ACT ONE
Scene 1: A Giant Chessboard
"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
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
Not much is known
Of early days of chess beyond a fairly vague report
That fifteen hundred years ago two princes fought
Their mother cried - for
No-one really likes their offspring fighting to the death
She begged them stop the slaughter with her every breath
But sure enough one brother died
Sad beyond belief
She told her winning son
You have caused such grief
I can't forgive this evil thing you've done
He tried to explain
How things had really been
But he tried in vain
No words of his could mollify the queen
And so he asked the wisest men he knew
The way to lessen her distress
They told him he'd be pretty certain to impress
By using model soldiers on
A checkered board to show it was his brother's fault
(the chorus moves large chess pieces around the board and sings the above in counterpoint during the following:)
Chess displayed no inertia
Soon spread to Persia, then west
Next the Arabs refined it,
Thus redesigned, it progressed
Still further yet
And when Constantinople fell in 1453
One would have noticed every other refugee
Included in his bags a set
Once in the hands
And in the minds of leading figures of the Renaissance
The spirit and the speed of chess made swift advance
Through all of Europe's vital lands
Where we must record
The game was further changed
Right across the board
King and queen and rook
And bishop, knight and pawn
All took on the look
We know today, the modern game was born
With such success
We see a game that started by mistake in Hindustan
And boosted in the main by what is now Iran
Reach every corner of the globe with nation
Squaring up to nation to determine, no holds barred....
Who owns, who made, who will parade
The champion of chess.
Scene 2: The Lobby of the Bangkok International Hotel
tv anchor
(on screen)
Frederick Trumper, the American chess player, has revolutionized an ancient game -- offering the kind of excitement usually associated with a rock concert. Well, "FREDDIE- mania" has moved halfway around the world with an added twist of global politics. An
American-Soviet chess competition has seized the international media spotlight. We're taking you now live to our correspondent in Thailand, Frank Scamello....
SCAMELLO
Excitement is building here at the fabulous International Hotel in exotic Bangkok,
Thailand, where press representatives from around the globe have gathered for what has to be the most anxiously awaited international sporting event since the last Olympics. The world chess tournament chess match-up between the American, Frederick Trumper and his Soviet challenger Anatoly Sergievsky. It's morning here in Bangkok, and the man who has held the world title for the past five years should be appearing at any...wait just a moment... Freddie Trumper's arriving now.
"What a Scene, What a Joy"
FREDDIE
(on screen)
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?
Not yet! They just want to see
If it's East-West
And the money's sky-high
They all come
My personal manager, WALTER De Courcey.
WALTER
Ladies and gentlemen, the world chess champion has arranged for an demonstration of his amazing mental powers. He's going to defeat the unbeaten Textron chess-playing computer in less than twenty-five moves.
FREDDIE
You can raise all you want
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
S.R.O. S.R.O.
Scene 3: Anatoly's Hotel Suite
Simultaneously, ALEXANDER MOLOKOV and ANATOLY SERGIEVSKY watch the match on television from their suite on the other side of the stage.
MOLOKOV
What a ridiculous demonstration. The man is clearly disintegrating before our very eyes.
ANATOLY
Don't believe it.
MOLOKOV
But twenty-five moves against a three-year old computer.
ANATOLY
Molokov, who is that woman?
MOLOKOV
(beat)
Very well. Nikolai, hand me the Vassy file.
(reads)
Florence Vassy. For the past seven years, Frederick Trumper's chess second. Hungarian- born orphan emigrated as an infant from Budapest. Adopted and raised in Connecticut. An excellent chess player in her own right, I might add. Several years ago, she and Trumper were lovers. Now they keep separate rooms. Whether they are lovers still....
ANATOLY
You mean there are things the KGB does not know?
MOLOKOV
We are seldom surprised by your taste in women, Anatoly. I shall make it a point not to inform your estranged wife.
ANATOLY
Svetlana and I keep no secrets from each other. Unlike your friends in Moscow.
MOLOKOV
Please, my dear Anatoly Valeriovich, by the time....being I'm a mere chess-playing second like the lovely Florence Vassy.
Vassy...Vassy. Is she perhaps related to the former Hungarian chess champion?
MOLOKOV
His daughter.
ANATOLY
Does it say anywhere in that file that her father died in a Budapest prison in the '56 revolt?
(MOLOKOV turns up the volume on the television:)
FREDDIE
Checkmate!
SCAMELLO
Freddie has just defeated the previously unbeaten Textron computer in only 23 moves. We'd like to invite you now across the lobby to the Circus Room for champagne and coffee. We're going to watch the world champ play six international masters simultaneously while blindfolded.
(MOLOKOV turns off the TV)
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 'advisors'
The man who's revitalised chess single-handed
Is more or less out of his brain
When it's very clear he's sane
FREDDIE
...I have just one message for you, my friend. You'd better come to play chess.
MOLOKOV
Listen, we won't underestimate Trumper
We won't get caught in that trap
After all, winning or losing reflects on us all --
ANATOLY
Oh don't give me that crap!
I win -- no one else does
And I take the rap if I lose
MOLOKOV
Winning's not so simple
The whole world's tuned in
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 twenty-four 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, the one who controls him
His queen and his mentor
The best moves are always
Away from the chessboard
The WOMAN is your aim
Take her and you win the game
"Where I Want to Be"
ANATOLY
Who needs a dream?
Who needs ambition?
Who'd be the fool
In my position?
Once I had dreams
Now they're obsessions
Hopes became 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
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 other feeling
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.
(Nicolai enters)
Nikolai
Anatoly Valeriovich, it's Nikolai. Excuse me, but I heard you tell MOLOKOV you needed a game. Well, I was a tournament semi-finalist of my student chess club in Crakow, and I was wondering....
