The Conformist. City life scenes in four acts

Katya. At least he didn’t use his fists.

Orlov. Katya! Why do you estimate yourself so low? You aren’t stupid.

Katya. I’m afraid I’ll always be single. I’m already twenty-three.

Veselov. Oh, the young today! Most girls only pay attention to a man’s appearance, his money and his sweet words… All of this is rubbish! What really matters is how a man treats you, what he does for you and to what extent you can rely on him.

And if he’s a good-looking douche, who behaves like a homeless cat – today he’s here, tomorrow he has another girl, and the next day – yet another… Let him go to hell and make space for a normal adequate reliable guy!

Orlov. Amen.

Katya. And how do I recognise that adequate and reliable one? At first they all say the same. They’re all generous and nice. One offers to move to Italy together, another one promises to divorce his wife… but no one proposes.

Veselov. If you can’t choose one of two men, it means either is bad. Not in their own right, they could be wonderful people, but they don’t suit you and you don’t need them.

When you really are in love with a man, you don’t think and don’t choose. There’s only him – the hero of your love. He’s like a light in your life! He’s your only purpose! And you think he’s the best man in the world even if he’s a complete loser, bastard or scoundrel. You are dizzy and you drop things. You are ready to run away with him anywhere, be it snow, heat, rain – you don’t care…

That’s why the sooner you stop choosing the earlier you can find a man who’s your match.

Mitya comes in. Katya drops the glass.

Mitya. Guess why psychiatrists are so polite with their patients?

Veselov. So why?

Mitya. They know that their patients are not subject to criminal responsibility and consequently have nothing to lose.

Orlov laughs.

Katya. Mitya, I’m glad you are here. Why are you in such disorder? Where’s Inna?

Mitya. We parted friends.

Orlov stands up and pours himself another drink.

Veselov. That’s the news. Does Aglaya know? It might get alright.

Katya. Now we’re fellows in misery. Nikita dumped me… let’s drink. (She hands Mitya a glass).

Orlov. Everything happens for the best. Acorns were good till bread was found. Keep your chin up, Mitya!

Mitya. That’s easy for you to say, Nikolay. You’ve always chosen what to do. I remember when your mother insisted on your training as a diplomat. You agreed to make her calm. But after the studies you refused the job. You paint pictures. But my father’s a general. So I have to march all my life.

Orlov. Mitya, my dear fellow! My father was a talented alcoholic! And my mother worries I’ll follow his example, but in vain. I loved my father and he’s the best anti-model in my life. But I’ll never become a poor drunken artist, because I have learnt to survive in this society and its harsh climate.

The success in life most often comes to people who are determined, able to make decisions and carry responsibility for them. It concerns both work and private life.

I can’t help feeling amazed at such douches as you, who have never lifted a finger but keep moaning about how their life’s bad, their little money and bad relationships with parents, their unhappy love.

But who’s to blame? Parents? School? Government? School friends? Nobody’s to blame but you. That’s because you do nothing… just start, Mitya, and something will necessarily change.

Mitya. Do you love her?

Orlov. Who?

Mitya. Inna Lebedeva.

Orlov. I don’t want to discuss it with you. Veselov, let’s have a smoke.

Veselov and Orlov go out to the balcomy. Orlov shuts the door firmly.

Veselov. I wasn’t mistaken then. (He lights a cigarette)

Orlov. Pardon?

Veselov. I have noticed the way Inna has been looking at you lately.

Orlov. We keep it quiet about our relationships.

Veselov. Now I understand it: she received the first prize for a script of a one-woman show whose heroine dreams of being a muse for a talented artist…

Orlov. See, our relationship’s already bringing its fruit.

Veselov. Do you love her?

Orlov. In a way, I do.

Her mother owns one of the largest art galleries in the country and can introduce me to some useful people in Europe, China and Americas, so I have an opportunity to make my business international shortly.

Veselov. Is your devotion to painting a disguise then?

