A Play
Cast
Kim II · The Instructor · The First Student
The New Student · The Other Students
(A cinema in Pyongyang. The students, the Instructor, and Kim II have been watching Pulgasari. The screen goes dark. A soft light fades in. The students and the Instructor applaud. Kim II stands.)
The Instructor
It’s a masterpiece.
Kim II
(wiping his eyes)It still makes me cry.
(catching his breath)Comrades, the imperialists have monster movies. But their monsters have no purpose. Pulgasari is born out of a people’s suffering. He is heroic. He is nuclear. He is no mere Godzilla. Western critics claimed to be surprised by the special effects. As if a small nation could not be a great nation! Could not be a leading nation in the art of cinema.
(A beat.)Yes, Pulgasari dies. Ami dies. It’s a sacrifice. I made sacrifices. The people did. For the greatest cause.
(Another beat.)We even have Dolby Atmos now.
The Other Students
And atomic bombs!
Kim II
And rockets to launch them. Rockets that can reach the heart of the imperialists. Only LA is safe.
(A beat.)I would never destroy Hollywood. After the war I will rename it though … Pyonglywood.
The New Student
Do you have a favourite film from Hollywood?
Kim II
Rambo.
The Other Students
Rambo Zambo!
The First Student
Can I ask a delicate question?
Kim II
Shoot.
The First Student
Are you happy with your succession?
Kim II
My succession? As a film director?
The First Student
As head of state.
Kim II
(looking at the Instructor)What is he talking about?
The Instructor
Ignore him.
Kim II
Maybe you can explain it to me over dinner. I have some superb Maine lobster and fine aged caviar from Tibet.
The Other Students
Yum yum.
Kim II
I fear for you it will be rice and kimchi.
The Other Students
(in a lower register)Yum yum.
The New Student
Can you tell us a little more about the director of Pulgasari?
Kim II
He stayed with me as a guest for a long time.
The First Student
Didn’t you have him kidnapped?
Kim II
That’s such a stark word. He was in need of some guidance. Of true artistic freedom.
(A beat.)You have just seen the proof.
The Other Students
Godzilla!
(Kim II turns red with rage.)
Kim II
(shouting)God fucking Zilla?
(taking a deep breath, looking at the Instructor, then calmly)Do they wish to be re-educated in feathers and tar?
The Other Students
Please no.
(A brief silence.)
The Other Students
(quietly)Pulgasari.