARIA Yes. And abandoned by her first lover, living with a man ten years her junior, with three bastard children! Do you want that for your daughter? Pedro glares at María. Juana is extremely embarrassed. Dorotea barely controls her giggling. Oh. Juana. I didn't mean... I mean... you see I was simply ... well has everyone finished? Good. Clean these plates off! DOÑA MAR A(continued) Dessert? (To Dorotea) You shut up! Dessert anyone? Juana leaves for Center Stage; the others exit. JUANA INÉS If risk at sea, one were to consider, no one would embark; if pre-viewed well how danger-fraught, no one would dare, nor bravely provoke the valiant bull. If pondered on the fiery brute fury unleashed on the run, no prudent rider'd take his stand to stop him there with discreet hand. But if a brave one could be found, hand bold enough, to stand his ground and govern the chariot, bathed in light, of that very Apollo, swift of flight, he'd be up to anything, save, alone, a state that lasts the whole life long. Pedro enters. The Sun replaces The Moon. JUANA INÉS Doña María hates me. How will I survive? PEDRO RAMIREZ María and Isabel have been feuding for years. Your aunt had the eye for your father. She's never forgiven Isabel for stealing him, so she takes it out on you. JUANA INÉS I want this to work. I really, really want this to work. PEDRO RAMIREZ It'll work. She'll calm down. JUANA INÉS What about Dorotea? She's a bully and a braggart and stupid as dirt! PEDRO RAMIREZ She's like her father. You'll have to prove yourself to her if you want to be her friend. She loves horses. PEDRO RAM REZ(continued) She could teach you to ride, if you'll take your nose out of your books long enough. JUANA INÉS But you're the one who ... PEDRO RAMIREZ Books, learning, study are all of great importance but now you must also learn how to get along; to compromise. JUANA INÉS But what of integrity? How can I compromise my integrity? PEDRO RAMIREZ Will horse riding compromise your integrity? Pedro exits. The Moon rises; The Sun sets. Juana walks over to a telescope Upstage Center and peers at the Night Sky. Dorotea enters. DOROTEA What're you doing? JUANA INÉS Examining the moon. She is a Goddess. DOROTEA That's pagan heresy. Father Morales said so. The stupid indians think that way. JUANA INÉS Not just stupid indians. Great philosophers and artists. The Romans and Greeks. DOROTEA Stupid indians. JUANA INÉS What is it then? DOROTEA The moon for God's sake. It's a huge ball in the sky that shines at night. JUANA INÉS Why doesn't it shine all the time? Sometimes it goes dark. Sometimes it's a half-moon or quarter-moon or just a little sliver of light. DOROTEA What do I care? How'd you like a black eye? JUANA INÉS No thanks, my butt's still bruised from this afternoon. DOROTEA You know, you ride pretty good for such a sissy. Sissy girls are afraid of everything. That's why I like boys. JUANA INÉS But your mother says you scare them, because you're so strong. DOROTEA Are you making fun of me? JUANA INÉS No. DOROTEA All the boys make fun of me. Even after I beat them up. JUANA INÉS Mine says I'm too smart. I read too much. Dorotea begins to cry. Juana puts her arm around her. Juan de Mata enters and observes silently. Who needs them. They're useless. DOROTEA If you want children they're needed. JUANA INÉS Who wants children? They're only a pain in the ass. Look at us. DOROTEA You really don't want children? JUANA INÉS We have to be strong, you and I, we don't fit the mold they've made for us. Why can't a woman be brilliant or athletic? Why must she only make babies and obey her husband? Why must she always submit to idiot males? DOROTEA Is grandfather an idiot, or my papá? JUANA INÉS Of course not! Oh... I don't know.. it's complicated. DOROTEA But I really like them Juana. I want to have their babies. JUANA INÉS Well, cousin, don't let me stop you. But you can't make me want that. The Sun. Juan de Mata enters. He & Dorotea sit. They listen as Juana recites one of her poems. JUANA INÉS If risk at sea one were to consider no one would embark; if previewed ... JUAN DE MATA Yes, yes very interesting. But you see, a useless male, like myself, can't appreciate such artistry. Juana is terribly embarrassed. She opens her mouth as if to say something, thinks better of it, shuts it. JUAN DE MATA(continued) Catching flies? JUANA INÉS I didn't mean you. JUAN DE MATA How very generous of you, Juana. I can barely control my gratitude. Perhaps I should kneel for your blessing. Or perhaps I should whip you! What do you think? DOROTEA Papá, she didn't mean any disrespect.. Juan de Mata makes a harsh gesture to Dorotea that shuts her up. JUANA INÉS Whatever is your pleasure, sir. JUAN DE MATA You mean to say kneeling before you is an option?! JUANA INÉS No sir. JUAN DE MATA This is my pleasure, young lady. While you reside in my house, you will not insult any of your male betters. Or you will feel my whip on your backside and not soon forget it! Is this understood? JUANA INÉS Yes sir. Juan exits. Pedro enters; with Juana & Dorotea they take an evening walk. THE MOON is full. PEDRO RAMIREZ You think your uncle unfair? JUANA INÉS He was so angry. My male betters... Ugh! PEDRO RAMIREZ You always complain because you haven't got a father. Now you know what it's like. JUANA INÉS Diego Lozano would never treat me that way. PEDRO RAMIREZ Because your mother runs the show there. She doesn't allow him to discipline you. Anyway, he's much cooler now. But, please try not to antagonize him. He is a very proud man. JUANA INÉS I suppose. PEDRO RAMIREZ Juana. JUANA INÉS I won't antagonize him, and I'll keep my opinions to myself. Satisfied? PEDRO RAMIREZ I suppose. Let's rest. I'm suddenly very tired. La Llorona, in Mask, enters. Her long fingernails are painted blood-red. LA LLORONA One of this party is mine. As you know I prefer children. Dorotea faints. Pedro steps forward. Juana weeps, silently. PEDRO RAMIREZ Take me. My time is full. These youths have many days left to them. She wails & leads Pedro, Off Stage. The Sun rises. Juana & Dorotea exit. Mourners lead a hearse across the Shadow screen. "Lamentatio" by Don Juan de Lienas accompanies the procession. Isabel, Doña María, Juan de Mata & Juana enter. DOÑA MARIA Is everyone comfortable? ISABEL RAMIREZ Considering that we just buried our father, no. DOÑA MARIA That's not what I meant and you know it Isabella. JUANA INÉS Don't lets argue. We all suffer greatly the lose of my grandfather. There's no reason to cause more. The sisters consider each other. DOÑA MARIA I hope father's will was in order. That the estate is provided for. ISABEL RAMIREZ Your hope is that it all comes to you. Well, you can have it! Have it all! I'm able to care for myself. She stands. Juana, we're leaving. Now! Come. Isabel gathers her Red Shawl and walks off the door with her reluctant daughter in tow. Isabel and Juana face each other. ISABEL RAMIREZ What's wrong? JUANA INÉS I can't go with you. ISABEL RAMIREZ You're not coming? No child of mine will spend another night with this ... this ... sister of mine. JUANA INÉS I can't. You know mamá. I can't. I am of age after all. I can make my own decisions now. ISABEL RAMIREZ What you mean is that you won't come. To each his own, I say. To