Strange adventures happened to a young scholar named Christian Theodore who came to a small southern country to study history. He settled in a hotel, in a room where the storyteller Hans Christian Andersen lived before him. (Perhaps this is the whole point?) The master's daughter Annunziata tells him about the unusual will of the last local king. In it, he ordered his daughter Louise not to marry the prince, but to find a kind, honest husband among the humble people. The will is considered a great secret, but the whole city knows about it. The princess, in order to fulfill her father's will, disappears from the palace. Many try to find her hiding place in the hope of gaining the royal throne.
Listening to the story, Christian-Theodore is constantly distracted, because he looks at the balcony of the neighboring house, where a lovely girl appears every now and then. In the end, he decides to talk to her, and then even confesses his love and, it seems, finds a reciprocal feeling.
When the girl leaves the balcony, Christian-Theodor guesses that the princess was his companion. He wants to continue the conversation, and he half-jokingly turns to his shadow lying at his feet, inviting her to go instead of him to a stranger and tell about his love. Suddenly, the shadow separates and dives into the loosely closed door of the adjacent balcony. The scientist becomes ill. Annunziata, who runs in, notices that the guest no longer has a shadow, and this is a bad sign. She runs after the doctor. Her father Pietro advises not to tell anyone about what happened.
But in the city everyone knows how to eavesdrop. So the journalist Caesar Borgia, who entered the room, discovers full awareness of the conversation between Christian Theodore and the girl. Both he and Pietro are sure that this is a princess, and they do not want her to marry a visitor. According to Pietro, you need to find an escaped shadow, which, being the complete opposite of its owner, will help prevent the wedding. Annunziata is full of anxiety for the future of the young man, as she secretly already loves him.
A meeting of two ministers takes place in the city park. They gossip about the Princess and the Scientist. They decide that he is not a blackmailer, not a thief and not a cunning one, but a simple naive person. But the actions of such people are unpredictable, so you have to either buy it or kill it. A stranger suddenly appears next to them (this is the Shadow), an oblique place! "Everyone sees that the Shadow gets up with difficulty, staggers and falls. Having come to his senses, the first minister orders the lackeys to carry away the king and calls the executioner to execute the Scientist. Christian is taken away.
Annunziata begs Julia to do something to save him. She manages to awaken good feelings in the singer. Julia asks the Doctor to give her miraculous water, but the Doctor says that the Minister of Finance has seven locks on the water and it is impossible to get it. As soon as Shadow and Louise return to the throne room, drums are heard from afar: the execution has taken place. And suddenly Shadow's head flies off his shoulders. The First Minister understands that a mistake has occurred: they did not take into account that by cutting off the head of the Scientist, they will deprive him of his head and his shadow. To save the Shadow, you will have to resurrect the Scientist. Hastily sent for living water. The Shadow's head is back in place, but now the Shadow is trying to please his former master in everything, because he wants to live. Louise indignantly drives away the former fiancé. The shadow slowly descends from the throne and, wrapped in a mantle, presses against the wall. The princess orders the head of the guard: "Take him!" Shadow grabs the guards, but they have an empty robe in their hands - the Shadow disappears. “He disappeared to get in my way again and again. But I recognize him, I recognize him everywhere,” says Christian-Theodore. The princess begs for forgiveness, but Christian no longer loves her. He takes Annunziata's hand and they leave the palace.
The park. A sand-strewn playground surrounded by trimmed trees. At the back of the pavilion.Majordomo and Assistant its being tinkered at the forefront.
majordomo. Put the table here. And here are the chairs. Put chess on the table. Here. Now everything is ready for the meeting.
Assistant. But tell me, mister majordomo, why do the gentlemen ministers sit here, in the park, and not in the palace?
majordomo. Because the palace has walls. Understood?
Assistant. Not at all.
majordomo. And the walls have ears. Understood?
Assistant. Yes, now I understand.
majordomo. That's it. Put pillows on this chair.
Assistant. Is this for the First Minister?
majordomo. No, for Mr. Minister of Finance. He is seriously ill.
Assistant. And what happened to him?
majordomo. He is the richest businessman in the country. Rivals hate him terribly. And one of them went on a crime last year. He decided to poison the Minister of Finance.
