Late 1970s Moscow. House on Tverskoy Boulevard. Kai Leonidov lives in a spacious three-room apartment. His mother and stepfather are abroad, they left for several years, so he lives alone. One day, a girl, Nelya, comes to his apartment. She is nineteen years old. Having arrived from Rybinsk, she did not enter medical school. She has nowhere to live, and her friends referred her to Kai. She promises if Kai will let her live here, clean and cook. Kai is twenty years old, but he is already tired of life and indifferent to everything. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer, but Kai dropped out of college and started drawing. Kai allows Nele to stay.
His friends Terenty Konstantinov and Nikita Likhachev often come to see Kai. They are his age and have been friends since school. Terenty left his father. Konstantinov Sr. also often comes to Kai, calling his son home, but he hardly talks to him. Terenty lives in a hostel and has no intention of returning home. Nelya comes up with a nickname for everyone: Kaya is called Boat, Nikita - Bubenchik, Terenty - Honey fungus. Nikita starts an affair with Nelya. He cares for every girl who appears in his field of vision. Nelya scares him that she will take him and give birth to a daughter.
One January evening, Mikhail Zemtsov comes to see Kai. This cousin Kaya. He is thirty years old, he is a doctor in Tyumen. Mikhail is passing through Moscow. Mikhail talks about his work and life in the taiga in general. He is married. Recently his daughter was born. Nelya tells him that she also wants to become a doctor, that she worked as a nurse in a hospital. Mikhail says that if they had such a nurse in the hospital, he would make her rich. Leaving, Mikhail tells the guys that they live dimly, do not see life with its joys.
Early March. Western Siberia. Village of an oil exploration expedition. In the Zemtsovs' room are Misha and his wife Masha. She is thirty-nine years old and a geologist. Just ten weeks ago their daughter was born, and Masha is already bored. She cannot live without her job, which is why, as Mikhail says, three people left her ex-husbands. Masha is burdened by the fact that Mikhail can be called to the hospital at any time of the day or night, and she must sit alone with Lesya. Loveiko, the Zemtsovs' neighbor, enters. He is thirty-eight years old, he works with Masha. Loveiko says that the area in Tuzhka where they worked was called unpromising. Masha wants to prove the opposite to everyone, but she has a child in her arms.
At this time the door opens, Nelya is standing on the threshold. She is very surprised that Misha is married, she did not know this. Misha does not immediately recognize her, but then he is sincerely happy, because “there is no one to look after his patients.” Nelya wants to stay with them until the fall so she can try to go to college again.
Moscow. Kai's apartment again. The guys remember Nelya all the time. She left without saying goodbye to anyone, without leaving an address, without saying where she was going. Kai painted her portrait and considers it his only success. Nikita thinks that Nelya left because she is expecting a child from him. Unexpectedly, Oleg Pavlovich, Kai’s stepfather, arrives for just two days. He brings him gifts and a letter from his mother.
Village of the oil exploration expedition, second half of July, Zemtsov’s room. Masha and Loveiko are going to leave for Tuzhok. Nelya brings Lesya from the nursery so that they can say goodbye, but Masha does not want this: she “said goodbye yesterday in the nursery.” Misha is summoned to Baikul. Nelya is left alone with the child.
Mid August. Zemtsov's room. Misha and Nelya are drinking tea. Nelya tells him her story. She ran away from home after her parents forced her to have an abortion. She wanted to run away with her “boyfriend,” but he drove her away. Nelya asks Misha to marry her. Misha replies that he loves Masha. He “tells fortunes” to Nele’s palm. He tells her that Nelya loves someone else: he offended her, so she left. Nelya agrees. Misha says that everything can be fixed if the person is alive. And suddenly he reports that Masha has left them. Nelya asks him not to believe this.
