The Magic Anklet
The Magic Anklet
The Magic Anklet Cast List
Narrator 1 Narrator 2 Narrator 3
Anahita Somaya Roshni
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Cast List (continued) The Magic Anklet
Villager 1 Villager 2 Villager 3
Sultan Jahan Prince Navid Queen Nousha
Guard 1 Guard 2
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Cast List (continued) The Magic Anklet
Messenger 1 Messenger 2 The Genie
Servant 1 Servant 2 Horse Dove
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Anahita
Somaya
Narrator 1
Roshni
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The Magic Anklet
Narrator 2
Narrator 3
Villager 1
Villager 2
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Villager 3
Sultan Jahan
Prince Navid
Queen Nousha
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Guard 1
Guard 2
Messenger 1
Messenger 2
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The Genie
Servant 1
Servant 2
Horse
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Dove
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Scene One: Three Sisters Setting: A house in Persepolis in Iran.
Narrator 1: Anahita: Somaya: Roshni: Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 1:
Once upon a time there were three sisters, Anahita Somaya and Roshni. Their parents had died many years earlier... so they were very poor. Anahita, the youngest of the girls, did all the work. All three girls need to be working, but only one of them is! Meanwhile, the older sisters Somaya and Roshni lie around all day, doing nothing . It wasn’t very fair to Anahita. It makes me sick!
Villager 1:
Villager 2: Somaya: Roshni: Villager 1: Narrator 2: Villager 2:
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Villager 1: Villager 3: Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita:
Those greedy sisters Roshni and Somaya! They’re always ordering Anahita around! Anahita, bring us mint tea! Anahita, wash our hair! Anahita, iron our clothes! Anahita, bring us dinner! Can’t you two do something for once in your lives? Anahita, respect your elders! That’s right! You’re the youngest so you have to do everything for us. But I never get a break! And why should you? You’re young. You have loads of energy. We need our rest. It’s not like you’re old . I’m 16, Somaya is 17 and Roshni is 18. We can’t damage our beautiful hands working. But I can?
Roshni:
Anahita:
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Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya:
Roshni and I are going to marry rich men. And in order to do that, we must have hands that are beautiful . Hands that have never done a spot of work! But what about my hands? Shouldn’t they stay beautiful, too?
(Roshni and Somaya burst out laughing.)
Your hands can do work… because you’re never going to get married! I’m not? Of course , you’re not. You’re the youngest . You’ll be our maid for the rest of your life!
No, I won’t! I won’t do it! Temper, temper, Anahita! We are your elders.
And you must respect your elders. So you have to do what we say.
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Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Somaya:
Respect your elders! Respect your elders! For example, go to the market and get us some fresh flowers. And do it now! But we barely have enough money for food . Anahita, do what we say. Respect your elders! Respect your elders!
Roshni:
Scene 2: A Flower Pot for Anahita Setting: The souk, or open-air market
Narrator 3:
So Anahita walked out into the midday heat to buy some flowers. At the souk, she stopped at the flower stall. Greetings, Anahita. What are you doing out here in the midday sun? I came to buy some flowers. In the middle of the day ? Under the boiling hot sun?
Narrator 1: Villager 1:
Anahita: Villager 2:
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Let me guess: your sisters sent you out to buy some flowers? Well, yes. Anahita, when are you going to stand up to them? I try, but… But what ? But they’re my older sisters . I have to do what they say. If they told you to jump off a bridge, would you do it? Well, no… Think about what we’re saying, Anahita. Sooner or later, you’re going to have to stop them from bullying you. Okay. In the meantime, take this bunch of flowers for your sisters. And take this broken old pot for yourself. For me? But I can’t pay you for it.
Villager 3:
Anahita: Villager 1: Anahita: Villager 2: Anahita:
Villager 3:
Anahita: Villager 1: Villager 2: Anahita: Villager 3: Villager 1: Anahita:
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Villager 2: Villager 3: Anahita: Villager 1: Villager 2: Anahita: Villager 3: Villager 1: Anahita: Narrator 2:
It’s on the house. From us to you. And don’t let your sisters get their greedy little hands on it, ok? They take all of my stuff as it is. Hide it under your dress. Then, hide it in your room. Won’t the plant inside it need sunlight and
water to grow? Not this plant. This plant just needs you. That’s kind of odd, but okay…
And Anahita hid the flower pot under her dress and carried it home together with the bouquet of flowers for her sisters.