Assistant. Horrible!
majordomo. Do not be upset ahead of time. The Minister of Finance found out about this in time and bought up all the poisons that are in the country.
Assistant. What happiness!
majordomo. Do not rejoice ahead of time. Then the criminal came to the Minister of Finance and gave an unusually high price for poisons. And the Minister acted quite naturally. The minister is a real politician. He calculated the profit and sold the whole stock of his potions to the scoundrel. And the villain poisoned the minister. His Excellency's entire family deigned to die in terrible agony. And he himself has barely survived since then, but he earned two hundred percent of the net on this. Business is business. Understood?
Assistant. Yes, now I understand.
majordomo. Well, something. So, are you all set? Armchairs. Chess. Today there will be a particularly important meeting.
Assistant. Why do you think?
majordomo. Firstly, only two chief ministers will meet - the first and finance, and secondly, they will pretend that they are playing chess, and not sitting. Everyone knows what that means. The bushes must be teeming with the curious.
Assistant. What if the curious overhear what the ministers say?
majordomo. The curious will know nothing.
Assistant. Why?
majordomo. Because gentlemen ministers understand each other perfectly. You will understand a lot from half words! (Suddenly bows low.) They are coming. I have been serving at court for so long that my lower back bends by itself at the approach of high-ranking persons. I still don't see or hear them, but I'm already bowing. That's why I'm in charge. Understood? Bow down!.. Below.
The majordomo bends to the ground. Assistant for him. From two sides of the stage, to the right and left, two ministers come out at the same time -First Minister and Minister of Finance . The first is a small man with a belly, bald, ruddy, he is over fifty. The Minister of Finance - withered, long, looking around in horror, limping on both legs. He is led by the arms of two tallfootman . The ministers approach the table at the same time, sit down at the same time, and immediately begin to play chess. The lackeys who brought the Minister of Finance, having seated him, silently leave. The majordomo and his assistant remain on stage. They stand at attention.
First Minister. Health?
Minister of Finance. Reply.
First Minister. Affairs?
Minister of Finance. Very bad.
First Minister. Why?
Minister of Finance. Jumping.
They play chess in silence.
majordomo (whispers). You see, I told you that they understand each other perfectly.
First Minister. Have you heard of the princess?
Minister of Finance. Yes, I've been informed.
First Minister. This visiting scientist stole her heart.
Minister of Finance. Kidnapped?! Wait... Footman! No, not you... My lackey!
Includedone of two lackeys who brought the minister.
Footman! Did you lock all the doors when we left?
Lackey. Everything, Your Excellency.
Minister of Finance. And iron?
Lackey. Yes sir.
Minister of Finance. And copper?
Lackey. Yes sir.
Minister of Finance. And cast iron?
Lackey. Yes sir.
Minister of Finance. And set the traps? Remember, you are responsible with your life for the most insignificant loss.
Lackey. I remember, Your Excellency.
Minister of Finance. Go…
The footman leaves.
I'm listening to.
First Minister. According to the information of the privy councilors on duty, the princess of the third day looked into the mirror for a long time, then burst into tears and said (pulls out notebook and reads)"Ah, why am I wasting in vain?" - and for the fifth time sent to ask about the health of the scientist. Upon learning that there had not been much change, the princess stamped her foot and whispered (is reading):"Damn it!" And today she made an appointment with him in the park. Here. How do you like it?
Minister of Finance. I don't like it at all! Who is this scientist?
First Minister. Ah, I have studied it to the point.
Minister of Finance. Blackmailer?
First Minister. Worse…
Minister of Finance. Thief?
First Minister. Worse…
Minister of Finance. Adventurer, cunning, dodger?
First Minister. Oh, if only...
Minister of Finance. So what is he, finally?
First Minister. Simple naive person.
Minister of Finance. Check to the king.
First Minister. I'm castle...
Minister of Finance. Check to the queen.
First Minister. Poor princess! We would expose the blackmailer, we would catch the thief, we would outwit the dodger and the sly one, but this one ... The actions of simple and honest people are sometimes so mysterious!
Minister of Finance. You need it either ku or y.
First Minister. Yes, there is no other way.
Minister of Finance. In the city about all this already pronyu?
First Minister. Still would not get through!
