1

SCENE 1
Setting:
We are at the town square. People are dressed like it was
in the 70s but the scene seems like its taking place in
an older time. Theres a medium-sized apple tree in the
middle of the stage. The tree is in a small enclosure.
At rise:
REMY is standing in front of the tree having his photo
taken. Theres a photographer, and theres a crowd
gathering around behind and beside the photographer.
ROGAYAH the town shaman and her daughter SALMAH is among
the crowd. REMYs son SAZALI is present as well.
In a corner, HAJI MUSA and his entourage are standing.
The atmosphere is jubilant. Everyone seems to be
celebrating.
There is an EMCEE is leading the ceremony.
The camera flashes and the crowd cheers.
EMCEE
(clears his throat)
Thank you to the official
photographer.
Now, thats the end of the
official photo ceremony - let us
proceed with the mayors
appointment.
I hereby welcome HAJI MUSA to
officially appoint REMY as the
new guardian of the sacred tree.
HAJI MUSA
(HAJI MUSA slowly walks
towards the tree, together
with his two guards)
My dear REMY, the members of the
council have agreed to choose you
to become the next guardian.
Now listen carefully.
(clears throat)
REMY, as the new guardian of the
tree, you will be entrusted with
the keys to the enclosure.
You will carry on your duty as
guardian, making sure that no one
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

2.

HAJI MUSA
without an official order from my
office shall enter the enclosure.
You must remember, the tree is
not to be trimmed, cut or even
touched - for the special powers
will affect the prosperity of our
town.
You shall report any suspicious
activities to my office, and
actions will be taken
accordingly.
EMCEE
REMY, please assume your
position.
REMY
(stands straight facing HAJI
MUSA)
HAJI MUSA
(holding a sceptre)
As mayor of Tanjong Pilhan, I
hereby appoint you as the
official guardian of our sacred
tree.
HAJI MUSA touches REMYs shoulders with the sceptre. He
hands over the keys to REMY.
You are now officially the
guardian of the sacred tree.
You shall be paid 70 ringgit
every month, and your position
shall be valid until the next
council hearing in five years.
(the crowd cheers and claps)
(bows
back,
Thank you,
my best to
community.

REMY
and take three steps
he seems grateful)
MAYOR sir, I shall try
serve you and our

With the trust bestowed upon me,

I shall do my best to safeguard
the sacred tree.
HAJI MUSA
Very well.
I have faith in you.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

3.

HAJI MUSA
And so does the people - they
after all are the ones who chose
you.
Make them proud, REMY.
All the best
(HAJI MUSA and his officers
leave, the people bows as he
passes through as sign of
respect)
EMCEE
(steps slowly to stage
center)
With that over, that is the end
our ceremony today.
(he leaves)
The crowd gathers closer around REMY, some greeting and
congratulating him. Everyone is happy with their new
guardian.
ROGAYAH
(approaches REMY and shakes
his hand)
(he speaks slowly, as though
he is always thinking of
what to say next)
Congratulations my dear REMY, how
are you feeling?
The people of our town are so
proud of you.
REMY
Thank you, SHAMAN ROGAYAH, it
feels unreal but I am happy.
You were the one who first
suggested for me to try for this
position.
I couldnt have done this without
you.
ROGAYAH
(laughs a little)
Its nothing REMY, I know that
you would be the right guy for
this position, thats why I
nominated you.
(serious and intense tone)
You are trustworthy and well
respected and I believe you will
do a very good job.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

4.

Tanjong Pilhan needs someone

like you.
REMY
(comical tone)
Dont scare me, ROGAYAH - you
make it as though this is a
really hard job!
(small laugh)
I will try my best to serve the
people, dont worry.
ROGAYAH
I believe you will.
However my dear REMY, I would
like to remind you of something
important.
(looking at the tree,
admiring it)
This tree is very special to all
of us.
It possesses a magical quality
that is strong and powerful.
You must realize that you are in
a very powerful position.
And remember REMY, with great
power comes great responsibility.
REMY
Thank you for the words, ROGAYAH
I appreciate it.
ROGAYAH
Oh, and before I forgot.
I dont think youve met my
daughter SALMAH.
She lives in the area and she
works the vegetable patch nearby
the tree.
Now where is this girl, she was
here moments ago
(looking for SALMAH)
SALMAH appears from behind the crowd. She approaches her
father.
ROGAYAH (contd)
There she is.
SALMAH my dear, this is REMY a
friend of mine.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(5)

5.

SALMAH
And the new tree guardian.
Nice to meet you, sir.
REMY
Nice to meet you, SALMAH.
I believe my son is around your
age.
(spots SAZALI at the other
end of the stage, he points
at him)
There he is, thats SAZALI.
SALMAH
(makes eye contact with
SAZALI and smiles)
So I suppose youll be around
this area a lot now that youre
the guardian?
ROGAYAH
(interrupts)
Yes my dear hell be around,
thats why Im introducing him to
you.
I thought maybe he can can check
on you sometime on the patch just
to see if everythings alright.
SALMAH
(annoyed)
I think I can manage...
REMY
(laughing a little)
Im sure your daughter can manage
ROGAYAH.
However - we can still be friends
- yeah?
SALMAH
Of course, sir.
I was friends with the last
guardian.
Hes a lovely man.
ROGAYAH
Im sure REMY is just as
lovely...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(6)

6.

