The Chair Plays by Edward Bond

Author:Edward Bond
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Published: 2012-12-15T00:00:00+00:00

Three

The Dummy is in the chair. The metal box has been moved. It lies on its side on the floor. The lid is open. It is empty.

Joan I still cant believe it?… Are you sure? (No answer.) You might have put it somewhere else. It’s easy to do when you’re under pressure.

Dummy I have nowhere else to put things.

Joan Please not self-pity.

Dummy (factually) There is nowhere.

Joan I’m sorry. I shouldnt have said that. – What will happen?

Dummy We shall see.

Joan We cant just wait. You’re sure it was there? I’m sorry – I have to ask. There’s no sign of breaking in. Nothing taken from upstairs.

Dummy I shall go.

Joan Where? The street. I shant let you go. But we cant just wait. No one else has been here? You’ve had no visitors while I am at work? You heard nothing in the night.

Dummy I have comfort here. I am lax. I tell stories from the past. I forget what is now.

Joan It’s my fault. I should’ve hidden the money outside the house. Where? I cant involve friends. I would have to tell them too much.

Doorbell rings.

I dont understand the world. These things have been going on round me all these years and I didnt see them. The streets arent real any more. I’m helpless. I feel like an immigrant.

Dummy Answer it.

Joan O it doesnt matter. I’m not expecting anyone. I cant talk to anyone. – You’ve told me everything havent you? Trust me. I wouldnt blame you for anything.

Dummy It will be him.

Joan (uncomprehending) Who?

Dummy I think so.

Joan (realising) But why? Stupid question. It’s all we need! If you’ve got one problem you’re bound to get more. (Goes to stairs. Stops. Reassuringly.) I’ll talk to him. I’ll make him understand. Dont worry. Whatever happens I’m here to help.

She goes out up the stairs. After a few moments Jack comes down them. Joan follows him.

Joan Wait. I have to speak to you.

Jack (stops on stairs) Trouble?

Joan I’m afraid so.

Jack I see. Yer goin t’ muck me about.

Joan (not understanding) I beg your pardon.

Jack Can we cut the shite? Yer wouldnt do it convincin.

Joan I dont understand.

Jack I put me life on the line for ’im ’n you. They catch ’im ’e ’as it easy. They shoot ’im. They cut me up ’n feed me t’ their Alsatians.

Joan You think I knew? He deceived both of us.

Jack Deceived?

Joan He said he had all the money. He only had the money I gave you. He told me he made money shoplooting. You dont make that much shoplooting. I should’ve asked to see it. He’s so plausible. People like him dont live in the real world. He persuaded himself he had the money. Or it would turn up. I know that sounds unbelievable. If you knew what happened to him when he was a child – you’d believe him.

Jack Yer ain even original.

Joan I promise you it’s the truth. He sees writing on the ground.

Jack Yer promised me dosh.

Joan O god why do there have to be people like you! I’m sorry.

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