ANATOLY
Nikolai!
(pause)
Maybe later.
Molokov, Anatoly, Freddie, Florence, Walter, the Arbiter and his assistants and various delegates are present.
ARBITER
On behalf of the king and people of Thailand and the International Chess Federation, I wish to welcome the world to the magnificent city of Bangkok and the World Chess Championship. Mr. Frederick Trumper of the United States will defend his title against the challenger from the Soviet Union, Mr. Anatoly Sergievsky. Let me take this
opportunity also to thank the Bangkok International Hotel for providing us with this magnificent rooftop ballroom.
FREDDIE
Nice spot.
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper, my name is Kobe Obe. My homeland, Nigeria. I am the Arbiter of this match. Our format is simple. The first player to attain six game victories over his opponent will be declared champion. These are my assistants. Officials will see that the rules of the match are followed and order prevails. Would the players and seconds please approach?
FREDDIE
Well, it's great to be back at the world championship. I just flew in from New York and boy are my arms tired. It's been two years since the last big event and it's going to feel great to keep the title.
FLORENCE
Good morning...Mr. Molokov? You speak English, I understand.
MOLOKOV
Good morning, Miss Vassy. My pleasure.
ANATOLY
I believe I speak your language as well, Miss Vassy.
FLORENCE
Congratulations, Mr. Sergievsky. Even reaching this level of play is no mean feat.
ANATOLY
May I take this opportunity to offer your man a rematch?
FLORENCE
Isn't that a little premature when you haven't even sat across a table yet?
ANATOLY
WALTER
Excuse me, I'm Walter DeCourcey, Freddie's personal manager, business matters. Unnecessary evil, I'm afraid, what with all the media attention....
MOLOKOV
We know you by reputation, Mr. DeCourcey.
FLORENCE
I'm sure you know a little about all of us, Mr. Molokov.
MOLOKOV
That's true, Miss Vassy, especially Hungarian citizens who've made a success in the West.
FLORENCE
Circumstances have left me a citizen of the world.
ARBITER
Enough big jaws. Shall we go see. I'm available to consider pre-match applications....
FLORENCE
ARBITER
(continuing)
...and am hopeful that the new spirit of conciliation between two great nations will extend itself to a simple game. Miss Vassy?
FLORENCE
The American delegation wishes to protest the size of the Soviet delegation.
MOLOKOV
But our delegation is the same size as the American delegation.
FLORENCE
On the contrary, most of the people on our side are private citizens.
MOLOKOV
The Soviet delegation consists of just three people, including our champion. Our doctor, psychologist, security agents and chef cannot be considered delegates.
ARBITER
MOLOKOV
The Soviet delegation has reason to believe that the American player's chair contains a communications device. It objects to the constitution of the chair.
FLORENCE
That's preposterous. Both chairs were made in Sweden. With non-aligned aluminum.
ARBITER
Objection overruled.
WALTER
As the head of the television companies, I'd like to ask permission for a few key commercial supporters of the game to set up sales booths around the arena....
ARBITER
Mr. DeCourcey, the trade show of chess products filling the hotel's convention hall isn't enough for you?
WALTER
Well, given the tremendous investment in the live satellite hook-up, it seems to me....
ARBITER
Mr. DeCourcey, for the moment, could we behave ourselves with the dignity the occasion demands? Let the preparations for the match begin.
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 am 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
ASSISTANTS
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
ASSISTANTS
From square one he'll be watching all 64
ARBITER
If you're thinking of the kind of thing
That we've seen in the past
Chanting gurus, walkie-talkies,
Walkouts, hypnotists,
Just the hint of the unethical
I'll be right on your back
I will jump on all offenders from a [?] height
Don't invite
[?]
I'm on the case
Can't be fooled
Any objection
Is overruled
Yes I'm the ARBITER and I know best
ASSISTANTS
He's impartial, don't push him, he's unimpressed.
(dance sequence)
ARBITER
I'm on the case
Can't be fooled
Any objection is overruled
ASSISTANTS
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
From square one I'll be watching all 64
ASSISTANTS
From square one he'll be watching all 64
ARBITER
Oh I'm the ARBITER, I know the score
ARBITER & ASSISTANTS
(the game begins)
ARBITER
Mr. Sergievsky has resigned. Opening game to the champion, Frederick Trumper.
(applause)
Silence! I will not allow partisan demonstrations at this match. We will conduct ourselves with athe dignity the occasion deserves.
I'm on the case
Can't be fooled
Any objection is overruled
You got your tricks?
Good for you!
But there's no gambit
I don't see through
(Another game proceeds. As usual, Anatoly eats yogurt mid-game)
Oh I'm the ARBITER, my word is law
Yes, I'm the ARBITER, my word is law
FREDDIE
(points to Anatoly's yogurt)
Put that down!
ANATOLY
Stop....
FREDDIE
The yogurt, give it here, let me see that.
ANATOLY
Get away.
FREDDIE
Check it! I want someone checking that yogurt. Put it down.
FLORENCE
Check it for what?
ARBITER
FREDDIE
Check the yogurt.
ANATOLY
Why should I let you look in my yogurt?
FREDDIE
It's strawberry.
ANATOLY
Yes.
FREDDIE
Before that in the first game it was banana.
ANATOLY
So?
FREDDIE
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper....
FREDDIE
Don't be so goddam naive! Look at that! Now I demand that he no longer be served yogurt and I want an apology.
ANATOLY
Never!
FLORENCE
Freddie, what are you doing...?
