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Act I, Scene i

The first act of Cloud Nine is set in a British colony in Africa during the 19th century. The opening scene unfolds on the verandah of a colonial house. After a song introduces the characters, Clive informs his wife, Betty, that they are expecting Harry Bagley, an explorer, as a guest. Betty mentions that their black servant, Joshua, has insulted her, prompting Clive to demand an apology from him. The family then gathers together, including their children Victoria and Edward, the governess Ellen, and Betty’s mother, Maud. Edward is caring for Victoria’s doll, which irritates Clive as he considers it unmanly. Betty feels anxious about hosting a visitor. Mrs. Saunders, a widowed neighbor, arrives seeking refuge because the local tribes are preparing for war, making her fearful to remain at her own home. When Harry arrives, he and Clive discuss the perilous situation, expressing a contemptuous attitude toward the indigenous people. Left alone, Harry and Betty, who are attracted to each other, share a moment. The scene concludes with Harry, who is bisexual, propositioning Joshua for sex.

Act I, Scene ii

A few nights later, in an open area away from the house, Mrs. Saunders meets with Clive. It becomes apparent that Clive has already seduced her and has a strong sexual desire for her, which Mrs. Saunders tolerates despite not liking him.

The family comes together for a Christmas picnic. During a ball game, the men dominate, asserting that women cannot catch. The group then plays hide and seek. Joshua warns Clive that the stable boys are unreliable and carrying knives. Harry and Betty exchange affectionate words, and Betty laments that they can never be alone together. Edward confesses his love for Harry, hinting at past sexual encounters between them. Betty confides in Ellen about her love for Harry, and Ellen admits that she has feelings for Betty.

Act I, Scene iii

Inside the house, the women discuss the stable boys being flogged, prompting Mrs. Saunders to investigate. Edward remains attached to Victoria’s doll, but Betty takes it from him and slaps him. Ellen also slaps Edward. When Clive returns, Edward admits to speaking ill of his father, but Clive forgives him for being honest. Clive tells Betty that he is aware of her feelings for Harry and is willing to forgive her, but insists she must suppress her desires to avoid jeopardizing their marriage.

Act I, Scene iv

On the verandah, Clive recounts a raid by British soldiers on a nearby village. Edward begs Harry to remain, while Ellen expresses her desire to be with Betty forever. Clive tells Harry he cherishes male friendship, but Harry misinterprets this and makes a romantic advance, which disgusts Clive. Clive insists Harry can redeem himself by getting married. Mrs. Saunders informs Clive that Joshua’s parents were killed in the British raid. However, when Clive offers Joshua a day off, Joshua aligns with the British, claiming his parents were bad people. Harry proposes to Mrs. Saunders, who is uninterested, and then to Ellen.

Act I, Scene v

On the verandah, a wedding reception is held for Harry and Ellen. Ellen admits to Betty she knows nothing about intimacy, but Betty reassures her it's simple. Mrs. Saunders announces her departure the next day, and Clive kisses her, causing Betty to attack in jealousy. Clive blames Mrs. Saunders and insists she leave immediately. After she departs, Harry delivers a speech, the wedding cake is cut, and Clive also gives a speech, congratulating the couple and declaring everything is fine. However, Joshua prepares to shoot Clive. Edward notices but does not...

(This entire section contains 1163 words.)

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alert the others.

Act II, Scene i

This scene occurs one hundred years later on a winter afternoon in a London park. Some characters from Act I return, but they are only twenty-five years older. Victoria is married to Martin, and they have a son, Tommy. Victoria’s friend Lin, who is divorced, has a four-year-old daughter, Cathy. As Cathy plays with a gun, the women discuss parenting challenges; Lin reveals she is a lesbian and dislikes men. Edward, working as a gardener in the park, arrives and informs Victoria that their mother is walking there. This news displeases Victoria, as she does not favor her mother. Betty appears with Tommy, who has a bruise from rough play. Betty announces her plan to leave Clive. After Betty leaves, Edward and Victoria express their shock and worry, realizing both parents will now need much attention. The scene concludes with Lin propositioning Victoria for a sexual encounter.

Act II, Scene ii

During the spring, Edward and his boyfriend Gerry are outdoors. Edward questions Gerry about his whereabouts the previous night, but Gerry avoids answering. After Edward departs, Gerry shares his sexual escapades through a soliloquy. Meanwhile, Victoria and Betty have a conversation. Betty expresses concern about her ability to cope alone now that she has left Clive, feeling anxious. Martin attempts to support Victoria in her decision about taking a job in Manchester, but his advice is unhelpful because he's more focused on showcasing his empathy than truly assisting her. Lin, who is in love with Victoria, proposes that they live together. She then reveals her brother, a British soldier, was killed that morning in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Gerry tells Edward he's dissatisfied with their relationship, likening it to a traditional marriage, and announces he is moving out of their shared apartment. Edward shows romantic interest in his sister by touching her breasts, and she does not resist.

Act II, Scene iii

On a summer night in the park, Victoria, Lin, and Edward are intoxicated. They perform a comedic ritual in anticipation of an orgy. Martin arrives, and the trio attempts to engage him in their antics. They are interrupted by a stranger who turns out to be Lin's deceased brother, Bill, seeking sexual interaction. As the others depart, Gerry arrives alone and shares with the audience how he finds partners in the park. All the characters then sing a song titled Cloud Nine, symbolizing sexual bliss.

Act II, Scene iv

It is a late summer afternoon. Lin, Edward, and Victoria are now living together with two children. Betty visits and announces she has found work as a doctor's receptionist and enjoys it. After Betty, Lin, and Victoria leave, Gerry arrives. Edward tells him he is currently unemployed and manages the household tasks in his new living arrangement. Gerry recounts another sexual encounter, and they plan to meet for a meal. Once they exit, Betty returns and speaks about her sexual awakening. Victoria discloses her decision to move to Manchester. After she leaves, Betty befriends Gerry and invites him to dinner, expressing acceptance of her son and Gerry's sexuality. Clive appears for the first time since act one, admitting his feelings for Betty have changed and lamenting the decline of the British Empire. Finally, the Betty from act one enters, and she shares an embrace with the Betty from act two.

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