La Ronde by Artur Schnitzler
Artur Schnitzler’ famous merry-go-round of lovers, set in turn-of-the-century Vienna, where couples change partners and in the process (unspoken) exchange disease. Acute observation of a whole range of sharply-portrayed characters, drawn from across a wide social spectrum. Can be played as a two-hander, but more comfortably by two couples. Commissioned and first produced by Jane Harrison for the Arts Ed Drama School, directed by Christine Kimberley.
Script Excerpt
Master: Ah yes, Marie, what I wanted to ask you … Did Doctor Schüller call by this morning?
Maid: No, no one called this morning, sir.
Master: You do know Doctor Schüller, do you?
Maid: Of course. That’s the tall gentleman with the black beard.
Master: (His mind made up) Come here, Marie.
Maid: (Stepping closer) Sir?
Master: Closer … that’s right … um … I was just thinking …
Maid: Something wrong, sir?
Master: It was just your blouse … What kind is that? – You can come a little closer, I won’t bite you.
Maid: (Coming up to him) What’s wrong with my blouse? Don’t you like it, sir?
Master: (Takes hold of the blouse and pulls the Maid down towards him) Blue, is it? It’s a very pretty blue. (Ingenuous) You’re very nicely turned out, Marie.
Maid: But sir …
Master: Why, what’s the matter? (He has undone her blouse. Matter-of-fact.) You have lovely white skin, Marie.
Maid: The young master’s flatterin’ me.
Master: (Kissing her bosom) It does no harm…
Maid: Oh no…
Master: Look how you’re breathing! Why are you breathing so hard?
Maid: Oh, Master Alfred …
Master: And aren’t those pretty slippers …
Maid: But … sir … what if the doorbell should ring?
Master: Who’d call at this hour?
Maid: But, sir … look, sir … it’s so light in here …
Master: You don’t have to be shy with me … Indeed, you needn’t be shy with anyone … pretty as you are. Really, Marie, I swear you’re … even your hair smells nice.
Maid: Master Alfred …
Master: Why are you making such a fuss, Marie? I’ve seen you … looking different … before. The other night I went to get some water when I came home late, and the door to your room was open …
Maid: (Hiding her face) Oh Lord, I had no idea, no idea you could be so naughty, Master Alfred!
Master: I saw quite a bit …This … and this … and this … and –
Maid: Really, Master Alfred! What if someone rings?
Master: Will you shut up about… we don’t open the door, that’s all.