Chess Libretto (London Version)

Music by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvarus

Lyrics by Tim Rice

© 1986 by Tim Rice

A NOTE FROM TIM RICE:

There have been so many alterations of Chess during its turbulent history that we are reluctant to present any variation of the work to the public as the definitive one. The version of the show within these pages, is, however, a close approximation to the form of the successful London production of 19861.

Anyone mounting a production of Chess should not be afraid of making cuts or of changing the order of the songs and scenes. In particular, reference to the original recording of the work (RCA CHESS PD 70500) may inspire some alternate approaches to the version presented in this book. Some scenes such as Act I, Scene 2 and “Der

Kleine Franz”2 can be cut entirely without weakening the whole.

I have always felt that, musically at least, the positioning of “The Story of Chess,” used as a prologue in the London stage production, is most effective as the centre piece of “You and I,” as per the original recording. The lyrics of this alternative are included herein3. “Pity the Child” and “Heaven Help My Heart” are two other prominent songs which have left their album berths to no great discernible profit.

The greatest benefit of the short-lived Broadway production of 1988 was the creation of one brand new song, entitled “Someone Else’s Story.” This can be heard on the

Broadway cast recording, with sheet music available from Samuel French Ltd. The lyrics are in this volume as an optional extra. Where to place this song for Florence within the context of the London version is tricky. Provided it is not felt that the first half is being overloaded with ballads, it fits well plot-wise immediately before or immediately after Scene 8 in Act I. Or it could conceivable replace “Nobody’s Side,” which in turn could move to the very end of the show, replacing the short Epilogue—an experiment that worked well when Chess toured the UK after its West End run4.

Whatever sequence of songs and scenes you choose, we wish you well and thank you for your interest. When in real doubt, refer back to the original album—first thoughts are often the best and in many respects I wish we had never changed a note of it!

Tim Rice November 1993 Comments regarding Wig and Buckle’s production:

1

This script is actually largely based on the London production, with elements of the Broadway, Swedish, Australian, and 2008 concert scripts.

2

We are cutting “Der Kleine Franz” per this suggestion, as well as “The Merchandisers” because it has absolutely nothing to do with the plot of the show.

3

We are not using this suggestion, so these alternate lyrics are not included in this script.

4

We are not following any of these suggestions, and instead following the 2008 concert production’s assignment of the song to Svetlana in Act II, Scene 4.

SYNOPSIS OF SCENES AND MUSICAL NUMBERS:

PROLOGUE

1. The Story of Chess SCENE 1

2. Merano/What a Scene, What a Joy

SCENE 2

3. Commie Newspapers 4. Press Conference SCENE 3

5. Anatoly & Molokov 6. Where I Want to Be SCENE 4

7. Dangerous and Difficult Times 8. The Arbiter

9. Hymn to Chess SCENE 5

Chess (Instrumental) 10. The Arbiter (Reprise) 11. A Model of Decorum and

Tranquillity (Quartet) 12. Florence & Molokov SCENE 6 13. 1956—Budapest is Rising 14. Nobody’s Side SCENE 7 15. Mountain Duet SCENE 8

Chess (2nd version, instrumental) SCENE 9

16. Florence Quits

17. Pity the Child (Part I)

SCENE 10

18. Embassy Lament 19. Heaven Help My Heart SCENE 11

20. Anatoly and the Press 21. Anthem

ACT II SCENE 1

22. Golden Bangkok 23. One Night in Bangkok SCENE 2

24. One More Opponent 25. You and I

SCENE 3

26. The Soviet Machine SCENE 4

27. Interview

28. Someone Else’s Story SCENE 5

29. The Deal (No Deal) 30. Pity The Child (Part II) 31. I Know Him So Well SCENE 6

32. Talking Chess SCENE 7

33. Endgame SCENE 8

34. You and I (Reprise) 35. Walter & Florence EPILOGUE

CHARACTERS:

Frederick Trumper, American Grandmaster Florence Vassy, Frederick’s lover/second Anatoly Sergievsky, Russian Grandmaster

Walter de Courcey, head of the American delegation/TV network covering the event Alexander Molokov, head of the Russian delegation

Arbiter

Svetlana Sergievsky

Citizens of Merano, Reporters, Delegates, Civil Servants and various other roles to be played by The Company.

The action takes place in and around the areas of the World Chess Championships in Merano, Italy, and one year later in Bangkok, Thailand.

ACT I

Song 1: “The Story of Chess”

ARBITER

Each game of chess means there's one less Variation left to be played

Each day got through means one or two Less mistakes remain to be made

FULL CHORUS

Each game of chess means there's one less Variation left to be played

Each day got through means one or two Less mistakes remain to be made

MEN

Not much is known

Of early days of chess beyond a fairly vague report

MALE SOLOIST 1

That fifteen hundred years ago two princes fought Though brothers, for a Hindu throne

FEMALE SOLOIST 1

Their mother cried

For no-one really likes their offspring fighting to the death

She begged them stop the slaughter with her every breath

FEMALE SOLOIST 2

But sure enough one brother died

WOMEN

Sad beyond belief

She told her winning son

FEMALE SOLOIST 3

You have caused such grief

I can't forgive this evil thing you've done

MEN

He tried to explain

MALE SOLOIST 2

But he tried in vain

No words of his could mollify the queen

FEMALE SOLOIST 4

And so he asked the wisest men he knew The way to lessen her distress

ARBITER

They told him he'd be pretty certain to impress By using model soldiers on

A chequered board to show it was his brother's fault

FULL CHORUS

They thus invented chess

MEN

Chess displayed no inertia

Soon spread to Persia, then west

WOMEN

Next the Arabs refined it, Thus redesigned, it progressed

MALE SOLOIST 3

Still further yet

And when Constantinople fell in 1453

One would have noticed every other refugee Included in his bags a set

FEMALE SOLOIST 5

Once in the hands

And in the minds of leading figures of the Renaissance

MALE SOLOIST 4

The spirit and the speed of chess made swift advance Through all of Europe's vital lands

FULL CHORUS

Where we must record

The game was further changed Right across the board

The western touch upon the pieces ranged

King and queen and rook And bishop, knight and pawn All took on the look

We know today, the modern game was born

ARBITER

And in the end

We see a game that started by mistake in Hindustan And boosted in the main by what is now Iran

Become the simplest and most complicated Pleasure yet devised

For just the kind of mind

Who would appreciate this well researched And fascinating yarn

The International Chess Federation, of which I have the honour of being president, announces that the next World Championship will take place in Merano, Italy. The current world champion, Frederick Trumper of the United States of America, will defend his title against Anatoly Sergievsky of the Soviet Union. The first player to achieve six victories will be declared champion. The first game will begin on March twenty-seventh, 1979.

