SHS
Creative Writing
Module 6: Understanding
intertextuality as a technique of
drama
Creative Writing
Grade 11/12– Module 6: Understanding intertextuality as a technique of
drama
First Edition, 2020
Copyright © 2020
La Union Schools Division
Region I
All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.
Development Team of the Module
Author: JENILYN B. FERRER
Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team
Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II
Management Team:
Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.
Schools Division Superintendent
Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD
Assistant Schools Division Superintendent
German E. Flora, PhD, CID Chief
Virgilio C. Boado, PhD, EPS in Charge of LRMS
Belen C. Aquino, PhD, EPS in Charge of English
Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II
Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
Creative Writing
Module 6: Understanding
intertextuality as a technique of
drama
Target
In the previous module, you were introduced to the wonderful world of literary
genre called drama. You were able to dig deep into the definition of drama and the
underlying concepts of drama along its various types. The elements of drama as well as
some of the techniques were also discussed in the module.
But have you ever wondered why there are dramas which sound like as if you
have read them before or you have met them along the way in another form like a
short story or a novel or a song? Like the hit musical “Ang Huling El Bimbo”, you
might be wondering: Hey! Isn’t this one the hit song by the 90s rock band
Eraserheads?
This module which you are about to tackle will provide you more information to
answer such questions.
After going through this module, you are expected to:
1. understand intertextuality as a technique of drama (HUMSS_CW/MPIj-IIc-16);
2. identify the various types of intertextualities used in drama; and
3. analyze a drama script based on intertextualities used by the writer.
You may start now with the module. Be sure to follow all instructions and
try to understand all the lessons as best as you could.
Enjoy learning and good luck!
INTERTEXTUALITY AS A TECHNIQUE IN DRAMA
In the previous module, you were introduced to the concepts and ideas on
what is drama. You also had a thorough understanding on the different types,
elements and techniques used in drama.
In this module, you will learn more about intertextuality as a technique in
drama.
Jumpstart
To jumpstart the lesson, do the following activities. Have fun and
good luck!
Activity 1: What’s that Brand Again?
Directions: Below are parody logos. Figure out the actual brands they
represent. Write your answers on a separate sheet of paper.
1.
- An car manufacturer
Answer:
2.
- A hiking & camp gear manufacturer
Answer:
3.
- A Hollywood movie studio
Answer:
4.
- A popular coffee shop
Answer:
5.
- A popular brand of shoes
Answer:
6.
- A burger fastfood
Answer:
7.
- A popular washing detergent
Answer:
8.
- A signature basketball shoes
Answer:
9.
- A popular Filipino fastfood
Answer:
10.
- A coffee brand
Answer:
Were you able to answer them all correctly?
What you have just worked on is called logo parody. You may have felt a
sudden jolt of comic relief upon seeing them but the thing is that you also felt a
sudden memory recall like: “I’ve seen this thing before but it’s not like this”!
If you had that kind of feeling, then you are on your way to understanding
intertextuality.
Now let us take the activity farther. Answer the next activity.
Activity 2: The Who?!
Directions: In every item is a popular line from a song, poem, movie, or a short
story. Look for the corresponding intertextual relations in the choices given
below. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. I
II
What was God thinking on the day
he gave that bee a weapon anyway
Bees in summer are everywhere
oh do so ever do beware
I think I never want to see
another stinging honey bee
A bee whose nasty stingers pressed
into this flesh too near the breast
III
For on this bosom it had lain
and stung me, oh the nasty swain
the bee has stung this silly me
to think God made that stupid bee
--‘Bees’ by Elle De Jeune
This poem about bees sound funny but did you know that its beat and rhythm
were derived from a more serious poem you most likely met when you were in
elementary? What is the title of this poem written by Joyce Kilmer?
A. Beasts
C. Breasts
B. Trees
D. Grease
Lady: Hello?
Ghostface: I’m gonna kill you! I’m gonna slice you up!
Lady: Who is this?
Ghostface: I’m gonna chop you like liver!
Lady: What do you want?
Ghostface: I’m in the house. Do know where I am?
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAerssgC4pc)
2.
You must be familiar with the character of Ghostface who appeared in the
hit comedy movie Scary Movie in year 2000. But did you know that Ghostface first
appeared as a serious (not a comic) serial killer in a hit movie in 1996? What is
the title of this Hollywood blockbuster?
A. Scream
B. Wild Things
3.