REMY
(jokingly)
I try, ROGAYAH, I try sometimes.
They all laughed.
REMY (contd)
I think its time for me to go
home.
My wifes waiting.
ROGAYAH
Ill see you around then.
SALMAH
See you!
REMY and SAZALI leaves.
BLACKOUT

7.

SCENE 2
Setting:
We are at REMYs house. The layout is pretty simple. We
see a dining table. Some plates and glasses are in the
table.
At rise:
REMYs wife SABARIAH and DAUGHTER MARIA are
arranging/preparing the table for dinner.
MARIA
IBU, your chicken curry looks
good, I cant wait to have them.
SABARIAH
Well, its your fathers
favourite.
MARIA
Of course, IBU its his special
day!
Im so proud of him today.
SABARIAH
(SABARIAH coughs lightly)
Your father and your brother will
be home soon.
The ceremony should have ended
half an hour ago.
SAZALI
(screaming from a distance)
IBU! MARIA! Were home!
(SAZALI and REMY walks in)
SABARIAH
(SABARIAH and MARIA both
walks towards the entrance)
How did everything go, abang?
Im so glad that youre home, me
and MARIA have been cooking the
whole day.
REMY
(happy tone)
It went well.
The ceremony was great, I even
got to meet HAJI MUSA the mayor.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

8.

MARIA
(excited)
Yes, tell us everything about it!
SAZALI
Calm down will you, little girl.
This is adults stuff, stay away!
(shows tongue to MARIA)
MARIA
(annoyed)
IBU! Look at him!
Hes so annoying!
Urgh.
REMY
Calm down everyone, let us all
talk about it over dinner shall
we?
Everyone heads towards the dining table. Everyone sits
except for SABARIAH, shes attending to REMY
REMY (contd)
Mmmm. Whats for dinner?
SABARIAH
(scooping rice into REMYs
plate)
Your favourite of course, chicken
curry.
Let me get some for you
(SABARIAHs hand are
shaking, some of the food
spilled on to the table)
SAZALI
(concerned)
Are you okay, IBU?
SABARIAH
(trying to brush it off and
changing the topic)
Im fine, Im fine - hey MARIA
why dont you have some of the
chicken too.
MARIA
Im good IBU.
IBU - why dont you take a seat.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

9.

SABARIAH
(sits)
SAZALI
(halfway through chewing
food)
So earlier Ibu, the people were
so happy when Ayah was
officiated.
MARIA
Dont talk with your mouth full!
SAZALI
Shut up, MARIA.
Let me tell this to IBU.
So they were clapping and
cheering when HAJI MUSA the mayor
gave him the keys to the tree
compound.
AYAH looked so good and I was so
proud of him!
SABARIAH
(voice is clear but a little
weak)
Is that so, ABANG?
(smiling)
I dont think Ive said this, so
- congratulations ABANG - Im so
proud of you.
REMY
Thank you, SABARIAH.
It means a lot to me.
(clears throat)
Wheres the water?
(jokingly)
Did MARIA forgot to bring over
the water again?
MARIA has her mouth full with food. She smiled sheepishly.
SABARIAH
Its alright Ill go get it.
(stands and walks towards
the kitchen)
The family continues to eat while SABARIAH went to get a
pitcher of water.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

10.

SAZALI
The chicken curry is really good.
REMY
Of course, its your mothers!
I married her for a reason.
MARIA
I think you made the right
choice, AYAH.
Look at me, the prettiest in our
family.
I look juuuust like IBU.
REMY smiles. SAZALI makes a face showing disgust towards
her sister.
SABARIAH walks in with a pitcher in her hand. Halfway
through she stops. She coughs and puts her hand on her
chest, looking as if shes in pain.
She dropped the pitcher of water on the floor.
REMY
(stood up and walks towards
SABARIAH)
SABARIAH!
Before REMY gets to her, SABARIAH faints and fell on the
floor. The children too quickly ran over to her.
REMY shooks SABARIAH and calls out her name several times
but shes still unconscious
MARIA
(distressed)
AYAH!
REMY
MARIA, get your mothers stuff.
SAZALI, get the car ready.
Were taking your mother to
SHAMAN ROGAYAH.
TRANSITION

11.

SCENE 3
Setting:
ROGAYAHs home. Sparsely decorated. Seating is on the
floor. Witchy stuff is present.
At rise:
ROGAYAH and REMY both on the floor, facing each other.
REMY seems distressed.
REMY
(stressed tone)
How bad is it ROGAYAH?
Is she going to be fine?
Please, Im worried about her.
ROGAYAH
(contemplative)
Your wife...
Her heart isnt very strong at
the moment.
Shes sick, REMY, very sick.
I am very sorry.
REMY
But youre the shaman, you can do
something to help her?
You can fix it, right?
I remember you cured MAT SENIN
the other day, hes well now.
(speech gets faster)
And LISA, AH KHAW and HASANAH theyre all your patients before
- theyre okay now?
And LETCHUMY - the wife of MAHESH
too...
ROGAYAH
(cuts REMYs words)
REMY, listen, my dear REMY.
Ive never seen a heart condition
as bad as your wife.
Its amazing, a miracle that she
still held on to this point.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

12.