ACT I

(Is this The Sound of Music? Tirolean hats, leather pants, yodels and dancing. Snow-capped mountain peaks and icy rivers. Narrow, crowded, colourful streets of shops. Grapes and the benefits of the spa. The MAYOR and CITIZENS are waiting for an important arrival at the station.)

Song 2: “Merano”/”What a Scene, What a Joy!”

MAYOR AND CITIZENS

O light the heart

That lingers in Merano Merano! The spa no

Connoisseur of spas would miss So healthy

Highly recommended Is this sweet metropolis Mental and physical bliss!

The gods have smiled And blessèd is Merano Merano! There are no Fitter burghers to be found Such vigour!

Take the time to taste us

We'll give you a welcome that's typically Tyrol For then we are sure of our ground

Right now we're Italian - we used to be German The border keeps shifting around

MAYOR

Speaking as one of the patriarchs I don't mind taking your lira or marks

CITIZENS

Oh I get high when I saunter by the mountains of Merano

Rosy-cheeked Merano Flourishing to a fault

The sparkling streams, the bracing air The therapeutic salt

I'd have to be carried away to call a halt! Oh I feel great in this bouncing state

O hail to thee Merano Hearty hale Merano Any objections? Nein!

Where breathing in will turn you on Where water tastes like wine

Get up you get up and go and get in line It's living your life in a show by

Rodgers and Hammerstein! O sad the soul

Who passes by Merano Merano! So far no

Soul has ever passed us by They love us

Why not stay forever? Oh so many reason why All those in favour say "Aye" Aye!

So sing our song Let's hear it for Merano Merano! Soprano Alto, tenor, bass agree We're wholesome What a happy haven

This is a place where your arteries soften Cholesterol hasn't a chance

From mountain to valley the natural goodness Is fighting pollution's advance

MAYOR

So come to us and feel the force All major credit cards taken of course

CITIZENS

Once in a while all the gods will smile On little old Merano

Humble shy Merano Suddenly hits the press And I report with all the pride And joy that I possess

Half of the world and his wife Has our address

Our little town will be rife With games of chess!

(A whistling/orchestral interlude during which a train rushes through the station)

Get out your get up and go and get in line It's living your life in a show by

Rodgers and Hammerstein!

(Another train. This one stops. The man more responsible than any other for the enormous interest in a World Chess Championship match, the current world champion, the American FREDERICK TRUMPER, gets off the train and pushes his way through the melee. He brushes aside the official reception. He is flanked by his second/lover

FLORENCE VASSY and two or three other members of his delegation (males) one of whom is also the man who is ostensibly head of the American TV production company covering the event, WALTER DE COURCEY.)

(FREDERICK surveys the town, its people and its visitors with patronising amusement.)

FREDERICK

What a scene! What a joy! What a lovely sight

When my game is the big sensation! Has the mob's sporting taste

Altered overnight?

Have they found new sophistication?

FLORENCE

Not yet! They just want to see If the nice guy beats the bum

FREDERICK

If it's East-West

And the money's sky-high

FLORENCE & FREDERICK

They all come

FREDERICK Florence!

(He takes a photograph of FLORENCE)

FREDERICK

If you raise the roof

Scream and shout and the gate increases Break the rules -- break the bank

I'm the living proof

They don't care how I move my pieces

I know I'm the best there is But all they want is a show

Well that's all right I'll be glad to oblige S.R.O. S.R.O.

(FREDERICK and his entourage leave.)

(Determined to have their welcoming ceremony, the MAYOR & CITIZENS give the full works to a bewildered stranger who happened to be on the same train.)

CITIZENS

Oh I feel great in this bouncing state O hail to thee Merano

Hearty hale Merano Any objections? Nein!

Where breathing in will turn you on Where water tastes like wine

Get up you get up and go and get in line It's living your life in a show by

Rodgers and Hammerstein!

Now for the sell

We put the ice into paradise We are the salt of the earth Sound as a bell

Check out the waters And check out the hygiene At which we excel

Check into a hotel And schnell

Body and soul get well!

ACT I

(FREDERICK enters. FLORENCE follows with a bundle of newspapers.)

Song 3: Commie Newspapers FLORENCE

Well, we can't complain that you’ve been ignored by the press

FREDERICK

What'd they say? What'd they say?

FLORENCE

They're not too polite

FREDERICK

They say I'm a shit?

FLORENCE

Well, yes

They’ve pulled you to pieces

In five different languages

(FREDERICK goes up to FLORENCE, kisses her quickly, and starts looking through some papers)

Here we are - The Times -

You "thrive on unpleasantness"

(FREDERICK finds this amusing, and FLORENCE seems to as well)

Le Monde: "FREDERICK Trumper La Honte des echecs."

FREDERICK

I don't believe that they can't see my game I'm like that tennis player, what's his name? They love to hate me and for us that's dollars!

FLORENCE

Die Welt: Trumper die gross lecker skandal die schatz!

FREDERICK

Florence Vassy, petite Hungarian-born personal assistant.

His “gentle companion" - huh! If they only knew!

FLORENCE (pulling him in for a kiss)

What do you mean? I've always been gentle with you Freddie…

BOTH (reading)

"She stands by her champion"

FREDERICK I like this! FLORENCE

"--whose

Demands are so infantile - "

FREDERICK I don't like this!

(He throws the paper away)

FLORENCE

If you don't like it then it's up to you

They like the Russian - they could like you too

FREDERICK

Commie newspapers!

