The Play.
A Neon Genesis Evangelion Fanfic
By Chenalos
Don't Recognize
Chenalos@aol.com
"No Exit" by Jean-Paul Sartre, Vintage International Version, October
1989 (c) 1989 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 201 East 50th Street, New York,
New York, 10022. All rights reserved.
Pages from this book submitted into this fic includes pages: 45 and 46
All textual inaccuracies are meant to represent realism in this
fictional story.
Authors notes: ARRRRRRRG! EXAMS ARE OVER! LETS DO THIS!
I want you to know that I am a Christian, but many of my fellow Christians
may be offended by this chapter, should you proceed it is with my warning.
--------------------------
(Scene 4: Set is identical to scene 2, the boy is sitting at the table,
listening to a CD player, Asuka enters from stage left.)
Boy:(Singing) Way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day, and it's all your state
of mind. At the end of the day, you just got to say 'it's all right.'
Asuka:(approaches slowly, with fear. She looks over her shoulder and sees
Shinji and Rei entering from the left. She sums up her courage and moves to
the table, she sits)Hiya.
Boy:(takes off the headphones) Hi, Asuka, what's up?
Asuka: Listen, pal, I think I got a little out of control last time, I'll try
to be more calm now, so just listen. I have to get out of here. I can't do
this anymore.
Boy:(childishly) But I wanna be in the play!
Rei: please be silent, we must speak.
Boy: No way! I won't shut up, but if you wanna talk, lets talk.
Rei: Very well. (she approaches and sits, Shinji keeps his distance)
Boy: Hey, true believer, get over here. (Shinji approaches and sits.)
Apparently we have a critical issue requiring our full scrutiny and
consideration. Asuka, here, has voiced objection to the continuance
of our theatrical relations, I retorted with reaffirmation of my adamant
dedication towards this common endeavor. However, being a joint venture
it would be obtuse not to say inconsiderate to ignore the vices and
accolades held by the both of you before arriving at finality to the matter.
To be quite simple, let us decide amongst ourselves about what is to be done.
Shinji: But, what about the director?
Boy: I would be much more inclined to leave him out of this decision.
Rei: But he is among us as well.
Boy: I don't particularly care for the gentleman. I'm sure I don't sit
in the minority of opinion of him at this table.
Asuka: Damn straight.
Boy: At any rate, his opinion matters nothing to me. he can stay in that
chair for eternity for all I care, with no actors, and no play, should we
decide to leave, he might find time to center his soul.
Shinji: OK, fine, so the director's out. That leaves just us. So, all those
who want to quit the play, raise your hand now.
(Shinji, Rei and Asuka raise their hands, pause then lower them, starring at
the boy)
Boy: All those who have the keys to leave, raise your hands now. (the boy
raises and lowers his hand) All those in favor of abolishing democracy and
establishing a fascist dictatorship in this theatre, raise your hand now.
(raises his hand) well look at that. Hey Asuka (Boy lowers his
raised hand to a Nazi salute) Heil Hitler.
Asuka: Do you have any idea how sick I am of hearing that?
Boy:(smirking) Yes.
Rei: You make it apparent that you will decide whether we leave or not.
Boy: The bottom line is, I think I'm damned either way.
Asuka: How are you damned? You haven't suffered even once what we suffer all
the time, out there on that cursed theatre.
Boy: Exactly. Every time I think we can move on to one of my scenes, one of
you idiots screw something up, and the director has to spend an hour trying
to fix it. Meanwhile, I'm back here, away from the light, reciting my lines,
listening to you untalented bafoons mess up all the time, and hoping beyond
hope that I will be able to do just one line, not even that, just a walk on.
The valet is the crappiest part in this whole damn play, but I'm pretty sure
he at least makes it on stage. Not I, I've been back here forever. In my own
little Hell, of never being able to even try at the one thing I want to do
more than anything in this world. This is my perfect little Hell, right here.
Heaven is out there on the stage, and all you guys do is complain about it.
