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DIANA OF DIAMOND HILL

SCENE 1 In nyonya Dianas house. She is enjoying her tea break with her friends.

Minah Hmmm, Diana. This is a nice tea. It has refreshing aroma. Diana This is the peppermint tea that William brought home from England last week. William has gone to London for a business trip. He sealed a deal with Harrods to sell our products there. Minah Oh, how wonderful to hear that. Diana Yes, of course. Now people in England can buy our products within their homeland. That is what we call globalisation, isnt it? George Imagine the English browsing the products, label, made in China, made in China, made in India, made in China and suddenly made in Malaysia! I bet they would be so surprised. Diana What a funny imagination you have. Who could have thought Malaysia hand made products could be as good as Europeans for certain products. Minah It might be. (She purposely uses her left hand to take the teacup) George Oh, Minah! What shiny rocks you have on your fingers! Oh, this is very expensive! Through years of experience working with celebrities, I must say this amethyst is of the finest quality and it certainly is from the Urals. Mildred Tan 1

===========================================================SAHC Diana Finest quality from the Urals? Hmm Harry gave me these pearl earrings for my 60th birthday last year. George Oh my goodness, gracious Lord. This is the famous Broom Pearl from Australia. Furthermore those are of the rare pink colour. Minah Oh really? Rare purple colour? I have seen the same pearl earrings on display the Poh Kong Jewellery Shop. Diana Poh Kong? (Takes a sip of tea) Anyway, William has been elected the Chairman of the Malaysian Commerce Chamber. We will be having a lavish feast at the Marriots to celebrate his appointment. George How wonderful! Congratulations Diana. William has never let you down. Minah Elected? I hear he had paid the delegates to vote for him. George Hush, Minah. Diana Its alright George. This is a free land. Minah can speak her mind anytime. But Im pretty sure that William will not bribe to gain victory. I have confidence in Williams character. George I am sure this is only a misunderstanding. William will not bribe. I believe that. Diana ( In anger) Abu! Abu! Abu Yes, nyonya. Diana Where have you been?

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===========================================================SAHC Abu I was cleaning the pots you told me to. Those were the stubborn stains on the pots, it will Diana Abu! Abu Yes nyonya. Diana You will only speak when I tell you to. Abu Yes nyonya. Diana Now, go get the silk cloth in the sewing room here. Abu Right away, nyonya. George Diana, why do you need the silk cloth for? Let me guess. Ah, you are giving us the silk cloths for gift. ( Diana gives George a stern look) George Oops, did I say something? Minah I think Diana is angry that William bought the post. ( Diana rings the bell vigorously) Diana Abu! Abu! ( Abu rushes in with all the silk cloths) Abu Yes, nyonya. Abu is here. ( Abu pants) Diana Now, Abu, tear all the silk cloths. Mildred Tan 3

===========================================================SAHC Abu Im sorry, nyonya? Diana I said, tear all the silk cloths. George Diana, what is wrong? These are fine quality silk. Diana Yes, I know. Tear, no, rip all the silk cloth, Abu! Abu But nyonya, it will be a waste Diana I said rip them all now! Abu Yes, yes, nyonya. ( Minah looks at George) George Err Diana? Diana ( Calmly) I like to listen to the sound of silk cloth being ripped. Rip faster, Abu. Have you not taken your lunch? Abu Yes, yes, nyonya. Faster! Faster! ( Whispers) Devil nyonya of Diamond Hill. Diana What did you say Abu? Abu Ah, nothing. I said you are the most beautiful, sensible and generous nyonya in Diamond Hill. Diana Good. Good. Oh drink more tea as we enjoy Abus performance. ( Minah and George dare not say a word) ( Only the sound of Abu ripping the cloths could be heard) (Lights off) Mildred Tan 4

===========================================================SAHC SCENE 2 In nyonya Dianas house. William tears off a paper.

William Bunch of crap! Accusing me of bribing the delegates! ( Abu enters) William Ah, Abu. Here you are. Hows my mother doing? Abu Mr. Siaw, if it is not because of the high pay, I would have left this place like the precious caretakers. ( William walks up and down) William Is it that bad? Abu Bad? Bad? Bad is the most polite word to use. 2 weeks ago, she told me to wash all the clothes, with hand! Then, 2 days later, she told me to paint all her flowerpots blue. Last week, I was sleeping; she came to my room in the middle of the night and poured cold water on me. Do you know what she wanted? She wanted me to make her a cup of tea. It was 2 in the morning. William I know she has not been nice lately but trust me, she was the nicest and most friendly lady in Diamond Hill.