ROGAYAH
With all the knowledge I have, I
can help lessen her pain and
manage the condition.
Thats the best that I could do
for her now.
REMY
Manage her condition?
You mean you wont be able to
cure her completely?
So she would feel a little better
but she will still be sick,
ROGAYAH?
No, no ROGAYAH.. I cant lose
her...
ROGAYAH
(takes a deep breath)
REMY, usually I wont tell this
to anyone but.. Youre special.
REMY
(confused)
Special?
What do you mean?
ROGAYAH
(slowly)
Your wife... she can be cured.
But I will (pause) need your
help.
REMY
(excitement in his voice)
Help?
Just let me know what you need,
ROGAYAH.
I will do anything, I mean
anything as long as my wife is
cured.
What is it that you need?
ROGAYAH
I would need for you to bring me
three leaves.
(pause)
From the sacred tree.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

13.

REMY
(unsure)
You... You want me to take leaves
from the tree?
But... ROGAYAH, the tree is
sacred.
You know that no one is allowed
to touch it.
ROGAYAH
I know that.
But you are the guardian.
And you are the only one with
access to it.
The leaves from the tree... Is
known to be able to cure all
diseases.
REMY
(dilemmatic)
But - but ROGAYAH, I would betray
the trust people gave me.
They expect me to guard the tree.
They chose me... As the guardian.
ROGAYAH
That is true my dear REMY.
(touches REMYs shoulders)
But think of your wife...
You dont want to lose her dont
you?
She needs you REMY.
Think about it.
REMY
But if anyone found out, itll be
the end of me.
I cant do it ROGAYAH.
I will betray the people and I
cant live with this guilt.
ROGAYAH
(trying to convince)
Nobody would find out REMY.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

14.

ROGAYAH
Youll only do this once...
Everything will be fine.
(reverse psychology)
But I understand your concern if
you dont want to do it.
Its your call, REMY.
Poor SABARIAH, bless her heart.
REMY
Ill do it ROGAYAH.
SABARIAH needs me and I will
regret if anything happens to
her.
ROGAYAH
(smiling)
You made the right choice.
Bring me the leaves as soon as
possible.
REMY
I will.
BLACKOUT

15.

SCENE 4
Setting:
Sacred trees compound.
At rise:
REMY is alone, walking slowly towards the tree.
REMY
(as he walks slowly)
I have to do this.
I dont want to do it, but i have
to!
What will become of my wife if I
dont?
But, what will become of me after
this?
Oh I dont feel good about this what if someone sees me?
This isnt right!
(stops right in front of the
tree, starts talking as to
calm himself down)
Deep breath REMY, deep breath calm... down...
(taking deep breaths)
Im doing this for my wife - for
my family.
It will all be fine.
REMY approaches the tree. He closes his eyes and plucked
the leaves of the tree. He keeps the leaves in his pocket.
He looks around, checking if theres anyone.
From the other side of the stage, a guard walks in and
approaches REMY.
REMY tries to keep calm.
GUARD
(suspicious tone)
Um - is everything fine, sir?
You seem to be sweating.
REMY
(reassuring)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

16.

REMY
Everythings fine.
Im just here doing my usual
rounds.
Its the weather I suppose, its
rather hot today...
GUARD
Well, if its nothing then Ill
carry on.
Have a good day, sir.
(he smiles)
REMY
You too.
The guard walks away. sighs in relief. He takes a deep
breath, takes one last look and he walks away.REMY
As REMY disappears from the stage, SALMAH walks in and
approaches the tree.
She noticed something was off with the tree. She stares at
the tree for a moment and walks away.
BLACKOUT

17.

SCENE 5
Setting:
SHAMAN ROGAYAHs living room.
At rise:
REMY is sitting in front of ROGAYAH.
REMY
(deep breath)
Here it is - Ive got the leaves
you wanted.
(hands over the leaves)
This will cure my wife, right?
ROGAYAH
(admiring the leaves)
Ah yes.... Yes it will.
Leave it to me and give me some
time to prepare the mixture.
Such beautiful leaves...
ROGAYAH kisses the leaves and keeps one out of the three
leaves.
She performs some magic and mixes up the two leaves with
other ingredients.
When done, he presents a bottle to REMY.
ROGAYAH (contd)
Here you go, my dear REMY.
This potion that I am holding at
this very moment will cure your
wifes sickness.
When youre home, give this to
her immediately.
You will see a difference soon.
She will be healthier and
stronger than before.
REMY
ROGAYAH, I need this to work.
Ive taken the leaves from the
sacred tree - betraying the trust
and faith of the people.
Ive broken a promise and now I
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

18.

