A Comedy King of the garbage collectors Written by El Sayed Hafez Time : Dawn, blue lights, 260 of the Hegra calender. Location: A Damascus suburb. A heap of Garbage in front of a simple hut.(Zâater enters finding Saâd; two men working for Kassam El-Turab). Saâd separates the garbage. Zâater: What are you doing Saâd? Saâd : What do you think I'm doing? Separating the garbage of the ruler,the traders and all the rich. Zâater: what about the poor's? Sâad : It is yours. It smells strongly. I wonder the poor are poor even in their garbage. Zâater: As if you're one of the rich. Sâad : Thank God, I'm satisfied. Zâater: Here are fruits, rice and meat. Sâad : and a remainder of grilled lamb in the judge's and another one with rice in the ruler's. Zâater: (Looking at garbage of the poor). This is Amm Mansour's; the donkey's dyer. There is nothing but rotten bread, listen Saâd, let's do just as Kassam said; if you find something that can be eaten in the rich's, give it to the poor whose garbage screams. Saâd: Through garbage, you can identify the class of each house. Zâater: You're sticking to Moalem* Kassam's orders. Saâd:Kentish, Kentish, you ugly Kentsh. Kentish: (enters) yes Boss. Saâd: You know the house of Amm Mansour, the donkey's dyer? Kentish: Yes. Saâd : Take this for him and give him Moalem Kassam's regards. Zâater : hurry up. Kentish: O.K. (runs with the wrap). Zobida : (off stage) Boil the tea Mariam then come out here. Mariam : O.K. Mom (off stage). Zobida: Don't forget to awake your brother, Walid, or he will continue sleeping like yesterday. Mariam : (off stage) O.K. Mom. Zobida: (on stage) Good morning Saâd good morning Zâater. Saâd: Good morning, Om* Mariam, the great woman of El-Sham*. Zobida: No, El-Sham is full of great women. It is just a result of this false time. Zâater: Where is Moalem Kassam? Zobida: He is coming. Saâd did you finish your job? Saâd: Yes, and I took the useful things from the riche's then distributed it among the poor, just as he said. Zâater: Don't worry. Om* Walid we are doing just as he ordered. Zobida: If he got the chance he would do more. Saâd: He could have the chance to steal the Rich's palaces. But he always says cursed money spoils and takes a way with it good money . He is right. (Two policemen enter) Policeman I: Where is Kassam El-Turab? Zobida: That is not the right way to say good morning. Policeman II : Stop it Zobida, where is your husband? Zobida: How dare you, my name is Om Walid and Moalem is Abu* Walid and his real name is Abu-EL Regal. Damn you, not Kassam El - turab Saâd : Oh God what a morning ! ( bares his upper arms for fighting ) Zâater: What is wrong, why do you want Moalem Kassam? Policeman I: Taxes. Zobida: Taxes! Oh God Why? he doesn't trade with gold or diamonds, it's garbage and dust. Policeman II: He should pay taxes for this too. Saâd : It is O.K. if you take taxes on gold and silver trade. Zâater: Taxes on exporting and importing are O.K. too. Zobida: But taxes on garbage. Policeman II : Your husband Kassam El-Turab is the master of The garbage collectors and he should pay a Sahtoot* on every collection . Zobida: Sahtoot, God takes you for good. Policeman II: Where is Kassam, Om Walid we have to go? Zâater: You are sure kidding. How come you take taxes from the garbage collectors ? ! Mansour: Help!! (enters followed by a policeman) help . Zâater: Why he should pay taxes too, he already takes nothing but a Sahtoot from anyone who needs dying for his donkey. Policeman III: You donkey's dyer, should pay and you will Mansour: How could I ? Policeman III: Raise your prices so you take from your customer and pay for the Diwan*. Zâater : That is impossible! even the donkey's dyer ! Policeman III: Stop talking, you double-tongued . Zâater: You should keep your mouth shut, you Sultan's policeman Mansour: Help me! The druggist raised the dye's price and told me it is a new tax so I did pay a Sahtoot. Now they want a Sahtoot for each donkey and I take it back from everyone who wants to dye his donkey . Mariam: (enters with cups of tea) Tea is ready mom . (surprisingly sees the policemen .) What is wrong ? What a morning Oh God what do they want ? Zobida: They imposed taxes on the garbage collectors. Saâd: Taxes on having dust and garbage !. Mariam: Where is dad ? Policeman III: (To Mansour) you, donkey's dyer . If you won't pay, then you should go to jail . Saâd : Here is Moalem Kassam. Zobida: Hurry up Moalem, hurry. Zâater : Guard us God and prevent bad consequences. Mansour: Help me Moalem Kassam. Policeman III: (laughing) . Saâd: (To P. III) what are you laughing at ? Policeman III: He asks Moalem Kassam for help as if he is a prince or a king . Saâd : He is the king of men . Policeman III: He is just a garbage collector . Saâd : No, he is the king of men and his job is a garbage collector Kassam: (enters, a strong man surrounded by boys ready to fight) . Mansour: Help me Moalem Kassam. I beg you (runs toward Kassam for protection) . Kassam: Leave him alone. Policeman III: Why ? let him, will you pay for him.? Kassam: Pay what ? Mariam: You won't believe . They want to impose taxes on garbage collectors . (all laughing) Kassam: It's a joke eh ? Zobida: No it is not . It is true . Kassam: True ! what is true ? taxes on garbage collectors . Policeman III: We will take one Sahtoot on each collection or Koffa*. Kassam : (laughs with others) stop (silence) who said that rubbish ? Policeman III: The judge ! Kassam : What ? which judge ? Policeman III : You mean you don't know Damascus judge . Kassam: Oh really ! Damascus has a judge ! (laughs with others) Policeman I: Stop it Kassam . Ghassan: Help ! help me Kassam . Policeman IV: Hurry up you double-tongued old man. Ghassan: God will punish you. A new tax is a real disaster. Kassam: Oh God! It is real that you are collecting new taxes then The Sultan's treasury is empty I suppose ! Policeman II: Stop talking Kassam. Ghassan: Every now and then they impose taxes with no limits. That is not fair. Policeman II: Kassam, stop your men . Taxes or disasters are non of their business . A ruler is a ruler. A minister is a minister. A judge is a judge and a garbage collector is a garbage collector. Each one has his own business. Kassam: You rude, one of the rich's dogs. They spoilt you . When you talk to men you should be decent and judge them by their dignity not by gold or silver . Zobida: (to kassam ) Hey, don't go on this way. Ghassan : I won't pay any more taxes. Every day and every minute you ask for fruits to one of the ministers or the princes or the drunk ruler, or anybody else . I am fed up, I won't pay I may give you fruits only, fruits and nothing else . Garbage collectors: God bless Amm Ghassan . Kassam : The great fruit dealer of El Sham . Your great heart is a garden for our love . You are a nobleman, may be old but patient . Policeman III: Kassam, you are playing with fire. Kassam : It is that. I won't accept the bitterness of degradation . I'm a dust-divider and could put off any fire by dust .(taking Saad away) What do you think Saad? You're my right hand and my eye on other workers to prevent them from stealing any house, thus disgracing garbage collectors . You are always an honest guard . Saâd: Moalem Kassam, you taught us while we are taking people's garbage, we should protect their dignity and honor. But these people go to the extreme we carry garbage and they want us to pay taxes as well. No, we won't pay. All people of El Sham are poor. We can hit them and destroy their houses . They are policemen but made of paper. Kassam: (leaving Saad to Zaater) come here Zaater. Zâater : Yes, Moalem Kassam . Kassam: What do you think, Saad says we hit them. Zâater : I think we should pay only today then we stop collecting the garbage for a day or more and may be for a month so they will regret it and beg us to collect the garbage and then we can ask for more money. Hitting is not a solution though we can beat them. But it is better to do it quietly. Kassam: You're always a man and can judge among us. Mariam : My father won't pay. Saâd: You all take each other and go away . Policeman IV: We want 7 Dinars from you Kassam and 3 from Mansour and we agree to take fruits instead of money from Ghassan we are so cooperative. Kassam: Stop it Saad . Zobida. Zobida : Yes. Kassam: (whispering) Give me ten dinars. Zobida : What are you saying ? Kassam: Say yes . Zobida : O.K. ( brings out her purse from her chest counting ten dinars) here ten. Kassam: Take these ten dinars from your aunt Zobaida. Seven for us and 3 for Amm Monsour. Don't forget to tell your judge that it is all what we have. From tomorrow me and all garbage collectors won't carry any garbage from anywhere. Keep the garbage in front of every house. I, Kassam El Turab king of men, ordered no garbage will be collected. No street will be cleaned whether from the house of the elite and the princes, the judge and the policemen or anyone else. We keep on like that till you decide to remit the taxes. (Zagrota* from Mariam and Zobida) Mariam: I'm proud of you, father. You made us something. They should stop destroying the poor by taxes. ( policemen leave with the money) ( dark ) (Scene 2) Time : After 3 days Saâd: Ugh, Ugh (laughing) only three days we stopped collecting the garbage, the police, the traders' boss, the princes and all the elite are screaming "Ugh, Ugh". Zâater: We have beaten them without Violence Saad. Saâd: Dear Zaater, the policemen are made of paper, get used to eating apple wearing silk clothes and putting Turtur* on their head. They have bright Swords, but they are nothing. Zâater: Sometimes brain is good and an arm is nothing. Saâd: And sometimes an arm is good and brain is nothing. Zâater: Sometimes .. Sometimes . Saâd: Where is the boss? Mariam: ( appears bearing cups of tea) Good morning . Saâd: Good morning Sweaty. Mariam: ( Careless) Hello Saad . Zâater: You finished with tea; so the boss is awake now. Mariam: He is awake and had his breakfast. Kassam: (appears) Good morning guys. Saâd: Good morning boss. Have you heard the latest joke. Ugh, they all are walking with handkerchiefs on their nose ugh Kassam: Tell me about that. Zâater: The rich are screaming, asking where are the garbage collector's. ugh. Kassam: What anbout the poor ? Saâd: They were used to smelling such ugly smells, They are laughing at the rich. Kassam: And the taxes? Saâd: They always have meetings in the ruler's house or the judge's . Mariam: I'm afraid, father, something bad might happen to you . Kassam: Don't be afraid Mariam. Fear kills men and deform infants. God helps us because we have right. Zobida: (appears) Don't be afraid