each his own. Don't expect me to return, there's nothing left for me here. With a cold look to Juana, Isabel exits. DOÑA MARIA Papá would still be alive if it weren't for that prima donna! JUAN DE MATA She is a stuck-up little bitch. We need to knock her down a few notches. Put her in her place. They exit. The Moon rises. Juana takes Center. "Pabanas" by Lucas Ruis de Ribayaz accompanies the declamation. JUANA INÉS So grave my crime, O fate, has been that for torture, or for punishment it's not enough what thought makes clear, you must yet whisper it in my ear? You come against me with such force I persuade myself your harsh intent was only to make me intelligent that I might feel the damage worse. To shame me more, you gave applause; you made me rise up high, for rue; I think your treachery has caused unequal pangs of misery, too, in that, finding me rich in your talent, none should pity my lament. The Sun rises. The Virrey, Virreina & Fernández enter and establish themselves Upstage Center. Juan de Mata, María & Dorotea enter; Juana follows them, as a straggler. Juan steps forward as the music fades. JUAN DE MATA Your Majesties. I have the honor of introducing my wife, Doña María Ramírez, and my daughter, Dorotea de Mata. They each curtsy or bow in turn. VIRREINA And who is that frail orphan lagging behind? DOÑA MARIA My Lady, she is the daughter of my unfortunate sister. My husband and I care for her from our humble circumstances. We ask nothing in return. JUAN DE MATA A pitiable case, Majesties. She is dumb and deaf with the intelligence of a lower animal. She only grunts, my Lord, quite useless. VIRREINA Come forward then, we are in dire need of amusement. Grunt for us child. DOÑA MARIA No, my Lady, she really ... VIRREINA I'm confused, señora, did I address you? JUAN DE MATA She didn't mean to speak out of turn, Majesties, but, of course - VIRREY And I'm sure, neither did you, Captain ... or is it ... señor? Let the girl grunt! Come child. Juana separates herself from the family. JUANA INÉS I am Juana Inés Ramírez, daughter of Isabel Ramírez. She was daughter to Pedro Ramírez, recently deceased. My father is Pedro Manuel de Asbaje, whereabouts unknown. JUANA INÉS(continued) My mother owns an hacienda several miles northeast of the City. There we farm, raise chickens, pigs and cattle. We have plow horses and those for riding. We feed ourselves and pay our debts. Juan & María smile sheepishly. VIRREINA Deaf & dumb? Her grunts are moderately intelligible. Where is this mother of yours? She sounds quite the woman. JUANA INÉS She is. She is quite the woman, My Lady. She is gone. Back to the Ranch. She will not come again to the city, she says. VIRREINA And these, your family? JUANA INÉS My gracious hosts, my Lady. These, as you call them, are those I dearly love. They are my family. Doña María feeds me as one of her own. She is bitter, but has good reason, as do all bitter personalities. And Juan de Mata? And my cousin? They are father and sister to me. The Virreina sits, amazed. The Virrey, his interest piqued, sits upright. I am a poet, my Lady. I began writing at the age of ten. Fernández approaches, he leans heavily on his cane, aging and weary. FERNANDEZ My dear child, I too, am a poet. Do you know the verse of Góngora and Quevedo? JUANA INÉS I am quite familiar with both, Excellency. FERNANDEZ Dear me. Dear me. How old do you say you are, child? JUANA INÉS I am fifteen, Eminence. FERNANDEZ And familiar with Góngora. What else? JUANA INÉS I read and write Latin, Father. I know the stars and their positions in space. I am aware of the cycles of the moon and the sun and the planets. I know herbs. Those that heal and those that kill. I am a friend of the light but I do not fear darkness. I am a young thing barely tried, hardly pretty, and most certainly of naive intelligence. Stunned, Fernández returns to his place, with a slightly jauntier step. Juana turns to the Virrey. He stirs, uncomfortable with her gaze. JUANA INÉS Have you any questions, My Lord? VIRREY Why... no. I mean, yes. Yes, of course I do. If I could only think of any .... wait, wait, ... yes,... What do you know, what is your experience in politics, child? JUANA INÉS I have read the estimable Machiavelli. VIRREY You have? I mean ... I've never read... JUANA INÉS Yes. He paints the world as it is. It's no crime to speak the truth, is it? Excuse my boldness, I'm a silly girl. VIRREY False modesty hardly becomes you. We have a problem of monumental proportions. (Pause) Perhaps ... you could help? VIRREINA Monumental proportions! He is so dramatic. You see there is a certain ... cousin, of mine, Maximo, whom we both detest, but is recently arrived in Mexico City, and well ... my dear ... Maximo wants an hacienda, slaves, everything. His family is not particularly well endowed financially or intellectually. VIRREY Her side of the family. VIRREINA Don't you start on that. What about your cousin, Fabio? An idiot, leech and ... well very pretty I'll grant ... but such a liar and layabout. Christ, it took six months to get rid of him. JUANA INÉS Generosity used in such a manner as to give you a reputation for it will damage you. You will use all your resources, burden your people with taxes and become hateful to them. Generous to the few and offending the many you will be ruined at the first sign of unrest. In order not to rob your subjects, nor become poor yourselves; it is of little importance if you assume the name of miser. It produces reproach but not hatred. So says Machiavelli. VIRREY So we deny him. It certainly heightens our reputation for fairness and my prospects for the Chancellorship. Quite impressive for a girl with the intelligence of lower animals. VIRREINA I am in need of a personal servant, a Lady-in-Waiting, if you will. The position is permanent, you would have the run of the Palace and my ear at all times. That is if your generous guardians can part with your grunts. (To Doña María) Can she? María and Juan shake their heads, obediently. VIRREINA(continued) Then it's settled. JUANA INÉS I must have use of the library. VIRREINA (Pause) That ... can be arranged. Anything else? JUANA INÉS I require a tutor to expand my studies. VIRREINA (Pause) Starting tomorrow. (Pause) Say goodby to your loved ones tonight. You may leave. All of you. They bow and curtsy their way off stage. JUAN DE MATA Thank you, your Majesties. We are honored that you have taken the time from your busy schedules to grace us with your royal presence. DOÑA MARIA Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. The Virrey, Virreina, Fernández, Juan & Dorotea exit. The Full Moon rises. Juana & María sit Center Stage; Juana reads from her book of Latin Poets; María embroiders. DOÑA MARIA Did you eat well? JUANA INÉS Yes. DOÑA MARIA Good, good. I worry so about your health, dear. You are so thin. Your mother must never have fed you. JUANA INÉS My mother fed me well. DOÑA MARIA Of course she did. Of course she did. JUANA INÉS Please don't worry that quarreling with my mother might make me think any less of you. DOÑA MARIA That's ... sweet, of you dearest. Very generous, I might add. JUANA INÉS You're family, after all. DOÑA MARIA I don't need your mercy. JUANA INÉS I have no complaints. The