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"The Tragical Ascension Of Lulu The Flower-Child" by Samson Sorluangsana


Cast of Characters:

LULU: a female model-turned-gardener, early-twenties, regarded by RAVI as the 鈥渇lower-child鈥

RAVI: a male painter, late-sixties to early-seventies; a senile old man

BOY: a male assistant to RAVI, early-twenties, cares for a potted-plant

Place:

An untidy artist鈥檚 studio in London

Time:

An evening in the Spring, present-day 

I 鈥 1 鈥 1

ACT I

Scene 1

Setting:

A small, untidy art studio in the evening. Upstage center is an arbor decorated with floral embellishments which stands upon fake grass sprinkled with flower petals blue and pink. The arbor has a bench at whose ends are small flower-beds, containing peonies, that too may serve as armrests. Curtaining the arbor are strings of fairy-lights. Stage right of the arbor is a door, an entrance to the hallway. There is a skylight, which indicates the time of day.

At Rise:

Lulu is seen sitting on the grass, idly tossing flower petals in the air. After a moment, she piles together some flower petals, gathers them in her palms, then blows them, scattering them in front of her. Ravi is stage left behind an easel, idly preparing his materials for painting on the canvas. At this moment, Boy enters from the stage right door, carrying a potted-plant yet sprouted. He goes to Ravi.

 

BOY

Did you know: a small, rural town in Argentina was recently showered with strange poppy seeds which, along the currents of the wind, traveled miles from a neighboring poppy-growing town that had forgotten to collect the seeds because a woman of鈥 quote鈥斺渉ypnotic magnetism,鈥 had dropped in to tour the poppy fields, then later became a tourist鈥檚 attraction herself for the poppy farmers, and too鈥攓uite jealously鈥攂y their wives. But this isn't the first time an incident like this has occurred! In fact, this same woman once toured a rose-growing facility in Shropshire where she reportedly, 鈥渃ommanded the hearts of those unfortunate to have been ensared by her gaze.鈥 The biggest mystery, however, isn't the woman in discussion! But rather, the erratic pattern of these incidents occurring every couple of months with a different woman each time, or one woman more than once. It seems to be concentrated most in our area, and sparsely around the globe where peonies are grown鈥 do you suppose peonies have anything at all to do with these women? Perhaps possessing an innate, magical quality that they pass on to compatible women which makes them so enchanting? I think we could grow some peonies ourselves. They would certainly colour our yard with spirited elegance. And come with the added benefit of a chance to make our lady-visitors hyper-alluring鈥

RAVI

(momentarily setting aside his materials to greet BOY)

Has it sprouted yet?

BOY

See for yourself.

(BOY hands the potted-plant to RAVI, who takes it, wandering to another area of the studio.)

I 鈥 1 鈥 2

RAVI

(quietly muttering to the plant)

So shy and quiet a flower鈥 much like my gracious model here. 

(At this moment, BOY notices LULU, curiously observing the scene unfolding.)

BOY (greeting)

Hey.

LULU

Hi.

BOY

You must be Lulu.

LULU

I am.

BOY

Ravi spoke quite raptly yesterday evening while we primed the canvases. Said he found someone special: a flower child. One that would inspire fervour in the hearts of those blessed to look upon them.

LULU

I would very much like to meet this person.

BOY

Surely he meant you. This scene has every makings of a fervid dream, and here, you lie exalted: its comely subject.

LULU (flattered)

Oh!

RAVI (returning)

He is rather taken with you, I think.

BOY

Taken!

RAVI

Those are words of a man so enamoured!

BOY

They are words spoken only in earnest!

I 鈥 1 鈥 3

RAVI

Words spoken in earnest can only suggest intentions fair and sweet.

BOY

(gesturing to the potted plant)

Are you done with it?

(RAVI motions for him to come. BOY goes to him.)

RAVI

It is napping. Take it to the greenhouse and lay it beneath the heat-lamp, set on low. We will relocate it to the living room windowsill when it wakes, ready to emerge from the soil.

BOY

Fertilizer?

RAVI

The same. And four ounces of water. Weekly.

(BOY begins to leave, headed for the door, but briefly lingers, a thought in mind.)

BOY

(addressing LULU)

I鈥檓 curious to know more of this flower-child, and their inherent ability to shake so the state of mind that all becomes a feverish dream. Perhaps you鈥檒l permit me the chance to uncover for myself this mystery?

