The Skirts
A Play
Cast
The Designer · Napoleon · Sissi
(Napoleon's abode at the Institute. He is wearing a green skirt and a white T-shirt. The Designer stands three steps away from him and admires his creation.)
The Designer
Sir, you look splendid!
Napoleon
Do I? It feels a little, um, unusual.
The Designer
You get the point exactly, Sir! It's a work of art! Playing on the reversion of stereotypes that become a new stereotype. Can I take a photo for my Insta?
Napoleon
Sure.
(The Designer takes his iPhone and makes a couple of shots.)
The Designer
Why don't you move a little — and can you swirl around for me?
(Napoleon obeys, the Designer takes more shots.)
The Designer
People will go crazy! I'm so glad I came myself. Pity only that Alex couldn't travel with me. The two of you in one frame in this skirt, oh my God, that would have been it. Insta would have exploded.
Napoleon
Wait until you see her.
The Designer
Is she as pretty as Alex said?
Napoleon
She looks like the young Romy Schneider.
The Designer
Oh my God, oh my God, I can't wait.
(There is a knock on the door. Sissi enters and curtsies.)
Sissi
I have been summoned to you, Majesty.
(Sissi takes the scene in and laughs.)
Sissi
Uncle, you look amazing!
The Designer
Didn't I tell you?
Napoleon
Can I have a look at the photos?
(The Designer hands him his iPhone.)
Napoleon
It's certainly, um, different.
Sissi
Very very much so!
(The Designer bends to open his bag sitting on the floor. He takes out a second green skirt and hands it to Sissi, together with a white T-shirt.)
The Designer
And here is yours, Madam.
Sissi
Let me try it on. Will you give me a minute?
The Designer
Of course.
(Napoleon and the Designer leave the room. Sissi changes into the skirt and the T-shirt. She opens the door.)
Sissi
You can come back now.
(Napoleon and the Designer re-enter.)
The Designer
I'm getting a heart attack.
(The Designer takes more photos as if in a frenzy.)