A SLI GHT
A SLIGHT RISK
By Paris Erotokritou
A SLIGHT RISK Copyrights Š Paris Erotokritou 2009 ISBN 978-9963-9899-3-5 First edition 2012 Designed by Kyriaki Sofocleous Printed by Theopress Ltd
+357 99430873 / +30 694 0512003 www.fresh-target.com
48 Constantinou Palaiologou str., 1015 P.O.Box 22831, 1524 Nicosia, Cyprus +357 22347797 www.abookwormpublication.com
A Slight Risk was first presented in October 2012 at the Skali Amphitheatre as part of the Kypria International Festival, 2012 (Cyprus) Cast: Pip Utton, Mae Brogan, Patrick Myles, Alkis Kritikos, Daphne Alexander, Lefteris Zambetakis Director: Paris Erotokritou
To my grandfather
CHARACTERS John: Sixty years old. Margaret: Fifty-five years old; John’s wife. Richard: Fifty-five years old. Isobel: Richard’s daughter; late-twenties. Sid: Mid-thirties. Dog: This character is a silent role. Wears a dog’s mask throughout the play.
INTRO Dog dressed in a 1950s British Army Uniform. He is holding a suitcase; newspaper clenched in his left armpit. Dog walks towards the house. A loud gunshot is heard. Dog stops. Dog is bleeding from the stomach. Dog looks at his wound and continues moving forward in a slow pace. Another gun shot. More blood appears on his chest. Dog stops and looks at the new wound. He starts to move forward again. A projection of the date appears: 23 April 1957 in red letters. Dog suddenly drops. [This action has a dreamlike quality]
-9-
ACT ONE A spacious, elegant and relatively new living room. The decor is minimal. There is a sofa on the left, a kitchen table right, and at the back the kitchen area... A drinks-table next to the kitchen table. This room has a ceiling and above it there is a high white wall with two windows: One on the right, in the middle level of the wall and one at the top left hand corner. Hence the audience sees the cross-section of a three-floor house. The right window in the middle level is the office of the house. The audience can see through the window a desk and a computer. The computer screen faces the audience. The window on the top left hand corner is the master bedroom. Again the audience sees two single beds through this window and a television. Projection: 23 April 2004, Time: 14:37 [Margaret sits on the sofa. Dog sits on a chair behind Margaret. His back faces the audience. She is holding a mirror looking at herself. Next to her, on the sofa, there is an old newspaper, a pack of cigarettes and a half-full ashtray. On the coffee table there is a laptop. Sound of music coming from the radio. Dog gets up and leaves the stage. Enter John. He is holding a newspaper, and a nylon bag containing 2 packets of cigarettes. Turns down the volume of the radio]
John Savages. Bloody savages! [John hands Margaret the nylon bag] Here. Margaret What’s the matter? John Sometimes… My goodness! Sometimes they got the manners of… pigs. [Checks the thermometer on the wall. Sits at the table, opens the newspaper and takes out a pencil from the pocket of his shirt. He opens the dictionary on the table, takes a pair of scissors and starts cutting a small part from the back pages of the newspaper]
Took her 20 minutes to bring me a cup of tea. 20 minutes! And not a single apology. Nothing. Margaret New one? John What? Margaret Crossword. John [Ignores her remark] Then I ask for a slice of lemon. “Lemon” she says? Yes, could I have slice of lemon to put in my tea? She stares at me and says sorry we’ve ran out of lemons. But
-10-
she can bring me lemonade if I want to. If I wanted lemonade I would have asked for one I say; what I want is a slice of bloody lemon to put in my bloody tea. And then she dares to tell me to keep my bloody voice down. Margaret And? John And what? I left. [Continues cutting the newspaper] Bloody savages. Pause How come you are inside? Margaret What? John I’d expect to find you at the swimming pool with this heat. Margaret I’m rather tired. Not in the mood. John Tired? Margaret I didn’t get any sleep last night. John Sorry. Margaret It’s not your fault. John All right. All set. Let’s see what he’s got today. [Gets ready for the crossword] Silence Margaret It must be… Well, over a thousand… John What? Margaret Crossword puzzles. John What about them? Margaret Nothing. I was just wondering. John Wondering about what? Margaret Have you ever counted how many of them you’ve solved? John No. Margaret A thousand? John May be. Margaret Definitely more than a thousand, I’d say. John What about you? Margaret What about me? John Have you ever wondered how much time you spend on your computer lately? Margaret It’s much more entertaining than crosswords, believe me. John Quite subjective, what you say. Margaret Isn’t everything? John Exactly! Beat Anyhow, there’s more to crosswords than you think. Margaret Of course there is!
-11-
Beat Like what? John Quite a lot, really. Margaret I’m listening. John You want to know? Margaret Yes. John About crosswords? Margaret Absolutely. Beat John All right then: Style; to begin with. Margaret Excuse me? John Style. Margaret What’s style got to do with newspaper crosswords? John Not any crossword. The Times crossword. Margaret I wonder why you keep on buying The Times in the first place. John I told you: Its crossword. Margaret You don’t even bother to read the front pageJohn Not my kind of newspaperMargaret Not very stylish either. John I agree. But this chap’s crossword is the best I’ve come across in a very long time. Margaret And how’s that? John I already told you: Style. Margaret What’s that suppose to mean? John Wait. [Quotes from the dictionary definition] Style: manner of writing, speaking or doing especially as opposed to the matter to be expressed or thing done. Margaret Very funny John. Beat So, what’s so interesting in crossword puzzles? John I don’t know; it’s just that this chap sets questions that are utterly unpredictable. Margaret Isn’t unpredictability the whole point of crosswords? John Well, you have a point there. But it’s not only a matter of unpredictability. Variation as well. Margaret Variation? John Yes, his questions are extremely varied. Margaret So? John So if one looks closely at his crosswords he can find - how can I put this - [reflects for a moment] A pattern! That’s it; a pattern
-12-
in the way he poses the questions. It’s far from obvious, in fact, it’s very subtle. But, a trained eye, can infer a pattern; in the way he constructs the crossword. Margaret Maybe it’s me, but I don’t see anything so exciting in inferring a crossword pattern. John The exciting part has nothing to do with the pattern. Margaret So where’s the exciting part then? John Well, if you manage to get the pattern right, then you are able to infer the setter’s perception of… well… the world really. I know this sounds bizarre, but that’s how it is. I mean, you get to know the guy. Never met him, never saw his face, you don’t even know if he’s black, white, yellow or brown. But you know him. Almost like being in his mind; you know his approach to the crossword because you know how he thinks. That’s the exciting part. Margaret Why would you want to get in the mind of a crossword guy in the first place? John Don’t know. Hobby? Margaret And what about style then? John Style? Oh, yes! Style. Beat Well, now I forgot. Margaret Never mind. John It’ll come back. Silence
[John returns to his crossword. He sharpens his pencil]
John Ha! Thought so! You probably know this. Margaret Know what? John Cummings’ flowers. [Counts] Nine letters. Margaret Cummings’ flowers… [Reflects] Daffodils. John Daffodils? Are you sure? Margaret [Margaret quotes the first verse of the poem] “In time of daffodils who know the goal of living is to grow forgetting why remember how”, E.E Cummings. John Fantastic! Quite refined this crossword bloke, don’t you think? I bet I’ll find a question on Mozart. Margaret Strange… John [While completing the crossword] Strange? This chap Cummings? Well, he’s a poet; they’re supposed to be strange. Never understood poets; or poetry for that matter. Margaret Daffodils. I mean daffodils.
