Jason and the Argonauts: A Retelling
by Lori Calabria
Pelias, usurper king of
Iolcus, uncle of Jason
Palace officials, surround
Pelias at the palace
Herakles, great warrior,
Argonaut
Argus, builder of the Argo,
Argonaut
Atalanta, virgin huntress,
Argonaut
Calais, winged son of
Boreas, brother to Zetes, Argonaut
Zetes, winged son of Boreas,
brother to Calais, Argonaut
Nymphs on island
Phineus, blind king plagued
by Harpies
Advisor to Phineus
Guard at Phineus’ palace
Harpies, two half human,
half bird creatures
Hera, Queen of the Gods
Athena, Goddess of Wisdom
Aphrodite, Goddess of Love
Aeetes, evil king of
Guard at Aeetes’
palace
Medea, sorceress daughter of Aeetes
Bulls, two wild oxen in
south field at
Army of warriors at south
field in
Dragon, guards the Golden
Fleece in the Scared Grove of Ares
Act I
(King PELIAS sits on an elaborate throne, a look of horror upon his face. He is surrounded by palace OFFICIALS who mirror his shock. JASON stands before PELIAS’ throne wearing a sandal on his right foot, his other left bare.)
PELIAS
Ahhhhhh! It is a man wearing one sandal! Who are you?!
JASON
I am Jason, son of Aeson and rightful heir to this throne.
PELIAS
By the gods, I’m in deep centaur poop.
(NARRATOR rushes onto stage calling loudly
and interrupting the action.)
NARRATOR
Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait! Hold on, I’m here! I’m terribly sorry I’m late but the funniest thing happened on my way to the theater. I was-
(Stops suddenly, taking note of the waiting audience.)
Umm… would you give me a minute or two with them?
(Indicates audience.)
We have some catching up to do.
(Those onstage sigh and nod their heads. All but the NARRATOR sulk slowly offstage as the curtain closes with NARRATOR in front.)
Hello, I’m ______ and I’ll be your narrator this evening. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the tale of Ding Dong Diomedes and the Argonauts. Heh. That’s his real name: Diomedes. He changed it because he thought it would work better with the ladies.
NARRATOR [continued]
(Smirks and shakes his head.)
Jason’s father Aeson was once king of this land, Iolcus, but Aeson’s evil brother Pelias - Jason’s uncle - stole his throne from him and then imprissoned the king in his own palace. Jason wasn’t born yet, but Jason’s mother feared that Pelias would kill her child once it was born. So when
Jason popped out she mourned as if the baby had died. She had Jason secretly sent to a centaur to be raised as a warrior.
Pelias has two prophecies that he has to worry about, and they have made him just a tiny bit paranoid. One: beware of a man wearing one sandal. Two: a relative will kill him.
Oh, the Golden Fleece. It
is a much sought after prize in
As for the one sandal thing: Jason lost it while helping an old lady cross a raging river.
Whew. Let us then return to the action. I’ll see you folks later.
(NARRATOR exits. Curtain opens with previous scene set.)
JASON
You’ll be eating that centaur poop everyday if you don’t hand over the throne to me.
PELIAS
I don’t want any trouble here, really. But how do I know that you can even rule this kingdom? What kind of resume have you got?
JASON
Umm…
PELIAS
You see? You have to have at least one heroic mission under your belt to rule this kingdom.
JASON
Yeah? What was yours?
PELIAS
(Makes a sour face.)
Never you
mind that. Let’s make a deal. If you sail to
(Holds his hand out.)
JASON
(Thinks for a moment.)
Sure, sounds fun.
(Shakes on it.)
You’ll be chafing from all that wool in no time.
(JASON exits.)
PELIAS
Idiot. I may be a coward, but I’m not a stupid coward. We’ll never see him again.
(Curtain closes.)
Scene 2
(The
Argo - the name is displayed for all to see – is sailing the sea, an island in
the distance. The Argonauts - JASON, HERACKLES, ARGUS, NAUPLIUS, ATALANTA,
ALL
(Singing in a round with Jason leading.)
Row, row, row your boat… etc.
HERAKLES
(Interrupting the singing.)
I can’t stand it anymore! We’ve been doing nothing but rowing and singing about rowing for five days. I need a break from this insanity!
ALL but HERAKLES and JASON
Yeah!
JASON
Okay. Herakles is right. We’ll find an island and weigh anchor. Nauplius, do your navigating thing.