It makes me sick. (pause) But enough about me. Let us discuss you, poor
damned souls in the gray area of redemption. Sullen as I am, if you can
convince me to give up the keys, destroy the play and therefore admit that my
heaven will never be. As far as I'm concerned, you've earned your salvation.
Shinji: But you're a demon. How can you grant salvation?
Boy: When the chosen was hanging from a tree, for all to see. Not far away
the chosen of the chosen was hanging inside a house, for none to see. Two
men of great importance died in Jerusalem that day. The chosen, and his
chosen, Judas. He chose Judas to become the devil's tool, he chose Judas
to betray him. He chose Judas to bear the sin of all mankind. For doing
this, Judas died. He helped take away the sins of the world, and died with his
rabbi that day. But he died hidden from view, and though he helped take away
the sins of the world, he was forgotten. Therefore; let us remember him.
If our side has a savior, than even our side can grant salvation.
(a pause)
Rei: So what do you want from us in order let us out?
Boy: Just tell me why. Why should I let you out, when the chosen deems that
you should be here?
Shinji: But, weren't you saying it before, how we deserved far worse than what
we recieved? That we were spared because we were saviors?
Boy: That's right. The three of you are saviors. That is why you are in the
light of the stage and I am not, he loves those who are like his chosen, though
he is bound to damn them.
Asuka: But if you'll give us the keys, you will save us.
Boy: Really?
Rei: Yes, we don't want to be here only you can save us.
Boy: That's right.
Shinji: And, after saving us, there won't be anything keeping you from going
out there, into the light.
Boy: So if I give you the keys, I will be...loved by the chosen?
Asuka: You will be our savior
Shinji: Therefore, you must be loved like that.
Rei: And the stage will be all yours.
(pauses)
Boy: Very well. (hands the keys to Rei) Take them, and tell them all on
the other side that I saved you.
Shinji: Will you come with us?
Boy: I...Won't.
Asuka: Really?
Boy: I don't think they'd want me. I'll remain here. Unburdened, and unblessed
I'll just be here. (moves stage left, passed the traveler the children watch
him) I'm afraid the show is off, Mr. Director.
Director: Dammit! (He throws his prompter) Son of a bitch! (He slaps his reading
lamp to the floor) Son of a bitch! (he punches the seat in front of him)
Arrrrrrg.
Boy: Yeah, I know. (He sits on the stage looking up into the light, Shinji
still watching him)
Asuka: There. Now all is said and done. Come on, wonder-girl.
Rei: Don't call me that.
Asuka: That's right we're about to go to heaven, so I guess we better start
making up. I'm sorry about calling you wonder-girl, and all that other stuff I
did. Are you sorry too?
Rei: No, you deserved all of it and more.
Asuka: Humph! Fine! Carry that heavy spiritual load for all I care. I feel
baptized, but will you at least open the door.
Rei: Of course I will. (the two go to the door and unlock and open it. Outside
a soccer/football/lacrosse field (sidelines facing the stage) extends out
to meet the encroaching forest. The sun sets in the distance behind wispy, cotton candy clouds, now illuminated to bright red.)
Asuka: Just beyond that forest, that's where heaven is, I'm sure of it.
Rei: Can we make it before nightfall?
Asuka: Like I care. You can't scare the dead in a dark forest.
Rei: Then let us depart.
Asuka: Shinji come on.
Shinji: You girls, go on ahead.
Asuka: What!?
Rei: Shinji?
Shinji: I can't leave. I won't leave. I've got to stay.
Asuka: I've said it before, I'll say it again. Are you stupid? This is your
chance out of here, out of hell.
Shinji: No, that's just what it looks like. There's no escaping this. Even if
I ran, and God himself held me tight to his chest, I would still know that I
ran. I would know that I did just what Garcin did, and just what I always do:
I ran away. I ran away from this play. I stuttered, and I stammered and I ran
away, and I failed. I promised myself I wouldn't do that anymore. Even if no
play ever goes on, I've got to stay here. I've got to hold my ground. So
both of you, go.