Lord's sun shines on the corrupt as well as the perfect. DOÑA MARIA The perfect? Who may they be? JUANA INÉS The whole of creation. "For the Spirit of God fills the world, and That which binds all things, knows every word spoken. No one who utters what is wrong will go undetected, nor will avenging Justice shun the damned. Do not court death, nor invite destruction through your own labor. For God did not make Death, and takes no delight in the decay of the living. The creatures of this world have Spirit in them, and health. In them is no fatal virus. And the Enemy has no power over our race: for Wisdom is everlasting." They exit. The music for the next scene fades up. The Full Moon transforms into a Quarter Moon. ACT 1: SCENE 3 - 1670 The Quarter Moon. A festivity at Court. "Oy hasemos fiesta (I-II), by Tomás de Pascual accompanies the scene between Don José & Juana. Juana and a slightly drunk, Don José enter. JUANA INÉS You're leaving!? DON JOSÉ For Spain. Tomorrow. I'm sorry... JUANA INÉS Sorry! After five years of pursuing me, I finally succumb, twice, and you decide to leave for Spain! DON JOSÉ Juanita ... JUANA INÉS Don't call me that. DON JOSÉ Juana, you know as well as I that our little trysts were nothing more than diversions. Our class differences preclude any other alternative. Half the game is in the pursuit ... and conquest. Don't be sad. JUANA INÉS Disappointed. I was hoping you'd get better at it. I always imagined it would be longer. DON JOSÉ Longer? JUANA INÉS I wish you could have lasted longer. DON JOSÉ Oh, I thought you meant ... JUANA INÉS There's that, too. It was hardly satisfying or worth the trouble. DON JOSÉ At all? Not once? Ever? Juana shakes her head. Never satisfied!! JUANA INÉS You simply don't inspire me. We're hardly friends and I feel so uncomfortable every time we do it. I was curious. I wondered what all the commotion was about. DON JOSÉ Commotion? JUANA INÉS Sex, you ninny. I really don't see it, I really don't, if that's all there is? DON JOSÉ Ninny? You called me a ... ninny! A woman cannot ... must not address ... a man with such ... phrases! Don José is extremely agitated. JUANA INÉS Would you prefer pig! DON JOSÉ Pig! Pig!! She calls me pig!!! JUANA INÉS Please. Control yourself, ... señor. I realize what a difficult proposition that is for you. Especially someone of your position and rank, Caballero! A man of great responsibility. You are a responsible man, are you not? You take your responsibilities seriously, do you not? Don José storms out, muttering angrily. The Virreina enters. JUANA INÉS(continued) Weasel. "Pabanas", by Lucas Ruis de Ribayaz accompanies the scene between the Virreina & Juana. VIRREINA Weasel? Don José has always reminded me of a ferret, but I suppose they're related. What seems to be the problem? Why so glum? Your face is set like rock. JUANA INÉS Really. I can't imagine ... VIRREINA How was your meeting with Don José? JUANA INÉS Do you know about ... VIRREINA This is my Palace, I know everything that goes on here. JUANA INÉS I ... he ... is leaving,..for Spain. (Pause) My Lady, I just want to be normal. Everyone thinks I'm such a freak. I was curious about the experience and he was so persistent! I fooled myself into believing class and wealth wouldn't interfere with what I supposed was love. VIRREINA You do hold yourself a bit aloof, my dear. What did you think of the ... experience? JUANA INÉS Not much. VIRREINA Didn't like it? JUANA INÉS Not really. What's wrong with me? VIRREINA Not you, him. He isn't very good. There are better. Too quick. Over too soon. No manly strength in him at all. My dear? Doña Leonor smiles knowingly. Juana processes this new revelation. Playfully, the Virreina takes Juana's hand. Juana gazes innocently, but knowingly into the Marquesa's eyes, squeezing her hand in return. VIRREINA(continued) Such beautiful skin. Juana Inés, natural beauty is your gift. Strong too. JUANA INÉS From riding. My cousin taught me. I was afraid of horses but now I ride regularly, dressed as a man, it's easier that way. VIRREINA Dressed as a man? Then you can swear off them altogether? Probably the wisest move, for a young woman without a dowry. JUANA INÉS My only interest is in accumulating knowledge. I have no real desire for men. VIRREINA And love? JUANA INÉS Love? The Virreina continues caressing Juana's hand, gazing at her seriously. She places Juana's hand on her breast. Juana returns the gaze. Fernández enters. The women continue holding hands. "Pascalles (I-II)", (Anon.) accompany the rest of the scene. FERNANDEZ I hope I'm not intruding? I sought to engage Juana in a little intellectual banter on theological issues. I can leave .... VIRREINA No, Eminence, but, may I observe. I love a lively debate. FERNANDEZ Of course, my dear Lady, of course. Are you up to it Juana? JUANA INÉS I would like nothing better. FERNANDEZ I have been considering a series of sermons on the Sacraments and, well, I'd like to start with baptism. JUANA INÉS Ritual baths were performed aeons before Christ. Ceremonial purifications honored the agéd pagan mysteries of Isis. FERNANDEZ Do you compare pagan ritual with those of Christians? Juana notices Don José desperately trying to seduce a beautiful young woman on the other side of the stage. JUANA INÉS Jews also performed purifications. FERNANDEZ First pagans then Jews? JUANA INÉS For John the Baptist, the ritual bath was a symbol of moral change and a preparation for the coming of the Messiah. FERNANDEZ He has come in the form of Christ, Our Lord. JUANA INÉS "I tell you most solemnly, unless a man is born through water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God". We see ritual baths and purifications, as prophetical signs leading to Christian Baptism! The difference is Christian baptism brings about real spiritual rebirth while the baptized receive title to heaven. The young woman slaps Don José and storms off. He is left hopelessly trying to establish an air of decorum when he glances over at Juana, who is savoring his embarrassment with a sweet smile; he exits. FERNANDEZ Right! Right! Good! Excellently spoken. Like a man, this woman has the mind of a man! And so beautiful, too. Unbelievable. Fantastic! And the ... prefigurement in pagan rituals .... something we can apply ... has been applied to the Indian people of Mexico. My God, such a beauty, such a mind! I can't remember when a woman has touched me so ... so deeply .. I can only say .... VIRREINA You've said quite enough already, Father. FERNANDEZ Quite right, quite right, I'm gushing over her like a lovesick schoolboy. You know, she would be welcome by the Church. VIRREINA Yes, but she's mine now, aren't you dear? JUANA INÉS I am in your service, My Lady. VIRREINA We can't have every Churchman that falls in love with her demand she enter the nunnery. FERNANDEZ Although, as a nun, she would be free to write, exchange letters with other poets, become a woman of influence. VIRREINA She is extremely influential now. FERNANDEZ What do you think, Juana? Are you happy with your present position? JUANA INÉS I'm grateful to the Viceroyal Couple's generosity. FERNANDEZ Very diplomatic. If you were of higher rank you might have the opportunity to test your skills. But, as it is ... JUANA INÉS As it is, I am a woman. And no matter my rank, my class I don't even have the right to an education. VIRREINA Am I uneducated? JUANA INÉS No, your Highness. I speak of the general position of women in our society. FERNANDEZ Which would not be true if you take the veil. Among the company of women of similar opinion you would flourish. VIRREINA She's to young to fall into your clutches yet. FERNANDEZ My clutches? She is a jewel, a rough diamond in need of cutting and polishing. What I offer her is freedom. VIRREINA In the Church? With vows of chastity, obedience & poverty? Cloistered from life ... and love? That is freedom? FERNANDEZ By our vows we are made free. The Court is but a playground for the aristocrat. There is no depth of spirit here! Juana needs a safe place to bloom. VIRREINA Here she has a chance to live and learn by experience! What she needs ... JUANA INÉS Pardon. May I be so bold as to interrupt, but shouldn't I be granted the right to choose my own destiny? FERNANDEZ Of course, dear girl, of course. You choose. VIRREINA I would be careful though, that you burn no bridges. You are still in need of a dowry to enter the Convent and it would be most inappropriate for our good prelate, here, to provide the sum. What would people think? FERNANDEZ If you'll excuse me? Fernández exits. Juana holds the Marquesa's hand firmly but gently. She places the Marquesa's hand on her breast. She gazes intently into Doña Leonor's eyes. JUANA INÉS What should I do? VIRREINA What do you want? They move to the Marquesa's bedroom and change to bedclothes. Lights fade to dark then back up. ACT 1: SCENE 4 - 1675 The Quarter Moon. In the Marquesa's bedroom. The Virreina is letting Juana's hair out so that it flows luxuriously across her back and shoulders. She combs Juana's hair while caressing her. VIRREINA Dear girl, so innocent yet so ... experienced. JUANA INÉS Wisdom was my nursemaid. She had my Dream in her. VIRREINA A dream of freedom? A fiery bird caught in the cages of the Court. JUANA INÉS So many they're bewildering. I thought to use you in my scheme to enter the convent. VIRREINA I've been scheming since birth. It would take someone less ingenuous to position herself above me. Unless, of course, that's what I wanted. JUANA INÉS You'll help? VIRREINA We've been together five years. I realize you're destined for greater things than being my Lady-in-waiting. JUANA INÉS I need to study, read, research, write, compose. Doña Leonor kisses Juana gently on the cheek. JUNANA INÉS(continued) I'd do anything for you, but I need to get into the Convent of San Jerónimo. VIRREINA But, remember, I'd hate to see your vows broken, especially with someone else. The Virreina finishes with Juana's hair. JUANA INÉS You needn't worry. There is no one else. (Boldly) I've contrived to have the Viceroy hear of our liaisons and I've let Fernández know of my interest in the cloistered life. Silence. They regard each other. VIRREINA I can arrange for you to take over two floors at the convent. You can have a bath, sitting room, study and library as well as a bedroom. You're much too young for me dear. I fear I would eventually betray you. My position, you see; and, as you say, you must be free. They kiss each other and sink down on the bed in a warm embrace. The Sun rises. The Virreina & Juana exit. Fernández & the Virrey enter and sit in the Viceregal Library. VIRREY Quite a situation we have. FERNANDEZ Not unsalvageable. VIRREY No, not that. Juana enters. VIRREY Come daughter. No wolves here. Not yet, anyway. FERNANDEZ Don't let him frighten you. We are fellow poets. JUANA INÉS My lords you are too gracious to a poor girl from the country. I have accomplished nothing to garner such praise. FERNANDEZ Your presence pervades the room with the bouquet of candor and honest conversation. VIRREY Fernández is quite taken with you. Quite taken. He wants you, do you not Father? FERNANDEZ Don Sebastián tries to transform innocent longing into debased lechery, am I right, my Lord? JUANA INÉS What for? What do you want me for, Excellency? It does not bode well when others, my betters, speak of me as if I were not present; my Lords. VIRREY Fine. Enough shadows and trickery. I know everything about your relationship with my wife. We have decided your future, Juana. You will join the convent of San Jerónimo, as a novice. You will be vowed. I provide the dowry, a small price to avoid scandal, while keeping alive my candidacy for Lord Chancellor of Castilla. My wife may visit, and you may continue to benefit from her patronage. But, I will not have my political career jeopardized again. My career is of consequence. My title is of consequence. My power is of consequence; as is my mercy. (Silence) You are now under the custody of the Church. Bishop Fernández will take you to the Convent today, as soon as you gather your belongings. FERNANDEZ In the confines of the cloister you will flourish. JUANA INÉS I pray, that I prove worthy of your mercy. FERNANDEZ You can start, my child, by confessing your sins. VIRREY We could all begin by confessing our sins, Fernández. (To Juana) You may go. She exits & the Virrey exit. Dusk-the Sun setting slowly replaced by an Icon of San Jerónimo. Fernández moves to Upstage Center, where an Altar waits. He dresses in Golden Vestments. Juana & Abadesa Moría (leading a Chorus of two Nuns) enter. "Exultate, iusti, in domino" by Padilla fades up. Juana kneels, arms outstretched, as before. FERNANDEZ CHORUS K rie, eléison K rie, eléison Christe, eléison Christe, eléison K rie, eléison K rie, eléison JUANA INÉS With the help of God, Mother Abbess Moría, I now ask to be allowed to make perpetual profession in this community of San Jerónimo, for the glory of God and the service of the Church. FERNANDEZ In baptism you have already died to sin. Do you now resolve to unite yourself more closely to God by the bond of perpetual profession, and to undertake that life of perfect chastity, obedience, and poverty chosen for themselves by Christ, our Lord, and the Mother of God, and to persevere in it forever, in prayer, willing penance, humble work and holiness of life, striving steadfastly for perfection in the love of God and neighbor, living the Gospel in your heart? JUANA INÉS I do. ABADESA MORIA CHORUS Sancta María, Mater Dei Ora pro nobis Sancte Míchaël Ora pro nobis Sancti Angeli Dei Ora pro nobis Sancte Ioánnes Baptísta Ora pro nobis Sancti Petre et Paule Ora pro nobis Sancta María Magdaléna Ora pro nobis Sancta Agnes Ora pro nobis Sancta Scholástica Ora pro nobis Sancta Clara Ora pro nobis Sancta Catharína Ora pro nobis Ab omni malo Líbera nos Dómine Ab omni peccáto Líbera nos Dómine A morte perpétua Líbera nos Dómine ALL A-men. FERNANDEZ Receive this ring, for you are betrothed to the eternal King; keep faith with your Bridegroom so that you may come to the wedding feast of eternal joy. JUANA INÉS I am betrothed to the Son of the eternal Father, to him who was born of the Virgin Mother to be Savior of all the world. ABADESA MORIA I confirm that you are now one with us as a member of San Jerónimo, sharing all things in common with us now and in the future. The Abadesa fits Juana with a Habit, and cinches a Rosary around her waist as Fernández