VolodymyrKonshin

Set in the 16th century in southern Bohemia, this poetic play follows the adventures of Kazimir, a cunning rogue who roams the world, assuming the identities of others to conceal his true self. Along his journey, he encounters a pure angel descended to Earth, embodying innocence and virtue. Contrasting this celestial being is a lustful and envious pastor, whose desires and jealousy drive much of the conflict. The story weaves a tapestry of love, hatred, and fiery passion, exploring the depths of human emotion.

Deus Vult

(The night air is thick, a shroud of mist clinging low to the earth. Above, a sliver of moonlight threads through the trees, casting eerie shadows. Pastor Ondrej treads along a winding path, his steps urgent yet slow, his face twisted with a mixture of anger and dark delight. A quiet hum rises in his throat, turning to whispered words that grow louder with each step.)

(singing softly, his voice dripping with contempt and fervor)

"She dares to stand, to cast me low,

To spurn the hand that guides within!"

(His words grow sharper, punctuated by a dark thrill as he imagines her resistance turning to surrender. His pace quickens, hands clenched at his sides, voice thick with a fervent desire that trembles beneath his anger.)

"Each silent rebuff, each guarded word,

Is fuel to fire, in shadows stirred.

She tests me, taunts me—how can she dare,

In innocence wrapped, to show such flair?"

(A cruel grin twists his lips, his voice rising to a fevered tone as he strides up the slope. The wind rustles through the trees, as though whispering secrets back to him.)

(louder now, voice almost trembling with excitement)

Her pride will bend; she'll not refute.

A fortress built on hollow ground,

Shall quake and crumble, downed and bound!"

(As he reaches the top of the hill, he stops, chest heaving, his voice echoing through the empty night. He opens his arms wide, lifting his face to the heavens, his voice climbing in a fierce crescendo as he surrenders fully to the twisted fantasy of his desire for control over her spirit.)

(shouting into the night)

"By her every 'no,' my will is steeled—

Her guard, her strength, soon all shall yield!

For I shall break her pride, her soul,

Whatever price, I'll take it whole!"

(He throws his head back, eyes wild, his voice filling the night as he proclaims his dark intent. From behind him, the hollow of a cave awakens, and with a chilling rush, bats surge out, flooding the night sky and veiling the moonlight, casting him in shadow. His voice drops to a breathless whisper, almost intimate, as he speaks the words with chilling finality.)

(whispering, voice shaking with passion and exhaustion)