End of September. Moscow. Evening. The guys are sitting in Kai's room. For the umpteenth time, Konstantinov Sr. comes, and Terenty is still as cold with him. Suddenly a woman comes. This is Nelya's mother. She is in her early forties. She is looking for her daughter. The guys say that Nelya left and did not leave an address. Nelya’s mother says that her husband is dying and wants to see her daughter one last time and ask for forgiveness. The guys can't help her. She leaves. Terenty believes that Nikita is to blame for Nelya’s departure. Kai says that everyone is to blame. They remember their childhood and wonder why they became so inhuman. Even Konstantinov Sr. suddenly opens up. He tells how he drank all his life, and when he came to his senses, he found himself alone.
Twentieth of October. Zemtsov's room. Masha came for one day. Nelya tells her how Mikhail died: he flew out to save a man, but due to an accident he drowned in a swamp. Now Nelya spends the night at their house, taking Lesya from the nursery - “so that life here will be warm,” she says that Misha loved her, Nelya, then admits that she came up with this in order to forget the other, and that Masha can be envied: such a person loved her! Masha leaves, leaving Lesya with Nelya. As a farewell, Nelya turns on Masha’s tape recorder, where Misha recorded his song for her.
Moscow. Beginning of December. Kai's room. Nikita and Terenty arrive. Kai says that Nelya has returned with her daughter. The girl caught a cold on the road. Nikita is not himself. Wants to leave. Nelya comes out of the next room with a girl in her arms. She says that she will leave when Lesya gets better, at least to her mother - she called her. Nikita wants to find out who the child’s father is, but Nelya doesn’t tell him. He asks if he would like this to be his child? He pushes her away. Nelya is crying. Terenty invites her to marry him.
Last days December. Kai's room. Lesya sleeps in a new stroller. Nelya bought a big Christmas tree. Kai is sorting through toys. Nelya reminds again that she will be leaving soon. Kai doesn't want to believe it. Terenty dressed up as Santa Claus. Terenty's father brought Lesya a mechanical toy as a gift. The guys turn off the lights and twirl to the music.
Suddenly Masha enters. She asks where her daughter is. Nelya says that she took the girl away because Masha left her, abandoned her. Masha takes her daughter and says that all the games, including her own, are over. Leaves. Kai notices that the room has become empty. Nelya asks everyone for forgiveness. Nikita drives her away in a rage. Nelya packs her things and wants to leave. Konstantinov Sr. asks Nelya not to leave, not to leave the guys, Nelya remains silent. Kai slowly approaches her and takes her suitcase. Nikita takes off her jacket, Terenty takes off her scarf. They lit the Christmas tree and turned on the tape recorder. Terenty calls Konstantinov father for the first time and goes home with him. Kai gets dressed and goes out: he wants to look from the street at the Christmas tree in the house. Nikita and Nelya are left alone.
Retold
The action takes place in the late 70s. of our century. Moscow. House on Tverskoy Boulevard. Kai Leonidov lives in a spacious three-room apartment. His mother and stepfather are abroad, they left for several years, so he lives alone. One day, a girl, Nelya, comes to his apartment. She is nineteen years old. Having arrived from Rybinsk, she did not enter medical school. She has nowhere to live, and her friends referred her to Kai. She promises if Kai will let her live here, clean and cook. Kai is twenty years old, but he is already tired of life and indifferent to everything. His parents wanted him to become a lawyer, but Kai dropped out of college and started drawing. Kai allows Nele to stay.
His friends Terenty Konstantinov and Nikita Likhachev often come to see Kai. They are his age and have been friends since school. Terenty left his father. Konstantinov Sr. also often comes to Kai, calling his son home, but he hardly talks to him. Terenty lives in a hostel and has no plans to return home. Nelya comes up with a nickname for everyone: she calls Kaya Boat, Nikita - Bubenchik, Terenty - Openkok. Nikita starts an affair with Nelya. He cares for every girl who appears in his field of vision. Nelya scares him that she will take him and give birth to a daughter.
