The visit of the old lady plot. Visit of an old lady

The play by the great Swiss playwright Friedrich Dürrenmatt “Visit old lady” was first staged in 1956 in Zurich. This tragicomedy brought the author worldwide fame. With the help of the grotesque, allegory and unexpected paradoxes, the writer illuminated the most topical topics of our time. This is the merciless power of money, and the thirst for revenge, and the atonement for the sins of the past, mercy and sympathy for one's neighbor.

At the beginning of the play, the viewer finds himself in a dirty train station in a small Swiss town in the mid-twentieth century. Güllen and its inhabitants are on the verge of complete poverty. All property, according to the burgomaster, is only an old typewriter. Even the bailiff leaves with nothing, there is nothing to describe in the city. The unfortunate people of Güllen are looking forward to the arrival of their compatriot, billionaire Clara Tzahanassian. They ask the grocer Alfred Ill to persuade the rich woman to help the city. Once upon a time, red-haired Clara and young Ill had a stormy romance.

The lady appears quite unexpectedly for those who meet, simply by pressing the stop crane of the train. The amazed townspeople see her strange retinue and another husband. Clara turns to the priest with a cryptic phrase about the need to return the death penalty.

Sitting in her own palanquin, the billionaire sets off for memorable places youth with Ill. They remember their youth, then Alfred begins to complain to his former lover about his bitter and insignificant life. He asks her to help Güllen get out of hopeless poverty.

In the evening, the Güllenians arrange a gala dinner in honor of their dear guest at the hotel. The burgomaster delivers a flattering speech in which he describes Clara's virtues. The lady thanks him and shocks those present with an unexpected statement. She offers the city a billion in exchange for doing justice. Gullen must kill Alfred Ill. Forty-five years ago, he abandoned their child, and Clara was forced to leave her hometown in disgrace. Everyone finds the billionaire's statement absurd and proudly refuses the deal. The guest says she is ready to wait.

Alfred, working in the shop, begins to notice changes in the visitors. Citizens buy expensive food and cigarettes, clothes, cars. All this is purchased on credit. Illa is engulfed in panic. He appeals to fellow citizens with a prayer, but everyone pretends that nothing special is happening. The whole city is in debt. The grocer tries to escape, but he doesn't dare to get on the train.

The school teacher and the town doctor visit Clara. They ask for loans to restore the city's businesses and pay off debts. The billionaire reports that Gullen already belongs to her completely.

The burgomaster talks to Ill and invites him to commit suicide. Alfred refuses to do so. Fear gradually leaves him, the grocer resigns himself to his fate.

At a general meeting, the townspeople unanimously decide to kill Ill. The condemned meets with Clara, she admits that she still loves him. However, this love, like the woman herself, has long turned into a petrified monster.

That same evening, the Güllens kill Ill. In one voice, the townspeople claim that they are doing this not out of self-interest, but in the name of conscience and the triumph of justice. Clara Tzakhanassian hands the burgomaster a check for a billion.

The dressed-up city solemnly escorts the lady to the train. Clara takes with her the coffin with the body of the unfortunate grocer. A mausoleum overlooking the Mediterranean Sea has long been prepared for him.

Dürrenmatt's tragicomedy is, without a doubt, difficult for psychological perception. The author does not consider the inhabitants of Güllen to be villains. They are frivolous people who are slow to succumb to temptation. Their poverty is boundless, and their temptation is great. The play denounces the ruthlessness of the crowd and the all-consuming power of money.

Picture or drawing Dürrenmatt - Visit of the old lady

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FRIEDRICH DURRENMATT

VISIT OF THE OLD LADY

Characters:
Visitors:
Clara Tzahanassian - nee Vesher, multimillionaire.
Seventh husband.
Eighth husband.
Ninth husband.
Butler.
Toby and Roby are gum-chewing thugs.
Kobi and Lobi are blind.

Those who visit:
ill.
His wife.
Daughter.
Son.
Burgomaster
Priest.
Teacher.
Doctor.
Police officer.
First, Second, Third, Fourth - residents of Güllen.
Artist.
First woman.
Second woman.
Louise.

Rest:
Station manager.
Train leader.
Conductor.
Bailiff.

Uninvited guests:
First newspaperman.
Second Newsboy.
Radio commentator.
Cameraman.
Photojournalist.

The action takes place in the provincial town of Güllen.
Time of action: today. Intermission after the second act.

STEP ONE

First, the sound of the station bell is heard, then the curtain rises and a plaque with the inscription: “Güllen” opens.
This is the name of a provincial, impoverished town, the outlines of which are barely visible in the depths. The station also fell into disrepair - a tattered timetable is on the wall, behind the door with the inscription: "No entry" - a rusty selector.
In the middle of the stage is a wretched railway station street, fenced off or not fenced off from the platform. But both the street and the prospect of the town in the depths are only barely outlined. On the left is a small house without windows, under a tiled roof; its walls are plastered with faded posters. On the left is the inscription - "Female", on the right - "Male". All this is illuminated by the still bright autumn sun.
Between the women's and men's restrooms is a bench on which four men are sitting. A fifth, dressed just as shabby as the rest, writes in red paint on a large cloth: "Welcome, Clerchen." The noise of the express rushing by is growing. The stationmaster raises the flag, letting the train pass. Those sitting on the bench turn their heads from left to right, seeing off the train.

First. Express Gudrun, HamburgNaples.
Second. And at eleven twenty-seven, the Furious Roland, Venice, Stockholm will take place.
Third. That's what's left in life - to watch the trains go by.
Fourth. And five years ago, both the Gudrun and the Furious Roland stopped at Gullen. And "Diplomat", and "Lorelei" ... All the famous trains stopped in Güllen.
First. World Trains!
Second. And now the post office is passing by. Only two stop: from Kaffigen and the one that arrives at one thirteen from Kalberstadt.
Third. Yes, it all went down the drain.
Fourth. So the Wagner firm collapsed.
First. Bokman went bankrupt.
Second. And the company "Place in the Sun" is also locked up.
Third. What do we have left? Unemployment benefit.
Fourth. And a free plate of soup.
First. Is this life?!
Second. What keeps the soul...
Third. One foot in the coffin.
Fourth. Just like our entire city.

Bell strike.

Second. Just right for the billionaire to come. They heard that she built a hospital in Kalberstadt.
Third. Dada, and in Kaffigen - a nursery. A cathedral was rebuilt in the capital.
Artist. And Mazile Zimt ordered a portrait. Is he an artist-naturalist!
First. What is she worth with her money. Having all the Ararat oil, railways West, radio stations in the North and all the haunts of Hong Kong.

The noise of an approaching train. The stationmaster raises his flag to let him through. The four on the bench are watching the departing train.

Fourth. Express Diplomat.
Third. Yes, once we were cultural city.
Second. One of the best in the country.
First. Europe!
Fourth. Goethe spent the whole night here. At the Golden Apostle Hotel.
Third. Brahms created his own quartet with us.