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Scene 3: A Turning Point Setting: The sisters’ house in Persepolis
Narrator 2:
When Anahita arrived home, she slipped the little flower pot into her bedroom closet. Then, she went to the kitchen and arranged the flowers for her sisters. It took you long enough. I was beginning to think you got lost! I’m hungry. Where’s lunch? I’ll get it in a moment. I just need to cool down from being out in the midday sun. Get our lunch now! The sun was so bright! I feel like I’m about to faint. Anahita, stop being such a drama queen. We know you’re making this up. But Anahita was not acting. The midday sun had overpowered her. And she fainted from her long walk under it.
Narrator 3:
Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita: Somaya: Anahita:
Roshni: Somaya: Narrator 3:
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I suppose we have to drag her body to her bedroom now. Well, we can’t just leave her in the middle of the floor. Besides, the sooner she gets better, the sooner she can get back to serving us. You said it, sister! That night, when the moon was high and cool winds flowed over the desert, Anahita regained consciousness. She awoke with a shock. Where am I? She had been so deeply asleep that in the midnight darkness she did not recognize her shabby old room. But as her eyes adjusted, she saw that she was indeed home. And before she could stop herself, she burst into tears. For at that moment, she realized just how miserable she was.
Roshni:
Somaya:
Roshni:
Somaya: Narrator 1:
Anahita: Narrator 2:
Narrator 3:
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2:
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Anahita:
I hate it here! I wish I had a feast to eat and a bed made of silk and satin, and a beautiful dress. In a flash, her bedroom was transformed from a shabby, old dusty room into a marble bedroom filled with priceless furniture. Instead of an old dress, she wore a beautiful gown and had a feast before her. But what? How? It is I, the genie in the flowerpot. The genie in the flowerpot? Yes. Now, eat up this feast. And while you chow down, I’ll explain everything. Okay. As Anahita ate, the Genie told his story. Those villagers with the flower stand saw that you needed some help. So they gave me, the genie in the flower pot, to you. It may not look like much, but it’s enchanted. Enchanted!?
Narrator 3:
Anahita: Genie: Anahita: Genie:
Anahita: Narrator 1: Genie:
Anahita:
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Genie:
It works like this: keep me well-hidden in your bedroom and anytime you need me, call me and I’ll help you out. Food, new clothes, whatever you want. All you have to do is ask. Your wish is my command. But won’t my sisters find out? That’s why we’ve got to keep it secret. As soon as they open the door to this bedroom, everything in here will go back to normal...until the next time you call for me. Oh, Genie! Thank you so much! From that day on, Anahita’s life got much better. Whenever my sisters leave the house, I ask the genie to do all my housework, and all my cooking and sewing and to give me the most beautiful clothes, music and delicious food. And I have a dance party in my little bedroom until they return.
Anahita: Genie:
Anahita: Narrator 2:
Anahita:
Scene 4: A Message From the Palace Setting: The sisters’ house in Persepolis
Narrator 3:
One day, there was a knock on the door.
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Roshni:
Anahita, get the door! It’s not going to open itself! Hurry up, Anahita! Coming! Anahita opened the door. In walked the Sultan’s messengers. I am here with a message from the palace. The Palace? The Sultan is throwing a party this Friday. He requests the company of all unmarried women in the kingdom. You see, at this party , the Sultan will choose a bride for his son, Prince Navid. OMG! OMG! OMG! I am like freaking out right now. I am going to be a princess!!! hashtag blessed life! Are all unmarried women invited? Yes, all unmarried women who are 16 or older.
Somaya: Anahita:
Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Messenger 1: Roshni, Somaya and Anahita:
Messenger 2: Messenger 1:
Messenger 2:
Somaya: Roshni:
Anahita: Messenger 1:
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Anahita: Messenger 2: Somaya:
So I can come if I am 16? Yes, you are most cordially invited. But you need your guardians’ permission to attend. Of course. One must always respect one’s elders. And your guardians are us . And we say that you can’t go to the party. That’s pretty cold, girls. She’s barely younger than you two. Thanks for your opinion. Are you done with your message now? Cause you should probably go. (to Anahita) I am most sorry, young lady. And the sultan’s messengers left with a heavy heart. The next days were a blur for Anahita. She had to sew beautiful new dresses for her selfish sisters. Nothing was good enough for them.
