Square Moon – Synopsis
Alleged terrorist, Golden Hartono, escapes from prison, creating chaos. The Homeland Security Department scrambles to cover their security lapse before Hartono’s lawyer, Kristina Hu, arrives to challenge his illegal detention. The deputy director coerces detainee River Yang into standing in for Hartono, injecting him with a potent drug to cause a disfiguring rash for disguise.
During her meeting with “Hartono,” Kristina falls for the ruse but suspects he’s been tortured due to the rash. “Hartono” informs her he wants to discharge her as his lawyer, further confirming her suspicions. When Kristina attempts to contact the international press, she is arrested in the prison’s visiting room.
Amid Kristina’s interrogation, the director reveals that Hartono has been captured by the Thikaka Special Branch, their political rivals. In a desperate bid to save face, they plot to shift blame onto Kristina and alleged “loopholes” in the Homeland Security Act. Through intense interrogation, the deputy director coerces Kristina into writing self-incriminating statements.
Six months later, the Liberal Socialist Party, associated with River, wins the general election, and he’s set for release. Before leaving, he vows to do everything in his power to secure Kristina’s freedom. But will he succeed?
Characters
- River Yang, a 35-year-old socialist
- Kristina Hu, a human rights lawyer
- Minister for Homeland Security
- Director of Homeland Security Department
- Deputy Director of Homeland Security
- Woman Police Constable (WPC) (doubling)
- Reporter (voice-over only)
- Sergeant
(Note: Golden Hartono is mentioned throughout the play but never makes an appearance.)