Bell strike.

Second. Berthold Schwartz invented gunpowder!
Artist. And I graduated from high school with flying colours. fine arts in Paris. For what? To paint signs here?!

The noise of an approaching train. The conductor appears on the left, apparently, he jumped off the footboard of the car.

Conductor (announces drawlingly). Gullen!
First. Passenger from Kaffigen.

The passenger passes by those sitting on the bench and hides behind the door with the inscription: "Men's".

Second. Bailiff.
Third. Came to describe the furniture in the town hall.
Fourth. Politically, we, too, are worthless now.
Stationmaster (raising the flag). Departure!

A burgomaster, a teacher, a priest and Ill appear from the town - a man of about sixty-five. All of them look shabby.

Burgomaster The honored guest will arrive at one thirteen by mail from Kalberstadt.
Teacher. A mixed choir and a children's ensemble will perform in her honor.
Priest. The fire bell will ring. It hasn't been posted yet.
Burgomaster A brass band will play in the marketplace in honor of the billionaire, and athletes will line up in a pyramid. Then breakfast will be given at the Golden Apostle. Alas! There is no money for the illumination of the cathedral and the town hall...

The bailiff leaves the house.

Bailiff. Good afternoon, mister burgomaster, cordial greetings!
Burgomaster Bailiff Glutz? Why are you here?
Bailiff. Someone else, and you, Mr. Burgomaster, know this. I have a huge job ahead of me. It's no joke - to describe the property of the whole city!
Burgomaster The city had no property left except for an old typewriter.
Bailiff. Have you forgotten, Mr Burgomaster, the Güllen City Museum?
Burgomaster Three years since sold to America. City ticket office is empty. Nobody pays taxes.
Bailiff. This must be found out. The country is prospering, and Güllen, with his "Place in the Sun", has gone around the world.
Burgomaster What an economic puzzle!
First. Masonic conspiracy.
Second. Zhidomasonic!
Third. The machinations of the sharks of capitalism.
Fourth. The communists stretched their tentacles here.

Bell strike.

Bailiff. I'll look for something. I see right through everything. I'm going to check the city cash register. (Exits.)
Burgomaster Better to rob now than after the arrival of the billionaire.

The artist has finished painting the poster.

ill. This is too much, burgomaster. Too familiar. You should have written: "Welcome, Clara Tzakhanassian."
First. But we always called her Clerchen.
Second. Clerchen Wesher.
Third. She grew up here.
Fourth. Her father built it here.
Artist. I'll write on the back: "Welcome, Clara Tzakhanassian." And when she sheds a tear, we will turn the poster face.
Second. Courier "Birzhevik", Zurich-Hamburg.

Another express passes from right to left.

Third. Minute to minute. You can check the clock.
Fourth. Go ahead! Who of us has a watch left?
Burgomaster Gentlemen, the millionaire is our last hope.
Priest. Apart from the Lord God.
Burgomaster Yes, except for the Lord God.
Teacher. But God does not pay money.
Burgomaster You were her close friend, Ill, everything now depends on you.
Priest. Do you think you broke up then? Some rumors have reached me… Do you want to tell your spiritual shepherd anything?
ill. Yes, once we were friends with her ... There is nowhere closer! Young, hot ... I was a guy at least where forty-five years ago. And I can still see her, Clara, coming towards me from a dark barn or running barefoot through the moss and foliage in the Konrad Forest, red hair, and she herself is flexible, slender as a reed, tender ... she was devilishly pretty, like a sorceress! Life separated us, only life, as it always happens.
Burgomaster For my little speech in The Golden Apostle, I need some details about Mrs. Tzahanassian. (Pulls out a notebook from his pocket.)
Teacher. I've found some old cool magazines, but I'm afraid they won't help us. Clara Vescher's grades were, alas, bad. And behavior too. Only in botany and zoology she was tolerably engaged.
Burgomaster (marking in a notebook). Wonderful! Progress in botany and zoology. Wonderful!
ill. Here I can be of service to you. Clara has always stood for justice. To end. Once the police grabbed a ragamuffin, and Clara began to throw stones at the police.
Burgomaster Yep, the need for justice. Not bad. It makes an impression. But the story with the police is better not to remember.
ill. And she had a good heart. He used to give away his last shirt. She stole potatoes to feed a poor widow.
Burgomaster Love of neighbor, gentlemen, must be mentioned. It is most important. Do you remember any building that her father built? This would greatly embellish my speech.
All. Who will remember it?
Burgomaster (hiding the notebook in his pocket). Here you go. I'm probably ready. The rest is Ill's business.
ill. Clear. We will try to make Tsakhanassian shake her millionaires here.
Burgomaster Yes, millions - that's what we desperately need.
Teacher. She will not get rid of us with one manger.
Burgomaster Dear Ill, you are the most popular face in Gyllen. The term of my election ends in the spring, and I have already reached an agreement with the opposition. You are the person whom our city would like to see as its future head, my successor.
ill. Have mercy, mister burgomaster...
Teacher. I can confirm this...
ill. Get to work, gentlemen! First of all, I want to tell Clara about our plight.
Priest. Just be careful, be careful...
ill. We must act wisely, take into account psychology. Failed meeting, and everything will go down the drain. Neither the brass band nor the choir will help!
Burgomaster Ill is right. All this is very important. Mrs. Tsakhanassian enters the native land, so to speak, under the father's roof. She is touched and through tears recognizes old, true friends. Of course, I will meet her not in such a shabby dress, but in a smart black suit, in a top hat, arm in arm with my wife, and both my granddaughters will come forward in white, with roses in their hands. My God, if only it didn’t jam anywhere!

Bell strike.

First. Courier "Furious Roland".
Second. VeniceStockholm. Eleven twenty seven!
Priest. Eleven twenty seven. We have two more hours, we will have time to take a festive look.
Burgomaster The banner "Welcome, Clara Tzahanassian" will be raised by Kuhn (pointing to the artist) and Hauser (pointing to the fourth). Let the rest wave their hats. Just please don't yell like you did last year when the government commission came. This did not lead to anything: we were never given subsidies. Excessive enthusiasm is inappropriate - we need deep, restrained joy, tears of tenderness at the sight of Güllen's newly found daughter, who has returned to her father's shelter! Be direct, friendly, but everything must go according to schedule: as soon as the choir finishes singing, the fire bell will ring. First of all, keep in mind…

The noise of an approaching train drowns out the burgomaster's words. Screech of brakes. Everyone is shocked.
The five people sitting on the bench jump up.

Artist. Furious Roland!
First. Has stopped!
Second. In Gullen!
Third. In the worst...
Fourth. In the worst...
First. In the most miserable little town on the Venice-Stockholm line...
Station manager. End of the world! "Furious Roland" as a spirit arose from the bend at Leitenau and hid like lightning in the Pyukenried valley!