REMY
have to live with this guilt
forever.
(remorseful)
I promise, I will never do this
ever again...
ROGAYAH
(trying to convince)
Just like everything else,
witchcraft and magic requires
faith and trust.
You will need to put your trust
and faith into this potion for it
work.
Believe in this potion, and your
wife will be cured.
Trust me.
REMY
I want to believe - trust me I do
but how can I?
Its made from something that
wasnt meant for me - something
Ive been entrusted to care for.
How do I put faith in something
that is wrong and shouldnt be
done in the first place?
ROGAYAH
(slowly)
My dear REMY, is it wrong to help
the ones we love?
So we can see them happy once
more?
Is it evil when you go an extra
mile just so that you can see
your beloved wife smile again?
(dramatic pause)
I believe my dear, its even more
cruel for us to let our loved
ones suffer - when we actually
have the power to help.
REMY
(sighs)
You are right.
Its selfish of me to think of my
position and reputation when my
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

19.

REMY
wife is unwell - when she needs
me the most.
I believe Im doing the right
thing and I believe in your
magic.
Thank you, ROGAYAH.
ROGAYAH
Thank you for believing in me.
Now go, my dear.
I hope everything will be
alright.
REMY gets up and leaves.
ROGAYAH is still sitting on the floor.
SALMAH walks in.
SALMAH
(as she walks in)
Mama!
ROGAYAH
Oh, SALMAH my dear daughter what a surprise.
(quizzical)
What are you doing here - you
dont usually visit unless its
Friday?
SALMAH
I saw something today Mama, and I
though Id share it wit you.
Do you have a few minutes?
ROGAYAH
What is it my dear, is everything
fine?
Have a seat.
SALMAH
(sits beside ROGAYAH)
I passed the tree earlier and I
noticed something unusual,
something different - as if
someone messed around with it.
(seems worried)
Hmmm.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

20.

ROGAYAH
(clears throat)
Really?
Different... How?
SALMAH
I dont know - its as though
someone did something to the tree
- it just doesnt look as it
was...
ROGAYAH
Im sure its nothing - maybe
youre just tired dear...
SALMAH
But Ma I know the tree well!
I work nearby and I pass through
it every day...
I saw REMY the guardian leaving
just now - did he not say
anything?
ROGAYAH
No he did not my dear and there
is nothing wrong with the tree.
Youre just seeing things.
SALMAH
(annoyed and stern voice)
But Ma, you have to trust me...
The tree...
ROGAYAH
(before SALMAH finishes her
sentence)
Thats enough, SALMAH!
Theres nothing wrong and if
there was the guardian would have
said something to me.
Youre just too tired of working
SALMAH and you should rest.
SALMAH
But...
ROGAYAH
Get to rest my dear - Im busy
and I dont have time for all
this nonsense.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(5)

21.

Good night SALMAH.

TRANSITION

22.

SCENE 6
Setting:
REMYs house. On one side is REMY and SABARIAHs room.
Theres a bed present. On the other side is a lounge area.
A two-seater couch is present.
At rise:
SABARIAH is on the bed. REMY walks in and approaches the
bed. He looks sad but hopeful.
REMY
(slowly)
SABARIAH?
SABARIAH my love.
REMY kneels down beside SABARIAH.
REMY (contd)
I was in town earlier and I got
you you this.
Have a sip, SABARIAH.
SABARIAH
(weak voice)
Abang... Where did you get this?
Where did you find the money for
this medicine - did you sell
anything?
Oh no...
REMY
No I did not my dear, I just - um
- I went to see the mayor - HAJI
MUSA - and he asked me to see
this doctor - a good doctor.
He told me that hes paying for
this - hes doing us a favour
since Im the guardian of the
tree and all that.
Here, have some of it.
Youll feel better.
(REMY hands it over to
SABARIAH and she takes a sip
and coughs)

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

23.

SABARIAH
Thats very nice of him.
Im glad that you were chosen as
the guardian Abang - if not for
your position I wouldnt have got
this medication.
REMY
(feeling guilt)
Yes - yes hes a very nice man
indeed.
Get some rest alright?
Youll feel better.
SABARIAH
Thank you Abang.
(SABARIAH goes back to
sleep)
REMY walks towards the couch and takes a seat. He looks
worried and unsettled - thinking about what he did
earlier. SAZALI walks in.
SAZALI
(slowly)
AYAH, is everything ok?
REMY
(surprised)
Yes, yes - everything is alright
SAZALI.
Its rather late.
Why arent you in bed?
SAZALI
I know, but I couldnt sleep
tonight.
How is IBU?
Is she alright?
REMY
Your mother is alright.
Shes resting and she will be
okay - I got her some
medications.
SAZALI
Thats good to hear.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

24.

SAZALI
Where did you get the medications
for IBU anyway?
I know we dont have much
money...
REMY
(defensive)
HAJI MUSA helped me.
You dont have to worry about
that - dont think too much,
alright?
Why dont get to bed and get some
rest.
SAZALI
Good night AYAH.
Jake walks back to his room, worried and confused.
BLACKOUT

25.

SCENE 7
Setting:
Somewhere in town. Theres people around doing "towny"
stuff eg. reading news paper, buying and selling. However
people seem sad and gloomy.
At rise:
SAZALI just finished talking to a friend. As the friend
left, SALMAH walks in and they saw each other.
SALMAH
Well, well - if it isnt SAZALI the son of our new guardian.
SAZALI
(looks happy to see her)
Ha - SALMAH.
Wasnt expecting you here.
SALMAH
Oh Im just in town to get some
errands done.
SAZALI
Im just taking an afternoon walk
around town.
(trying to make small talk)
I love taking walks - watching
people.
It calms me down, you know...
Hows your day going?
SALMAH
Its alright - just a little
annoyed actually.
Everyone seems so rude today for
some reason.
Even the nice lady at the post
office...
SAZALI
Hmm... I noticed that too!
Its like somethings not
right...
How do I say it.. Its like...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

26.