Of course the bastards all support the Russian

FLORENCE

But Sergievsky seems a sweet opponent— So why do you abuse him all the time?

Freddie, I love you very much but just for once, don't go on about the Russians at the press conference, okay?

(Florence exits.)

(A gaggle of REPORTERS, PHOTOGRAPHERS,

INTERVIEWERS and TV PERSONNEL assemble to speak to FREDERICK, who is facing the gathering. FLORENCE has not yet arrived.)

Song 4: “Press Conference” REPORTER 1

Does your opponent deserve such abuse?

FREDERICK

All Soviets deserve abuse.

REPORTER 2

But even you must concede he can play

FREDERICK

Yeah, he's the best red on the circuit, sure, I'll give him that…

REPORTER 3

He hasn't lost for a long time He could be a tough nut to crack

FREDERICK

Listen, if he gets one game off of me it's because I want to keep the press interest going…

REPORTERS

Why do you persist With vicious attacks, Ungracious remarks re: Opponents? It smacks Of a lack of conviction, admit You're under duress

And that your only skill left Is for money not chess

If Soviet life's

As grim as you claim

Then how come their boys are So good at the game?

Though you swear the American dream Is clearly the best

You're no advertisement for Life and times in the West.

(FLORENCE enters) REPORTER 4

Why did you risk the whole match breaking down?

I don't know what you're saying. What are you –- what are you implying?

REPORTER 5

All your outrageous demands, your conceit -

FREDERICK

I don't see anything outrageous in demanding what I'm worth.

REPORTER 6

They pay you all that you ask for And then you demand even more -

FREDERICK

I'm the reason you're all here–who's ever heard of Sergievsky?

REPORTERS

It's hard to believe what we're reporting Why so disparaging? Not very sporting

FREDERICK

Are the Communists sporting? My God –

REPORTERS

Tell all this to the United Nations

Are you an asset to East-West relations?

FREDERICK

What is this? What have the Russians ever done for East-West relations? Do you guys have any serious questions? Jesus...

REPORTER 7

Will you be quitting for good if you lose?

(FREDERICK stares at the questioner, but makes no reply)

REPORTER 8

How come your second's a girl, lover boy?

FREDERICK (after a double take) What'd you say?

REPORTER 8

How come your second's a girl, lover boy?

(FREDERICK rushes at the reporter and hits him. He storms off.)

(Pandemonium, from which emerges:)

REPORTERS

Well, what did I say? He's out of his tree He's finally flipped

And between you and me

He's no hope of retaining his crown In his frame of mind

In fact he shouldn't have come here He should have resigned

(FLORENCE is desperately trying to restore order. As the REPORTERS continue, she dominates their words with a powerful outburst.)

FLORENCE

Smile, you got your first exclusive story Now you can bask in his reflected glory Naked, unprovoked, Yankee aggression! Oh what a credit to your great profession!

REPORTERS

Much better to quit While still number one Than crash to defeat Reputation undone

Though he's proved to himself It's a Communist plot

If you ask me it's the money that did it And started the rot

It's sad that the best His country's produced Is crumbling in front Of our eyes and reduced

To a mindless abuse and assault On all of mankind

I think he shouldn't have come here He should have resigned

ACT I

(SERGIEVSKY, the Russian challenger to FREDERICK, and the head of his delegation, ALEXANDER MOLOKOV, have been observing the Press Conference.)

MOLOKOV

The man is utterly mad - believe me, Anatoly, you're playing a lunatic.

ANATOLY

That's the problem. He's a brilliant lunatic and you can't tell which way he'll jump - like his game he's impossible to analyse - you can't dissect him, predict him - which of course means he's not a lunatic at all.

Song 5: “Anatoly & Molokov”

MOLOKOV

What we've just seen's a pathetic display From a man who's beginning to crack

He's afraid - he knows he isn't the player he was And he won't get it back

ANATOLY

Nonsense!

Why do my seconds Always want to believe Third-rate propaganda?

MOLOKOV

My friend, please relax We're all on your side

You know how you need us

ANATOLY

I don't need my army of so-called “advisers” And “helpers'” to tell me

The man who's revitalised chess single-handed Is more or less out of his brain

When it's very clear he's sane

MOLOKOV

Listen! We don't underestimate Trumper We won't get caught in that trap

After all, winning or losing reflects on us all

ANATOLY

Ah, don't give me that crap! I win – no one else does And I take the rap if I lose

MOLOKOV

It's not quite that simple The whole world's tuned in We're on display

We're not merely sportsmen

ANATOLY

Oh please, don't start spouting that old party line Yes I know it's your job but

Just get out and get me a chess-playing second In thirty-six hours we begin

That is, if you want to win!

MOLOKOV

Wanting's not sufficient— we have to know, we have to make sure. All men have a weakness, and his is that woman; take her and you win the game!

ANATOLY

So you think I can't win otherwise?

MOLOKOV

I'm not saying that— I'm just making certain. And she's attractive...then there is her intriguing family history— Hungary, nineteen fifty-six and all that—

ANATOLY

I'm a chess player, Mr. Molokov—you go and play these other games!

(MOLOKOV leaves, displeased. ANATOLY wanders over to a chessboard and moves some pieces.)

Song 6: “Where I Want to Be”

Who needs a dream? Who needs ambition? Who'd be the fool In my position? Once I had dreams Now they're obsessions Hopes become needs Lovers possessions

Then they move in Oh so discreetly Slowly at first Smiling too sweetly I opened doors

They walked right through them Called me their friend

I hardly knew them

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be And doing what I always said I would

And yet I feel I haven't won at all

Running for my life and never looking back In case there's someone right behind to

Shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall

When the crazy wheel slows down Where will I be? Back where I started

Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining Times have been good Fast, entertaining But what's the point? If I'm concealing Not only love All common feeling

Now I'm where I want to be and who I want to be And doing what I always said I would

And yet I feel I haven't won at all

Running for my life and never looking back In case there's someone right behind to

Shoot me down and say he always knew I'd fall

When the crazy wheel slows down Where will I be? Back where I started.