-13-
John Come again. Margaret Daffodils! Flowers! I said it’s rather strange because I was thinking of buying some daffodils today. John Really? How odd! Margaret Maybe I’ll go to town tomorrow and get some. John Tomorrow’s not a good day. Margaret Why’s that? [As if she remembered something] Oh yes. John It’s their big day tomorrow! Beat Kind of anyway. Margaret Why kind of? John Because it’s quite clear what the outcome will be. [Gets up. Goes to the drinks table] Gin? Margaret Time already? John [John starts to prepare the drinks] This… thing… tomorrow. Nothing but a great fiasco. And people down town are going mad over it. Margaret Are they? John You should have seen the look on people’s faces this morning. Margaret Hope it ends well. John It will end, one way or the other. [Goes over to Margaret] Oh, my knees are killing me today. Here. [Gives her the glass and goes back to the kitchen table] Margaret Took your pills? John It makes no difference lately. Margaret You ought to rest more, you know that. John Margaret, I can’t stay in the house all day long. I’ll go mad. Margaret I’m only trying to help you. John I know you are but I didn’t move here to spend the rest of my life in solitary confinement. Margaret Do as you wish. Beat By the way Isobel called. She’s here for holidays. John Isobel who? Margaret Richard’s Isobel. John Oh! Beat Holidays? Again? Margaret I thought you liked her. John Well… I do… but… never mind. Margaret What?
-14-
John Nothing. Margaret Come on. You were going to say something. John I know it’s none of my business, but it seems the girl is having a holiday every two months. It’s ridiculous. Margaret What’s wrong with that? John Correct me if I’m wrong, but I thought the whole point of holidays is to work for a while and then take a week or so to relax. Margaret She is a dancer John. It’s not a nine-to-five job. John I wonder whether it is a job at all. Margaret Well, that’s my point. It isn’t a job. John Oh come on, the girl was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. Margaret So what? Should she be ashamed of her good fortune? Is that what you’re saying? John Not at all. She should put her good fortune in good use; find a decent job; make an honest penny, for a change. Margaret Wealth is not a sin you know. John Well, it’s easy for you to say. Margaret Yes it is. So what? Should I be ashamed too? John I didn’t say that. Margaret Yes you did. John At least I earned my living. Didn’t depend on trust funds. Margaret Didn’t you? What got the business started? [She takes the ashtray and goes to the kitchen] Anyway, they’re coming over for dinner. John Dinner? Margaret Yes. John When? Margaret Tomorrow. John Good. [Continues with the crossword and suddenly stops] How come? Margaret What do you mean how come? It’s been ages since we had both of them here. John I’m just asking. Margaret Is it okay with you? John Of course. Margaret Sure? John Look, I have nothing against them. Margaret I’m glad to hear it. [Proffers her glass] Make it a double please, John Oh... Margaret Don’t get too excited. John Is the lady sure? It’s beenMargaret The lady is adamant on that point.
-15-
John Fair enough. [John approaches her] You know I love you. Margaret [She looks for her cigarettes] I do, John. John Sorry. Margaret Don’t apologise. [Silence. John adds some gin in her glass. He gives Margaret the glass] Thanks. John Is everything ok? Margaret Everything’s fine. John Good. Beat I’ll be at the swimming pool… [He accidentally catches a glimpse of the newspaper next to Margaret] What’s this? Margaret Nothing. John [Takes the newspaper] Where did you get this? Margaret I bumped into it… in the basement. John The basement? [Looks at it. Laughs] Wow! Take a look at this! Macmillan’s speech in Parliament? Have you read this? Margaret Not really. John [Reads silently] Oh, this is funny. This is really funny. Listen to this. [Starts reading aloud] “You ask me why this island. I will answer to you. Without this island, there is no way to protect our supply of oil. No oil, unemployment and hunger in Britain”. As if we depended on Cyprus to keep us going back then. “Yes, British soldiers are dying there. I will not refuse that”. As if he could “...but I will not accept that Great Britain cannot handle a bunch of amateur terrorists”. Amateur terrorists! [Continues reading aloud] “I can assure you that the backbone of our empire -Cyprus- will not be lost…”. [Laughs dismissively] You know, we could get a good price for this. Margaret [Takes the newspaper from John’s hands] It’s not for sale I’m afraid. John Why not? We’ll keep a copy of the prime minister’s speech, and sell the piece. In fact I know a chap in townMargaret I told you. It’s not for sale. John It’s just an old, stained newspaper. Why not Margaret? Margaret Because it belongs to me John and I don’t want [Margaret is interrupted by the door-bell. As soon as the door-bell rings Dog draws the curtains of the second floor window open and looks down. He will remain there until the guest leaves]
John Are you expecting someone? Margaret No… May be it’s Isobel. [Opens door leaving the security chain on] Hello?
-16-
Sid Hello Madam. Margaret Can I help you? Sid I think you can. Margaret Look if you are looking for the port just keep on straight, for about a mile and then turn left. [Attempts to close the door] Sid [He insists] Oh no. Wait. I’m not looking for directions madam. I’m a journalist. Margaret Ok… Sid I’m writing a piece on British expats living here. Margaret I see. And… Sid I wonder whether I could interview you. Margaret Interview me? There’s nothing to tell really. Sorry. Sid [Insists] It won’t take long. Just a couple of questions. Margaret Well, I’m not sure if this is a good time. Sid I won’t publish your name. Please. Margaret I’m sorry, I’m in the middle of somethingSid It won’t take more than five minutes. Please madam. Trust me. [Margaret turns to John. Asks what she should do. John responds with a gesture implying that Margaret does whatever she wants]
Margaret Oh well. Come in. Sid Thank you so much. Sid. Nice to meet you. Margaret Margaret. Nice to meet you too. This is my husband, John. Sid Nice to meet you sir. John Nice to meet you. Margaret So, a journalist? Sid That’s right. We’re starting up a new magazine… Lifestyle… In English… Not exactly for the local populace! [He grins, looks for approval] Margaret From? Sid From? Margaret Are you… from the local populace? Sid Oh… Yes… Sort of… I was born here… so… Yes. Margaret You’re quite fluent. Sid I grew up in London butMargaret Did you? Excellent. Sid But I really missed the sun. Margaret I don’t blame you. We all do; at some point. John How did you know we are British? Sid Well… British surnames stand out in the phone directory around
-17-
here sir. I just picked one. Beautiful house. [Looks around] Nice! Big swimming pool, great garden… Full of windows looking out to the sea… Mountain at the back… Beautiful… Just beautiful. You’re very kind. You must have put a lot of work into it. And money Sid. And money. Of course… But it’s worth it sir.