intones. FERNANDEZ By the authority entrusted to me and in the name of the Church, I receive the vows you have taken and commend you to God, that your gift of self, may be brought to perfection. Distant thunder & the pattering of rain. Everyone exits except Juana, kneeling Center. Candles glow warmly; a slow fade into darkness; "Tarara, tarara", by Antonio de Salazar; "Los conflades de la estleya" by Juan de Araujo & "Dame albriçia, mano Anton" by Gaspar Fernández begin and continue throughout the intermission. SOR JUANA Isis, Mother of God, Goddess-Mother, preserve and protect me! The Icon of San Jerónimo is replaced by an Egyptian Image of Isis. CURTAIN: ACT ONE ACT 2: SCENE 1 - 1685 - TEN YEARS'S LATER The Music fades. The Icon to La Madre Dolorosa has been replaced by the Icon to Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Oxaca). The Sun rises. Juana and Fernández (who seems to have regained his youth) are in her study. SOR JUANA Isis was worshiped throughout the Roman Empire. She is the Moon and Mother of the Sun. She is the Mourning Wife and Tender Sister; Mistress of Magic and Speaker of Spells. The Lady of Ten Thousand Names. FERNANDEZ She apparently absorbed the aspects of other female deities as her cult grew. SOR JUANA After Osiris had been murdered, she resurrected him. Horus, the Sun-God, their child, was the Savior of the world. This religion was a great obstacle to Christianity. The worship of Isis was suppressed in the Fourth Century. FERNANDEZ Of course it was suppressed. Scripture tells us that all pagan cults are demon worship. She may have been mother of the sun but she is not the Mother of God. JUANA INÉS How is it then, that our own Lady of Guadalupe appeared on the Hill of the Aztec Goddess, Tonántzin? FERNANDEZ Obviously, the purpose was to show the power of her Son, the True God, over the gods of Mexico, to the simple indian peasants. SOR JUANA But it was Juan Diego who convinced the Bishop of the truth of his vision, therefore, converting him. It was not the indian who was in need of spiritual rebirth. FERNANDEZ "Even Satan disguises himself as an Angel of Light." Christians are certain who we worship for we have the word of Our Lord. SOR JUANA But you must first believe that word to be true, otherwise ... listen, ... you can't just say, 'what I believe is true, because I believe it', ... FERNANDEZ That is exactly what a believer must say. There is a point where you submit to the logic of faith. SOR JUANA Perhaps you mean: to submit logic to faith. FERNANDEZ I consent to believe, I consent to have faith even though reason may sometimes fill me with doubts. I don't dismiss reason or logic; I simply put them in their rightful place. SOR JUANA And if my reason, my logic lead me to believe, other than you, is my belief therefore incorrect? It can't be because it relies on faith as does yours and as you say faith must put reason and logic in their place, whether mine or yours. I can never hope to reasonably convince you that your beliefs aren't true if they rely on faith alone. If they rely on reason, then ... perhaps. FERNANDEZ (Laughing) So you're saying that worship of Christ or of Isis are the same. SOR JUANA Of the same order, you said so yourself. Every believer must ultimately and simply ... believe. FERNANDEZ (Playfully) And when those beliefs conflict? SOR JUANA (Seriously) Then is the time for diplomacy ... or war. A nun enters. SOR MARGARITA Letters from the Viceroyalty of Peru, the Peruvian poet Juan de Valle and the Chapelmaster, Antonio de Salazar. The Bishop of Zacatecas would like to arrange a conference concerning your architectural designs for the new chapel. The Abbess waits outside to meet with you. SOR JUANA Thank you Sister Margarita. Anything else? SOR MARGARITA It's about the play you wrote, "The Divine Narcissus"? SOR JUANA Yes. SOR MARGARITA You have Sister Alicia playing the role of Human Nature. SOR JUANA Yes. SOR MARGARITA And I play Echo, Fallen Angelic Nature, that is Satan. SOR JUANA Yes. SOR MARGARITA I'm much better suited to play Human Nature. My disposition, my singing voice and my dramatic expertise far overshadow the ... paltry talents of Sister Alicia. SOR JUANA I see, but perhaps the roles of Pride or Self-Love might be more appropriate for your talents. SOR MARGARITA But those are minor roles ... companions of Echo. SOR JUANA They are the only roles open, at this point, if you wish to change roles it will have to be one of those. I hope to see you at rehearsal after Vespers? Please send in the Bishop and the Governor after my guest has left. (She exits, deflated) FERNANDEZ I'll be down from Puebla again next week and we can discuss my latest poem. SOR JUANA I'm sorry you have to come so far, your visits are always such a pleasure. FERNANDEZ For me as well, dear girl. I had hoped to receive the post of Archbishop, here in the City, but ... I really don't understand, everything seemed to be going well ... SOR JUANA You deserve to be Archbishop. I'll say a special prayer for you tonight. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick: but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life." FERNANDEZ You say the sweetest things. Fernández exits. The Abadesa enters. Juana lights several candles that surround a statue of Our Lady of Soledad. SOR JUANA I'm sorry to keep you waiting. ABADESA MORIA I look forward to our conversations. Although you're usually more forthcoming about the subject. SOR JUANA Waking life buries dreams too easily under the enormous weight of reason. Visions and mortal life too often collide. ABADESA MORIA Why the obscure references? SOR JUANA She produces a parchment and reads. "It is She, Isis, Who grieving, traverses the whole land. Who gives shade with her feathers, And wind with her wings. Who receives His Seed and gives Birth to Their Son, Who nurtures the child in Solitude, Without anyone knowing where She is". ABADESA MORIA This prayer? ... is a bit much for an old nun such as myself. What is it? SOR JUANA I discovered this devotion in my studies of the ancient cults. The primitive Goddess seemed to wake inside me. I was alive with a power I've never felt, with a purpose I've never dreamt! Perhaps this is the answer to my sterile prayers. You've told me of your inability to experience the company of Divinity. ABADESA MORIA I confess, I've never felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in prayers or fasts. I've explored throughout my life for a course that would indulge my longing. It seems a waste; barren of womb and barren of soul. But, this ... frightens me. What you advocate is ... dangerous for the soul. SOR JUANA Why is the worship of the Mother considered dangerous? Listen: "Behold me seeking for thee, I am searching to behold thee. Thou loves not another as thou loves thy Sister". ABADESA MORIA Tell me this is but an intellectual exercise ... or have you become a Priestess? SOR JUANA Humor me, dear Mother. I have a few more verses .... ABADESA MORIA Quiet! I will hear no more of Isis! Pray with me, now. The Abadesa opens her breviary as does Juana. ABADESA/JUANA "A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Give me back the joy of your salvation, and a willing spirit sustain in me." SOR JUANA She is as close