Monologue

Centurion Monologue from Androcles and the Lion

From Androcles and the Lion by George Bernard Shaw

male · dark · 2:19 min

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Fitter than you are to live, you swine. They pass from the square westward. The oxen, drawing a waggon with a great wooden cage and the lion in it, arrive through the central arch. ACT II Behind the Emperor’s box at the Coliseum, where the performers assemble before entering the arena. In the middle a wide passage leading to the arena descends from the floor level under the imperial box. On both sides of this passage steps ascend to a landing at the back entrance to the box. The landing forms a bridge across the passage. At the entrance to the passage are two bronze mirrors, one on each side. On the west side of this passage, on the right hand of any one coming from the box and standing on the bridge, the martyrs are sitting on the steps. Lavinia is seated half-way up, thoughtful, trying to look death in the face. On her left Androcles consoles himself by nursing a cat. Ferrovius stands behind them, his eyes blazing, his figure stiff with intense resolution. At the foot of the steps crouches Spintho, with his head clutched in his hands, full of horror at the approach of martyrdom. On the east side of the passage the gladiators are standing and sitting at ease, waiting, like the Christians, for their turn in the arena. One (Retiarius) is a nearly naked man with a net and a trident. Another (Secutor) is in armor with a sword. He carries a helmet with a barred visor. The editor of the gladiators sits on a chair a little apart from them. (The Call Boy enters from the passage.)

About this piece

The Centurion observes the grim atmosphere as martyrs and gladiators await their fate in the arena, highlighting the tension and fear surrounding impending death.

30s · fear · death · martyrdom · power · isolation

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