Margaret Sid John Sid Pause So… Let’s get down to business. Don’t want to waste any more of your time. Margaret Oh… Sid Do you mind if I sit down? Margaret Please. Sid [Takes out a clipboard a pen and a voice recorder] So… May I ask how long have you been living here? Margaret Well, we moved here as soon as the house was finished. 1990… John? John September 12th, 1990. Sid Bet you bought the house from a property developer. Margaret Oh no. Not at all… We first came here on holidays and we were delighted with the villageSid Everybody does. Margaret Well yes… Sid And? Margaret And a couple of years later we decided to buy a plot here. We wanted to build the house according to our taste you see. All these villas the developers sell are… are all the same frankly. We wanted somethingJohn Stylish. Margaret Exactly. Sid Excellent. And why this side? I mean the majority of British people buy properties on the other side. Margaret We prefer this side. It’s… quiet. Sid Of course. Quiet and cheap. [Grins] Margaret You could say that. Sid [Amusingly] An agreeable climate in many respects, as they say. [Smiles. Looks around for approval. Doesn’t get it] Excellent… Tell me something about the village. Isn’t it too quiet sometimes? Margaret In fact it is veryJohn As far as I’m concerned I’d like it to remain quiet. After all,
-18-
that’s what we came for Sid. Sid Absolutely sir. John Frankly, I hate to see the population here becoming… well… essentially British. Sid Essentially British! Excellent! I think I’ll use that. Thank you very much. Essentially British. Wonderful! [Starts packing his things] Margaret That’s it? Sid I told you it wouldn’t take long. I’ll fill in the details. That’s how I work.. But don’t tell the editor! [Smiles. Looks for approval. Doesn’t get it] Do you mind if I take a photo? Margaret I don’t know. John? John Go on. Our fifteen minutes darling. Sid May be more! You never know. Mrs. Margaret, could you stand by your husband please? Ready? [Takes a photo] That’s it. Thanks. Sir. John Sid. Margaret I’ll walk you out. Sid Thank you. [Sid and Margaret walk towards door and just before he walks out, Sid stops] Oh I nearly forgot… Sometimes the heat has a funny effect on me. Haven’t got used to it yet. [Takes a clipboard out of his bag] Here. Could you please sign this… The editor… Likes to check on us. And... [Looks anxiously in his bag] Oh… Where is it?… Here. [Takes out an envelope] This is for you. A copy of the first issue; it contains everything you need to know about me; address, telephone number, e-mail; in case you need to contact me in the future. Margaret Thank you. Sid I could of course e-mail the article to you Margaret There’s no need. Just send us a copy of the magazine. Sid Of course I will. [To John] See you very soon sir! [Sid walks out. Margaret closes the door] John Odd chap. Margaret Indeed. John The heat has a “funny effect” on me? Margaret What about the “local populace”? John Not exactly Jeremy Paxman, don’t you think? Margaret Definitely not. John See you “very soon”? [Laughs] [Margaret walks towards the kitchen area and leaves the envelope on the table. John picks up the envelope and opens it. He reads. He looks
-19-
quite upset. He gets to the window. Looks out]
John Shit. [He smashes a vase, throws whatever there is on the table on the floor] Margaret John! What on earth are you doing? John. What are you doing? Stop it. Stop. John, you are scaring me. [John stands in silence as if to decide what to do next] John! [He tries to tear his shirt] John! John Punch me. Margaret What? John I’ll explain later. Now punch me. Right in the eye. Margaret Are you out of your mind? John Do it. Margaret There’s no way I’ m punching you. John Do as I say Margaret. Right here. Trust me. Margaret John… John Do it for God’s sake. We have no time to lose. Do it. Margaret This is madness. John [Yells] Do it! [Margaret punches] John Harder. Right here. Margaret My God! John Here. Punch me. Margaret [Punches with all her strength and then realizes the force of her strike] There’s blood… Your eye… My God. Sorry… Are you all right? John? John [John bleeds] Jesus Christ. [Margaret tries to wipe the blood] No. Leave it... Until the police arrive. Margaret What police? What are you talking about? John [John picks up the telephone. He dials] Yes, hello… John Gaist… Nightingale Street 6… I have been attacked… A trespasser… Probably a thief… He threatened me and my wife… Very aggressive sir… Our life is in danger, please sent someone over… You have to make sure he doesn’t cross the border… Yes, I believe he’s from the other side… Six, Nightingale Street… Girne… You mustn’t let him cross the border. Please hurry. [To Margaret] Don’t worry. They’re sending someone over.
-20-
ACT TWO Projection: 24 April 2004, Time: 18:45 [Margaret prepares the dinner table in the garden. She’s dressed casually. John enters with a nylon bag full of lemons. He locks the door. Margaret hasn’t noticed he is in]
John [In a loud voice] Nice and fresh, home-grown lemons! Margaret My God! You scared me. John Sorry; didn’t mean to. Margaret Did you lock the door? John I did. Margaret Are you sure? John [Goes over at the door] See. It’s locked. Would you please calm down? Margaret Calm down? John Margaret, I told you what the lawyer said. Everything’s going to be fine. No need to worry. Margaret Well, I do worry John. I can’t help it. John Look, I know you’re upset. I’m upset… But there’s no reason to panic. Margaret Panic? You’re the one that smashed the place last night. John There was a reason I did it. Margaret It didn’t work though, did it? John It’s certainly not my fault if the police let him slip right through their hands. Beat Margaret He’s probably on the other side now laughing at us. Beat I still can’t believe this is happening to us. John Margaret, dear, please. Listen to me. Nothing’s happening to us. No one is threatening us; no one is going to harm us. Margaret I’m not that sure John. John God! Why don’t you listen to me for a change? Margaret Suppose he’s telling the truth. John He isn’t. The whole thing is probably just a hoax. Margaret John, have you realized what happened? There it is, in front of you. John What is this thing doing here? Richard and Isobel will be here any minute now. Do you want everyone to know? [Takes the envelope and puts it in a drawer in the living room]
-21-
Margaret What are we going to do? John Listen, worst case scenario, we give him a couple of thousand pounds and case closed. Margaret Why accept if he’s telling the truth? John Because it’s the most he can get. Margaret And what about our money back home? John Come on Margaret. You’re smart. You know no one can touch the money back home. Beat Nothing much left, anyway. Margaret I wish I could be as positive as you are. John You’ll see. Trust me. Now go get yourself ready. They’ll be here in any minute. And don’t mention anything to Richard and Isobel. Margaret I’m not stupid. John Good. [He waits until Margaret leaves the room. Picks up the phone. He dials]
John Hello. It’s me. Any luck? What do you mean you can’t find him?… Look, yesterday you said that this was probably a stunt; we don’t want this to get out of control… I did everything by the book… Well the thing is I do worry, so please do something… No! No… I remember very well what he said. He said that there was a very slight risk… That’s what the agent said, but he said I shouldn’t worry… What?... We are British citizens for God’s sake. Hello? Hello? Stupid son of a bitch. [He calls again] Listen we have invested a lot of money… A lifetime’s savings… It’s a change of life… Listen… No, now listen, I have worked all my life so that my wife and I will be able to enjoy a few years by the sea and in the sun. I hope you understand… I mean we have looked after this place for 14 long years, it’s our home, I built it from scratch for Christ sake… Give me a minute. [John hears Margaret coming down] I’ll call you back. [She wears an elegant outfit] Margaret Who was it? John Nice dress. Margaret Thanks. Who was it? John How come I haven’t seen it before? Margaret How should I know? Who was it on the phone? John I guess I…. I have some news for you Margaret.