FREDDIE
I want him disqualified. Come on, do something. Call him on it. Do something!
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper, please....
This match is over.
ARBITER
Break for lunch.
Scene 5: The ARBITER's Suite
ANATOLY
A pity we can't always choose which side we work for.
FLORENCE
I suspect the problem is a bit more acute on your side.
MOLOKOV
We wish, no must, make our disgust
For this abuse perfectly clear
We're here for chess -- are the US?
FLORENCE
I must protest -- our delegation
Has a host of valid points to raise
ARBITER
It's not just black and white
If I may coin a phrase
As any neutral would attest
FLORENCE
Though we concede
The fact your masters bend the rules is maybe
not your fault
If they admit their psychological assault
Then under protest we'll proceed
MOLOKOV
If your man's so sweet
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
FLORENCE/ANATOLY MOLOKOV/ARBITER
How sad It's very sad to see
the ancient and
To see 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
I would say with regard to
Him it is hard to
Rebut
Ever growing suspicions
My opposition's
A nut
FLORENCE
I would have said
You'd understand the strain
and pressure getting where he's got
Or that you'd simply call him highly-strung and not
Imply that he was off his head
ANATOLY
But how on earth
Can someone even half as civilized and nice as you
Become with such a self-destructive point of view
I hope he pays you what you're worth
I call this tune
No one's immune to my power
Once in that hall
MOLOKOV
In that case
I must ask you
Why you now
Preside over a brawl
FLORENCE
I'm not getting rich
My only interest
Is in something which
Gives me the chance
Of working with the best
ANATOLY
I can only say
I hope your dream comes true
I hope you cope
With helping number two
FLORENCE/ANATOLY MOLOKOV/ARBITER
How sad It's very sad to see
the ancient and
To see 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
(They all sing their verses over each other)
ALL
A model of decorum and tranquility
Become like any other sport
To slug it out with glee ARBITER Miss Vassy...! FLORENCE Ms. ARBITER
It is time for explanations.
FLORENCE
Our position is simple. Mr. Trumper will consent to resume the match only if Mr. Sergievsky abstains from eating yogurt.
ANATOLY
Never!
FLORENCE
In addition,Freddie will require an apology for this extraordinary breach of chess etiquette.
ARBITER
Ms. Vassy, let me remind you that the eyes of the world are on Bangkok. This is the message that I want to send to both sides. The game is greater than the players and their politics. Tomorrow morning I expect to see two players at the table. Now. I'm going to leave the three of you to resolve your differences. Good day.
(Arbiter and Assistants exit)
ANATOLY
My taste in yogurt seems to have produced an international incident.
MOLOKOV
(to Florence)
My friend, in the spirit of Malta, why can't we just play chess?
FLORENCE
You have the nerve to ask me that?
MOLOKOV
I'm a chess second.
FLORENCE
I'm sure you of all people are thoroughly aware of my family background.
ANATOLY
I was briefed on you myself, Miss Vassy.
FLORENCE
So don't give me any further reasons to hate you, and don't think for a moment we don't know who controls the momentum of this match. Freddie walks out and says you
cheated, who wouldn't believe him? We'll come out on top and the two of you will be on the first plane back to Moscow. And I hear Moscow is lovely this time of year.
(to Anatoly)
You need only apologize because without an apology, I'm not certain I can convince Freddie to return to the game.
ANATOLY
Would this meeting have to be public?
MOLOKOV
Sergievsky....
ANATOLY
MOLOKOV
You can't possibly agree to this.
FLORENCE
Not necessarily public. Like everything else, the setting can be negotiated.
MOLOKOV
This meeting will take place over my strenuous objections.
ANATOLY
As you can see, I lean heavily on the advice of Comrade Molokov. Therefore I will consent to this meeting only if seconds from both sides are present. That means you, Miss Vassy.
FLORENCE
I'm fully acquainted with my position in this match. Your generosity surprises me, Mr. Sergievsky. As a gesture of conciliation, I'll permit you to suggest a place.
MOLOKOV
I know a private restaurant....
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
Perfect! Travelling with my own chef, I have yet to sample the local Thai cuisine. Shall we choose? I have a Bangkok food guide.
FLORENCE
We'll use mine.
MOLOKOV
They're the same guide.
ANATOLY
We have something in common.
MOLOKOV
I open, you point.
FLORENCE
Agreed.
Make it the third below the one you touched. FLORENCE The fourth. MOLOKOV The second. FLORENCE Agreed. MOLOKOV Okay. ANATOLY
The Generous Sole Terrace Bar.
MOLOKOV
An auspcious name.
What a coincidence.
ANATOLY
It's in the hotel.
ALL
It sounds fine.
ANATOLY
Wonderful.
Scene 6: Freddie's Suite
WALTER
(into phone)
A lot of nerve these people have, you know. Yogurt! I mean who would have thought in an age of cold war thaw that...well, listen, David, you spend your life staring at 64 squares, you start to go a bit cuckoo after a while, I mean chess is a violent sport. David, listen to me, the chances of getting FREDDIE to pose for a photo with the Russian are less than zero. Unless you're talking about the cover. Now that would be different,
wouldn't it?
(Florence enters)
FLORENCE
Where's FREDDIE?
WALTER
(to Florence, covering mouthpiece of phone)
Shhh. Time Life.
(into phone)
Now look, Freddie'll give you twenty minutes on the phone if we get the cover and a look at the copy before publication.
FLORENCE
Where is he?
WALTER
Shut up, please.
(into phone)
We realize that pre-publication review's a sensitive issue, but if you can give it to Meryl Streep, you can sure as hell give it to FREDDIE Trumper without any....
