The Conformist. City life scenes in four acts

The Conformist

City life scenes in four acts

Maxim Titovets

© Maxim Titovets, 2020

ISBN 978-5-4498-6265-5

Создано в интеллектуальной издательской системе Ridero

Maxim [e-mail]

THE CONFORMIST

THE CONFORMIST

City life scenes in four acts

Maxim Titovets

TRANSLATED BY OLGA SAVCHUK

CHARACTERS OF THE PLAY

Sergey Lebedev, a professor, a neuro surgeon, 65.

Victoria Pavlovna, his wife, an owner of an art gallery, 62.

Aglaya, his eldest daughter, art expert, 28.

Inna, his younger daughter, 23.

Nikolay Orlov, an aspiring painter, 25.

Olga Orlova, his mother, a high-level public official at the ministry of education, 50.

Leonid Gromov, a retired general, a businessman, 63.

Mitya Gromov, his son, a man of pleasure, 25.

Liliya Vasilievna, Mitya’s mother, general Gromov’s wife, 54.

Alexander Veselov, the director of the art gallery, 30.

Katya, Inna’s friend, 23.

Domeniko Longhi, a professor of painting.

Slepyen, a facilitator, Boss’s assistant.

Exhibition guests, journalists, pub visitors and others.

Bright new life.

The action takes place in Russia at the present time. Seventeen months pass after Act 4.

ACT 1

Scene 1

Sunday evening. Professor Lebedev’s house. There’s a big living room with a door to a terrace. The window is closed. The light is dim.

Lebedev is sitting on a wooden chair at a huge desk, he’s taking some items and children’s paintings from its drawers, looking at them, touching them. Victoria Pavlovna is sitting in the armchair near the unlit fireplace with a book, on her lap we see a cat.

Lebedev. My treasures’ treasures. (Pensively) Time passes by really fast. (Takes off his glasses, locks them in a drawer)

Is everything in the modern world really organized in such a way as to make every person think only about their pocket and how to line them better, how to fix their offsprings better… What about mission, duty for the society, love, after all? Could it happen to be important for anybody?

Victoria Pavlovna. These things don’t exclude each other if one just knows the limits. But you’ll always be romantic, Sergey.

Lebedev. This quality is what helped me take you away from Leonid Gromov thirty years ago, Victoria.

Victoria Pavlovna. A boaster, too. (Smiling) Right, I haven’t made a general’s wife.

Lebedev. But you have made the best wife and mother in the world. (He stands up and hugs his wife)

Victoria Pavlovna. This Wednesday will be the fifth anniversary of Alexey’s death, it’s the fourteenth of July, his name day. It was raining. I thought I wouldn’t endure that. You were at a conference in Berlin, Aglaya went down with a pneumonia the day before… Everything was like in a fog and I felt almost dead. I worried most about Inna, she worshipped her older brother and I was afraid she would commit suicide, our little rebel. It was then, after the news of his death that she refused to continue her studies in Moscow and came back.

The cat jumps off her lap. Lebedev straightens up.

But now, five years later, I speak of it calmly, the girls have got over it and your insomnia has gone. I remember his funeral, a lot of people came to the cemetery, there was a military orchestra and they shot… anyway, the weather was dull, windy and everybody soon left.

Lebedev. This is a painful memory!

The door opens, Inna runs in, laughing, she’s holding a paper envelope in her hand. She is followed by Aglaya.

Inna. You’ve made It so dark in here! (Turns on the light) Here! (gives the envelope to Victoria Pavlovna).

Aglaya. Calm her down at last! She’s set everybody at edge! (Laughs)

Inna. I’ve got the first prize at the theatre contest!

Lebedev. Well done!

Aglaya. A diploma and twenty thousand roubles. (Sceptically).

The doorbell rings.

Inna. That must be Katya! I’ll answer it. (Goes off, singing)

Pause.

Victoria Pavlovna. This could make a cat laugh. (Throws the envelope on the table angrily). I still can’t understand how she could refuse studying at Moscow State University and join this farce!