One January evening, Mikhail Zemtsov comes to see Kai. This is Kai's cousin. He is thirty years old, he is a doctor in Tyumen. Mikhail is passing through Moscow. Mikhail talks about his work and life in the taiga in general. He is married. Recently his daughter was born. Nelya tells him that she also wants to become a doctor, that she worked as a nurse in a hospital. Mikhail says that if they had such a nurse in the hospital, he would make her rich. Leaving, Mikhail tells the guys that they live dimly, do not see life with its joys.
Early March. Western Siberia. Village of an oil exploration expedition. In the Zemtsovs' room are Misha and his wife Masha. She is thirty-nine years old and a geologist. Just ten weeks ago their daughter was born, and Masha is already bored. She cannot live without her work, which is why, as Mikhail says, three ex-husbands left her. Masha is burdened by the fact that Mikhail can be called to the hospital at any time of the day or night, and she must sit alone with Lesya. Loveiko, the Zemtsovs' neighbor, enters. He is thirty-eight years old, he works with Masha. Loveiko says that the area in Tuzhka where they worked was called unpromising. Masha wants to prove the opposite to everyone, but she has a child in her arms.
At this time the door opens, Nelya is standing on the threshold. She is very surprised that Misha is married, she did not know this. Misha does not immediately recognize her, but then he is sincerely happy, because “there is no one to look after his patients.” Nelya wants to stay with them until the fall so she can try to go to college again.
Moscow. Kai's apartment again. The guys remember Nelya all the time. She left without saying goodbye to anyone, without leaving an address, without saying where she was going. Kai painted her portrait and considers it his only success. Nikita thinks that Nelya left because she is expecting a child from him. Unexpectedly, Oleg Pavlovich, Kai’s stepfather, arrives for just two days. He brings him gifts and a letter from his mother.
Village of the oil exploration expedition, second half of July, Zemtsov’s room. Masha and Loveiko are going to leave for Tuzhok. Nelya brings Lesya from the nursery so that they can say goodbye, but Masha does not want this: she “said goodbye yesterday in the nursery.” Misha is summoned to Baikul. Nelya is left alone with the child.
Mid August. Zemtsov's room. Misha and Nelya are drinking tea. Nelya tells him her story. She ran away from home after her parents forced her to have an abortion. She wanted to run away with her “boyfriend,” but he drove her away. Nelya asks Misha to marry her. Misha replies that he loves Masha. He “tells fortunes” to Nele’s palm. He tells her that Nelya loves someone else: he offended her, so she left. Nelya agrees. Misha says that everything can be fixed if the person is alive. And suddenly he reports that Masha has left them. Nelya asks him not to believe this.
End of September. Moscow. Evening. The guys are sitting in Kai's room. For the umpteenth time, Konstantinov Sr. comes, and Terenty is still as cold with him. Suddenly a woman comes. This is Nelya's mother. She is in her early forties. She is looking for her daughter. The guys say that Nelya left and did not leave an address. Nelya’s mother says that her husband is dying and wants to see her daughter one last time and ask for forgiveness. The guys can't help her. She leaves. Terenty believes that Nikita is to blame for Nelya’s departure. Kai says that everyone is to blame. They remember their childhood and wonder why they became so inhuman. Even Konstantinov Sr. suddenly opens up. He tells how he drank all his life, and when he came to his senses, he found himself alone.
Twentieth of October. Zemtsov's room. Masha came for one day. Nelya tells her how Mikhail died: he flew out to save a man, but due to an accident he drowned in a swamp. Now Nelya spends the night at their house, taking Lesya from the nursery - “so that life here will be warm,” she says that Misha loved her, Nelya, then admits that she came up with this in order to forget the other, and that Masha can be envied: such a person loved her! Masha leaves, leaving Lesya with Nelya. As a farewell, Nelya turns on Masha’s tape recorder, where Misha recorded his song for her.
Moscow. Beginning of December. Kai's room. Nikita and Terenty arrive. Kai says that Nelya has returned with her daughter. The girl caught a cold on the road. Nikita is not himself. Wants to leave. Nelya comes out of the next room with a girl in her arms. She says that she will leave when Lesya gets better, at least to her mother - she called her. Nikita wants to find out who the child's father is, but Nelya does not tell him. He asks if he would like this to be his child? He pushes her away. Nelya is crying. Terenty invites her to marry him.