SALMAH
(finishes SAZALIs sentence)
Somethings off balance?
SAZALI
Yeah! But I dont know what it
is.
Its just been a weird few days
for me.
(sad tone)
IBU is sick and AYAHs been
acting funny...
SALMAH
My mum too!
Yesterday I was telling her
something about the tree and she
just totally ignored me - God
knows whats wrong with that
woman.
(realizes that she shouldnt
be talking about it)
SAZALI
What about the tree?
A crazy homeless looking girl, TIMAH comes on stage and
starts laughing hysterically. SALMAH and SAZALI are both
distracted and was looking at TIMAH.
He approaches SALMAH and SAZALI and asked for some food or
money using gestures.
TIMAH
(sees SALMAH)
SALMAH!
(laughs hysterically)
TIMAH wants food, TIMAH
hungry...
(rubs tummy)
TIMAH, SALMAH, friends!
TIMAH wants food, okay?
Chicken.... Rice!
Please...
SALMAH
Oh silly TIMAH.
(takes some money and gives
it to TIMAH)
Go and get yourself some food
okay, and dont disturb others.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

27.

TIMAH signals with a thumbs up and smiles. She walks away

happily.
SAZALI
Err, you know that girl?
SALMAH
Thats TIMAH, shes a bit off in
the head, you know.
(points towards her head crazy sign)
Shes a nice girl though, we call
her TRUSTY TIMAH because as crazy
as she is - she would never ever
lie.
SAZALI
Ah.. Interesting...
Aaaand you were telling me about
the tree?
SALMAH
Oh, um the tree...
SAZALI
Yeah.
SALMAH
Well I just noticed it looked
different - like its been
touched or disturbed.
I dont know...
SAZALI
Oh? Thats odd.
No one has access to it except
AYAH.
Hmmm.
SALMAH
(feels uncomfortable talking
about the tree)
Maybe Im just seeing things - I
dont know...
Just forget about it.
SAZALI
Okay...
(checks his watch)
Hey SALMAH, I need to go alright.
Its my turn to wait on IBU,
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

28.

SAZALI
MARIA is going for her tuition
class soon.
SALMAH
Oh alright then.
Its nice catching up, see you!
(smiling)
They part ways.
BLACKOUT

29.

SCENE 8
Setting:
REMYs house. Bed is present.
At rise:
SABARIAH sleeping on the bed. MARIA and SAZALI are both
beside SABARIAH, worried and in unrest.
REMY walks in.
REMY
(in distress)
SAZALI? MARIA?
Where are you?
Is everything fine?
MARIA
AYAH - its IBU, AYAH!
REMY quickly heads towards SABARIAH and his children
SAZALI
(stressful)
IBU is unconscious AYAH, her head
feels hot - shes unwell.
REMY
(stern)
SAZALI, MARIA - both of you,
stay.
I will go and get some help.
The siblings nodded.
REMY marches his way out.
TRANSITION

30.

SCENE 9
Setting:
ROGAYAHs house.
At rise:
ROGAYAH is standing. REMY marches in.
REMY
(angry)
You lied to me - you dirty old
witch - you lied to me!
Shes unconscious and her body its boiling!
You said she would be fine - but,
but now shes worse!
ROGAYAH
(looks at REMY and speaks
slowly)
My dear REMY...
Wont you calm donwn and listen
to me.
(making up things)
I - I know why is she that way.
The leaves - um - the leaves...
Theyre very... Hot, heaty in
nature.
It helps killing the disease, it,
um, its fighting the disease my
dear...
(smile)
I suppose her body is too weak
and she cant handle it.
I knew its a little too much but
she needed it - she needed the
leaves to cure her heart...
REMY
(annoyed)
Cure?
What are you talking about shes suffering ROGAYAH!
My wife, shes suffering!
(sad)
I cant lose her.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

31.

Not after what Ive done...

ROGAYAH
(looks at REMY in the eye)
The fruit.
REMY
(confused)
Fruit?
ROGAYAH
Yes, the fruit!
REMY
What are you talking about
ROGAYAH?
ROGAYAH
The fruit from the forbidden
tree.
My teacher, the Great Nujum Pak
Belalang - bless his soul - he,
he once told me...
REMY
(cuts ROGAYAHs line)
Told you what?
ROGAYAH
The leaves are the cure, but the
fruit is the nourishment for the
body when its sick.
While shes healing she will need
a lot of energy to help her help the medicine work.
The fruit - the fruit will help
her REMY.
REMY
(cant believe what hes
heard)
You - you want me to get the
fruit from the tree now?
Are you insane?
Ive already broken a rule and
now you want me to do it again?
No no ROGAYAH - no.
You said I was gonna do it one
time - Im not doing it again!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

32.