Rei: You want to stay in Hell?
Shinji: I'm not sure that it's Hell anymore. I'm just sure that it's not life
as I knew it. No more flesh, no more blood, no impending end to my existence.
I'm dead, but I'm alive. My mother once told me...Any place can be...As long
as...As long as. (He bows his head as though to cry, but no tears come forth)
I can't cry anymore. I can't run away anymore. I have to stay here.
Asuka: Comes around in front of Shinji) Wait a minute, Third Child, If you
think that you can accomplish anything in this theatre you're wrong. Getting
out is the only answer.
Shinji: Then leave. (he walks out and joins the boy, looking up at the lights)
Asuka: You arrogant little...fine, stay there for all I care. Come on, Rei,
let's go.
Rei: I...Want to...Stay with him. (Asuka takes her aside)
Asuka: I probably wouldn't tell anybody this, but so do I. Still, he made his
choice. He'll loose all respect for you if you don't decide for yourself too.
Think about what you can gain. Man's creation in God's country. Think about
it.
Rei: I already have. (She goes out and joins the other two, looking up into the
light. After a brief pause Asuka moves on stage and begins to yell at them)
Asuka: Oh, I see. So now you'll just devote your souls to this farce.
"No Exit" Yeah, no fucking kidding. Well, we'll see. You see that door back
there? I'm gonna leave it open, let the flies come in here, mosquitoes too,
We'll have our own little Egyptian plague right in the theatre. That's fine,
but that door stays open, you hear me? It stays open until one of us finally
does it. Until one of us finally admits that they deserve more than eternal
damnation, until one of us leaves. I play your little game, Mr. Director, just
to see who bolts through that door in the next million years. You'll see.
(She catches a glimpse of the light) You'll see. (she stares into the light)
Yea. (The four of them stare into the light as though they know this is the
closest they will ever get to heaven)
(Lights go down, end of scene four)
-----------------------------
(Scene 5: Set is identical to scenes one and three, The director and the boy
are in the audience. Shinji is at the mantelpiece, Rei and Asuka downstage
of him.)
Shinji:(laughs maniacally) So This is Hell. I never have believed it. You
remember all we were told about the torture chambers, the fire and brimstone,
the "burning marl." Old wives' tales! There's no need for red hot pokers.
Hell is - other people!
Asuka: My darling! Please-
Shinji(thrusting her away)No, let me be. She is between us. I cannot love you
when she is watching.
Asuka: Right! In that case I'll stop her watching. (She picks up the paper-
knife from the table, rushes at Rei and stabs her several times.)
Rei:(struggling and laughing) But you crazy creature, what do you think you are
doing? You know quite well I'm dead.
Asuka: Dead?
(She drops the knife. A pause. Rei picks up the knife, and jabs herself with
it, regretfully.)
Rei: Dead! Dead! Dead! Knives, poison, ropes-all useless. It has happened
already, do you understand? Once and for all. So here we are forever. (laughs)
Asuka:(With a peal of laughter) Forever, My God, how funny! Forever.
Shinji:(Looks at the two girls, and joins in the laughter)Forever, and ever,
and ever.
(They slump into their respective sofas. A long silence. Their laughter dies
away and they gaze at each other.)
Shinji: Well, Well, lets get on with it...
(a pause, followed by applause from both the director and the boy)
Director: That was great!
Boy: That was better than great. That was perfect.
Director: I kid you not guys, this is the greatest thing I have ever seen.
Boy: It's true guys, really. Really good, yeah
(a pause.)
Director: Well, Shall we do it again.
(the children close their eyes and react as though they have heard the word
"again" for the past hundred thousand years)
Shinji:(looks up) As long as it takes.
(Curtain)
-------------
Cast of characters:
Heather T. Roffi as Asuka
Dolly U. Chunman as Rei
Craig Y, Thout as Shinji
Hideaki Anno as The Director
-and-
SI God-Boy as Himself
A Fourteen Rivers Production
A Neon Genesis Evangelion Fanfic
By Chenalos
Don't Recognize
Chenalos@aol.com
"No Exit" by Jean-Paul Sartre, Vintage International Version, October
1989 (c) 1989 by Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 201 East 50th Street, New York,
New York, 10022. All rights reserved.