Messenger 1:
Roshni: Somaya: Messenger 2:
Roshni:
Somaya: Messenger 1: Narrator 3 :
Narrator 1: Narrator 2:
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Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya:
Anahita, make my dress even more sparkly! Anahita, make my dress even more glittery. Anahita, create a long strand of pearls for me. Anahita, braid rose buds in my hair. Finally, the day of the party arrived. And the selfish sisters left for the party leaving Anahita at home all alone. There was a knock at the door. It was the villagers who owned the flower stall. Somehow, I knew you’d be here, Anahita. Where else would I be? Um---at the party of the century ---just down the street at the palace? My sisters forbade me to go. What a surprise! Of course , they don’t want you to go.
Narrator 3: Narrator 1: Narrator 2: Narrator 3: Narrator 1: Villager 1: Anahita: Villager 2: Anahita: Villager 3: Villager 1:
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Villager 2:
They know that you’re more beautiful than they are. If the prince sees you , he will ask for your hand in marriage. But I have to respect my elders! You have to respect yourself! Even if I wanted to go to the ball, I couldn’t go. I have nothing to wear. Just then the flower pot walked out of Anahita’s bedroom. Um, did you forget about me? Ask the flower pot. For what? The genie in the flower pot will give you anything you ask for! Genie, make me the most beautiful girl in the planet!
Villager 3:
Anahita: Villagers: Anahita:
Narrator 2:
Genie: Villager 1: Anahita: Villager 2:
Anahita:
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You already are the most beautiful girl on the planet. Inside and out. But I’ll make sure you’re dressed in the most sumptuous silks and satins, that your hair is braided with pearls and jewels, and that your feet wear diamond anklets. That will work!
Genie:
Anahita:
Scene 5: Off to the Ball Setting: The Sultan’s Palace
Narrator 2:
And so it was. Anahita was dressed to the nines. Our work here is done. Now, go to the party, Anahita. And dance up a storm! That’s just what Anahita did. When she arrived at the palace, everyone gasped at her beauty. Who is that girl? She’s exquisite!
Villager 1: Villager 2: Villager 3: Narrator 3: Narrator 1:
Somaya:
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Roshni:
We don’t stand a chance with the prince if she’s around. Look at the prince! He is in love with that girl! She has a kind face. And by the expression on the girl’s face, she is in love with him, too! He has a kind face. I can tell that he wants to speak to that lovely girl. I wish I could work up the courage to say hello to her. But I am shy. And that girl looks like she would like to speak to Prince Navid. I wish I could work up the courage to say hello to him. But I am shy. Prince Navid, I am only a servant but I have a suggestion. What is it? You clearly like that girl, so go up and talk to her.
Servant 1:
Prince Navid: Servant 2:
Anahita: Servant 1:
Prince Navid:
Servant 1:
Anahita:
Servant 2:
Prince Navid: Servant 2:
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Prince Navid: Servant 1:
I can’t! I’m shy. Then, go find some other girls and ask them to introduce you to the girl of your dreams.
Servant 2: Prince Navid:
Now, you’re talking! Now, that is a plan. What could possibly go wrong?
Servant 1: Narrator 3:
So the Prince approached two girls who happened to be Roshni and Somaya. Hello, girls. Prince Navid! Are you going to ask me to marry you? Actually, I--- Are you going to ask me to marry you? Um…. OMG, one of us is going to marry Prince Navid! I bet it’s me!
Prince Navid: Roshni and Somaya: Roshni: Prince Navid: Somaya: Prince Navid: Roshni:
Somaya:
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Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Prince Navid: Roshni and Somaya: Prince Navid: Roshni and Somaya: Prince Navid: Narrator 1:
I bet it’s me! I saw him first! I’m the eldest! That means you’re old ! If I may interrupt for one moment. Yes, Prince? I don’t want to marry either of you. No offense. Offense taken ! I want to marry that girl. And he nodded in the direction of the beautiful Anahita. Then why are you talking to us ? Forgive me, but I am shy. I was hoping that perhaps you knew the girl and would be so kind as to introduce me. Why would we want to introduce you to someone else? Especially after you got our hopes up about marrying you!