Mariam your father is the man of men . Saâd: Where is Walid ? Kassam: I sent him to Aleppo to know about Abu Zanati's attitude. Zobida : I don't like that man .. What do you want to know about him? Kassam: The whole Sham must be united. No garbage will be collected in Damascus or any other place in El Sham. Zobida : Damascus is enough, why care about the whole Sham? Kassam: I'm the boss of El Sham's garbage collectors and they should obey my orders every where. Mariam: You're right father . Saâd: So Walid is in Aleppo now. Kassam: He is about to come . Walid : (offstage) Am Kassam, Master of men. Kassam: That is Walid. Zobida : Why does he say Am Kassam ! ? he is your father, boy. Mariam: You know Walid likes to kid with father . Zobida : What did you do ? Hurry up out with it . Walid : Salam Alikom* All : Alikom Salam . Kassam: You did it or not ? Walid : I did it successfully. Mariam : What did you bring for me from Aleppo? Saâd: Any thing you want from Aleppo just tell me darling. Mariam : I'm asking my brother, Are you my brother ? Kassam : Saad is like your brother . Mariam : Like ! Saâd : O.K. Zobida : There was no time . He went and came back quickly . He brought nothing . Walid : I didn't go to Aleppo. I've met Abo Zanati and Abu Aide while they were coming to you dad to tell you their support and none of them will collect any garbage till you order. Kassam : They came with you then ? Walid : No, they went back home and they are telling you that Homs and Aleppo are with you . Mariam: That is great . Saâd: Yes , great. Shahbander*:(calling offstage ) Kassam .. Kassam ugh. Kassam: This is a strange voice . You women , go inside . Zobida : NO , not now. We want to listen to what is going to happen without overhearing . Kassam : As you like Zobida . Who is calling ? Shahbander: It is me . The trader's shahbander ugh, ugh . Zâater : Ugh on you . Kassam: Come in . Shahbander: (enters ) What is it Kassam ? (toward Zaater) Are you angry with me ? you have a problem with the ruler, the judge and the police so what did I do, I give you a dinnar a month and I can make it two Kassam: That is not the problem. Zâater : I'm not Kassam . He is the man who is talking to you. (Signing at Kassam) Shahbander: Sorry , I don't see well. Mr. Kassam. you don't want two dinnars every month ? Let it be a dinnar weekly . But please collect the garbage away from my house . My wife can't sleep my boys are sick . You know, I have nothing to do with the ruler or the judge. Kassam: Please, you pay them a dinnar every week and make them remit the taxes away from the poor. Sahabander: I already pay 20 dinnars a day in addition to taxes on any exports or imports. Kassam: I'm insisting. Shahbandar: Me and all the traders are ready to pay your taxes and you clean in front of our houses. Zâater: Why don't you pay for the policemen of the ruler and Fatimide to do this for you. Shahbandar: You are sure kidding, policemen are sweet gentlemen and they use perfume to smell good. What do you think Kassam? Kassam: You are the elite and you have the ability to solve it. Shah Bandar: So it is useless. Kassam: Once the taxes is remitted the garbage is collected. Shah Bandar: O.K. Kassam we will see (off stage) (All are laughing) Walid: What a fantasy. Mariam: The Shah Bandar, one of the elite comes to us right here. Zobida: Yes, here in front of the master of men, Kassam. Saâd: This is life. we should appreciate our selves. Kassam: Calm down Saâd (Light changes.) (Scene 3) Location: The same . Time: After a week. ( Noise on stage .. confusion .. policemen appear all over the stage) The policemen's leader: Kassam El-Turab . Kassam: (imitating) where is Kassam El-Turab? Leader: You provoked garbage collectors not to obey orders concerning taxes and collecting garbage. Kassam: I've already paid taxes. I can't do like Amm Ghassan and give you fruits but I can give you garbage or brooms . Amm Ghassan: (Soldiers enter) leader, every one of your men take fruits for himself besides taxes. Leader: Shut up, you old man, you have your turn. Mariam: You're not supposed to treat an old man impolitely. Leader: Who are you? his daughter? Mariam: He is like my father. My father is the man who cleans your dirt. Without him, you are rot. If he is absent, life loses its value. He is a garbage collector. My father is Kassam El- Turab. Leader: What a daughter, Kassam, you have a very beautiful and smart daughter. Zobida: God protect you Mariam from that evil eye. Leader: Kassam, you are under arrest because you provoked a riot. Judge: (enters) Here I have an order to arrest Ghassan El-Turab. Kassam: Ghassan or Kassam? Judge: (looks at a paper) Kassam or Ghassan .. Kassam .. Kassam El-Turab (all laughing) Where is he? (weak sighted). Kassam: Here I am. Judge: You are the one who left the garbage in front of houses and made the city a dirty one .. Damascus that was a paradise full of fruits and perfumes became rotten and dirty. Oh If I could kill you . Rebellion and disobedience, arrest him, leader. Walid: No one will arrest my father. Mariam: We will break any hand that touches him. Zobid: You can take us first, all, the garbage collectors in all of Damascus. Leader: That is another rebellion? Judge: Rebellion's penalty is execution, and getting in jail as well. Kassam: You won't arrest me or flog me or anything, you've said nonsense . when you talk to Kassam take care of your words. Leader: Is that a threat? Saâd : ( to the leader ) . This man has strong- powerful hand and tough heart, take care sweet heart, take your men and go peacefully, don't cause trouble. Leader: I warn you, boy, you have threaten me. Judge: Threatening's penalty is 100 dinnars. Leader: You should obey causing no trouble and without saying any word. Judge: You should also collect the garbage. Kassam: We; Kassam El-Turab, decided a week ago not to collect any garbage in front of the ruler's, the minister's and the police's houses till you remit the taxes. Judge: Oh you put yourself in a disaster. Taxes is an important order, no argue. Fatimide Azziz in Cairo is waiting for taxes. Taxes is the engine of the state. Walid : You, men of Kassam and El-Sham, hold your weapons and be ready for death. Unite the whole Sham Aleppo, Hema, Adlep, Homs, Damascus Swede, Dirzor, Reka, Beirut, Tribal all in one hand with Kassam. Saâd: (to the leader) I think you should go quietly and avoid trouble. Zâater: (to the judge) you, judge, go and clean your house and the court. Let it end peacefully. Judge: Me clean and collect the garbage ! Saâd: Why not? Judge: I am the judge. Zâater: But you are not busy. Mariam: Mother, I'm afraid they might put my father in jail and we will be vagabonds. Zobida: Don't be afraid. Leader: Your son and daughter would be in a real trouble, if you refused. Kassam: You can do nothing but talking. What do you think about fighting each other man to man. The winner has the right to inflict a penalty on the other. Saâd : (men of Kassam are Clapping their hands joyfully). That is right. Walid: Yes, leader, let's see. Zâater: Do it while you're awake neither tired nor drunk nor hungry. Come on knight of the knights, leader of policemen (The leader confused) Kassam : The judge will be a referee . Hand to hand and man to man. Judge: It is none of my business. Zobida: You have no business but marriage. Every week you get married to a sweet little girl with two purses full of gold. So you possess the girls for one night and divorce them and they have no right to marry again to be able to take an aid from the treasure house. Judge: You've no right to say that Zobida. Zobida: You know my name? What a Shame .! Judge: I might be your son-in-law. Zobida: My son-in-law ? Judge: Yes, for God's sake, Mariam is a very beautiful girl they told me so. But I found her the most beautiful girl. You should be proud Zobida. Mariam: Damn you, you old nosy man, marry me.! Judge: Either marry you or I kidnap you by myself Saâd: You humiliated yourself man, I'm ready to fight you, judge, man to man for Mariam as you said take her by yourself and your strength. Walid: What is the matter ? Why are you here ? What do you want ? Zobida: That big-nosed old man wants to marry, better go to your grave. How old are you? Judge: Only seventy. Man is judged by his ability not his age . You can ask women about me, Zobida bint* Setita. Kassam: Yes you're right, man is action* Now fight Saâd for Mariam . (garbage collectors scream) Judge: (taking Saâd aside) Listen Saâd. Saâd : Yes. Judge: We will act like fighting and you get defeated and I'll give you 1000 dinnar. Saâd : Only? Judge: A horse. Saâd : Only? Judge: A donkey? Saâd : Only? Judge: A camel. Saâd : Only? Judge: and a Roman slave maid. Saâd : Only. Judge: Listen, these are all things you can ride and I'll give you anything allowed to be ridden, I don't like practising incest, boy. Saâd : You are really fantastic. Judge: What do you think? Saâd : O.K .. Hey guys we agreed, the one who is defeated, should submit, isn't it judge? Judge: Yes I agree. Group: Yes. Saâd : This fight is for Mariam. Mariam: Father that is incredible. Kassam: Don't worry about Saâd. He is yours and you're his ( Special clapping of the men . Fight starts .. The judge tries to slap Saâd but Saâd boxed him and he fell down at a hit .. all are clapping ). Judge: Saâd that is not our deal ( judge tries to get up, Saâd hits him again ) Judge: You'll be finished and executed for your attempt on the judge's life. Leader: and that's while he is performing his duty. Kassam: Would you like to fight again, judge.? Judge: Yes (holding a policeman aside) Mansour if he defeated me take care if he did, before I fall down catch me and then kill him so he dies while resisting police . Saâd: Are you ready ? ( clapping their special clap) (the judge fights Saad then is defeated. Monsour, the policeman tries to thrust Saâd. But Walid and Zaater catch him and take him away then the judge falls ) Saâd: I defeated you. Mariam is mine, Mariam. the most beautiful girl. Judge: Treachery .. leave me alone .. catch them. all policemen. Catch this girl . The leader: Kassam, you shall collect the garbage at once and pay the taxes or you'll go to jail, You and all your men and family. Kassam: That is nonesense .. Hit their men. The leader: Arrest these men . ( A battle starts on stage . Kassam's men win while the judge and all of his men run away) ( Black out light - dark ) ( Flash could be used in the battle ) (Scene 4) (Barricades Surrounding the house in all the stage) ( Each man holds a broom, a Sword stones or Koffa ) Mariam: ( enters with cups of tea, serves men till she comes to Saad ) Tea Saâd. Saâd: Thanks Mariam ( sips ) it tastes good. Mariam: I want to tell you something Saad ? forget about what you said to the judge. Saâd: ( smiling ) I attained you by my arm I was ready to sacrifice my soul so that you don't marry that empty headed judge . Mariam: (laughs) What really did you do Saad ? Saâd: Nothing ; hit him Mariam: How could you hit the judge ? Saâd: For your sake. Mariam: Tell me Saad . Saâd: Yes darling, my sweet heart. Mariam: What did the judge tell you when he took you aside ? Saâd: He wanted to give me 1000 dinars, a house, a horse, a donkey, a camel and a Roman slave maid. Mariam: All these things were for you? Saâd: He wanted to defeat me to have you. Mariam: So you refused all these things for my sake? Saâd: Yes, for you Mariam. Mariam: Didn't you like to have a Roman slave maid? Suppose she is more beautiful than me. Saâd: No one is more beautiful than you. Mariam: Suppose I don't love you ? Saâd: It doesn't matter. The important thing is that no one can take you from me. Mariam: No one ? Saâd: No one Mariam: You can't marry my by force. Saâd: No I can't . Mariam: So what if I married someone else? Saâd: I would kill two of Fatimide Azziz's policemen, then I would kill myself (Both laugh ... Mariam moves towards other men) Kassam: ( talking to Zaater) Did you send messengers for highway men in Torfa and Zobidan mountains to ask them to help the garbage collectors and the scalers ? Zâater: Yes, and they sent their men to cut off the way on the Walis* and Fatimid Azziz's men. Kenish : (enters wearing a gold chain) Hello King of men . Kassam: What news have you brought ? Kenish : Every thing is O.K. Zâater: What is that around your neck? Kenish : It is a golden chain I found with one of the Fatimide Azziz's Askar. Kassam: What are you saying Kenish ? Kenish: Are you angry with me Moaleam? Kassam: So what do you think ? Shrill or joyfully dance because my men are wearing chains like women. Kenish: Princes and the elite wear gold chains. Kassam: They are robbers, we are not. Zâater : Calm dawn Moalem. Zobida : Take off this chains boy . Kenish : Oh yes you should tell me from the beginning that you want it without scolding me. Zâater: We will sell it to buy weapons and food Kenish. Kenish : That is something else. I'm a good man and I can understand this. I'm going to sell it and bring weapon and food. Don't be angry with me boss. Excuse me ( off stage ). Zobida : What is wrong Kassam? Kassam: I'm afraid Zobida; my men may wear silk and do like princes and elite so they would be made of paper men acting false. turn to as you seen, they would be spoilt and lose. Zobida : No, evil will be far apart. Zaater will take care of this matter. Zâater: You always consider me the judge of your men. don't worry, King of men . Kassam: I'm afraid, If you find them wearing gold chains, you may lose your Justice. Zâater: Nothing, even gold treasure, can make me lose my justice. Walid : ( runs in ) Father, father. Kassam: What is it Walid? Walid : The ruler with a thousand soldiers are coming. Kassam: It doesn't matter a thousand or more. Walid : They sent a messenger. Kassam: Who ? Walid : Two soldiers holding a white flag and the judge with them. Zâater: Deal with them . Mariam: Don't surrender, father. Zobida : Never . Kassam: Let them in Walid. Walid :Come in messengers of the Fatimide Azziz . The judge: (enters with two guards holding a white flag) . ( enters finding Mariam ) Hello Mariam. Kassam: Tell me what do you want to say messenger.? The judge: "From fatimide Azziz to Kassam El Turab .. Surrender for your safety .. Fatimide Azziz." .. (Tears the message) Kassam: Why did you tear it ? The judge: Instructions; The message should be torn after being read so history won't mention that Fatimid Azziz sent a message to a garbage collector called Kassam . How are you Om Mariam and how is you daughter ? Zâater: Answer him King of men . Kassam: You see Saad, Fatimide Azziz is afraid that history may write about Kassam the garbage collector. Saâd: He made a history already, judge. Where is the ruler ? Judge: There. Listen Kassam, Surrender and we will enchain you and your sons to go around the streets of El Sham then you travel to Cairo. If you don't surrender you should fight the army and your poor Mariam might be injured. Mariam: That is none of your business, don't worry about my injury or death . Kassam: I'll count to ten then we start the war arm to arm, sword to sword and man arm to man ( He counts .... ) ONE. The judge: Kassam, listen. Kassam: Two . The judge: You will lose your men . At least keep Mariam away from the battle . Kassam: Three. The judge: Kassam. Don't be stubborn. Kassam: Four. Walid: Get ready men. Kassam: Five. The judge: No boy, Zobida, rationalize your husband. Kassam: Six . Saâd : Hold your weapons . Kassam: Seven . The judge: (runs) Get ready soldiers. Kassam: Eight . The judge: Get weapons ready . Kassam: Nine. The policemen leader: Get ready to attack . Kassam: Ten . (A violent battle starts between Kassam with his men against Fatimide Azziz's men. The victory is for Kassam and his men ) ( Curtain ) (Scene 5) (Curtain opens on the ruler's Palace in Damascus. The ruler, the judge and the policemen's leader, all their hands are tied ) (The garbage collectors stand holding weapons instead of policemen) ( Kassam sits on the ruler's chair) ( Kassam stands holding a whip ) Kassam: (Waving with the whip) Is this the whip you hit people with, Is it ruler? The ruler: ( moaning ) Kassam: How disgraced oh ; I didn't touch you I'm just teasing you. You are the ruler, you should be tougher. The ruler: Listen Kassam. Walid : He is Amm Kassam, you double tongued. Zobida: Yes, he is the king of men The judge: The king of men .. Wrong .. There is only one king, one Caliph and one Prince; He is the Fatimide Azziz . Mariam: What is that ? So what is my father,s title? Walid: We have defeated you . History will write about that. Zobida: We hit you and your men who are made of paper . Kassam: Stop talking all of you . Saâd : When Amm Kassam talks, it is the best. Go on, Boss. Kassam: Mitwali, Mitwali( meaning the ruler) Mitwali. Ruler: What? Mitwali without a tittle . Judge: Remember Kassam! The ruler is a ruler and the garbage collector is a garbage collector and this is how it should go. Kassam: Good heavens! Who is talking Erfan, the rotten judge. It is me the ruler of El-Sham. That is the way it goes. Ruler: The Fatimide Azziz will be angry. Zobida: Oh, you really scared me! Mariam: Yes, How scary! Fatimide Azziz could be angry only with you. Walid: My father defeated you and the Fatimide Azziz's men . Ruler: You guy stop talking. I want to talk with Kassam man to man please. Judge: and I want to talk to you Kassam, in private. It is a very important matter concerning me and Mariam. Kassam: In private! Government is always spoilt by "in private" talks, whether a treachery a conspiracy or betrayal. Isn't it so Judge? Ruler: Give me a chance to talk with you Moalem Kassam; king of men. Kassam: Leave us alone. Me and Mitwali talk tête â- tête. Zâater: All of you go away.(All leave the stage) (only the ruler and Kassam). Ruler: Kassam. Kassam: Yes, Mitwali. Ruler: I'm the ruler not Mitwali. Improve your words to modify the position. Kassam: My name is king of the men Kassam and yours is Mitwali is not it so? Ruler: It doesn't matter. Listen , the Fatimide Azziz will be angry. He won't pass it over peacefully. Kassam: Oh really ! Ruler: Yes. Kassam: Oh don't tell.! Ruler: Yes for God's sake. Kassam: You are Mitalwi, the ruler who works for Fatimide Azziz, right? Ruler: Yes. Kassam: Right or wrong? Ruler: Right, right. Kassam: How clever you are! I won't envy you. Ruler: It is not the right time for kidding Kassam. Kassam: I kid whenever I want. Honestly ruler tell me your men are real soldiers or just lazy men. Ruler: I can't believe how could the garbage collectors defeat well-trained soldiers. Kassam: Garbage collectors are real men. Your soldiers are spoilt men holding their weapons for decoration and nothing but decoration. Ruler: Now Kassam, the Fatimide Azziz will turn it upside down. He will send troops and they will execute you, surely. Kassam: Fatimide Azziz won't pay your salary this month. It is me that I'll pay you, only me. Ruler: Oh, no. Kassam: I can't offer you a job without paying you for it, you will take as much as you work according to the new working system. Ruler: I beg you. Be merciful. I want to travel to Cairo to the Fatimide Azziz. If you want, I'll kiss your hand. Kassam: You want to go to the Fatimide Caliph. Ruler: Yes I beg you give me your hand to kiss it. Kassam: Kiss (the ruler kisses Kassam's) you've kissed it? well I don't agree on your travel. I need you here to work for me. Ruler: But I want to go to the Fatimide, Azziz in Cairo. Kassam: I told you we need you and you will work for us, that is an order. I need you to read letters and write orders. Either you obey or I put you in jail and you will be in a real disaster as you was doing. Zâater: (enters Whispering) Abu-Haian is out. Kassam: Really Abu-Haian. Who is Abu Haian? Ruler: Thank God. Abu-Haian is the Abbaside Caliph's chronicler and secretary of the Diwan. Kassam: Do you know him ? Ruler: He is a novelist and a great writer ; the best one to write history and also letters . you can hire him instead of me and let me go to Fatimide Azziz Kassam: No, you will stay here and help him . Ruler: How could I face people or walk and live like ordinary men? Kassam: Why not? You're not better than any citizen. Ruler: No I don't mean that. Kassam: Listen , you have one of three choices: First, to work as a garbage collector and clean the Attareen's Alley. Second, work as the secretary of the Diwan and the king. Third, work as a teacher for sons of the garbage collectors and teach them reading and writing. Ruler: I'm about to lose my mind . Zâater: Hurry up, choose, Amm Kassam; king has no time. Ruler: I don't know what to choose. Kassam: Call Abu-Haian in. Zâater: (loud) Abu-Haian, come in. Abu Haian: (enters. A fifty-year old man) Salam A likum Wa Rahmat Allah. Kassam: Wa A likum Abu-Haian. Ruler: How are you Abu-Haian. Tell him Abu-Haian you are the Abbaside Caliph's chronicler and know about history; tell him could a garbage collector be a king of men and face the Fatimide Azziz. Kassam: Yes tell him Abu-Haian. Tell Mitwali about Antar who was a shepherd then became a prince, Isn't it Abu-Haian? Ruler: But he didn't become a king or a Sultan. Kassam: So what is the difference tell him Abu-Haian about Antar. Abu-Haian: Your Majesty, history has strange and unexpected events. Kassam: Who is supposed to write history? Abu-Haian: Chroniclers. Ruler: Chroniclers like Abu-Haian. Abu-Haian: That is right. Kassam: so you write my history Abu-Haian Write about a garbage collector who defeated soldiers and govern the state, write all these events Abu-Haian. Saâd :(enters) Here is your tea, king of men, Moalem Kassam El-Turab. That is for you Hag* Abu- Haian. It is aromatic tea. Kassam: With fresh mint. Ruler: You write chronicler of Abbasid Caliph, about those people who enter as if they are living in an alley not with a Sultan. Kassam: What is wrong with that? The ruler or the king is an ordinary man. Tell him Abu-Haian. Abu-Haian: To tell the truth your Majesty. Kassam: Yes, tell me. Abu-Haian: Kings won't permit writing your history whatever it is .. Whatever you achieved or succeeded .. If you were a trader, an officer or even a soldier, it could pass but excuse me it can never be a garbage collector. Ruler: That's what I told him. You see Kassam. Abu-Haian: I came here to tell you that the Abbaside Caliph supports you and will help you to liberate the country from the Fatimides and be under the Abbaside rule. These are some presents for you (claps) presents .. (as a slave enters holding boxes with different sizes). Saâd: Oh wao. Zobida: (enters with a censer) God protects you and saves you from evil Kassam El-Turab king of men. Zâater: (looking at the presents) Gold, ruby and corals. Kassam: What is all that? What should I do with it. Ruler: (whispering) take it and thank him. king's presents never return. Kassam: You think so. Ruler: Yes. Kassam: Listen Abu-Haian. I don't need money or jewelry or corals .. I don't know what to do with it? Ruler: Kassam .. I mean king of the men I want to tell you that .. Kassam: Listen Abu-Haian, I don't like gold or corals. Abu-Haian: You are now the king of El-Sham you need to empower your men. Kassam: It is not by gold you can make men Abu- Haian. Zobida: Kassam .. Kassam come here I want to tell you something. Kassam: Excuse me (aside) what is it, woman? Zobida: You can take a gold earring and an anklet for Mariam when she gets married. Kassam: What a woman's talk. What is wrong with you, Zobida? What should I do with gold? Zobida: No one could refuse it. Kassam: When everything settles down, I'll buy her whatever you want. Zobida: You are the ruler of El-Sham and the only responsible.(calls ) Mitwali. Ruler: Yes. Kassam: No don't go I need you. Ruler: Here I am. Kassam: What exactly does the ruler do except for the slaves and maids and that beautiful palace, tell me what is his exact role? Ruler: Direct the country. Kassam: How is that? you couldn't handle it, poor man when we stopped collecting the garbage just for 3 days and the country got rotten, so how could you direct the country. Abu-Haian: (realizing the situation) keep this gold and money with you, you'll need it . when you need anything from Abbaside Caliph just sent for it . Peace on the king of men Kassam EL turab . Kassam: Wait Abu Haian, tell me (aside) Is it difficult to be a ruler. Abu Haian: (Laughs) No, it is the easiest thing . Kassam: How is that ? Abu Haian: Any one who complains send him to the judge. Kassam: The judge, he is not a real judge. can you believe it, he has 137 children and every week he marries a young girl then divorce her. Abu Haian: We know .. you can change him . Kassam: And employ another; like who ? Who do you think is qualified to be a judge.? Abu Haian: A man who could understand, serious in work, just, self possessed and not hasty. Kassam: That is Zaater. No one is like him in mind and judging. Abu Haian: So it is Zaater .. excuse me your majesty (out) Kassam: (looks at the ruler) Mitwali, I will appoint Zaater the judge. Ruler : Zaater, a judge, oh God my head, How could it be, Zaater a judge !! Kassam: He is not a thief or greedy or empty minded. He has sound mind. He always solve the problems among garbage collectors. He is always the judge. Ruler : That is not enough. Kassam: It is enough. Write this order Snaky. Ruler : From Kassam El Turab, king of men an order for Zaater to be the judge (write's the order and handles it to one of the soldiers) Saâd : (Enters with a flag in his hand) Is that a flag ?. The leader of policeman: That is the country's flag. How dare you garbage collectors, to step on it. Kassam: You are angry because they Stepped on the country's flag . The leader: It is Fatimide Azziz's flag. Kassam: Change the flag. Ruler : Change the flag ! How is that ?! Flags are deposited in trust. Kassam: O.K. If it is so , Send the old flag to the Fatimide Azziz's soldiers and tell him to give it to the poor to use it in making clothes and other things. Ruler : How is that ? A country without a flag. can't be a country. Kassam: Well, we make new flag. Ruler : New flag?! Kassam: Yes, new flag . I'll design and paint it to be a wonderful unprecedented flag. Ruler : What will you paint on it, garbage? Kassam: No I'll paint a broom and a Kuffa . Ruler : (laughs) Really ?! a flag with a broom and a Kuffa . The leader: (Laughs) It's a joke eh ? Kassam: No darling it is not . It will be a real flag with a broom and a Kuffa . We Kassam El Turab, the king of men decided the decree saying that every house of princes and elites will take the garbage and throw it out of the city. We Kassam El Turab decided the decree to clean the whole city. You should clean in front of your houses, Sweep the streets and alleys, prevent taxes. If I saw a paper throw in any street, it would be a capital of fence . No one should piss on dust. When the well you evaurate bowls in is full, cover it and dig a new one . Write Mitwali, the drunk, all these decrees. Ruler : What ? Mitwali the drunk. you humiliate me. Kassam: Isn't it the truth, you were always drunk. When I came in here I found a lot of jars full of wine. Zaater: (hasty enters) What is that I've heard.Who is Zâater you're going to make the judge? Kassam: There is no Zaater but you . Zâater: But I don't know .. no I can't handle it. The leader: Yes he can not, he is just an ignorant, illiterate garbage collector. Kassam: No, he can. And he is not your mother he is like your father. And he is not ignorant you are. The leader: As you like . Your majesty. Any way I'm here to excuse to go to Cairo. Kassam: No I hire you as the responsible and the boss of the garbage collectors in the tradesmen and sack's traders quarter . The leader: I'm responsible of garbage collectors in tradesmen and tack's traders quarter? Kassam: (Interrupts) Yes you personally, who else could do this ? The leader: What about the security of EL Sham. It can't go on without policemen . Kassam: Saad will take over this position. He is always a real man, he guards the garbage bags and take care of the security of garbage collectors. Saâd : Oh no that is too much . The leader of policemen.! Kassam: It's enough to garantee every one to eat, it is then that thieves won't teal, there won't be any thief at all. Saâd : What about the thieves who take over great positions .? Kassam: Each thief should tide a donkey backward and go around in El Sham streets for people to make him dance and move till death. Saâd : That is how justice is fulfilled. Kassam: You go out boss of the garbage collectors in tradesmen quarter or you will dance on a donkey-Car . The leader: No It is better to collect the garbage. (out) Zâater: Excuse me your majesty, I want the judge to come with me to show me the judge house. Kassam: O.K. but let me speak to him first . The judge: (enters) I'm overhearing from outside O.K. Amm Kassam I accepted all what you say you're my father-in-law and like my father. Kassam: Your father ? you're older than me, man. The judge: But you're great. I want to marry your daughter. Her dowry will be 30000 Dinars. Mariam: (enters screaming) No father. Don't ever accept that even if it is 50 thousand. The judge: Accept it uncle please. I'm ready to work as a garbage collector and I'll pay 30000 Dinars as well. Mariam: No father I'll marry Saad. The judge: Saad is just policemen's leader and has nothing even buy a suit. I'll make it 40000. Saâd : Yes I'm the policemen's leader but you, judge, a great thief and dishoman. The judge: Are he is a policemen so he is unfair (to Kassam) uncle; policemen are always unfair, ask me about this. Kassam: Listen judge, your work is to divide the dust and supervise the cleanness of the houses and the public bathes and impose a fine over anyone, who pisses on the street or.. The judge: What about my house, my girls, my sons and my women. Kassam: For thier sake, I'll leave the house for you but your sons will work with you and your women will work with other's in spinning the wool. The judge: O.K. but Mariam .. give me Mariam and I'll do anything and pay a 50000 Dinars as a dowry. Mariam: Can't you stop talking about Mariam you old man. Saâd : Let him talk Mariam as he likes let him bark. bark judge bark. The judge: Hoo, hoo. I'm ready to bark hoo, hoo but give me Mariam. Saad I barked as you said, won't you give me Mariam. Kassam: You old man with roam eyes, now go with Saâd. The judge: I'll go king of the men (Out with Saad) (Kassam, his wife, Walid and Mariam on stage) Zobida: By the way Kassam what will you do with the money you found in the ruler's house. Kassam: Distribute it. Zobida: What ? Kassam: Distribute it among garbage collectors, vagrants, brigands and poor people and juveniles. Mariam: What about us dad ? Kassam: What's wrong with us . we have enough baked bread to eat and enough water to drink aren't we Mariam? .. What is on Walid, you say nothing ? Walid: How it could be father? living in that huge palace and still we drink in the jug and bake bread just like when we were in garbage collector's street. Man 1: King of men, there is a man from Alkramita who wants to see you. Kassam: Let him in .. women go inside. Zobida: What is it man! let him in, I won't go inside. You Mariam go you're still young. Mariam: O.K. but I want to see this Karmoti. El karmoti: Salam Alikum. Kassam: Wa Alikum Salam. Karmoti: King of men the owner of the beautiful flag with broom and Kuffa. Kassam: How intelligent you are Karmoti . Zobida: You are so sweet Karmoti. Karmoti: Your Majesty Zobida. Zobida: How sweet and wonderful thing you say " your majesty Zobida". say it again. Karmoti: Your Majesty Zobida the first supporter of the king of men, Kassam El Turab . We expect him to govern with just like Karmotis and eliminate wealth . Kassam: No it isn't so. I want to eliminate poverty, I want every body to be rich, everybody to gain money, eat, drink well and have a house. Karmoti: This is a golden broom and this