LULU (considering)

In time, perhaps.

BOY

Why that鈥檚 uncertain an answer as could be!

LULU

No more uncertain than you to me.

BOY

Do you mean to suggest something?

LULU

Persist!

(BOY begins to speak, briefly fumbling a mess of vowels and consonants, then stops, understanding. He exits through the door with the potted-plant in hand.)

I 鈥 1 鈥 4

RAVI

In earnest, he said!

(then, preparing his materials again)

Have you many suitors?

LULU

A few.

RAVI

Is that modest?

LULU

In truth.

RAVI

Well, that's certainly more than most can say. I haven't got any at all.

LULU

Perhaps you'd like to meet my friend Nina? She very much likes artsy men and would welcome the chance to be courted by one of that type.

RAVI

That's quite alright. My tastes are often misunderstood.

LULU

They're all of similar flavour around here.

RAVI

Yes, well, that's trivial.

LULU

What do you mean?

RAVI

Truthfully鈥 I haven't any interest in women.

LULU

You like men?

RAVI

(gesturing to the canvas)

This is what I like.

LULU

Is it the same?

I 鈥 1 鈥 5

RAVI

I can't really say.

LULU

Ah.

RAVI

Only that painting has been one of few joys from my childhood that persist still, today. It has yet ceased to bore me, and it certainly has yet ceased to delight me.

LULU

How fascinating!

RAVI

The idea is strange, I know.

LULU

Stranger still are notions far wilder than this one, though鈥 I don't believe I could ever experience it to the fullest extent myself.

RAVI

One must be born into it, I think. The seed planted during one's conception.

LULU

If I had been, you'd be in my place instead!

RAVI

And you, behind the easel.

LULU

How different things would be!

RAVI

The canvas would certainly lose a pretty subject.

(LULU spontaneously squeezes herself inward from flattery. By this point, RAVI has finished preparing his materials.)

RAVI

Your pose, then. 

(RAVI goes to her. They momentarily work LULU's pose, then when he's satisfied with what's devised, RAVI breaks away, making micro-adjustments to the scenery surrounding her.)

I 鈥 1 鈥 6

RAVI

That should suffice.

(he returns to the easel)

Be as you are for one evening, and you will be immortalized into this canvas.

LULU

Just an evening for a completed painting?

RAVI

I am quick.

LULU

Then I shall be still!

END OF SCENE 

I 鈥 2 鈥 7

ACT I

Scene 2

Setting: 

The same.

At Rise: 

Time has passed. Ravi is seen idly painting on the canvas, the sounds of his brush strokes reflecting a quick, bold鈥攁lbeit unconventional鈥攖echnique. Lulu remains still in her pose. A moment later, Boy returns from the greenhouse, going to Ravi.

RAVI

Is it in the greenhouse?

BOY

Beneath the heat lamp, set on low. Fertilized and watered to content.

RAVI

How does it look?

BOY

As you said. Napping still.

RAVI

It is a sleepy one鈥

BOY

Do you really expect it to sprout so soon?

RAVI

Before dusk.

(beat)

What is it?

BOY

I planted it ten minutes ago. It takes one week at least before a seed breaks the surface of the soil. That is, for a good seed and proper care.

RAVI

In this circumstance, you might consider the seed blessed.

BOY

Because of our facilities?

RAVI

No.

I 鈥 2 鈥 8

BOY

The fertilizer is excellent鈥

RAVI

A family secret.

BOY

It's only bananas and manure鈥

RAVI (interjecting)

Shh! A secret, I said!

LULU

(joining in, her curiosity stoked)

Did he say bananas?

RAVI

It was nothing, Lulu.

LULU

Phooey?

RAVI

Just some nonsense.

BOY

How then?

RAVI

Because of her.

(BOY frowns, trying to make sense of it. He peers over at LULU in hopes of gaining any form of insight.)

RAVI

Are you looking at her?

BOY

Yes.

RAVI

What do you think?

BOY

Beautiful.

1 鈥 2 鈥 9

RAVI

Is that all?

BOY

She has an alluring aura about her.

RAVI

Why?

BOY

(searching for words)

The flowers seem to respond to her鈥攁 touch of divination.

RAVI

Say more.