(A RUSSIAN enters) RUSSIAN

Comrade Molokov tells me you want to play chess.

ANATOLY Go to hell.

ACT I

(The ARBITER has summoned the two opposing

delegations immediately prior to the first game of the match. The Soviet delegation consists of about a dozen people led by MOLOKOV. The American delegation consists of

FLORENCE [not yet present], WALTER, and two other genuine seconds.)

Song 7: “Dangerous and Difficult Times” ALL DELEGATES

No one can deny that these are difficult times No one can deny that these are difficult times

MOLOKOV Mr. de Courcey! WALTER Mr. Molokov— RUSSIANS

It's the US versus USSR Yet we more or less are—

AMERICANS

No one can deny that these are difficult times

RUSSIANS

--to our credit putting all that aside We have swallowed our pride

AMERICANS

These are very dangerous and difficult times

WALTER

It really doesn't matter who comes out on top

MOLOKOV

Who gets the chop

ALL DELEGATES

No one's way of life is threatened by a flop

Make him wanna change his name

Take him to the cleaners and devastate him Wipe him out, humiliate him

We don't want the whole world saying They can't even win a game

WALTER

We have never reckoned On coming second

MOLOKOV

There's no use in losing

RUSSIANS

It's the red flag up against stars and stripes But we're peace-loving types

AMERICANS

No one can deny that these are difficult times

MOLOKOV

It's a sweet hail-fellow-well-met affair

WALTER

For both eagle and bear

AMERICANS

These are very dangerous and difficult times

MOLOKOV

For those that say that this is not a friendly clash Don't be so rash!

I assure you comrades that is balderdash

ALL DELEGATES

What a load of whingeing peasants! Thinking they can win—they can't! What an exhibition of self-delusion This one's a foregone conclusion But enough of all this beating Round the bushes of détente

RUSSIANS

We intend to collar The Yankee dollar

AMERICANS

We shall trash them Thrash them

WALTER

How good to feel that as this great event begins It underpins

MOLOKOV

Our quest for peace, the bonds of common interest Of East and West

AMERICANS

As long as our man wins

RUSSIANS

As long as our man

ALL DELEGATES

--wins!

(The ARBITER enters with a Chorus of Arbiter acolytes.) Song 8: “The Arbiter”

ARBITER

I've a duty as the referee At the start of the match On behalf of all our sponsors I must welcome you

Which I do - there's a catch

I don't care if you're a champion No one messes with me

I’m ruthless in upholding What I know is right

Black or white - as you'll see

I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled

Yes, I'm the Arbiter and I know best

CHORUS

ARBITER

You got your tricks Good for you

But there's no gambit I don't see through

Oh, I'm the Arbiter, I know the score

ARBITER & CHORUS

From square one I'll/he'll be watching all sixty-four

ARBITER

If you're thinking of the kind of thing That we've seen in the past

Chanting gurus, walkie-talkies, Walkouts, hypnotists,

Tempers, fists—not so fast

This is not the start of World War Three No political ploys

I think both your constitutions are terrific so Now you know, be good boys

I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled

Yes, I'm the Arbiter and I know best

CHORUS

He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed

ARBITER

You got your tricks Good for you

But there's no gambit I don't see through

Oh, I'm the Arbiter, I know the score

ARBITER & CHORUS

From square one I'll/he’ll be watching all sixty-four

ARBITER

I'm on the case-- can't be fooled! You've got your tricks—good for you! I'm on the case

Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled

Yes, I'm the Arbiter and I know best

CHORUS

He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed

ARBITER

Yes, I'm the Arbiter, I know the score

ARBITER & CHORUS

From square one I'll/he’ll be watching all sixty-four

(FLORENCE enters to take up a central position amid the American delegation.)

ARBITER

If the leaders of both delegations are now present, we are available to consider their pre-match applications, representations or objections. Miss Vassy?

FLORENCE

Thank you. The American delegation wishes to protest the size of the Soviet delegation, which far exceeds the permitted number—

MOLOKOV

Our delegation consists of just four people, including our champion. Our doctor, PT expert, psychologist, security agents and chef cannot be considered delegates.

ARBITER

Objection overruled. Mr. Molokov?

MOLOKOV

The Soviet delegation has reason to believe that the American player's chair could contain communications devices. It objects to the constitution of the chair--

FLORENCE

That's impossible. Both chairs were made in Sweden, with non-aligned aluminium—

ARBITER

Objection overruled.

WALTER

On behalf of the television companies, making such a major financial contribution to this match, I request the Arbiter's permission for an opportunity to be given to a few

commercial supporters of chess to set up a discreet display of wares in the arena—

MOLOKOV & RUSSIANS Objection!

ARBITER

Mr. de Courcey, further economic discussion with my office could clear the way to a fresh look at the status of merchandizing and advertising interests—but now let us dedicate ourselves to the spirit of chess!

ACT I

(The arena.)

Song 9: “Hymn to Chess” ALL

Don't you find it rather touching to behold The game that came in from the cold Seen for what it is - religion plus finesse Countries, classes, creeds as one, in Love of chess

Chess (Instrumental)

(The two players say nothing during this scene; the game is demonstrated through the ensemble’s dance. However, the players’ manner at the board becomes more and more agitated during the scene. They both get up from the board and get into a near fight, which ends with FREDERICK pushing ANATOLY into the table, spilling board and pieces over the floor.)

(FLORENCE, MOLOKOV, the ARBITER and his assistants are present.)

WALTER

There's been a sensational development here in the very first game of the world Chess Championships here in the snow-covered Tyrolean town of Merano, Italy. The board and the pieces have been thrown to the floor in disgust by one or other or both players, the champion has walked out in a rage....

Song 10: The Arbiter (Reprise) ARBITER

I'm on the case Can't be fooled Any objection Is overruled

Don't try to tempt me You've no hope I don't like women I don't take dope

ARBITER & CHORUS

From square one I’ll/he’ll be watching you!

Song 11: A Model of Decorum and Tranquillity (Quartet)

(FLORENCE, MOLOKOV, ANATOLY and the ARBITER remain in the arena.)