Last days of December. Kai's room. Lesya sleeps in a new stroller. Nelya bought a big Christmas tree. Kai is sorting through toys. Nelya reminds again that she will be leaving soon. Kai doesn't want to believe it. Terenty dressed up as Santa Claus. Terenty's father brought Lesya a mechanical toy as a gift. The guys turn off the lights and twirl to the music.
Suddenly Masha enters. She asks where her daughter is. Nelya says that she took the girl away because Masha left her, abandoned her. Masha takes her daughter and says that all the games, including her own, are over. Leaves. Kai notices that the room has become empty. Nelya asks everyone for forgiveness. Nikita drives her away in a rage. Nelya collects her things and wants to leave. Konstantinov Sr. asks Nelya not to leave, not to leave the guys, Nelya remains silent. Kai slowly approaches her and takes her suitcase. Nikita takes off her jacket, Terenty takes off her scarf. They lit the Christmas tree and turned on the tape recorder. Terenty calls Konstantinov father for the first time and goes home with him. Kai gets dressed and goes out: he wants to look from the street at the Christmas tree in the house. Nikita and Nelya are left alone.
Alexey Nikolaevich Arbuzov
Cruel Games
Arbuzov Alexey Nikolaevich
Cruel Games
Dramatic scenes in two parts, eleven scenes
Then he grew up... He went for a walk... and walked between us, giving each of us a hand, knowing that we would support and teach him wisdom, feeling our tenderness and even love...
Edward Albee. I'm not afraid of Virginia Woolf
CHARACTERS
Kai Leonidov, 20 years, Nikita Likhachev, 20 years Terenty, 20 years, - school friends.
Nelya, arrived in Moscow, 19 years old.
Mishka Zemtsov, doctor, 30 years old.
Masha Zemtsova, geologist, 39 years old.
Konstantinov, father of Terenty, 50 years old.
Loveiko, neighbor of the Zemtsovs, 38 years old.
Oleg Pavlovich, stepfather of Kai, 43 years old.
Neli's mother, 44 years old.
Lyubasya, Nikita's younger sister, 18 years old.
A girl who looks like an angel, a girl who doesn’t look like an angel at all - the author offers these roles to be played by one actress.
The action takes place in the late seventies in Moscow and in the oil fields in the Tyumen region.
PART ONE
PICTURE ONE
End of September.
A house on Tverskoy Boulevard, built at the beginning of the century. Spacious three-room apartment on the second floor, somewhat neglected.
In the room that was once his nursery, Kai sits in his usual position in a chair. He is twenty years old, casually dressed, with short hair, and was a good-looking boy as a child. It’s starting to get dark outside, but in the window you can still see the yellowed foliage of the boulevard blown by the wind. It's raining heavily. On the threshold, peering into the semi-darkness of the room, stands Nelya, a simple-looking girl, not yet Muscovite in appearance. At her feet is a small suitcase.
Nelya (I saw Kai sitting). Hello. Your staircase door was not locked...
Kai. And what?
Nelya (condemning him). Still... alone in the apartment.
Kai. And what?
Nelya. Thieves can come in.
Kai. They don't come in.
Nelya. You should turn on the light. It got dark outside. Why talk in the dark?
Kai (lit the table lamp. Looked at Nelya). And where did you come from?
Nelya. Which?
Kai. Wet.
Nelya. Why do you call me “you”? No good.
Kai. Who do you need?
Nelya. Leonidov.
Kai. Strange. I didn't think anyone would need it.
Nelya (looked around). Your apartment is not tidy.
Kai. Without a doubt, my darling.
Nelya. Dust is everywhere.
Kai. And this is not excluded, my joy.
Nelya (was indignant). Can you speak seriously?
Kai. Laziness, my friend.