Roshni: Prince Navid:
Roshni:
Somaya:
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Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Somaya:
And then just totally dismissed us. Even if we did know her ---which we don’t--- we wouldn’t introduce you to her. That’s crazy talk. What’s in it for us ? So get to steppin’! Well, this has been a great conversation. If you’ll excuse me. Sorry, boss. But look, boss, your father the Sultan may be trying to work things out for you. My son is shy. I will ask the young lady for her hand in marriage on his behalf. An excellent plan, your majesty! That sounds very confusing, Husband! What if she thinks that you’re asking her to marry you? A valid point, your highness. Don’t be ridiculous, wife! Yeah, don’t be ridiculous, queen!
Roshni: Prince Navid:
Servant 1: Servant 2:
Sultan:
Servant 1: Queen:
Servant 2: Sultan: Servant 1:
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Servant 2:
She is an intelligent girl. She will understand what the Sultan is saying. Word. So the Sultan approached the beautiful Anahita. My dear young friend. Hello, Sultan! You are the most beautiful young woman in the kingdom! Thank you, Sultan! And I would like to ask for your hand in marriage. Just then, Anahita noticed her sisters leaving the party in a huff. Let’s get out of here! Let’s go home. Anahita can make us mint tea and pistachio cake! Sorry, Sultan but I must leave!
Servant 1: Narrator 2:
Sultan: Anahita: Sultan: Anahita: Sultan:
Narrator 3:
Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Anahita:
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Leave ? But I am proposing marriage ! (to herself) I have to get home before my sisters get there. Plus, the old Sultan is asking me to marry him. I don’t want to marry him . I want to marry his son ! I have to get out of here! So Anahita ran out of the palace. Come back! Come back! Come back! (softly) Come back! I’m shy. I told you that you would confuse her, Husband! I was just trying to help. Well, it didn’t work, did it? Now, I’ll never find my bride. (sighs) You know, this is partially your fault , son. My fault? What did I do?
Sultan: Anahita:
Narrator 1: Sultan: Queen: Servants 1 and 2: Prince: Queen:
Sultan: Queen: Prince: Queen: Prince:
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Nothing . And that’s the problem. If you liked that girl, you should have gone up to her yourself. Your mother is right, Prince Navid. But I’m shy . But you’re 30. It’s time to speak up for yourself. Your mother is right. We can all learn from this. I declare this party over! The party is finished. Everyone clear out! As all the partygoers left the palace, Anahita raced as fast as she could. I have to get home before my sisters do! The diamond anklets were slowing her down so she took them off and threw them into the water trough where the horses drank. Neigh! What did you do that for?
Queen:
Servant 1: Prince: Queen:
Sultan:
Servant 2: Narrator 2: Anahita: Narrator 3:
Horse:
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Scene 6:
After the Ball
Setting:
The sisters’ house
Narrator 1:
Fleet of foot, Anahita reached her house a full two minutes before her sisters did. The genie returned her to the rags. The sisters were none the wiser. How did the ball go? It was amazing. The prince asked me to marry him, but I said no. Really? The prince asked you to be his bride? But I turned him down. You turned the prince down? Why do you keep repeating everything, Anahita? Are you deaf? Did you enjoy the ball, Roshni? Of course, I did. The prince asked me to marry him, too. He did ? Don’t sound so surprised, Anahita. I’m incredibly beautiful.
Anahita: Somaya:
Anahita:
Somaya: Anahita: Roshni: Anahita: Roshni: Anahita: Roshni:
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Anahita: Roshni: Anahita: Roshni: Somaya:
So you’re going to marry the prince? No. I turned him down. Really? He’s not good enough for me. Well, what are you just standing around for, Anahita? Get us some mint tea. And some pistachio cake. So life went back to normal, with Somaya and Roshni lying around all day and Anahita doing all the work. Her only breaks from her life of misery was when the mean sisters left the house. Then, Anahita would ask the genie for whatever she needed and dance around her bedroom until her cruel sisters returned.
Roshni: Narrator 2:
Narrator 3:
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2:
Scene 7:
Find that Girl!
Setting:
The Sultan’s Palace
Narrator 3:
Meanwhile at the palace, Prince Navid was busy talking to his favorite horse.