Egor, the Olshanskies’ son, was even a worse pupil than her, but he also was admitted to the University. He graduated, moved to Canada, started his IT company.

Lebedev. What if applied math isn’t really her vocation?

Victoria Pavlovna. Don’t make excuses for her! Inna just showed her character again. She went to the theatre institute – and you didn’t forbid her! Who is she now? An actress, for God’s sake! With no money, no decent education, she’s got only fun on her mind.

Aglaya. It’s been five years and you’re still arguing.

Enter Inna and Veselov with a bunch of flowers, he hands it to Victoria Pavlovna.

Veselov. Victoria Pavlovna! This is from Leonid Fyodorovich Gromov with the best wishes. The deal’s on Wednesday.

Aglaya. What about the expert’s resolution?

Veselov. I emailed you a copy. Hello, Sergey Ivanovich!

Lebedev. Hello, Sasha! (He shakes Veselov’s hand, then leaves the room).

Veselov and Aglaya sit down at the table. Victoria Pavlovna puts the flowers into a vase. Inna sets the table for tea.

Victoria Pavlovna. How did it go?

Veselov. Wonderfully! Gromov’s in. He’s looking forward to adding to his collection. Apart from the deal itself he’s willing to buy six modern painting for his villa in Spain.

Victoria Pavlovna. What else?

Veselov. Everything’s ready for the exhibition. We’re expecting the governor and a Chinese delegation at the opening ceremony. There will be a few representatives from the city council, too, then the media, the TV, the sponsors. Everything goes as it was agreed.

In addition to the main exhibition, the third hall will feature works by young painters (to Inna) including four paintings by Nikolay Orlov.

Inna. You’re great! (hugs Veselov) Orlov won’t let you down.

Veselov. Congratulations on winning the contest. I owe you a bottle (shakes Inna’s hand)

Aglaya. Veselov, I’ve never thought you drink.

Veselov. I’m drunk with love, Aglaya Sergeevna!

The doorbell rings.

Inna. Veselov’s in love! That’s a surprise! (goes off)

Victoria Pavlovna. What about the young Gromov, will he come?

Veselov. Yes. He’s back. He promised to come here today. Switzerland has done him good.

Victoria Pavlovna. That’s good news.

Aglaya. Mitya Gromov is a simpleton, though still a good match for Inna. We were sorry that their engagement was canceled because of his overdose in February. But now he’s returned and things seem to be improving.

Victoria Pavlovna. Seem to be. Although I don’t like it that during the unexpected parting with Mitya Inna became so close with his school friend Nikolay Orlov.

Yes, Orlov’s mother holds a good position in the Ministry of Education and an additional «lever’ at the establishment won’t be too bad. But I see that Nikolay lacks ambition and interest in his career. How else can one explain that, having got a degree in international affairs at the Ministry Academy, he still dabs in painting?

Veselov. Experts say he’s got potential. And his father was a decent landscape painter.

Victoria Pavlovna. You said it – he was! But he got to drinking and died. This is bad heritage.

Aglaya. Such painters’ problem is that their works grow in price only after their death – in a lucky case.

Victoria Pavlovna. This won’t suit me and Inna!

Take Mitya. The young Gromov is not the brightest one. His father though! He’s got real power. And the main thing, he’s made a fortune that will help a few generations prosper for years.

Lebedev, Katya, Orlov, Inna, Mitya Gromov enter noisily and cheerfully. Inna and Mitya are holding hands.

Lebedev. We have guests, darling.

Aglaya. Speak of the devil and there he is.

Everybody greets each other.

Katya. Hello!

Orlov. Good evening! (He bows to Victoria Pavlovna, shakes hands with Aglaya).

Mitya. I missed you so much. Hello, Victoria Pavlovna, Aglaya!

Victoria Pavlovna. Hello, Mitya, I’m glad to see you! Please do come in, everyone. Girls, lay the table. We’ll drink tea on the terrace.

Inna. We must celebrate the meeting! Veselov, where’s the bottle you promised? (Laughs).