Nelya (looked at the easel). Are you an artist?
Kai. Not quite sure.
Nelya (I saw an aquarium). And do you like fish?
Kai (grinned). More than anyone else in the world. ( After a pause.) Further?
Nelya. Do you remember Ivetochka Gorshkova?
Kai. Not very happy with her.
Nelya. She sent me to you.
Kai. What's so?
Nelya. Shelter me. ( Quiet.) Shelter.
Kai (after a pause). Are you crazy?
Nelya. I have no one to live with - that’s it, Leonidov. I spent two nights at the station.
Kai. And we don't need tears. Without them, please.
Nelya. And I'm not going to. She cried her own. ( Not right away.) You have a three-room apartment, and you are alone here.
Kai. Logically everything is correct. But get out of here.
Nelya. And don’t be rude, I’m talking to you like a person. My affairs are not important, understand, Leonidov? There is no Moscow registration, and there is nowhere to go - keep this in mind. I lived with Ivetka for two months - we met in Metelitsa... I was completely in trouble then. She noticed immediately. “You,” he says, “are funny, live with me.” And in her apartment, you know, it’s a mess, to put it mildly. First this one, then that one, music plays, doors slam, some stay overnight. Laughter and sadness... But still a roof over your head. And suddenly a telegram: parents are returning. She was in tears, and then she gave your address. “Go,” he says, “there’s something in him.”
Kai. Why did you appear in Moscow?
Nelya. It was necessary to.
Kai. Talk more thoroughly.
Nelya. So tell me everything.
Kai. Understood. Your story is simple. Which institute didn't let you in?
Nelya (not right away). To the medical...
Kai. Did you miss too much?
Nelya. I was surprised myself, so much.
Kai. Did it appear from afar?
Nelya. There is a city of Rybinsk.
Kai. Go home.
Nelya. No home, Leonidov.
Kai. And parents?
Nelya. I hate them. In general, I feel sorry for the mother. And father. But I still hate it.
Kai (looked at her carefully). What is your name?
Nelya. Nelya.
Kai. A dog's name, if I'm not mistaken.
Nelya. In truth, it’s Lena. Nelya - they came up with it in class.
Kai. And you got very wet... Helen?
Nelya. Actually yes. Somehow it got frosty... It’s the end of September, but it’s cold.
Kai. The bottle is next to you. Pay attention. And cups. Pour it out, we'll have Starka.
Nelya. I see. Not little.
Kai. In that case, let's shudder, Helen. Otherwise you'll catch a cold. ( They are drinking.) Everything is fine. How old are you?
Nelya. Turned nineteen on Thursday.
Kai. You look older. You're lying, obviously?
Nelya. Actually, I lie often. Keep this in mind, Leonidov.
Kai. Should I pour more?
Nelya. Just not full, otherwise I’ll fall asleep. Do you have anything to snack on?
Kai. Snack on some candy. They are in a box.
Nelya. Some kind of childhood.
Kai. In Chicago, people only drink Starka with chocolate. ( Drank.) Do you have money?
Nelya (sympathetically). Do you need a lot? Actually, I don't have much.
Kai. Take it. Ten re. ( Hands out money.) And we'll leave it at that. Hello old lady.
Nelya. What are you doing? Are you persecuting me, you unfortunate fool? It's great for you that I came here.
Kai. Seriously?
Nelya. I did everything around the house at Ivetka’s - going to the store, making tea, cleaning... even doing the laundry! Keep in mind, Leonidov, the same will happen to you. Your parents are abroad - you are alone here. And I don't need a salary. I’ll get a job, arrange my registration, and leave. ( Tries to smile.) You will still remember me.
Kai. You promise too much, Helen.
Nelya. And what? It's all true. ( Uncertain.) Maybe you're afraid of me? No need… ( She smiled, but it came out somehow pitifully.) I am cheerful.
Kai. Look, I'm ready for anything.
Nelya (very quiet). And what?
Kai (not right away). Why don’t you love your parents?