is a golden Kuffa, small but sweet. Kassam: Your Sultan is a clever man what did he work before being a Sultan? Karmoti: Nothing his father was a Sultan too. Kassam: I mean his great grandfather. Karmoti: A sultan also. Kassam: The first father. Karmoti: A fisherman. Kassam: Design a golden fish and give it to Karmathian Sultan. Oh yes that is why you call Karmathians. Karmoti: Thank you, the king of men .. I come here to propose to your daughter Mariam for our prince Aly, he is 25 and the son of the Sultan. Walid: That means you will eat free fish forever. Mariam: You silly stop that nonsense. Zobida: (Shrills) Mariam how lucky you are, Sultans are coming to propose to you. Mariam: What is good in that mom? Karmoti: Here is a golden sword for you prince Walid. Zobida: He is stupid, he can't hold a sword. He only can hit by the broom stick better than a sword. Walid: Stop it Mom. Thank you (takes the sword). Karmoti: (presents a box full of coins) we made these coins for you, your picture is printed on one side and we wrote "Tough Kassam; a man of steel" on the other. Kassam: A coin, money .. my picture is printed. Karmoti: You don't believe it. Here it is .. (opens the box they are all happy with the coins). Kassam: How clever you are doing every thing complete and perfect. Karmoti: At your service your majesty. Kassam: Go and have some rest. Karmoti: I beg your pardon, your majesty! Kassam: You go to sleep then come tomorrow. Zobida: (Whispering to Kassam) Listen Kassam let Mitwali find him a place to sleep. Kassam: Mitwali, you ugly Mitwali. Ruler: (enters) yes. Kassam: You listen. Ruler: I am. Kassam: This man is our guest, you find him a place to sleep. Take him to the rest house, pig. Karmoti: I think I saw you before man, you look like.. Ruler: I look like, you can't remember. Karmoti: You're just like the damn drunk ruler. Kassam: He is finished. Ruler: You come with me please. Karmoti: Excuse me your majesty (offstage). Mariam: Father, you're going to accept the Karmathian proposal. Zobida: Oh if it happened you would be a real princess. Mariam: No mom, no, I chose Saâd a longtime ago, father accepted him. Father? didn't you .Speak father, don't sell me like a slave. Zobida: Sell you. How silly you are, you are going to marry the sultan's son. Mariam: Father say something. Walid: Your father is thinking. Kassam: I'm confused. Zobida: You needn't. There is no comparison between the penniless Saâd and the sultan's son. Mariam: Saâd is the leader of policemen Zobida: It is your father's good heart that made him so. Walid: Yes mom, but Saâd is always part of us. Zobida: You're saying nonsense boy? Mariam: No mom he is right. Zobida: He says nonsense and do nonsense that's why he loves Zâater's sister. Mariam: Zâater is a judge. What is wrong with that? Zobida: You girl do remember who are you and who is your father. Kassam: (Stands) who is her father? tell me Zobida?! Zobida: Kassam El-Turab, the king of men, kings and sultans ask for his friendship. Kassam: Kassam El-Turab was a garbage collector. I made the flag and printed a broom and Kuffa so no one of us forget that.. Saâd will marry Mariam and Walid will marry Zâater's sister. We will be as we are Zobida. Zobida: Is it so, then I'm leaving (out). Mariam: (behind her) Mom .. Mom. Walid : (following) Mom .. Mom. Poet: (hurries in) your majesty, our sun. Kassam: Who are you a thief ? Poet: You're the moon and our life's dawn. Kassam: You're a thief. How could you get in here? Poet: I'm a poet your majesty I was standing in front of your door for three days, no food no drink )crying). Kassam: What is your job boy? Poet: A poet your majesty. Kassam: What is a poet ? Poet: I'm the man of rhyme and the knight of words. Kassam: Stop that nonsense and tell me what is your job; carpenter, druggist or what ? Poet: A poet my king; the king of all seasons and all times. Kassam: You are a gambler, you should be hanged. Poet: Oh no your majesty I beg you forgive me. Kassam: Then choose a job; a carpenter, a garbage collector or a druggist. Poet: I would make perfumes. Kassam: That is right .. you should work to live and stop saying nonsense, good bye .. what is your name? Poet: Hassan your majesty. Kassam: O.K. Hassan, If I know you play with words again, I'll. Poet: (hurries out) yes your majesty. Kassam: Zobida .. Where are you Zobida? (out). Ghassan: (enters) that is nonsense, where is Kassam? where are you Kassam? Ruler: You're going to your man. Ghassan: What are you doing here? Ruler: Working for your beloved man the garbage collector. Ghassan: He is not any more. You see he wants to take money instead of fruits. He wants me to distribute it among the poor and the army. He wants, as they say, to pay a salary for my men not to give them fruits. Isn'tit nonsense? What is wrong if I give the worker food instead of money? that is none of his business. Ruler : ( looks behind ) He is a garbage collector after all .He made me his secretary, you imagine that. Ghassan: We miss your days when you were taking fruits instead of taxes. Ruler : That is not the end. We are in touch with Fatimide Azziz. Ghassan: Really ! I really hope him to come back. Ruler : Me, the judge and traders' Shah-bander hold a meeting each Friday in Shahbander's house and we sent to Fatimide Azziz. Ghassan: I'm with you. Ruler : Can you believe that this garbage collector finds nothing correct. Ghassan: It should not be settled as it is. Ruler : Don't worry, we are trying to do something. Kassam:(enters) what a woman your thinking is foolish (looks seriously atthe ruler and Ghassan) what is it Amm Ghasssan? Ruler : Nothing, He thanks you. Kassam: Shut up Mitwali, tell me Amm Ghassan. Ghassan: I just wanted to see you. Kassam: You're hiding something Ghassan. O.K. you're welcome. Ghassan: You were talking to yourself what is on? Kassam: The Roman Emperor sent me a present of maids. He thinks I have time. Once you get married to Zobida you can never think of women (laughs). Ruler :(laughs) lovely joke. Ghassan: Zobida is a sweet woman. Ruler: What does the Roman Empror want from you? Kassam: That is none of your business. The Roman: (hurries followed by Zobida) . Help, help me your majesty. Zobida: Women, a present of women. How dare you man.? Kassam: Stop it Zobida. Zobida: Well, then you accept the Roman present. you want the girls. The Roman: Sweet and beautiful maids. Walid: (enters with Mariam) father, you see what mom did with the Roman maids? The Roman: She hit them then sent them to the public bath to clean the women of garbage collectors .. Mariam: Don't say a word on these women. The Roman: Nothing wrong I said ! Zobida: I can't bear seeing that man. I'm leaving . Kassam: (laughs) I like that. Zobida wait . The Roman: What is it you like, your majesty.? Kassam: She is jealous . The Roman: (whispering) I'll ask my king to send you twenty maids. Kassam: Twenty ! Zobida is enough I can't bear more. Listen ! You can send them . May be I'll change my mind later on. Mariam: Father I'll tell mom . Kassam: Tell her I don't care . Mariam: Father, don't. No strange women should come here. I'm annoyed. (goes out ) Walid: That is right father. Excuse me. Mariam: I know you want to go to the Roman girls. Mitwali, take Amm Ghassan and go out. I want to be alone with the Roman messenger. Ruler : Alright. Kassam: No overhearing eh? Ruler : Yes, your majesty (out) Ghassan: Yes, your majesty (out) The Roman: You have enemies Kassam inside and outside the country we have eyes we can help you. Kassam: Help me ! what for ? Roman: We will help with an army to defeat Fatimide Azziz. Kassam: An army ? Roman: A roman Army helps you to defeat the Fatimide Azziz., Abbaside and Karamoti kings, so you would be the great Emperor. we are friends. There are lots of people who wish us to help for money. But we chose you and will give you money and knights so you can defeat your neighbours. Kassam: Damn ! why should I ?! Roman: To be the great Emperore of Arabs and Moslems . Kassam: I prefer to be a a garbage collector and governed by Arab ruler even if he is Mitwali better than any Roman ruler who would kill people. No, go out right now. (out) (Scene 6) (Mariam with Walid on stage) Mariam: Well. I'm going to mom (out) Walid : O.K. (Sits on the ruler chair) Laila :(Zaater's sister, a poor girl enters bashfully) Walid: Laila, finally, you come here, Laila my sweet dream. Laila: Yes her I'm. and please stop that talk. Walid: Laila if you just know how .. Laila: (interrupting) Zaater told me that uncle Kassam wanted me here. Walid: You're right, you see they were living in these wonderful palaces while we were living in humble tents. Laila: Where is uncle Kassam ? Walid: He is sleeping but he is about to come . Laila: Well, I should go and I'll come back later because Zaater is waiting for me. Walid: What is wrong Laila you're shy? why are you in a hurry? we didn't talk a long time ago. Laila: It is two years now since we started fighting Fatimide Azziz and two other years we were living in trouble and in a real mess four years of war and hardships. Walid: But El Sham is ours now . Laila: I wonder if it would be the Same trouble. Walid: Father told me it is going to be settled soon. How about Zaater? Laila : Zaater. (laughs) he is really something. He ordered for those who feel hungry and those who have nothing to wear to write to him, then he ordered policemen to collect them so as the traders' Shahbander pay for the clothes of poor people. Walid : Zaater is a real man. Laila : If he just could read and write . Walid : It doesn't matter. Those who were able to write and read , were able to steel us and destroy our future as well. Laila: You're right . Don't you know why uncle Kassam wants me? please tell me. Walid : Father agreed we get married . Laila : Really ! he agreed (kiding) so why do you think I'll agree too ? Mariam: (enters) Laila how wonderful to see you here. Laila: (hug each other) Hello Mariam I really missed you . Mariam: What is it bride and you, groom, why are you standing here don't you want to see the palace . Laila: Frankly I'm ashamed that I didn't visit you a long time ago you know war and troubles. Every one is busy to achieve dreams. Mariam: Stop that and let's go .. we have the right to realise our dreams like others don't we. Well, I want you to see the palace. Walid: Let's go ( all out) ( the judge and Zaater enter) (the judge wears worn clothes while Zaater wears better but sumptuous) Zâater: Amm Kassam wants me . I wonder what for ? Do you think some one complained . The judge: For how many hours I'm supposed to work? Please tell me . I must know. I'm not supposed to