MOLOKOV

We wish, no must, make our disgust For this abuse perfectly clear

We're here for chess - are the US? If so why foul the atmosphere? We wish, no must, make our disgust For this abuse perfectly clear

We're here for chess - are the US? How can you have such a claim?

FLORENCE

I must protest - our delegation has a host of valid points to raise Our player's sporting attitude's beyond all praise

As any neutral would attest But we concede

The fact his masters bend the rules is not a player's fault We'll over look their crude political assault

And under protest will proceed

ARBITER

I call this tune No-one’s immune

MOLOKOV

If your man's so sweet Then why his fighting talk? If he's not a cheat Then why on earth Did he go take a walk?

FLORENCE

I am not surprised he wanted fresher air Once he realized there was no hope Of your lot playing fair

How sad to see what used to be

MOLOKOV

Why let him loose? He'll soon reduce This great event

To a brawl It's very sad

To see the ancient and distinguished game That used to be

MOLOKOV & FLORENCE

A model of decorum and tranquility Become like any other sport

A battleground for rival ideologies To slug it out with glee

ANATOLY

I would say with regard to him, It is hard to rebut

Ever-growing suspicions My opposition’s a nut

MOLOKOV

We wish, no must, make our disgust For this abuse perfectly clear

We're here for chess - are the US? If so why foul the atmosphere?

FLORENCE

I would have said You’d understand

The strain and pressure getting where he’s got For then you’d simply call him highly strung And not imply that he was off his head

ARBITER

I must insist that you desist If you value your livelihood

ANATOLY

But how can you Work for one who Treats you like dirt? Pay must be good!

MOLOKOV

It seems to us there’s little point In waiting here all night for his return

And since a peaceful match is our sole concern We won’t make an official fuss

FLORENCE

I’m not getting rich My only interest is

In something which gives me the chance of working with the best

MOLOKOV

In short we rise Above your guy’s

Tantrums, dramas, dirty tricks

ANATOLY

I can only say

I hope your dream comes true Till that far off day

I hope you cope with helping number two

ARBITER

Get this straight I will not stand by

While you play at politics

ANATOLY & FLORENCE

How sad to see

ARBITER & MOLOKOV

It’s very sad to see the ancient and distinguished game That used to be

ALL

A model of decorum and tranquility Become like any other sport

A battleground for rival ideologies To slug it out with glee

ARBITER

Enough of this pious waffle! If the players do not return to the arena within twenty-four hours, the match is null and void - the game is greater than its players.

(The ARBITER leaves, as does ANATOLY. FLORENCE and MOLOKOV remain to salvage the situation.)

MOLOKOV

The game is greater than its players, Miss Vassy - how true!

Song 12: “Florence & Molokov”

I don't know how you can allow this Harm to be done to chess, and how this Baby of yours can be persuaded

Back to the game

FLORENCE

Easy. You stop playing politics and start playing chess.

I don't know how you have the gall to Criticize us when it is all too

Obvious this is what you wanted - We get the blame

Your man, following orders, was up to some sort of bust-up from the word go--

MOLOKOV

You really are mad! He has no orders! Now let me put my cards upon your table If he is aggrieved then who can blame him? He is up against a man who's less than stable

FLORENCE

Freddie less than stable? You're goading him—

Who rocked his chair throughout the match then? Who sniffed and coughed, began to scratch then Played with his flag and tapped his fingers? Then took a walk!

Your precious boy!

MOLOKOV A piccydillo— FLORENCE Peccadillo. MOLOKOV

--peccadillo compared with the neurotic behaviour of Trumper -

FLORENCE

Listen, you Plutocratic throwback You and your cronies want to go back Home to your dachas, not the saltmines?

We better talk.

MOLOKOV (he mispronounces her name) I wish, Florens— FLORENCE Florence. MOLOKOV

--you would refrain from cheap political jibes at a time when co-operation between us is vital. Besides, I thought you would be reluctant to criticize fellow Eastern Europeans

FLORENCE

Fellow Eastern Europeans! I am Hungarian. Remember Hungary? I wish I could. I was only five when you bastards moved in. I have no memory of my homeland, my people, my mother and father -- all taken from me by you-

And you call yourself a fellow Eastern European!

MOLOKOV

Come now, Miss Vassy, we're digressing Back to the point, let's start addressing

All our attention to the World Chess Championship

(A long pause. FLORENCE wonders whether to contemplate any further dealings with this man. She decides that she has to. She takes out a piece of paper from her handbag.)

FLORENCE

The Merano Mountain Inn - famous for its peace and tranquillity - that's where I want you to deliver me one Soviet Grandmaster...

(FLORENCE refuses MOLOKOV’s handshake. MOLOKOV exits.)

ACT I

(FLORENCE enters. FREDERICK is already there with WALTER.)

WALTER

For God's sake - be reasonable -

FREDERICK

Twenty thousand dollars!

WALTER

Why should we pay you to televise tantrums? We prefer to see chess being played

(He sees FLORENCE as he prepares to leave.)

You can deal with him - he's getting heated - Now he's claiming that he's underpaid

(WALTER exits.)

FREDERICK (into a microphone)

I said, twenty thousand dollars - a game!

(He wheels round to face FLORENCE)

And as for you –

Song 13: “1956—Budapest is Rising”

I shouldn't have to be dealing with Walter Where were you when the shit hit the fan?

FLORENCE

Saving your income by fixing a meeting So you better start liking the man!

(She hands him a piece of paper)

FREDERICK (ignoring the paper)

When the interest is bigger than ever And my walk-out my smartest move yet All you say is that I ought to meet him On the top of a mountain?

FLORENCE You bet!

FREDERICK

Can't you see that you're losing your grip, dear Are the Communists fooling you too?

Why should I be the only one trying -

FLORENCE

You want to lose your only friend? Well, keep it up you're doing fine Why this humiliation?

Why treat me like a fool? I've taken shit for seven years And I won't take it anymore

FREDERICK

I'm only teasing Soviets With gentle bonhomie

And you've a better reason to be anti-them than me

FLORENCE

There's a time and there's a place

FREDERICK

Well, how about here and now? Are you for me or for them?