On the right appears Clara Tsakhanassian, she is sixty-two years old, she has red hair, a pearl necklace, gold bracelets of incredible sizes, she is dressed unbearably provocatively, but it is thanks to this extravagance that it is clear that she is a secular lady. Behind her follows the retinue: the butler Bobi, about eighty, in black glasses, and the seventh husband - tall, slender, with a black mustache; he is armed with a plate-like assortment of fishing gear. The retinue is followed by an angry head of the train in a red hat, with a red bag.

Clara Tzakhanassian. Is that Gulen?
Train leader. You stopped the train, ma'am!
Clara Tzakhanassian. I always stop trains.
Train leader. I protest! Categorically! Trains in our country do not stop, even when necessary. Precise train movement is our principle! I ask you to give an explanation.
Clara Tzakhanassian. Here we are in Gullen, Moby. I recognize this dark hole. Look, over there is Konrad's forest and stream, where you can catch trout and pike, and to the right is the roof of Peter's barn ...
Ill (as if waking up). Clara!
Teacher. Tsakhanasyan herself...
All. Tsakhanasyan herself...
Teacher. And the choir hasn't gathered yet!
Burgomaster Gymnasts! Firefighters!
Priest. Where is the sexton?
Burgomaster My God, and my suit, my top hat, my granddaughters...
First. Clerchen Wesher! It's Clerchen Wescher! (Jumps up and rushes into town.)
Burgomaster (following). Don't forget to tell my wife...
Train leader. I'm waiting for your explanation. On duty. On behalf of the railroad board.
Clara Tzakhanassian. Cudgel! I wanted to see this city. What do you think, should I jump from a courier on the go?
Train leader. Did you stop Raging Roland just to look at Gullen? (Hardly restrains indignation.)
Clara Tzakhanassian. Certainly.
Train leader. Madam! If you wanted to call on Güllen, please, at twelve forty, the mail from Kalberstadt is at your service. For all citizens. Arrives in Gullen at one thirteen.
Clara Tzakhanassian. Postal, which stands at all stations? Do you want me to spend an extra hour shaking on the train?

Friedrich Dürrenmatt is a well-known Swiss German-speaking playwright, prose writer and publicist. He is a laureate of many literary awards: Molière, Schiller, Austrian State Prize.

short biography

This one was born great person January 5, 1921 in the village of Konolfingen, near the canton of Bern. Three years later, the youngest daughter Vronya appears in the family. Due to a financial crisis in 1935, the family was forced to move to Bern.
Friedrich's father was a rural pastor. In this regard, the boy was brought up very strictly, which protected him from the society of his peers. Perhaps this influenced the development of his talents: from an early age he began to draw and write. For all his works, he created illustrations with his own hands.

In 1935, Friedrich entered the Free Gymnasium in Bern, but later transferred to the Humboldtianum. Teachers often complained about his behavior, he did not have success in his studies. Friedrich himself later said that the years of study for him were the most unpleasant time in his life.

After graduating from the Humboldtianum, he entered the University of Zurich, but soon transferred to the University of Bern. However, in 1943 he dropped out of school and went directly to literature.

creative fruits

Two years after the beginning of his creative career, the first play "For it is said" was released. It was staged at the theater in 1947, but did not make much of a splash. However, the creation of this theatrical production was fateful for Friedrich. He met actress Lottie Geissler, they soon got married and moved to Ligerz. Since the husband is the head, in a family with five children, a matter of material nature has become.

Successful work

He did not cease to engage in creativity, and the second play "Romulus the Great" brought him a long-awaited success.

The third play, The Marriage of Mr. Mississippi, brought him fame. After staging these creations, Friedrich Dürrenmatt was recognized as a playwright on a national scale.

In addition to fame and popularity, he practically got rid of financial problems: up to beautiful life it was still far away, but it was not necessary to count pennies to buy food for his wife and five children.

own style

By that time, he found himself in dramaturgy, decided on his own style and issues in his works: the playwright was best able to reveal the themes of human impotence and opposition to the cruel world. His creations were never easy to read or view, they were always filled with meaning and difficult for psychological perception. At that moment, the future immortal creation (no longer a summary of The Visit of the Old Lady, but a full-fledged tragicomedy) was being prepared for staging on stage.

Triumph

The play “The Visit of the Old Lady” is phenomenal (a summary is indicated in this article). The description of the main themes of mankind brought the author worldwide fame. In his creation, the author touched upon the problematic issues of all time: loyalty, honesty, revenge, power, love and passion for money.

F. Dürrenmatt, "The Visit of the Old Lady". Summary

Despite the fact that the play is psychologically difficult, many people re-read this creation more than once. I would like to note that even the brief content of "The Visit of the Old Lady" intrigues, shocks and awakens the desire to watch the performance on the big stage.

The action takes place in the 20th century. small town Gullene. The city decides to visit the former resident Clara Tsakhanasyan, nee - Vesher. At that time, she is an elderly millionaire. Once industrial city now is on the verge of poverty: plants and factories are standing, residents are going crazy from lack of money. Upon learning of Clara's arrival, everyone hoped that she would give money as a gift for the prosperity of the city. The grocer Ill, with whom Clara had previously had an affair, was offered to push her to this decision.

The spectacular appearance of Clara made all the inhabitants of Güllen shudder. Trains do not stop in this town. Therefore, in order to get out, she had to break the stopcock. Seeing her appearing surrounded by a whole retinue, the residents gasped. The once-young Clara Vescher was followed by her seventh husband, two large men carrying her train, a butler, maids, and two blind men, Kobi and Lobi. Appearance ladies also shocked: instead of right hand and her left leg had innovative prostheses. She lost her limbs in a plane and car accident. The luggage that was carried behind her consisted of countless suitcases, a coffin and a cage with a black leopard. Passing by a policeman, she asked if he knew how to turn a blind eye to what was happening in the city. Clara also asked the priest if he forgives the sins of those sentenced to death. The Holy Father, in turn, replied that the death penalty was abolished. The main character said that she would have to be reintroduced. Witnesses of this dialogue remained in complete bewilderment.

Ill decided to take the former lover to the places of their stormy love, to resolve the issue through the surging memories. Ill later married Mathilde Blumhard, a wealthy dairy heiress, and Clara married Zahanassian's millions. After love memories, Ill admitted that he always dreamed of returning long-past feelings, between which he asks his beloved to help the city with money.

Upon returning from a nostalgic trip at a gala dinner hosted by the local head, Clara announces that she will donate a billion to Gullen: five hundred million to restore the city, another five hundred will be divided among the residents, but on condition that they do justice.

After this statement, she asks her butler to come out to the people. It turned out to be the former judge Güllen, whom everyone recognized. It reminds people of a lawsuit that took place 45 years ago. Then Clara Vesher was expecting a child from Ill, and he, in his defense, brought two drunkards who, for a bottle of alcohol, testified that they also slept with Clara, and paternity is not confirmed. After that, young Clara was expelled from the city in disgrace. She ended up in a brothel, and the newborn girl was sent to an orphanage, where she died a year later.