(Florence depresses the switch hook)
WALTER
What the hell are you doing? That was Time-Life. It took me twenty minutes to make that connection.
FLORENCE
Where did he go?
WALTER
Don't you realize what we got here? Cold War revived as chess match. Headlines in the press. Among them: La Monde, Die Welt, the Times in L.A., London, New York. This publicity could put our grandchildren through college.
FLORENCE
WALTER, I want some answers now. I just spent forty-five minutes making a complete ass of myself.
(the phone rings again)
WALTER
(into phone)
(to Florence)
You've got my undivided attention. What is it?
FLORENCE
What Freddie did today was not his style.
WALTER
You're not suggesting I had anything to do with this are you?
FLORENCE
You follow the slime, you find the slug.
(Freddie enters)
FREDDIE
It wasn't Walter. It was my idea.
WALTER
You see?
Okay. It's been a long day and it's not even four o'clock. I'm sorry, Walter.
WALTER
That's okay, kid. Forget about it. I'll take this in the bedroom. Good luck, Florence.
FLORENCE
Seriously, Freddie, what information could anyone possibly pass the guy in a cup of blueberry yogurt?
FREDDIE
It was strawberry.
FLORENCE
You couldn't even be original. You had to steal Korchnoi's ploy from '78.
FREDDIE
Korchnoi's complaint.
(pause)
Wait. Wait a sec. I figured it out. Ah ha! I figured it out.
What did you figure out?
FREDDIE
Look, I'm down a pawn, right? But then I moved a bishop, which means I sacrifice, which means I'm down two pawns. Now watch closely. Because I moved the queen's rook...
FLORENCE
Just move the knight.
FREDDIE
No, no, no. You haven't seen it yet. I move the rook and bam, bam, bam, bam. A draw! Snatched from the jaws of defeat! Global headlines, Florence. Down two pawns, Trumper saves draw.
FLORENCE
So that's why you pulled that stunt with the yogurt.
FREDDIE
God, I feel good. You know, nothing makes the mind kick in like a knife to your throat.
FLORENCE
FREDDIE
At first I thought he was just disguising that variation he used to keep Vilav in....
FLORENCE
Will you stop talking chess for one moment!?
(Walter enters)
WALTER
That was Vanity Fair and we got the cover! Freddie, I'll call you later. I'm going to see if I can set up a few more phone interviews. I'm telling you, this thing is big.
(Walter exits)
FREDDIE
I still can't figure out why I didn't see it....
WALTER
I'm going downstairs to the trade show, Florence. Come along later if you feel like slumming.
FLORENCE
Freddie, why did you cheat?
FREDDIE
I must be losing my touch.
FLORENCE
Answer me!
FREDDIE
Come on Florence, get with the program! This is no ordinary game! I can't lose this match. I cannot do that, Florence.
FLORENCE
Then you show up downstairs at the Generous Sole at ten.
FREDDIE
Why should I?
FLORENCE
FREDDIE You're kidding? FLORENCE I wish I were. FREDDIE (laughs)
Vassy, you are a genius!
FLORENCE
I wish I had nothing to do with this.
FREDDIE
You wish you...hey, who's side you on here, anyway?
FLORENCE
They showed more class than you have ever shown in your life.
FREDDIE
the opening ceremony. You seem to be forgetting something here Florence. These are the people who murdered your father.
"You Wanna Lose Your Only Friend"
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 any more
FREDDIE
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
Well how about here and now? Are you for me or for them?
FLORENCE
There's a time and there's a place --
FREDDIE
1956 - Budapest is rising
1956 - Budapest is fighting
1956 - Budapest is falling
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
1956 - Budapest is fighting
FREDDIE
you should never forget
don't be deceived by this glasnost
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?
FREDDIE
Florence, I'm sorry. Florence...
(lights down as she exits, the scene dissolves to the hotel cafe, then a spa during the following)
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
(Florence leaves the restaurant and goes to the hotel spa where she receives a massage from the Spa Assistants)
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
FLORENCE
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!
FLORENCE & SPA ASSISTANTS
Never make a promise or plan
Take a little love where you can
Nobody's on nobody's side
Never lose your heart, use your head
Nobody's on nobody's side
(behind a screen, Florence dresses for the evening)
(dance break)
FLORENCE
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
FLORENCE AND DRESSERS
Nobody's on nobody's side
Never leave a moment too soon
Never waste a hot afternoon
Nobody's on nobody's side
Don't forget the best will go wrong
Nobody's on nobody's side
Scene 8: The Generous Sole Terrace Bar
Better learn to go it alone
Recognize you're out on your own
Nobody's on nobody's side
(the dressers become patrons of the bar, joined by men to form couples. Florence approaches Molokov's table, as does Anatoly)
MOLOKOV
Who'd have thought that such a simple game could be so complicated? Please sit down Miss Vassy, Mr. Sergievsky. We just have to wait for only a moment. I still don't
approve of this apology, but as you must know better than anyone we should all learn to allow for the whimseys of genius. Please come, won't you join us? Thank you. You do not care much for me yet, but in the words of Gorby, we should all learn to respond to changing times. In your native Hungary, democracy is restored. In East Germany, the youth of Berlin have danced atop the wall, which will be sold shortly and shipped brick by brick to Arizona to keep your London Bridge company.
ANATOLY
Good evening, Miss Vassy.
FLORENCE
Good evening, Mr. Sergievsky.
ANATOLY
You look more beautiful than ever.
FLORENCE
As you can see, I'm a little early.
MOLOKOV
With Frederick Trumper nowhere in evidence.
ANATOLY
Oh?
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
Wonderful. This leaves the two of us time to chat. May I buy you a drink?