Nelya. They crossed out everything for me. ( She screamed.) All! Understood?! OK. Let's keep quiet.
Kai. Stay.
She sits silently for a long time.
Nelya. How old are you?
Kai. Two tens.
Nelya. You are the eldest. What's your name?
Kai. Kai.
Nelya. It's also not human.
Kai. Yulik. That's what my mother called me when I was a child.
Nelya. And what? Kai is better. And I will call you Boat.
Kai. Why Boat?
Nelya. Doesn't matter. Are you studying?
Kai. They wanted to see me as a lawyer. Left from the second year. Transferred to correspondence.
Nelya. You're not easy. Ivetka told me.
Kai. She's stupid. I love silence, mind you. So keep your nonsense down.
Nelya. I will try. And we won’t offend each other, right? ( After a pause.) Where will I sleep... here?
Kai. How is it... here?
Nelya. Well... With you?
Kai. What else.
Nelya (shrugged). What a strange one. ( With some surprise.) Thank you.
Kai (opens the door to the next room). There is a sofa in the corner, you can sit there, understand?
Nelya (looking back). You have it running here.
Kai. Occurs. ( After a pause.) And once upon a time they had fun here. There was a Christmas tree, Santa Claus came, everyone danced, and a beautiful woman in a white dress... Stop! To the kitchen! ( Almost evil.) Your farm is there.
The lights go out. But after a few moments it lights up again. Nelya is sleeping in the chair. In another corner sits motionless Konstantinov, an unprepossessing-looking elderly man. He's wearing a coat and hasn't even taken off his cap. Terenty appears, a nice, agile, obliging guy. He's in overalls, just home from work. I saw Konstantinov.
Alexey Nikolaevich Arbuzov
Cruel Games
Arbuzov Alexey Nikolaevich
Cruel Games
Dramatic scenes in two parts, eleven scenes
Then he grew up... He went for a walk... and walked between us, giving each of us a hand, knowing that we would support and teach him wisdom, feeling our tenderness and even love...
Edward Albee. I'm not afraid of Virginia Woolf
CHARACTERS
Kai Leonidov, 20 years, Nikita Likhachev, 20 years Terenty, 20 years, - school friends.
Nelya, arrived in Moscow, 19 years old.
Mishka Zemtsov, doctor, 30 years old.
Masha Zemtsova, geologist, 39 years old.
Konstantinov, father of Terenty, 50 years old.
Loveiko, neighbor of the Zemtsovs, 38 years old.
Oleg Pavlovich, stepfather of Kai, 43 years old.
Neli's mother, 44 years old.
Lyubasya, Nikita's younger sister, 18 years old.
A girl who looks like an angel, a girl who doesn’t look like an angel at all - the author offers these roles to be played by one actress.
The action takes place in the late seventies in Moscow and in the oil fields in the Tyumen region.
PART ONE
PICTURE ONE
End of September.
A house on Tverskoy Boulevard, built at the beginning of the century. Spacious three-room apartment on the second floor, somewhat neglected.
In the room that was once his nursery, Kai sits in his usual position in a chair. He is twenty years old, casually dressed, with short hair, and was a good-looking boy as a child. It’s starting to get dark outside, but in the window you can still see the yellowed foliage of the boulevard blown by the wind. It's raining heavily. On the threshold, peering into the semi-darkness of the room, stands Nelya, a simple-looking girl, not yet Muscovite in appearance. At her feet is a small suitcase.
Nelya (I saw Kai sitting). Hello. Your staircase door was not locked...
Kai. And what?
Nelya (condemning him). Still... alone in the apartment.
Kai. And what?
Nelya. Thieves can come in.
Kai. They don't come in.
Nelya. You should turn on the light. It got dark outside. Why talk in the dark?
Kai (lit the table lamp. Looked at Nelya). And where did you come from?
Nelya. Which?
Kai. Wet.
Nelya. Why do you call me “you”? No good.
Kai. Who do you need?
Nelya. Leonidov.