For the girl, it was a great tragedy, after which she vowed to herself to return to the city and take revenge. After marriage, the first thing Clara ordered the thugs to find false witnesses in her case and blind them. Since then, Lobi and Kobi live next to her.

After the announcement of this story, the lady stated that Güllen would receive a billion if someone killed Ill. The priest replied that none of the townspeople could be the executioner, but Clara said that she had time to wait.

climax

Ill began to notice that most of the inhabitants began to receive new things, they began to buy expensive products. He tried not to take what was happening to heart, but soon a sense of hopelessness from imminent death took possession of him.

Meanwhile, Clara plays another wedding with a young actor, the townspeople have fun at the feasts. The people gradually forget about begging, the industrial enterprises of the city resume their work one by one. The burgomaster, unable to bear everything that is happening, asks Illa to commit suicide and give the city a chance to live a normal life. The elderly grocer refuses, but Illa finishes off the last event. The black leopard, which she brought with her, ran away from the millionaire. In her youth, Clara referred to Illa as "her black leopard". Soon the leopard is caught in the forests and killed. The former lover finally came to terms with his own death. At the town meeting, all the residents unanimously vote for the execution of the man.

After the meeting, Clara approached Ill and said that she still loves him, but this love is like a monster inside her. After that, the brave townspeople deprive the grocer of his life. The wealthy old lady kept her promise: the money was given to the city and the people. Leaving the city, Clara takes the body in a coffin and takes it to an estate by the sea, where she places it in a mausoleum.

Brief analysis of the play

The essence of tragicomedy is closely connected with the people of our day. Many of the crimes that take place in real life, are similar to a play: someone simply moves away from the problem, someone takes a "moral" point of view, and in the end everyone becomes accomplices, since no one tried to help and solve the illegal situation. The work speaks not only about the very fact of the murder, but also about secondary factors: the temptation for which the townspeople went for it. The author showed what influence money has, and how it can change even a priest and a policeman.

Dürrenmatt also made us think about our actions so that our own "old lady" does not come into everyone's life. An analysis and summary of Dürrenmatt's "Visit of an Old Lady" shows that the topics covered in the 1955 play are relevant to this day.

Stage staging

A brief retelling of the content of "The Visit of the Old Lady" is delightful. Undoubtedly, this is a brilliant play that touches on the pressing problems of people of that time and our days. For the first time, a summary of the performance "The Visit of the Old Lady" in Moscow was presented by director Ilan Ronen. The hall of the Maly Theater was filled with countless spectators, it was possible to buy tickets only a few months before the performance. The Maly Theater has not seen such a full house for a long time. The Swiss writer Dürrenmatt, even in summary"The Visit of the Old Lady" was able to intrigue millions of people, and the full-fledged play left the audience in a wild delight.

The action takes place in the provincial Swiss royal town of Güllen in the 50s. 20th century The old multi-million-li-o-nersha Clara Tsaha-nassian, nee Vesher, a former resident of Güllen, arrives in the town. Once upon a time, several industrial enterprises worked in the town, but one after another they went bankrupt, and the town fell into complete disrepair, and its inhabitants became impoverished. The inhabitants of Güllen have high hopes for Clara's arrival. They expect that she will leave hometown a few million to upgrade it. “Educate-ba-you-vat” a guest, awaken in her nostalgia for the old days spent by her in Gyllen, the inhabitants of the city trust the six-de-sya-ti-year-old tank-leaker Ill with whom Clara had an affair in her youth.

In order to get off in a city in which trains rarely stop, Clara breaks off the stop crane and appears in front of the inhabitants, surrounded by a whole retinue of her close associates, consisting of her the seventh husband, the palace-whom, two thugs, all the time chewing gum and carrying her palanquin, maids and two blind men Kobi and Lobi. She is missing her left leg, which she lost in the auto-ka-ta-strophe, and her right arm, which she lost in the air-ka-ta-strophe. Both of these body parts are replaced by first-class prostheses. It is followed by luggage, consisting of a huge number of suitcases, a cage with a black leopard and a coffin. Clara shows interest in the policeman, curiously wondering if he can turn a blind eye to what is happening in the city, and in the priest, asking him if he lets go sins condemned to death. To his answer that in the country the death penalty canceled, Clara expresses the opinion that she will probably have to be brought in again, which plunges the inhabitants of Güllen into bewilderment.

Clara decides, together with Ill, to go around all those places where their passion once boiled: Peter's barn, Konrad's forest. Here they kissed and loved each other, and then Ill married Matilda Blumhard, more precisely, in her dairy shop, and Clara married Tzach-nassian, for his billions. He found her in a Hamburg brothel. Clara smokes. Ill dreams of the return of bygone days and asks Clara to help her native city materially, which she promises to do.

They return from the forest to the city. At a festive dinner hosted by the mayor, Clara announces that she will give Güllen a billion: five hundred million to the city and five hundred million will be divided equally among all the inhabitants, but on one condition - on the condition of decisions of the justice-judge.

She asks her palace-whom to come forward, and the inhabitants recognize him as district judge Hofer, who forty-five years ago was the judge of the city of Güllen. He reminds them of the lawsuit that took place in those days, Clara Vesher, as Mrs. Tsakha-nassian was called before her marriage, was expecting a child from Ill. However, he brought to court two false witnesses who, for a liter of vodka, showed that they also slept with Clara, so supposedly Illa is not necessarily the father of the child expected by Clara. Klara was expelled from the city, she ended up in a brothel, and the child, a girl born to her, died a year after birth in the arms of strangers, in an orphanage, in which, according to the law, she was placed.

Then Clara swore that someday she would return to Güllen and avenge herself. Having become rich, she ordered to find those false-de-de-tels who, according to them, were her lovers, and ordered her thugs to sharp-drink and blind-drink them. Since then, they have lived next to her.

Clara demands that, finally, justice be done. She promises that the city will get a billion if anyone kills Ill. The burgo-master, with dignity, on behalf of all the townspeople, declares that the inhabitants of Güllen are Christians and, in the name of humanism, reject her proposal. Better to be beggars than pala-chami. Clara assures that she is ready to wait.

In the Golden Apostle hotel, in a separate room, there is a coffin brought by Clara. Every day her thugs carry more and more mourning wreaths and bouquets from the station to the hotel.

Two women enter Illa's shop and ask to be sold milk, butter, white bread and chocolate. They never allowed themselves such a luxury. And they want to get all this on credit. The next buyers are asked to give them cognac and the best tobacco, and also on credit. Ill begins to see clearly and, terribly worried, asks how they are all going to pay.