FLORENCE
Yes. Thank you. Do you have Perrier?
bartender
Calistoga water.
FLORENCE
A seltzer, please.
MOLOKOV
Perhaps we should order food. I feel ravenously hungry.
ANATOLY
Shall I enquire after the specials?
MOLOKOV
(to a diner across the room)
diner
(In Russian)
Excellent.
MOLOKOV
The trout is excellent tonight.
FLORENCE
(to Anatoly, looking at the Diner)
He's with you?
ANATOLY
Hardly. He's with him.
MOLOKOV
Anatoly Valeriovich enjoys pointing out the lavish attention accorded Soviet chess heroes travelling abroad.
ANATOLY
Molokov, if you wish to eat soon, I suggest you make a phone call now and enquire after our American friend.
MOLOKOV
It appears I have to go to the men's room. Miss Vassy, excuse me.
(Molokov exits)
ANATOLY
Miss Vassy, I must take this moment. As a much younger man, I read your father's book. You must know the extraordinary impact he has had on a generation of Soviet players.
FLORENCE
Thank you. That means a great deal to me.
ANATOLY
Although by telling you this, I give you a special insight to my style of play.
FLORENCE
We're aware of the wide range of Soviet tactics, Mr. Sergievsky.
ANATOLY
(pause)
I'm sorry, that was tactless of me. It's just that I know you have nothing whatsoever to do with this farcical business about the yogurt.
FLORENCE
What makes you think that Freddie and I aren't in complete agreement?
ANATOLY
From the look in his eyes. And the look in yours. He was afraid of losing, wasn't he?
FLORENCE
Freddie's not a....
ANATOLY
As his second, you had no choice but to defend him. Please believe me when I tell you I have never cheated in my life. Not at chess, anyway.
FLORENCE
Then why are you apologizing tonight?
ANATOLY
FLORENCE
Then why are we here?
ANATOLY
We are here to meet each other.
diner
(in Russian)
Pass the salt.
FLORENCE
Excuse me, but Freddie is coming here to discuss continuation of a chess match.
diner
(in Russian)
Pass the salt.
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
He says you have beautiful eyes. Please.
diner
(in Russian)
Pass the salt.
(Anatoly passes the salt)
FLORENCE
He asked for the salt! You talk about trust. I have no reason to trust you at all.
ANATOLY
Nor I you. You said Freddie would be here and he is not. You came so early for our meeting. What's your motive? What's going on here? You could be working for Molokov for all I know.
"Terrace 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 in it way over my head
Embarrassed, outnumbered, 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 show up -- it can't come to nothing
--perhaps it can!
Maybe he's scared --
maybe he's scared, just as scared as he was 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
What if my Russian friend thinks that my plans
Have nothing to do with the chess?
If I don't say something and soon
He'll go -- maybe I'm on nobody's side!
ANATOLY
Listen, I hate to break up the mood
How do you say, begin the beguine
In this idyllic, well-produced scene?
FLORENCE
How could I not? Miss Vassy regrets
Anything goes with your opponent
ANATOLY
Never mind him -- I haven't missed him so far
Maybe it won't do any harm
To struggle on without his charm
Funny how all at once I feel
Nothing about that meeting matters any more
(Florence starts to leave the terrace. Anatoly grabs her and pulls her close. They kiss)
FLORENCE
This is the one situation
I wanted most to avoid
ANATOLY
FLORENCE
You think I'm the dangerous kind? Well, I am
(Florence backs away)
ANATOLY
You -- you're not dangerous
Who could think that of you?
FLORENCE & ANATOLY
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
(They look at each other and embrace again)
FLORENCE & ANATOLY
I don't know why I can't think of anything
I would rather do
Than be spending my time with someone like you.
(As they kiss again, Freddie enters. They part guiltily when Freddie speaks)
FREDDIE
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, I'm sorry...this shouldn't be happening.
FREDDIE
Daughter in collaboration
With the very nation
Gave her father the third degree!
Where's Daddy? Dead or in the KGB?
MOLOKOV
(in Russian; trying to intercede)
[?]
FLORENCE
Freddie, it's all my fault....
ANATOLY
Miss Vassy has made me realize how wrong I was. Please accept my apology for eating yogurt during the match.
FREDDIE
I'm taking no apologies, Sergievsky. This is personal now.
FLORENCE
FREDDIE
Shut up. The match is on. You be there tomorrow.
MOLOKOV
Wonderful. We've all made up.
FREDDIE
(grabs Florence)
We're getting the hell out of here.
MOLOKOV
I'm telling you, this is big.
(pause; to Anatoly)
An interesting gambit, my friend.
Scene 9: The Lobby of the International Hotel
Freddie, what kind of a fool do you think I am? Do you think I don't know what he's up to? He's using me to upset you.
FREDDIE
And he's doing a very good job.
FLORENCE
I promise you that it will never happen again. I've apologized a dozen times. I don't know what else to say.
FREDDIE
I don't know what else to believe.
(a Bellman approaches)
bellman
Miss Vassy.
FLORENCE
Yes, what is it?
There's a call for you. You can take it on the house phone.
FREDDIE
Go. Take the call. Take it easy, champ, we can't let these cheap psychological ploys get to us like this.
FLORENCE
(into phone)
This is Florence Vassy. There's a call for me?
(Nicolai enters)
nikolai
Excuse me, Mr. Trumper? I don't quite know how to ask this....
FREDDIE
Why don't you give it a shot?
nikolai
FREDDIE
You're Molokov's assistant.
nikolai
I am also a chess fan. Please write 'to Nikolai.'
bellman
Miss Vassy? We are delighted to be of service.
