Storyline of the musical Star
STAR
Rome
It all begins in ancient Rome, in the Imperial Palace on Palatine Hill. It’s dark, the lights gradually fade, while symbols of Roman power – such as the eagle – appear. The festively decorated hall is full of people in Roman togas. Senators, members of the imperial family, poets, dignitaries, serving slaves. Everyone is there for the feast which is about to begin. Balatro announces the arrival of emperor Augustus.
He is greeted with a roaring applause and guests gather around him. The emperor is dignified, but restrained and informal. He didn't just come to the feast to eat and drink. He is about to make an important announcement: a census will be taken throughout the empire. It will increase Rome's wealth and influence, which Augustus needs in order to build an empire that will survive a thousand years. He knows this is going to take stricter discipline and higher morals. Rome's time had come. The world must now play by Augustus’ rules. (Laurel wreath).
Unknown landscape
We find ourselves far from Rome, somewhere in the east, in a rural landscape covered under the canopy of a night sky. The first wise man arrives. He sings of a miraculous star that appeared to him and beckoned him to follow her. Two other wise men join him as the song progresses. They all seem serious but casual. They are of different ages. They're obviously not poor, but they're not very wealthy either. (I've seen the starlight).
They sit down on the ground, remaining in the background, while the personified Star appears in the sky, accompanied by many small stars. It’s an unprecedented phenomenon. The Star is graceful, otherworldly. She assures the wise men that she is real, as is the path they have taken. Her song isn’t directed towards the wise men, but towards the audience, and is set against a background of a deep night sky. (No delusion).
Jeruzalem
We are transported to Jerusalem. King Herod is alone, holding a scroll with a seal in his hand. It is a letter from the emperor Augustus ordering him to take a census of the people. Orthodox Jews, however, consider this to be a crime against the faith and a public dishonor to God. So, there will be inconveniences. Herod has two faces: in front of Rome he is humiliatingly dissected, but in front of his subjects he is a bloated sovereign. Solitude also reveals his third face: fear alternating with fits of fury. Herod is seriously ill, but no one must know. (Small pond).
Herod's younger sister Salome enters, looking conspiratorial. Psychologically, she is completely different. While Herod is subject to every emotion, she is cold and rational. It bears the account of the protests which fell victim to the statue of the Roman eagle in the facade of the Temple of Jerusalem, a structure of which Herod is particularly proud. However, Salome's real intention is to eliminate Herod's eldest son, Antipater, who has the highest claim to the throne after Herod. Salome falsely accuses him of plotting, therefore he must be eliminated immediately. Herod refuses to kill him but sends him to prison. (Keep a cool head).
Roman Baths
We arrive at the Roman baths, a place of luxury, which also includes social spaces and a library. Famous poet Ovid dances in comic style, surrounded by a group of girls. Pouring out verses from his sleeve, he is completely engrossed in his glory. He has a laurel wreath on his head, because he is the biggest star of contemporary Rome, his verses are incredibly popular. He refers to his girls as "muses". On closer inspection, however, two figures stand out among them, to whom everyone shows special respect. One is the emperor's daughter Julia, the other her lover Antonius. Both belong to the highest honor of Rome. Everyone is ecstatic, holding hands, dancing and slightly tumbling around the stage. The world belongs to them. (My verses).
The dance stops for a moment. The emperor's daughter Julia stands out from the group. She comes to the fore, others listen to her, join her. Julia sings frivolously, although her life feeling is bitterness, which she overcomes with constant parties. She is famous, popular and admired, sometimes considered a goddess. But she has been used for political marriages since childhood. After the breakup of her marriage to Tiberius, her life fell apart. At least she is enjoying herself. (We are all gods).
After Julia, Antonius, her lover, comes to speak. He expresses concern if things aren't going too far. If this comes to light and a scandal breaks out, he will be the one to pay highest price. After all, he is the son of Augustus' former rival Marc Anthony. Fathers of Julia and Anthony waged a life-and-death war with each other. At one point, Balatro with a mask appears in the back unnoticed by anyone, but quickly disappears again. (What will happen next).