Abu Was? Mr. Siaw, now she could not even recall what she had done after a few hours. William Abu, I need you to be here. Edward said you are a trustworthy person. I cannot trust anyone else, even my brother. I need to make sure that she will give me the lions share of her fortune. Mildred Tan 5

===========================================================SAHC Abu But you are a rich businessman. You even successfully got the family products on the shelves of the Harrods. William Yes, yes. But that company does not belong to me. Mother is still the main shareholder of the company. Im merely a paid CEO. I need the money. Abu You? Need the money? How could that be? Chairman of the Commerce Chamber of Malaysia is in need of money? William Listen! I am not as rich as the tabloids claim. Im only getting a little more pay than the managers in the company. And my Goddamn wife has been spending my money on all her clothes, jewellery and the spa. After I pay you the money, Im practically a church mouse! Abu Oh. You are a little too big to be a church mouse. Dont worry; Ill make sure you get the lions share of the fortune. Its for my own good too. William You better be sure. Or else Ill make you suffer! ( William stamps off)

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===========================================================SAHC SCENE 3 Spa. Diana is enjoying a drink with her friends after the spa.

George Oh, it is so nice to come to the spa sometimes. I can feel my skin regaining the elasticity. Diana Hmm Then a glass of lemonade after the hot soothing spa. I feel refreshed now. Minah We should have gone to Tiara Spa for the spa instead of here. George Tiara? The spa house is only for the elites?

Minah Yes, my dear Daniel is the executive member there. It has a quieter and serene environment compared to this. Sometimes I even fall asleep while enjoying the spa. Diana 4.5 billion. George & Minah What? What did you say? Diana I said 4.5 billion. My properties are worth 4.5 billion. George Oh my. Are you kidding Diana? Diana No. 4.5 billion. Im calling my family lawyer soon. I will prepare my will. George It sure is wise of you to do so. I can still remember when Baba Kelvin died 5 years ago; his family members were involved in a court case to fight for the right of his properties. Mildred Tan 7

===========================================================SAHC Diana I will leave all my money and properties to only one person. Minah One person? William or Harry? Or some other man whom we dont realise? Diana Nonsense. I will leave all my properties to her, my daughter. George Your daughter? But Diana, you dont Diana Yes of course I have a daughter. Dont you remember, Camelia? She is a nice obedient girl. She would do as I say. Minah Diana, are you out of your mind? You havent got a daughter. Diana Hush, you ugly goose! Of course I have a daughter! You even gave her a golden locket when she was born. Minah A golden locket? But Oh! My God!... (Whispers) George! George Yes, yes. Your daughter, whats her name, ah, Camelia. Now I remember. Diana ( Dramatically) Camelia is the most beautiful girl in this world. She is intelligent and obedient. She never refutes what I say. ( George and Minah whispers) Minah I think she doesnt remember she only has 2 sons. George Poor Diana. She always wanted a daughter. Minah I gave her daughter a golden locket? That is the most ridiculous thing Ive ever heard. George A golden locket A golden locket Oh dear, do you think she meant that? Mildred Tan 8

===========================================================SAHC Minah That?... Oh my ( Both of them look at Diana, who is still murmuring)

SCENE 4 Sitting room of Dianas house. Harry is taking a sip of coffee.

(George and Minah enters) Minah Sorry, we are late. Harry Its ok. Ive just arrived not long ago. It must be quite a burden to keep my mother accompanied. George To have the afternoon teas and the spas are almost nothing. In fact, we kind of enjoyed that. To have conversation with her is a headache. Harry I understand that. So, how has she been lately? Has she mentioned anything about me? (George and Minah look at each other) Minah She did not mention about you, but Harry But? She mentioned William? I knew she had always loved William more! George No! No! Dr. Siaw. She did not mention William either. Mildred Tan 9

===========================================================SAHC Harry Oh? So, what have you guys been talking? I did not pay you to just chat with my mother. Minah She mentioned Camelia. Harry Camelia? who is this Camelia? I dont recall any relatives by that name. Are you sure she mentioned that name? George We are 100% sure. Camelia. Her daughter. Minah Your sister. Harry My sister? Are you both out of your mind? I dont have any sister! There are only William and I. Minah Not the real daughter. Its that Camelia! Harry That Camelia? what are you talking about? George The Camelia with a golden locket of a heart shape. Harry A golden locketa golden.oh my, that Camelia? What did she say about Camelia? Minah She said she would leave all her properties to her. Harry What? Is she out of her mind? How could she do this to me? George Think on the bright side. She is not leaving her properties to William either.