-22-
Margaret Good or bad? John Not good I’m afraid. Beat It’s perfect! Margaret What? John The lawyer called. He carried out a small research… Checked the land registry… I mean what a professional; working on Sundays, this guy. Margaret And? John And there’s absolutely nothing to worry about. Told you he’s the best. Did you know he’s a Cambridge graduate? He even worked in London for a couple of years. [Walks towards the kitchen area] Gin? Margaret Why don’t I believe you? John [Comes back. Takes a business card out of his shirt] Here. Call him. Margaret Give me the phone. John Here. [Takes the phone. She’s about to dial; Puts it down] John For a change! [Door bell rings. Margaret goes towards the door. John looks at his watch] Right-on-time-Richard! Margaret [Checks and then opens the door. Richard and Isobel walk in. Richard holds a bottle] Hello. Come on in. Richard/Isobel Hello. Isobel Margaret! You look stunning. Margaret Thank you dear. Welcome. Richard. Richard This is for you. Home made. [Gives her the bottle] Margaret Oh, you shouldn’t have. Richard Hello John. John Richard… Welcome. Richard Goodness! What happened to you eye? John No worries… It looks worse than it is… I tripped that’s all. No big deal. Isobel! Great to have you back with us. Isobel John! Nice to see you again! It’s been ages. Sorry about your eye. John Don’t worry about me. So, what are we drinking? Whisky? Gin? Isobel I’ll have a gin n’ tonic thank you. Richard Same here. John Let’s fill you up then. [Goes at the drinks table. While mixing the drinks] So, Richard, how are the chickens? Still hungover? Richard Oh no. I gave up on that venture a long time ago. John Did you? How come?
-23-
Richard Well, it cost me a fair amount of white wine to start with. Isobel Chickens? Hungover? Dad... Richard What? It’s really funny. Have you ever seen a drunken chicken? Isobel No! How do you get a chicken drunk in the first place? Richard Simple. Soak a piece of bread in white wine -red they don’t like, you see- and give it to them. Quite a pleasant way to spend one’s morning, I can assure you. However, [John passes him his drink] thanks, not only did I run out of white wine but the chickens… Would you believe it? They kept asking for more. But then again… they are chickens; what do they know about alcoholism, right? Anyway, I turned to a less costly and pet-friendly enterprise. Margaret And what’s that? Richard Psychoanalysing Winston. Margaret Oh Richard! Richard The only problem is that he won’t lie on the couch. He just won’t do it. The bloody cat won’t lie on the bloody couch! Isobel [To Margaret and John] That’s because he practically tore the couch to tatters. Richard To very rags I’d say. Isn’t he wonderful? [Looks at the dinner table behind and makes a toast] Now, good digestion wait on appetite and health on both! Cheers. John Maybe you should try to hypnotize him first. Richard Never thought of it. Thanks John. John Anything to help a good friend’s cat Richard. Isobel Dad is so bored. He’ll never admit it though Richard I’m not bored. Isobel See? Richard I am not bored. [Gets up] It’s simply the C.P.I.L. [Goes at table and picks a vegetable] May I? I’m starving. [Eats] Mmmn, nice and crunchy. Margaret A C.P.I. what? Richard C.P.I.L: Critical point of island living. John And what is exactly the critical point of island living Richard? Richard Well John… I visited every archaeological sight there is around here; I watched the migratory birds come, go and come again, I went fishing, had practically hundreds of cups of tea at the port, not to mention that I know the name of every single flower that grows here. You know, Durrell once said that taken leisurely this place could afford one a maximum of two years in terms of novelty. Well, I am here for twelve. [To Isobel] It’s not boredom. It’s a… a premature exhaustion of activities I’d say. [Reflects for
-24-
a while] That’s what it is! The critical point of island living is the
premature exhaustion of one’s activities. John You should be a writer Richard. Richard Well… I am John. John Oh sorry… Of course you are! You wrote that book on veggies, right? Margaret It’s about medieval gardening dear and it’s quite interesting. John Of course. Medieval gardening… How could I forget? I apologise. Isobel Don’t know about you but I’d kill live here. Ten-month summer? Where else can you get a ten-month summer? John Then why don’t you? Your father has a beautiful house. Richard So? Isobel [To John] May be in a few years. London’s calling for the time being. Margaret So how’s London? Isobel London? Just as you left it: Hectic, chaotic and grey. Love it. Margaret Any good shows lately? Isobel The National has an interesting season… Plenty of avant-garde stuff on Bricklane, as usual. Depends on your taste I guess. You should come and see for yourself. Margaret I can’t. Isobel Of course you can. You can crash at my place. Margaret It’s a not a matter of accommodation dear. John So what is it? Beat Richard Is someone homesick? Margaret I’m not homesick. It’s just that all myJohn [Interrupts and speaks to Isobel] So typical of Margaret. She wants something and as soon as lays her hands on it, that’s it, gone: she wants something completely different. Permanently unsatisfied. So, Isobel, how long are you staying? Isobel I suppose I’ll stay for another week. I haven’t even gone for a swim yet. John You can use our swimming pool if you feel like it. Isobel Can I? John Of course you can. Isobel Great! Thanks John. Margaret Shall we? John, could you get the wine please. John At your service madam! [They start to move to the table. Richard and Isobel sit. Margaret goes to the kitchen]
-25-
Margaret Please, have a seat. Richard What’s on the menu? Isobel Dad! Margaret [From kitchen] You’ll see. Richard Can’t wait. John [Holding two wine bottles, reading from the labels, faking an Italian accent] Poggio alle Sughere - Morellino di Scansano 2002. All the way from south-west Tuscany. Are we a refined lot, or what? Margaret [Comes holding a platter and places it on the table] Voila! Isobel This looks great. What is it? John I call it the joy of hunting. The queen of the sky! Margaret This is partridge darling, marinated it in herbs, wine and lemon juice and a little sugar stuffed with halloumi cheese. Courtesy of our gardener. John Shot only yesterday! Go on; try it. Isobel [Isobel takes a piece] Oh this is good. Really good! Margaret Tender? Isobel Hmm. Richard It’s delicious. Tender… juicy. Well done Margaret. Well done. John Wine? Isobel Please. John And what about some fresh, non-medieval, veggies Richard? Margaret Let me serve you. Richard This is what I call a fine dinner. Isobel [To John] You’re spoiling us. John We like to treat our guests well, that’s all. Richard You certainly do. John Thanks. [Silence. They start eating] Richard So what do you think will happen tonight? John What do you mean? Richard With the referendum? John Oh yes! Beat Well, every single poll says the south will reject. Richard That’s what I heard too. But… Beat But don’t you think that we should have had the right to vote? I mean most of us have been living here for a long time. And it’s not as if this plan doesn’t affect us. John I believe that every one that is an inhabitant should have the
-26-
right to vote, but there’s no need to worry. It won’t pass. Richard Thank God for that. John And do you know why? Do you? Because of that stupid human rights decision four, five years ago. That’s why. After that every Greek-Cypriot that used to own even a tree in the North before 1974 sues for compensation. Loss of use they say. It’s ridiculous… That’s why the south won’t vote for reunification tonight. Money; that’s what they’re after. Do you really want a solution to the problem Mr. Secretary General? Buy them out. Money; that’s what they care for, so let them have it, stuff them with money and let us live in peace. Isobel So this is like Northern Ireland in a way. Richard Northern Ireland? Where did that come from Isobel? Isobel [Amusingly] I don’t know. Didn’t even know there was a problem here. Margaret Don’t worry dear. Nobody knows what the real problem is. Richard Border crossings. That’s my problem. All these southern… peeping Toms, who come to see their… homeland! Why the hell did they have to open the borders in the first place? John Exactly. Richard Whenever they come to the village I feel as if I’m under siege. In my own house! John They try to scare us. That’s all. Richard Do they come here as well? John Not yet. Richard Lucky you! John I’m not afraid though. Let them come. I’m ready. Richard The whole situation is absurd. The mentality round here… North and South. My goodness! [To Isobel] Like that developer I was telling you about. Isobel Oh wait until you hear this. Margaret What? Richard I was just talking to a property developer on the other side a couple of days ago; nice chubby lad; real friendly; but all of a sudden and for no apparent reason, he starts lecturing me about their righteous struggle, how Great Britain backed the invasion back then, why they will vote against the plan tonight and so on. Felt quite uncomfortable. I try to change the subject; I ask him whether he has any children. Turns out he has two sons. And guess what? They both went to some London univer-
-27-
sity, both of them work in England, not to mention that they attended a public English school, on the other side. What’s their problem anyway? I’d say it’s more of a syndrome dear.