C. Halloween
D. I Know What You Did Last Summer
Napadaan sa sabungan, may nagsisigawan
Nung aking tingnan, manok na pula mukhang matapang
YourAng
parents
may
putnaa dapat
little frown
on ko
their
faces
as they hear this popular
pera ni
misis
ay ihulog
sana
sa Palawan
Aking pinusta sa manok na pula mukhang tatama yan
--lyrics from the song Manok na Pula, a cover by Vic Desucatan
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V6VMH5YiGic)
Your parents may put a little frown on their faces as they hear this popular song
with its music reminding them of the good old days. The music in this parody was taken
from the hit song of Anne Murray in 1984. What is the title of this song?
A. You Needed Me
C. Just Another Woman in Love
B. You Won’t See Me
D. Unchained Melody
4.
4.
“Cause you were Romeo, I was a Scarlet Letter;
And my Daddy said “Stay away from Juliet!”
But you were everything to me
I was begging you “Please don’t go!”
--lyrics from the song Love Story, sang and performed by Taylor Swift
The lines remind you of a famous drama of the star-crossed lovers made
popular by William Shakespeare. What is the title of this drama?
A. Midsummer’s Night’s Dream
C. A Winter’s Tale
B. As You Like It
D. Romeo and Juliet
5.
“Hindi na kailangan pang magpaalam”, ang wika ni Jori sa sarili. Nakapagsulat naman
na siya ng kanyang paalam sa kanyang mga kababayan at iyon na rin ang kanyang huli. Sa
loob-loob niya at sa mismong isip niya, nagawa na niya ang mga dapat ihanda. Ang laban niya
sa mga mapang-aping mga pulitiko at mga buwayang negosyante kasama na ang
mapanlinlang nilang pananampalataya ay nasugatan niya ng malalim. Tiniyak niyang
pagkatapos ng kanyang pagbitay ay guguho na ang institusyong umuto sa kanya at sa kanyang
mga kababayan ng napakatagal na panahon.
Lumapit and guwardiya sa kanyang selda at malamig na nagsabi, “Tumayo na po kayo,
doktor. Oras na po.”
Kampanteng tumayo si Jori. Naisip na niya ang huling postura bago bumagsak sa lupa
pagkatapos tumagos ang mga bala sa kanyang dibdib mamaya. Pipilitin niyang humarap sa
silangan para masilayan sa huling pagkakataon ang sinag ng araw.
--mga huling talata ng “Lumaban ka, Jori!”, maikling kwento ni Jenilyn Ferrer
Is the scene familiar to you? Does it bring a picture of a hero in your mind?
Who do you think is this hero in Philippine history?
A. Jose Rizal
C. Gregorio Del Pilar
B. Andres Bonifacio
D. Antonio Luna
Were you able to figure out all the correct answers?
Now that you have had your great jumpstart, let us take a moment first in
understanding the concepts behind intertextuality!
Discover
By now you already have a slight idea on what is intertextuality. In this part, you
are going to read more on what is intertextuality. Continue with your quest for
knowledge! Good luck!
WHAT IS INTERTEXTUALITY?
The use of intertextuality in literature is an effective tool used by writers to craft
meanings with multiple layers into their poems, short stories, songs, novels, and
dramas. With this, it is safe to say that intertextuality is a powerful and effective
technique to convey something in a package seemingly familiar to the readers.
However, intertextuality does not come easy to detect. This technique becomes
difficult to identify especially when the reader does not possess a wide knowledge of
different literary texts. This situation may have been experienced by you when you were
answering the jumpstart activities. For this reason, continually reading and expanding
one’s array of books, poems, films, songs, and plays become imperative.
The term intertextuality was first developed by the poststructuralist, Julia
Kristeva in the 1960s. Since then, intertextuality has become widely accepted by
postmodern literary critics and theoreticians.
Intertextuality happens when a text or any work of art is indirectly or directly
referring to another text or work of art through its genre, symbols, ideas, or even style.
Intertextuality appears with a distinctively recognizable elements of the referenced text.
An implicit intertextual reference happens when the writer indirectly
alludes to another text through the genre, ideas, symbols and styles. On the other
hand, explicit intertextual reference happens when the writer directly states
quotes or reference another text in their work.
With intertextuality, writers are able to enrich and extend the meanings of
their literary work and reflect their perspectives on issues or message in a more
creative manner.
The concept of intertextuality can also be expanded to music, film, advertising,
and many more in a way that everything produced now is influenced by what came
before. References to pop culture in advertising, films that are made from books, and disc
tracks in rap can all be considered intertextual though they are not strictly texts.
INTERTEXTUALITY VARIATIONS
Intertextuality variations greatly depend on two factors: the intention of the
writer and the significance of the reference. These variations may come in three forms.
First is the obligatory intertextuality wherein the writer deliberately invokes a
comparison or association between two or more texts. This is usually conscious
and directly injected by the writer into the literary text to help enrich and extend the
meanings.