follow you all day brother ? Remember Zâater I'm an old man. Zâater: I told you more than once I'm the judge and you are my clerk . I asked you to teach me reading and writing but you didn't . If you were a just judge, I won't be that busy solving all these problems. The judge: O.K. O.K. judge ( whispering to himself) If they just come quickly to save us. Zâater: I wonder why Amm Kassam wants me. The judge: Good, he may be want well to.. Zâater: He asked for Laila as well. The judge: Laila is here? may be he will appoint her a minister to be the first ( She-minister). Then Laila is here. Zâater: Yes that is not the first time and it won't be the last . The judge: Uncle Zaater the great judge I want to ask you something. Zâater: What did you say? Uncle Zaater the great judge? That is new. What is it tell me. Tell your Uncle Zaater the great judge. The judge: If you excuse me to ask you to marry your sister, Laila . Zâater: What is the hell are you saying ? you are a crazy man. She is like your granddaughter. The judge: Oh, No not that much, any way the man is good as much as he is rich and healthy. Take Kassam as an example , his son is 18 and he is 36 years old that is because he was married young . Zâater: That was a law. Long time ago garbage collectors married their daughters at 16 and their sons at 18 . The judge: But I was married at 12 . Zâater: You naughty boy ! The judge: Really, my father felt I became a man so he decided to marry me at 12 . Zâater: Since then, you marry.. won't you give up and have compassion for the girls or God will punish you . The judge: He punished me already when you garbage collectors .. I mean you .. He punished me and that is all. Kassam: ( enters) Here you are judge. The judge: Yes. Kassam : (amazed) Are you the judge? I'm saying the judge not the empty minded man Zâater: Yes. Kassam: I proposed to your sister Laila to marry my son. The judge: What are you saying? Kassam: Stop talking man. The judge: O.K. Kassam: What do you think Zaater? The Judge: (cries) Kassam: Why are you c? you better congratulate us stupid. Zâater: It's an honour. Zobida: (enters shrills) Congratulation . ( Laila enters with Walid and Miriam). Kassam: O.K. write the marriage contract judge . Zâater: You write it my clerk. The judge: O.K. (cries) Even you Laila, I lost . Kassam: Eh, it is two years now you didn't marry so you're eager to marry again. ( the stage turns into the wedding ceremony with suitable music then the decoration turns into Fatimide Azziz's palace) Fatimid Azziz: That is impossible. History should not write about Kassam El Turab, the garbage collector who governed El Sham from 365 to 373 of El Higra. Our eyes reported that people love him there. Mitwali, the ruler asks for help and need money to buy aides. Ibn SimSama: Your majesty, we've sent seven campaigns during 7 years and we couldn't defeat him. Fatimide Azziz: since 7 years the flag of El Sham is a broom and Koffa, how a strangman he is . You believe! he sits with people in market, eats with them, with draggers, water carriers and even copper tinkers . IbN Simsama: I wonder your majesty, they made their swords from the brooms and their armors from the koffa Azziz: How could I bear history write about that we fight garbage collectors. Ibn SimSama: Your majesty, you know he formed no cabinet, he even can't read or write. Azziz: What do you think Ibn SimSama we should do? Ibn SimSama: It is up to you your majesty. Azziz: We'll form a great army and you'll be the leader. You should open El-Sham and occupy Damascus. Bring Kassam El-Turab here alive don't kill him or they'll consider him a popular hero. Don't let him be. Ibn SimSama: You think we could your majesty..? Azziz: We should even if .. A guard: ( enters ) your majesty .. a messenger from El-Sham. Azziz: Let him in. Messenger: Your majesty, Iraqis evoked a revolution on Abbaside Caliph in Baghdad but they failed; their leader ran away to Kassam El- Turab in El-Sham and the Caliph in Baghdad wants him dead. Azziz: Then we the Fatimides and the Abbasides could defeat Kassam El-Turab. And that will arrange everything. It's impossible to accept a garbage collector to govern us . (Curtain) (Scene 7) Time: 373of El-Higra. Place: (Damascus' streets beside a garden about 20 garbage cans full of garbage Ibn SimSama and his soldiers enter). Ibn SimSama: Search every house, every street we should find Kassam El-Turab or Fatimide Azziz will be angry, Bring him alive. Soldier 1: Sir, we searched every where. Ibn SimSama: Sure he is still alive. Soldier 2 : But we didn't find him any where. Ibn SimSama: How strange ! He is really a wonderful man. He sleeps on a wooden bed and covers himself with an old rug. Soldier 1: Finally he was defeated. Thanks to you, sir, the great Fatimide leader . That's what should be written in history. Ibn SimSama: Which story? Soldier: He says history sir our history. Ibn SimSama: You reminded me. If you find anything concerning Kassam El-Turab or talks about him, you should burn it . Soldier: Why sir? Ibn SimSama: He should disappear from history. It is a nightmare that we've just finished with. There is nothing called Kassam or mobs or gangers. Soldier 2 : You're right sir, they are just mobs. Ibn SimSama: Announce that we will pay 1000 dinars to anyone who could arrest Kassam El-Turab and bring him here alive. Soldier 2: We searched the whole Sham except this garden. Ibn SimSama: Who is the owner ? Soldier 3 : (enters with Ghassan) Here he is sir and we've searched the whole garden. Ghassan: Welcome Sir you and your soldiers, Ibn Mishmasha the great leader of Fatimide Azziz. Ibn SimSama: I'm Ibn SimSama. Ghassan: Ibn Mishmasha. Ibn SimSama: Ibn SimSama, old man. Ghassan: Hello Ibn SimSama the old man. Ibn SimSama: You are stupid. Ghassan: No, I'm just an old man alone and I own nothing. Ibn SimSama : We want you .. what is your name? Ghassan: Ghassan . Ibn SimSama: You're one of Kassam's relatives. Ghassan: No though I wish to have a son like him. Soldier 2: (holds his sword) what are you saying? Ghassan: He was the best and the sweetest heart of El-Sham (cries) but .. Ibn SimSama: Why you cry? Is he dead ? Ghassan: I don't know .. He was my friend when he was a garbage collector and my enemy when he became the ruler. Ibn SimSama: Listen Ghassan, If you find him bring him to me alive. I'll give you 50 thousand dinars. Anyone who brings him alive will take this amount . You got that ? Ghassan: Yes sir (the leader goes out). Soldier 1: For all El-Sham this is an announcement, 50 thousand dinars for anyone who arrests Kassam alive (repeats)(All soldiers goes out .. Ghassan is alone beside the cans. He whistles then Kassam comes out of a garbage can) Kassam: Nobody is here ? Ghassan: Yes Kassam. Kassam: This is a diamond nickel a gift from Abbaside Caliph. Take it. Ghassan: I completed my promise and now you did. Kassam: This is a very huge army. Ghassan: Bigger than the army they conquered Egypt with . Kassam: They have too much gold. Ghassan: For bribe, they buy men everyone has his own price. Kassam: It was a brilliant idea to hide in the garbage cans. Ghassan: Yes, if you have more diamonds I'll do anything you want.(Knock on the next can). Zobida: (out) In a garbage can Kassam! you hide me in a garbage can. Kassam: Where do you think a garbage collector can hide? in a glass of perfume or basket of apples ?! Zobida: Where is Walid? Walid. Walid: (out from another can) yes mom, Where is Laila? Walid: (out) Here I'm Walid. How could you do this to me? I'm pregnant. Where is Zâater and Saâd? Saâd: In a garbage can (laughs). Zobida: How could you sleep there? Zâater: It is very comfortable to sleep in a garbage can surrounded by this sweet smells I really miss these days. Kassam: We've enjoyed life for a while, now we have to pay back. Ghassan: I'm afraid things could turn upside down (noise). Ghassan: I hear noise. Saâd : Let's hide again . (hide themselves quickly in the garbage cans) (The ruler and the judge are on stage) Ruler: Ghassan. Ghassan: Yes. Judge: Kassam El-Turab is finished, I want you to bring me your sweet fruits from tomorrow. Our lovely days is coming back. Ghassan: So you don't know? Ruler : Don't know what? Ghassan: Ibn SimSama, the Fatimide leader came here and he will give me 50 thousand dinars if find Kassam. Ruler : (tries to walk but Zâater hold his garment) what is that ? who did so there is someone here. Ghassan: No one! These are the garbage cans. Ruler : If I just catch Saâd. Judge: If I just catch Zâater (Zâater and Saâd go out and tease them from behind) Ruler : If I catch that boy, Zâater I will tear him off and throw him for cats and dogs. Saâd : (immitating a dog) Hu Hu. Zâater: (immitating a cat) Mew Mew . Ruler: I should have my revenge. He should know who is Mitwali the ruler. Zâater: Phew. Ruler: What did you say (to Ghassan). Phew ! Ghassan: No I didn't, believe me. Ruler: (to the judge) I heard someone says phew, did you? Judge: Yes I think so. You know I smell Mariam's. Ghassan: You mean Kassam's daughter. Judge: Yes. Ghassan: But where ? Judge: (smells like the dog till he reaches to a garbage can) here. Ghassan: (fearfully laughs) these are garbage cans where they put the corpses of dead soldiers. Judge: Oh God (steps away. Mariam laughs). This is Mariam I've heard her laughter. Ruler: Yes, I've heard it. Judge: Mariam, my sweet heart. Where are you? Mariam, where are you my baby? Ghassan: What are you saying. This is impossible. Well, I will bring you tea . Ruler : Wait here I've to search the garden myself, we've heard Zâater said 'Phew' and Mariam laughs. We should find them. I think your loyalty is always for sale. Judge: I'll wait here so they may run away then I'll catch them. Ruler : That is better .. Come with me Ghassan (both enter) Judge : (alone) If I just see you Saâd I'll kill you or you divorce Mariam for me to marry her (The cans moves. The judge is terrifying) Saâd : (from out) You can't marry her, judge, because I won't divorce her, I can die for this. Judge: Saâd?! Saâd : Shut up. Judge: You're alive (Mariam comes out) I'll marry her a widow after killing you. Mariam: You can't marry me. Judge: Mariam. I want to marry you for good, believe me. Kassam: (out) you should be killed traitor. You with the ruler and traders sent for Fatimide Azziz. How dishonest you are!! I belong to El Sham just like you . Fatimide is not better. How could you bribe people or sell Damascus, Poor Damascus, you sold it for nothing. you, the great, couldn't protect Damascus and we, the garbage collectors tried hard to save it . The Judge: I beg you Kassam. Don't kill me. Kassam: I have to do it