Isobel John Beat So, Richard, investing in the South? That’s what I call a clever move. Richard I wouldn’t exactly call it an investment. John No? Richard The truth is [Hesitates] Margaret What? Richard Well, you’ll find out eventually soIsobel He is moving. Margaret/John What? Margaret Moving? Richard I’m not moving. It’s just a thought. Isobel always oversimplifies. Margaret Whereto? Richard The other side. John Oh… How come? Richard Don’t know. [Cheerfully] I guess I am but mad north. When the wind is southerly I know a hawk from a handsaw. Margaret [Ignoring Richard’s ‘joke’] But why? Richard Why? Times are changing Margaret. You know this place better than I do: Peace for twenty years or so and then, boom, some nut fires a gun for no reason and everything goes up in flames. John I don’t understand. Did something happen? Richard Nothing happened. Not yet anyway. I don’t want to take any risks; that’s all. At our age, well, one should avoid risks, don’t you think? Margaret Isobel dear, talk some sense to your dad. Isobel It’s his decision. There’s nothing I can do about it. John Something must have happened. Did anyone threaten you? Richard Goodness no! I wish it wouldn’t come to that. Margaret But you love the village, don’t you? Richard I could always visit. Couldn’t I? Margaret So you are selling the house. Richard If I can find a buyer. John I don’t understand Richard. Richard Look, I’ve seen everything worth seeing and met everyone
-28-
worth meeting here, no offence… It’s nice, no doubt about that, sea, sun, cheap prices, good food, you know the package, but the situation is changing. Can’t deny it… And better to be ahead sometimes. Could you pass me the salt please? John But nothing’s changed. Richard Thanks. Not yet. But who knows what will happen one, two years from now? In the meantime I certainly detest the prospect of waking up in front of a black-dressed grandma picking flowers from my back garden, shouting in my horrible morning face that my house is… well, her house… You know. Isobel Your phobias are creeping in again Dad. Richard Maybe. Margaret Well Isobel, sometimes I think whether weJohn Whether we what? Margaret [Ignores John. To Richard] Do we have a right to be here? Just for the sake of argument. John You bet we have a right to be here. I have a right to be in bloody Kosovo if I feel like it. We didn’t steal the god-damned land, we bought it for God’s sake… I bought it. Fair n’ square. Let me tell you something: I’ll never let a handful of nationalists rob me of my property on broad daylight. On whose side are you anyway? Silence Margaret [Gets up] Water anyone? Richard Please… Isobel I’ll... I’ll help you. Margaret No. It’s all right dear. I can manage. [ Margaret goes to the kitchen. She stands in front of the water tub during John’s speech. Dog appears and stands next to her. Dog will be present for the rest of Act Two]
John Hypocrites… That’s what they are. Like that lady that got the compensation from that bloody European court! Comes here, shiny Mercedes, designer clothes, rock-star shades, big-shot lawyer standing beside her and mumbles how she feels vindicated that Turkey should give her house back, and how moved she is seeing her house again and that justice is done, blah blah blah… Then goes back, to, I don’t know, a 6000 square feet villa on the other side, having cocktails brought to her by a Philippino maid, probably while watching the stock market. And then they accuse us of colonialism. If there is anything worthy around here it’s thanks to us. We set this state up! Hypocrites…
-29-
That’s what they are. [To Margaret] And it makes Margaret think. We are the victims dear. Richard Well, aren’t you getting just a bit hypercritical John? John Hypercritical? No Richard. Angry; I’m getting angry. Really angry! [Takes a look at his watch] Excuse me. I’ll go check on the results. Isobel Mind if I join you? John Not at all. Come. Upstairs. [John and Isobel go upstairs. They go to the bedroom to watch the results. They are fully visible by the audience through the top left hand window. While they are upstairs and while Richard and Margaret have the following conversation downstairs, John starts gradually to make an advance to Isobel which culminates in an attempt to kiss her. She resists. She tries to get out of the room but John grabs her and appears to be telling her to say nothing about the incident. The audience do not hear John and Isobel’s conversation, but are only able to see the action through the window. Margaret comes from the kitchen and sits]
Richard He hasn’t changed one bit. Margaret You know John; his bark is worse than his bite. [Lights a cigarette] Would you like one? Richard [Hesitates] I really shouldn’t. Margaret For old times’ sake? Richard I really don’t know… Margaret Oh come on. Richard I really shouldn’t. Margaret It won’t kill you. Here. [Gives him a cigarette] Richard [Hesitates but in the end he takes one. Lights it] It’s all about the first puff. Margaret Once a smoker… Richard Chain smoker. Pause Thanks for dinner. Margaret Thanks for the sherry. Richard Pleasure. I remembered you used to like it soMargaret Still do. Beat Richard Like some? Margaret Right now? Richard Why not? [Goes to get the cherry from the coffee table]
-30-
Margaret Do you still sing that silly song while you make it? Richard It’s part of the process. [Pours drinks] This is for you. Margaret A toast. Richard To happiness. Margaret And absent friends. Richard And no more border crossings. Margaret To happiness, absent friends and no more border crossings. Cheers. Richard Cheers Margaret Well done, Richard. Richard Do you like it? Margaret Absolutely flawless. [Richard smiles] What? Richard Here we go again. Cigarettes and sherry! Margaret Some habits are hard to break I suppose. Richard Indeed. Pause Margaret Look at the mountain. It’s one colour all over. Peaceful. Richard I’ve almost forgotten the view from here. Margaret Remember how then. Richard What? Margaret Remember how? Richard Remember how? Margaret Cummings? Richard Oh, Cummings! Yes. Pause So, how are you? Margaret Good. Richard You look good. Margaret Really? Richard Yes… You look… I don’t know… relaxed. Classy dress by the way. Margaret I’ve always had faith in your taste. Richard Thank you. Margaret Though you never told me where you got it from. Richard And I never will. Margaret Come on, Richard. Richard There’s absolutely no way I’m telling you where I got it from. Margaret Why? Richard Because if I did you’d stop wearing it. Margaret I’m not that much of a snob you know. Richard No. Forget it.
