The Golden Snail: A Play in English
Introduction
"The Golden Snail" is a beloved Indonesian folktale, known for its captivating story of a young woman's resilience and her journey to find happiness. This article provides a complete and unique English script for a dramatic adaptation of this classic tale, suitable for classroom performance, theatre productions, and storytelling events.
Characters
- Nawang Wulan: A kind and hardworking young woman, the main protagonist.
- Ki Ageng: Nawang Wulan's father, a wealthy farmer.
- Dewi Lanjar: A beautiful and cunning evil spirit, disguised as a human.
- The Golden Snail: A magical creature who acts as a guide and protector for Nawang Wulan.
- Village Elders: Wise and respected members of the community.
- Villagers: People from the village where the story takes place.
- Narrator: (Optional) To provide exposition and narration throughout the play.
Setting
The play takes place in a village in Indonesia, with scenes set in Nawang Wulan's house, the village market, and the forest.
Act 1: The Golden Snail
(Scene 1: Nawang Wulan's house. Ki Ageng is sitting by the window, looking worried.)
Narrator: (Optional) Once upon a time, in a peaceful village in Indonesia, lived a kind and hardworking young woman named Nawang Wulan. She lived with her father, Ki Ageng, a wealthy farmer.
Ki Ageng: (Sighing) Nawang, my dear, I worry about you. You are so kind and gentle, yet you have no suitors. Why are you so hesitant to marry?
Nawang Wulan: Father, I am not afraid of marriage. I just want to find the right person, someone who loves me for who I am, not for my father's wealth.
Ki Ageng: But Nawang, you are beautiful and talented. You deserve a good life. There is a wealthy young man from the neighboring village who is very interested in you. He is kind and well-respected.
Nawang Wulan: I appreciate your concern, father. But I do not feel a connection with him. I will find my own happiness, I promise.
(Nawang Wulan walks to the garden and starts tending to her flowers.)
Narrator: (Optional) As Nawang Wulan worked in her garden, she noticed a small golden snail crawling on a leaf. She gently picked it up and examined it.
Nawang Wulan: (Smiling) What a beautiful creature! You are like a tiny piece of sunshine.
(Suddenly, the golden snail begins to glow brightly. Nawang Wulan is surprised and awestruck.)
Golden Snail: (Speaking in a soft, melodious voice) Fear not, Nawang Wulan. I am a magical creature, and I am here to help you.
Nawang Wulan: A magical creature? Is this a dream?
Golden Snail: This is no dream, my child. I sense your goodness and your desire for true love. I will guide you on your journey.
Nawang Wulan: Guide me? But how?
Golden Snail: Follow me. I will lead you to where you must go.
(The golden snail starts to crawl, and Nawang Wulan follows closely behind.)
(Scene 2: The Village Market. Nawang Wulan is browsing the stalls, looking at the different goods for sale. She sees Dewi Lanjar, a beautiful woman dressed in fine clothes, standing nearby.)
Narrator: (Optional) The golden snail led Nawang Wulan to the village market. There, she saw a beautiful woman with long black hair and sparkling eyes. The woman was known as Dewi Lanjar, and she was rumored to be a skilled sorceress.
Dewi Lanjar: (Smiling sweetly) Greetings, young maiden. I am Dewi Lanjar. What brings you to the market today?
Nawang Wulan: I am just browsing, looking for some fresh flowers.
Dewi Lanjar: Flowers? How lovely! Perhaps I can help you find the perfect ones.
(Dewi Lanjar guides Nawang Wulan to a stall selling exotic flowers. She helps Nawang Wulan choose a beautiful bouquet of orchids.)
Nawang Wulan: These are beautiful! Thank you so much.
Dewi Lanjar: It was my pleasure. I see you are a kind and gentle soul. I hope you find happiness in life.
Nawang Wulan: Thank you. I hope so too.
(Dewi Lanjar smiles and walks away. Nawang Wulan notices the golden snail, crawling on a nearby table, watching her intently.)
Nawang Wulan: (Whispering) Golden snail, what do you think of her?
Golden Snail: (Whispering) Be careful, Nawang Wulan. She is not what she seems.
(Nawang Wulan is confused but decides to trust the golden snail. She leaves the market and heads back home.)
Act 2: The Cunning Spirit
(Scene 1: Nawang Wulan's house. Ki Ageng is preparing dinner, while Nawang Wulan is sitting by the window, looking worried.)
Nawang Wulan: Father, I met a woman at the market today. She seemed very kind, but the golden snail told me to be careful.
Ki Ageng: A golden snail? Nawang, what are you talking about?
Nawang Wulan: I found it in the garden. It talks to me and guides me. It said the woman was not who she seemed.
Ki Ageng: Nawang, you must be tired. There is no such thing as a talking snail. Try to get some rest.
Nawang Wulan: But father, I saw it! And I feel something is not right.
(Just then, Dewi Lanjar enters the house, dressed in a simple, plain robe. She smiles warmly at Nawang Wulan and Ki Ageng.)
Dewi Lanjar: Greetings, Ki Ageng. And to you, Nawang Wulan. I hope I am not intruding.
Ki Ageng: Dewi Lanjar! What a pleasant surprise! Please, come in, come in. You are always welcome in our humble home.