Meanwhile, a black leopard escapes from Clara's cage, who has already managed to change her seventh husband for an eighth, movie actor. I must say that in her youth, Illa she also called "her black leopard." All residents of Güllen take precautionary measures and walk around the city with weapons. The atmosphere in the city is naka-la-et. Ill feels cornered. He goes to the policeman, to the burgo-master, to the priest and asks them to protect him, and to arrest Clara Tsakha-nassian for inciting to murder. All three advise him not to take what happened to heart, because none of the residents took the proposal of the milli-ar-dershi seriously and is not going to kill him. Ill, however, notices that the policeman is also wearing new boots and has a gold tooth in his mouth. The burgo-meister flaunts himself in a new tie. Further - more: the city-dwellers begin to buy washing machines, TV-visors, auto-mo-beats for themselves. Ill senses where things are going and wants to leave by train. He is escorted to the station by a crowd of seemingly kind-hearted citizens. Ill, however, does not dare to enter the train, because he is afraid that as soon as he is in the car, one of them will immediately grab him. The black leopard is finally being shot down.

Clara is visited by a city doctor and a school teacher. They inform her that the city is in a critical situation, because their fellow citizens have bought too much for themselves, and now the hour of reckoning has come. They ask for loans in order to resume the activities of the city's enterprises. They offer her to buy them, to develop iron ore deposits in the Konradov forest, to extract oil in the Pyukenried valley. It is better to invest millions at interest in a businesslike way than to throw away a whole billion. Clara reports that the city has long been entirely hers. She only wants to avenge that red-haired girl who shivered from the cold when the inhabitants drove her out of the city and laughed after her.

The townspeople, meanwhile, have fun at Clara's weddings, which she arranges one after the other, alternating them with marriage-diving processes. They take on a more and more lively and elegant look. The public opinion of the warehouse is not in favor of Ill. Burgo-Mister talks with Ill and asks him, as a decent person, to commit suicide with his own hands and remove the sin from the townspeople. Ill refuse to do it. However, with the inevitability of his fate, he seems to have almost come to terms. At a meeting of the city community, the townspeople unanimously decide to put an end to Ill.

Before the meeting, Ill talks with Clara, who admits that she still loves him, but this love, like herself, has turned into a petrified miracle creature. She is going to take his body to the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, where she has an estate, and place it in a mausoleum. That same evening, after the meeting, the men surround Ill and take his life, assuring that they are doing it only in the name of the triumph of justice, and not out of self-interest. Clara writes out a check to the burgo-mistress and, to the admiring and laudatory exclamations of the townspeople, leaves Güllen, where the factory chimneys are already smoking with might and main, new houses are being built, life is in full swing everywhere.

STEP ONE

First, the sound of the station bell is heard, then the curtain rises and a plaque with the inscription: “Güllen” opens.

This is the name of a provincial, impoverished town, the outlines of which are barely visible in the depths. The station also fell into disrepair - a tattered timetable is on the wall, behind the door with the inscription: "No entry" - a rusty selector.

In the middle of the stage is a wretched railway station street, fenced off or not fenced off from the platform. But both the street and the prospect of the town in the depths are only barely outlined. On the left is a small house without windows, under a tiled roof; its walls are plastered with faded posters. On the left is the inscription - "Female", on the right - "Male". All this is illuminated by the still bright autumn sun.

Between the women's and men's restrooms is a bench on which four men are sitting. A fifth, dressed just as shabby as the rest, writes in red paint on a large cloth: "Welcome, Clerchen." The noise of the express rushing by is growing. The stationmaster raises the flag, letting the train pass. Those sitting on the bench turn their heads from left to right, seeing off the train.

First. Express Gudrun, Hamburg-Naples.

Second. And at eleven twenty-seven, the Furious Roland, Venice-Stockholm, will take place.

Third. That's what's left in life - to watch the trains go by.

Fourth. And five years ago, both the Gudrun and the Furious Roland stopped at Gullen. And "Diplomat", and "Lorelei" ... All the famous trains stopped in Güllen.

First. World Trains!

Second. And now the post office is passing by. Only two stop: from Kaffigen and the one that arrives at one thirteen from Kalberstadt.

Third. Yes, it all went down the drain.

Fourth. So the Wagner firm collapsed.

First. Bokman went bankrupt.

Second. And the company "Place in the Sun" is also locked up.

Third. What do we have left? Unemployment benefit.

Fourth. And a free plate of soup.

First. Is this life?!

Second. What keeps the soul...

Third. One foot in the coffin.

Fourth. Just like our entire city.

Bell strike.

Second. Just right for the billionaire to come. They heard that she built a hospital in Kalberstadt.

Third. Yes, yes, but in Kaffigen there is a nursery. A cathedral was rebuilt in the capital.

Artist. And Mazile Zimt ordered a portrait. Is he a naturalist?

First. What is she worth with her money. Having all the Ararat oil, the railways of the West, the radio stations of the North and all the hangouts of Hong Kong.

The noise of an approaching train. The stationmaster raises his flag to let him through. The four on the bench are watching the departing train.

Fourth. Express Diplomat.

Third. Yes, once we were a cultural city.

Second. One of the best in the country.

First. Europe!

Fourth. Goethe spent the whole night here. At the Golden Apostle Hotel.

Third. Brahms created his own quartet with us.

Bell strike.

Second. Berthold Schwartz invented gunpowder!

Artist. I graduated with honors from the School of Fine Arts in Paris. For what? To paint signs here?!

The noise of an approaching train. The conductor appears on the left, apparently, he jumped off the footboard of the car.

Conductor(announces drawlingly). Gullen!

First. Passenger from Kaffigen.

The passenger passes by those sitting on the bench and hides behind the door with the inscription: "Men's".

Second. Bailiff.

Third. Came to describe the furniture in the town hall.

Fourth. Politically, we, too, are worthless now.

station master(raising flag). Departure!

A burgomaster, a teacher, a priest and Ill appear from the town - a man of about sixty-five. All of them look shabby.

Burgomaster. The honored guest will arrive at one thirteen by mail from Kalberstadt.

Teacher. A mixed choir and a children's ensemble will perform in her honor.

Priest. The fire bell will ring. It hasn't been posted yet.

Burgomaster. A brass band will play in the marketplace in honor of the billionaire, and athletes will line up in a pyramid. Then breakfast will be given at the Golden Apostle. Alas! There is no money for the illumination of the cathedral and the town hall...

The bailiff leaves the house.

bailiff. Good afternoon, mister burgomaster, cordial greetings!

Burgomaster. Bailiff Glutz? Why are you here?

bailiff. Someone already, and you, Mr. Burgomaster, know this. I have a huge job ahead of me. It's no joke - to describe the property of the whole city!

Burgomaster. The city had no property left except for an old typewriter.

bailiff. Have you forgotten, Mr Burgomaster, the Güllen City Museum?