Orlov. It’s rather a tribute to my father and revenge to my mother for leaving him and making me sweat all my life, training to fulfill her far-reaching designs. Actually, her dream will soon come true, I’ll be a rich and powerful man.

Veselov. Have you thought that Victoria Pavlovna might not be happy about your thwarting her daughter’s wedding with Mitya Gromov whose father, by the way, is one of her best clients?

Orlov. It was Mitya who thwarted everything. He’s to blame for his problems. I just happened to in the right place at the right time.

I have a way to reach Lebedeva, too: she loves her younger daughter a lot. And she knows perfectly well the position my beloved mamma has in the government.

Soon Victoria Pavlovna will realise that there’s nothing good for Inna about that dope. When this happens, she’ll hook onto my figure because I’ll show the best of myself, letting everybody see clearly that I’m not going to be a poor unknown painter.

My mother’s administrative power plus Victoria Lebedeva’s money, connections and reputation will open the doors to all structures I’m interested in. That’s my plan.

Veselov. That’s a serious claim. (Puts his cigarette out)

Orlov. (to himself) I’d love to see your face when all Lebedeva’s business is in my hands. Just wait and see.

Veselov. What about Mitya?

Orlov. Don’t worry about him. Our romantic poet is in mixed feelings now and he’ll soon find comfort on the first wench’s bosom. Mitya is a douchebag. Eve now he gave up without a fight, letting me have Inna.

Veselov. Was Katya’s breakup also your work?

Orlov. Knowing that horny ape’s ways it was easy to organize the match-up. (Laughs)

Mitya and Katya are alone in Veselov’s office.

Mitya. I’m at unrest. I’m like a person after a heart attack and whose limbs are numb.

Katya. Why should it happen so?

Mitya. I’m sick at heart.

Katya kisses Mitya, he kisses her back.

Mitya. Let’s go away.

Katya. All right.

Mitya and Katya leave. Enter Veselov and Orlov.

Veselov. They took a French leave.

Orlov. I told you not to worry about Mitya Gromov.

Aglaya comes in. She’s carrying a file and a phone.

Veselov. Aglaya, I’m glad to see you. Come in, please.

Aglaya. Hi! I won’t be long. I dropped in my office. Somebody’s lost a phone, it’s out of charge. I found it near your door. (Shows the phone).

Veselov. That’s Mitya’s, I’ll give it to him when he comes back.

Aglaya. I saw him and Katya downstairs, they told me you were here. Why were they in such hurry?

Veselov. I don’t know. Would you like a drink?

Aglaya. No, thank you. I’m driving. I’d like a tea, though.

Veselov. And you, Nikolay?

Orlov. I think I’ve had enough today. I’ll go home. I was glad to see you. Bye, Aglaya. Sasha, I’ll phone you.

Aglaya. Bye.

Veselov. (Pouring her tea) Keep in touch!

Aglaya. I’ve known him for so long and I’ve never been able to get rid of the feeling that he’s constantly concealing something.

Veselov. Never mind. To each their own.

Aglaya. Inna and Mitya split up. It seems, this time for good.

Veselov. I know. When he came Mitya was very depressed, but he tried not to show it. Victoria Pavlovna will be disappointed.

Aglaya. We’ve gone a bit too far with the senior Gromov, got stuck to our own interests. The children have made their choices.

Veselov. Time is the best judge.

Aglaya. You know, Sasha, Orlov isn’t as simple as he tries to seem.

Veselov. What do you mean?

Aglaya. Mother was interested in buying some more venues for the restoration workshop in the new office building on the site of the former flour mill in the centre. I did some research. (Nods at the file)

One of the owners of the spot where the building is situated is Nikolay Orlov’s company. He also controls four organizations which regularly get state agreements for reparation and maintenance of buildings and premises of the education ministry. So, Nikolay seems to be using his family’s administrative forces to develop his own business.

Veselov. One should expect this, considering who his mother is. From each as he can, to each as he wants, so to say. That’s modern socialism at its most typical.