Given the freedom and space in writing, there is also the variation called
optional intertextuality. The use of this variation creates a lesser impact on the
significance of the intertext within the work of literature.
The accidental intertextuality happens, as the word implies, by accident.
This often happens when readers connect a text with another text, cultural practice,
or a personal experience without any tangible anchor point within the original text.
INTERTEXTUALITY TECHNIQUES
There are five techniques used to create the sense of intertextuality in a literary
work. These are effective means to refer to texts in various ways and help create and
enrich meaning of literary texts.
ALLUSION
This is a literary technique commonly used in intertextuality where an indirect
reference to another text through characters, symbols, ideas which could be
historical, mythical, or religious in nature, are used to extend meaning.
Common allusions in literature and in drama are from characters, symbols
and events in Greeks mythology like the gods and goddesses, heroes like Achilles,
Hercules and Perseus, things like the Pandora’s Box, Golden Fleece, and many more.
PARODY
This is simply referred to by most literary scholars as ‘intellectually humorous
imitation’ of a work of art or literature. This so-called imitation of another text serves the
purpose of delivering satirical truths and mockery in a subtle yet effective manner.
QUOTATION
This is a direct reference to another text with the use of famous lines.
Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” gave the famous lines “To be or not to be, that is the
question!” or in his historical drama “Julius Caesar” where Anthony is best
remembered with the lines “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!”
In World War II history, many works of literature place their characters alaMcArthur with delivery of lines “I shall return!”
APPROPRIATION
This is the ‘reworking’ or the ‘re-imagination’ of a well-known work of art or a
piece of literature to change or extend its meanings.
The idea here is that there is already a pre-existing work of art (say for example
a painting) and that this artwork is ‘reworked’ by another either by applying new media
into it or whatever that is that the artist would like to present. An artist may use Juan
Luna’s “Spolarium” where the gladiator pulling a fallen comrade may appear in his
version to be pulling a crocodile in a coat and tie.
The use of appropriation technique becomes a legal case when copyright of the
original authors and intellectual property rights of the original artist are violated.
Andrew E (being the producer) and the Pinoy rap group Salbakuta have had a close brush
on this issue when fans of Barbara Streisand complained about the rap group degrading
the romantic impact of the song “Evergreen” into the chorus of the hit song ‘Stupid Love.’
ADAPTATION
This technique is most common in TV damas or stage plays where the plot is
largely based on popular literary works such as novels and short stories. A good
example is J.K. Rowling’s ‘Harry Potter’ series which made its way into the silver
screen as a film adaptation. Another one is the ‘Lord of the Rings’ novel by J.R.R.
Tolkien which garnered Oscar nominations and awards.
Explore
Here are some enrichment activities for you to work on to master
and strengthen the concepts you have learned from this lesson.
Enrichment Activity 1: True or False
Directions: Read each item carefully. Write True is the statement is correct
and False if otherwise. Use a separate sheet of paper for your answers.
1. The use of intertextuality in literary work is easy to identify even if the
reader does not possess a wide knowledge of different literary texts
and materials.
2. Intertextuality happens when a text or any work of art is indirectly or
directly referring to another text or work of art through its genre,
symbols, ideas, or even style.
3. The term intertextuality was first developed by the poststructuralist
Julia Klarete in the 1960s.
4. An implicit intertextual reference happens when the writer directly
alludes to another text through the genre, ideas, symbols and styles.
5. Explicit intertextual reference happens when the writer indirectly
states quotes or reference another text in their work.
6. The use of intertextuality has given writers the potentials to enrich
and extend the meanings of their literary work and reflect their
perspectives on issues or message in a more creative manner.
7. Intertextuality variations depend on two factors: the intention of the
significance and the writer’s reference.
8. Optional intertextuality creates bigger impact on the significance of the
intertext within the work of literature.
9. Accidental intertextuality happens when readers connect a text with
another text, cultural practice, or a personal experience without any
tangible anchor point within the original text.
10. Obligatory intertextuality is done unconsciously and inflicted
directly by the writer to help enrich and extend the meanings of their
literary work.
11. Adaptation is the ‘reworking’ or the ‘re-imagination’ of a well-known
work of art or a piece of literature to change or extend its meanings.
12. Parody is simply referred to by most literary scholars as
‘intellectually humorous imitation’ of a work of art or literature.
13. Appropriation technique refers to the use of direct reference to
another text with the use of famous lines.
14. Allusion is commonly used in intertextuality where an indirect
reference to another text through characters, symbols, and ideas are
used to extend meaning.
15. Adaptation is a technique common in TV damas or stage plays where
the stories are largely based on popular literary works such as novels
and short stories.