FLORENCE

There's a time and there's a place

FREDERICK & CHORUS

1956 - Budapest is rising 1956 - Budapest is fighting 1956 - Budapest is falling

FREDERICK

I'd have thought you'd support Any attack on these people On the people who ran

Mindlessly over your childhood Don't let them fool you for Thirty years on they're the same

FLORENCE & CHORUS

1956 - Budapest is falling 1956 - Budapest is dying

FREDERICK

They see chess as a war

Playing with pawns just like Poland If you walk out on me

You're really betraying your father Were he alive now

He'd surely be dying of shame

FLORENCE

You know that there's nothing I've done That he'd be ashamed of in my whole life! Why'd you have to do this to me?

(FREDERICK exits. The scene dissolves into a restaurant halfway up a mountain in Merano. It is packed with

laughing, noisy, celebrating people.)

Song 14: “Nobody’s Side” FLORENCE

What's going on around me Is barely making sense

I need some explanations fast I see my present partner In the imperfect tense

And I don't see how we can last I feel I need a change of cast Maybe I'm on nobody's side

And when he gives me reasons To justify each move

They're getting harder to believe I know this can't continue

I've still a lot to prove

There must be more I could achieve But I don't have the nerve to leave

Everybody's playing the game But nobody's rules are the same Nobody's on nobody's side Better learn to go it alone

Recognize you're out on your own Nobody's on nobody's side

The one I should not think of Keeps rolling through my mind And I don't want to let that go No lover's ever faithful

No contract truly signed

There's nothing certain left to know And how the cracks begin to show!

Never make a promise or plan Take a little love where you can Nobody's on nobody's side Never stay too long in your bed Never lose your heart, use your head Nobody's on nobody's side

Never take a stranger's advice Never let a friend fool you twice Nobody's on nobody's side Never be the first to believe Never be the last to deceive Nobody's on nobody's side

Never leave a moment too soon Never waste a hot afternoon Nobody's on nobody's side Never stay a minute too long Don't forget the best will go wrong Nobody's on nobody's side

Better learn to go it alone

Recognize you're out on your own Nobody's on nobody's side

ACT I

(ANATOLY enters the restaurant and gets caught in the middle of the crowd. FLORENCE tries to fight her way through to ANATOLY. They try to talk, but it's impossible. They decide to go outside.)

(Outside, away from the noise.) Song 15: “Mountain Duet”

FLORENCE

This is the one situation I wanted most to avoid

Nothing I say will convince him this isn't a trick

ANATOLY

A drink on a clear moonlit night - I relax, she smiles There's something peculiar going on

FLORENCE

So, through no fault of my own, I'm stuck here to carry the can Embarrassed, uncertain, marooned

ANATOLY

Now she can't be working for them - I mean us - She seems so very straightforward - but where is he?

FLORENCE

He has to turn up – he wanted this meeting - Didn’t he?

ANATOLY

Maybe he's scared, but he didn’t seem scared in the game

FLORENCE

Oh, I just couldn't care less

He can go right ahead, go and wreck his career, I know I've done my best

ANATOLY

Well, at least she's a good-looking spy

FLORENCE

Are more of an intimate kind? If I don't say something and soon He'll go – Maybe I’m on nobody's side!

ANATOLY (for the first time addressing FLORENCE)

Listen, I hate to break up the mood Get to the point, begin the beguine

Haven't you noticed we are a protagonist short In this idyllic, well-produced scene?

FLORENCE

He couldn't wait to join you up here Maybe he walked, cable cars scare him

ANATOLY

Never mind him - I haven't missed him so far

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

Maybe it won't do any harm To struggle on without his charm

Funny how all at once I feel that he can go jump off the mountain, I won't care

FLORENCE

This is the one situation I wanted most to avoid

ANATOLY

My dear opponent - I really can't imagine why

FLORENCE

So I am not dangerous then? What a shame!

ANATOLY

Oh, you're not dangerous - who could think that of you?

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

You - you are so strange - why can't you be what you ought to be? You should be scheming, intriguing, too

clever by half -

ANATOLY

I have to hand it to you

For you've managed to make me forget why I ever agreed to this farce

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

I don't know why I can't think of anything I would rather do

Than be wasting my time on mountains with you

(They kiss, but are suddenly aware that they have been joined by FREDERICK.)

FREDERICK

Who'd ever think it? Such a very pretty setting! Tell me what's the betting Very pretty plotting too?

No matter - I've done all your work for you.

FLORENCE

Freddie, let me explain, I— FREDERICK

Who'd ever guess it? Daughter in collaboration With the very nation

Gave her father the third degree! Where's Daddy? Dead or in the KGB?

FREDERICK

While my second has been curling up with my opponent, I've agreed to new terms, which in short means more money. For you too, but that can't be helped. Therefore this meeting is unnecessary— the match can continue, and we don't have to be friends.

(FREDERICK leaves, and ANATOLY and FLORENCE remain.) ANATOLY

When can I see you again?

FLORENCE

Anatoly, we are from different countries, different worlds. Even if it were possible, there's no future in this.

ANATOLY

I saw how he treats you. Maybe after this match is over and we're no longer opponents, you will give me a chance then....

FLORENCE

(FLORENCE exits) ANATOLY

There's no chance for Trumper-- He's finished.

ACT I

Chess (Instrumental)

(The arena and surrounding areas. The match has been resumed. We see it through the ensemble’s dance. ANATOLY forges ahead to a 5-1 lead.)

ACT I

(FREDERICK is there already, FLORENCE enters.)

Song 16: “Florence Quits” FREDERICK

Five games to one. It's all over.

So you got what you want What a nasty ambition! Set me up, pull me down Then exploit my condition I should have guessed, woman That if pressed, woman

You're on nobody's side but your own And you're behaving

Like a mere woman It's so clear woman - It's your sex!

Once they start getting old and getting worried They let fly, take it out

On the one who supports them That's you I'm talking about

FLORENCE

Who'd ever think it?