BOY

The pink robes, floral crown, and fair skin suggest a sheltered youth.

(LULU by this point has become engrossed in their conversation, peering over at them, curious to understand the minds behind the art.)

RAVI

What is that?

BOY

Innocence. Purity.

RAVI

All the makings of what?

BOY

A child.

RAVI

A child!

BOY

Isn't that close?

RAVI

That is fifty-percent the answer.

I 鈥 2 鈥 10

BOY

(giving it more thought)

A flower-child.

RAVI

Precisely!

BOY

Then鈥 the flower will sprout before dusk because of her mere presence? With all due respect, Ravi, I think you're confusing art with reality.

RAVI

You confuse words in earnest.

(LULU breaks an amused grin at this comment.)

BOY

(acknowledging his point won)

Aye.

RAVI

Note what I am about to say before we take this any further. Are you listening?

BOY

Intently.

RAVI

When you've been in this profession for so long, you will happen upon a particular saying: 鈥淎rt imitates life.鈥 And yet the generations of artists before me have created such words that depict a reality transcended!

BOY

The Creation of Adam鈥

RAVI

Yes.

BOY

The Assumption of the Virgin鈥

RAVI

All transcending the ordinary world, you see.

I 鈥 2 鈥 11

LULU

(curiously interjecting)

What is the truth then?

RAVI

Oh, this is different!

BOY

The very subject of your painting seeks to learn the truth for herself鈥

RAVI

It is fate, as I told you.

LULU

I'm only curious.

BOY

Sate her curiosity, Ravi! And mine too in the process.

(RAVI momentarily stops painting to facilitate their request.)

RAVI

Art inspires life. Doesn't it? It creates the mould in which we fill with the essence of passion unquenched鈥攐ur souls. A life lived without that which enkindles it鈥攚ell, isn't that a thought!鈥攚e'd be only corpses that walk about in the daylight, wouldn't we?

BOY

I haven't grasped your meaning.

RAVI

A wildfire need only a spark.

LULU (rephrasing)

A match to ignite the flame in our hearts.

RAVI (impressed)

Quite so.

(beat, making a judgement)

That's a pretty thought. She grasps it beautifully; is it becoming clearer, boy?

BOY

I've yet made the connection to art.

RAVI

The mould鈥攊t shapes the flames. Delicate, violent鈥 every flame burns differently. 

I 鈥 2 鈥 12

(There is a moment of silence to allow RAVI鈥檚 spontaneous lecture to sink in.)

BOY

(breaking the silence)

All things connected, she's a piece of art鈥

RAVI

Is that a statement or a question?

(LULU listens intently for his answer.)

BOY

I will be bold and say it was a statement.

LULU

Your statement is well-appreciated!

RAVI

Be still, please.

LULU

Sorry.

BOY (leaving)

I'm going to find something to eat from the store. Do you want me to get you anything?

RAVI

Perhaps a jar of honey for my throat.

BOY

Lulu? Food from the store?

LULU

Fruit snacks!

BOY

Very well.

(BOY exits the scene.)

LULU

I wonder鈥攚ho is he to you?

RAVI

You are quite the inquisitive person, aren't you?

I 鈥 2 鈥 13

LULU

There are many things I wish to know, and that is but one of them.

RAVI

That's quite alright. Curiosity nurtures a healthy mind! And to sate yours: that boy is my dutiful assistant. He aids me in the studio and cares for the plants inside the home. The ones outside鈥

LULU

Mine!

RAVI

Your responsibility, yes. And you will, of course, return to your duties once this painting is completed.

LULU

Goody! Will I have the chance to see it?

RAVI

Oh, of course.

END OF SCENE 

I 鈥 3 鈥 14

ACT I

Scene 3

Setting: 

The same.

At Rise: 

More time has passed. Boy has returned from his trip to the store. He sits behind the easel, eating a sandwich and inspecting the scene painted on the canvas so far. Lulu has relaxed beneath the arbor, eating her fruit snacks. Ravi is out-of-scene, presumably to check on the potted-plant.

LULU

Do you believe it will sprout before dusk?

BOY

I'm doubtful on the matter.

LULU

(checking her smartphone)

The Sun will set in an hour.

BOY

Then in an hour, we'll get to know if Ravi's right.

LULU

What's he doing?

