The Itinerary
A Play
Cast
The Jurist · The Doctor
(The terrace of a café in Buenos Aires. Late morning. The Jurist and the Doctor sit with coffees. The Jurist has a laptop open, on the screen an Excel sheet.)
The Jurist
This has really been most helpful. Dankeschön.
(They sip their coffees.)
The Jurist
So let me look at what we have.
(The Jurist looks at his Excel sheet.)
The Jurist
We would arrive in the afternoon of the thirteenth. In the evening, a small get together, with just the adults. Then in the morning of the fourteenth, the first lesson.
(A beat.)
The Jurist
I would introduce you as our first lecturer. And you would tell them a little about your work.
The Jurist
(frowning)If you insist on calling it so.
The Jurist
I know, I know.
(A beat.)
The Jurist
So you talk briefly about your research but then focus on —
The Doctor
I will give them all the necessary detail.
The Jurist
Fine. But keep it under fifteen minutes.
The Doctor
That's a tough ask but I'll try.
The Jurist
Then you turn to Argentina. And explain to them how you built your network.
The Doctor
Over eight decades, yes.
The Jurist
And you will also tell them about Brazil?
The Doctor
About the stroke, sure.
The Jurist
A stroke of genius, I must admit.
The Doctor
I had planned it for years. The air was getting a little thin.
The Jurist
Tough times, I know.
The Doctor
You had it easier.
The Jurist
I didn't experiment on little children.
The Doctor
You might have enjoyed it.
(A beat.)
The Jurist
Let's not get into this again. Let's keep it practical.
The Jurist
In the afternoon then an excursion. Your tour guide friend shows them the city. In the evening a dinner with everybody.
The Jurist
Then the next morning —
(A beat.)
The Jurist
You think you can really get him?
The Doctor
Of course. He has become a dear friend.
The Jurist
And he will bring his chainsaw?
The Doctor
He will bring the chainsaw into the room with all the children.
The Jurist
Don't get ideas.
The Doctor
You must have some students that don't quite deliver.
The Jurist
A few, I'm told.
The Doctor
It's an opportunity.
The Jurist
After that a light lunch and off we go to the airport.
The Doctor
When will I receive my fee?
The Jurist
I thought you were doing this pro bono.
The Doctor
Don't tell me your board position is unpaid.
The Jurist
It actually is.
The Doctor
Ever the idealist.
The Jurist
I can offer you a five percent commission if the donation from your, um, business partner materialises.
The Doctor
I'll take that.
(They shake hands.)