Minister of Finance. I knew it. That is why prudent people transfer gold abroad in such quantities. One banker of the third day even transferred his gold teeth abroad. And now he travels all the time abroad and back. At home, he now has nothing to chew food with.
First Minister. In my opinion, your banker showed excessive nervousness.
Minister of Finance. This is sensitivity! There is no more sensitive organism in the world than the business community. One will of the king caused seven bankruptcies, seven suicides, and all values fell seven points. And now ... Oh, what will happen now! No change, Mr. First Minister! Life should go smoothly, like clockwork.
First Minister. By the way, what time is it?
Minister of Finance. My gold watch has been shipped overseas. And if I wear silver, then rumors will spread that I'm broke, and this will cause a panic in business circles.
First Minister. Is there really no gold left in our country?
Minister of Finance. It's more than necessary.
First Minister. Where?
Minister of Finance. From abroad. Overseas business circles are worried for their own overseas reasons and are transferring the gold to us. This is how we live. Summarize. Therefore, we will buy a scientist.
First Minister. Or we'll kill.
Minister of Finance. How will we do it?
First Minister. The most delicate! After all, such a feeling as love is involved in the matter! I intend to deal with the scientist with the help of friendship.
Minister of Finance. Friendship?
First Minister. Yes. To do this, you need to find a person with whom our scientist is friendly. A friend knows that he loves, than he can be bought. A friend knows that he hates, that for him pure death. I ordered in the office to get a friend.
Minister of Finance. It's horrible.
First Minister. Why?
Minister of Finance. After all, the scientist is a visitor, therefore, he will have to write a friend from abroad. And under which column will I spend this expense? Each violation of the estimate causes bitter tears in my chief accountant. He will sob like a child, and then fall into a delusional state. For a while, he will stop issuing money altogether. Everyone. Even me. Even you.
First Minister. Yah? It is unpleasant. After all, the fate of the entire kingdom is at stake. How to be?
Minister of Finance. Don't know.
First Minister. But who knows?
Assistant (stepping forward). I.
Minister of Finance (jumping up). What is it? Is it starting?
First Minister. Calm down please. If it ever starts, it won't be from palace lackeys.
Minister of Finance. So it's not a riot?
First Minister. No. It's just audacity. Who you are?
Assistant. I am the one you are looking for. I am a friend of a scientist, his closest friend. We did not part from the cradle until the last days.
First Minister. Listen, dear friend, do you know who you are talking to?
Assistant. Yes.
First Minister. Why don't you call me "Your Excellency"?
Assistant (with deep bow). Excuse me, Your Excellency.
First Minister. Are you a visitor?
Assistant. I was born in this city, Your Excellency.
First Minister. And yet you are a friend of a visiting scientist?
Assistant. I'm just the one you need, Your Excellency. I know him better than anyone, but he doesn't know me at all, Your Excellency.
First Minister. Weird.
Assistant. If you like, I'll tell you who I am, Your Excellency.
First Minister. Speak up. What are you looking at?
Assistant. Let me write in the sand who I am, Your Excellency.
First Minister. Write.
The assistant draws something in the sand. Ministers read and exchange glances.
What do you say?
Minister of Finance (coming up). But be careful! And then he will break it.
First Minister. So. Who arranged for you to serve in the palace?
Assistant. Mr. Caesar Borgia and Mr. Pietro, Your Excellency.
First Minister (Minister of Finance). Are you familiar with these names?
Minister of Finance. Yes, quite reliable cannibals.
First Minister. Okay, darling, we'll think about it.
Assistant. I dare to remind you that we are in the south, Your Excellency.
First Minister. so what?
Assistant. Things are growing so fast in the south, Your Excellency. The scientist and the princess spoke to each other only two weeks ago and have not seen each other since then, and look how their love has grown, your excellency. Let's not be late, Your Excellency!
First Minister. I told you what we'll think about. Stand aside.
Ministers think.
Come here, my dear.
The assistant follows the order.
We thought about it and decided to take you to serve in the Office of the First Minister.
Assistant. Thank you, Your Excellency. In my opinion, scientists should act like this ...
First Minister. What's wrong with you, dear? Are you going to act while you are still not registered? Yes, you are crazy! Do you know what an office is?
Assistant. Excuse me, Your Excellency.
An explosion of laughter backstage.
