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      CHARACTERS
    • KAMI
    • SAINARA
    • MUSME (Sazhima)
    • TAIPHOON (Djouros)
The action takes place in a room of Kami's little country house, near Yeddo.

DESCRIPTION OF CHARACTERS

The principal charm of the play is its quaintness and daintiness, and this observation applies especially to the leading character, KAMI. The part should be played with comical gestures, intonations, grimaces, and business of all kinds — at the same time being always quaint and dainty.

SAINARA and MUSME, are both, properly speaking, "soubrette" parts, SAINARA, however, should be more demure and modest in appearance than MUSME, and the part might be satisfactorily played by an ingenue.

TAIPHOON is a broad character part and should be played by a female comedian with great gusto and exaggeration so as to be comical in its fierceness.

PRONUNCIATION OF NAMES
  • Kami — Kam-mee,
  • Sainara — Sá-ee-ná-ra,
  • Musme — Moos-may,
  • Sazhima — Sá-zhee-má
  • Djouros — Djoor-os,
  • Taiphoon — Ty-foon.
Interior of Kami's little house — Night — At the rise of curtain , KAMI is seated on the floor, with his legs doubled under him, before a low table. He has a long pointed brush in his hand and a roll of parchment before him on the table
KAMI
( with quaint enthusiasm, holding the brush up in the air ).

Note: Contains 225 words in 29 sentences using 1330 chars.

( He reads .)

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars.

Note: Contains 24 words in 2 sentences using 126 chars.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 140 chars.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 115 chars.

( He stops and looks into space reflectively .)

Note: Contains 70 words in 8 sentences using 351 chars.

( He puts on a pair of high sandals, like little benches, takes the hand-lantern, and opens door R. Before going out he gives a final glance at the room to assure himself that all is well. He goes out . MUSME, her hair dressed most elaborately, and a great amount of rouge on her cheeks, watches him mischievously till he goes out. She puts one leg very daintily over the window-sill. She puts the other leg over and sits on the silt. She wears the costume of a Japanese dancing-girl. She drops down inside. As soon as she gets in, she gives a hasty glance about, then, opening her fan, runs as rapidly as a little bird to the door L. and peers in through the bead curtain. Then she runs in the same rapid way across to door R., and listens a moment. Then she run up above table, with a reassuring glance at the bay-window. Then she looks out to audience with a mischievous expression. She closes fan with a snap, kneels down above table, snatches up the brush and traces a few words rapidly, writing from top to bottom and from right to left. Then she pauses and looks up .)
MUSME.

Note: Contains 217 words in 23 sentences using 1071 chars.

KAMI.
( Coming R. C.)

Note: Contains 153 words in 26 sentences using 771 chars.

MUSME.
( Off R.)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

KAMI.
( Rising and coming down L. of table .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

KUSME.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

KAMI.
( He goes toward door R. then pauses .)

Note: Contains 17 words in 5 sentences using 86 chars.

MUSME.
(L. C. pretending to be embarrassed .)

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

KAMI.
( Moving up above table R. C. astonished .)

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars.

MUSME.
( Giving him a very tender look, and speaking reproachfully .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 17 chars.

KAMI.
( Coming down L,. C. Aside, in amazement .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

MUSME.
(R. C. coquettishly and playfully, looking at him .)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 31 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 104 chars.

MUSME.
( Pretending to be tremendously pleased and flattered, she takes a few steps toward him. Making eyes at him bewitchingly .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars.

KAMI.
( Moving a little L. Aside .)

Note: Contains 15 words in 4 sentences using 78 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 5 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

KAMI.
( Pointing to the poem .)

Note: Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 72 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 37 chars.

( She pirouettes R. then looks at him coquettishly .)
KAMI,
( Politely .)

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 70 chars.

( Fans himself .)
MUSME.
( Coming toward him .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

KAMI.
( Moving a little toward her .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 20 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 18 words in 2 sentences using 99 chars.