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===========================================================SAHC Harry (sternly) I will have the money!. I dont care how are you going to do this. I want both of you to talk her out of this. No matter what!! Minah Errthat will be more than just persuading.

Harry I dont care! I have paid you money. I want every cent that Ive paid worth of it. This is ridiculous, Camelia? (Harry stomps off) (Lights off)

SCENE 5 In the sitting room. Diana is with a doll.

Diana It is a nice day, isnt it Camelia? Diana I have always wanted to have some private time with you. But George and Minah kept turning up, talking about Harry. (Diana smiles) Diana Harry, you do remember Harry, dont you? Of course you do. Hes your brother. Your eldest brother is William. William is a nice boy. A little too nice. But now, he belongs to his wife. He hardly comes anymore. Harry is a little mischievous. He too, I hardly see. Only you, my darling Camelia. (Diana pauses a while, as if listening to Camelia)

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===========================================================SAHC Diana Yes, yes. I know. Because of that, Im giving both of them a little punishment. I have told the lawyer that Ill leave all the properties to you. Are you happy to hear this? Diana I cant wait to see their reactions when the will is read. But, I would not be here then, right? Ha Ha! Ha Ha! (Abu enters) Abu Nyonya, this is the record that youve wanted. Diana Yes, good. Play that record, Abu. Im going to teach my darling Camelia to dance. She will be 16 soon and she will be invited to some parties soon.

Abu Yes, nyonya. (Abu plays the record) (Music on) (Diana dances with her doll) Diana See Camelia, this is called waltz. You dance like this, 1,2,3,1,2,3,1,2,3. (Abu looks at Diana in astonishment) (As Diana dances with her doll, she faints) Abu Oh, Nyonya! Are you all right? Somebody help! Doctor! Doctor! Nurse! Nurse! (People rush in) (Lights off)

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===========================================================SAHC Scene 6 Harrys house. Harry is flipping the old photo albums while George and Minah sit by the side uncertain of what to say.

George Erm, Harry, you did not ask us to come to accompany you to browse through the photo albums, right? Harry Mother asked Abu to send me a box yesterday Minah A box? What kind of box? What is inside the box? Harry : (pointing to the things on the table). All these are in the box. Minah : All these? Toys and drawing? Photo albums? George : And a hand drum? Are you sure Diana asked Abu to send these? What is this about? Harry : I never knew mother kept all the photos we took together since I was born. Look at William and I, we were so close when we were kids. I used to rely on him so much. He would come for my help whenever the boys in school bullied me I still remember this picture. It was taken before William went to England for his university studies. (Show the picture to George and Minah) Look, we were so happy then. How could I have forgotten the happier days. George Harry, I think your mother must have wanted you to remember the good old days you had which you have forgotten. Harry Yes, Im sure it is. She keeps every drawing I drew although those were bad paintings. George Oh poor Diana. She must have treasured all the moments both you and William had with her. Do you think Diana send another box to William too? Mildred Tan 13

===========================================================SAHC Harry I guess so. Mother must have found out that both of us only wanted her money. Minah : Oh my, if thats the case. George, do you think Diana found out what we have done? George : Im not sure, with her current mental state, I dont think she would know we are helping Harry. Harry : Im so sorry. I feel so sorry for mother. I shouldnt be treating mother this way. She had raised both William and I through hard times. How could I repay her by treating her so badly? (Harry hits himself)

George : You shouldnt blame yourself. You did not want to do this too, right? Right, Minah?

Minah : Oh..Yes, yes. (Murmuring herself) Oh, I hope Diana did not find out about me. What if she does? Harry : No, I must call mother, I will say sorry to her. I will be by her side from now on. Yes, where is the phone? (Harry dials the phone) Harry : Hello Diamond Hill Hospital? I am Dr. Harry. If it is possible, I would like to speak to my mother please. It is urgentWhat!? My mother has fainted? (Both Minah and George look at him in astonishment) Minah / Harry: What!? Diana has fainted? Harry : I will come to the Hospital now? (Harry rushes out) Mildred Tan 14

===========================================================SAHC Minah: We would better go too. (Lights off)

SCENE 7 In the hospital sitting room

George Oh, how awful that Diana died this way. Its a tragic. Minah A tragic? Im relieved that she finally died. I wonder how is the will like? George Oh, Minah. Its bad to stay about a deceased. Minah : Oh, I dont care. I have suffered enough talking to her. Showing off her jewelleries and precious gifts. If it is not because of the money William : What do you mean? Money? Have someone been paying you money to be nice to my mother? George: Ah, nothing.. Minah meant..Meant the money her son gave her. William : Really? Her son? Well, my private investigator told me your son is working as a chauffeur for Mr. Robinson. He could not even manage his own family, how could he be giving you money? Tell me! George : Oh, William. This is a hospital. Please do not raise your voice. You will scare the patients. William : So, it is Harry! How dare he. (Harry walks in) Mildred Tan 15

