MURDER IN THE CATHEDRAL

Act I

Canterbury Cathedral, December 2, 1170

The Women of Canterbury are awaiting the arrival of their beloved Archbishop, Thomas Becket, returning to England after seven years in exile following bitter disputes with his former friend and patron, King Henry II.  They are full of foreboding but powerless to act, resigned only to wait and to witness.

As three priests comment on the power struggles in the country and Becket's continued absence, a Herald announces the Archbishop's imminent arrival. Asked whether his return signals war or peace between Church and Crown, the herald admits that the prognosis is not a happy one.  The priests prepare to welcome their Archbishop home, while the women urge him instead to return to France.

Becket arrives and tells the priests to let the women be. He describes how he has so far succeeded in evading his enemies, but that he knows they are getting closer, circling like a hawk awaiting an opportunity.

Alone, Becket is visited by four Tempters, aspects of his inner self. They remind him of sensual pleasures, the joys of temporal power, encourage him to lead a rebellion against the King, and speak of the greater power he would have over the King were he to become a martyr.

The Women are fearful and the Tempters persistent, but Becket finally sees the path ahead, committing himself to the will of God.

Interlude

Canterbury Cathedral, Christmas Morning, 1170

In his Christmas Day sermon, Thomas meditates upon the paradoxical meaning of celebrating both the birth and death of Christ in the same Mass, and also upon the mysteries of martyrdom. He predicts that this will be his last sermon and that the faithful will soon have a new martyr, probably not the last.

Act II

Canterbury Cathedral, December 29, 1170

The Women of Canterbury lament that, even at Christmas, there is still no peace on earth nor goodwill among men.

Four Knights, calling themselves “servants of the King”, arrive demanding to see the Archbishop.  When Becket appears, they accuse him of treason and other crimes.  He steadfastly denies the charges, saying he will answer only to Rome or, if they kill him, to God himself. The Knights leave, promising that they will return with swords.

The Women of Canterbury smell death in the air.  As the Dies irae sounds Becket commands the terrified priests to unbar the doors.

The Knights enter the cathedral and the priests try to hurry Thomas away.  But he stands his ground, rebuts their renewed charges of treachery, and accuses them in turn of being traitors to their God.  As the Archbishop commends his cause to Heaven, he is struck down by the assassins’ swords.

The Knights then justify their actions, leaving as the people beseech “blessed Thomas” to pray for them.