Burgomaster. Three years since sold to America. City ticket office is empty. Nobody pays taxes.

bailiff. This must be found out. The country is prospering, and Güllen, with his "Place in the Sun", has gone around the world.

Burgomaster. This is some kind of economic puzzle!

First. Masonic conspiracy.

Second. Jewish Masonic!

Third. The machinations of the sharks of capitalism.

Fourth. The communists stretched their tentacles here.

Bell strike.

bailiff. I'll look for something. I see right through everything. I'm going to check the city cash register. (Exits.)

Burgomaster. Better to rob now than after the arrival of the billionaire.

The artist has finished painting the poster.

Ill. This is too much, burgomaster. Too familiar. You should have written: "Welcome, Clara Tzakhanassian."

First. But we always called her Clerchen.

Second. Clerchen Wesher.

Third. She grew up here.

Fourth. Her father built it here.

Artist. I'll write on the back: "Welcome, Clara Tzakhanassian." And when she sheds a tear, we will turn the poster face.

Second. Courier "Birzhevik", Zurich-Hamburg.

Another express passes from right to left.

Third. Minute to minute. You can check the clock.

Fourth. Go ahead! Who of us has a watch left?

Burgomaster. Gentlemen, the millionaire is our last hope.

Priest. Apart from the Lord God.

Burgomaster. Yes, except for the Lord God.

Teacher. But God does not pay money.

Burgomaster. You were her close friend, Ill, everything now depends on you.

Priest. Do you think you broke up then? Some rumors have reached me… Do you want to tell your spiritual shepherd anything?

Ill. Yes, once we were friends with her ... There is nowhere closer! Young, hot ... I was a guy at least where forty-five years ago. And I can still see her, Clara, coming towards me from a dark barn or running barefoot through the moss and foliage in the Konrad Forest, red hair, and she herself is flexible, slender as a reed, tender ... she was devilishly pretty, like a sorceress! Life separated us, only life, as it always happens.

Burgomaster. For my little speech in The Golden Apostle, I need some details about Mrs. Tzahanassian. (Pulls out a notebook from his pocket.)

Teacher. I've found some old cool magazines, but I'm afraid they won't help us. Clara Vescher's grades were, alas, bad. And behavior too. Only in botany and zoology she was tolerably engaged.

Burgomaster(marking in notepad). Wonderful! Progress in botany and zoology. Wonderful!

Ill. Here I can be of service to you. Clara has always stood for justice. To end. Once the police grabbed a ragamuffin, and Clara began to throw stones at the police.

Burgomaster. Yep, the need for justice. Not bad. It makes an impression. But the story with the police is better not to remember.

Ill. And she had a good heart. He used to give away his last shirt. She stole potatoes to feed a poor widow.

Burgomaster. Love of neighbor, gentlemen, must be mentioned. It is most important. Do you remember any building that her father built? This would greatly embellish my speech.

All. Who will remember it?

Burgomaster(hides notebook in pocket). Here you go. I'm probably ready. The rest is Ill's business.

Ill. Clear. We will try to make Tsakhanassian shake her millionaires here.

Burgomaster. Yes, millions - that's what we desperately need.

Teacher. She will not get rid of us with one manger.

Burgomaster. Dear Ill, you are the most popular face in Gyllen. The term of my election ends in the spring, and I have already reached an agreement with the opposition. You are the person whom our city would like to see as its future head, my successor.

Ill. Have mercy, mister burgomaster...

Teacher. I can confirm this...

Ill. Get to work, gentlemen! First of all, I want to tell Clara about our plight.

Priest. Just be careful, be careful...

Ill. We must act wisely, take into account psychology. Failed meeting, and everything will go down the drain. Neither the brass band nor the choir will help!

Burgomaster. Ill is right. All this is very important. Mrs. Tsakhanassian enters her native land, so to speak, under her father's roof. She is touched and through tears recognizes old, true friends. Of course, I will meet her not in such a shabby dress, but in a smart black suit, in a top hat, arm in arm with my wife, and both my granddaughters will come forward in white, with roses in their hands. My God, if only it didn’t jam anywhere!

Bell strike.

First. Courier "Furious Roland".

Second. Venice-Stockholm. Eleven twenty seven!

Priest. Eleven twenty seven. We have two more hours, we will have time to take a festive look.

Burgomaster. Banner "Welcome Clara Tzahanassian" will be raised by Kyun (points to the artist) and Houser (points to the fourth). Let the rest wave their hats. Just please don't yell like you did last year when the government commission came. This did not lead to anything: we were never given subsidies. Excessive enthusiasm is inappropriate - we need deep, restrained joy, tears of tenderness at the sight of Güllen's newly found daughter, who has returned to her father's shelter! Be direct, friendly, but everything must go according to schedule: as soon as the choir finishes singing, the fire bell will ring. First of all, keep in mind…

The noise of an approaching train drowns out the burgomaster's words. Screech of brakes. Everyone is shocked.

The five people sitting on the bench jump up.

Artist. Furious Roland!

First. Has stopped!

Second. In Gullen!

Third. In the worst...

Fourth. In the worst...

First. In the most miserable little town on the Venice-Stockholm line...

station master. End of the world! "Furious Roland" as a spirit arose from around the bend at Leitenau and hid like lightning in the Pyukenried valley!

Clara Tzahanassian. Is that Gulen?

train master. You stopped the train, ma'am!

Clara Tzahanassian. I always stop trains.

train master. I protest! Categorically! Trains in our country do not stop, even when necessary. Precise train movement is our principle! I ask you to give an explanation.

Clara Tzahanassian. Here we are in Gullen, Moby. I recognize this dark hole. Look, over there is Konrad's forest and stream, where you can catch trout and pike, and to the right is the roof of Peter's barn ...

Ill(like waking up). Clara!

Teacher. Tsakhanasyan herself...

All. Tsakhanasyan herself...

Teacher. And the choir hasn't gathered yet!

Burgomaster. Gymnasts! Firefighters!

Priest. Where is the sexton?

Burgomaster. My God, and my suit, my top hat, my granddaughters...

First. Clerchen Wesher! It's Clerchen Wescher! (Jumps up and rushes into town.)

Burgomaster(after). Don't forget to tell my wife...

train master. I'm waiting for your explanation. On duty. On behalf of the railroad board.

Clara Tzahanassian. Cudgel! I wanted to see this city. What do you think, should I jump from the courier on the go?

train master. Did you stop Raging Roland just to look at Gullen? (Hardly restrains indignation.)

Clara Tzahanassian. Certainly.

train master. Madam! If you wanted to call on Güllen, please, at twelve forty, the mail from Kalberstadt is at your service. For all citizens. Arrives in Gullen at one thirteen.

Clara Tzahanassian. Postal, which stands at all stations? Do you want me to spend an extra hour shaking on the train?

train master. It will cost you dearly, sir.

Clara Tzahanassian. Give him a thousand, Bobby.

All(whispers). A thousand...