ROGAYAH
(takes a deep breath and
sighed)
REMY, my dear.
SABARIAH - I, I underestimated
her condition.
(looks sorry)
I didnt expect that she couldnt
handle the cure - I didnt.
For that, I apologize.
But we can fix this - go get one
fruit and just give, um - half of
it to her.
She will be fine...
I promise you.
REMY
(in a dilemma)
I... I...
(heavy breathing)
ROGAYAH...
ROGAYAH
(persuading REMY)
Think of your wife.
What will happen of your children
if she goes away?
Will you be able to forgive
yourself if you dont help her?
You had the choice, but you chose
not to do it...
REMY
(close his eyes and takes a
deep breath)
Ill do it.
ROGAYAH
(happy)
I know you had it in you - youre
a good man.
Go - and give half of it to your
wife.
REMY
And the other half?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

33.

ROGAYAH
(sly look)
You bring it to me...
BLACKOUT

34.

10

SCENE 10
Setting:
The tree compound.
REMY walks towards the tree. He stares at the tree and
looks around. When hes sure no one is around, he plucks a
fruit from the tree. He takes admires the fruit for a
second, before hiding it in his pocket.
He walks away towards the other end of the stage.
TIMAH peeps out from behind the tree, looking confused.
Just before REMY leaves the stage, TIMAH shouts.
TIMAH
Hey!
BLACKOUT

35.
11

SCENE 11
Setting:
ROGAYAHs house.
At rise:
REMY looking worried waiting for ROGAYAH to walk in.
ROGAYAH walks into the scene.
ROGAYAH
(trying to be careful)
Oh, REMY...
Youre here!
Wasnt expecting you to be here
so quick my dear...
Have you given the half to your
wife?
And the rest - you have it with
you?
REMY
(worried)
Yes - Ive given it to her and
yes - heres the other half
(passes ROGAYAH the fruit she takes it and )
But thats not my biggest worry
now...
ROGAYAH Im - Im in trouble...
I need your help!
ROGAYAH
(gets angry for a moment but
keeps herself composed)
WHAT - what is it again this
time, my dear REMY?
REMY
(looks around before telling
ROGAYAH)
Someone - someone saw me taking
the fruit...
Someone knows what Ive done Im doomed!
ROGAYAH
(surprised)
Someone saw you?

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

36.

REMY
(devastated)
Yes - yes someone saw me ROGAYAH what if Im reported?
Im ruined - Im ruined ROGAYAH.
Theyll know that Ive betrayed
them...
(paces around)
Oh this is not happening.
And HAJI MUSA will find out too,
oh no, I dont even want to
imagine...
ROGAYAH
(cuts REMYs line, )
I know what you can do - I have a
solution, dont you worry REMY.
Im ROGAYAH - the renowned SHAMAN
of Tanjong Pilhan - I have my
ways.
(she laughs a little)
You just have to make use of what
you have - utilize, exploit and
take advantage of it and youll
be able to fix this situation!
REMY
(confused)
What I have?
What is it that I have ROGAYAH?
(thinks for a second)
No - no, Im not going back to
the tree...
ROGAYAH
Dont be silly!
You have power, remember?
You, are the guardian of the
tree.
You have direct access to the
mayors office!
Just tell HAJI MUSA or the guards
to arrest this person - youll be
safe!
REMY
But - but I would have to lie
again?
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

37.

I would have to betray them all

once more?
I have sinned once, I dont think
that I could do it again,
ROGAYAH.
I dont think I should do it!
ROGAYAH
(annoyed)
My dear, youre not exactly in a
position where you have a lot of
choice - do you?
(trying to convince)
Look, there is no turning back.
You have done what shouldnt be
done and now you must do what you
have to do to clean up this mess.
REMY
(takes a deep breath and
lets out a long sigh)
So what exactly are you asking me
to do - tell me ROGAYAH.
Im torn...
ROGAYAH
This is eaxctly what you will do.
You will head to the MAYORs
office and you will tell them
that this person have been
trespassing - or better - has
tried to mess about the tree.
Tell them that you need this
person locked away for the safety
of the tree - and for the safety
of Tanjong Pilhan!
(slow talk)
Look, I know this isnt easy for
you but think about what will
happen if the word goes around?
You dont want that to happen do you?
REMY
I suppose youre right. I dont
want myself and my familys
reputation to be smeared because
of something that I did - and I
did it with a good reason!
(convincing himself that
what he did was okay)
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

38.

REMY
Im just doing what everybody
else would do to save the life of
their loved ones - right ROGAYAH?
ROGAYAH
(happy as she managed to
convince REMY)
You are so right my dear, theres
no shame in sacrificing for
someone you care for.
Now go - you dont have much time
left.
REMY
I will head to the mayors office
right now - thank you ROGAYAH
REMY leaves the stage. When he left, ROGAYAH takes out the
fruit to admire it once more.
TRANSITION

39.
12

SCENE 12
Setting:
Town.
At rise:
SAZALI and SALMAH both standing up, looking gloomy.
Theres some town people in the background.
SAZALI
(solemn)
I dont know SALMAH, my mum
doesnt seem to be getting any
better.
Shes holding on, but shes still
sick - nothings changed much.
My father gave her some
medications but I dont know if
its working...
SALMAH
(realises something)
It must be from my mother!
The medications I mean, I saw
your father leaving my house the
other day when I was on my way
home...
SAZALI
(confused)
Thats odd?!
Because I remember that he told
us that it was from some doctor
the MAYOR reccomended him...
Hmmm.
Two guards walk from the end of the stage, holding TIMAHs
hand behind her. She seems to struggle. Everybodys
attention is on TIMAH.
SAZALI and SALMAH retreats to a corner with the other
people on stage.
TIMAH
(screaming)
He took fruit!
TIMAH see he took fruit!
Let go!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

40.