or you will kill me. The judge: Not me it's the Fatimide Azziz . Kassam: At least you wish to send me for him to take 50 thousand dinars . The Judge: What I want to take is Mariam. Saâd : How impolite you are ! She is a married woman. you are silly man with roam eyes. The Judge: Saâd, you are a young man you can marry again more than once but I love he . Saâd : I will kill you for this. Stop talking this way about my wife. The Judge: Oh, No, don't kill me I want to live long. Kassam: Let me have him because he betrayed me and the country. The Judge: I'm not the only one, Ghassan is a traitor too. Walid: (out) Let me kill him father. The Judge: You already did when you married Laila. Laila: (out) I married him because I love him. (sounds, noise, all hide again in the cans) Kassam: Some people are coming. If you tell any one I'll kill you judge. Mariam: I warn you judge. The judge: Don't worry Mariam. (soldier 1 enters). Soldier 1: You are talking to yourself. The Judge: No, I was talking with Kassam and Zâater. Soldier 1: Where are they? The Judge: In the garbage cans. Soldier 1: You are drunk. The Judge: Believe me, they are in these cans. Soldier 1: Here you mean. (puts his hand in a can, Zaater handle him a shoe). This is a shoe. The judge: No, I tell you they are in the cans. Kill them. But give me Mariam and Laila, you can kill Zobida. Soldier 1: Would you please, judge, go to sleep. It is cold here and you might be ill. Zobida and Kassam and their sons .. ( laughs and leaves.. Zaater comes out) Zâater: I'll kill you. The judge: Help me soldier. Soldier: (back) What is it judge? The judge: Arrest him immediately. Soldier: Who? The judge: Zaater. Soldier: In the cans eh? (goes and puts his hand Zaater gives him the other shoe) The judge: Oh believe me I'm not crazy . Soldier: So you're dreaming or drunk excuse me judge (out) Zobida: ( out with a shoe in her hand ) O.K. it is my turn to hit you judge. (runs after him. He goes into the garden while his stick and turban fall down) ( Zobida goes back to the can ) (The ruler and Ghassan come out of the garden) The ruler: Then you are sure there is no body here judge, where is the judge? he disappeared. Ghassan: May be he went home it is cold here ruler. Ruler : This is his stick and this is his turban, so he should be here. Ghassan: That is right these are his. Ruler : Then he was kidnapped. Ghassan: kidnapped ? ! Ruler : He may be gone into the garden, you go and find him and I'll bring the soldiers find him, Ghassan I warn you. Ghassan: How could I? I don't know where he is ? Ruler : Do as I told you. Soldiers ( calls ) soldiers. Ghassan: O.K. O.K. I'll try (enters the garden) Ruler : Kassam kidnapped the judge Soldiers help (nobody there, looks out) Kassam: I didn't kidnap him (out) Ruler : (unaware) So you killed him. Kassam: I didn't kill him. Ruler : (turns in) Kassam ! you're alive ? (confused) Kassam: Yes, alive (calls) Zaater. Zâater: Yes, (out) Ruler : Zaater is here too. Laila : (out) what is it my Uncle? I can't bear it any more. Walid: (out) Well father we should kill both the judge and ruler . Ruler : Oh .. no I beg you (laughs) you all were hidden in the garbage. Zobida: You damn guy, don't laugh, what is wrong with that ? Ruler : You're here Zobida . Saâd: (out)And me too double tongued. What shall we do with him ? Kassam: Listen Walid. Wear the ruler's clothes and take the Fatimide flag and run away with your wife to Baghdad. Walid: What about you, father? Kassam: you can take your mother with you. Zobida: No I can't leave you alone . Kassam: Listen to me you go with him . Walid: Father I want to.. Kassam: Would you please stop that, Mitwali, take off your clothes. Ruler : No, I can't. Well, I could go home and bring him other clothes immediately. Kassam: No, you take your clothes off or I would kill you. Ruler: Here it is . ( takes off his clothes, Walid wears them) Walid : It is all right father. Kassam: You look smart. Laila: How could we leave you Uncle? Zobida: You go with your husband. When you give birth to your baby, name it Kassam if he is a boy and Zobida if she is a girl. Laila: Good bye Zaater. Zâater: Good bye Laila. Kassam: That is enough. there is no time. Walid: Good bye all of you. Laila: Good bye ( both goes out) (noise, all go into the garbage cans) (The ruler is alone wearing the under wear) Soldier 2: What is that, who are you ? Ruler : Mitwali, the ruler. Soldier: That is impossible. You are the ruler! Ibn Simsama: (enters) What is wrong ? Soldier 2: This man .. Ibn Simsama: Who are you? Ruler : Your majesty, the great leader Ibn Simsama. Ibn Simsama: I think I know you. Ruler : I'm the ruler, Mitwali . Ibn Simsama: Yes you are Mitwali but why are you wearing like this? Ruler : I'm sick your majesty. I've got a fever heat so I couldn't bear my clothes and took them off. Ibn Simsama: There is no power and no strength save in God. Ruler : Excuse me your majesty. Ibn Simsama : Wait ruler, I'll take you to the doctor. Ruler : Oh no I have to go home. Ibn Simsama : Then I'll take you home . Ruler: (signs at the cans and whispers) Kassam El Turab. Ibn Simsama: I think you're so sick ruler . Ruler : Yes I'm but I would like to tell you that Kassam El Turab and his family are hiding here. Ibn Simsama : (laughs) O.K. let's go ( takes him out) The judge: (enters) Where are you ruler? Kassam: ( Whistles. Zaater, Saad, Zobida, Mariam come out) Here I'm judge now listen. The judge: Yes. Kassam: Take your clothes off and give them to Sad. The judge: Saad, no, Why? I won't. Mariam: Take your clothes off judge. The judge: The first time you ask me a favour our Mariam is to take my clothes off. Well let's get married first. Zobida: You are kidding man? The judge: Why ? let Saad divorce her and I will marry her sooner then I can take all my clothes off. Mariam: O.K. but take your clothes off now and give them to Saad. The judge: If I did, you would get a divorce. Kassam: Come on judge ; take your clothes off. Sad will change your clothes with him. The judge: I'll do that for you Mariam.(takes his clothes off) Saâd: (wears) It is O. K. now. The judge: But your clothes full of .. bugs .. Saâd : Shut up . The judge: I can't wear this. Saâd : It is up to you. The judge: Now you took my clothes, won't you divorce Mariam ? Saâd : That is impossible, more than impossible. Maraim: How dare you old man think like that, I'm like your daughter. The judge: Why not ? I'm gonna marry you. Kassam: O.K. Saad you take Mariam and go to Karamotis country . The judge: Karamotis. Kassam: Yes. They will welcome you when they know who you are. Mariam: I can't leave you father. Zobida: Go Mariam. Saâd : I can't leave Amm Kassam. Kassam : Listen to me . If you give birth to a boy name him Kassam, if a girl name her Zobida. Judge: Mariam, you're leaving me. Zobida: Leaving you with memories. Mariam: Good bye mom. Zobida: Good bye Mariam. Mariam: Good bye father. Kassam: Good bye my baby. Take care of Mariam, Saâd. Saâd : Don't worry. Good bye (Mariam goes out with Saâd ) ( noise. All are hidden again ) ( judge is alone ) ( Ibn SimSama enters watching the judge with the under wear) Ibn SimSama: Who are ? Judge: The judge. Ibn SimSama : The judge . What is wrong with you? Judge: Mariam. Ibn SimSama: Who is Mariam.? Judge: Kassam's daughter. Ibn SimSama: She is a beautiful girl I think. Judge: Very beautiful . Ibn SimSama: Where is she ? Judge: Ran away. Ibn SimSama : Where? Judge: To Karmothian country. Ibn SimSama : (laughs) then where is your clothes ? Judge: Saâd took them. Ibn SimSama: Who is Saâd? Judge: Mariam's husband . Ibn SimSama: Is she married ? Judge: Unfortunately. I asked her father to divorce her but he refused. I feel like fire when I see her . Ibn SimSama : Is it a fever in your country ? or why you all feel like fire ? Judge: Just when I see her . Ibn SimSama : Would you please come to take you home ? Judge: O.K. But please arrest her before she leaves the country. Ibn SimSama: O.K. Judge: Could you talk to Kassam El-Turab for my sake ? Ibn SimSama: Where is he? Judge: Here (sign at the cans). Ibn SimSama: Are you sure ? Judge: Yes I'm sure. Ghassan: (enters) Hallo our great leader. Judge: Tell him Ghassan Ghassan: Hello judge, what should I tell him ? Judge: That Kassam is hidden here in the garbage cans. Ghassan: (Confused, laughs) what is that? in the cans,that is impossible. IbnSimSama: (takes Ghassan aside) what is wrong with judge ? Ghassan: He is a little bit insane from time to time, takes his clothes off like this . Ibn SimSama: The ruler too. Ghassan: Yes, the same insanity .. Ibn SimSama: I wish God help them . Ghassan: Amen. Ibn SimSama: Let's go judge (Kassam comes out, hit the judge who falls down) (SimSama turns to the judge) The judge fell down take him soldiers (soldiers hold him) you can let him rest in the garden. Ghassan: Your majesty, I think it's better to take him home. Ibn SimSama: You're right . Let's take him home (all off stage). Kassam: (out, whistles, his wife and Zâater come out too). Ghassan: Thank God. Kassam: Amm Ghassan, would you please take your clothes off to Zâater. Zâater: No I won't leave you where can I go? Kassam: Any where. Zâater: All my life I'm with you, when we were collecting the garbage of the people. or when we were solving their problems, I won't leave It is like death for me. Zobida: Zâater, we might .. Zâater: You might what? be killed? O.K. I'm with you I haven't anything to cry for or anyone to miss me. Sound: You people of great Damascus, there is a price of 50 thousand dinars to anyone who could catch Kassam El-Turab. Kassam: 50 thousand dinars to have me. Then I'm so precious though I was earning a dinar a month. Ghassan: You can go in to have some rest and eat. Kassam: No Ghassan no one could sleep while I'm here. Ghassan: What do you mean? Kassam: Call that man Amm Ghassan. Ghassan: What are you saying king of El-Sham? Zobida: King of the men. Zâater: Knight of all times. Kassam: Seven years Zobida, we ruled El-Sham we received kings and knights, ambassadors & nobles. We ruled El-Sham, cleaned the streets, protected the brave. Seven years, Ghassan, I've received thousands and thousands of brave men. Seven years Ghassan and thousands and thousands of dinars, we left no one poor in El-Sham. Love used to fill our houses and streets. Our flag was a broom and Kuffa . Seven years, Zâater, war on the borders with the soldiers of the Fatimide Azziz, and people born, people killed, people injured, people slaughtered . I'm exhausted, I fed up and in the end I escaped in the garbage cans because I never forgot I'm a garbage collector.Garbage protected me. Amm Ghassan call