The butler gives the head of the train a thousand.

train master(dazed). Madam!

Clara Tzahanassian. And three thousand to help the widows of railroad workers.

All(whispers). Three thousand…

The head of the train receives three thousand from the butler.

train master(confused). But we have no such fund, ma'am.

Clara Tzahanassian. No - it will.

The burgomaster whispers something in the ear of the head of the train.

train master(in confusion). How! Are you Clara Tzakhanassyan? Sorry! This fundamentally changes things. We ourselves would stop at Güllen if we had the slightest idea... Take your money, ma'am. Here are four thousand... My God!

All(whispers). Four thousand!

Clara Tzahanassian. Leave this little thing to yourself.

All(whispers). Leave? A trifle?

train master. Do you wish, ma'am, that Roland Furious wait while you inspect Gullen? The board of the road will gladly agree to this. The local cathedral deserves attention. IN gothic style. The portal depicts the Last Judgment.

Clara Tzahanassian. Come on, get out of here with your express.

seventh husband(tearfully). But the representatives of the press, mouse, are still there. They suspect nothing and sit in the dining car.

Clara Tzahanassian. Get some reinforcements, Moby. At first, I don't need them in Gullen, but then they will find us themselves.

The second managed to bring a coat to the burgomaster. Putting it on, the burgomaster solemnly approaches Clara Tzakhanassian.

The artist and a fourth hold up a banner "Welcome, Clara Tzahana...". The surname of the artist did not have time to finish.

station master(raises flag). Departure!

train master. Ah, madam, I beg you, do not complain to my superiors. It was pure misunderstanding...

The train is moving. The head of the train jumps onto the platform.

Burgomaster. Dear Gracious Empress! I have the honor, as burgomaster of the city of Güllen, to greet you, our highly respected gracious empress, the daughter of our native city ...

The noise of the departing train drowns out the continuation of his speech.

Clara Tzahanassian. Thank you, Mr Burgomaster, for the excellent speech. (She walks over to Ill, who takes an embarrassed step towards her.)

Ill. Clara!

Clara Tzahanassian. Alfred!

Ill. It's good to have you here...

Clara Tzahanassian. I always wanted to return. All my life, since the day I left here.

Ill(unsure). Well done…

Clara Tzahanassian. Did you remember me?

Ill. Certainly. Always. You know.

Clara Tzahanassian. Happy Days We were with you...

Ill(proudly). Still would! (To the teacher.) You see, mister teacher, I have it in my hands.

Clara Tzahanassian. Call me the way you used to call me.

Ill. My wild cat.

Clara Tzahanassian(purrs like an old cat). How else?

Ill. My witch.

Clara Tzahanassian. And I called you - my black leopard.

Ill. I stayed with them.

Clara Tzahanassian. Nonsense! You got fat, turned gray, drank ...

Ill. And you are still the same: a witch!

Clara Tzahanassian. What you! I am also old and fat. She also lost her left leg. In a car accident. Now I only ride courier. But my prosthesis is first-class, huh? (Raises her skirt and shows her left leg.) Moves like it's alive.

Ill(wiping sweat). Never would have thought...

Clara Tzahanassian. Allow me, Alfred, to introduce you to my seventh husband. He has tobacco plantations. This is a very happy marriage.

Ill. I would be glad to meet him.

Clara Tzahanassian. Come, Moby, say hello. True, his name is Pedro, but Moby sounds prettier. And more suited to Boby - that's what I call my butler. After all, you take a butler for life, so you have to adapt your husbands to him.

The seventh husband bows.

Is he really cute? And what black mustaches! Come on, think about it, Moby!

The seventh husband thinks.

Stronger! Stronger!

The seventh husband furrows his forehead more strongly.

seventh husband. I can't get any stronger, mouse, honestly I can't.

Clara Tzahanassian. No you can! Do your best.

The seventh husband furrows his brow even more. Bell strike.

See, it's out now. Isn't there something demonic about him, Alfred? Even looks like a Brazilian. But this is nonsense. He is Orthodox. His father was Russian. The priest married us. That was interesting. Now I want to look at Gullen. (Looks through the jeweled lorgnette to the house on the left.) Look, Moby, this toilet was built by my father. Good, good work. As a kid, I used to sit here on the roof for hours and spit down. But only for men.

A mixed choir and a children's ensemble gather in the background.

The teacher with a cylinder in his hands steps forward.

Teacher. Madam! As the director of the Güllen gymnasium and a devoted admirer of the divine mistress of music, I humbly request permission to perform a modest song in honor of your arrival with the help of a mixed choir and children's ensemble.

Clara Tzahanassian. Well, go ahead, teacher, your modest song.

The teacher picks up the tuning fork, the choir begins to sing, but at that moment the roar of an approaching train is heard. The stationmaster is standing with a raised flag. The choir tries in vain to shout over the noise of the train.

The teacher is desperate. Finally the train passes by.

Burgomaster(in desperation). Fire bell! After all, the fire bell should have struck!

Clara Tzahanassian. Güllenians sang well! Especially the bass, that fair-haired one on the left, with a big Adam's apple ...

A policeman sneaks in from behind the choristers. Stretches out in front of Clara Tzahanassian.

Police officer. Sergeant Hanke has arrived at your disposal, ma'am.

Clara Tzahanassian(looking at him). Thank you. I'm not going to put anyone behind bars. But Gullen will probably need you soon. Do you know how to close your eyes?

Police officer. Still, sir. It would be nice if I were here in Gullen otherwise.

Clara Tzahanassian. Good quality. You will need it.

The policeman is confused.

Ill(laughs). Hey Clara! Hey witch! (Slaps his thighs in delight.)

The burgomaster puts on the teacher's top hat, which he quietly passes to him, and leads his granddaughters, seven-year-old blond girls, forward.

Burgomaster. My granddaughters, madam: Termina and Adolphina. The only thing missing is a wife. (Wipes sweat.)

The granddaughters make curtseys and present Clara Tsakhanassian with red roses.

Clara Tzahanassian. They are cute, congratulations, burgomaster. Nate!

Klara Tsakhanassian pushes the bouquet to the head of the station. The burgomaster secretly passes the top hat to the priest, who puts it on.

Burgomaster. Our priest, ma'am.

The priest takes off his top hat and bows.

Clara Tzahanassian. Ah, are you a priest? So, it is you who forgive the sins of the dying?

Priest. (surprised). I try my best.

Clara Tzahanassian. What about those sentenced to death?

Priest. (confused). Our country has abolished the death penalty.

Clara Tzahanassian. Might have to put it back in.

The priest is confused. He returns the top hat to the burgomaster, who puts it on.

Ill(laughing). Well, you have jokes, my kitty!

Clara Tzahanassian. Enough, it's time for the city.

The burgomaster offers her his hand.

What are you, in your mind? Am I really going to walk this far on someone else's leg?