Kai. Strange. I didn't think anyone would need it.
Nelya (looked around). Your apartment is not tidy.
Kai. Without a doubt, my darling.
Nelya. Dust is everywhere.
Kai. And this is not excluded, my joy.
Nelya (was indignant). Can you speak seriously?
Kai. Laziness, my friend.
Nelya (looked at the easel). Are you an artist?
Kai. Not quite sure.
Nelya (I saw an aquarium). And do you like fish?
Kai (grinned). More than anyone else in the world. ( After a pause.) Further?
Nelya. Do you remember Ivetochka Gorshkova?
Kai. Not very happy with her.
Nelya. She sent me to you.
Kai. What's so?
Nelya. Shelter me. ( Quiet.) Shelter.
Kai (after a pause). Are you crazy?
Nelya. I have no one to live with - that’s it, Leonidov. I spent two nights at the station.
Kai. And we don't need tears. Without them, please.
Nelya. And I'm not going to. She cried her own. ( Not right away.) You have a three-room apartment, and you are alone here.
Kai. Logically everything is correct. But get out of here.
Nelya. And don’t be rude, I’m talking to you like a person. My affairs are not important, understand, Leonidov? There is no Moscow registration, and there is nowhere to go - keep this in mind. I lived with Ivetka for two months - we met in Metelitsa... I was completely in trouble then. She noticed immediately. “You,” he says, “are funny, live with me.” And in her apartment, you know, it’s a mess, to put it mildly. First this one, then that one, music plays, doors slam, some stay overnight. Laughter and sadness... But still a roof over your head. And suddenly a telegram: parents are returning. She was in tears, and then she gave your address. “Go,” he says, “there’s something in him.”
Alexey Nikolaevich Arbuzov
Cruel Games
Arbuzov Alexey Nikolaevich
Cruel Games
Dramatic scenes in two parts, eleven scenes
Then he grew up... He went for a walk... and walked between us, giving each of us a hand, knowing that we would support and teach him wisdom, feeling our tenderness and even love...
Edward Albee. I'm not afraid of Virginia Woolf
CHARACTERS
Kai Leonidov, 20 years, Nikita Likhachev, 20 years Terenty, 20 years, - school friends.
Nelya, arrived in Moscow, 19 years old.
Mishka Zemtsov, doctor, 30 years old.
Masha Zemtsova, geologist, 39 years old.
Konstantinov, father of Terenty, 50 years old.
Loveiko, neighbor of the Zemtsovs, 38 years old.
Oleg Pavlovich, stepfather of Kai, 43 years old.
Neli's mother, 44 years old.
Lyubasya, Nikita's younger sister, 18 years old.
A girl who looks like an angel, a girl who doesn’t look like an angel at all - the author offers these roles to be played by one actress.
The action takes place in the late seventies in Moscow and in the oil fields in the Tyumen region.
PART ONE
PICTURE ONE
End of September.
A house on Tverskoy Boulevard, built at the beginning of the century. Spacious three-room apartment on the second floor, somewhat neglected.
In the room that was once his nursery, Kai sits in his usual position in a chair. He is twenty years old, casually dressed, with short hair, and was a good-looking boy as a child. It’s starting to get dark outside, but in the window you can still see the yellowed foliage of the boulevard blown by the wind. It's raining heavily. On the threshold, peering into the semi-darkness of the room, stands Nelya, a simple-looking girl, not yet Muscovite in appearance. At her feet is a small suitcase.
Nelya (I saw Kai sitting). Hello. Your staircase door was not locked...
Kai. And what?
Nelya (condemning him). Still... alone in the apartment.
Kai. And what?
Nelya. Thieves can come in.
Kai. They don't come in.
Nelya. You should turn on the light. It got dark outside. Why talk in the dark?
Kai (lit the table lamp. Looked at Nelya). And where did you come from?
Nelya. Which?
Kai. Wet.
Nelya. Why do you call me “you”? No good.
Kai. Who do you need?
Nelya. Leonidov.