Pages from this book submitted into this fic includes pages: 45 and 46
All textual inaccuracies are meant to represent realism in this
fictional story.
Authors notes: ARRRRRRRG! EXAMS ARE OVER! LETS DO THIS!
I want you to know that I am a Christian, but many of my fellow Christians
may be offended by this chapter, should you proceed it is with my warning.
--------------------------
(Scene 4: Set is identical to scene 2, the boy is sitting at the table,
listening to a CD player, Asuka enters from stage left.)
Boy:(Singing) Way-hey-hey, it's just an ordinary day, and it's all your state
of mind. At the end of the day, you just got to say 'it's all right.'
Asuka:(approaches slowly, with fear. She looks over her shoulder and sees
Shinji and Rei entering from the left. She sums up her courage and moves to
the table, she sits)Hiya.
Boy:(takes off the headphones) Hi, Asuka, what's up?
Asuka: Listen, pal, I think I got a little out of control last time, I'll try
to be more calm now, so just listen. I have to get out of here. I can't do
this anymore.
Boy:(childishly) But I wanna be in the play!
Rei: please be silent, we must speak.
Boy: No way! I won't shut up, but if you wanna talk, lets talk.
Rei: Very well. (she approaches and sits, Shinji keeps his distance)
Boy: Hey, true believer, get over here. (Shinji approaches and sits.)
Apparently we have a critical issue requiring our full scrutiny and
consideration. Asuka, here, has voiced objection to the continuance
of our theatrical relations, I retorted with reaffirmation of my adamant
dedication towards this common endeavor. However, being a joint venture
it would be obtuse not to say inconsiderate to ignore the vices and
accolades held by the both of you before arriving at finality to the matter.
To be quite simple, let us decide amongst ourselves about what is to be done.
Shinji: But, what about the director?
Boy: I would be much more inclined to leave him out of this decision.
Rei: But he is among us as well.
Boy: I don't particularly care for the gentleman. I'm sure I don't sit
in the minority of opinion of him at this table.
Asuka: Damn straight.
Boy: At any rate, his opinion matters nothing to me. he can stay in that
chair for eternity for all I care, with no actors, and no play, should we
decide to leave, he might find time to center his soul.
Shinji: OK, fine, so the director's out. That leaves just us. So, all those
who want to quit the play, raise your hand now.
(Shinji, Rei and Asuka raise their hands, pause then lower them, starring at
the boy)
Boy: All those who have the keys to leave, raise your hands now. (the boy
raises and lowers his hand) All those in favor of abolishing democracy and
establishing a fascist dictatorship in this theatre, raise your hand now.
(raises his hand) well look at that. Hey Asuka (Boy lowers his
raised hand to a Nazi salute) Heil Hitler.
Asuka: Do you have any idea how sick I am of hearing that?
Boy:(smirking) Yes.
Rei: You make it apparent that you will decide whether we leave or not.
Boy: The bottom line is, I think I'm damned either way.
Asuka: How are you damned? You haven't suffered even once what we suffer all
the time, out there on that cursed theatre.
Boy: Exactly. Every time I think we can move on to one of my scenes, one of
you idiots screw something up, and the director has to spend an hour trying
to fix it. Meanwhile, I'm back here, away from the light, reciting my lines,
listening to you untalented bafoons mess up all the time, and hoping beyond
hope that I will be able to do just one line, not even that, just a walk on.
The valet is the crappiest part in this whole damn play, but I'm pretty sure
he at least makes it on stage. Not I, I've been back here forever. In my own
little Hell, of never being able to even try at the one thing I want to do
more than anything in this world. This is my perfect little Hell, right here.
Heaven is out there on the stage, and all you guys do is complain about it.
