Rama's garden

Rama's garden

This sketch is based on an Indian parable. Rama's friends creep into his garden at night to discover what is behind his new fence, but each discovers only part of the truth.

CHARACTERS: ALI, KARIM, SANJI, KRIS

COSTUME: The characters in this sketch could be dressed in long flowing robes and turbans. However, it should be carefully considered whether this style of dress might cause unintended offence. Likewise, the use of Indian accents should be considered carefully.

		ALI	Greetings, Karim. Greetings, Sanji.
		KARIM	Greetings.
		SANJI	Greetings to you.
		ALI	Where is Kris?
		KARIM	I do not know. My eyes have not been graced with his appearance since last we met.
		SANJI	Nor mine. Perhaps he is delayed.
		ALI	That is of no consequence. Let us get on with our business. Did either of you discover anything?
		KARIM	Well, after our meeting, when you reported those strange noises in Rama's garden, I decided to check for myself.
		SANJI	Very wise.
		KARIM	It is indeed true that Rama has built a high fence around his garden and there are peculiar noises coming from inside. So, last night, I waited until it was dark and there was no-one around. Then I made my way to Rama's land and climbed the fence into the garden. Carefully, for I did not wish to be seen, I crawled on my hands and knees until I found it.
		SANJI	What did you find?
		KARIM	I am not sure what it is that causes the noise but Rama is building a sturdy platform for it. In the dark I felt around and discovered four solid tree trunks, one at each corner of the platform. Quickly, for I thought I heard someone coming, I scrambled away into the darkness and over the fence again.
		SANJI	Whatever it is Rama is hiding behind that fence, it is obviously very valuable. He has hired guards to protect it.
		KARIM	How do you know?
		SANJI	You were not the only one to go exploring last night. I, too, climbed carefully into Rama's garden to see what I could find. There was no moonlight to see by, but in the dark I felt the sharp, curved spears of the soldiers. Lucky for me, I crept as quietly as a spider or they would surely have heard me and impaled me with their weapons.
		ALI	Whilst not wishing to contradict your esteemed opinion, nevertheless I must say that you both have grasped the wrong end of the rope.
		KARIM	What do you mean?
		SANJI	What is it you know from which our minds are still veiled?
		ALI	I know the secret of the strange noise. You see, I too climbed Rama's fence late last night and explored his garden. I was not so scared that I crawled along the ground. Nor was I afraid of any guards I might meet. No! I walked boldly across the garden with my arms in front of me, until I discovered what Rama is hiding there.
		KARIM	And ... ?
		SANJI	Yes ... ?
		ALI	It is ... (pauses for effect) ... a rope!
		KARIM	Why would he build a platform for a rope?
		SANJI	Why would he guard it?
		KARIM	And how can a piece of rope make a noise?
		ALI	I do not know, but I know this; when I pulled on the rope I heard the noise. Perhaps it is a magic rope?
		SANJI	So! Why would Rama need a hosepipe for a rope?
		ALI	What is your meaning, esteemed wise one (aside) who has temporarily allowed his senses to search for a more suitable home.
		SANJI	As I crept away from the guards I came across a length of hosepipe dangling there. It was still wet. (sarcastic) Perhaps Rama is watering the rope to make it grow.
		KARIM	And why would he need to feed a rope?
	Exasperated.	ALI	Now there are two lots of senses searching for accommodation!
		SANJI	Kindly explain yourself, honourable friend.
		KARIM	As I crawled away from the platform I discovered that Rama is putting out food for his secret noisemaker. I put my hand in it. It is true that it did not taste too delicate but it was freshly cooked - still hot and steaming!
	The three begin to argue
		ALI	But did it make a noise, this gastronomic delicacy that you have been so fortunate to put your hand in?
		KARIM	Well ...
		SANJI	And why would Rama put the food on the floor when whatever it is is up on the platform? Perhaps it was the guards' supper.
		KARIM	Perhaps the rope operates a pulley so that the food can be hoisted up to the platform.
	Speaking simultaneously, they each begin to expound their own particular theories.
		ALI	I fear that neither of you have appreciated the significance of the rope. You see, my grandfather once met a man with a mystical rope which he threw willy-nilly into the air. This rope, which had been enchanted by a holy man, could dance and sing. It could play the sitar oh so beautifully. And in its spare time it used to juggle! Rama has discovered just such a rope, I am sure.
		SANJI	The platform is obviously home for some awesome creature that Rama has discovered. But Rama is so fearful - he is not so brave as some of us - that he is afraid to deliver its food and leaves it lying on the ground. If the rope has any significance at all, it is to tie up the creature to prevent it from breaking loose and wreaking havoc in the neighbourhood. That is why there is a fence.
		KARIM	Personally, I think Rama is very selfish to be keeping all his new found wealth to himself. It is as clear as holy water from the sacred river that Rama has come into some money and he does not wish for the fact to be widely known. Why else would he build a fence so high? And why else would he need to guard his garden? If there is any kind of creature in the garden it is most surely to frighten away those who discover Rama's secret riches.
	Kris enters while they are still speaking.	KRIS	Greetings, Ali.
		ALI	Greetings.
		KRIS	Greetings, Karim.
		KARIM	Greetings.
		KRIS	Greetings, Sanji.
		SANJI	Greetings.
		KRIS	My humble apologies for arriving late. Is it a private argument or can anybody join in?
		ALI	We were discussing what makes the strange noise in Rama's garden.
		KRIS	Oh, you mean his new elephant.
	Slowly, together	ALI, SANJI & KARIM	His elephant?
		KRIS	Yes. Rama is keeping it in his garden.
		ALI	But how do you know this?
		KRIS	I've seen it.
		SANJI	Can you see in the dark?
	Puzzled	KRIS	No.
		SANJI	So how did you see Rama's elephant?
		KRIS	It was daytime.
		KARIM	But, if it was broad daylight, did no one see you climbing over the fence?
		KRIS	No.
		KARIM	But why not?
	Suggests	ALI	Because you used magical powers?
		SANJI	Because you blinded them with science?
		KRIS	No. None of those.
	Together	ALI, SANJI & KARIM	Well?
		KRIS	Because I went through the gate.
	Exit Ali, Sanji & Karim, muttering and arguing
- END -