Mitya. Only tea for me. I don’t drink alcohol.

Veselov. (to Aglaya) The Swiss clinic has obviously done him good: no alcohol, no drugs.

Aglaya. Just how long will it last?

Everybody goes to the terrace. Orlov lingers.

Inna. Nikolay, come in, we’re going to have tea.

Orlov. Thank you, Inna. I’ll join you soon, I need to make a call first.

Inna leaves, Orlov stays in the living room alone. He takes out his phone.

Olga Vladimirovna (on the phone). Yes, Nikolay.

Orlov. Hello, mum. Is it convenient?

Olga Vladimirovna, I’m listening to you, dear.

Orlov. My paintings have got approved for the exhibition at Victoria Lebedeva’s gallery.

Olga Vladimirovna. (coldly) Congratulations.

Orlov. I wanted to ask you of a favour. It’s very important for me.

Domenico Longhi, a professor of painting, is arriving here on Wednesday for the exhibition opening. I know you are old acquaintances. It would be great if he reviewed my works and published his review in his journal, and if he also gave an interview to our journalists. I’m confident in my works. You won’t be embarrassed, mum.

Pause.

Olga Vladimirovna. You know how much I love you, Nikolay. That’s exactly why I’ll tell you something you won’t like: if you want to achieve something in this life, never expect help from friends or relatives. Only rely on yourself.

Orlov. All right. Thank you, mum. See you. (Hangs up, sits wondering for a while, then goes to the terrace to his friends).

Inna (meets him) Nikolay, join us at the table!

Orlov. Only rely on yourself.

Inna. Pardon?

Orlov. It’s all right, Inna. Life is beautiful. Come on, show me your diploma, it calls for celebration. (Laughs)

Veselov. My friends, champagne!!! (He opens the bottle, pours into glasses)

Inna, Katya. Hooray!

Aglaya. I’m driving, so I’ll have tea. Do we have a cake?

Lebedev. Has anyone seen my glasses?

Mitya (To Victoria Pavlovna and Katya) I haven’t had a drink in five months and I’m not even tempted!

Victoria Pavlovna. Well done, Mitya! We’ve been waiting for you to come back and are happy to see you.

Lebedev. Well my dear children and guests, welcome to our common holiday! Mr Gromov, welcome back and keep your good health! Miss Lebedeva, congratulations upon your winning and our wishes to play the main role in your play! Mr Orlov, here’s to your talent and exhibition debut, let good luck and success be with you! My dear Victoria Pavlovna, my angel, we have wonderful children and let love and wealth always stay at our house. Hooray!

Everybody. Hooray! (Glasses clinking, smiles, good humour and laughter).

Veselov. Yesterday I got a new issue of a magazine with an article by professor Domenico Longhi. He writes about our gallery and about visiting the exhibition on Wednesday. Let’s meet our guest first-class. Mr Lebedev, you know Italian better than the others here, would you read the article to us?

Lebedev. I would! Has anybody seen my glasses? I can’t find them.

Inna. Have you looked everywhere?

Lebedev. I have. I even looked under the sofa.

Inna. When will you stop losing them? (Laughs) You must have been rummaging in the treasure box again. (Goes off)

Aglaya. (to Orlov and Katya) Inna and dad have a secret place in the house – it’s the top drawer of the desk in the living room, they call it «treasure box». They keep our childhood drawings and crafts there.

Inna (returns). Here, take it, daddy-daydreamer.

LEbedev. Thank you, sweetheart. (Opens the journal, pretends to be reading aloud with a clever face.

If you believe in what you’re doing,

You’ll see what you really can.

You’re strong and you will win.

Don’t stop!

You’re the strongest.

Just hold on and you’ll win.

Aglaya. I don’t think it’s an article by Domenico Longhi, but the song by Adriano Celentano. That’s a funny little fellow who calls himself a professor. (Laughs)

We hear the song La pigiatura by Adriano Celentano.

Scene 2

Lebedev’s house. The same room. Inna and Mitya are alone.