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Prince: Horse: Prince: Horse: Prince: Horse: Prince: Horse:
So, you see, I really like that girl. Neigh! And I’ll never see her again! Neigh! Cause I have no idea where to find her. Neigh! Neigh! Neigh! Woah, boy! Calm down! Neigh! Neigh! Neigh! He’s been like that all day. And he’s refused to drink any of the water in his trough. Is there something in the water that is scaring you, horse? Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. It’s like he’s trying to tell me something. So the prince looked into the water trough. There’s something in it!
Guard 1: Guard 2:
Prince:
Horse:
Prince: Narrator 2: Prince:
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Horse: Prince: Horse: Prince: Horse: Queen:
Neigh neigh neigh neigh! (taking it out of the water) It’s the diamond anklet! Neigh neigh neigh! The diamond anklet that belonged to the girl! NEIGH!!!!!! (entering) What is all this ruckus? Why is the horse making so much noise? Neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh neigh. The beautiful girl’s anklet was in the water trough? NEIGH!!!!!! Mother, at last I have some chance of finding the girl I was too shy to speak to at the party. But as usual, I need your help. I must find the girl whose ankle fits perfectly in this anklet. When I have found her, I will have found my bride. Neigh Neigh! Can you help, Mom?
Horse:
Queen:
Horse: Prince:
Horse: Prince:
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Queen:
Of course I can help, but you need to help yourself, too. I’ll organize the search party but you will have to be the one to ask the girl to marry you. But I’m shy . If you want to be married, you need to get over that. Can’t I ask his bride to marry him so that our shy son doesn’t have to? No. Remember when you tried that the last time? I scared her off. And there is a larger point here, Husband. Our son needs to grow up. The queen is right. So true!
Prince: Queen:
Sultan:
Queen:
Sultan: Queen:
Servant 1: Servant 2:
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Scene 8:
The Prince Has to be Brave
Setting:
The streets of Persepolis
Narrator 1:
With the queen at the helm, the King’s guards and servants fanned out across the village. Each girl in Arabia tried on the anklet, but nobody’s ankle fit. We have been to so many houses. And we have not found anyone whose ankle fits perfectly in this anklet. Sigh. Let’s stop at the souk for some cool lemonade. While they passed the flower stall, the villager who worked there asked all about their business. Cause I’m nosy. If you had to sit at a flower stall all day, you’d be nosy, too. So, you see, we just can’t find the girl.
Guard 1:
Guard 2:
Narrator 2:
Villager 1: Villager 2: Guard 1: Villager 3: Guard 2: Villager 2:
A word of advice. Visit the shack belonging to the three sisters. The three sisters? Roshni, Somaya and Anahita.
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Villager 1: Guard 2: Villager 2: Guard 1: Villager 1: Villager 2: Villager 1: Villager 2: Narrator 3:
Now, listen carefully: Anahita’s the girl. The girl? The girl the prince wants to marry. How do you know? Trust us. Forget about the other two. Roshni and Somaya are horrid. It’s the third girl you want. The guards were so tired from the heat of the day, that by the time they reached the girls’ shack... they could not remember the name of the girl
Narrator 2:
Narrator 1: Narrator 3: Guard 1: Roshni: Guard 2:
that the Prince loved. Instead they asked.
Is Roshni in? Who’s askin’? Prince Navid.
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What does he want? He wants to marry uh…. (to Guard 2) can you remember the name? (to Guard 1) Somaya ---or was it Roshni? (to Guard 2) Roshni? Or was it some other name? Which was it? We’re getting old here. The prince wants to marrry...Roshni! I knew it!!! Is he blind ? I’m going to be a princess! Now, just one thing. You have to try this diamond anklet on before it all becomes official. And the anklet has to fit. No problem! That tiny anklet is never going to fit your ankle, Roshni! (to the guards) Can we add an extender or something?
Somaya: Guard 1: Guard 2: Guard 1: Somaya: Guard 1: Roshni: Somaya: Roshni: Guard 2: Guard 1: Roshni: Somaya:
Roshni:
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Guard 2: Guard 1: Somaya: Guard 2:
No extenders allowed! It has to wrap perfectly around your ankle. Well, it doesn’t! Perhaps we were mistaken. Perhaps it was not Roshni he was in love with. Perhaps it was… Somaya? Try on the anklet. But again the anklet did not fit. Are you saying that we have both been asked to marry Prince Navid twice ? And both times our marriage proposals have been broken? What “both times?” We have asked each of you just once. The first time was at the ball, y’all! Prince Navid had the nerve to ask us both to marry him. And then he pretended that he didn’t!