Such a squalid little ending Watching you descending Just as far as you can go

I'm learning things I didn't want to know

FREDERICK

Who'd ever think it?

This would be the situation - One more observation - How'd we ever get this far

Before you showed me what you really are?

FLORENCE

You'll be lost without me To abuse like you're used to

FREDERICK

(But FLORENCE has already gone.) Song 17: “Pity the Child (Part I)” FREDERICK

I’m not the kind to be vindictive Holding some childish grudge How can I be, I’m in the spotlight Half of the world, my judge All I demand is those I work for

Those I give all my skills, all my time and pain Those that I entertain

Give me the same compassion in return But the fools never learn

(The ARBITER opens an envelope before an anxious gathering of all those involved in the championship.)

ARBITER

Frederick Trumper has resigned. Anatoly Sergievsky is the new World Champion.

(Sensation. Wild celebrations and back-slapping in the Russian camp. FLORENCE is alone and still on her side of the stage. Suddenly, ANATOLY breaks free of his

colleagues and runs to FLORENCE. He whispers something to her.)

FLORENCE (pulling back) Anatoly, I can’t commit to this. ANATOLY

How strangely life works itself out. You said we had no future together, and now I can't imagine a future without you. You are the only future I have left to imagine.

(She nods, and he grabs her hand and pulls her away. They both rush off.)

WALTER

The drama at the World Chess Championship here in Merano, Italy is now off the board. Barely had Anatoly Sergievsky of the Soviet Union been proclaimed the new World Champion when he upstaged his own triumph by deserting his Soviet team and

supporters. He is now believed to be seeking political asylum in the West... And this is incredible: with the help of Trumper’s own second, Florence Vassy.

ACT I

(An unspecified embassy or, more likely, a consulate, in Merano. WALTER leads ANATOLY and FLORENCE into the consulate. CIVIL SERVANTS seem uninterested.)

Song 18: “Embassy Lament”

CIVIL SERVANTS (to each other)

Oh my dear how boring He's defecting

Just like all the others He's expecting

Us to be impressed with what he's done here But he

Hasn't stopped to think about the paperwork His gesture causes

We've an embassy to run here

If these people can't strike blows for freedom With a valid visa

We don't need 'em

(to ANATOLY)

If we seem offhand then please remember This is nothing very special

He's the fourth we've had since last November

(to each other)

Who do these foreign chappies think they are?

And when he's safely in the West He'll be the hero to discuss

The media will lionize him Fame and fortune plus No one will recall It's thanks to us.

CIVIL SERVANT #1 You have a wife?

ANATOLY Yes.

CIVIL SERVANT #2 You have two children?

ANATOLY Yes.

CIVIL SERVANT #3

And they are not coming with you?

(FLORENCE and WALTER both show particular but differing interest in this conversation. )

ANATOLY

No - not for the moment.

CIVIL SERVANT #4

You play chess. You are good at it? Ah yes, it says here you are World Champion.

ANATOLY

Since yesterday.

ALL CIVIL SERVANTS That's still good.

WALTER

Gentlemen, you guys are dealing with a major international figure. May I - CIVIL SERVANT #2

Are you defecting too, sir?

WALTER

No. This man is a citizen of the Soviet Union - I am an American citizen and by the authority of this government and this agency (he shows the CIVIL SERVANTS a card) I demand that you give this man your immediate attention!

CIVIL SERVANTS

Have you an appointment with the consul? If you don't we know what his response'll Be, he will not see you, with respect it Buggers up his very taxing schedule Pushing peace and understanding Let us hope this won't affect it

Far too many jokers cross the border Not a single document in order

Russia must be empty, though we’re all for Basic human rights, it makes you wonder What they built the Berlin Wall for

And when you've filled in all the forms And been passed clear of all disease

Debriefed, debugged, dedrugged, disarmed And disinfected, please

Don't forget the guys who cut your keys

As the paperwork staggers on, FLORENCE moves away from the argument.

Song 19: “Heaven Help My Heart”

FLORENCE

If it were love I would give that love every second I had And I do

Do I know where he'll lead me to? Did I plan

Doing all of this for the love of a man? Well I let it happen anyhow

And what I'm feeling now

Has no easy explanation, reason plays no part Heaven help my heart

I love him too much

What if he saw my whole existence Turning around a word, a smile, a touch?

One of these days, and it won't be long, He'll know more about me

Than he should

All my dreams will be understood No surprise

Nothing more to learn from the look in my eyes Don't you know that time is not my friend? I'll fight it to the end

Hoping to keep that best of moments When the passions start

Heaven help my heart The day that I find

Suddenly I've run out of secrets Suddenly I'm not always on his mind

Maybe it's best to love a stranger

Well that's what I've done - heaven help my heart Heaven help my heart

ACT I

(Various documents are stamped and handed to ANATOLY. With great delight he rushes over to FLORENCE and

WALTER.) WALTER

Boy, has your wife got a surprise ahead of her. ANATOLY

Florence, it went wrong between us a long time ago. FLORENCE

So at least I'm not a homewrecker, too? I mean as well as being a traitor to the man I worked with for seven years.

ANATOLY No regrets? FLORENCE

I regret hurting Freddie. My only other regret is not meeting you sooner.

(They hurry out where they are surrounded by pressmen.) REPORTER #1:

Excuse me, Mr. Sergievsky. Why are you leaving Russia?

(ANATOLY tries to brush him off)

What about your wife and family?

Song 20: “Anatoly and the Press” REPORTERS:

How long was this planned? What made you defect? Did anyone help you? And do you expect

To be joined in your exile By loved ones e.g. your wife? Or are you starting again In all aspects of life?

ANATOLY

REPORTER #2:

Why did you leave Russia?

ANATOLY

I don't leave anything.

Song 21: “Anthem”

No man, no madness

Though their sad power may prevail Can possess, conquer, my country's heart They rise to fail

She is eternal

Long before nations lines were drawn When no flags flew, when no armies stood My land was born

And you ask me why I love her Through wars, death and despair She is the constant, we who don't care And you wonder will I leave her - but how? I cross over borders but I'm still there now

How can I leave her? Where would I start?