NAUPLIUS
Yes, Captain. We’re near to a small island right now. It’s only a twenty-minute trip. Everyone start rowing in that direction.
(Points.)
(They arrive on the beach. Giggling can be heard in the distance.)
ZETES
What is that?
Sounds like nymphs, brother.
(ATALANTA scoffs.)
HERAKLES
I’m going to find out.
JASON
Don’t get lost. We’re leaving tomorrow morning at daybreak.
HERAKLES
Yes, mother. I’ll be back before curfew.
(HERAKLES exits. The remaining ARGONAUTS settled into bed. Lights dim to simulate night. Pause. Lights back up. ARGONAUTS wake up.)
ARGUS
Hey. Where’s Herakles? Didn’t he come back last night?
ATALANTA
Nope. He’s probably still out frolicking with those nymphs.
NAUPLIUS
Well, we can’t just wait for him to stroll into camp.
JASON
Alright, everyone split up. Search the island, and we’ll meet back here in a half-hour.
(Under breath.)
Why does that pretty boy get to have all the fun?
(ALL exit. Pause. ALL return without HERAKLES.)
JASON
Anyone find him?
ALL but JASON
Nope.
ARGUS
Let’s just leave him.
ATALANTA
I agree. He wanted a break from rowing. Well, that’s what he’ll get: a really extended break.
JASON
Alright. Break camp. We’ve got to get back on the sea. The pretty boy’s going to have to wait for us to come back later. Let’s go!
(The remaining ARGONAUTS resume their voyage on the sea. During singing, Lighting must simulate the passage of days by bringing the lights up and down.)
ALL
(Singing in a round with Jason leading.)
Row, row, row your boat… etc.
ZETES
Stop! Either find a new song or give us a break, Jason!
JASON
Umm…
(Pause as he ponders.)
Okay, let’s make another stop. Nauplius?
NAUPLIUS
Phineus’ kingdom is an hour’s journey from here.
I could go for some palace food.
ARGUS
I would love a bed.
ATALANTA
Well, I would really appreciate a bathroom.
(ALL but ATALANTA laugh mockingly.)
JASON
The mob has spoken. We’re going to pay old King Phineus a visit.
(Pause.)
ALL
(Singing in a round with Jason leading.)
Row, row, row your boat… etc.
(Curtain quickly closes on singing.)
Scene 3
(Interior of Phineus’ palace. PHINEUS sits on throne, an ADVISOR by his side.)
ADVISOR
Lunch is almost ready, King Phineus.
PHINEUS
(Disgusted.)
Oh, goody.
(A palace GUARD enters.)
GUARD
Your highness, a group of sailors just arrived in the ship Argo and wish to speak with you.
PHINEUS
Send them in.
(GUARD exits. The ARGONAUTS enter.)
What is it that you wished to see me about?
JASON
Hey, Phin! It’s me: Jason.
PHINEUS
Hey! How ya doin’?
JASON
Not bad. My crew and I are out to find the Golden Fleece. I’m trying to win my kingdom back. How’s life treating you? Looks like you lost quite a bit of weight.
PHINEUS
You’re right. I’ve got a doozy of a problem, actually. The flying Hounds of Zeus, those foul Harpies, are stealing my food and crapping on all the leftovers! I’m starving to death. You’ve got to help me out.
JASON
What can I do? I don’t have a winged horse to go after them in the heavens.
PHINEUS
Something! Anything! If you help me, I’ll give you important information about your journey ahead.
JASON
Umm…
ARGUS
Ahem.
(Looks pointedly at
JASON
What?
NAUPLIUS
They’re sons of Boreas.
JASON
So…?
ATALANTA
Boreas is the North Wind.
JASON
I don’t get it.
ALL
but JASON, ZETES, and
They have wings!
ZETES
and
(Overlapping.)
We have wings!
JASON
(Slaps forehead.)
Ohhh! Right!
(Pause.)
Waitaminute- Phineus, you’re blind. How did you know that?
PHINEUS
(Wrinkling his nose.)
I can smell descendants of the North Wind anywhere.
ZETES
and
Hey!
JASON
So when’s lunch?
PHINEUS
It should be ready now. Come on.
(ALL exit as curtains close.)
Scene 4
(Exterior Phineus’ palace. ARGONAUTS and PHINEUS sit at a table laden with food.)
PHINEUS
Dig in, everyone. Those two buzzards will be here soon enough.
(ALL begin eating. Loud screeching is soon heard. HARPIES enter, running about stealing food.)