Somaya: Guard 2: Narrator 1: Roshni:
Somaya:
Guard 1: Guard 2: Somaya: Roshni:
Somaya:
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Narrator 2:
By now, Anahita had entered the room to do her daily mopping of the floor. We must ask for the third girl in the house. That would be me. What is your name? Anahita! Anahita! That is the girl we were told was the girl! We were told the other girls were horrid! What!? And it’s true! No offense, girls. Offense taken ! Just then Prince Navid arrived at the door. He took one look at Anahita. Even in her rags and with a mop in her hand, he knew she was the girl he loved. That is the girl! The girl of my dreams! Who, me? Or me?
Guard 1: Anahita: Guard 1: Anahita: Guard 2:
Guard 1: Somaya and Roshni: Guard 2: Somaya and Roshni: Narrator 3:
Narrator 1:
Prince Navid: Somaya: Roshni:
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Prince Navid: Somaya and Roshni: Prince Navid:
Neither of you. Get to steppin’, please. What?! The girl with the mop in her hands. I’m sorry, but I never learned your name. I’m Anahita. Anahita. A beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Awwww. Anahita, will you marry me? Prince, we have to follow procedures. We have to try on the anklet. I don’t care if the anklet fits. I want to ask her to marry me. We have to make sure the anklet fits.
Anahita: Prince Navid:
Guards 1 and 2: Prince Navid: Guard 1:
Prince Navid:
Guard 2:
On the orders of the Queen. Just then the Queen arrived. Did somebody say the Queen?
Narrator 2: Queen: Prince Navid: Queen:
Mother, I have found the beautiful Anahita. Let her try on the anklet to make sure she is the girl from the party.
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Narrator 3: Guard 2: Guard 1: Prince:
So Anahita tried on the anklet. It fits perfectly! She is the girl! She is the girl! And now, I will ask you once again to marry me. No need to ask, son. Who would turn down a prince? I would. I would, too. Anyway, he has already asked her. I want to ask again, to practice my courage. I’m listening. Anahita, ever since I saw you, I have wanted to marry you. You look like a very
Queen:
Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Prince:
Anahita: Prince:
kind girl. Will you marry me? Yes, Prince I will marry you.
Anahita: Queen:
So come with us now to the palace. We shall have the wedding this evening.
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Narrator 1:
Anahita left at once with the Queen and Prince Navid. She was so happy that she forgot all about her old flower pot And the genie inside it. I don’t need it anymore. I have everything I’ve ever wanted.
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3: Anahita:
Scene 9:
The Sisters Find the Genie
Setting:
The sisters’ house
Narrator 1:
Meanwhile, Somaya and Roshni were at home, spending all their money on take- out food. I don’t know how to cook! Well, I don’t know how to cook either! I can’t believe Anahita left us. And all we have to remember her by is this dumb old flower pot we found in her room. We have to take revenge on Princess Anahita. Don’t say that!
Somaya: Roshni: Somaya: Roshni:
Somaya:
Genie:
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Roshni: Somaya:
Who was that? It was a voice that came from the flower pot! Whoops! Wait a second! This flower pot has a genie inside of it! That means we can make magic! And that means we can have our revenge. Oh no! I know how this genie stuff works. All I have to do is wish for something and the genie is required to give it to me. Sad, but true. Then, wish for something bad, something really bad for Anahita! Give me beautiful diamond and pearl hair pins that have poison in them. I don’t like this. I have my own relationship with Anahita and I’m going to need you to respect that.
Genie: Roshni:
Somaya: Roshni: Genie: Somaya:
Genie: Roshni:
Somaya:
Genie:
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The Magic Anklet
You don’t have to like it, Genie. Make the poisonous hair pins. Do it , Genie. And so the genie reluctantly produced the poisonous hair pins. Forgive me, dear Anahita!