It makes me sick. (pause) But enough about me. Let us discuss you, poor
damned souls in the gray area of redemption. Sullen as I am, if you can
convince me to give up the keys, destroy the play and therefore admit that my
heaven will never be. As far as I'm concerned, you've earned your salvation.
Shinji: But you're a demon. How can you grant salvation?
Boy: When the chosen was hanging from a tree, for all to see. Not far away
the chosen of the chosen was hanging inside a house, for none to see. Two
men of great importance died in Jerusalem that day. The chosen, and his
chosen, Judas. He chose Judas to become the devil's tool, he chose Judas
to betray him. He chose Judas to bear the sin of all mankind. For doing
this, Judas died. He helped take away the sins of the world, and died with his
rabbi that day. But he died hidden from view, and though he helped take away
the sins of the world, he was forgotten. Therefore; let us remember him.
If our side has a savior, than even our side can grant salvation.
(a pause)
Rei: So what do you want from us in order let us out?
Boy: Just tell me why. Why should I let you out, when the chosen deems that
you should be here?
Shinji: But, weren't you saying it before, how we deserved far worse than what
we recieved? That we were spared because we were saviors?
Boy: That's right. The three of you are saviors. That is why you are in the
light of the stage and I am not, he loves those who are like his chosen, though
he is bound to damn them.
Asuka: But if you'll give us the keys, you will save us.
Boy: Really?
Rei: Yes, we don't want to be here only you can save us.
Boy: That's right.
Shinji: And, after saving us, there won't be anything keeping you from going
out there, into the light.
Boy: So if I give you the keys, I will be...loved by the chosen?
Asuka: You will be our savior
Shinji: Therefore, you must be loved like that.
Rei: And the stage will be all yours.
(pauses)
Boy: Very well. (hands the keys to Rei) Take them, and tell them all on
the other side that I saved you.
Shinji: Will you come with us?
Boy: I...Won't.
Asuka: Really?
Boy: I don't think they'd want me. I'll remain here. Unburdened, and unblessed
I'll just be here. (moves stage left, passed the traveler the children watch
him) I'm afraid the show is off, Mr. Director.
Director: Dammit! (He throws his prompter) Son of a bitch! (He slaps his reading
lamp to the floor) Son of a bitch! (he punches the seat in front of him)
Arrrrrrg.
Boy: Yeah, I know. (He sits on the stage looking up into the light, Shinji
still watching him)
Asuka: There. Now all is said and done. Come on, wonder-girl.
Rei: Don't call me that.
Asuka: That's right we're about to go to heaven, so I guess we better start
making up. I'm sorry about calling you wonder-girl, and all that other stuff I
did. Are you sorry too?
Rei: No, you deserved all of it and more.
Asuka: Humph! Fine! Carry that heavy spiritual load for all I care. I feel
baptized, but will you at least open the door.
Rei: Of course I will. (the two go to the door and unlock and open it. Outside
a soccer/football/lacrosse field (sidelines facing the stage) extends out
to meet the encroaching forest. The sun sets in the distance behind wispy, cotton candy clouds, now illuminated to bright red.)
Asuka: Just beyond that forest, that's where heaven is, I'm sure of it.
Rei: Can we make it before nightfall?
Asuka: Like I care. You can't scare the dead in a dark forest.
Rei: Then let us depart.
Asuka: Shinji come on.
Shinji: You girls, go on ahead.
Asuka: What!?
Rei: Shinji?
Shinji: I can't leave. I won't leave. I've got to stay.
Asuka: I've said it before, I'll say it again. Are you stupid? This is your
chance out of here, out of hell.
Shinji: No, that's just what it looks like. There's no escaping this. Even if
I ran, and God himself held me tight to his chest, I would still know that I
ran. I would know that I did just what Garcin did, and just what I always do:
I ran away. I ran away from this play. I stuttered, and I stammered and I ran
away, and I failed. I promised myself I wouldn't do that anymore. Even if no
play ever goes on, I've got to stay here. I've got to hold my ground. So
both of you, go.