First Minister. This is where the holidaymakers come in. They will interfere with us. Let's go to the office, and there I will arrange your appointment. After that, we will listen to you anyway.
Assistant. Thank you, Your Excellency.
Minister of Finance. Lackeys!
Appearfootmen .
Take me away.
They leave. The doors of the pavilion swing open, and from there appearsDoctor - a young man in the highest degree sullen and focused. He is surroundedvacationers lightly but luxuriously dressed.
1st spa. Doctor, why do I get a feeling under my knee that looks like thoughtfulness?
Doctor. Under which knee?
1st spa. Under right.
Doctor. It will pass.
2nd spa. And why do I have melancholic thoughts at the meal, between the eighth and ninth courses?
Doctor. Which for example?
2nd spa. Well, I suddenly want to retire to the desert and indulge in prayers and fasting there.
Doctor. It will pass.
1st spa visitor. Doctor, why did I suddenly stop liking brown-haired women after the fortieth bath?
Doctor. Who do you like now?
1st spa visitor. One blonde.
Doctor. It will pass. Gentlemen, let me remind you that the healing hour is over. Sister of mercy, you are free. Sister of entertainment, get down to your duties.
Sister entertainment. Who to give the ball to? Who needs a jump rope? Hoops, hoops, gentlemen! Who wants to play tag? In a lifesaver? In cat and mouse? Time is running out, gentlemen, rejoice, gentlemen, play!
The resorts disperse. Enterscientist and Annunziata .
Annunziata. Doctor, he just bought a whole tray of lollipops.
Scientist. But I gave candy to street boys.
Annunziata. Doesn't matter! Can a sick person buy sweets?
Doctor (to a scientist). Stand against the sun. So. Your shadow has grown to normal size. This is to be expected - everything is growing so fast in the south. How are you feeling?
Scientist. I feel completely healthy.
Doctor. Still, I will listen to you. No, you don't have to take off your coat: I have very thin ears. (Takes a stethoscope from the table in the pavilion.) So. Take a breath. Take a deep breath. Take a deep breath. Again. Breathe a sigh of relief. Again. Look at everything through your fingers. Wave your hand at everything. Again. Shrug. So. (Sits down and thinks.)
The scientist takes out a packet of letters from the side pocket of his coat. Roots in them.
Annunziata. Well, what do you say, doctor? How are things going for him?
Doctor. Badly.
Annunziata. Well, you see, and he says that he is perfectly healthy.
Doctor. Yes, he is healthy. But things aren't going well for him. And they will go even worse until he learns to look at the world through his fingers, until he gives up on everything, until he masters the art of shrugging his shoulders.
Annunziata. How about, doctor? How to teach him all this?
The doctor shrugs silently.
Answer me doctor. Oh please. After all, I still will not leave, you know how stubborn I am. What should he do?
Doctor. Beware!
Annunziata. And he smiles.
Doctor. Yes, it happens.
Annunziata. He's a scientist, he's smart, he's older than me, but sometimes I just want to spank him. Well, talk to him!
The Doctor waves his hand.
Doctor!
Doctor. You see, he doesn't listen to me. He buried his nose in some notes.
Annunziata. These are letters from the princess. Sir! The doctor wants to talk to you, but you are not listening.
Scientist. How can I not listen! I heard everything.
Annunziata. And what do you say to that?
Scientist. I'll say, I'll say...
Annunziata. Sir!
Scientist. Now! I can't find it here... (Mumbling.) As she wrote - "always with you" or "forever with you"?
Annunziata (mournfully). I will shoot you!
Scientist. Yes, yes, please.
Doctor. Christian Theodore! After all, you are a scientist ... Listen to me at last. I'm still your friend.
Scientist (hiding letters). Yes Yes. Forgive me.
Doctor. In the folk tales of the man who lost his shadow, in the monographs of Chamisso and your friend Hans-Christian Andersen, it is said that ...
Scientist. Let's not remember what it says. I will end up differently.
Doctor. Answer me as a doctor - are you going to marry a princess?
Scientist. Certainly.
Doctor. And I heard that you dream of making as many people happy as possible.
Scientist. And that's right.
Doctor. Both cannot be true.
Scientist. Why?
Doctor. By marrying a princess, you will become a king.