Let man's petty nations tear themselves apart My land's only borders lie around my heart.

CURTAIN

ACT II

(The streets of Bangkok, a year later. The Act opens with the Golden Ballet leading into "One Night in Bangkok.”)

(The match [ANATOLY v. LEONID VIIGAND, the new Soviet Champion] has already started as FREDERICK argues with the locals in the song.)

Song 22: “Golden Bangkok”/Song 23: “One Night in Bangkok” FREDERICK

Bangkok! Oriental setting

And the city don't know what the city is getting The creme de la creme of the chess world in a Show with everything but Yul Brynner

Time flies! Doesn't seem a minute

Since a Tyrolean spa had the chess boys in it All change! Don't you know that when you Play at this level there's no ordinary venue

It's Iceland - or the Philippines - or Hastings - or - or this place!

FREDERICK & CHORUS

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free You'll find a god in every golden cloister And if you're lucky then the god's a she I can feel an angel sliding up to me

FREDERICK

One town's very like another

When your head's down over your pieces, brother

CHORUS

It's a drag, it's a bore, it's really such a pity

To be looking at the board, not looking at the city

FREDERICK

Whaddya mean? You've seen one crowded, polluted, stinking town, you've -

CHORUS

Tea, girls, warm, sweet

FREDERICK

Get Thai'd! You're taking to a tourist Whose every move's among the purest I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine

FREDERICK & CHORUS

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company

I can feel the devil walking next to me

FREDERICK

Siam's gonna be the witness

To the ultimate test in cerebral fitness This grips me more than would a Muddy old river or reclining Buddha

I don't see you guys rating

The kind of mate I'm contemplating I'd let you watch, I would invite you

But the queens we use would not excite you

So you'd better go back to your bars, your temples, your massage parlors

FREDERICK & CHORUS

One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster The bars are temples but the pearls ain't free You'll find a god in every golden cloister A little flesh, a little history

I can feel an angel sliding up to me

One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble Not much between despair and ecstasy

One night in Bangkok and the tough guys tumble Can't be too careful with your company

I can feel the devil walking next to me

ACT II

(ANATOLY and FLORENCE watch FREDERICK speak on television.)

FREDERICK

This is Frederick Trumper on behalf of Global Television. The all-Russian struggle for world chess supremacy is well under way here in steamy Bangkok, Thailand. But it's also a titanic battle between East and West, with the current World Champion a

stateless person, having defected to the free world when he won his title last year in icy Merano, Italy.

It's honours even so far with the match only two games old. In the first game Sergievsky was inspired and Viigand played like a man petrified, awestruck.

(Lights out on Freddie.)

Song 24. “One More Opponent” ANATOLY

But why is he really here? A whole year of silence Then suddenly here he is -

FLORENCE

He's working for the TV company, it’s big money.

ANATOLY

So that's all it is then?

He has no desire to see you anymore?

FLORENCE

Who cares what he's up to? You're not playing him

ANATOLY

Oh no? I've the feeling I am.

Why is he here? FLORENCE

Don't talk yourself out of form Viigand's the one

You have to beat

ANATOLY

And he's a fine player

FLORENCE

Predictable - he's a machine!

ANATOLY

A very fine machine!

FLORENCE (light-heartedly, affectionately)

So are you - so are we! Um, there is one other thing

ANATOLY What?

FLORENCE

I gather Svetlana is hoping to come out here

ANATOLY

My wife? In Bangkok? No!

FLORENCE

Her name is Svetlana, isn’t it? I always found it strange that you never told me her name. You must know about it,

It's been in the paper They may let her out -

ANATOLY

This has to be Molokov - right up his street!

FLORENCE

So now you've got one more opponent to beat Surely you knew -

ANATOLY (angrily) I did not! (pause) FLORENCE

Well, this is a problem we knew we'd be facing soon.

ANATOLY

Song 25. “You and I” FLORENCE

This is an all too familiar scene

ANATOLY

Life imperceptibly coming between

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

Those whose love is as strong as it could or should be

ANATOLY

Nothing has altered--

FLORENCE

--yet everything's changed

ANATOLY

No one stands still

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

Still I love you completely and hope I always will

Each day we get through means one less mistake left for the making

ANATOLY

And there's no return As we slowly learn

Of the chance we're taking

FLORENCE

I'd give the world to stay just as we are It's better by far

Not to be too wise

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

Not to realise

Where there's truth there will be lies

FLORENCE

You and I

We've seen it all

Been down this road before Yet we go on believing -

FLORENCE & ANATOLY

We've seen it all

Chasing our hearts desire Yet I'm even more certain This time it will be

My happy ending.

(The phone rings. ANATOLY answers.)

ANATOLY (into the phone) Thank you.

(He hangs up)

The car to take me to the television studio is here. You know, the interview I promised Walter.

FLORENCE

Fine - ask Walter what he knows. Maybe they've fixed the result of the match already. We could go home now if you're going to lose.

(ANATOLY leaves.)

ACT II

(MOLOKOV and his cronies have assembled at a bar. Throughout this scene, only VIIGAND, ANATOLY's

challenger, seems interested in chess, poring over a board, making moves for both black and white, ignoring most of the discussion around him. )

MOLOKOV

Comrades! Why are you looking so worried? We're not dealing with the traitor

Sergievsky now. Comrade Viigand here is a disciplined Soviet chess-playing machine!

Song 26. “The Soviet Machine”

Just in case you feel a trace Of doubt or even nervous tension Let me draw the latest score To your attention

Not the score the witless corps Of commentators are debating Come, admit - who gives a shit For Elo rating?

No, I prefer and I'm sure you concur To see who's ahead

Psychologically For example:

We have on tap an inscrutable chap Whose thoughts never stray

From the state of the play Whereas -

It's so difficult to concentrate if You have left your native

Country for a woman who has plans of her own It's not easy for a chap to excel

Feeling guilty as hell

Having left his wife to face the music alone

But even worse, imagine if his ladies met Well then I bet

The atmosphere round here would be a little strained As he explained