From Shangri La

Abstract

Scene 3 Club Carousel. The Look-Alikes step off the carousel. Singing: Shame on you Shame on you Shame on you Now, Baby— Baby, look at what you Made me do Shame on you Shame on you Shame on you Didn't you hear me say, Shame on you 'Cause now—'cause I have to tear down This dreamhouse, Pack up and leave town, And start all over again. David runs across the stage, talking on his cell phone. Shame on you Shame on you Shame on you 'Cause I believed every word you said When you were lying low And playing dead Shame on you Shame on you And shame on me, too. [End Page 612] The song ends. The squealing of tires; the sound of a crash. Everyone rushes off the floor, out the door. The voice of the Barker is heard. The stage is empty. John Wong walks in—a lone figure on the stage. John Wong The science of numbers? Why the statue of Buddha? Everyone had to rush out and see David like an effigy Wrapped around the Buddha Fenced-in to keep tourists off, To stop them from climbing up And having their photos taken. Where did you go wrong? Paradise cannot corrupt Anyone. But we can corrupt Paradise. We're the serpent And the angel in a house of cards. David wasn't only shaking down the till But he was also shipping silk tablecloths Soaked in the purest heroin money can buy. Over here, he never wore His white button-down shirts. But he didn't know how To unplug himself From the past and the future. The dancers trickle back in, forming the Men/Women Chorus. At first, they stand spellbound, unmoving, silent. John Wong Paradise is always Present tense. [End Page 613] Men/Women Chorus Paradise is always Present tense. Eat the lotus blossoms, Taste the fruit and the dreams And smell the incense of time Beyond any recompense. Paradise is always Present tense. Lights Fade. Scene 4 Alee writes a letter, reading it aloud. Dear Gunter, How are you? It was good To receive your lovely letter All the way from Germany. Yes, I have been thinking about you. I hope you can understand My English on paper. I wish you wrote a week ago. I waited for over three weeks, But a girl here in Bangkok Can't spend so much time waiting. Her heart grows into a butterfly. I was sad and broke. Maybe if I painted Nails for a living, I could wait for Two months. But I'm only a make-you-feel-good girl. I have a new boyfriend now, And can't come to Heidelberg To work in your friend's bar. But My best friend, Pidang, she would Go overseas if you sent her a ticket. I saw you looking at her many Many times. She's more beautiful than me, and they Call her a man-killer here in Bangkok. She is [End Page 614] More girl-girl than I am, Gunter. She says that she would work For 50-50. You can trust her. She makes every man happy-happy. I am so sorry to write this letter. I hope I am still sweet as a bowl Of leechee, and I wish I didn't have Someone else. Sincerely, Your loving Noe Alee puts a few drops of perfume on the pages before placing them in an envelope and sealing it. The lights fade.