Enrichment Activity 2: The Who?! (Part 2)
Directions: In every item is a popular line from a song, poem, movie, or a short
story. Look for the corresponding intertextual relations in the choices given
below. Write the letter of your answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. In the story of the “Little Mermaid”, Ariel, the princess mermaid, is gifted with a
beautiful voice which eventually lured the handsome Prince Eric with the sound of her
song. The beautiful but dangerous voice has its reference from a mythological character.
What do you call these mythic characters?
A. Minotaurs
C. Sirens
B. Centaurs
D. Satyrs
2. The comics-turned-cartoon series-turned movie “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”
features crime fighting turtles-turned-humaniods with the names Donatello,
Michelangelo, Leonardo, and Raphael. Which of the following choices do the names
originally refer to?
A. Italian Renaissance Artists
C. Filipino National Artists
B. English Renaissance Composers
D. American rock band Eagles
3. Pop ballet musical “Rama Hari”, re-staged in 2012, is a historical unity of five
Philippine National Artists in one production: Alice Reyes (Dance), Ryan Cayabyab
(Music), Bienvenido Lumbera (Literature), Salvador Bernal (Theatre Design), and
Rolando Tinio (Theatre and Literature). The drama is all about a prince in search of
his wife and all his adventures. What is the title of this Indian epic?
A. Ramayana
C. The Panchatantra
B. Mahabharata
D. Sang Kansil, Sang Buaya
4. One of the highlights of the holy week celebration in Filipino Catholic culture is the
staging of the Cenakulo, a live street drama of performers acting out roles from the
Holy Bible. What particular section in the Holy Bible is portrayed in the Cenakulo?
A. The Ministry of Christ
C. The Birth of Christ
B. The Church of Christ
D. The Passion of Christ
5. Lualhati Bautista’s “Dekada ’70” has been adopted into drama and movie and has
made it big time not only in the box office but also into the political re-awakening of postMartial Law Filipino generations. Who was the then president of the Philippinesin the
historical and political background of the story?
A. Diosdado Macapagal
C. Corazon Aquino
B. Ferdinand Marcos
D. Fidel Ramos
6. Many Star Wars fans remember May 4 of every year as a special day to commemorate
the birth of the Star Wars media franchise by its creator George Lucas, hence the pun
for the event “May the 4th be with you!” What is the original line assaid in all the
Star Wars movies?
A. “May the Source be with you!”
C. “May the Horse be with you!”
B. “May the Force be with you!”
D. “May the Doors be with you!”
7.
Minsan sa may Kalayaan tayo’y nagkatagpuan
May mga sariling gimik, at kanya-kanyang hangad sa buhay.
Sa ilalim ng iisang bubong, mga sikretong ibinubulong,
Kahit na anog mangyari, kahit ha saan ka man patungo.
--lyrics from the song ‘Minsan’, by Eraserheads
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fqa6EBAAXjY)
Though the song was not given a spot for a single release, the song was able
to generate popularity out from sentiments and theme of friendship. The song was
composed by Eraserheads frontman Ely Buendia. Noted in the beginning of the song
is its reference to a place called Kalayaan. What specific place is being referred to in
the song?
A. Kalayaan Avenue
C. Kalayaan Residence Hall in UP
B. Kalayaan Hotel and Resort
D. Kalayaan cor. Katipunan Road
8. The film “Bayaning Third World” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0260731/) is a
reconstruction of the life of the hero Jose Rizal. It was produced in part investigativepart documentary-part satirical style and shot entirely in black-and-white. The film
presents the mystery that surrounds the life and death of the Filipino hero, Jose Rizal.
It is presented in the manner of a "mystery movie", with its efforts to portray Rizal
as a hero. What intertextuality technique was used by the film writer?
A. Parody
C. Quotation
B. Appropriation
D. Adaptation
9. “Isa kang mahinang nilalang. Wala kang lakas ng loob para lumaban. Mabuti pa
ang isang Tata Selo, uugod-ugod pero alam niyang tumayo at lumaban para sa
kanyang karapatan. Hahayaan mo na lamang ba na ikaw ay apihin ng mga taong
iyon?” pasigaw na sabi ni Mang Kondring kay Tolits na umiiyak sa tabi.
--talata mula sa “Lumaban ka, Jori!”, maikling kwento ni Jenilyn Ferrer
What intertextuality technique was used by the writer?
A. Parody
C. Allusion
B. Appropriation
D. Adaptation
10. Malakas na ang tama ng alak kay Tolits. Tumingin siya sa mga katabi. Tulog na
si Jori. Nadako ang mata sa nakadikit na papel sa bote. Kailangan ng lakas ng loob para
mapagtagumpayan ang mga kaaway wika niya sa sarili. Kagaya ng eksenang
nakamarka, ang kasamaan ay hindi magtatagumpay. Kinuha ni Tolits ang bote.