GUARD
(stern tone)
Will you just shut it - well
talk more in the office
Now can you just walk faster?!
This crazy girl.
TIMAH screams as they pass through the stage and
eventually three of them leaves the stage.
SAZALI
Isnt that TIMAH - the girl we
met the other day?
What is she talking about?
GUY 1
(interrupts)
Havent you heard?
It was the guardian.
He took the fruit from the tree
and now that poor girl is
arrested because shes been
telling others about it!
GUY 2
Thats a vile thing to do!
Taking the fruits?
Hes the guardian for Gods sake
- he must be stopped!
And we know we believe that TIMAH
girl - she never ever lies!
SAZALI is in shock. Hes out of words.
SALMAH
(trying to be careful)
Are you - are you okay, SAZALI?
SAZALI
(still in shock)
I, I need to go SALMAH.
Im sorry but I need to go.
SAZALI leaves.
TRANSITION

41.

13

SCENE 13
Setting:
REMYs house.
At rise:
SAZALI on the couch, looking sullen. REMY walks in.
REMY
Im home - SAZALI??
Whats wrong?
SAZALI
(sarcastic tone)
So good of you to ask AYAH. You
didnt know?
REMY
What - what is going on SAZALI?
Tell me!
SAZALI
IBU - IBU is gone.
She has passed away, AYAH.
REMY was in deep shock and fell to his knees
REMY
(anxious)
Where is she now - let me, let me
go see her.
Shes in the room?
SAZALI
(stops REMY)
Wait, you wanna see her? After
all youve done?
Huh, I cant believe you, AYAH.
REMY
(confused)
What are you talking about?
SAZALI
(holding back anger)
IBU was greatly ill.
The so-called medication that you
got from the supposed doctor
didnt help at all.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

42.

She was strong for a second, and

was completely ill again.
But you didnt care, did you?
(sarcastic tone)
So busy with your work, taking
care of the tree.
REMY
I did everything I can to help
her!
SAZALI
(scoffs)
You plucked the fruit from the
forbidden tree!
The tree that youre supposed to
protect - you think that wouldve
helped her?
REMY
But - but the shaman - ROGAYAH
she told me it would help!
I was desperate to help my wife your mother!
SAZALI
Its a sacred tree AYAH!
Youre not supposed to touch it
for a reason!
And - and now youre asking the
guards to arrest people at your
will?
(stares at REMY)
Do I even know you anymore?
REMY
(pauses for a moment)
Who - who told you that?
SAZALI
Everyones talking about it.
The truth will come out
eventually AYAH.
(raises his voice)
Had you not do stupid things like
this IBU would still be alive.
This is all your fault!
I cant - I cant take all this
anymore.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

43.

Im leaving.
REMY
(stressed)
Where - where are you going - and
your mother - whos taking care
of everything right now?
Please SAZALI, I lost your mother
I cant lose my son too.
SAZALI
MARIA and the villagers took
care of IBU - the funeral is
tonight but I dont expect you to
be there.
Thanks, for everything.
SAZALI leaves. REMY sits down in remorse. He broke down in
tears.
Out of nowhere two guards came in. REMY is surprised.
GUARD
(serious)
Sorry to interrupt, sir - but we
have orders from the MAYORs
office.
You need to come with us.
REMY
Right now?
GUARD
Im afraid so, sir.
They all leave.

44.
14

SCENE 14
Setting:
Mayors office. Theres a writing desk and a chair.
At rise:
ROGAYAH is in the room. REMY is brought in with the two
guards.
GUARD
You can wait here for a moment.
The guards leave. REMY looks at ROGAYAH in disgust.
ROGAYAH
(sarcastic)
Oh what a surprise - wasnt
expecting you here.
REMY
(lost all hope)
Oh cut the crap ROGAYAH.
SABARIAH,
(clears throat)
shes gone now.
And no, whatever you gave her did
not work.
ROGAYAH
Oh no my dear, Im so sorry...
REMY
Its okay ROGAYAH.
All I did, everything was for
nothing.
She was meant to die.
Nothing could have stopped it not you, not me, not the tree...
HAJI MUSA walks in
HAJI MUSA
The tree?
What about the tree, REMY?
REMY
Um, the tree...
(long sigh)
I, I dont know how do I begin...

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

45.