HARPIES
Ooh! Ambrosia!
JASON
(
ZETES
There. They won’t bother you anymore, Phineus.
PHINEUS
Many thanks, Zetes,
As promised, Jason, I will tell you something that will save your lives and your ship, too. In another two days at sea, you will face the Symplegades. These are towering rocks that come crashing together if anything tries to pass between them.
NAUPLIUS
It’s true. Many ships have been lost attempting to pass. It’s a long way around though.
PHINEUS
I know a trick that will get you through without being crushed to pieces. You must let a bird pass through the Symplegades. The rocks will crash together. As soon as they begin to separate, you must quickly make your way through.
JASON
Wow. Cool. Thanks, Phineus.
PHINEUS
Now, please enjoy the comforts of my palace before you disembark. If there is anything you desire, it shall be provided.
Uh… how about a fresh bowl of ambrosia?
(Brief tableau of laughing faces. Curtain closes.)
Scene 5
(The ARGONAUTS are at sea once again on the Argo.)
ATALANTA
No. Absolutely not. Nuh uh.
JASON
Come on, Atalanta. Please?
ATALANTA
No way! Why don’t you send one of the flyboys through?
ZETES
I think we’re a little bit bigger than a bird, Atalanta.
Neither of us is as fast in the air as she is. We would never make it.
NAUPLIUS
You all better hurry up. We’re getting closer to the Symplegades.
ARGUS
(To Atalanta.)
This is the best ship ever to sail the sea. When I built the Argo, I made sure that its design was sturdy and its wood the strongest. Even so, this ship will not survive being crushed. We need your help to get through this.
ATALANTA
Argh!
(Pause.)
If anything, and I mean anything, happens to Stella, I’ll make sure you all suffer similar fates.
(Two tall rocks, the Symplegades, appear onstage.)
NAUPLIUS
We’re here!
JASON
Everyone prepare to row like you’ve never rowed before!
JASON [continued]
Atalanta, let her loose!
(ATALANTA releases her eagle, Stella, through the rocks. The rocks crash together, plucking a single tail feather from Stella. Rocks begin to separate.)
Row!
(Sings in very fast tempo.)
Row, row, row your boat… etc.
(ALL row furiously. The Argo passes through unharmed but for a minor splintering of her stern.)
ATALANTA
Stella!
(Whistles.)
(Stella returns to ATALANTA’S arm.)
She’s missing a tail feather!
(Takes deep calming breath. Speaks in a predatory voice.)
Gentlemen, I’d sleep on my backs tonight if I were you.
ALL but ATALANTA and NAUPLIUS
Are we there yet?! How soon
until
NAUPLIUS
Obviously, not soon enough.
JASON
Men, I want you to row as fast as you possibly can.
ALL but ATALANTA and JASON
No problem.
(ALL begin rowing quickly. Curtains close.)
Scene 6
(
ATHENA
Oh… hilarious!
HERA
Aren’t humans the most wonderful entertainment ever created?
ATHENA
No arguments here. Even the duck-billed platypus lost its appeal after humans were made.
HERA
Let’s see what else is on.
ATHENA
Look! Jason is arriving at
HERA
I think he’s going to need
more of our help, Athena. King Aeetes is not going to
like Jason or his mission in
ATHENA
What about Medea, Aeetes’ daughter? She’s a sorceress; she can help him.
HERA
Yes, but she’s going to need a reason to.
(Pause.)
(APHRODITE enters.)
APHRODITE
Yes, Hera?
HERA
Would you do us a favor?
Jason will need help on
APHRODITE
I’d be happy to. I’ll send my son to do what he does best: pluck love-tinted arrows into the hearts of the unsuspecting.
(APHRODITE exits.)
ATHENA
This is perfect! More melodrama and humor to watch with minimal movement.
HERA
Shhh… it’s about to get really good.
(Brief tableau of ATHENA and HERA staring intently at television. Curtain closes.)
Scene 7
(Interior of King AEETES’ palace at
AEETES
What is it?
GUARD
Jason from Iolcus and his travelling companions wish a moment of your time.
AEETES
I swear to Zeus, if this is about the Golden Fleece I’m going to…
(Sighs.)
Send them in.
(GUARD exits. JASON and the ARGONAUTS enter.)
JASON
Salve, King Aeetes.
AEETES
Yes, yes. What is it you want?
JASON
Well, I’ve come from Iolcus to bring back the Gold-
AEETES
(Interrupting.)