Scientist. That's the strength, I won't be king! The princess loves me and she will leave with me. And we will reject the crown - you see how good it is! And I will explain to anyone who asks, and I will convince the most incurious: royal power is meaningless and insignificant. That's why I gave up the throne.
Doctor. And people will understand you?
Scientist. Certainly! After all, I will prove it to them by living example.
The doctor silently waves his hand.
Everything can be explained to a person. After all, he understands the alphabet, and this is even simpler than the alphabet, and, most importantly, it touches him so closely!
Through the stage, playing, run throughvacationers .
Doctor (pointing to them.) Will they understand you too?
Scientist. Certainly! Every person has something alive. It is necessary to hurt him to the quick - and that's it.
Doctor. Child! I know them better. After all, they are curing me.
Scientist. Why are they sick?
Doctor. Satiety in an acute form.
Scientist. This is dangerous?
Doctor. Yes, for those around you.
Scientist. How?
Doctor. Satiety in an acute form suddenly seizes even worthy people. The man honestly earned a lot of money. And suddenly he has an ominous symptom: a special, restless, hungry look of a wealthy person. Here he ends. From now on, he is barren, blind and cruel.
Scientist. Have you tried explaining everything to them?
Doctor. This is what I wanted to warn you against. Woe to anyone who tries to make them think about anything other than money. This drives them into a real frenzy.
run throughvacationers .
Scientist. Look, they are funny!
Doctor. Rest!
Enters quicklyJulia Julie .
Julia (to the doctor). Here you are at last. Are you completely healthy?
Doctor. Yes, Julia.
Julia. Ah, it's a doctor.
Doctor. Yes, it's me, Julia.
Julia. Why are you looking at me like a rabbit in love? Get out!
The doctor wants to answer, but leaves for the pavilion, silently waving his hand.
Where are you, Christian Theodore?
Scientist. Here I am.
Julia (comes to him). Yes, it's you. (Smiling.) How glad I am to see you! Well, what did that worthless doctor tell you?
Scientist. He told me that I was healthy. Why do you call him insignificant?
Julia. Ah, I once loved him, and then I hate such people terribly.
Scientist. Was it an unhappy love?
Julia. Worse. This same doctor has an ugly and evil wife, of whom he is mortally afraid. You could only kiss him on the back of the head.
Scientist. Why?
Julia. He kept turning around and looking to see if his wife was coming. But enough about him. I came here to... warn you, Christian Theodore. You are in danger.
Scientist. Can not be. Cause I'm so happy!
Julia. And yet you are in trouble.
Annunziata. Don't smile, ma'am, I beg you. Otherwise, we will not understand whether you are serious or joking, and maybe even die because of this.
Julia. Never mind that I'm smiling. In our circle, in the circle of real people, they always smile just in case. After all, then, whatever you say, you can turn this way and that. I'm serious, Christian Theodore. You are in danger.
Scientist. Which?
Julia. Did I tell you that there is one minister in our circle?
Scientist. Yes.
Julia. This is the finance minister. He is in our circle because of me. He courts me and is always going to propose to me.
Annunziata. He? And he can't even walk!
Julia. It is driven by well-dressed lackeys. Because he is so rich. And now I met him. And he asked where I was going. When he heard your name, he grimaced, Christian Theodore.
Annunziata. Horrible!
Julia. In our circle, we all master the same art - we are amazingly able to read the faces of dignitaries. And even I, in my short-sightedness, read on the minister's face just now that something is being plotted against you, Christian Theodore.
Scientist. Well, let it run.
Julia. Oh, you have spoiled me in these two weeks. Why did I visit you! I have become a sentimental petty bourgeois. It's so troublesome. Annunziata, take him away.
Scientist. What for?
Julia. Now the Minister of Finance will come here, and I will put all my charms into play and find out what they are up to. I'll even try to save you, Christian Theodore.
Annunziata. How can I thank you, ma'am?
Julia. Not a word to anyone if you're truly grateful. Go away.
Annunziata. Come on, sir.
Scientist. Annunziata, you know that I must meet the princess here.
Julia. You have one more hour. Leave if you love the princess and pity me.
Scientist. Goodbye, poor Julia. How concerned you both are! And only I know one thing - everything will be fine.
Annunziata. He's coming. Ma'am, I beg you...
Julia. Quiet! I told you I would try.