Somaya:
Roshni: Narrator 2:
Genie:
Scene 10:
The Sisters Take Their Revenge
Setting: The Sultan’s Palace
Narrator 3:
The next day, the sisters went to the palace and asked to meet with Anahita. Hello, sisters. I’m surprised to see you here. We’ve been thinking, and reflecting and doing a lot of growing. Since yesterday ? We want to start over. You’re our sister. We love you, Anahita. We know you don’t believe us, but we wanted to give you this gift for your wedding day.
Anahita:
Somaya:
Anahita: Roshni:
Somaya:
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The Magic Anklet
Narrator 1: Roshni:
Anahita opened the present. Just some hair pins we bought at the souk. They’re beautiful. Why don’t you put them on? We would love to see them in your beautiful hair. Very well, then. If you insist. Here, let me help. And the sisters started sticking the pins into Anahita’s hair. Ouch, it hurts! The moment the hair pins were in Anahita’s hair, she turned into a dove. It worked! It worked! Good luck marrying the prince now , Anahita! cooo cooo cooo Don’t worry, Anahita. You’re still beautiful.
Anahita: Somaya: Roshni:
Anahita: Somaya: Narrator 2: Anahita: Narrator 3:
Somaya: Roshni: Dove: Somaya:
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The Magic Anklet
Roshni:
The only problem is you’re a beautiful... bird. Really exquisite... But, you know, a bird . And last time I checked, princes don’t marry birds. Sorry, sis! cooo cooo cooo I can’t understand you. coo coo coo coo coo cooo ccooooo We still don’t get it. Talk in English . coo coo coo coo coo cooo cooooo Just then, Prince Navid came in the room. Somaya! Roshni! What are you doing here? We’re trying to get rid of this annoying bird! Shoo bird! Shoo bird! Get out of here! Scram!
Somaya: Roshni: Somaya:
Roshni: Dove: Somaya: Dove: Roshni: Dove: Narrator 3: Prince Navid:
Somaya:
Roshni:
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The Magic Anklet
Narrator 1:
And they chased the dove out the open window. Where is Princess Anahita? Sit down, prince. We’ve got some bad news. Did something happen to Anahita? My darling! coo coo coo coo What is that cooing sound? It’s coming from outside. It’s just that annoying bird. Shut the windows for heaven’s sake. That beautiful bird! It’s exquisite! Whatever. It’s a bird , Prince Navid. Focus up. We’re about to tell you some bad news about Anahita. coo coo coo coo What happened to Anahita?
Prince Navid: Somaya: Roshni: Prince Navid: Dove: Prince Navid: Somaya: Roshni: Prince Navid: Roshni:
Somaya:
Dove: Prince Navid:
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The Magic Anklet
Dove: Roshni: Prince Navid:
coo coo coo coo She up and left you.
She left me? Is that what you said? I can barely hear because of that beautiful dove singing. coo coo coo coo Are you deaf ? Yes, she left you. She told us to tell you that she was sick and tired of your princely ways. And she wishes you the best, but she’s out of here. coo coo coo coo She said that? Yes...and don’t try to find her... because she hates your guts. coo coo coo coo COOO COO COO I see. I think I’d like to be alone now. We’ll be here if you need us. That is not likely.
Dove: Somaya: Roshni:
Somaya:
Dove: Prince Navid: Roshni: Somaya: Dove: Prince Navid: Roshni: Prince Navid:
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The Magic Anklet
Somaya:
We’re grieving, too! Anahita was our kid sister. We’re going to stay right here as long as it takes.
Roshni:
Until we feel better. Okay? Can we order room service? Excuse me. I need to be alone. And he ran out of the room.
Somaya: Roshni: Prince Navid: Narrator 3:
Scene 11:
The Prince and the Dove
Setting:
The Sultan’s Palace
Narrator 1:
For many years, Prince Navid stayed in his bedroom, crying and missing the beautiful Anahita. He would sit by the window looking out at the world. And wondering what he did wrong. Why did you leave me Anahita? Why? Why? And always, always, a beautiful dove would fly to his windowsill and listen to him for hours as he talked and talked.
Narrator 2:
Narrator 3: Prince Navid:
Narrator 1:
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The Magic Anklet
Prince Navid:
( to the dove) So you see, I had to work up my courage to ask her to marry me. coo coo cooo coooo And yes, I was surprised to hear that she loved me too. coo coo cooo coooo And for a few days, we were so happy. coo coo cooo coooo At least I thought we were. coo coo cooo coooo If I only knew what mistake I made! There was a knock at the door. The Sultan and Queen entered the room. Son, we are worried about you. It has been years since Anahita left. Don’t rush me! Here you are, spending each day, in your bedroom talking to a dove. It isn’t healthy for you, my son.