ARGH! That fleece is the bane of my existence. Why is it that you think you can just stroll into my kingdom and take what isn’t yours?
JASON
Umm… well, I…
ARGUS
You must remember that the Golden Fleece originated in Iolcus. I believe that gives us a claim on it.
(Enter MEDEA.)
MEDEA
Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t reali-
(She notices Jason and is love struck.)
MEDEA [continued]
Aren’t you going to introduce me, father?
AEETES
This is not your concern, Medea.
MEDEA
Don’t be rude, father.
AEETES
This man is Jason. The others are his shipmates. They’ve come from Iolcus to steal the Golden Fleece.
MEDEA
Now, father. I don’t understand why you become so upset when anyone comes to try for the Golden Fleece. If someone were to succeed in retrieving it, you wouldn’t have to deal with the matter anymore. Not to mention we wouldn’t have those unfortunate deaths of children venturing too close to the dragon.
JASON
Dragon?!
AEETES
Alright, fine. I will give you the location of the fleece if you perform a few tasks for me first.
JASON
Ummm… okay.
AEETES
You must yoke a pair of untamed oxen together, but take care as they have an inflammatory case of acid reflux. Then plow the south field with the team and sow these fast growing seeds into the soil. Finally, you must also harvest the crop.
(Calls offstage.)
Bring the seeds, please.
JASON
Got it: tame wild beasts, plow field, sow soil, harvest crop. Seems easy enough.
(GUARD enters, hands bag of seeds to JASON, and exits.)
JASON
(Peering into bag)
What kind of seeds are these?
AEETES
Oh, just local flora. It’s called an armor plant.
JASON
Right. Well then, I guess I’ll be up with the cows and centaurs tomorrow morning. Until then.
MEDEA
(Coyly.)
Vale, Jason.
(Curtains close as JASON and the ARGONAUTS exit.)
Act II
Scene 1
(Exterior camp on beach. JASON and the ARGONAUTS sit around a fire talking.)
ATALANTA
I swear by Zeus, she does. Honestly, it was pitiful to watch.
NAUPLIUS
There’s no doubt in my mind. She’s got the hots for you.
JASON
Are you sure?
ZETES
Definitely. Medea’s not a bad catch either, if you know what I mean.
Oh, yeah. Great legs.
ARGUS
Forget about her legs, her b-
ATALANTA
You all are disgusting.
(MEDEA enters.)
ARGONAUTS
Salve! How are you? Come, join us!
MEDEA
Oh, salvete. I was hoping for a moment alone with Jason.
ALL but JASON and MEDEA
Sure. No problem.
(ARGONAUTS exit.)
JASON
Uh, salve. Thank you for your help earlier today.
MEDEA
It was my pleasure, I assure you.
(Pause.)
You have the most beautiful eyes I’ve ever seen. It’s as if they were modeled after the brightest stars in the night sky.
JASON
Umm…
MEDEA
And your hair is so handsomely styled.
JASON
Umm…
MEDEA
Not to mention your-
I’m sorry. I did come here for a reason. I admit though that my love for you is rather hard to contain.
JASON
Love? Umm…
MEDEA
Yes. It was love at first sight. I laid eyes on you and knew that you are my soul mate.
And for that reason, I must warn you about my father’s tasks. They will not be as easy as they seem. Here.
(Hands Jason a bottle.)
JASON
What’s this?
MEDEA
It’s a salve that-
JASON
(Interrupting.)
A what?
MEDEA
A salve.
JASON
Umm…
MEDEA
A balm.
JASON
Umm…
MEDEA
A lotion.
JASON
Ah.
MEDEA
Oh, my darling. You must rub that lotion all over your skin so that you will be protected from the their flames and fierce horns.
And this.
(Hands Jason a rock.)
JASON
Why do I need a rock?
MEDEA
The seeds my father gave you are really dragon’s teeth. When you finish sowing the field, each tooth will sprout an armed warrior. If you throw that rock into the group of warriors, the problem will solve itself.
JASON
Whoa. I had no idea your father was so evil. I don’t know how to thank you for your help.
MEDEA
Don’t worry. There will come a time that you will be able to repay me, my love. I must go now. Goodnight.
(Kisses a surprised Jason.)
JASON
Goodnight.
(MEDEA exits as curtains close.)
Scene 2
(South field at dawn. AEETES, JASON, MEDEA, ARGONAUTS, and two BULLS are all present. AEETES has two harnesses in hand, and a plow is of to the side of the stage.)