FLORENCE
Hello?
ANATOLY
It's me.
FLORENCE
ANATOLY, why are you calling me here?
ANATOLY
FLORENCE
ANATOLY. We are from different countries. Different worlds. There's no future in this.
ANATOLY
Tell me you won't see me again. I knew it. I knew it from the way you kissed me. Please. We must see each other again tonight.
FLORENCE
No. That's impossible. And please, don't call me again.
(Walter enters)
WALTER
You know, FREDDIE, there must be 20,000 Nikolais in the Soviet Union, we should find somebody to penetrate that market.
FREDDIE
(to Florence)
And who was that? It was him, wasn't it? FLORENCE
FREDDIE
He couldn't even wait until you got back to your room.
FLORENCE
Freddie, I didn't call him, he called me. And I told him I never wanted to see him again, I swear it.
FREDDIE
It is hard for me to imagine you getting yourself in this position. He is my opponent, after all. If I didn't know you better, I'd say it almost seems like sabotage.
FLORENCE
Freddie....
FREDDIE
Florence, what do you think you're doing?
(Walter and Freddie exit. Anatoly enters)
ANATOLY
FLORENCE
Why did you come here? I can't be seen with you.
ANATOLY
[?] You changed my life....
FLORENCE
You're talking like a crazy man. We don't even know each other.
ANATOLY
I know that. [?] You are a courageous woman, a strong woman. I'm falling in love with you, Florence.
FLORENCE
[?] You were confused by someone who has not been kissed in a long time. I'm not the person you're talking about.
ANATOLY
One of you is.
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
You are.
FLORENCE
I can't be that woman.
(but she responds to his embrace and eventually, his kiss)
Anatoly....we are from different countries, different worlds. Even if it were possible, there's no future in this.
ANATOLY
I believe you could feel something for me and you have committed yourself right now. 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
There's no chance for us Anatoly.
ANATOLY
(he exits)
Scene 10: The Rooftop Ballroom
announcer
We're here at the World Chess Federation championship, where play resumes after completion of the first draw last weekend. No early trends as yet, although Trumper....
FLORENCE
Not to worry, it's Freddie's....
ARBITER
The score in the World Chess Federation championship now stands at two victories to one, with one draw.
announcer
(Cacophony of television and radio commentators.)
ARBITER
The score now stands at three victories to one with three draws.
announcer
...where action has resumed at the World Chess Federation championship. Time and again over the week, the Soviet's middle game has proved particularly strong....
ARBITER
On the twentieth day of play the score stands at four victories to one with four draws. In today's game, Mr. Sergievsky plays white.
"No Contest"
WALTER
You take care, you don't let
Their shenanigans blind you
And you're wrong to forget
You've got your country behind you
You're a fool if you think you can wave a flag
And inspire some dramatic action
If I want bad enough then it's in the bag
If I don't you're a mere distraction
WALTER
You taught me baby
how the few who win acquire
What their hearts desire
It ain't practice, it ain't skill
They'll help but not as much as wanting will
FREDDIE
No contest, baby!
Pay no mind to reputation
You want concentration?
When they pick him off the floor
It's 'cause I wanted it a little more
WALTER
Take or be a possession
You taught me how to choose
And the key is obsession
(the match resumes)
FREDDIE
See my eyes, are they safe, are they even sane?
Are they warm when they seem to greet you?
You don't know, you can't tell, but it should be plain
These are eyes that are gonna beat you
Don't ever tell me I don't know the way to play it
Do I have to say it?
Doesn't matter what he tries
I have him, you can see it in the eyes.
both
No contest, baby!
Barely any point in playing
When it's just delaying
He lost it a woman and a half ago.
ARBITER
Mr. Trumper has resigned. The score now stands at five victories to one in favor of the challenger.
announcer
That's it, ladies and gentlemen. One more victory and Anatoly Sergievsky will be the new chess champion of the world.
"So You Got What You Want"
FREDDIE
(to Florence, as she starts to exit)
So you got what you want
What a nasty ambition!
Set me up, pull me down
Then exploit my condition
Who'd ever think it?
Such a squalid little ending
Watching you descending
I'm learning
Things I didn't want to know
FREDDIE and FLORENCE
Who'd ever guess
That 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'd be lost without me to abuse
Like you used to
FREDDIE
Go away, just get out
Be someone else's parasite.
FLORENCE
MOLOKOV
(to Anatoly)
Let her go. You've almost won. You don't need her now. She has served her purpose.
ANATOLY
Get your hands off me.
MOLOKOV
(in Russian)
[?]
woman
He said, we all deserve a drink.
(all exit the arena, while Freddie replaces the chess pieces on the tournament board)
"Pity the Child"
FREDDIE
Taught myself not to care
I was my single good companion
Taking my comfort there
Up in my room I planned my conquests
On my own -- never asked for a helping hand
No one would understand
I never asked the pair who fought below
Just in case they said no
Pity the child who has ambition
Knows what he wants to do
Knows that he'll never fit the system
Others expect him to
Pity the child who knew his parents
Saw their faults, saw their love die before his eyes
Pity a child that wise
He never asked did I cause your distress?
Just in case they said yes
When I was twelve my father moved out
I didn't miss him -- he made it perfectly clear
I was a fool and probably queer
Fool that I was I thought this would bring
Those he had left closer together
She made her move the moment he walked away
I was the last the woman told
She never let her bed get cold
Someone moved in -- I shut my door
Someone to treat her just the same way as before
I took the road of least resistance
I had my game to play
I had the skill, and more -- the hunger
Easy to get away
Pity the child with no such weapons
No defence, no escape from the ties that bind
Always a step behind
I never called to tell her all I'd done
I was only her son!