Dove: Prince Navid: Dove: Prince Navid: Dove: Prince Navid: Dove: Prince Navid: Narrator 2: Queen: Sultan: Prince Navid: Queen:
Sultan:
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The Magic Anklet
Queen:
It isn’t healthy for the dove either. I mean, the dove should really be spending time with other doves. coo coo cooo coooo And the dove is very beautiful, but it’s very noisy. It’s not noisy. The dove coos. It’s a beautiful sound. Son, I know you’re fond of the bird. But it’s a bird . Not a person . A bird . It’s a beautiful bird . But it’s still just a bird . Meanwhile we have real problems to attend to. Those sisters of Anahita are eating us out of house and home. They have been staying in Anahita’s bedroom ever since she left.
Dove: Sultan:
Prince Navid:
Queen:
Sultan: Queen: Sultan: Queen: Sultan:
Queen:
Sultan:
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The Magic Anklet
Queen: Sultan: Queen: Sultan: Queen:
Ordering around the servants, getting massage treatments and manicures, basically living like royalty. We need you to come back to earth and resume your duties, son. And it starts with breaking ties with that bird. For the first time, Prince Navid took the gentle dove in his hands to protect it. It’s a dove. A dove ! But as soon as he held the dove, he noticed something hard and shiny in the bird’s feathers. Is that a….hairpin? coo coo cooo coooo Husband, our son has gone insane. He thinks a dove is wearing a hair pin. And there’s another hairpin! This dove has two diamond hairpins.
Sultan:
Narrator 3:
Prince Navid: Narrator 1:
Prince Navid: Dove: Queen:
Prince Navid:
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The Magic Anklet
Queen: Sultan: Narrator 2:
Call the mental hospital, Husband! I have it on speed dial! Prince Navid gently removed the two hairpins from the dove. And as soon as he did, the dove turned back into... Anahita! Anahita told everyone what had really happened. We have lost years of happiness together, but at least we can begin again starting right now. Absolutely. But first, I have just one visit to make. I think I know what it is! You go, girl!
Narrator 3:
Queen, Prince Navid and Sultan: Narrator 1:
Prince Navid:
Anahita:
Sultan: Queen:
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The Magic Anklet
Scene 12:
Anahita Has Her Say
Setting:
The Sultan’s Palace
Narrator 2:
So Anahita ran down to her palace bedroom and knocked on the door. Is that room service? Or our masseuse? Or the hairdresser? Anahita disguised her voice and said, The hairdresser. Roshni and Somaya were getting a facial and had cucumber slices over their eyes. It reduces puffiness. So they could not see that it was Anahita who entered. Today, I have a very special treat for your hair. It is a coconut hair mask? Or a rose petal hair conditioner? It is something even more special.
Roshni: Somaya: Narrator 3: Anahita: Narrator 1: Somaya: Narrator 2:
Anahita:
Roshni: Somaya: Anahita:
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The Magic Anklet
Somaya:
More special than a rose petal hair conditioner? Me first! Me first! Certainly, after all, you are the eldest. Wait! How did you know that I was the--- Anahita stuck one diamond hair pin in Roshni’s hair and the other in Somaya’s. You go, girl! Turning both instantly into doves. (as a dove) coo coo coo coo COOO What’s that? coo coo coo cooo COOOOO Sorry, I have no idea what you’re saying. Shoo bird! Get out of here! Scram! And don’t come back! And leave me and my beautiful bride alone!
Roshni: Anahita: Roshni: Narrator 3: Narrator 1: Genie: Narrator 2: Roshni:
Anahita: Somaya: Anahita:
Queen: Sultan: Prince Navid:
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The Magic Anklet
Narrator 3:
And they shooed the doves out of the bedroom. And until this day, two doves fly high over the desert, complaining of their hard luck. coo coo coo cooo cooo Sorry, we can’t understand you. The End.
Narrator 1:
Narrator 2: Somaya and Roshni:
Narrator 2: Narrator 3:
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