Kai. Strange. I didn't think anyone would need it.
Nelya (looked around). Your apartment is not tidy.
Kai. Without a doubt, my darling.
Nelya. Dust is everywhere.
Kai. And this is not excluded, my joy.
Nelya (was indignant). Can you speak seriously?
Kai. Laziness, my friend.
Nelya (looked at the easel). Are you an artist?
Kai. Not quite sure.
Nelya (I saw an aquarium). And do you like fish?
Kai (grinned). More than anyone else in the world. ( After a pause.) Further?
Nelya. Do you remember Ivetochka Gorshkova?
Kai. Not very happy with her.
Nelya. She sent me to you.
Kai. What's so?
Nelya. Shelter me. ( Quiet.) Shelter.
Kai (after a pause). Are you crazy?
Nelya. I have no one to live with - that’s it, Leonidov. I spent two nights at the station.
Kai. And we don't need tears. Without them, please.
Nelya. And I'm not going to. She cried her own. ( Not right away.) You have a three-room apartment, and you are alone here.
Kai. Logically everything is correct. But get out of here.
Nelya. And don’t be rude, I’m talking to you like a person. My affairs are not important, understand, Leonidov? There is no Moscow registration, and there is nowhere to go - keep this in mind. I lived with Ivetka for two months - we met in Metelitsa... I was completely in trouble then. She noticed immediately. “You,” he says, “are funny, live with me.” And in her apartment, you know, it’s a mess, to put it mildly. First this one, then that one, music plays, doors slam, some stay overnight. Laughter and sadness... But still a roof over your head. And suddenly a telegram: parents are returning. She was in tears, and then she gave your address. “Go,” he says, “there’s something in him.”
Kai. Why did you appear in Moscow?
Nelya. It was necessary to.
Kai. Talk more thoroughly.
Nelya. So tell me everything.
Kai. Understood. Your story is simple. Which institute didn't let you in?
Nelya (not right away). To the medical...
Kai. Did you miss too much?
Nelya. I was surprised myself, so much.
Kai. Did it appear from afar?
Nelya. There is a city of Rybinsk.
Kai. Go home.
Nelya. No home, Leonidov.
Kai. And parents?
Nelya. I hate them. In general, I feel sorry for the mother. And father. But I still hate it.
Kai (looked at her carefully). What is your name?
Nelya. Nelya.
Kai. A dog's name, if I'm not mistaken.
Nelya. In truth, it’s Lena. Nelya - they came up with it in class.
Kai. And you got very wet... Helen?
Nelya. Actually yes. Somehow it got frosty... It’s the end of September, but it’s cold.
Kai. The bottle is next to you. Pay attention. And cups. Pour it out, we'll have Starka.
Nelya. I see. Not little.
Kai. In that case, let's shudder, Helen. Otherwise you'll catch a cold. ( They are drinking.) Everything is fine. How old are you?
Nelya. Turned nineteen on Thursday.
Kai. You look older. You're lying, obviously?
Nelya. Actually, I lie often. Keep this in mind, Leonidov.
Kai. Should I pour more?
Nelya. Just not full, otherwise I’ll fall asleep. Do you have anything to snack on?
Kai. Snack on some candy. They are in a box.
Nelya. Some kind of childhood.
Kai. In Chicago, people only drink Starka with chocolate. ( Drank.) Do you have money?
Nelya (sympathetically). Do you need a lot? Actually, I don't have much.
Kai. Take it. Ten re. ( Hands out money.) And we'll leave it at that. Hello old lady.
Nelya. What are you doing? Are you persecuting me, you unfortunate fool? It's great for you that I came here.
Kai. Seriously?
Nelya. I did everything around the house at Ivetka’s - going to the store, making tea, cleaning... even doing the laundry! Keep in mind, Leonidov, the same will happen to you. Your parents are abroad - you are alone here. And I don't need a salary. I’ll get a job, arrange my registration, and leave. ( Tries to smile.) You will still remember me.