( Pirouetting, she crosses him and stops L., more glances .)
KAMI.
(R. C. aside .)

Note: Contains 13 words in 5 sentences using 79 chars.

MUSME,
L. C.

Note: Contains 44 words in 4 sentences using 219 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 2 words in 1 sentence using 14 chars.

MUSME.
( She hides her face with her fan and moves L. as he speaks .)

Note: Contains 50 words in 5 sentences using 277 chars.

KAMI.
( Blushing .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 3 sentences using 12 chars.

MUSME.
( Taking a step toward him, tenderly .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars.

KAMI.
( Embarrassed .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 3 sentences using 12 chars.

MUSME.
( Another step. More tenderly .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

KAMI.
( Moves R. a little, then turns .)

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 118 chars.

MUSME.
( Looking down .)

Note: Contains 20 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 26 chars.

MUSME.
( Looking right into his eyes .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars.

KAMI.
( Loses courage, moves a step R. and turns .)

Note: Contains 21 words in 1 sentence using 91 chars.

MUSME.
( Making eyes at him .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 34 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

MUSME.
( Tenderly .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 1 word in 1 sentence using 9 chars.

MUSME.
( Throwing herself almost in his arms, passionately .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

KAMI.
( Crossing L., aside .)

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 73 chars.

MUSME.
( Following him a little .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars.

KAMI.
( Aside .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 13 words in 2 sentences using 72 chars.

KAMI.
( Resolutely .)

Note: Contains 16 words in 2 sentences using 67 chars.

MUSME.
( Expectantly .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars.

KAMI.
( Fanning himself energetically .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 13 chars.

( When KAMI says "SAINARA" MUSME sees she has failed and snaps her fan open, moving away from him C.)
( Loud knocks are heard at the door R., KAMI runs up C. left of table .)
TAIPHOON.
( Off right .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

(MUSME recognizes TAIPHOON'S voice. She gives a little laugh to herself then runs up on KAMI'S L. in pretended fright .)
MUSME.
( Up L. C. Pretending to be terrified .)

Note: Contains 14 words in 4 sentences using 60 chars.

KAMI.
( Up C., bravely .)

Note: Contains 33 words in 4 sentences using 160 chars.

(MUSME crosses to door L. and stands with the curtain parted. The knock is repeated . KAMI starts to go R. and stops C. MUSME throws a kiss to him and disappears L.)
TAIPHOON.
( Off R.)

Note: Contains 13 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars.

KAMI.
(C.)

Note: Contains 10 words in 3 sentences using 53 chars.

( He goes R. and opens door . TAIPHOON enters wearing the costume of a Japanese noble. She has two large swords in her belt and fans herself as she enters .)
TAIPHOON.
(L. C. crossing L. and fanning herself violently .)

Note: Contains 25 words in 4 sentences using 123 chars.

KAMI.
(R. C. Bending low, rubbing his shins .)

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 54 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Sitting down L. C.)

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars.

KAMI.
(R. C.)

Note: Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 83 chars.

( Moves up C.)
TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

KAMI.
( Above table C.)

Note: Contains 19 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( With a scornful gesture, rising .)

Note: Contains 43 words in 7 sentences using 226 chars.

( Crossing him and going R., fanning herself majestically. Sits on cushions R. C.)
KAMI.
( Aside .)

Note: Contains 25 words in 3 sentences using 119 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 21 words in 5 sentences using 103 chars.

( Coming R. C.)
KAMI.
( Up L. C., pretending ignorance .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 45 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 5 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Crossing L., fanning herself .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

KAMI.
( Coming C.)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 5 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 49 words in 4 sentences using 258 chars.

KAMI.
( On his dignity .)

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 59 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 16 words in 4 sentences using 75 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 18 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

KAMI.
( His blood rising .)

Note: Contains 21 words in 2 sentences using 102 chars.

TAIPHOON.

Note: Contains 14 words in 3 sentences using 62 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 49 words in 3 sentences using 215 chars.