Tinitigan ng matagal ang papel at pagkatapos ay inihagis. Maririnig ang lagapak ng
basag na salamin sa di kalayuan.
--talata mula sa “Lumaban ka, Jori!”, maikling kwento ni Jenilyn Ferrer
What intertextuality technique was used by the writer?
A. Parody
C. Allusion
B. Appropriation
D. Adaptation
Assessment 1
Direction: Read and understand carefully the statements in every item and
then choose the letter of your choice. Use a separate sheet of paper for your
answers.
1. It is a general term that states that all texts: novels, works of philosophy,
newspaper articles, films, songs, paintings, and others are intimately
interconnected.
A. Intertextuality
C. Citation
B. Plagiarism
D. Allusion
2. She believes that every text is affected by all the texts that came before it
since those texts influenced the author’s thinking and aesthetic choices.
A. Julian Kristeva
C. Julie Anne Kristeva
B. Julie Kristeeva
D. Julia Kristeva
3. This happens when the writer has no intention of making an intertextual
reference and it is completely upon the reader's own prior knowledge that
these connections are made.
A. Optional
C. Latent
B. Obligatory
D. Accidental
4. This happens when one person imitates another to produce a humorous
effect.
A. Citation
C. Allusion
B. Parody
D. Plagiarism
5. It is a factor that can affect the variation of the types of intertextuality.
A. Intention of the audience
C. Intention of the reader
B. Intention of the writer
D. Intention of both reader and writer
6. Which of the following is true about intertextuality?
A. Intertextuality can only be seen in drama.
B. It is okay to use someone’s work with credit.
C. It doesn’t show how a similar cultural, religious, political, or moral ideology
can be expressed in very different ways through different cultural practices.
D. Intertextuality shows how much a culture can influence its authors, even
as the authors in turn influence the culture.
7. Which of the following sentences best describes the meaning of
intertextuality?
A. The relationship between texts
B. Allusions from Shakespeare’s works
C. Researching your project from the internet
D. A translation of your favorite book to another language
8. Alicia’s favorite book is “The Twilight Saga” (a story about vampires). Now,
she is trying to write a “Fan-fiction” that is also about her favorite vampire
characters but in a completely different setting. Which best describes Alicia?
A. She is an incredible writer.
B. She is a huge fan of the series.
C. She is using an optional intertextuality.
D. She is using an obligatory intertextuality so she must cite her sources.
9. Which of the following may not be an example of intertextuality?
A. A translation of the Iliad to Arabic
B. Two characters whose names were coincidentally named “William”
C. A writer paying homage to Shakespeare by adopting his theme and tone
D. None of the choices
10. Which one is the best example of accidental intertextuality?
A. A student comparing Harry Potter’s Dumbledore to Lord of the Ring’s
Gandalf
B. A person who watched a drama about Moby Dick and made a connection
about the size of the fish and the ship
C. A professor who read “Hamlet” before “Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are
Dead”
D. All of the choices
11. James Joyce’s Ulysses was a deliberate retelling of Homer’s Odyssey, but
transplanted out of ancient Greece into modern-day Dublin. The various
chapters in Joyce’s novel correspond to the adventures of Odysseus in
Homer’s epic poem. This is an example of:
A. Parody
C. Intertextuality
B. Translation
D. Deliberate Intertextuality
12. When John was still a child, one of their family bonding is to watch a play
every summer. Now, John is an accomplished author, most of his works
are based on the classics like Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet. What can be
true about John?
A. He loves drama very much.
B. He is well loved by his rich parents.
C. He has adapted intertextuality in his works.
D. He does not like Intertextuality to affect his way of writing books.
13. Anja is too lazy to research for her homework in the public library. Instead, she
opts to use the internet and copies everything without proper citation. Anya
is:
A. A very lazy student
B. Violating her teacher’s rules
C. Plagiarizing other people’s ideas
D. None of the choices
14. Martin Luther King’s writing was heavily influenced by the work of
Mohandas Gandhi, especially in the area of nonviolent resistance. What
could be true about King?
A. He used intertextuality effectively.
B. He does not like Gandhi very much.
C. He did not use intertextuality to mimic the works of Gandhi .
D. None of the choices
15. Choose the best answer about the connection of allusion and
intertextuality.
A. They are almost the same.
B. They are applied in literature by almost all authors.
C. They are similar but they are slightly different in their meanings.
D. None of the choices
Deepen
At this point, you are now ready to apply the new knowledge, concepts, and
skills which you have learned in this module. The succeeding activities would require
your creative and critical thinking. Further, you shall put into application the
concepts and skills you have learned.