Not if he stays that way
He can get all he ever wanted
If he's prepared to pay
Pity instead the careless mother
What she missed
What she lost when she let me go
And I wonder does she know
I wouldn't call. A crazy thinkg to do
Just in case she said 'Who?'
Scene 11: The Hotel's Underground Garage
WALTER
Florence, Florence. You checked out before I could leave a name at the front desk....
FLORENCE
WALTER
Something astonishing's happened. It's not Freddie at all....
(Anatoly enters)
ANATOLY
Hello, Florence. From one stateless person to another....
FLORENCE
Anatoly, what do you...?
WALTER
He's defecting, Florence.
ANATOLY
I hate that word, defecting. Let's just say I'm moving to a new address.
FLORENCE
Why now, you're one victory away from....
I've got to call some people from immigration....
(he exits)
ANATOLY
There's very little time, I have no choice. I've applied to the American Embassy for immigrant status.
FLORENCE
Couldn't you have waited one day?
ANATOLY
Yes, I could have, I suppose, but you could not.
FLORENCE
My reasons for leaving are different than yours.
ANATOLY
Our reasons can't be separated, Florence. You have made me realize many things about my country and my life. You once said we were from different worlds but we are in the same boat now.
Anatoly, I can't commit to this.
ANATOLY
How strangely life works itself out. You said we had no future together. I can't imagine a future without you. You are the only future I have left to imagine.
(Walter re-enters)
WALTER
Sergievsky. They need to speak to you on the phone.
ANATOLY
Florence, I must go for a moment. Stay right where you are. Don't leave, please.
(Walter and Anatoly exit)
"Heaven Help My Heart"
FLORENCE
If it were love I should give that love
And I do
Did I know where he'd 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 explanations
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
Though I know that time is not my friend
Hoping to keep this best of moments
When the passions start
Heaven help my heart
The day that I find
Suddenly I've run out of reasons
Suddenly I'm not always on his mind.
(Anatoly enters and stands upstage; Florence looks at him)
Maybe it's best to love a stranger
Well that's what I've done --
Heaven help my heart
Heaven help my heart.
(Florence goes to Anatoly and they embrace; Walter enters)
WALTER
So the Americans came through.
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
So I'm out.
FLORENCE
So here we are.
WALTER
Boy, has your wife got a surprise ahead of her.
ANATOLY
Temporary visa to the United States of America. Sounds wonderful. The United States.
FLORENCE
Anatoly, do you have any children?
ANATOLY
No. Just a wife. She and I....
FLORENCE
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
I will expect you to give me inside information on his game.
FLORENCE
We'll need a hotel room for that.
ANATOLY
Is that all you ever think about?
FLORENCE
Chess? No.
ANATOLY
Well, then. We have our luggage, we have our freedom and I have a Bangkok hotel guide.
Scene 12: The British Embassy
announcer
Ladies and gentlemen, an extraordinary development here at the World Chess Championship. Just one victory away from the title, the Soviet, ANATOLY Sergievsky, appears to have defected to the west. For the love of his opponent's second, Miss Florence Vassy. Let's listen in while the couple meets the press.
reporter #1
Mr. Sergievsky. Why now?
reporter #2
Why with glasnost?
reporter #3
Vassy?
ANATOLY
Don't answer her!
FLORENCE
Walter, how did the media find out?
WALTER
I called them.
FLORENCE
Why?
WALTER
You don't think I helped Sergievsky out of the goodness of my heart, do you? He promised us a week's postponement. A little time to get Freddie back on his feet.
FLORENCE
But why call the press?
Publicity.
reporter #3
It's such a hopeful time in East-West relations, why defect now?
ANATOLY
I am not defecting. I have no further comments.
reporter #4
Is this your way of denouncing perestroika?
ANATOLY
I denounce nothing. Please. It's not a political gesture.
"The Reporters"
reporters
How long was this planned?
What made you defect?
Did anyone help you?
To be joined in your exile
By loved ones such as your wife?
Or are you starting again
In all aspects of life?
[?]Do you intend
To finish the match
Or have you resigned now
And should be attached
Any special significance
To your [?]
THIS DECISION AS FAR AS THE MATCH
MOLOKOV
Ladies and gentlemen. Defection old hat. The Soviet Union has a completely open emigration policy. Sergievsky, you're leaving your homeland not as a hero, but as a traitor.
"Anthem"
ANATOLY
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
end of act one
ACT TWO
Scene 1: Freddie's Suite Doorway
(Florence bangs on his door)
FLORENCE
Freddie. Let me in, I have to talk to you. You have to give me a chance to explain. Open the door, Freddie. I'm not helping Anatoly, you have to know that.
(Walter answers the door)
WALTER
Go away Florence, he's trying to sleep.
Walter, you have to let me in, I have to explain.
WALTER
He saw the whole thing on television. Now leave him alone and let him lick his wounds.
FLORENCE
Freddie, where are you?
WALTER
No!
FLORENCE
Where is he?
WALTER
Since six-thirty last night, nobody knows.
FLORENCE
He's missing? We have to call the police.
No. We can't afford the publicity.
FLORENCE
Walter, we have to find him. He doesn't know Bangkok....
(into phone)
Hello, front desk? Get me the American Embassy.
WALTER
I'm sorry, Florence. He's alone on this one.
Scene 2: Bangkok at Night
"One Night in Bangkok"
FREDDIE
Bangkok! Oriental setting
And the city don't know what the city is getting
Show with everything but Yul Brynner
Bangkok! Just another stop in
The chess world circus -- Masters drop in,
Play, checkmate, check out and then you
Move on to another venue
Like Iceland -- or the Philippines -- or Hastings --
or -- this place!