Nawang Wulan: (Looking at Dewi Lanjar suspiciously) How did you find us?
Dewi Lanjar: (Smiling innocently) I was walking by and saw your house. I thought I would drop in and see if you were well.
Ki Ageng: It is kind of you to think of us. Please, have a seat.
(Dewi Lanjar sits down and starts to chat with Ki Ageng, making him laugh and feel comfortable. She skillfully compliments Nawang Wulan, making her feel flattered.)
Dewi Lanjar: Nawang Wulan, you are a beautiful and talented young woman. I am sure you will have many suitors.
Nawang Wulan: (Feeling uncomfortable) Thank you.
Dewi Lanjar: You know, I have a nephew who is a very kind and handsome young man. He is a wealthy farmer and would make a perfect husband for you. I would be happy to arrange a meeting.
Nawang Wulan: (Hesitant) I appreciate your offer, but...
Ki Ageng: (Interrupting) That sounds wonderful, Dewi Lanjar! Nawang has been hesitant to find a husband, but perhaps this could be the perfect match.
Nawang Wulan: (Frustrated) Father, please! I need time to think about this.
Dewi Lanjar: (Smiling) Of course, my dear. No need to rush into anything. But I am sure you will find my nephew to be a most eligible bachelor.
(Dewi Lanjar continues to subtly manipulate Nawang Wulan and Ki Ageng, planting seeds of doubt and convincing Ki Ageng that her nephew is the best choice for Nawang.)
(Scene 2: The Forest. Nawang Wulan is walking through the forest, following the golden snail.)
Nawang Wulan: (Worried) Golden snail, what should I do? Dewi Lanjar is so convincing, and father seems to like her nephew.
Golden Snail: (Whispering) Trust your heart, Nawang Wulan. You must be careful of Dewi Lanjar. She is not what she seems.
Nawang Wulan: But what can I do? She is so powerful, and I am just a simple girl.
Golden Snail: I will protect you. But you must be brave and follow your own path.
(The golden snail leads Nawang Wulan to a hidden clearing in the forest. There, Nawang Wulan sees a group of villagers gathered around a large tree.)
Villager 1: We have lost our livestock. They have been disappearing one by one. We are afraid to even go outside at night.
Villager 2: We believe it is the work of an evil spirit.
Nawang Wulan: (Stepping forward) I have heard rumors of an evil spirit. I believe I know who it is.
(Nawang Wulan tells the villagers about Dewi Lanjar and her suspicious behavior. The villagers are shocked and scared.)
Villager 3: But Dewi Lanjar is so charming! She has tricked us all.
Nawang Wulan: She is cunning, but we must stop her before it is too late. I know where to find her.
(The villagers gather their courage and follow Nawang Wulan, led by the golden snail. They journey through the forest, determined to confront Dewi Lanjar.)
Act 3: The Truth Revealed
(Scene 1: Dewi Lanjar's Lair. The villagers, guided by Nawang Wulan and the golden snail, have reached Dewi Lanjar's hidden lair.)
Nawang Wulan: (Shouting) Dewi Lanjar! Come out!
(The lair is dark and mysterious. Suddenly, the villagers hear a loud, sinister laugh. Dewi Lanjar steps out from the shadows, her true form revealed as a hideous monster. She is surrounded by stolen livestock and other goods.)
Dewi Lanjar: (Laughing wickedly) So, you have come to face me, little fools! You cannot stop me. I am powerful!
Nawang Wulan: You may be powerful, but your evil will not prevail. We know your true nature. You are not a kind spirit, but a thief and a deceiver.
(The villagers are frightened but determined. They raise their voices and demand that Dewi Lanjar return the stolen goods.)
Golden Snail: (Speaking in a loud, booming voice) Evil spirit, your reign of terror is over!
(The golden snail glows brightly, and a blinding light fills the lair. Dewi Lanjar screams in pain as her magic is dispelled. She shrinks back to her true, monstrous form, defeated.)
Dewi Lanjar: (Screaming) No! I will not be defeated!
(The villagers, empowered by the golden snail's magic, drive Dewi Lanjar back into her lair. They seal it shut with rocks and branches, trapping her forever.)
(Scene 2: The Village Square. The villagers are celebrating, thanking Nawang Wulan for her bravery.)
Villager 1: Nawang Wulan, you have saved our village. You are a true hero!
Villager 2: We are so grateful for your courage and your wisdom.
Nawang Wulan: It was not just me. I had the help of the golden snail, and the support of all of you.
(Ki Ageng approaches Nawang Wulan, his eyes filled with pride and understanding.)
Ki Ageng: Nawang, I am so proud of you. You are a brave and intelligent young woman. I was wrong to try to force you into a marriage you didn't want.
Nawang Wulan: Father, I understand. I will always cherish your love and support.
(The villagers cheer for Nawang Wulan, celebrating her victory over evil. As the sun sets, Nawang Wulan and Ki Ageng return home, their hearts filled with gratitude and peace.)
(The play ends with a sense of hope and justice restored.)
Epilogue
The story of "The Golden Snail" is a reminder that kindness and courage can overcome even the greatest challenges. Nawang Wulan's journey teaches us to trust our instincts, follow our hearts, and stand up for what is right. The golden snail symbolizes the power of hope and the importance of believing in ourselves and the magic that exists in the world.