Enrichment Activity 1. Your Line Sounds Familiar!
Directions: Below is a copy of a comedy script for play production written by
Grade 11 learners like you. Read the script carefully. Your work is to look for eight
intertextualities used by the two writers in crafting the comedy. For every
intertextuality you find, write a short paragraph regarding it placing emphasis on
the reference from where it was taken. Write your answers on a separate sheet
of paper. For every intertextuality, you shall be given scores based on the rubrics
provided below.
Criteria
Identified the
intertextualities
used in the
drama
Explanation of
reference and
how was it used
in the drama to
expand meaning
and creativity
Observance of
grammar and
mechanics in
writing
5 pts
Identified
7-8 intertexts
used in the
drama
Showed very
good
explanation
in the use of
intertext by
the writers
Observed
grammar and
mechanics of
writing with
no errors at
all
4 pts
Identified
5-6 intertexts
used in the
drama
Showed good
explanation
in the use of
intertext by
the writers
Observed
grammar and
mechanics of
writing with
minimal
faults
3 pts
Identified
3-4 intertexts
used in the
drama
Showed
satisfactory
explanation in
the use of
intertext by
the writers
Observed
grammar and
mechanics of
writing with
some minor
faults
2 pts
Identified
2 intertexts
used in the
drama
Showed fair
explanation on
the use of
intertext by
the writers
1 pt
Identified
1 intertext used in
the drama
Grammar and
mechanics of
writing is
flawed and
needs recall of
basic rules
Grammar and
mechanics of
writing is totally
flawed and needs
remediation on
basic rules
Showed poor
explanation on the
use of intertext by
the writers
The Drama Script:
THOMAS AND THE TIME MACHINE
(A One-Act Play)
Written for Play Production in Creative Writing
by Louise Joane Mapanao and Regine Aloot
HUMSS 11-Plato
Characters:
Thomas
Princess Serenity
King Pandarus
Queen Almazora
Princess Thena
Soldiers
: a junkyard boy, 16 years of age
: a princess from another dimension
wears a futuristic-looking gown, 16 years of age,
: king father of Serenity, wears a futuristic-looking robe
holds a staff with a little crystal ball at the tip
: mother of Serenity, also wears a futuristic-looking gown
: sister of Princess Serenity, 14 years of age, also wears a
futuristic-looking gown
: there are four of them, they wear futuristic soldier uniform with
matching laser guns
(A door of a room is placed on the upper left side of the stage. At the middle of the stage are
assorment of junk and debris of all sorts together with the time machine covered in dirty rags.
A dirty kitchen together with a food cabinet with a vase on top filled with rose flowers, a table
and two chairs are placed not far away from the door. A loud booming sound and thunderous
claps are heard. Smoke effect as curtains open.)
(Open Curtains)
Thomas: (opens the door with an expression of panic, runs near the junk and the scraps) Oh my
goodness! Oh my goodness! What was that thunderous sound! (falls to his knees and shouts)
Repent! The end of the world is near! (another thunderous sound is heard)
Thomas: (stands, looks at the audience) Where is that loud thunderous sound coming from
anyway? (another thunderous sound is heard and Thomas looks frightened)
Thomas: I think it’s coming from this old machine? (goes near the machine, removes its cover
and gives it an inspection) This is weird! I thought this machine is junk but how come it has
lights working and it even produces loud thunderous sound?
(Thomas operates the machine, clicks all buttons and switches all controls. The machine sparks
then out from the big box just under the controls and switches out came a giant egg rolling)
Thomas: Whaaaaat?! An egg? Wow! Now I have a good breakfast waiting! (He rubbed both of
his hands and licked his lips)
Thomas: I will crack you now and fry you! With your size, you will surely last for many days!
(tries to crack the egg with a stick but no good) What kind of egg is this anyway? (puts down
the stick and takes a long steel but no good; a broken guitar but no good and lastly a spading
fork, but still no good)
Thomas: (feeling exhausted after many tries) Wow! This egg is killing me! (hears a cracking sound
coming from the egg) What the…(the egg bursts open and out comes Princess Serenity yawning)
Serenity: (Stands up and looks straight into the eyes of Thomas and then suddenly faints)
Thomas: (in panic) Oh no! Oh no! (carries Serenity and place her on top of the table; gives her
a slap) Hey! Lady! Wake up! Wake up! (shakes her shoulders) Wake up!