Rome - Imperial Palace
It is night, darkness everywhere, a storm outside the windows. Augustus is lying on the bed, waking up in a sweat, clearly upset. He has the Vestal summoned to him. He walks nervously around the room, hunting in his memory what he just dreamed. It was an unpleasant, terrifying dream. As the ruler of the world, he is a pragmatist, but he takes seriously everything he considers a sign. Looking out the window at sleeping Rome, he remembers the visions that the dream contained: the crosses, the sign of the fish, the burning city, finally a strange star. During the song, the Vestal enters the room. She listens carefully and says that it was not a dream but a prophecy. (What did I dream).
Suddenly Augustus remembers that his devoted legate Quirinius is waiting for an audience. The Vestal remains but steps aside, Quirinius is surprised by her presence. They are in love with each other, which they carefully hide. Quirinius reports on the critical situation in Judea, which is getting out of the hands of the weakening Herod. Augustus wants to keep the peace at all costs, so he immediately sends Quirinius to Jerusalem. (Head out immediately).
The secret love of the Vestal and Quirinius passes through difficult obstacles. As a priestess of the temple of the goddess Vesta, the Vestal is not allowed to have any relationship with a man, she would face the draconian punishment of being buried alive. Now she remains alone - with the hope that, even in the worst conditions, mutual love can miraculously survive. (Why should my love have to fight).
Roman street
We find ourselves in front of the Roman barracks. Quirinius arrives accompanied by several soldiers. They are all in military clothing, over which they throw their cloaks. They go to fulfill the task given to Quirinius by the emperor Augustus. They embark on an uncertain voyage to Judea. In this time of year the journey can be dangerous. But it's a man's business, and Quirinius is used to danger. (My fate is Rome).
Unknown landscape
Far in the east, wise men wander after a Star. But now they stand somewhat bewildered, looking inquisitively at the sky. They don't know where to go next. The Star is lost. They are waiting for a miracle. (Pleiades in the sky).
The silhouette of the village can be seen in the distance. It's getting dark, lights flicker in the windows of distant houses. The sages hear the playing of a whistle somewhere nearby. It is played by a little girl named Curiosity. She is an orphan, she has no one, so the wise men take her with them. (Curiosity).
The evening comes, everyone has to go to sleep, the last lights of the nearby village go out. When the sages and Curiosity fall asleep, the Star comes and holds out her hand over them as if to bless them. (World of Miracles).
Jeruzalem
Herod is alone in a dark room. Shadows flicker across the walls from the fireplace. There is an eerie atmosphere here. Herod holds an apple in his hand. He paces around the room confused. His royal robes open as if he can't breathe. He reacts to every shadow on the walls. He is scared. His madness manifests itself in boundless cruelty by day and boundless fear by night. He is haunted by the ghosts of those he had murdered: his wife Mariamne, king Hyrcanus, princess Alexandra, his own sons Alexander and Aristobulos. Shadows turn into ghosts, he hears their voices and grave sounds. He wants to drive them away, draws an imaginary dagger, at one point even turns it against himself. (Herod's specters).
Meanwhile, Salome weaves more intrigues. Herod's eldest son Antipater has so far only been put in prison, but she is firmly determined to deprive him of his life. She plays the game. And she knows how to play to always win. (I call the shots).
Here comes Herod, who has just recovered from a fit of madness. He talks a little confused about his visions and heavenly signs. But things suddenly take a turn for the worse. A revealed jailer arrives with an unexpected message. He describes how Herod's imprisoned son Antipater heard a noise in the palace and assumed that the king had died. He offered a hefty reward if the jailer would let him go. Herod falls into a fit of madness, orders the jailer to kill Antipater immediately. Salome has a hard time hiding her joy. (Your son must die).
Unknown landscape
Far in the east, the journey of the wise men continues for the Star. At this moment, however, only Curiosity appears, childishly pondering her fate. (Why am I asking why).
Together with the sages, we see her on the road again. She is the embodiment of the spirit of discovery that led the wise men on their uncertain journey. They too have a sincere, childlike desire to uncover the mysteries of the world. The landscape changes, the pilgrimage is long, Curiosity shortens it with funny questions that the wise men tirelessly answer. (Another cat).
