THE WOODS

Sounds of the night. WOYZECK wandering along, listening to the animals and staring up at the moon. Noises build and he holds his hands to his ears.

WOYZECK … on and on, round and round! On and on and on!! The sounds around me, they just won’t stop!!!

VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!

WOYZECK There! Who’s that, speaking to me?

He throws himself down onto the ground, listening.

WOYZECK What’re you saying to me?! What?!! Just SAY it!! Louder … LOUDER …

VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!

WOYZECK “… stab … stab the she-wolf. Stab her dead?” (Beat.) Must I? Must I?!

WOYZECK stands, looking up at the trees, the moon.

WOYZECK Is it even there in the wind?! Do I hear it there, too?!!

He staggers around in circles, listening. Moaning.

VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!

WOYZECK “Stab her … stab her … stab HER!”

WOYZECK throws the bottle, shattering it. Silence.

WOYZECK … dead.

Blackout.