Serenity: (comes into consciousness) What happened? Who are you? Where am I? (she raises
her body slowly into sitting position on top of the table)
Thomas: (seats beside Serenity) I am Thomas, the junkyard boy. I watch over this place owned
by my uncle. You are here in our junk shop! Mang Edwin’s Junkshop! (then makes a commercial
pose) How about you? What is your name and where are you from? (looks at Serenity) You don’t
look like one from our planet?
(Serenity looks at Thomas seriously then a loud sound from Serenity’s stomach is heard)
Thomas: Oh! You hungry? (Grabs some chocolate in his pocket) Here, grab a Sneakers!
(Serenity opens the chocolate then smells it with disgust)
Thomas: Owww! You don’t like this chocolate? This is expensive, you know?! Okay, wait I’ll
get some food. (opens the kitchen cabinet and brings in pancit canton and a bottle of softdrinks)
Thomas: Here you go! (Seats beside Serenity with the pancit canton and the softdrinks)
(Serenity looks at the pancit canton)
Thomas: (looks at Serenity) What will you do for pancit canton?
Serenity: (immediately moves and grabs a softbroom) I will sweep the floor?
Thomas: Nope! Sorry, we don’t do that here in the junkshop
Serenity: (grabs a pail of water) I will bathe the dogs?
Thomas: Sorry, we don’t have dogs!
Serenity: (draws her face close to Thomas and then looks deep into his eyes) This pancit canton
is so yummy!
(Thomas closes his eyes and waits for Serenity’s kiss)
Serenity: (grabs the bottle of softdinks) Here, drink your softdrinks!
Thomas: (scratches his head) Go on lady, just eat. I know you are hungry.
Serenity: (eats her food and drinks her water so fast; Thomas looks in disbelief) There! I’m
done! (gives a loud burp)
Thomas: (turns on the radio and plays a romantic music; he holds Serenity’s hands) Shall we
dance? (tThomas’ hands on Serenity’s waist and Serenity’s hands on Thomas’ shoulders) You
know what? I’ve never been experienced this kind of thing in my whole life.(awkwardly looks
at Serenity)
Serenity: You have never been to a dance? We also do this in our place. We dance.
Thomas: Because…(they stop dancing) I’m just a junkyard boy (he sadly looked down to the
floor)
Serenity: Oh come on, don’t feel bad about being a junkyard boy. By the way, my name’s
Serenity.
Thomas: (looks at Serenity) Wow! Such a beautiful name! (stops dancing again) Oh wait! I’ll
just go and get something that is beautiful as you. (grabs the flowers in the vase near the
kitchen cabinet and gives them to Serenity) Flowers for you, Serenity!
Serenity: Wow! (smells the flowers) Thank you! I love flowers!
(She smells the flowers again; both look deeply into each others eyes when suddenly the machine
came to life again; four soldiers come out with their laser guns ready to shoot)
Thomas: (hides Serenity behind his back) Back off guys! We don’t want any trouble!
Soldier 1: (pushes Thomas away and points his laser gun at the princess) Princess Serenity, you
should come with us! We were sent by your father to take you back to our kingdom.
(Soldier 2 grabs Serenity’s arm)
Thomas: (shouts) Wait! Before you take her, you must fight me first! I challenge you to a oneon-one combat! (runs to his room and changes in his taekwondo outfit) Hayaaaaa! (he does
taekwondo posing and Jackie Chan moves; challenges Soldier 2)
Soldier 1: (looks at Soldier 2) You afraid of him? Go! Fight him!
(Fighting ensues; Karate Kid moves by the soldier; Dragon Ball Son Gokou Kami-hame Wave
moves by Thomas)
(after much of choreographed comic fighting)
(Soldier 2 lands a straight punch into Thomas’ face)
Thomas: (gets dizzy and falls to the ground)
(All the soldiers join together beating up Thomas)
Soldier 1: Princess Serenity, you have nowhere to go! Nowhere to hide! Do not resist or else
we would be forced to use the…Force! (to one of the soldiers ) Tie her up! Just to make sure
she won’t get away this time. Prepare the time machine on hyperdrive! We’re going back now!
(soldiers and Serenity start walking towards the towards the time machine)
Thomas: (on the floor) Serenity!
Serenity: (crying) Thomas!
Thomas: (crawling) Serenity!
Serenity: (forcing to remove the rope ) Thomas!
Thomas: Serenity! Come back! (His voice was filled with sadness)
(Time machine works again with its thunderous clap and they’re all gone leaving Thomas alone)
(a moment of silence; Thomas is heard crying)
Thomas: Why did this happen to me? Just when I’m starting to feel real love. Oh, Serenity, I
love you! Please come back!
(The time machine comes to life again then out comes Serenity followed by King Padarus, Queen
Almazora, Princess Thena and the four soldiers)
Thomas: (looks at the time machine) You came back! Serenity!