Burgomaster(scared). Instantly! Instantly! Our doctor has a car. Mercedes 1932.

Police officer(clicks heels). It will be done, Mr Burgomaster. I will bring the car here immediately.

Clara Tzahanassian. Set aside. After the accident, I move only in a palanquin. Hey, Roby, Toby, over here!

From the left, two thugs appear, chewing gum. These monsters carry a palanquin. One has a guitar behind his back.

These are two gangsters from Manhattan. They were sentenced to death at Sing Sing. But I asked them to let me out so they could carry my palanquin. This request cost me a million dollars a head. And the palanquin is from the Louvre. It was presented to me by the French President. A very kind gentleman, like two drops like his portraits. Robi, Toby, take me to town!

Thugs. Oh yes, ma'am!

Clara Tzahanassian. First to Peter's barn, then to Konrad's forest. I want to visit our favorite places with Alfred. Let them take the luggage and the coffin to the Golden Apostle.

Burgomaster(with surprise). Coffin?

Clara Tzahanassian. I brought a coffin with me. Maybe it'll come in handy. Roby, Toby, live!

The thugs, still chewing gum, carry Clara Zahanassian into the city. The burgomaster gives a sign, and the crowd erupts in cheers, which, however, subside when two servants carry a magnificent black coffin on their way to Güllen. Fire bells are heard.

Burgomaster. Finally! Do you hear? Fire bell!

The crowd follows the coffin. Clara Tzahanassian's maids and the townspeople follow her, carrying countless suitcases.

The policeman regulates the traffic and is about to close the procession, but two short, plump old men come out on the right. They are smartly dressed, holding hands and talking very quietly.

Both. Here we are in Gullen. We breathe, we breathe, we breathe this air, Güllen's air.

Police officer. And who are you?

Both. We are with the lady. We are with a lady ... She calls us Kobi and Lobi.

Police officer. Mrs. Tsakhanassian will be staying at the Golden Apostle Hotel.

Both(funny). And we are blind! And we are blind!

Police officer. Blind? Then I will accompany you.

Both. Thank you mister policeman. Thank you very much.

Police officer(with surprise). If you're blind, how do you know I'm a cop?

Both. According to your conversation. According to your conversation. All police officers in the world speak the same way.

Police officer(suspicious). Although you are decent-looking men, it seems that you have dealt with the police more than once.

Both(with joyful surprise). Men! He takes us for men!

Police officer. Crap! And who are you?

Both. You will understand soon. You will understand soon.

Police officer(with bewilderment). However, I see you are funny!

Both. And we are fed chops and ham. Every day, every day.

Police officer. If I were you, I'd have fun too. Give your hands, I will accompany you. Strange humor these foreigners have... (Goes with them to the city.)

Both. To Bobby and Moby. To Roby and Toby...

Change of scenery with the curtain up. The station and the restroom go upstairs. Hall of the Golden Apostle Hotel. You can lower the emblem of the hotel from above - the gilded figure of the apostle, which will remain hanging in the middle of the stage. You can see traces of its former splendor. Now everything is lopsided, peeling, dirty, dilapidated. An endless procession of servants who bring in a cage and countless suitcases, and then carry them upstairs.

On the right, the burgomaster and the teacher are sitting and drinking vodka.

Burgomaster. Suitcases, we saw how many suitcases! And earlier they carried a cage with a wild beast. This is a black leopard.

Teacher. She rented a separate room specifically for the coffin. Strange.

Burgomaster. Celebrities always have their quirks.

Teacher. It looks like she's been here for a long time.

Burgomaster. All the better. She's in Ill's hands. He called her - "my wild cat, my sorceress." He will extract more than one million from her. Cheers, teacher. For Clara Tzahanassian to revive Bokman's enterprises.

Teacher. And the Wagner factories.

Burgomaster. And the metallurgical firm "Place in the Sun". If only they would earn money, everything would go like clockwork there - the city community, the gymnasium, and our whole life.

They clink glasses.

Teacher. I've gotten used to everything. It is not for nothing that I have been correcting the notebooks of Güllen students for more than twenty years. But what fear is, I understood only an hour ago. When the old lady, all in black, got off the train, I was terrified! I thought: here she is - the parka, the inexorable goddess of fate. And if her name was not Clara, but Clotho, everyone would immediately understand that in her hands are the threads of human lives.

A policeman enters and hangs his helmet on a hanger.

Burgomaster. Sit down, warlord.

Police officer(sitting down). It is not enough to serve in such a hole. But now we're alive. The millionaire and Ill had just been to Peter's barn. That was a touching picture. Both are full of reverence, as in the church. It was uncomfortable even to watch. And when they went to the Konrad Forest, I fell behind. Well, the procession! In front of the palanquin, next to Ill, and behind the valet and the seventh husband with a fishing rod.

Teacher. How many men! She is Laida's hetaera of our days.

Police officer. Plus those two fat guys. The devil himself will break his leg here.

Teacher. Horror! The gates of hell have opened!

Burgomaster. I don’t understand what they lost there in the Konrad Forest?

Police officer. The same as in Peter's shed. They go around the places where their passion once boiled.

Teacher. Unquenchable fire! How can you not remember Shakespeare? Romeo and Juliet. Lord, I'm shocked. Finally, our city has recognized the boiling of ancient passions.

Burgomaster. Well, let's drink to dear Ill, who spares no effort to alleviate our plight. Lord! For our beloved, for the most respected citizen of our city and my future successor!

The emblem of the hotel rises. From the left, four Güllens enter, bringing in a wooden bench without a back. The first one stands on a bench, hanging a large heart cut out of cardboard with the initials "A.K." The rest become a semicircle with branches in their hands - they depict trees.

First. We are now beeches, we are now pines.

Second. We ate with green needles.

Third. We are moss and dense thickets of thorns.

Fourth. Undergrowth and fox holes.

First. We are strings of clouds, we are the chirping of birds.

Second. We are a dense thicket of the forest.

Third. We are fly agaric and shy roe deer.

Fourth. We are the rustle of branches, we are the ghost of an old dream.

Two goons emerge from the depths, non-stop chewing gum; they bring in a palanquin with Clara Tzakhanassian.

Ill is next. Behind him wander the seventh husband and the butler, who leads the hands of two blind men.

Clara Tzahanassian. Here is the Konrad forest. Roby, Toby, stop.

Both are blind. Roby and Toby, stop! Bobby and Moby, stop!

Clara Tzahanassian(leaves palanquin, looks around). Heart, on it are our initials, Alfred! The letters are dry, almost worn out. The tree has grown, it has become thick and old, like you and me... (Moves to other "trees".) Old grove! How long have I been here, since my youth, how long have I not made my way through the branches, not stepped on the dark moss ... Hey, you ruminants, I'm sick of your muzzles. Take a walk with a palanquin there, behind the bushes! And you, Moby, go to the stream, your fish missed you.