JASON
(To himself.)
Sheesh. I stink! I don’t ever want to know what was in that lotion.
AEETES
It is time.
(Hands Jason the harnesses.)
Do what I have asked and you may try for the Golden Fleece.
(Snickers.)
JASON
Alrighty. Here goes nothing.
(A wild chase ensues between JASON and the two BULLS. The ARGONAUTS and MEDEA cheer him on. JASON finally manages to harness the two BULLS and yoke them to the plow.)
JASON
Whooohooo! Now to till the soil.
(JASON tills the soil, going back and forth across the stage.)
JASON
Well, that was boring. Of course things will liven up in a minute.
(JASON takes the satchel of seeds from his belt and scatters them throughout the field. As soon as he is finished, an army of WARRIORS pop out of the soil.)
JASON
Holy Hera’s tit!
(JASON quickly takes the rock from his pocket and throws it into the group of WARRIORS.)
WARRIOR
Hey, who threw that? Whoever threw that rock is going to pay!
(WARRIORS turn on each other and end up killing each other until none are left standing.)
JASON
Welp, King Aeetes…
(Brushes hands off.)
I’ve finished my tasks. I suppose I’ll be off to grab the Golden Fleece now.
(AEETES storms off the stage.)
MEDEA
You were wonderful, my love. So heroic! But I must go and calm him down before he does something rash.
(MEDEA rushes off stage in pursuance of her father.)
JASON
Another day, another job done. I could really use a bath right about now, but first the Golden Fleece. Let’s go, guys.
(JASON and ARGONAUTS exit as curtain closes.)
Scene 3
(Sacred Grove. A large tree, in which the Golden Fleece hangs, stands on the side of the stage, guarded by a sleeping DRAGON. JASON and the ARGONAUTS approach cautiously.)
JASON
Whoa. That’s a monstrously huge dragon.
I’ll bet he breathes fire, too.
NAUPLIUS
How are you going to manage this one, Jason?
JASON
Hold on, I’m thinking.
ARGUS
Don’t think too long. That thing could wake up at any minute feeling hungry or pissed off.
JASON
Well, does anyone have any suggestions?
ARGONAUTS
(Simultaneously.)
No.
Not particularly.
Uhh…
Beats me.
ATALANTA
Well, what if you… no, that wouldn’t work.
JASON
I didn’t come this far just to-
(MEDEA hurries on stage in a panic.)
MEDEA
Jason, my darling, my love!
(ARGONAUTS snicker.)
MEDEA
You must hurry! What I have
feared has come true. My father has no intention of letting you leave
JASON
At this rate, they have nothing to fear. I have no idea how to get past the dragon.
MEDEA
They will imprison you all
anyway. I can help you get the Fleece and leave
JASON
Umm…
(Hesitates.)
ARGONAUTS
YES! You dimwit!
JASON
Yes. I promise, Medea.
MEDEA
Oh, my love. Take this and squeeze the contents onto the eyelids of the sleeping dragon. Then you can grab the Fleece without the dragon waking up.
(Hands Jason a turkey baster.)
JASON
Great. Thanks.
(JASON tiptoes over to the DRAGON and “bastes” the eyelids of the DRAGON. He kicks the dragon and elicits no movement. JASON grabs the Golden Fleece and rejoins MEDEA and the ARGONAUTS. Distant shouts of soldiers are heard.)
JASON
Can we get the Hades out of here now?
MEDEA
Follow me and be very quiet. We’ll be at Iolcus before you know it.
(ALL exit stage as curtains close.)
Scene 4
(Interior palace at Iolcus. JASON, with Golden Fleece in hand, MEDEA, and the ARGONAUTS wait in front of an empty throne.)
JASON
We made great time, guys. We got back here at Iolcus much sooner than I imagined.
ATALANTA
You know, I have a feeling we’re forgetting something.
NAUPLIUS
Like what, Atalanta?
ATALANTA
I don’t know.
ZETES
I have the same feeling.
Me, too.
ARGUS
I wonder what it could be.
JASON
We’ll worry about that when I’m sitting on that throne.
(PELIAS enters and sits on throne.)
PELIAS
Well, well, well. I’m so sorry for the delay. I had to take care of some business.
JASON
Here’s your Golden Fleece. Now… my throne.
PELIAS
I’m sorry. I won’t be giving up the throne. I’ve changed my mind.
JASON
(Outraged.)