BOY

Checking the greenhouse. Particularly the potted-plant. He'll be some time.

LULU

(of the box of fruit snacks)

I want to share these with someone. If he doesn't return soon, I may eat the whole box myself!

BOY

Is that an issue?

LULU

No, their savoury flavour rather! They're quite addicting.

(then, adding)

Have you room for some fruit snacks?

BOY

(finishing his sandwich)

They'll serve as my dessert.

I 鈥 3 鈥 15

LULU

Yay!

(BOY goes to LULU, finding a spot to sit next to her. She offers him a packet of fruit snacks, and he takes it.)

BOY

(opening the packet of fruit snacks)

Assorted.

LULU

The blue ones are my favourite!

BOY

(he eats a blue one)

It's good.

(They idly eat their fruit snacks.)

BOY

Do you foresee yourself doing this for long?

LULU

Only on the side, perhaps.

BOY

Ravi said you're a gardener.

LULU

I am.

BOY

So how did you manage to become the object of his interest?

LULU

He approached me out of the blue as I was tending to the bushes, and in a restrained sort of excitement, asked me if I would model for him. I was, at first, timid at the idea. But he spoke so fervidly of his craft that I dared not refuse!

BOY

Has it been to your liking so far?

LULU

More! It's quite fun, this鈥 being a child of flowers. To share with them a relationship鈥攋ust as you said! Even if only in art!

I 鈥 3 鈥 16

BOY

The saying goes, 鈥淎rt imitates life.鈥 Yet here we are, in the reverse, imitating a fictional scene straight out of a book.

LULU

(twiddling with the fairy lights)

It's almost the real thing鈥

BOY

Ravi believes that to be true. That you're a real flower-child.

LULU

Well, I suppose all the people in my profession can be called children of the flowers. Naturally, we have a disposition towards them.

BOY

He certainly has a disposition towards you.

LULU

And you don't?

BOY

That's鈥 another matter entirely!

LULU

I'm only teasing!

BOY

Well, that aside鈥 you haven't objections to any of it at all? About being hailed a flower-child? By a painter who I worry may be nearing the edge of delusion?

LULU

None at all, actually!

BOY

Really?

LULU

I like to be open-minded to all sorts of ideas! Though I will say there are crazy ones which I find difficult to fathom at times. I think he's just passionate, that Ravi. And his insistence of my being a child of flowers is flattering, if I may so admit!

BOY

I hope to flatter people by mere passion too, someday.

I 鈥 3 鈥 17

LULU

What are you passionate about?

(BOY does not immediately answer, having scarcely in his life given the question meaningful thought. He struggles to find an apt answer.)

BOY

罢丑颈苍驳蝉鈥

LULU (amused)

Of what kind?

BOY

(forcing the answer)

The floral variety.

LULU

Is that honest?

BOY

As near to it, I think.

LULU

Goody! Then you can be a gardener like me!

(BOY, though sincerely trying, does not reciprocate her enthusiasm. Perhaps his answer wasn't as honest as he said鈥擫ULU wasn't at all convinced.)

LULU

That's a fair thought, isn't it?

BOY

Yes. A rather soothing occupation, I imagine.

LULU (affirming)

It is.

(then, adding)

Comforting!

BOY

Yes. Gives you a sense of security, doesn't it? To know what you're passionate about鈥

(then, evading)

To be candid, I haven't an idea at all! I just live from one day to the next.

I 鈥 3 鈥 18

LULU

Is that anything to be ashamed of? 

BOY

I suppose not.

LULU

Flowers are the same, and they're always merry!

BOY

Well that's certainly an interesting perspective. Perhaps I've not looked at my reflection deeply enough to see any petals growing behind my ears.

LULU

Oh, that just means you need a little nourishment!

(she offers him another packet of fruit snacks)

Here! Fertilizer!

(BOY takes the packet of fruit snacks.)

BOY

What kind of flower do you suppose I'd be?

LULU

You haven't sprouted yet.

BOY

No?

LULU

Nope! But if I had to guess, my intuition tells me dahlia. The summer rain variety. Want to see a picture? 

(she takes out her smartphone and navigates to a saved picture of a summer rain dahlia, then scoots near him to show)

See how the petals are shaped? Delicate flames. Full of vigour. When it blossoms, it flares out like the Sun's corona!