Aglaya. Yes, I agree, it’s not new. Every household earns as they can. But why does he put on such acts, refusing the job in diplomacy, truly neglecting his mother’s connections in the government and her money… A real nihilist! I feel he leads a double-game. It’s his business anyway.

Veselov. Can he be involved in the recent prosecutor’s investigation at the library?

Aglaya. That’s unlikely. Our lawyer says the thread leads to Moscow – that’s for sure. We’ve already activated the necessary people. Now this issue is solved.

Veselov. What do you recommend me to do in the future?

Aglaya. Take it under your control. You and mother should be alert in any law and financial issues when doing business with the city administration, new contracting parties and especially with the monitoring organizations. If they are gunning for us from there, this is where they’ll fight from.

But you know, Sasha, this is not why I came. There’s one more important question that I’d like to discuss with you.

She is interrupted by a phone ringing. Veselov picks up the phone.

Veselov. Yes… I’m in… He left not long ago. (He pauses) Nikolay Orlov has been killed!!!

Curtain falls.

ACT 2

Scene 4

General Gromov’s countryhouse. It’s Monday, early morning. Leonid Fyodorovich and his wife are in the living room.

Gromov. Where could he be?

Lilia Vasilievna. Take your medicine, Lyonya. (She hands him some pills and a glass of water).

Gromov. My heart’s clenched. (Drinks) Dial him again.

Lilia Vasilievna. (Calls on her mobile) His phone’s turned off.

Gromov. Bastard! I’ll strangle him with my own hands!

Lilia Vasilievna. Will you stop your tantrum, sir?

Gromov. I’m sorry, darling. My nerves are frayed. Oh, Mitya, my Mitya…

Lilia Vasilievna. Could he get hold of a gun anywhere?

Gromov. Surganov says the shot was made from a gun. Now they’re conducting a ballistics test and taking data from the CCTV. My honorary weapon is in the safe, I’ve checked it. But it’s not a problem to find a piece in the city.

Lilia Vasilievna. Mitya couldn’t have done it. They’ve been friends with Nikolay since the third school year. They went to a language camp in London together. You know this well.

Gromov. Did you speak to Olga Vladimirovna?

Lilia Vasilievna. Yes, she’s shocked. She was on a business trip, but she came back at once and she’s now with him in the hospital.

Gromov. And this should happen right before the governor elections! I’ve been contacted by the central executive party committee. Take my car and go see her right now. Talk to her. I think Olga understands how serious this is. Nobody needs this fuss. We’ll deal with the media. Don’t give any comments or interviews. I’ll go to my office and make a few calls.

Gromov and Lilia Vasilievna leave.

Mitya and Katya come in. Both are cheerful.

Mitya. Mum, Dad, I’m home!

Katya. Don’t shout.

Mitya. Are they asleep? It’s still Monday morning and we haven’t slept a wink! We’ll wake them up. (He pulls Katya to him and kisses her)

Katya. You’re crazy! (She tries to release herself, laughing)

Mitya. I’m as hungry as a hawk.

Katya. Me too.

Mitya. My head’s splitting apart. I think I drank too much. What was that sour stuff you gave me?

Katya. It’s Spanish dry wine.

Mitya. Ugh!

They take out sandwiches, sweets, biscuits, pour some juice.

Mitya. Now I know what I really want!

Katya. What do you want, Mitya?

Mitya. Orlov told the truth yesterday. I’m the one to blame for my problems. As a child I never dreamt of becoming a loser, drug addict and a parasite. But I turned one when I was twenty-five. I’ve always blamed father for not being able to choose my own way, but in fact I did nothing to find that way.

Of course, my ex-girlfriends are at fault for deserting me just because I cheated on them, drank booze and took drugs… I’m not to be blamed! (He grins)

Now things are going to be different. I know exactly what I want! I want to change myself and change my life. I will work. Can you imagine, I’ve always been afraid that father will stop giving me money and will cross me out of his will. That’s such nonsense!