Rei: You want to stay in Hell?
Shinji: I'm not sure that it's Hell anymore. I'm just sure that it's not life
as I knew it. No more flesh, no more blood, no impending end to my existence.
I'm dead, but I'm alive. My mother once told me...Any place can be...As long
as...As long as. (He bows his head as though to cry, but no tears come forth)
I can't cry anymore. I can't run away anymore. I have to stay here.
Asuka: Comes around in front of Shinji) Wait a minute, Third Child, If you
think that you can accomplish anything in this theatre you're wrong. Getting
out is the only answer.
Shinji: Then leave. (he walks out and joins the boy, looking up at the lights)
Asuka: You arrogant little...fine, stay there for all I care. Come on, Rei,
let's go.
Rei: I...Want to...Stay with him. (Asuka takes her aside)
Asuka: I probably wouldn't tell anybody this, but so do I. Still, he made his
choice. He'll loose all respect for you if you don't decide for yourself too.
Think about what you can gain. Man's creation in God's country. Think about
it.
Rei: I already have. (She goes out and joins the other two, looking up into the
light. After a brief pause Asuka moves on stage and begins to yell at them)
Asuka: Oh, I see. So now you'll just devote your souls to this farce.
"No Exit" Yeah, no fucking kidding. Well, we'll see. You see that door back
there? I'm gonna leave it open, let the flies come in here, mosquitoes too,
We'll have our own little Egyptian plague right in the theatre. That's fine,
but that door stays open, you hear me? It stays open until one of us finally
does it. Until one of us finally admits that they deserve more than eternal
damnation, until one of us leaves. I play your little game, Mr. Director, just
to see who bolts through that door in the next million years. You'll see.
(She catches a glimpse of the light) You'll see. (she stares into the light)
Yea. (The four of them stare into the light as though they know this is the
closest they will ever get to heaven)
(Lights go down, end of scene four)
-----------------------------
(Scene 5: Set is identical to scenes one and three, The director and the boy
are in the audience. Shinji is at the mantelpiece, Rei and Asuka downstage
of him.)
Shinji:(laughs maniacally) So This is Hell. I never have believed it. You
remember all we were told about the torture chambers, the fire and brimstone,
the "burning marl." Old wives' tales! There's no need for red hot pokers.
Hell is - other people!
Asuka: My darling! Please-
Shinji(thrusting her away)No, let me be. She is between us. I cannot love you
when she is watching.
Asuka: Right! In that case I'll stop her watching. (She picks up the paper-
knife from the table, rushes at Rei and stabs her several times.)
Rei:(struggling and laughing) But you crazy creature, what do you think you are
doing? You know quite well I'm dead.
Asuka: Dead?
(She drops the knife. A pause. Rei picks up the knife, and jabs herself with
it, regretfully.)
Rei: Dead! Dead! Dead! Knives, poison, ropes-all useless. It has happened
already, do you understand? Once and for all. So here we are forever. (laughs)
Asuka:(With a peal of laughter) Forever, My God, how funny! Forever.
Shinji:(Looks at the two girls, and joins in the laughter)Forever, and ever,
and ever.
(They slump into their respective sofas. A long silence. Their laughter dies
away and they gaze at each other.)
Shinji: Well, Well, lets get on with it...
(a pause, followed by applause from both the director and the boy)
Director: That was great!
Boy: That was better than great. That was perfect.
Director: I kid you not guys, this is the greatest thing I have ever seen.
Boy: It's true guys, really. Really good, yeah
(a pause.)
Director: Well, Shall we do it again.
(the children close their eyes and react as though they have heard the word
"again" for the past hundred thousand years)
Shinji:(looks up) As long as it takes.
(Curtain)
-------------
Cast of characters:
Heather T. Roffi as Asuka
Dolly U. Chunman as Rei
Craig Y, Thout as Shinji
Hideaki Anno as The Director
-and-
SI God-Boy as Himself
A Fourteen Rivers Production