BOY (fascinated)

It's mesmerizing.

LULU

(putting her smartphone away)

What about me? What type of flower do you think I am?

I 鈥 3 鈥 19

BOY

I want to say a peony because you've pink robes.

(LULU only looks at him, containing her amusement.)

BOY

Not quite as poetic an explanation as yours, I know. Perhaps we ought to wait until the potted-flower has sprouted to discern that?

LULU

What has that to do with me?

BOY

You're a flower-child, aren't you?

LULU

I'm still uncertain as to what that means.

BOY

That you inspire fervour in the hearts of those blessed to look upon you, per account of Ravi.

LULU

And what's yours?

BOY

My account?

LULU

Yes.

(BOY shifts about, uncomfortable and reluctant to answer.)

LULU

Tell me!

BOY (deflecting)

Perhaps have a look at your reflection? I can assure you that that would offer a more accurate account than what I have to offer.

LULU

That isn't what I asked!

BOY

No?

I 鈥 3 鈥 20

LULU

I'm asking for yours.

BOY

What worth has my opinion?

LULU

I could, perhaps, learn some form of insight from you into this flower-child business, if you generously shared with me your opinion!

BOY

And that would be the be-all and the end-all of this matter?

LULU

Promise!

BOY

础濒谤颈驳丑迟鈥

(he prepares to speak, then stops)

My heart is pounding鈥攈ells!

LULU

Come on!

BOY

I am!

(he takes a deep breath, then restarts)

I think you've a captivating smile. It's addicting. And your eyes hypnotic鈥攕triking.

LULU

Is that all?

BOY

You want to hear more?

LULU

Yes!

BOY

Your skin.

LULU

What of it?

I 鈥 3 鈥 21

BOY

It's cool. 

(then, clarifying)

How it glows under the lights, I mean.

LULU

What else?

BOY

Well, I imagine the glass would shatter beneath the weight of all of this, combined, if you looked in the mirror for too long! I don't suppose that's occurred to you before?

(LULU is quiet, but uncharacteristically so. BOY has struck a sensitive spot.)

BOY (concerned)

Lulu?

LULU

Suppose it has. What do you think it'd mean?

BOY

Has it really?

LULU

Yes.

BOY

Where? When?

LULU

In a dream I had. Last night. A dream in which I stood amid this鈥 grand hall of mirrors, uncertain of how I came to be in that place except that I'd been. Everywhere I turned, I saw reflections on the walls, the ground, the ceiling鈥 so many mirrors, in fact, that you could not immediately find the exit. But now that I muse, was there ever one to be found? I never did; I was so absorbed in the search for myself, in the hundreds of reflections where I should have been standing, that I'd forgotten I was lost. Forced to look for someone that did not exist; convinced that I wasn't at all real.

(LULU takes a breath before proceeding on)

They shattered, the mirrors. And I woke up fearing the shards would cut me. Woke up without ever knowing if I was鈥

(she trails off, searching for the words)

If I was me.

(LULU goes to BOY for comfort. BOY holds her close. He offers her a blue one from his packet of fruit snacks.)

I 鈥 3 鈥 22

BOY

Blue one. Your favourite鈥

(LULU takes the blue one from him and eats it.)

BOY

I could open the rest of these and pile all of the blue ones together, if you'd like鈥

LULU

(shaking her head)

Mm-mm.

BOY

Assorted, then鈥

(The next moment, RAVI returns from the greenhouse, eating from a plate of sliced bananas and honey.)

RAVI

(noticing them sitting close together)

What is this sacrilege I see before my eyes鈥

(then, sensing the mild change about the air)

Something is amiss.

BOY

All things in condition in the greenhouse?

RAVI

Sufficiently.

BOY

The temperature?

RAVI

Twenty-six.

BOY

Too cool鈥 has the flower sprouted?

RAVI

No, but it has roused from its slumber.

END OF SCENE

I 鈥 4 鈥 23

ACT I

Scene 4

Setting: 

The same.

At Rise:

Time passes. Boy is out-of-scene to fix the temperature of the greenhouse, later relocating the potted-plant to a windowsill. Lulu has returned to her pose, and Ravi to his easel. They resume their original activities, though it is clear that Lulu is not her gracious self.

RAVI

The flower will have broken the surface of the soil when this painting is finished.