I am capable of providing for myself. I’ve graduated from a language gymnasium, so I can easily become a tutor or a translator from English and German. When Aglaya Lebedeva was presenting her thesis, I did translate a few of her articles into English.

I can start working for my father… but no, I’d be better on my own… There’s a lot I can do!

I want to live so much! (Excited)

And you? Katya?

Will you stay with me? I need you so much!

Katya. I’ll stay with you, Mitya.

Mitya. Remember this day! Today a new life was born in us! Let us live, Katya! Let us live!

Katya. Somebody’s coming.

Gromov enters.

Mitya. Hello, dad! This is Katherine.

Katya. Hello, Leonid Fyodorovich.

Gromov. Hello, Katherine. (Turns to Mitya, threatens him) What have you done?

Mitya. What’s happened?

Gromov. He dares to ask! Mother’s been on edge all night long! Where have you been?

Mitya. I was relaxing. (Cringing)

Gromov. Why don’t you answer calls?

Mitya. I’ve lost my phone somewhere. (almost hopelessly)

Gromov. Nikolay Orlov was shot yesterday. (Katya groans)

Gromov. There’s an idea that it was you.

Mitya. (He can’t say a word, because he’s amazed).

Silence.

Gromov. Mind you! If you did it, I’m not going to cover up for you. This time you’ll go to prison!

Mitya. Is Nikolay alive?

Gromov. At first there was a leak he was dead. The man who found him in the street, covered with blood, notified the security of the building. They called Victoria Lebedeva’s office which he had left short before that, and then the police. Now Nikolay is in hospital. He has an exit wound in his shoulder, the bullet went through and through.

Mitya. It wasn’t me.

Gromov. In the morning Colonel Surganov, my ex-colleague, called me. He knows the investigation officer in charge and he says the situation is really serious. The elections are pending… everything’s been turned upside down, the affair is under personal control of the director of the Head Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Mitya. I didn’t do it.

Katya. We were at my place together.

Gromov. I wish I believed that.

Mitya. Dad, don’t you believe me?

Gromov. I don’t know, Mitya.

Mitya. Do you believe me?!

Gromov. I couldn’t believe you gave up studying in London. I could never believe you gambled your new car away. I couldn’t imagine you were taking drugs until I saw you lying in the bathroom with foam at the mouth. How can I believe you now?

Mitya. You don’t believe me, then.

Gromov. Listen to this. You’ll go to the police right now and give testimony. Katherine, can you confirm he has been with you all this time?

Katya. Yes. We’ve been together. The whole night.

Mitya. I didn’t do it! Father!

Gromov. Stay here and wait. I’ll call our lawyer. (Leaves)

Katya. Listen to your father. He’ll settle everything out.

Mitya. He doesn’t believe me.

Katya. I believe you, Mitya! I love you! Everything will be fine!

Mitya. I am sorry, Katya. I must go. I’ll do it myself. Please, go home now.

Katya. Mitya, no! Stay.

Mitya. I’ll come to you soon. Thank you, sweetheart. (Kisses Katya) I love you very much. It seems, for the first time in my life I really love. (Runs out)

Scene 5

Tuesday. It’s one day before the opening of the exhibition. Professor Lebedev’s house. Inna and Katya are talking with animation.

Katya. I’ll never forget the day when Mitya and I learnt that somebody had shot Nikolay Orlov. Are you angry at me, Inna?

Inna. Of course I’m not. I’m even happy that everything has become clear between us. Do you remember how we first met their company at a night club? Mitya started to court you first. I didn’t even pay attention to him then.

Katya. You were so absorbed with your preparing for your graduation play at the institute that you didn’t even notice me. Or did the director charm you that much? (Both laugh)

Inna. Yeah, yeah! You offered to go to the Dead Sea and I refused. Then I started dating Pavel from a basketball team, and Mitya went to London. We met again only half a year later when he came back and came to the avant garde exhibition in mum’s gallery together with Leonid Fyodorovich. Then it all got started.

