[I-14]

[Chekhov]

(Nina comes out from behind the curtain.)

NINA: Since we quit, I guess I can come out.

SORIN: Bravo, bravo!

IRINA: Bravo! We were all enchanted by your beauty and voice, my dear. It's a shame you're stuck here in the country. With your talent, you belong on a real stage.

NINA: That's my dream - but I don't think it will ever happen.

IRINA: Who can say? Let me present Boris Trigorin, the writer.

NINA: It's such an honor - I've read all your books.

IRINA: Don't be shy, my dear. For a famous writer, he's shy enough for both of you.

DORN: Can we keep the curtains open? Closed curtains get on my nerves.

ILYA: I'll open them.

(He does.)

NINA: The play was strange, don't you think?

TRIGORIN: I didn't understand a word of it. But I liked watching you. And the setting is lovely indeed. (Pause.) I bet the lake is filled with fish.

NINA: Yes.

TRIGORIN: I love to fish - especially at sunset, sitting on the bank, mesmerized by the bobbing float.

NINA: But surely nothing gives you as much pleasure as writing.

IRINA: (laughing) Don't compliment him, dear. He becomes speechless.

ILYA: I remember one evening at the Moscow Opera, the great Silva hit a low C note. The bass from our church choir was sitting in the second balcony and suddenly shouted, "Bravo, Silva!" - but a whole octave lower! Like this: (in a deep bass) "Bravo, Silva!" You could've heard a pin drop.

(A silence, as the story falls flat.)

DORN: The angel of silence has visited us.

NINA: I have to go.

IRINA: So soon?

NINA: My father is expecting me.

IRINA: Then shame on him. We hate to see you go.

NINA: If you only knew how much I'd like to stay.

IRINA: Someone will escort you home.

NINA: No, that won't be necessary.

SORIN: Don't go.

NINA: I must.

SORIN: Just one more hour.

NINA: I really can't.

(And she exits. Nina is done for Act I.)

[continue]