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
FREDDIE
One town's very like another
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
FREDDIE
What do you mean? You've seen one crowded, polluted,
stinking town, you've seen--
chorus
Tea, girls, warm, sweet
Some are set up in the Somerset Maugham Suite
FREDDIE
Get Thai'd! You're taking to a tourist
Whose every move's among the purest
I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine.
chorus
One night in Bangkok makes a hard man humble
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
FREDDIE
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....
chorus
One night in Bangkok and the world's your oyster
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
(Freddie is mugged by a gang of hoodlums)
WALTER
Freddie! Jesus Christ.
Scene 3: A Thai Restaurant
Are you still happy?
ANATOLY
Very happy. We'll have the pineapple dessert, thank you.
FLORENCE
The week's postponement has passed so quickly. We've hardly mentioned chess at all.
ANATOLY
Conversation has taken the back seat at times, no? So no regrets?
FLORENCE
I regret hurting Freddie. My only other regret is not meeting you sooner.
ANATOLY
A week has passed and no move from Molokov. I feel as if I'm in America already. We are staying at the hotel with a tour group from Buffalo. We are renting a Hertz Rent-a- Car Ford Escort and down the block is not only a Burger King but a Popeye Chicken. Of course, the big change is the nationality of my baby sitters. They're Americans now.
man
(a man and woman approach Anatoly. His guards grab them)
ANATOLY
Josef! Let her go. This is a friend of mine.
guard #1
They are okay?
ANATOLY
Yes, I tell you, these are good friends from Moscow. Studied at the [?].
(lots of conversation in Russian)
ANATOLY
He wants to know why you tried to hurt him.
guard #1
Tell him we're sorry, Anatoly.
guard #2
guard #1
Why don't you ask your friends how they got their plane tickets to Bangkok.
ANATOLY (asks in Russian) man (in Russian) Svetlana's in Bangkok. ANATOLY Svetlana? (discussion in Russian) woman Goodbye. ANATOLY We want to be alone.
guard #1
I'm sorry, but you're under our supervision while you're in Bangkok.
ANATOLY
I don't think I'm going to be kidnapped in the next twenty minutes. May I please enjoy my basic human right of privacy?
guard #2
All right. Let's leave 'em alone.
guard #1
Just don't leave town, pardner.
(the Guards exit)
ANATOLY
(to Florence)
My wife is in Bangkok.
FLORENCE
ANATOLY
This is Molokov's doing.
FLORENCE
They've started, haven't they?
ANATOLY
They will stop at nothing to drive me.
FLORENCE
Are you going to see her?
ANATOLY
Should I see her, Florence?
FLORENCE
This is your move, Anatoly, not mine.
ANATOLY
FLORENCE
Go.
ANATOLY
I don't love her.
FLORENCE
You married her.
ANATOLY
Years ago.
"You and I"
FLORENCE
Just go. You love her.
This is an all too familiar scene
Life imperceptibly coming between
ANATOLY
Nothing has altered --
FLORENCE
-- yet everything's changed
ANATOLY
No one stands still --
both
Still I love you completely and hope I always will
ANATOLY
Why do we need to put love into words?
Causing confusion
We protest, explain
Reassure in vain
Come to no conclusion
I'd give the world to stay just as we are
It's better by far
Not to be too wise
Not to realize
Where there's truth there will be lies
You and I
We've seen it all
both
Chasing our hearts desire
Yet we go on believing
ANATOLY
Nothing can harm us
This is forever.
Scene 4: Svetlana's Suite
"You and I"
SVETLANA
You knew better than me
Where your ambitions would take us
I knew sooner than you
That those ambitions would break us
You would not believe me
Why should you believe me?
I held you back
You and your dream
Who needs a dream?
Who needs ambition?
Who'd be the fool
In my position?
Year after year
Anything's changed
Many things dying
But then --
ANATOLY and SVETLANA
You and I
We've seen it all
Been down this road before
But I go on pretending
Stories like ours
Have happy endings
ANATOLY
What is left to say?
SVETLANA
I am not surprised. Our friends in Moscow were, but then they had not yet heard the explanation.
ANATOLY
SVETLANA
Is she beautiful? Is she rich?
ANATOLY
No.
SVETLANA
But she dresses well.
ANATOLY
Is that a question?
SVETLANA
No.
(pause)
Are you happy? Is she?
ANATOLY
SVETLANA
That wasn't what I asked. That wasn't what I wanted to know
(pause)
It is good to see you again. It is always a pleasure to see my husband.
ANATOLY
Svetlana! Please!
(She exits. Molokov enters)
MOLOKOV
Things will get worse before they get better.
ANATOLY
I have some money for her. Maybe you could give it to her. I don't think she would take it from me.
MOLOKOV
Why not wait and see. She'll be staying in Bangkok for the rest of the match.
ANATOLY
MOLOKOV
No one cares what you think. Sergievsky, you have no concept of the gravity of what you have done. Tens of thousands of young people are trying to build a new Russia, and this is the example you set.
ANATOLY
With tens of thousands there what does one more matter?
MOLOKOV
There are people in high places who care very much about the defection of the nation's chess champion. It reflects badly on our reforms. If you continue on your present course, Svetlana Ivanova will lose her apartment and your brother....
ANATOLY
What about my brother?
MOLOKOV
There is a housing shortage in Rybinsk. He and his wife will have to find a smaller apartment soon. And Svetlana's brother--suddenly there will be no room for him at the medical school. And your brother's son--how old is he?
ANATOLY