He had grave problems in relationships with his father because of his studying and in a week Mitya had to go back to London.

Look, he sent me his verse from England then (takes out an envelope with a letter):

I’ll bring some sea foam to you

I gathered it to the sound of waves.

Like a silent smile of a thousand slaves,

I’ll give you my dull ennui.

«Ah! That’s another beggar poet’

We hear from an art abuser

«Two thousand years have brought

Completely out of common uses

All romance and love words.

«Ah! That’s another stupid poet’

One should keep silent, no reply.

He has his point in certain way.

Then my first line, like a firefly,

Will come back after doomsday.

It sings of love, of motherland, of pain,

Of misery that tears the heart apart,

Of northern sea, that roars in vain,

And time that gives no second start.

I’ll bring some sea foam to you

I gathered it to the sound of waves.

Like a silent smile of a thousand slaves,

I’ll give you my dull ennui.

Katya. (sobs, covers her face with her hands)

Inna. Katya, what’s wrong?

Katya. Leonid Fyodorovich isn’t his enemy. On the opposite, he cares about him and has strong feelings for his son. I met him and Lilia Vasilievna. They love their son a lot.

Inna. I know, Katya! It’s simply that Mitya’s father has always been too strict to him… but it hasn’t done much good. I almost went insane when I learnt that Nikolay had been shot. I remembered my brother’s death. I won’t survive another loss like that. Thanks God he’s all right.

Victoria Pavlovna, Aglaya and Veselov come in.

Aglaya. Here you are, besties. Did you cry a lot yesterday? (The girls smile back)

Veselov. Mitya gave his testimony, today it has been confirmed, he’s cleaned of all suspicions. Nikolay Orlov is safe, tomorrow he’s going to be released from the hospital.

Victoria Pavlovna. But who shot him?

Aglaya. The investigators will find out. One thing is clear: the attacker knew the place which is not seen by cameras, and he was waiting there.

Victoria Pavlovna. Let God be with him! I can imagine what his mother, Olga Vladimirovna, has been through.

Veselov. Every cloud has its silver lining. The hype around this event has warmed up some interest to tomorrow’s exhibition, there were reports on us on all national TV channels. The name of the young painter Nikolay Orlov has become known to the whole country! I suggest moving his works to the first hall, next to the modern art collection.

Victoria Pavlovna. I support your decision, Mr Veselov.

Veselov. I’m calling the gallery now and give all the necessary orders. Aglaya, do you mind my using your office?

Aglaya. Not at all, Sasha.

Victoria Pavlovna. What is that story of some important agreements with state structures that are being attributed to the Orlovs? I heard it on TV that he might have been shot because of them.

Aglaya. It’s all legal. It is really his own business which he is keeping a secret. That is no wonder considering his mother. It’s a matter of a few dozens of millions a year. The media nosed this out, put two and two together and made their conclusions.

Victoria Pavlovna. A talented man is talented in every respect! Inna, I’m so happy you and Nikolay are friends! I think I felt it from the start that you, lovey-doves, are hiding something from me. (Smiling) Surely, Mitya Gromov is a nice man, but, as it goes, love cannot be forced.

Inna. I haven’t fallen in love with Nikolay for his money. (Embarrased) Katya and I would better go to my room.

Inna and Katya leave.

Aglaya. It was hard for Inna. Nobody knew they were so close with Orlov. She almost fainted when she heard he was wounded.

Victoria Pavlovna. You tell me. Then this idiot, Mitya! I got stuck with him. Of course, I also thought he shot Nikolay because of jealousy. Who knows what this dope has in mind!

Aglaya. Weren’t you dreaming of his marriage with Inna just a couple of days ago, mum?

Victoria Pavlovna. It’s water under the bridge. Be it not for the senior Gromov, I’d never let him in my house again! Then there’s this whore, Katya. I’ve never liked her. Her mother’s the same, three children from three different men. She and the junior Gromov make a pair.