===========================================================SAHC Harry : Yes, its me. William : You!... Harry : At first, I paid them money to be with mother, To say good things about me. But I regretted for doing so. I love mother. I wanted to fetch her home to stay with me. I should have done so earlier.. William : Dont pretend to be such a filial son in front of me. Do not deny that you want mothers money too! Harry : Yes, I admit that, But I regretted. She would still be alive if I have been more filial. William : You great pretender! Have you forgotten you are the one who suggested of sending mother here? You.. Abu : Excuse me, both of you. This is a hospital. You are disturbing other patients. William : Abu! Did you find anything in her room? Abu : (put a finger in his lips) Quiet please, this is Nyonya Dianas lawyer, Mr. Robinson. He would like to have some words with you. William : (eagerly) Mr. Robinson., What has my mother written in her will? Mr. Robinson : Ah, calm down Mr. William Siaw. Please take a seat everyone. Before I read the will, I would like to extend my condolences to Mr. William Siaw and Dr. Harry Siaw. Nyonya Diana was indeed a ,kind and generous lady. William : Huh! Generous? She has never been generous to her own kids!

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===========================================================SAHC Mr. Robinson : Sure, she did. You must have forgotten the good old days, Mr. William Siaw, Ah, it is good that Mrs. Minah Manggang and Mr. George Gurmit are also here, Please take a seat everyone. George: We are already seated. Mr. Robinson : Good, good. Then we shall begin now. William : Quick! I want to know who gets my mothers properties. Mr. Robinson : Ah, first. Nyonya Diana Siaw wanted me to read a letter before I read the will. Minah : A letter? Mr. Robinson : Ahem Dear William, you have been such nice and obedient boy before you left for England. Upon returning from England, you had been busy working in your fathers company. We hardly had any time to have lunch and dinners. After you got married, I do not see you anymore. You only come to see me whenever I called. Im sorry that I pushed your son into the pool. I did not know he could not swim. Is that why you thought I am crazy and send me to this Diamond Hill Mental Hospital? Harry, what can I tell you? I have treated both you and William the same but you have always thought I did not. I know you have wanted my money and I know what you have done. It is fine. Ill forgive you. Anyway, how could I be angry with you. You have always been there when William is not around. As for Minah and George, thank you for accompanying me when Im in the Hospital. You added some colors to my life. Minah : Oh, George. Diana is not angry with us. Thank goodness. William : Alright, you have read the letter, what about the will? Mildred Tan 17

===========================================================SAHC Mr. Robinson : The will. Yes I, Nyonya Diana Siaw nee Diana Dae Sha Sha hereby declare that Im giving all my properties, 2 houses to Diamond Hill, RM 3 million cash, jewelleries to Camilia Shazzy. William : Thats all? Mr. Robinson : Yes. Simple and short (smiles) George : But who is this Camilia Shazzy? Minah : It couldnt be the doll right? Mr. Robinson : No, Camillia Shazzy is a living girl. William : Shazzy..Shazzy, Camilia Shazzy?? Harry : Why, Will? Do you know who Camilia Shazzy is? William : My goodness gracious lord. Shazzy! Abu, Shazzy! Its Abus daughter! Harry, Minah, George : Abus daughter? William : So all this while he has been betraying me. Where is Abu? He was here just now? Minah : He must have left when Mr. Robinson read the letter. (William stands up) William : I must find this Abu. (William stomps out)

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===========================================================SAHC Harry : This conman. We must find him. The house on Diamond Hill has sentimental value to us. (Harry stomps out) (Minah and George follows) Mr. Robinson : Looks like my duty is done here. (Mr. Robinson stands up, gets his briefcase) Mr. Robinson : Oh dear, where is the exit? This place is like a maze to me. Maybe I am old. (looks around) Excuse me, mister? (Mr. Robinson calls on a cleaner sweeping the floor) The cleaner, heads down, still sweeping the floor. Mr. Robinson: Hello? (taps his hand on the cleaners shoulder) The cleaner raises his had a little, his hat covers most of this face. (Turn his face a little, as he waves his hand, signalling that he is deaf.) Mr. Robinson : Oh dear, you are deaf. Is there anyone normal here? Oh, where is the door? (Mr.Robinson walks around looking for the door. The cleaner raises his head, smiles, as he takes the will and walks off)

THE END

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