[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.)