( He fans himself violently and moves L.)
TAIPHOON.
( Closing his fan with a snap .)

Note: Contains 28 words in 7 sentences using 144 chars.

( Walks majestically R.)
KAMI.
( Stung by the insult, closing his fan furiously .)

Note: Contains 37 words in 4 sentences using 196 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Mockingly .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 26 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 50 words in 4 sentences using 279 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Ironically .)

Note: Contains 22 words in 3 sentences using 112 chars.

( Moves R.)
KAMI.

Note: Contains 17 words in 2 sentences using 100 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Coming toward him .)

Note: Contains 38 words in 2 sentences using 177 chars.

KAMI.
( Losing patience .)

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 74 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Going to door R.)

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 89 chars.

KAMI.
( Bowing .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Fiercely .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

(KAMI stands a moment C. without speaking, then closes door after him and comes back C.)
KAMI.
( To himself .)

Note: Contains 289 words in 33 sentences using 1551 chars.

(SAINARA enters. Her gown is modest and exquisitely harmonious )
SAINARA.
( Crossing C.)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 6 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 14 words in 1 sentence using 75 chars.

SAINARA.
( Smiling .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 46 chars.

KAMI.
( Smiling .)

Note: Contains 39 words in 3 sentences using 195 chars.

SAINARA.
(Softly.)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 7 chars.

KAMI.
( In a transport of joy .)

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 50 chars.

SAINARA.
( Crossing L. fanning herself .)

Note: Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 154 chars.

KAMI.
(C. aside, with a sombre expression .)

Note: Contains 17 words in 4 sentences using 98 chars.

SAINARA.
( Astonished, taking a step towards him .)

Note: Contains 39 words in 4 sentences using 224 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 22 words in 2 sentences using 105 chars.

SAINARA.
( Embarrassed, playing with her fan .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 23 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 32 chars.

SAINARA.
( Playing with her fan .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 19 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 20 words in 4 sentences using 99 chars.

SAINARA.
( Piqued .)

Note: Contains 17 words in 3 sentences using 87 chars.

( Crosses R.)
KAMI.
( Pleading .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

SAINARA.
(R. C.)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 29 chars.

( She makes a movement as if to go .)
KAMI.
( On his knees .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 3 sentences using 22 chars.

SAINARA.
( Relenting .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 44 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 15 words in 3 sentences using 73 chars.

KAMI.
(R. C., overjoyed .)

Note: Contains 32 words in 3 sentences using 156 chars.

SAINARA.
( Seriously .)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 29 words in 5 sentences using 138 chars.

SAINARA.
( Half pleased .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 24 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 45 chars.

SAINARA.
( Crossing R. C.)

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

KAMI.
(C.)

Note: Contains 8 words in 3 sentences using 37 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 4 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

KAMI.
( Aside .)

Note: Contains 6 words in 3 sentences using 33 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 52 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 122 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 41 chars.

SAINARA.
(R. C., fanning herself .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 49 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 16 words in 3 sentences using 89 chars.

SAINARA.
( Crossing L.)

Note: Contains 9 words in 3 sentences using 51 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

SAINARA.
( Emphatically .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 16 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

SAINARA.
( Speaking rapidly .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars.

( Crosses R.)
KAMI.

Note: Contains 3 words in 1 sentence using 25 chars.

SAINARA.
(R.)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 5 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 18 words in 3 sentences using 86 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 10 chars.

SAINARA.
( Coming down R. putting her fan over her eyes and pretending to cry .)

Note: Contains 9 words in 2 sentences using 43 chars.

KAMI.
(C.)

Note: Contains 212 words in 13 sentences using 1067 chars.

SAINARA.
(R. C., smiling increduously .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 11 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 19 words in 4 sentences using 92 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 11 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Off R.)

Note: Contains 23 words in 5 sentences using 116 chars.

SAINARA.
(L. C.)

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 23 words in 2 sentences using 111 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 18 chars.

