Audio Sample

From Standing Her Ground, Act 1, Scene 2, beginning

The killer of Emma’s uncle invades her home at night

Kristin Gornstein, mezzo soprano
Dean Rieger, baritone
Alaina de Bellevue, piano

“Even My Sleep is troubled”

SCENE 2
(Night. Two weeks later. The interior of Henry’s house, which Emma has inherited. She is living there for the moment, unsure what she will do next. The curtain rises to reveal the main room of the ranch house. The full moon lights the room softly. Emma emerges from the bedroom carrying an oil lamp.)

EMMA: Even my sleep is troubled.
Henry willed me his ranch, and I love it here.
But at night, sometimes my dreams turn dark.
My last dream was dreadful!
Someone was inside the house!
I told myself to cry for help.
But no sound left my mouth.
Calm down. It was only a dream.
But it seemed so real.
Calm down. I know I am alone.
(Victor emerges from hiding.)
VICTOR: You are never alone, my beauty.
EMMA: My God! No!
You monster! How dare you invade my home?!
VICTOR: I will dare anything to see you.
Your face invades my dreams.
EMMA: Leave this house! I hate you!
VICTOR: I will leave.
But first I must plead my case.
I’m sorry your uncle died.
But I had to defend myself.
EMMA: You’re lying. You shot to kill.
VICTOR: He was fast. I acted by instinct.
EMMA: If I had had my gun, you would have died there.
VICTOR: Perhaps, perhaps not.
I once heard your uncle boast of your skills with guns.
When he met your train, I knew you were that niece,
now a grown woman.
EMMA: You watched me at the station?!
VICTOR: I had to. Destiny has plans for us.
Oh, soon my love, soon we’ll be as one.
With time, your heart will soften,
and as you forgive me,
you will be drawn to my arms.
EMMA: My God! You cannot believe that.
VICTOR: I know we belong together, we two.
We are meant for each other.
Inside, we are the same.
We feel the same fervor.
We’re twins of the restless heart.
EMMA: You don’t have a heart!
VICTOR: Oh, but I do have a heart,
so full, as I look at you.
We are as one. We are the same—
we are both plagued by longing.
Such yearning takes its toll,
it torments our restless souls.
EMMA: Don't touch me!
VICTOR: Of course not. It’s too soon.
But be fair, my love.
EMMA: Be fair?
VICTOR: We are bound by fate!
EMMA: Look into my eyes and see my hate!
VICTOR: Look into my heart and see my adoring eyes.
And the arms that would enfold you.
EMMA: You're insane.
VICTOR: I am insane.
Insane with desire for you.
Is it me you fear, or who you are?
EMMA: I fear no one.
VICTOR: Neither do I.
EMMA: You should fear me.
VICTOR: I knew you on sight.
I crave danger, and you are beauty and danger.
EMMA: I will be your death!
VICTOR: If you had your gun, my beauty,
would you shoot me now?
EMMA: You would be dead!
VICTOR: Ah, your fire still smolders,
and I am the air you need to burn.
I can make you blaze.
I’ll give you time to mourn.
But sometimes, I will come near
and breathe you in.
(He inhales near her.)
Ah!
EMMA: God! No! Leave here now!
VICTOR: I will leave for the moment.
But I will return for you.
You know I can make you blaze like the sun.
(Victor exits.)

(Back to more excerpts from Standing Her Ground.)