ACT FOUR

The same empty stage, this time completely empty, no chairs. THE ACTOR and THE DIRECTOR stand in the auditorium at the edge of the stage. They face the audience for a while, then turn and climb up.

The ActorThat's exhausting.
The DirectorIt certainly is.
The ActorEverything is exhausting.
The DirectorEverything is.

A pause.

The DirectorBut it's worth it.
The ActorIt is, isn't it?
The DirectorMaybe it isn't.
The ActorMaybe it's not, is it?
The DirectorIt will be. If I get my trumpet.
The ActorTo drown me?
The DirectorTo drown you.
The ActorWhy don't you do it with water?
The DirectorIn one of the lakes?
The ActorIn the Landwehrkanal.
The DirectorIllusions of grandeur.
The ActorGive me my laces.
The DirectorI won't.
The ActorThen get a bucket.
The DirectorI will not.
The ActorThis is boring.
The DirectorNah, it isn't.
The ActorShall we do the Crimson?
The DirectorI like that.

They start to mimic THE SON's improvised dance. After a while, THE ACTOR stumbles, taking down THE DIRECTOR with him.

They lie entangled, centre stage.

A pause.

Enter THE COMPOSER, carrying a trumpet.

The ComposerEvery ending needs a trumpet.

He plays one note.

Curtain.

Act Four