Serenity: Yes, Thomas! I’m back! (runs towards Thomas and hugs him)
King: (to Serenity) So, he’s the prince you fell in love with?
Serenity: (nods) Yes, my king! (to Thomas) Thomas, they’re my family. My father King
Pandarus, my mother Queen Almazora and my sister Princess Thena.
Thomas: (confused) King? Queen? Princess? What do you mean? What’s all this Serenity?
Serenity: I am a princess. I travelled to your planet through the time machine to escape from
my father’s decision of marrying me to Draco, his most trusted general. That is the reason
why there were soldiers who came searching for me. I miscalculated my hyperdrive travel and
instead of going to a planet not far from ours, I landed here in you place instead.
Thomas: I don’t understand? Why escape from your father’s decisions?
Serenity: I do not love Draco. I have no feelings for him. So I ran away.
Thomas: I never thought I would meet Julia Roberts in personal huh?!
Queen: Yes! A runaway bride…but after she ran away, we came to our senses, my boy. Love
does not come in a package. It comes naturally. That is what Serenity taught us. It’s what both
of you taught us.
King: Thank you Thomas. (looks around) Well, I thought you were a prince?
Thomas: I am, my king! (looks around) I am a…Prince! Prince of the Junkshop!
(They all laugh)
King: Thomas, kidding aside, I want to tell you that my daughter loves you so much. Please
take good care of her.
Thena: My sister decided to stay here in your planet and be with you…forever. We expect that
you will take good care of her!
Thomas: (to Serenity) Really?! (hugs her tight) promise, I will take goodcare of you, my princess!
King: Before we leave, I just would like to have a taste of that food…(looks at Serenity) what’s
that again? Pancit canton?
Thomas: My king, come and taste it?
(Close Curtains)
-----===000===-----
Gauge
Direction: Read and understand carefully the statements in very item.
Choose the letter of the correct answer. Use a separate sheet of paper for your
answers.
1. Who was the proponent of the theory of intertextuality?
A. Karl Jung
C. Julia Kristeva
B. Gustav Freytag
D. Sigmund Freud
2. What do you call this literary technique used in intertextuality where
an indirect reference to some person, historical event, work of art, or
Biblical or mythological situation or character are used to extend
meaning?
A. Allusion
C. Parody
B. Appropriation
D. Quotation
3. Which of the following intertextuality techniques uses a direct
reference to another text with the use of famous lines?
A. Allusion
C. Parody
B. Appropriation
D. Quotation
4. Where does intertextuality usually take place?
A. within the same medium or style
C. across cultures
B. across medium or style
D. all of these
5. What is the main reason why authors use intertextuality of texts?
A. to communicate
C. to retire
B. to make money
D. to pass time
6. Which of the following is NOT a type of intertextual relationship?
A. allusion
C. quotation
B. parody
D. citation
7. When does the use of appropriation technique become a legal case?
A. when the copyright of the original authors is violated
B. when someone forgot to acknowledge original authors
C. when intellectual property rights of the original artist are violated
D. all of the above
8. What do you mean by parody?
A. a criticism
B. direct reference
C. intellectually humorous imitation
D. a rewritten, more serious version of an original
9. What is a quotation as an intertextuality technique?
A. a criticism
B. intellectually humorous imitation
C. a rewritten, more serious version of an original
D. direct reference to another text with the use of famous lines
10. When does intertextuality happen?
A. when a text is directly referring to another texts
B. when a text is indirectly referring to another texts
C. when writers enrich their work in a more creative manner
D. all of the above
11. Which of the following is NOT an intertextuality variation?
A. obligatory
C. accidental
B. optional
D. voluntary
12. Romeo’s favorite book is “The Harry Potter Series”. Now, he is trying to
write a “Fan Fiction” based on the characters Harry, Ron, and
Hermione. Which statement best describes Romeo?
A. He is an incredible writer.
B. He is a huge fan of the series.
C. He is using an optional intertextuality.
D. He is using an obligatory intertextuality so he must cite his sources.
13. It is a factor that can affect the variation of the types of intertextuality.
A. Intention of the writer
C. Intention of the audience
B. Intention of the reader
D. Intention of both reader and writer
14. This happens when the writer has no intention of making an
intertextual reference and it is completely upon the reader's own prior
knowledge that these connections are made.
A. Optional
C. Latent
B. Obligatory
D. Accidental
15. Which of the following may not be an example of intertextuality?
A. A translation of the Iliad to Arabic
B. Two characters whose names were coincidentally named “William”
C. A writer paying homage to Shakespeare by adopting the themes and
tones of the latter’s dramas
D. None of the choices
Great job! You are now ready to take the next module!