Scene 1:During the Trial Characters: Crowd, Josephine Bracken and sister, Taviel, Rizal, Judges. Rizal: Concerning the rebellion, since July 6, 1892, I have not engaged in politics until June 1 of this year, when Dr. Valenzuela came to notify me about an uprising, thus proving that I don’t have prior contact with them. For if I was in touch, I would have already known about such a grave matter as an uprising. Another negative proof is that they don’t hold any single letter from me. They exploited my name most cruelly, and at the very last moment schemed to take me by surprise. I was resigned to being an exile, not for alleged reasons, which are false, but rather because I had the chance to write. All I desire for my country is liberty, but the only way to realize it is not through a revolution, but through education. They don’t have the right to take my life for this. Scene 2: (signing of death penalty) Character: Sir Ledesma as the Governor. Judge Advocate Nicolas de la Peña: This tribunal condemns Don Jose Rizal Mercado y Alonso with the penalty of death. So decreed and ordered by the Ordinary Court Martial of the Post as Witnessed by the President and Members of the Tribunal. You have only 24 more hours to live. Scene 3:In the cell Taviel de Andrade: Damn them! What happened is unjust. We weren’t even given the chance to cross-examine. It was a mock trial. They deceived us, they just used us. Rizal: Don’t worry its I who’s been sentenced to die. Taviel: I don’t know how you can joke about this. I have had it! Ill resign from my post, I’m going back to Spain. (Pause) I am so ashamed. I’m terribly ashamed. Rizal: But why? Taviel: Because I’m a Spaniard. Rizal: You’re not a Spaniard Taviel. We are one and the same. Scene 4: Nanang went to Malacanang. Characters: Mother, 2 sisters of Rizal, 2 Guards, Governor. Mother: May I speak with governor Polavieja? It’s about my son, Jose Rizal. Guard: The governor has no time. Mother: Please have mercy! My son’s life is in his hands. Mother: GOBERNADOR! (3x)...Por Favor !(guards stopping her to come in) Gobernador! for my son (give the paper of plea to Gob.) Please have mercy Governor! Gobernador: (reading the paper)…I have no time for this…Por Favor señora… (Nanang and Rizal’s 2 sisters left crying).
Scene 5: Rizal writing a letter for his brother Paciano. My Dear Brother, …I think of how you have worked to enable me to have a career. I believe that I have tried not to waste my time. My brother: If the fruit has been bitter, it is not my fault, it is the fault of circumstances. I know that you have suffered much because of me. I am sorry. I assure you, brother, that I die innocent of this crime of rebellion. If my former writings had been able to contribute towards it, I should not deny, but then I believe I expiated my past with my exile. Scene 6: The cell (By the afternoon on that day his mother came, accompanied by Maria, Trinidad, Narcissa). Rizal: Mother…Mother… My respects. (teary eyed while bowing down to his mother) Guard: NO! Rizal: Nanang! Mother: Pepe! Rizal: Mother, after they shoot me, seek the authorities permission to have my body (teary eyed). Bury me, place a stone or a cross over it. With my name, the date of my birth and of my death. That’s all, nothing more. If you wish to put a fence around my grave, you may do so nanang. But please, no anniversaries. (Guards brought Teodora out) Scene 7: In the cell (Simon and Rizal) Simon: There’s still time to change everything. You can still resurrect me. Rizal: What are you doing here! Simon: You must let the lamps explode. To put an end to a long history of Spanish tyranny. Rizal: You will not succeed because you only seek vengeance! Simon: Then change me! Make me realize that it’s the country I should care about. Not Maria Clara. Not vengeance! Don’t kill me by poisoning. I don’t like the way you kill me. You killed me because you think it’s hopeless. Because you too, is hopeless. But there’s hope. We can change everything. You should write again. Rizal: What if…(stutters) I can’t write anymore?. What if there’s nothing more I can say?. What if there’s nothing left? I exhausted everything in Dapitan. What if… all has been destroyed by my imprisonment? What if like you, I’ve long been dead? Simon: Then they’re right. You did commit a crime! You are indeed a traitor! You think of no one but yourself! You deserve to die.
Rizal: All my life, you’ve done nothing but judge me, as well as my works. You took everything away from me. And yet you still don’t see who I really am. I’ve given all I could, why take my life as well? For once leave me in peace, so that I may see myself. Scene 8: December 30, 1896, Bagumbayan. Rizal: Im ready. How about you? Taviel de Andrade: My friend. Rizal: Don’t be afraid Taviel. I’m here. Rizal: This is for you, so that you won’t forget me. Taviel: Thanks but, you should give this to your family. I have more than enough memories of you. Farewell, my adored country, region beloved of the sun Pearl of the Orient Sea our lost Eden Departing in happiness, to you I give the sad remains of my life And had it be a life more brilliant, more fine, more fulfilled. Even so I would have given it willingly to you Others are giving you their lives on fields of battle Fighting joyfully, without thought for the consequence How it takes place is not important cypress, laurel or lily Scaffold or battlefield in combat or in cruel martyrdom It is the same it demanded by country and home I am to die when I see the heavens go vivid in color in the sky at his announcing day If color be needed to embellish your dawn Shed my blood; at that perfect moment let it flow, And be enhanced in the reflection of your dawning light. Rizal: Ah...Ateneo. A splendor from my memory. I spent my happiest moments there. I spent seven years there. (Remarked to his escorts) Rizal: One final request. (to March). Let me face the firing squad. March: I can’t grant your request. Rizal: Then at least spare my head. (March was silent…) (…drums and bugler chanting….) March: In the name of the King of the Spain, anyone who raises his voice in favor of the criminal will be executed. Ready…. Load…. Aim…. Fuego… March: A mercy shot. Spaniards: Death to all traitors. Long Live Spain.