to you as the blood in your veins. ABADESA MORIA Your veins, perhaps. (Pause.) You are a whirlwind funneling our talents into your artful dreams. SOR JUANA I'm flattered, Mother Abbess. ABADESA MORIA Flattery is deceit. Many are ecstatic with the new life you've provoked behind these aging walls. But ... your opinions ... SOR JUANA That women be educated by women! Intellectually we equal or surpass men. They're stupid, impertinent, posturing fools. God bless the woman who won't have them! ABADESA MORIA Your opinions are ... inauspicious. They place us all in danger. SOR JUANA "Wisdom is quicker to move than any motion; She is so pure, She pervades and permeates all things. She is the Breath of the Power of God." Juana blows out the candles around Our Lady of Soledad. Lights dim. The Abadesa exits. The Quarter Moon rises. Juana moves Center and begins to pray. There is an Altar Upstage Center with a Crucifix projected directly above it on the Screen. Stage Right of the Crucifix the Quarter Moon becomes Full. The Goddess Isis, in Mask, enters; she is a dark, Mediterranean earth-goddess. SOR JUANA I come before Thee, Sweeten my Heart, Beautify my Heart when I behold Thee. ISIS Wake, sweet daughter of Night. Wake sister, awake. JUANA INÉS Dearest Isis, Goddess-Mother; Mother of God; like air filling a vacuum, like fire feeding on matter, like rocks plummeting earthward, I am drawn to you. ISIS Like a moth to the flame? La Llorona enters. LA LLORONA Like a fly to shit! I am called La Malinche. I am called La Llorona. I am she who slaughtered her children; betrayed her nation; but bore a new nation! I wander the streets in torn and bloody clothing. The Aztec women hide their offspring from me. I am the spurned woman, who murdered the heirs to spite their father. I am the whore of Cortéz, his "tongue", his slave. JUANA INÉS Sweet Goddess, Isis! Protect me from this demon! She can't be one of us. We are the children of the Light. We are baptized in the mystical streams of Love. She is a sorceress, evil and malignant. ISIS Our sister? She cannot harm you. She will not. She searches for her lost children, but they surround her. I killed my brother, Osiris, then resurrected him, then mated him; then bore him, Savior of the world. We are Gods. We are Implacable. You cannot appraise us by trivial mortal creeds. A Glowing Light from behind the altar. Cihuacóatl, in Mask, enters. She is a Monstrous Dragon- Goddess, with an enormous mouth. Her hands and feet are Razor sharp Claws, used for rending her human sacrifices. CIHUACOATL I am Cihuacóatl; Earth Mother. I sustain the harmony of creation. I am She of the Serpent Skirt. I am Snake Woman. I am She of the Dark House. My Hunger is immense. My Jaws are open; waiting. I am the Night Walker. I command your sacrifice. You cannot deny it. You reward the Goddess who conceived you. I am She, the Life-Giver. From my Womb all Being is Born. Juana is terrified. ISIS Poor Juana. She wants her Gods purified of all stain. She wants them holy and good. She wants them innocent as lambs. LA LLORONA She wants her them to love her. CIHUACOATL I would love the taste of her blood. THE THREE GODDESSES They circle Juana. Her blood! Her blood! Her blood! Isis picks up the astonished young woman, carries her over to the Altar, and she lays Juana on top of it. The other two Goddesses hold Juana down. THE THREE GODDESSES We have come to redeem you, sister. To set you free. To bear you. To convert you to your true self, your only self. The Energy of the Goddess must be liberated from your heart. Behold! Extinction and Creation! Isis raises a Sacrificial Knife over Juana & plunges the Blade into her Heart. The Three kneel before the altar, cupping their hands to catch the Blood. They drink and exit. Blackout. The Moon is Full. All exit. The Moon vanishes. The Tribunal enters, Upstage Center: Three Cowled Figures, who move as a Chorus, with the Middle Figure as the Leader. They sit at a long table with a chair facing them. Fernández enters, with a youthful jaunt & sits in the vacant chair. TRIBUNAL LEADER We are pleased you could join us. FERNANDEZ The pleasure is mine. How may I serve the Holy Fathers? TRIBUNAL LEADER We have concerns. FERNANDEZ About whom, may I ask? TRIBUNAL LEADER Friends of yours. FERNANDEZ Of mine? All my friends are of the utmost character and orthodoxy. Is there someone ... TRIBUNAL LEADER Specific? Yes. Sor Juana Inés. FERNANDEZ This is about Juana Inés? I resent any implication that she ... TRIBUNAL LEADER There are rumors, Fernández, that she practices ancient pagan rituals to the Goddess, Isis. That she corrupts the souls of devote nuns with her savagery, her impertinence, her lack of discipline, her ideas. TRIBUNAL LEADER(continued) You have not heard these stories, one so close? You are close to her? You have feeling towards her? She is your protege? You are the Father of her soul, are you not? FERNANDEZ Where have these allegations come from? I demand ... TRIBUNAL LEADER Our sources do not concern you. What have you heard? FERNANDEZ Juana is an enormous talent. She is an artist, a genius of great order. Feelings? I have feelings ... of friendship ... of a purely platonic nature. We are brother poets, seekers of truth,... TRIBUNAL LEADER How long have you been Bishop of Puebla? FERNANDEZ What? TRIBUNAL LEADER Do you think it has been overly long that you have held the same position? We know you have ambitions. Have you never wondered why you've been passed over for those of less talent or breeding? FERNANDEZ No. Never. I am but a humble priest. TRIBUNAL LEADER An affectation that enamors you to the peons and unbalances your enemies. The Empire is well aware of the good sister's poetry and accomplishments. We, of the Holy Office, on the other hand, investigate matters of the soul. We would prefer not to move against this estimable woman, but we have concerns and our concerns include those who choose her as comrade. If you have any information of interest, contact us. We will be waiting. Anything else? Fernández is stunned. His old age is suddenly apparent by his stance and motion. As he exits the lights fade. The Half Moon rises. Sor Juana enters Stage Right where she sits in her desk and composes. Her grandfather's book of Latin Poets holds a special place on her shelves. She observes herself in a mirror. SOR JUANA This, which you see, a colored ruse, art's outward, ostentatious show with false syllogisms of hue, is a careful ploy to trick the sense. This, which in flattery would pretend pardon for the horror of years, and triumph over time's rigors; age and forgetfulness to end, is vanity's shrewd artifice. Is a flower in wind, so delicate. Is a futile shelter against fate. Is a sinful, stupid perseverance. Is passion's foundling; and properly seen, is corpse, dust, shade, nothing. She sets her pen down, exhausted and exhilarated, simultaneously. The Abadesa enters. ABADESA MORIA I hope I'm not intruding, Sister. SOR JUANA Welcome to my humble abode, Mother Abbess. ABADESA MORIA Not so humble. My child, you wear yourself out. SOR JUANA My body tires but my spirit soars. ABADESA MORIA It sorrows me to bring this news. I have received word that your mother is very ill and may soon pass from this world. You