-31-
Margaret Someday I’ll make you tell me. Richard Maybe. Pause Look… [Hesitates] Margaret What? Richard When Isobel told me you called… Well… Margaret What? Silence Richard I missed you. Margaret Missed you too. Silence Richard Isn’t this rather odd? Margaret In what sense? Richard You know, with John and Isobel around. Margaret Is it uncomfortable for you? Richard No, no. It’s… strange. That’s all. Margaret So… is it true? Richard What? Margaret Are you really moving? Richard Not exactly. Margaret I knew it. Beat Needless to say, I didn’t believe a word you said. C.P.I.L? Premature exhaustion of activities? Where did you come up with that? Richard I’m going back Margaret. Margaret Back where? Richard Back home. Margaret I don’t believe you. Richard It’s true. Margaret Richard, look, I know you. You love this place. You’d never leave. Richard I will. Brief Pause Margaret You really mean it. Because of the politics? That’s a silly reasonRichard It’s not the politics. Silence Margaret Look, it’s not easy for me. Richard I know. But I don’t think you’ll ever do it. Margaret I’m not that weak you know. Richard It has nothing to do with weakness. Suppose you did leave him.
-32-
What are you going to do? Pack your things and move to my place? Margaret Maybe. I don’t know. Richard It’s not easy for me either. Margaret Hmmm. Richard Margaret. Margaret I’m fine. Richard I’m really sorry. Silence Margaret So, that’s it? [He does not reply] Richard? Richard I’m afraid so. Margaret Final? Richard Final. Pause Margaret Richard? Richard Yes. Margaret Don’t leave. [She approaches him] Richard Are you out of your mind? Margaret Please, don’t leave. [She tries to kiss him. He momentarily gives in but suddenly breaks away] Richard This is madness Margaret. My daughter and your husband are upstairs. Margaret [She retreats] Sorry Silence. [John enters the room and after a few seconds Isobel follows] John What did I tell you? What did I tell you? Seventy six percent voted no. Seventy six percent! Unbelievable! Richard Seventy-six percent? John That’s right. Seventy-five point eighty-three to be precise. The South voted no. Thank you ladies and gentlemen. Seventy-six percent! Who would have thought? [Isobel appears, breathing heavily. Richard and Margaret see her]
Richard Isobel, are you all right? Margaret Isobel dear? John Margaret, get some water. Margaret Isobel? What happened? Isobel [With difficulty] I’m fine. Dad… My inhaler… In my bag. Richard I’m taking you to the hospital. Isobel I’m fine. It’s just… An allergy. My inhaler. Please. [Richard searches her bag and finds the inhaler. She gives it to Isobel]
-33-
Margaret Are you all right dear? Isobel I get this… all the time…the weather. Don’t worry. Richard I’m taking you to the hospital. Isobel No! I’m fine. Honestly. Just… take me home. Richard Are you sure? Isobel Yes. Please. John Here; have some water. [Isobel does not respond] Margaret Isobel? [Takes the glass from John’s hand] Drink some water. [Isobel drinks] Isobel Let’s go. Margaret I’ll walk you out. [Richard and Margaret help Isobel. Comes back] What happened? John [He sits at the table and continues eating] I don’t know. She was fine a minute ago. Margaret I hope she gets well. John Artists! They love to look fragile. Part of the job, I reckon. Margaret What do you mean? John Come on Margaret. It’s obvious. Margaret You saw how pale she got. John Nonsense. She just loves to look fragile. Don’t you see? It adds to her character; to her artistic, feminine side. She’s fine. Probably got bored. Found a way out. That’s all. Margaret Do you mean to say she was pretending? John Of course she was. Margaret She could hardly breathe for God’s sake! John She can act well, for a dancer. [Margaret starts to clean the table] Margaret Isobel’s not that sort of person. Beat Why are you so suspicious with everyone? John I’m not suspicious. Margaret Yes you are. Sometimes you act as if the world is out there to deceive you. John Better to be safe than sorry Margaret. Margaret That’s exactly what I am talking about; this better-be-safe-thansorry attitude. John Love me, love my dog dear.
[Stops eating momentarily. He stares at Margaret]
Margaret What?
-34-
John Is everything all right? Margaret Oh please. John You don’t seem very well. Margaret I’m fine. John [Resumes eating] I know. I got a bit carried away at dinner but this shouldn’t be a reason whyMargaret It’s fine John. You do it all the time. I’m used to it. John Come on. Something’s bothering you. Margaret I just don’t feel like talking, that’s all. John May I ask why? Margaret Oh please. John Tell me. Pause
[Margaret stops her action]
Margaret Can I ask you something? John Anything. Margaret Are you happy? John What do you mean? Margaret I mean, are you happy? Do you consider yourself a happy man? John Overall yes. Happy as a lamb! Margaret Overall… Excellent. One more question. John Go on… but honestly I don’t see where this is going. Margaret Why are we here? Do you remember? John As a matter of fact I do remember Margaret but it’s something I don’t want to discuss, especially while I’m eating. And neither do you. Margaret How do you know what I want? John Listen Margaret. That was the plan. Our plan. Remember? Find a place in the sun. Relocate. Put whatever the fuck happened behind us and enjoy the rest. Now, please. Margaret Aha… Relocate and enjoy the rest! Wonderful! John You’re tired Margaret. Go get some rest. Margaret Enjoy the rest of what? John What is it Margaret? Why these questions all of a sudden? Margaret So are we supposed to be… enjoying right now? John Don’t know. What do you think? Margaret Overall? Pause John Got the point. Ok? Now would you please let me finish my dinner? Margaret I don’t think you got the point John. I really don’t think you got the point.
-35-
John [Stands] You know what? This is really funny. Margaret It is, isn’t it? John It’s definitely funny because lately I feel I don’t know you at all. Margaret And why’s that? John I don’t know; it’s just a feeling. Margaret There must be a reason though. John Is there? Margaret What? John A reason? Margaret Don’t know. Is there? Beat John Oh, admit it Margaret. Margaret Admit what? John You can’t stand me, can you? Margaret What makes you say that? John You can’t stand me anymore. Margaret What on earth are you talking about? John Why do you shout? I am asking you in a civilized way if there is something wrong lately. Now, I’d appreciate it if you answered my question. Margaret What are you now? Some kind of interrogator? John Is there a reason that you can’t stand me lately? Margaret All right John. There’s nothing wrong lately. Nothing whatsoever; everything’s perfectly fine. I’m tired, that’s all. Exhausted really. Oh and yes, yesterday an ‘odd’ chap claimed our house. That must be it. Goodnight. [She starts to go upstairs. Dog follows her] And please lock the door before you go to bed. John Thanks for the splendid evening Margaret. Thank you so much. [John tries to call the lawyer again. No answer. Margaret goes to the second floor, where the office is. She lights a cigarette and sits at the computer. The audience can see Margaret through the window. She sits, her back to the audience and starts typing. What Margaret writes is projected on the window of the second floor room. The window serves as a screen. The actress is allowed to make corrections as she types, for example delete something and write again, or pause, letting the cursor blink for some time as to denote Margaret’s hesitation over what she’s about to write]
-36-
Dear Richard April is the cruellest month, Elliot writes, mixing memory and desire… Dear Richard, I am on the verge of tears. Quite strange for a woman of my age, don’t you think? Or an introverted snob as John once called me. Funny isn’t it? But even snobs… [The sentence in bold is written by Margaret yet on second thought she deletes it] Maybe at our age Richard one has to make allowances; Especially on this island that bores me. Dear Richard, Sometimes I look at the mountain. And, sometimes I look in the mirror that makes our faces deathlike and at that thief the sun that takes my make-up off each morning… I’d prefer the sun’s warmth without the sun; I’d look for a sea that doesn’t strip one bare. Richard: a voiceless blue without that illbred daily interrogation. And then Elliot says “Winter kept us warm covering earth in forgetful snow”. But Richard; now it’s spring. Dear Richard, Have I wasted my life?