By Poseidon’s trident! Does any king these days ever keep his word? You’re all liars!
PELIAS
I’d watch what I say if I were you, Jason. I wouldn’t want another death in the family.
JASON
(Deadly.)
What?
PELIAS
Oh, I’ve just come from a visit with your parents and brother. They told me to tell you:
(Gurgles and gags dramatically.)
(JASON throws the Golden Fleece at the foot of throne and lunges toward PELIAS. THE ARGONAUTS rush to hold him back.)
ARGUS
No, Jason!
He’ll have you killed where you stand.
JASON
(To Pelias.)
I’m going to kill you!
PELIAS
(Laughs maniacally.)
I think not. It is true that the oracle prophesized that I will be killed by a relative. However, I pressed further and am assured it will not be you.
MEDEA
(Takes Jason’s arm.)
Come on, my love. Let us just go.
JASON
You are a festering pile of Cerberus’ dung, Pelias! I hope that you spend forever smelling yourself in Hades!
(JASON shakes himself free from MEDEA and storms off. Curtains close as ARGONAUTS and MEDEA follow after him)
Scene 5
(Interior house, sparsely furnished. JASON sits dejectedly on a chair. MEDEA enters.)
MEDEA
Jason?
JASON
What is it, wife?
MEDEA
I have news. Both good and bad.
JASON
I don’t care.
MEDEA
Yes, you do. Let me tell you the good news first. Pelias is dead.
JASON
(Perks up.)
Dead? How?
MEDEA
I tricked his daughters into killing him. I told them that I could restore their father’s youth if they cut him into small pieces and then placed them in boiling water. They believed me when I gave them a demonstration by turning a ram into a lamb. So, they cut him up and threw him into the water, but I did not add the special potion to revive him as a young man.
JASON
Oh, Medea! I love you so much! Now I can rule on the throne as the rightful heir.
MEDEA
Jason, you must still hear the bad news.
JASON
(Wincing in anticipation.)
And what is the bad news?
MEDEA
We must leave Iolcus immediately. Pelias’ son has already become king, and bodyguards surround the throne. There are palace guards coming to arrest us.
JASON
Running again. Now where will we go?
MEDEA
We will go to
JASON
What about our friends
here? Atalanta and
MEDEA
There is no time. We shall
write them from
JASON
What a wretched life. It doesn’t get any worse than this.
MEDEA
Our lives will be wonderful. You’ll see. As long as we love each other, everything will be fine.
(JASON gives MEDEA an uncertain look.)
MEDEA
Let us go. We’ll take the Argo.
(MEDEA and JASON exit as curtains close.)
Scene 6
(Stage is split in two, a chair on each side. MEDEA sits in one, JASON in the other. The two are unaware of each other.)
MEDEA
Where to begin?
JASON
I am cursed. My life has been a horror.
MEDEA
Jason, that
fool. We lived together in
JASON
I have never been happy. I have nothing.
MEDEA
Then he divorced me and took up with some young Corinthian princess.
JASON
I thought Glauce could make me happy. But that witch couldn’t bear the thought.
MEDEA
I did what I had to do. All my love was for that fool, and he refused it. I couldn’t bear it.
JASON
She murdered Glauce.
MEDEA
I sent her a beautiful robe as a wedding present.
JASON
When Glauce put the robe on, she was set afire and burned to death. It was horrible.
MEDEA
And then my sons…
JASON
And my two strong boys…
MEDEA
The Corinthians took out their rage on them.
JASON
Stoned to death.
MEDEA
Yet, I still love that fool.
(MEDEA exits with chair. The Argo appears in her place.)
JASON
That witch ruined my life.
All I have left is the Argo and the memory of what once was.
(JASON circles the Argo. Suddenly, it falls on him. JASON lies motionless in death. Curtain closes.)
Scene 7
(Curtain is closed. NARRATOR appears onstage in front of curtain.)
NARRATOR
A very sad story, that. One wonders if the Greeks know anything but tragedy.
One also wonders if there is something we are forgetting. Hmmm… I’m sure we’ll think of it.
Valete, all.
(NARRATOR exits stage through stairs. Brief pause before curtain opens to reveal HERAKLES and NYMPHS on a beach. HERAKLES is unsuccessfully struggling to free himself from the possessive grip of the NYMPHS.)
HERAKLES
HELLLLOOOOOOO?! Someone? Anyone? I have dozens of things to do! Scores of people to see!
(Roaring.)
Get me out of here!
(Curtain closes.)