may, of course, attend to her if you wish. The Abadesa embraces her as Juana weeps. The Moon becomes Full. The Abadesa exits. Beatriz, Isabel & Diego Lozano enter. Isabel, wearing a Red Shawl, is weak and lies on a cot, she seems to sleep. Juana joins them. BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Mamá ... mamá ... Juana's here. ISABEL RAMIREZ I'm not dead yet, I can see! I can still kick all your asses! (To Juana) I would've died long since if I depended on the concern you've given. What are you here for? SOR JUANA If my presence disturbs you I can leave as soon as you like. BEATRIZ RAMIREZ Mamá, you are a stubborn old woman. In the state you're in a breeze could knock you over. And you, Juanita, are a vain fool, you think because you have become famous you no longer need us. When was your last visit? The both of you are bullheaded. If you two don't settle now it will be too late. Juana has always been your favorite, mother. Don't leave this world in anger. DIEGO LOZANO Two women more alike I have never seen. I'm not a clever man but I know devotion. Isabella, your daughter, pleads for your heart. Sor Juana kneels by her mother burying her face in Isabel's bosom, weeping uncontrollably. Isabel, stoic as ever pets Juana's hair, gently. ISABEL RAMIREZ In this world love and evil are the only certainties. Remember, they will never annihilate your Spirit. La Llorona enters Upstage. Juana raises her head; as she does she catches a glimpse of her. Everyone exits. The Sun rises. On the Screen is the silhouette of a hillside with mourners gathered about the grave. Next to the grave is a fully leafed tree. The sound of running water. ACT 2: SCENE 2 - 1696 - EL SUEÑO The Virreina, Fernández, Sor Juana & a female Servant enter. The Servant serves the guests; She and Juana are observed, by the Virreina, stealing flirtatious glances at one another. A frayed Red Shawl covers the back of Juana's chair. FERNANDEZ And is your latest poem ready? VIRREINA She says its set for publication. SOR JUANA Almost ... almost. It's called "El Sueño". FERNANDEZ A pleasant dream or a nightmare? She produces a manuscript and begins to read. The Temple of the Moon at Teotihuácan, materializes on the Screen beneath the eternal expanse of the Starry Night. The Temple is surrounded by Mist, which expands and contracts, as if the Pyramid were Breathing . A huge Yellow Moon appears on the tip of the Pyramid. It goes through its Three Faces, of Quarter, Half and Full. The grave and mournful Sounds of Nightbirds can be heard. SOR JUANA Pyramid-like, funereal, of the earth, born shade, to Heaven wended, of vain obelisks a rising counter-point, to scale, intending, the Stars; their exquisite brilliance --blank forever, forever sparkling. The horrid war that with black vapors beckoned her, the frightened fugitive shade, so distant, seemed mocking, that her worried brow vexed, at the superior convex, still unarrived, of the orb of that Goddess, who three times beautiful, with three lovely faces, has her being. SOR JUANA(continued) She is sole proprietress, of the mist, that streamed from her, in the dense breath she exhaled. In Sleep's quiet empire, allowing only the cryptic voices, of nocturnal birds, so dark, so grave, as to leave the silence whole. The Full Yellow Moon remains the other images vanish from the Screen. Silence. It is finally broken by the self-important, poet. FERNANDEZ Unlike the "Conceptualists", of Quevedo, who invigorate their symbols with transcendence and depth, the "Cultists", Góngora and his followers are ... technically impressive, but the writing is so ... banâl, don't you think? SOR JUANA I think the argument is meaningless. Both are poets of great stature and my goal it to meld them into my own unique "voice", which, I daresay, should be the ambition of anyone .. who calls herself.. a poet. Don't you think? FERNANDEZ Still, Juana, would you call yourself a "Conceptualist" or a "Cultist". SOR JUANA Poet, my dear bishop, poet. FERNANDEZ For, it is my understanding, that cultism, in the religious sense, is on the rise. Even among those that call themselves Christian, cults to pagan gods, have awakened. VIRREINA Your interest with cults is rather conspiratorial, Eminence. What do you mean? The Servant refills the wine glasses among the group. Fernández waves her off. He stands with great effort using his cane. FERNANDEZ I must be going. I have an appointment I cannot miss. VIRREINA Anyone we know? FERNANDEZ A meeting amongst clergy that's all. No young women are involved. VIRREINA Any young boys? FERNANDEZ Dearest Virreina I take my vows seriously, (To Juana) Even if some do not. Good evening. SOR JUANA Come again soon, my friend. I'll see you out. Juana leads him out. He takes her hand conspiratorially. FERNANDEZ Do you have the letter I asked for? The one refuting the Jesuit Antonio de Viera? Handing it to him. SOR JUANA You promise not to publish it. FERNANDEZ Not to worry. I have your best interests at heart. Thank you and pleasant dreams. All exit. The Tribunal, enter Upstage Center. "Tiento" by Pablo Bruna accompanies this scene. The Tribunal waits, in shadow. There is a Chair Center Stage. Directly above the Middle Figure is a Large Bloody Spanish Crucifix; Our Lord in Great Agony, suspended above the Tribunal. There is a knock on a Heavy Wooden Door, that reverberates throughout the building. Bishop Fernández enters, somehow smaller and weaker looking. He drifts toward his assigned seat, holding Juana's Letter in his trembling hand. The mournful Sounds of Nightbirds can be heard. He sits. The Three lean forward as One, still in Shadow. There is a slow fade to darkness as the music also fades. Special on Juana at her desk, Upstage Right, composing. The Viceregal Couple enters. The Virreina embraces Sor Juana. SOR JUANA What brings you to my modest apartments? Spiritual counsel, perhaps? VIRREINA Our term is up, we leave for Spain within the week and I must warn you of the dangers you face. VIRREY The Holy Fathers are implacable at the scent of heresy. We cannot shelter you from them. A letter of yours has fallen into their hands. VIRREINA It was published. SOR JUANA How could he!? Juana falls to her knees moaning. My books! My books! Ooooo! My books! Holy Mother of God, preserve me. The Virreina holds Juana. The Virrey is impassive. I have no argument with the Holy Fathers. VIRREY Nor do we. He pries Doña Leonor from her clutching embrace. Remember your position. You will not anger the Holy Fathers. VIRREINA We can't leave her now?! Standing slowly, Juana recovers herself. SOR JUANA Don Sebastián is right. You can do nothing for me. VIRREY I'll wait for you outside. Don't be long. Silence as he and Juana stare at each other. He exits. The women embrace, passionately. The Virreina, weeping, breaks away. VIRREINA You must defend yourself! Give me your work, your poetry. Send it to me. You will never be forgotten. You will not be annihilated! The Virreina exits. Juana, In a dream, recites from "El Sueño". SOR JUANA Un cadáver con alma, Muerto a la vida y a la muerte vivo. The Moon Wanes, then vanishes, replaced by storm clouds, lightening & thunder. A brief refrain from "Lamentatio" by Don Juan de Lienas begins the scene. Juana buries her