-37-
ACT THREE Projection: 25 April 2004, Time: 14:58 [Margaret sits on the sofa. She smokes. There is a laptop on the coffee table in front of her and half-full ashtray on the sofa beside her. Radio on. When the clock shows 15:00]
This is the BFBS [British Forces Broadcasting Service]. I’m Robert CampbellPlatt and you are listening to the news on the hour. Cyprus has missed a historic opportunity to resolve 30 years of division, UN Secretary General Kofi Annan has said after yesterday’s overwhelming rejection of a UN plan to reunite the island by Greek-Cypriots in the south of the island; Turkish Cypriots in the North voted in favour of the move. Greek Cypriots voted ‘no’ in yesterday’s referendum, unhappy at limits on their right to return to property in the Turkish North. The rejection puts an end to a period of optimism that started with the easing of the border restrictions last year. Now on another story from Cyprus. British buyers seeking holiday homes at highly affordable prices in northern Cyprus may be stepping into one of the most emotive issues of the long-running Cyprus problem. The vast majority of houses are sprouting on land that Cypriots were forced to abandon when Turkish troops invaded northern Cyprus in 1974, a Cypriot journalist writes in an article published today in the Cyprus Daily. [Margaret goes to the radio and turns up the volume]
The article describes how yesterday an original landowner managed to serve a British couple residing in northern Cyprus with a summons to a GreekCypriot court in the south of the island. The alleged victim claims to have the original deed to the land where the British couple have built a holiday villa. According to his statement: “The plot had lemon trees 30 years ago before the Turkish invasion and I want the land returned to plant another citrus grove. My intention is not to take advantage of what has been built on it. I just cannot understand why a British person can live on my land, but I cannot”, he continued. Now, the rest of[Margaret switches off the radio. Goes to her computer and starts typing. She suddenly stops. She stares at the screen with disbelief. She quickly goes upstairs and returns with the business card John gave her in the second act. Tries to control her trembling. She dials]
-38-
Margaret His wife… He’s not in right now… Did you know we are all over the press?... Well we are… You said that we shouldn’t worry… Then what about the land registry?… My husband told me you’ve checked the land registry and that name did not appear… You didn’t?… He knew about a slight what?… For a better price? I didn’t know that… So, he is telling the truth… Appear in court? In their court? It’s like going right into the lion’s den for God’s sake… I’m listening... How can everything be all right? [Firmly] Sir, I am going to ask you something and I demand, listen to me, I demand, listen to me, I demand an honest reply; did my husband know about this?… Thank you sir. [Hangs up. Stays over the phone for some time. Then she quickly goes to the bedroom upstairs. She takes a suitcase out and starts packing. The phone downstairs rings persistently. No answer. Enter John. He’s holding daffodils, a nylon bag, and a newspaper. He sits, repeats his ritual: Cuts the crossword, sharpens pencil. After some time Margaret gets down and stands by the staircase]
Margaret Hi. John Hi. Here. I’ve bought some daffodils. Margaret Thanks. Beat So, what’s the mood in town? John Depressive. Margaret Really? Didn’t like the outcome, ha? John No. Margaret What about the lawyer? John The lawyer? Margaret Did you drop by? John No. Beat Should I? Margaret Aren’t you going to pay him? For his services? I mean he did go to the land registry on a Sunday. John Yes he did. Margaret How did he manage to do that? John What do you mean? Margaret Isn’t the land registry closed on Sundays? John I guess he knows the right people. You know how it goes around here. Margaret Do I?
-39-
John What? Margaret Nothing. [She goes over to drinks table] Gin? John Not now, thank you. Margaret I called him. John Called who? Margaret The lawyer. John Did you? Why? Silence Margaret You told me I could call him if I wanted to. John I did, butMargaret Apparently everything’s all right. John What did I tell you? Pause Margaret Except for a... How did he call it? I can’t remember now… John Except for what? Margaret Oh yes! He said something about “a slight risk”. Pause Do you know anything about it? John No. Margaret You don’t? Take a look then. [Turns the laptop and at the same time on the window of the second floor appears a projection of a page of the Cyprus Daily, with the title, “Britons Face Losing Home in the North as Refugee Reclaims Land”. The article is accompanied by a black and white photograph of her and John. The photograph is the one taken by Sid in Act One] John What’s that? [John rises and goes over to the laptop] Jesus fucking
Christ! Margaret How could you? John Margaret! Margaret Liar. John Margaret look… Margaret Shut up. John [Rushes to the phone and dials] Hello… Yes, she told me… What exactly are we accused of?... Human rights! Human rights! What about our human fucking rights?… Oh, is that so? Well, in that case let them come and take it. [Hangs up] I’m calling the fucking High Commission.
[Margaret takes the phone from him]
Margaret Why didn’t you tell me about it? John I thought it wasn’t important. Give me the phone.
-40-
Margaret Apparently it is. Why on earth did you lie to me? John I told you; I didn’t… I didn’t want to upset you. Margaret Really? John Yes! Margaret Liar. John Please, give me the phone. Margaret Why didn’t you? I’m asking you John. “Yes Margaret, the lawyer checked the land registry. Don’t worry Margaret. You are getting paranoid Margaret”. You know what? You ought to be ashamed of yourself. John Look Margaret… Margaret Suppose the court decides against us. What are we going to do? John Nothing’s final. Margaret My trust is. Beat John Look Margaret… Margaret No, no more look Margaret, no more don’t worry Margaret, no more paranoid Margaret. No more. John That’s great support, thanks. Margaret Support? What do you know about support? John Every time my fault. Every single time! Margaret How dare you, passing me the blame. John I’m not, but instead of blaming each other we can help each other for a change, don’t you think? Margaret What do you want me to do John? Lie? Tell the court that you didn’t know? Tell them that you were an honest, hardworking man who simply didn’t know. Tell me. What do you want me to do? Lie? John No one’s going to court and no one needs to lie. Now would you please stop? Margaret [Takes a mirror from the coffee table and puts it in front of John’s face] Here, look at you. Look at your face. What do you see? John Calm down. I beg you. Calm down. Margaret Let me tell you what I see. I see an old miserable man, a dry old stick whom I let ruin my life. John Oh come on. Look I am really sorry, I am awfully sorry. I didn’t mean to lie to you… I had to find something we could afford and find it quickly… Remember? Margaret The question is why did I let this man ruin my life? John Please calm down. [Takes mirror from her hand and puts it down]
-41-
I’ve ruined no one’s life. Margaret We cannot even sell this house anymore. John We don’t need to sell anything. Margaret No money, no house back home… Well done John. Really, well done… Fantastic. John We do have a house Margaret and you are standing right in it. Margaret For how long John? How long until they take it from us? Two, three months? A year? John I’ll never let them. Never! [Margaret looks at him with contempt. She quickly goes upstairs. John follows. She continues packing]
John What are you doing? Margaret What does it look like? John You’re not leaving? Tell me you’re not leaving. [No response] Margaret! Margaret Leave me alone. John You can’t leave. Just like that. Margaret I left a long time ago. You simply didn’t notice. John Oh, is that so? Margaret Yes. John This isn’t about the house, is it? It can’t be about the house. Margaret Congratulations Sherlock. Pause John Jesus Christ… It all happened… I’m really sorry… Didn’t mean toMargaret Yes, you didn’t mean to, did you? John Listen… Margaret Please stop. Stop talking. Leave me alone. John I didn’t know what came over me yesterday… She was… Margaret [She stops] She? Beat John Look I’m not feeling very well… I’ll go get my pills. Margaret What happened? John Nothing happened. Margaret Oh my God! John [Just before she walks out of the bedroom] Wait. Margaret What happened? John She’s young. I couldn’t help it. Margaret Couldn’t help what? [No response] Couldn’t help what? [John remains silent] Speak. [John silent. Margaret goes downstairs to get the phone] John We kissed.