HAJI MUSA
You know why you two are here, I
suppose?
Someone told me about what you
did.
(looks at ROGAYAH)
And you, your daughter came by
and said you know something that
would be helpful.
ROGAYAH
(panic)
Me? Oh sir, I dont know what are
you talking about!
I, I have nothing to do with
this!
My daughter - she, she must be
confused!
REMY realizes that ROGAYAH has been tricking him.
HAJI MUSA
Do you want to tell me, REMY.
Of what actually happened?
REMY
My wife - SABARIAH, got ill.
I was desperate - I wanted her to
be well again.
So I seek help from her - she
told me she would help if I was
in any trouble...
She, she told me that my wife
will be cured if she can make
potions from the leaves and the
fruits of the tree...
ROGAYAH
(defensive)
I told you it was an option!
Options are choices, OP-TIO-NAL.
You can choose your options, and
he chose the tree.
It wasnt me who took the leaves,
I never asked him to - he did it
himself!

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

46.

REMY
(remorseful)
I wanted my wife to be well, sir.
Wouldnt you do all you can to
see your loved one happy again?
I betrayed your trust - the trust
of the people of Tanjong
Pilhan too.
I suppose my wifes death,
SABARIAHs death is what I
deserve.
A painful lesson...
ROGAYAH
(interrupts)
She was a nice lady, may her rest
in peace.
HAJI MUSA
(looks at ROGAYAH for a
moment before continuing)
I was just surprised that it was
you, I thought highly of you,
REMY.
But I understand, you did what
you did because you think its
for a good reason.
But I still need you to step down
from the role - for you have
breached the biggest rule of them
all - you touched the tree.
REMY
I understand that, sir.
HAJI MUSA
You may leave, REMY.
REMY leaves.
HAJI MUSA (contd)
(turns to ROGAYAH)
Well well, ROGAYAH.
You saw a vulnerable man in need
of help and you tricked him.
And you lied to me - you said you
had nothing to do with all this!
Youve always been so obsessed
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(4)

47.

HAJI MUSA
with the tree - Im not
surprised.
ROGAYAH
(laughs)
You can say anything you want you dont have proof that I did
anything wrong.
If anyone should be arrested,
its him!
That crazy girl saw him plucking
the fruit, not me.
GUARDS enter and interrupts.
GUARD
(clears throat)
Sir, Im sorry to interrupt but I
need to tell you something
important - we have found new
evidence.
HAJI MUSA
What is it?
GUARD
(shows the leaves and fruit
from the tree)
We have found these in ROGAYAHs
house.
Theyre from the tree, sir.
SALMAH walks into the scene
SALMAH
(loudly)
They didnt find it, I gave it to
them.
ROGAYAH
(gets up)
SALMAH!
How dare you betray me, I am your
mother!
ROGAYAH gets up, she tries to attack SALMAH.
HAJI MUSA
GUARDS! Arrest this crazy woman!
They arrest ROGAYAH.

(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(5)

48.

SALMAH
(gets close to her mother)
For everything youve done, I
will never ever trust you again.
SALMAH touches ROGAYAHs face and kisses her on the cheek,
and she leaves.
ROGAYAH
(struggling)
Urgh, let me go!
Get your dirty hands off me you
peasants!
This isnt the end - I will curse
all of you - my leaves, my
beautiful leaves from my precious
tree!
The guards take ROGAYAH away.
BLACKOUT

49.
15

SCENE 15
SETTING: We are in front of the small enclosure where the
forbidden tree is bounded.
AT RISE: REMY walks in despair while holding a large knife
in his
right hand.
REMY
(kneels and puts his hands
over his chest)
Oh God!
What can I do to wipe away my sin
other than humbly confess and
lament them?
(crying as he starts cutting
the tree)
Oh Lord, I implore Your mercy
endlessly!
(cutting the tree
vigorously)
I have nothing in this world
except you to share my happiness
and sorrow.
(finish cutting the tree)
I dug my own grave now I truly
seek your forgiveness.
REMY kneels, ready to take his own life. MARIA runs into
the scene.
MARIA
(screaming)
AYAH! Dont!
REMY
(screaming in sorrow)
MARIA!
Stay away!
MARIA
(runs to REMY and grabs
knife)
But, AYAH - dont do this!
Yes, yes youve done bad things
but that doesnt make you a bad
person, AYAH.
Please..
While struggling for the knife REMY accidentally stabbed
MARIA.
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(2)

50.

MARIA is hurt, falls down and whimpers.

REMY
(realized that hurt MARIA)
MARIA!
Oh no, Im so sorry my dear I
didnt mean to hurt you.
(put his daughters head on
his lap while crying)
Im sorry MARIA.
Please dont leave me, Ive lost
your mother - your brother left
me and now, now...
What have I done MARIA - Im
sorry, Im so sorry..
MARIA is frightened of her father. She crawls away.
MARIA
You - you... Monster!
Who are you?!
You, you are not my father!
(screaming)
A monster!
MARIA disappears from stage.
REMY
MARIA!!!
REMY cries and he drops down on his knees. The mood seems
naturally fretful and grim. He gets up and starts walking
slowly, REMY faces the audience and recites the poem.
REMY (contd)
(recites poem))
Here I walk with tortured
thoughts,
Regretting the moments I took for
granted,
Moments when I was eaten by pride
and selfishness.
The word "OBEY" slowly kills me
inside,
Betraying the trust bestowed upon
me,
For the people whom I loved,
(CONTINUED)

CONTINUED:

(3)

51.

Thoughts of helping but it turns

to a sharp blade that cut wounds
more deeper and left me in
sorrow.
END