on the soldiers, let them arrest me and receive the 50 thousands dinars, then distribute them on the relatives of people who fought with me and got injured.. I'll be a patriotic even once. Ghassan: What are you saying? let them arrest you myself ? Kassam: You'll take 50 thousands dinars, people needs money much more than me. I won't escape forever any way. Zobida: Do as we want Ghassan. Ghassan: I can't . Kassam: Tie me, Zâater, with Zobida. Zâater: You and Zobida only. Kassam: Do it. Zâater: O.K. (Tie them both with a rope.) Kassam: Now, Ghassan tie Zâater. Ghassan: It can't be like this. What shall I tell them? that I tied the three of you alone or with Zâater. Kassam: Well, that is a good idea, keep Zâater with you. Zâater: No, I won't leave you. Kassam: Then, listen Ghassan we will act like sleeping and you tell them you gave us drugged food. Zâater: That is good Moalem. Ghassan: Let me tie you Zâater. Zâater: (tied) quick. Ghassan: Sleep (all sleep) Good bye Kassam (calls) Hey soldiers I catched Kassam I arrest Kassam (Ibn SimSama nd soldiers enter). Ibn SimSama: Is he really Kassam? Ghassan: He threatened me with his wife and his fellow, I invited them to eat with me then I drugged the food. Ibn SimSama: He is young. Ghassan: Just 36. Ibn SimSama: Great, Ghassan. You'll take the 50 thousands dinars. Ghassan: What are you going to do with him , Are you going to kill him ? Ibn SimSama: Fatimide Azziz wants to see him alive . We don't need his wife or his fellow . Zobida: (awakes) How is that? I can't leave my husband . Ibn SimSama: You're not a sleep ! Zobida: No. Zâater: Take me with him please . Ibn SimSama: You're not asleep too Kassam, I suppose. Kassam: No I'm asleep. Ibn SimSama: Soldiers, take the first garbage collector in the history who became a ruler. Arrest the man who governed El- Sham for 7 years. Bear him to the Fatimide palace in Cairo. (Curtains) (Scene 8) (The Fatimide Azziz is sitting on the throne. Ibn SimSama is standing) Azziz: That is incredible. Kassam El-Turab had no gold . Ibn SimSama: No gold, no silver and no diamond. Azziz: So where is his fortune ? Ibn SimSama: It is confusing your majesty.. He smuggled no money. He even was not living like kings. Do you believe it, your majesty, He doesn't have ministers or princes or even poor people and all people were happy and satisfied. Azziz: What about his daughter's husband that was escaping? Ibn SimSama: We arrested them while escaping on a donkey. They had nothing but a Kuffa full of bread, cheese and onions. Azziz: Onions ?! Ibn SimSama: He eats cheese with onions. Azziz: A leader of the policemen eats onions. Ibn SimSama: I don't understand your majesty, if they're really human beings. We took a month to defeat them and we had lots of damages. Azziz: In men and money ? Ibn SimSama: But we still have the upper hand, your majesty. Azziz: What about his maids? Ibn SimSama: He had none. Only his wife Zobida who is more like a man. Azziz: God forbidden ! Ibn SimSama: Every day he was passing through streets and alleys, asking people about their needs. He treats them as an ordinary man not a ruler. Azziz: How nice he is Ibn SimSama: yes he is, your majesty. when he rode the donkey and walk through Cairo, Streets, Strangely the whole mobs stood along the streets to greet him. Azziz: He is knowns here in Egypt as well !? Ibn SimSama: (holds a paper) you ordered to kill him and hang him in Bab Zoila Azziz: No, don't kill him, he would be a hero. he Should die as a garbage collector just as he used to be not as a king . Ibn SimSama: So what do you think we should do your majesty ? Azziz: Put him on trial like other criminals . The Judge: ( enters) help me your majesty . Azziz: Who are you ? Ibn SimSama: El Sham's Judge . He is Sick I brought him here to treat him and the ruler; they both have got a Strange fever . The Judge: I'm not sick your majesty . Azziz: So why you are ..? I can't understand. Ibn SimSama: Tell us why you put your clothes off . The Judge: Not me, It is Kassam who was hiding in the garbage Cans. Azziz: (laughs) Kassam hiding in the garbage Cans. The Judge: yes Ibn SimSama: It is an illusions, your majesty. Ruler : (enters) your majesty, please give me my Clothes . Azziz: who is he ? Ibn SimSama: El Sham's ruler , he is sick too . Ruler : I'm not , I'm just freezing it is so cold . Ibn SimSama: (Clapping) Bring clothes . Ruler : Your majesty , Kassam El Turab was really hiding the garbage . Azziz: Kassam will be put on trial as any criminal in front of public . Ibn SimSama: The meeting is over. Azziz: (off stage). The judge: (to Ibn SimSama) I want to be the judge of Kassam's trial Can I ? Ibn SimSama: No. The ruler: What's about me ? Ibn SimSama: No. The judge: Can I talk to him I want to ask him a question. Ibn SimSama: About what ? The judge: Private subject. Ibn SimSama: there are no private subjects here, tell me what is it .? The Judge: I want to ask him about Mariam. The ruler: (to the judge) Could you stop it man ? (All goes out. The decoration turns into a Jail where we find Kassam, his wife, Zâater, and some other prisoners) Man 1: A woman is in men's Jail ?! Zobida: Would you Please stop it ? Man 2: Well she is .. Kassam: My wife. Zâater: King of men's wife . Man 3: You mean Kassam El Turab, king of El Sham Zâater: Yes king of men . Man 1: where is he.? Zobida: In front of you Man 1: Really ! but he doesn't seem like a king, he doesn't wear like kings and princes. Kassam: Clothes always hide rotten men It is up to your luck to find good men. Man 4: Hey you men in Kalae's prison we have here Kassam El Turab King of men. All : Welcome Kassam. Jailer: Stop this noise where is Kassam El Turab.? Man 1: I'm Kassam El Turab. Man 2: I'm Kassam El Turab. Man 3: I'm Kassam El T. Man 4: No I'm Kassam ETurab. All: ( noise out of all prisone) I'm Kassam. Kassam: Don't trust that I'm Kassam El Turab. Zâater: I'm Kassam El Turab. Zobida: I'm Kassam El Turab. Jailer: Oh really you are Kassam El Turab woman.! Kassam: Here I'm . Jailer: What is your real name ? Kassam: Kassam. Jailer: You are the one who disobeyed the Fatimide Azziz and fought his Army ? Is this right ? Kassam: I can't understand you , All I know that I'm the King of El Sham and I should speak with Fatimide Azziz not with you . Fatimide Azziz: (enters) Here I am Kassam You see ! after seven years here you are in Cairo. Kassam: Cairo..what is Cairo you all talk about ? Azziz: The great Cairo. Kassam: I've seen it and I felt so sad about it, Fatimid Azziz of Egypt. Azziz: Sad ! why sad ? Ibn SimSama: We should kill him your majesty. Ruler : Yes, we should cut his throat your majesty. Zobida: It's you who need your throat to be cut . Zâater: You should kill us before him. Man 1: And me too. Man 2: So do I . Man 3: So do I . Azziz: What do you think, Judge? The Judge: O.K. but ask him first about Mariam . where is Mariam ? Zobida: You're still alive, Judge ? Judge: You Anty Zobida , tell me where is Mariam and Sad ? Azziz: They are here and all your men and your Son they all here Kassam. Zobida: You brought them all . Azziz: We brought them .. now tell me Kassam why you are sad about Cairo ? Ruler : Cairo is the big diamond of the Fatimide Azziz . Judge: And the diamond of Guohar El Sekilly the great Arab leader. Ibn SimSama: Don't say that El Sham was better than here when you Governed there . Zobida: Let him talk. Azziz: Go on Kassam. Kassam: Cairo is full of paper and garbage in every corner. I made a flag of a broom and a kuffa and ordered every one to clean the streets Streets were clean as much as possible. Cairo needs 50 thousand broom to be cleaned again. Cairo needs Garbage collectors nothing else. Azziz: I order you stay alive here in Egypt. Kassam: I can't live in a Palace . Azziz: You live in a house and you're responsible for cleaning Cairo. Zobida: ( shrills) Congratulation Kassam . Azziz: You ruler, If I found out that El Sham is full of garbage I would kill you and employ Kassam instead of you. (laughs). Kassam: Would you please your majesty Release all mobsters to help me to clean Cairo. Azziz: I will release them all to be your men. (The stage turns into a small house with a heap of garbage like the first scene, Walid, Kassam, Sâad, Zâater, Laila, Zobida and Mariam are on stage ). Kassam: You collected the garbage of Imbaba, boys. Sâad: Yes Amm Kassam . Kassam: And EL Giza ? Zâater: Yes , we did . Mariam: Have you heard about the new taxes father ? Kassam: How poor people are the Egyptians, Just like El Sham's. Walid: Do you think people will obey peacefully ? Kassam: If they did, sure they should need a guidance. (Fatimide soldiers appear walking around to spy) Laila: Amm Kassam there are eyes all around. Zobida: Low your voice Kassam. Kassam: Low your voice Kassam . Erase your name. Fear is the son of a manless men. You, Cairo dwellers take care, you won't know about me through history. But I'm real. I governed El Sham for seven years. I was a garbage collector ( holds a broom ) I sweeped the streets of El Sham and Cairo. You, too, should sweep and clean the history from those who tyrannized, betrayed and tortured you. Either to erase them or you are to be erased . You have the choice to make history without garbage or to be garbage without history, and that would be the end of it. ( END ) Cairo 1992 El sayed Hafez ýTtranslated by Sahar Ibrahim ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: * Kassam El turab: is a nickname of the boss of the garbage collectors. * Amm: is a kind of respecting title means like Uncle ". * Moalem: means a master in certain craft . * Om: means mother . usually low class calls women with their children's names mother of X " Om X " as a kind of respect . * EL sham: is the ancient name of Lebanon, Palastin and Syria all together . * Abu: as a kind of respect for men equal to Om for woman, mentioned before Son's name meaning the father of X . * Sahtoot: is an ancient coin equal to Maleem 10 Maleem = 1 piaster . * Diwan: A place where the king meet his ministers or guests . * Koffa: kind of baskets used by garbage collectors in which they collect garbage . * Zagrota: is a trilling sounds as a manifestation of joy by Arab women . * Tartur: high, conical cap (of clowns) A kind of Tarboosh * Salam Alikom : Peace be lipor you (Moslem Salutation). * Sahbander : of the traders, is the boss and the great of the traders . * bint : means daughter of .. * Hag : is a title for men who visit Kaaba in Maka for pilgrimage . * The proraunciation of illiterate (Omi) and My mother (Omi) is the same in Arabic he uses here a kind of equivocation . * Babzoila : On of Cairo's old entrances . *Wali is the ruler