-42-
Margaret What? John I’m sorry… It’s crazy, I know Margaret You what? John I’m sorry… Margaret You should be. John I got weak… I don’t know… It all happened… Margaret And what did she do? Give in to your charms? John Margaret… Margaret She’s young enough to be your daughter for God’s sake! John LookMargaret What were you thinking? John I got weak… Margaret You didn’t get weak. You are weak. Always have been. Is there anything else you’ve been hiding? Is there? Now is the time dear. Tell me. Do you have any children that I don’t know of? Is John your real name or… or maybe I should call you Ben… or… Mike. What’s your bloody name? Come on. John I’m really sorry. Margaret How could you do such a thing? You make me sick. John It’ll never happen again. Margaret You’re right. It won’t. Get out. John Margaret… Margaret Get out now. John Please… I’m not feeling well. Margaret Get out. Leave me alone. Not a word. Just get out. John Fine. [John gets out of the room. Margaret locks the door behind him. Closes the suitcase. Comes down goes to the door. John tries to stop her] Margaret, wait. [He grabs her] Margaret.
John Margaret Let me go. You disgust me. John I want to talk to you. Margaret Leave me alone. How dare you touch me? John Sit down Margaret. I want to talk to you Margaret Get your hands off me. John Sit down and listen to me. Margaret Listen to you? When did you ever listen to me? John Come on then. Speak. Margaret Let me go. John Speak. Margaret I’m sick and tired. Sick and tired.
-43-
John Sick and tired of what? Margaret No. You don’t deserve this. [Tries to break off] John Sit down. Tell me. Sick and tired of what? You’re sick and tired of what? Me? Margaret Let me go. John Sick and tired of what? Margaret I’m sick and tired of the plan John. Your bloody plan. John Oh are you? Margaret Yes I am. Sick and tired of this place, this island… Sick and tired of our gin n' tonics, sick and tired of your silly karaoke nights where we pretend to have fun, oh what fun really, sick and tired of your crosswords, really sick and really tired of this disgusting intruding lot, your simple villagers whom you seem to have so much fun mocking, sick and tired of the sun and sick and tired of the sea; and do not mention the everlasting summer argument; I’m sick and tired of that too. Living, God knows why, in a dry land, with dry people around us, sipping gin as if trying to forget we’re here… And… I know… it’s a bit late to tell you but I am sick and tired of you as well… Have been for a long time really. John That’s great… Really great… Perfect… Congratulations darling… Just a question; what’s wrong with you? Obviously there is something really wrong with you, and may I ask why on earth now? Margaret Now? It’s been going on for years. My God; it’s been going on since the day we left. John Is that so? Let me tell you something Margaret: I worked my ass off so that we could fund our plan…Not my plan. Our plan. Am I helping you remember? No? Let me remind you then: I worked for thirty long years, thirty years Margaret to pay the bills, our bills, pay the damned mortgage back home, our mortgage, and save money so we could move to a sunny place if we wanted to. Our place. Remember now? And you were, after - you know what, delighted with our plan and I said to you, darling it’s all right, I forgive you, I’ll leave it up to you to choose where you want us to spent the rest of our lives, and you said, you were sorry, wanted a fresh start, and you said Pause You said you wanted to be with me… And you said Cyprus… Am I wrong? Margaret You are absolutely right. [Gets up]
-44-
John [Grabs her] Sit down. Am I wrong? Margaret Let me go. You’re hurting me. John Answer me. Am I wrong? Margaret I was wrong John. I thought I could forget. Felt guilty. It’s my fault. John Do you think it was easy for me to forget? To get his face out of my mind? It wasn’t. But I thought that we deserved another chance. Margaret This is the other chance John. We are living it right now. This is it. Do we deserve it? Do I deserve it? John You know something? I’m fed up. Fed up! Fed up of you putting on an act all the time. Margaret You think this is an act? That’s what you think? How dare you! John You’re so ungrateful Margaret. Ungrateful. I did all this for you. This house. And I always, I always stood by you. I stood by you when your family lost the money; I stood by you even though I knew you couldn’t have children… But I was there for you Margaret, because I loved you. Is this is how you repay me? Margaret Repay you? Do you mean I owe you? John Yes Margaret, at the end of the day you do. Margaret I owe nothing to no one and especially to you John. Nothing. Absolutely nothing. John Calm down. Margaret I will not calm down because I don’t want to calm down. Is it possible that I for a change might want something? John You know what? You haven’t changed a bit. You’re the same spoiled girl you always were. But I think it’s about time to realize that I’m not your father dear. I’m your husband. Margaret My husband! That’s right! You’re my husband. Why did you marry me my husband? John I used to love you. Margaret Lies. John Why did you marry me? Margaret I’ve been asking myself that very question for some time now. John Have you? Margaret You married me... Oh John, you married me because it was a nice, clean-cut business arrangement back then. You married the trust dear, not me. I just happened to be attached to it. John I stayed with you when your trust collapsed. Remember? Margaret Oh please… You stayed with me because it was too late for you to start all over again. You know that. You stayed with me because
-45-
you are such an insecure person. And yes, I cheated on you. But who doesn’t? You did. Only yesterday! In our own house. John That’s not true. Margaret And you thought that by moving here I’d forget. I don’t blame you. That’s what I thought. But you see dear, sometimes it takes more than a bright sun and a sandy beach. John Look Margaret… You are tired. Go to bed, get some rest. Tomorrow we will have a civilized conversation. We’ll sort everything out. Margaret Don’t talk to me as if I am a child John. There is nothing to discuss. John [Breaks down] Would you please stop. For God’s sake stop. I can’t stand you anymore. You’re so demanding. Always… So demanding. I tried to make you happy. That’s all. That’s all I ever wanted. Why do you treat me like this? Are you proud of yourself Margaret? [Takes the mirror] Look at you. Are you proud? Margaret [Coldly] You’re so pathetic. John You’re so cruel. Margaret Am I? John Where are you going? I’m a sick man Margaret. I need you. Margaret You’ll be fine John. John Are you coming back? [No response] What am I supposed to do? Margaret You have your crosswords, don’t you? John What about our home? Margaret What about it? Let them take it. Let them take everything. Let them take the garden set, let them take the sofa, the table, your crosswords, let them take everything John. John So that’s it? Margaret That’s it, yes. You just sit back and enjoy the rest. You said it. Sit back and enjoy the rest. [Dog appears by the staircase at the same time as she is about to leave from the front door. She looks at Dog who is still standing at the staircase. She approaches him. They head for the door. She stops. She opens the door and leaves alone. After some seconds the door opens. Margaret enters back in the house. Leaves her suitcase, puts a drink and sits by the sofa. Lights fade out]
END
-46-