Six Characters in Search of an Author by Luigi Pirandello

Author:Luigi Pirandello
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub, azw3
Published: 2015-04-13T05:00:00+00:00

ACT III

When the curtain goes up again, it is seen that the stage hands have shifted the bit of scenery used in the last part, and have rigged up instead at the back of the stage a drop, with some trees, and one or two wings. A portion of a fountain basin is visible. The MOTHER is sitting on the right with the two children by her side. The SON is on the same side, but away from the others. He seems bored, angry, and full of shame. The FATHER and the STEP-DAUGHTER are also seated towards the right front. On the other side (left) are the ACTORS, much in the positions they occupied before the curtain was lowered. Only the MANAGER is standing up in the middle of the stage, with his hand closed over his mouth in the act of meditating.

The Manager [shaking his shoulders after a brief pause]. Ah yes: the second act! Leave it to me, leave it all to me as we arranged, and you'll see! It'll go fine!

The Step-Daughter. Our entry into his house [Indicates FATHER.] in spite of him . . . [Indicates the SON.]

The Manager [out of patience]. Leave it to me, I tell you!

The Step-Daughter. Do let it be clear, at any rate, that it is in spite of my wishes.

The Mother [from her corner, shaking her head]. For all the good that's come of it . . .

The Step-Daughter [turning towards her quickly]. It doesn't matter. The more harm done us, the more remorse for him.

The Manager [impatiently]. I understand! Good Heavens! I understand! I'm taking it into account.

The Mother [supplicatingly]. I beg you, sir, to let it appear quite plain that for conscience' sake I did try in every way . . .

The Step-Daughter [interrupting indignantly and continuing for the MOTHER]. . . . to pacify me, to dissuade me from spiting him. [To MANAGER.] Do as she wants: satisfy her, because it is true! I enjoy it immensely. Any how, as you can see, the meeker she is, the more she tries to get at his heart, the more distant and aloof does he become.

The Manager. Are we going to begin this second act or not?

The Step-Daughter. I'm not going to talk any more now- But I must tell you this: you can't have the whole action take place in the garden, as you suggest. It isn't possible!

The Manager.. Why not?

The Step-Daughter. Because he [Indicates the SON again.] is always shut up alone in his room. And then there's all the part of that poor dazed-looking boy there which takes place indoors.

The Manager. Maybe! On the other hand, you will understand -- we can't change scenes three or four times in one act.

The Leading Man. They used to once.

The Manager. Yes, when the public was up to the level of that child there.

The Leading Lady. It makes the illusion easier.

The Father [irritated]. The illusion! For Heaven's sake, don't say illusion. Please don't use that word, which is particularly painful for us.

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