Rome - Imperial Palace
Augustus stands in the center of the atrium, where Ovid, Juliet, and a group of "muses" arrive. For a short moment Balatro appears in the back with a mask, holding a cup with playing dice in his hand, which he rattles and disappears again. Augustus admires and supports the arts, but this group is a thorn in his side. Ovid and the "muses" are elated, which contrasts with the stern expression on Augustus' face. According to them, the world will turn into one endless party. A conflict ensues in which Augustus asks Ovid to stop writing erotically loose poetry at a time when he is introducing laws to fix morals. In the end, Augustus prefers to leave to prevent his anger from exploding. Ovid takes everything as a joke, completely unaware of the impending danger. (Change your tune).
Julia takes the floor. Only she knows best how rotten Rome is. (Don't count on).
Rome - the temple of the goddess Vesta
In the circular space of the temple of the goddess Vesta, the Vestal gazes into the flames. She addresses her feelings to the distant Quirinius, who is on his way to Judea. She would like to escape and be with him forever, but she knows that is not possible. In her heart, she gives Quirinius freedom, knowing that their happiness is just a beautiful dream. She alternates between feelings of surrender and anger towards the goddess Vesta who is the cause of her misfortune. (My dream).
Between heaven and earth
We find ourselves in some other time and space, as if we could look behind the curtain of clear sky for a moment. We see an unearthly scene, Star and a group of little stars in mysterious illumination. Everything is accompanied by visual effects, dancing lights. Heavenly scene. (Sunrise - sorry, just in Czech: Svítá)
Jeruzalem
Herod welcomes the wise man and Curiosity to his palace. He heard about their trip following the Star and wants to find out the details. He would have them killed outright, but he comes to the conclusion that they will be more useful to him if they themselves find the birthplace of the future king. He asks them to come and inform him immediately, because he also wants to bow to him. The sages promise it. (What do you know about the star?).
When the Wise Men and Curiosity leave, Herod orders Salome to have them killed as soon as they return, as well as the newborn king. (You must intervene).
Open landscape
In the distance on the horizon is Bethlehem. The sky is dotted with stars, the biggest one shining above Bethlehem. The Wise Men and Curiosity are heading there. The closer they are, the bigger the stars. (Through silent night).
Rome - Imperial Palace
Balatro puts on various cheerful masks. An angry Augustus enters. He has a report from his spies in hand, describing Julia's scandalous behavior and listing her lovers, including Antonio. There is also speculation that Julia wants a divorce from Tiberius so that she can marry Antony, who would then become the future emperor. Balatro tries in vain to calm the situation. Augustus brings judgement: Antony will be forced to commit suicide and Julia will be send into exile. Ovid narrowly escapes punishment this time. (Put on the tragic mask).
Three figures, separated from each other, are alternately focused by light. One is Julia, who tries in vain to reach her father. The other is Augustus, who has decided never to see her again and never speak her name. The third is Antonius, who leans on his sword. (The Cruel Reap).
Jeruzalem
Quirinius reaches Jerusalem after a long journey. He comes to king Herod to personally deliver a letter from emperor Augustus. Herod barely controls himself. (Times are changing, as are the rulers).
After Quirinius leaves, Herod has a fit of rage, sees apparitions again. The world is changing, and Herod has no place in it. Salome enters, whom he asks to grant his last wish. He reveals that he had all the notable men of Judea assembled in the hippodrome. Salome must promise that at the moment of his death she will have them all killed at once. Only then will the mourning throughout the country be sincere. Salome promises it, but sees that Herod is written off. She leaves him with the decision to break the promise. (Herod's last wish)
Betlehem
The wise men and Curiosity come to Bethlehem. They stop in front of poor hut. There is light inside, silhouettes of shepherds and pilgrims can be seen entering and leaving. The singing of the Star and the choir of stars is heard above the hut. Visual effects fill the sky. The wise men and Curiosity also enter the hut, we see their silhouettes in the lighted interior, they bow and go out. (Heavenly noise).
The Bethlehem scene turns into a powerful "hallelujah". Visual effects are multiplied above the hut, dance creations in front of it. More people come, mingle with the sages and the choir of stars. The world will change, but in a completely different way than anyone expected. Curiosity runs ahead and exclaims: "We'll go out into the world with this news - people will be interested". (Helehallelujah).