Inna. You haven’t called.

Mitya. It all happened so quickly. When I came to my senses, for a few days the doctors didn’t let me use the phone. But I didn’t call for another reason… I was embarrassed that I put you all in such trouble, especially you.

He goes to Inna, takes her hands and wants to kiss them. Inna backs off and sits into the chair. Mitya comes to the window and opens it. A clock strikes somewhere In the house.

Inna. Today, when you came, I was happy. I wanted to tell you about all the things that happened here in spring… about the theatre, the exhibition… about how I missed you… but now I feel as if something has burst inside.

Mitya. I often thought of you in the clinic. I couldn’t remember what I wanted to tell you that day. And I still can’t. Yesterday Veselov told me about you prize at the theatre contest. Now you’ll finally get a leading role. This is perfect!

Inna. I don’t feel like this is so important. (We can hear the sound of a torn string). …I think I’ve fallen in love.

Mitya looks at her in silence, then sits on a chair.

Inna. Mitya…

Silence.

Mitya. I respect your choice.

Inna. I’m not indifferent to you.

Mitya. They say, people who survived clinical death have sharper perception of everything around them. I saw how you were looking at each other. And I understood everything at once.

Inna. I don’t know how it happened. And I’m supposed to be feel guilty about it, but…

Mitya. Inna! (Interrupts) You have nothing to blame yourself for. I still have the same attitude to you.

Inna rises abruptly, comes up to him and hugs tight, clinging to his cheek. Mitya holds her around her shoulders.

Come Aglaya and Lebedev.

Lebedev. Here are our lovey-doves.

Mitya. I’ve stayed too late, I should go. Thank you for your hospitality.

Inna. I’ll see you to the door.

Aglaya. Good-bye, Mitya! We were happy to see you, do come and visit us. Send our love to Lilia Vasilievna.

Lebedev. See you soon, Mr Gromov.

Mitya and Inna leave.

Lebedev. She’s grown up so fast, our little rebel.

Aglaya. She’s always been your favourite. Alexey adored her as well. This Wednesday is the anniversary of his death. Time flies by.

Silence.

Alexey and I were born a year apart and I always perceived him as my older brother. I remember our last meeting, just a week before he died in a crash during a trial flight. It wasn’t the best time in my life, I had just split apart with Frolov after I had learned he had been cheating on me.

I think I was crying and Alexey was comforting me, as he always would. I still remember his words:

«Don’t ask me where to find a decent and rich husband…

A lot of girls still believe with their whole heart that a pretty face will suffice to claim all treasures in this life. But they are wrong. Mature people are interested in a relationship between two personalities rather than exchanging money for sex.

If you don’t see a decent man near yourself, chances are you don’t have the qualities necessary to attract him, and you are moving on different orbits.

Then you should ask yourself: what are you made of? How clever are you? How educated? How interesting is your life? How successful are you at work? How much do you earn, after all? And judging upon the answers you should either improve yourself or lower your demand».

Lebedev. Alexey loved you and Inna a lot. Your mother and me miss him so much.

Victoria Pavlovna and Inna come in.

Victoria Pavlovna. Darling, the weather is wonderful today, let’s go around the garden before bedtime.

Lebedev. I’d love to, dear.

Victoria Pavlovna. Aglaya, will you stay overnight? I could make you a bed in your study or in the guest bedroom.

Aglaya. No, mum, thank you, I’ll go home. Tomorrow’s Monday, I have a lot of things to do.

Victoria Pavlovna. Well, see you, then. Good night, Inna.

Lebedev. See you tomorrow, my sweethearts. (Kisses his daughters).

Inna. Good night.

Aglaya. Mum and dad, I love you.

Victoria Pavlovna and Lebedev go off.

Inna. Mitya has gone.

Aglaya. Aren’t you happy to see him?

Inna. I’ve been waiting for him for a long time, but when I say him today, I suddenly understood I had been afraid of his return at the same time.