head in her hands. Fernández enters, silently, yet leaning heavily on his cane, like a shadow, to Center Stage. SOR JUANA (To herself) This is the dream. This is the nightmare. Love is the nightmare. Poetry is the horror. Knowledge is the terror. Brutal acts of subversion. As if in a dream, Fernández beckons her; she joins him Center Stage. The music fades. SOR JUANA You don't seem in the best of health. FERNANDEZ This Is old age, my dear. Our Lord's jest on all his frail creatures. Age eats us away until we're the feed of worms. How is your health, dear sister? SOR JUANA I haven't been sleeping well. Visions. Sister Magdalena died of the plague. Of course, the plague identifies no class or religious distinctions. FERNANDEZ Indeed, Satan makes no distinctions. SOR JUANA Satan? FERNANDEZ Your mind is exquisite, intricate and fascinating. You are the most astonishing woman I have ever known. SOR JUANA What has all this to do with Satan? FERNANDEZ Vanity is a particular vice your sex is liable to, unfortunately. Vanity has many aspects or manifestations. Some blatant, some hidden but always deadly. SOR JUANA I still don't follow you, Eminence. FERNANDEZ Satan identifies no distinction, you said. In fact, as you know, we, of the cloth, are more ardently pursued by the Evil One and his legions. We must be careful of our actions, our dreams, our very thoughts, Juana. Nightmares, you say? SOR JUANA I said the plague identifies no distinctions. Nightmares? Yes. Vanity? Perhaps. It is a weakness, for all. FERNANDEZ Especially for those of ... superior mind? SOR JUANA They conspired against Our Lord for performing miracles. The Prophets were castigated for speaking against the sins of Israel. Anyone who is outstanding stimulates the resentment of those who lack intellect. They plot; ready to pounce. The greater the mind, the more defenseless. FERNANDEZ The greater mind must suffer the defects of more mundane creatures. SOR JUANA Do you realize the obstacles one must overcome, when the mind is consumed by the sheer love of learning? If, that mind, belongs to a woman? FERNANDEZ I can only speculate. Although St Paul says women should not teach he says nothing about learning so as to grow in wisdom. Perhaps you could enlighten me? SOR JUANA I can see nothing without reflecting on it, hear nothing without wondering at it! What could I not tell you of the secrets of Nature which I've discovered in cooking? Vanity? I would cut my hair, if I hadn't learned what I had set out to learn. I didn't consider it right that a head, bare of knowledge should be dressed with hair. FERNANDEZ It seems you have led a charmed life, my dear. You scaled the ladder of status with remarkable ease. You have hidden in the bosom of the Church, who has shielded you these many years. Yet you continue to insult Her with heretical views and infatuation with profane subject matter, while disregarding the themes more appropriate to a Bride of Christ! SOR JUANA How does one understand the Book which takes in all books? Master them all! FERNANDEZ If you had fashioned ideas of Christian perfection instead ... but, your time has passed for such welcome illuminations. SOR JUANA Because I am a woman, then. My mere presence is subversive to the rule of men. There are precedents, women wise and brave, teachers of philosophy, astrology and letters. Muses and oracles. Women of learning. Venerated. Celebrated. Men consider themselves sages by virtue of being men, while women are considered so very inept. FERNANDEZ Only less powerful, and power requires your silence. (Pause) Your books are forfeit. Your studies will cease, now and forever. (Pause) I can no longer protect you from yourself. SOR JUANA I need no protection from myself, traitor!! If what I say is of such seditious power that my only choice is to deny my soul, then I choose silence! And my silence will be filled with the voices of all those powerless victims who shriek defiance at those who have enslaved them! All the unborn voices yet to come, swimming in their liquid universe, waiting for their chance to open their mouths and prophesy the fate of this world! FERNANDEZ They are nothing and will remain nothing for all time! We will stifle their voices before they can speak! We will suffocate them in the womb!! Juana takes her Book of Latin Poets from its place; she holds it tightly. The muted sound of church bells intermixed with that of thunder. SOR JUANA I will examine every subtlety, every nuance, every breath. Fernández exits. ACT 2: SCENE 3 The image on the Screen is of a Golden Sunset with a Quarter Moon rising. "Cumbé" by Santiago de Murcia begins the scene. She notices an Old Man, in the shadows. Juana approaches the Old Man, who is peeling the skin off an Orange. He looks up. Juana sees it is Pedro Ramírez. In shock and joy she begins to tremble, then weep. He doesn't seem to recognize her, for he says nothing but to offer her half of the orange. Juana accepts the fruit. She is overcome with emotion, but afraid this apparition will vanish if she speaks or moves to suddenly towards it. Juana and Pedro bite into the sweet heart of their respective halves, simultaneously. He motions her closer, to sit next to him. She sits (laying the Book between them), still shaking, as the music fades. PEDRO RAMIREZ One major mistake and I could have just as easily been roasting forever. I've seen it. It's not pleasant. But, as you see, here I am, with my belovéd grandchild, basking in the warmth of the Sun. How are you these days? SOR JUANA Things could be better. PEDRO RAMIREZ How so? SOR JUANA I am silenced. PEDRO RAMIREZ Yet you speak to me, and others, of more solid standing, I hope. And your thoughts still sparkle and buzz within your brain. I can hear them, you know? SOR JUANA I feel that I will die without my work, my study, my books, my words ... my beautiful, beautiful words. PEDRO RAMIREZ We all live again. Find other work child. There is other work to do. Despair if you must but it does you no good, it wastes PEDRO RAM REZ(continued) what time you do have, and sucks life from the soul that burns within you. SOR JUANA Why has this happened to me? What have I done? PEDRO RAMIREZ Sofía prophesied it all. It is Fate, granddaughter. You have accomplished what you've been given to do in this world. He stands to go. She tries to hold him but to no avail. Your heart beats warmly; your breath fills you. There is no confusion, no chaos. Only Life ... Only Life.... SOR JUANA What is life, grandfather!? PEDRO RAMIREZ Life? Life ... is a Dream. He is gone. All that remains are the Book, the peelings and pieces of fruit that Juana gathers up and holds tightly to her breast. Isis, Cihuacóatl & La Llorona have entered, silently, Upstage Center, costumed as nuns. They are Masked with the boils and growths of the Plague. They chant. ISIS CIHUAC ATL/LLORONA Sancta María, Mater Dei. Ora pro nobis. A morte perpétua. Líbera nos Dómine. SOR JUANA It is She, Who gives shade with Her feathers, And wind with Her wings. Who receives His seed and gives Birth to Their Heir, Who Nurtures the Child in Solitude, Without anyone knowing where She is. The Moon becomes Full. Slow fade to dark. "Guaracha: Convidando esta la noche" by Juan Garcia de Zéspedes fades up.