(SAINARA moves L. a little, then turns .)
SAINARA.

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 30 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 12 words in 2 sentences using 57 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 5 words in 3 sentences using 24 chars.

KAMI
( Wringing his hands .)

Note: Contains 19 words in 3 sentences using 96 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 68 words in 7 sentences using 365 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Off right .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 3 sentences using 11 chars.

KAMI.
( Suddenly awakened to the situation .)

Note: Contains 60 words in 9 sentences using 289 chars.

(SAINARA burst out laughing, moving L.)

Note: Contains 11 words in 3 sentences using 59 chars.

(SAINARA crosses R. and opens door R.)
SAINARA.

Note: Contains 5 words in 4 sentences using 34 chars.

(SAZHIMA (MUSME) enters by the door, right, while DJOUROS (TAIPHOON) climbs over the window-sill up centre . KAMI sees SAZHIMA first .)
KAMI.
( Greatly astonished .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 3 sentences using 21 chars.

MUSME.
( Graciously .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 14 chars.

KAMI.
( Shaking his head .)

Note: Contains 1 word in 2 sentences using 8 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 17 chars.

( He sees DJOUROS (TAIPHOON), who has come through window. She has taken off her head-gear but puts up the chin-piece with her hand .)
KAMI.

Note: Contains 12 words in 3 sentences using 60 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Taking down chin-piece and showing herself a girl. She crosses C.)

Note: Contains 7 words in 2 sentences using 38 chars.

KAMI.
(L. C.)

Note: Contains 11 words in 4 sentences using 68 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 55 chars.

KAMI.
( In his polite manner, making a gesture with his fan .)

Note: Contains 8 words in 2 sentences using 50 chars.

MUSME.
( Stepping forward and giving curtsey .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Stepping forward and giving curtsey .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

SAINARA.
( Stepping forward and giving curtsey .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

MUSME.

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 10 words in 2 sentences using 42 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 14 words in 2 sentences using 59 chars.

SAINARA.

Note: Contains 6 words in 2 sentences using 27 chars.

KAMI.
( To TAIPHOON.)

Note: Contains 11 words in 2 sentences using 51 chars.

(TAIPHOON and MUSME both turn and look at SAINARA, for an answer to this question .)
SAINARA.
( Going to him coyly .)

Note: Contains 65 words in 5 sentences using 333 chars.

KAMI.
(L. C.)
( on his knees before SAINARA.)

Note: Contains 11 words in 5 sentences using 55 chars.

MUSME.
( Running down to footlights, with quick curtsey .)

Note: Contains 4 words in 2 sentences using 21 chars.

TAIPHOON.
( Running down beside her, with quick curtsey .)

Note: Contains 5 words in 2 sentences using 22 chars.

(KAMI rises and brings SAINARA down to footlights beside MUSME — as if presenting her to audience. She gives a quick curtsey and fans herself .)
KAMI.
( To audience .)

Note: Contains 2 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

( He makes the usual gesture, then changes his mind and says simply, looking from one girl to another .)

Note: Contains 15 words in 2 sentences using 77 chars.

( The three girls scamper up stage quickly and sit on floor around little table . MUSME is above it — TAIPHOON R. of it — and SAINARA L. of it . KAMI goes to tea things up L. The girls look out at audience — then MUSME whispers something to them .)
MUSME, SAINARA and TAIPHOON.
( Together, to audience .)

Note: Contains 7 words in 7 sentences using 47 chars.

KAMI.

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 15 chars.

ALL.
( Together .)

Note: Contains 3 words in 2 sentences using 12 chars.

CURTAIN.
CC-BY-4.0
Lizenzvertrag
Holder of rights
Mathias Göbel
Citation Suggestion for this Object
TextGrid Repository (2024). American Drama. A Flower of Yeddo. A Flower of Yeddo. American Drama Corpus. Mathias Göbel. https://hdl.handle.net/21.11113/0000-0014-A4AE-D