Aglaya. That’s strange news! (Pensively) The parents were so happy to hear about your engagement last winter! Veselov said Mitya gave up drugs. The senior Gromov was generous to treat him. It seems the treatment in Switzerland has really done him good.

Inna. They say there are no ex-addicts. But this is not what’s worrying me.

Aglaya, sister, you are ever so sensible and you’ve never lied to me. Just look at us- what kind of a husband and wife are we? My relationship with Mitya is nothing more than gratifying our mother and his father’s wish. Mother dreams of settling me with some rich heir. Mitya’s father hopes that his silver spoon will become steady and start doing business once he marries. But those are only their dreams and wishes, and nobody’s asked us!

Aglaya. Inna, my dear! Our parents mean well. I’m not saying you are wrong. Certainly, love and feelings are still in force, but one can’t underestimate the importance of choosing sensibly.

Inna. Choosing sensibly… a sensible choice… a convenience marriage. Whatever you call it, it’s not me.

I don’t want to be a rich heir’s wife. I don’t need a pushover for a husband, afraid of holding reins of his own life. I want to be a Muse! Men seek inspiration… I want him to be feel good with me. I want the relationship with this man to be the main project of my life. I want to invest effort, time and energy into my man, so that he would go to conquer the world and achieve whatever he wanted!

Aglaya. Alexey once said we couldn’t have expectations regarding something we don’t control. I didn’t pay much attention then…

We all had a perfect picture of your ideal future ready in our heads. We expected your union with Gromov to bring some income, but obviously brother didn’t call you a rebel without a reason. Really, we can’t have any expectation from something we don’t control.

Scene 3

The office at Victoria Lebedeva’s gallery whish belongs to Veselov. It’s well-furnished and has a door to a balcony.

Veselov is in his arm-chair. Nikolay and Katya are drinking and playing fool: Katya is playing The Flea Waltz on a small keyboard, Nikolay Orlov is miming a phone conversation.

Katya. Enough! (stops playing, pours more alcohol from the bottle, takes her glass and hands the second one to Orlov) Where did we stop?

Orlov (paces the office) I love my haters and enemies: they motivate me with their negative energy. When I feel low and want to cry and roll on the floor in a throw of despair… what do I think about?

Veselov. Really, what?

Orlov. I remember how many people will be happy if I fall. «Yes, Orlov’s lost it!» I tell them in my mind: «Sod off, you bunch of losers!».

I get up and keep on. It’s easier for me to do a lot of things in defiance, not in the name of something. I have done my best deeds when I was depressed, when I had problems, when I was disappointed and nothing seemed to go right!

When I’m happy and satisfied I have no motivation to go ahead. A diamond isn’t made lying on a sofa, it needs a lot of pressure. That’s why I thank the ill-wishers that stand in my way, I give them my biggest smile which you can read as «To hell with you, bitch!» (He throws the rest of the drink from his glass into the face of an imaginary opponent)

Veselov. You’re a real terrorist! (Laughs)

Orlov. I’m rather a conformer. I’ve learnt to survive in the modern world. I’ve adapted. Unlike my father, I’ve got accustomed. I’ve made my choice and I’m ready to be responsible for it.

Now I’ll feel okay in any regime, be it capitalism, communism or even Queen Catherine. I’ve even started going to church… It’s fashionable now. By the way, I met the governor there, all cats are grey.

Everyone only cares about their belly, willing to stuff it fuller, to snatch a better share, and settle one’s children comfy and nice, as if it were our mission to gourmandize and grow capital.

Just look who’s at the wheel now! Grandchildren of those who managed to snatch a bite.

I’m not the hero of my time, but its product.

If my environment is criminal, then my obedience to it becomes a crime, too. That’s the price of conformism.

Silence

Katya. I split up with Nikita yesterday. Do you remember the cheerleaders you introduced us to a week ago? He cheated on me with one of them, the red-haired one. I think her name’s Sveta.

Orlov. Congratulations, it was high time. (Sits on a chair)

Katya. Do you think so?

Orlov. We’re old acquaintances, and I can see very well that you’re tired of his cheating and binging.