CONSULTANT: But first I have to borrow the prime minister for a moment. In connection with this late-breaking news, we have several arrangements to make. Meanwhile, rehearse with his partner.
CONSULTANT and MAN exit.
DIRECTOR: Well, shall we go on with the rehearsal?
WOMAN: To hell with it! (in a low voice) Now do you understand why I want to lie low in Costa Rica?
DIRECTOR: No, I don’t.
WOMAN: What’s not to understand? I’m scared! Aren’t you?
DIRECTOR: Don’t be silly. What do we have to be afraid of?
WOMAN: (softly, with a frightened look around) Hush!
DIRECTOR: (also looks around; he can’t help himself) There’s no one here.
WOMAN: Did you just fall off a cabbage truck? What about the twelve cameras? And the bugs?
DIRECTOR: How do you know?
WOMAN: This isn’t the first time I’ve been in this studio.
DIRECTOR: (peers about uncertainly) You think…
WOMAN: (interrupting) Yes, I think – go figure. I’m a ditz in your mind, but you’re acting even more stupid. You’re glad that you’ll get your fee, but you don’t understand that the astrologer’s Jupiter and Capricorn prediction might concern you too.
DIRECTOR: Why on earth would it? Who am I bothering?
WOMAN: Have you forgotten the old chestnut about the man who knew too much?
DIRECTOR: (worried) I’m assuming I’ll get my fee tomorrow, and then I’ll bug out to the Congo or your beloved Costa Rica.
WOMAN: Do you want to hop a plane together? Right now?
DIRECTOR: And abandon everything? Before my show?
WOMAN: Let it all go to blue blazes.
DIRECTOR: No, I can’t. To have such a superb spectacle all at the ready and then not see it?
WOMAN: It’s your call. Just don’t regret it afterward.
DIRECTOR: You think it’s as serious as all that?
WOMAN: Quiet! (lowers her voice to a whisper) If anybody calls later and questions you on what we‘re talking about now – Costa Rica and all the rest of it – tell them that we were rehearsing.
DIRECTOR: (clearly scared) Maybe we really should make a run for it?
WOMAN: You seemed all set to fly off to somewhere in Africa. Do you have your passport with you?
DIRECTOR: Yes. What about it?
WOMAN: So let’s slip away right now, while she’s not here. Sneak out and head straight for the airport.
DIRECTOR: You like living dangerously.
WOMAN: You’re just seeing my female intuition in action. Are we making a getaway or not?
DIRECTOR: (hesitates; then, with determination) We are!
Grabbing up their belongings (bag, jacket, etc.), DIRECTOR AND WOMAN dash toward the door. CONSULTANT and MAN enter.
CONSULTANT: Where are you going?
WOMAN: (embarrassed) To the powder room.
CONSULTANT: Together?
WOMAN: Why not?
CONSULTANT: Stay and finish the rehearsal. We’re running out of time.
DIRECTOR: I’m actually not feeling very well. Anyway… They’re expecting me on the square, It’s time to start the full rehearsal there. These two can finish up on their own.
CONSULTANT: So go.
DIRECTOR tries to open the door, but it doesn’t budge. He comes back.
Why didn’t you leave? Changed your mind?
DIRECTOR: The door won’t open.
CONSULTANT: Maybe there’s something wrong with the lock.
DIRECTOR: Can’t it be fixed?
CONSULTANT: I don’t know. I’m no expert on locks.
DIRECTOR: But I have to go.
CONSULTANT: Do you know what happens to a passenger who decides to jump off a speeding train?
DIRECTOR: (depressed) Very well. Let’s continue with the rehearsal. Where did we stop?
