Script

SULTAN

This is preposterous! Clearly I’ve spoiled the girl. Well, all that’s going to change. From now on, I intend to reign over her with an iron fist!

(JASMINE enters.)

JASMINE

Father?

SULTAN

(instantly doting)

Yes, pumpkin?

(catches himself)

What did you say to that poor prince?

JASMINE

I told him the truth: that if he marries me, he’ll get an equal partner with an equal say. Why do I even have to marry at all? What’s wrong with a woman running the kingdom?

SULTAN

Jasmine, you’re a princess. The law states that you must marry a prince by the next moon. We must uphold the ancient ways, dearest.

JASMINE

If I have to marry someone I don’t love, then maybe I don’t want to be a princess anymore.

SULTAN

It’s not just the law. I won’t be around forever, and I want to make sure you’re taken care of.

JASMINE

I can take care of myself, thank you!

(JASMINE exits.)

SULTAN

(flustered, following JASMINE

Jasmine, if you don’t choose a husband tomorrow, I will choose one for you!