(then, when she makes no response)

Are you excited for it?

LULU

Yes.

RAVI

It is by your presence that a growth so soon is possible.

LULU

Because of me?

RAVI (affirming)

A flower-child!

LULU

How can you tell?

RAVI

When one is so weary, prepared to fall on their bed for that eternal rest, they sense all of the world's life brimming around them. 

LULU (shocked)

奥丑补迟鈥?

RAVI

It's common with old age, you see.

LULU

You're dying?

RAVI

I'm only sleepy, Lulu.

I 鈥 4 鈥 24

LULU

(an outburst)

That's phooey!

RAVI

Why?

LULU

Because a flower-child inspires fervour in the hearts of those blessed to look upon them鈥攜ou said so yourself! And if what you said is true, then you'd only be well and mad!

RAVI

尝耻濒耻鈥

LULU

I wish you were a plant! At least all they do is grow!

(then, adding)

Especially around a flower-child鈥

(RAVI holds his silence, permitting LULU a moment to release her frustrations.)

LULU

All that talk about divination鈥 a relationship with the flowers鈥攚hat's it all meant to mean anyway, huh? What's it mean to be a flower-child鈥

RAVI (carefully)

To hold all of the graces bestowed upon them by our Creator in their purest form. That is why nature responds to you鈥攖he flowers to your touch, our hearts to your soul鈥攂ecause you're the closest to the Heavens anyone will ever be.

LULU

Then what are you doing painting me?

RAVI

It's the highest form of worship I can manage, immortalizing a flower-child.

(beat)

LULU

I want you to bow before me.

RAVI

What?

I 鈥 4 鈥 25

LULU

Prostrate yourself on the ground. Revere me!

RAVI

I will do no such thing.

LULU

Why not?

RAVI

The idea is absurd.

LULU

Then wilt!

(At this point, RAVI has completed the painting.)

RAVI (wearily)

There. It is done.

LULU

(relaxing from her pose)

May I see it?

RAVI

This instance?

LULU

Just a glance.

RAVI

(he deliberates for a moment)

You may.

(RAVI turns the painting toward her, who looks on, shocked. There are no markings on it; it is blank.)

RAVI

(of the painting, gesticulating)

There you are, framed center of the canvas. The posture which you assume suggests the divinity aforementioned. The light, not present, but implied rather. Just as flowers grow toward light, you sit as though light has first touched you, enrapturing you with the prospect of hope that someday, you'll break from your shell. In that moment, grace shall bloom. And you'll become as a flower at dawn. Do you see it?

I 鈥 4 鈥 26

(A transformation is taking place; LULU does not at all see it.)

RAVI

(falling ill at the sight of LULU)

Oh heavens鈥

END OF SCENE

I 鈥 5 鈥 27

ACT I

Scene 5

Setting: 

The same.

At Rise: 

Boy returns to the studio bearing great news: the flower has sprouted. When he enters, however, Ravi is flat on the ground, still as death. His materials have been knocked over.

BOY (entering)

There must be some old magic I've no knowledge of sparsed about the house, Ravi; the flower, as you said it would, has sprouted!

(then, noticing RAVI lying flat on the ground)

Ravi?

(he hurries over to RAVI)

Ravi! Are you alright?

(BOY shakes RAVI to no response.)

BOY

Oh no鈥

(he searches his pockets for a phone, but nothing)

Lulu, I need you to call the paramedics this instant鈥

(There is no answer. BOY finds LULU beneath the arbor still, her back turned to him. She is unfazed by what's occurred. BOY gradually begins to connect the pieces of the situation together.)

BOY

Lulu?

LULU

The canvas was blank.

(BOY, confused, goes to the easel. He takes the canvas in his hands but discovers on it a fully-painted scene.)

BOY

But it isn't鈥

LULU

Why can't I see it then?

(BOY momentarily pauses, still piecing together the situation: the woman in Shropshire, the peonies, her mirror dream, his fervid infatuation with her.)

I 鈥 5 鈥 28

BOY

(going to her)

Because you're a flower-child.

LULU

Cannot mirrors nor paintings capture a flower-child?

BOY

Only shatter and erase from your presence.

(LULU shrugs off her robes, stripping nude. BOY watches on.)

LULU

Has the flower sprouted?

BOY

Yes. 

BLACKOUT