The Scholar and Annunziata leave. AppearsMinister of Finance , he is ledfootmen .
Minister of Finance. Lackeys! Have me sit next to this charming woman. Give me a pose conducive to light, witty chatter.
The lackeys obey.
So, now leave.
The footmen leave.
Julia, I want to please you.
Julia. It's easy for you to do this.
Minister of Finance. Enchantress! Circe! Aphrodite! We were just talking about you in the office of the First Minister.
Julia. Naughty!
Minister of Finance. Trust me! And we all agreed on one thing: you are a smart, practical nymph!
Julia. O courtesans!
Minister of Finance. And we decided that it was you who would help us in one case.
Julia. Say which one. If it is not difficult, then I am ready for anything for you.
Minister of Finance. Trifle! You will have to help us destroy a visiting scientist named Christian Theodore. You know him, don't you? Will you help us?
Julia doesn't answer.
Lackeys!
Appearfootmen .
A pose of extreme surprise!
The lackeys obey.
Julia, I am extremely surprised. Why are you looking at me like you don't know what to say to me?
Julia. I really don't know what to tell you. These two weeks are just ruining me.
Minister of Finance. I didn't understand.
Julia. I don't understand myself.
Minister of Finance. Is it a denial?
Julia. Don't know.
Minister of Finance. Lackeys!
run infootmen .
A pose of extreme indignation!
The lackeys obey.
I am extremely indignant, Mrs. Julia Julie! What does it mean? Have you fallen in love with a poor boy? Be silent! Get up! Hands at the seams! Before you is not a man, but the Minister of Finance. Your refusal shows that you do not respect our entire state system. Quiet! Be silent! On trial!
Julia. Wait!
Minister of Finance. I won't wait! “Oh, why am I not a lawn!” Only now I understand what you mean by that. You imply that the farmers have little land. BUT? What? Yes, I'll tell you... Yes, I'll tell you... Tomorrow the newspapers will take apart your figure, your manner of singing, your private life. Lackeys! Stomp your foot!
The lackeys stamp their feet.
Yes, not your own, fools, but mine!
The lackeys obey.
Goodbye former celebrity!
Julia. Wait!
Minister of Finance. I won't wait!
Julia. Take a look at me!
Minister of Finance. Take the trouble to call me "Your Excellency"!
Julia. Take a look at me, Your Excellency.
Minister of Finance. Well?
Julia. Don't you understand that you are always more of a man to me than the finance minister?
Minister of Finance (flattered). Come on, come on!
Julia. I give you my word. Is it possible for a man to say “yes” right away?
Minister of Finance. Aphrodite! Let's see, do you agree?
Julia. Now I will answer yes.
Minister of Finance. Lackeys! Hug her!
The footmen hug Yulia.
Doodles! I want to hug her. So. Dear Julia, thank you. Tomorrow, by order of the office, I will declare myself your main patron. Lackeys! Set me down beside this Aphrodite. Give me a pose of extreme carelessness. And you, Julia, take a carefree pose, but listen to me with both ears. So, after a while you will find a scientist here, animatedly talking with an official of especially important affairs. And you, under any pretext, will take the scientist out of here for twenty minutes. That's all.
Julia. And all?
Minister of Finance. See how easy it is! And just these twenty minutes will completely destroy him. Let's go to the jeweler, I'll buy you a ring of incalculable value. Let's go. Lackeys! Take us away.
Are removed.
Enterassistant and Pietro with Caesar Borgia .
Assistant. Hello gentlemen!
Pietro. Yes, we saw each other this morning.
Assistant. I advise you to forget that we saw each other this morning. I will not forget that you once found me, placed me in the palace, helped me to go out into the world. But you, gentlemen, forget once and for all who I was, and remember who I have become.
Caesar Borgia. Who are you now?
Assistant. I am now an official of the most important affairs of the office of his excellency the first minister.
Caesar Borgia. How did you do it? Now that's success! Just the devil knows what it is! Eternal history!
Assistant. I achieved this success through my own efforts. So I remind you a second time: forget who I was.
Pietro. You can forget. If we do not quarrel - what is there to remember!
Caesar Borgia. It's hard to forget about it. But it is possible to be silent for the time being. Did you understand my hint?
Assistant. I understand you gentlemen. We won't fight as long as you keep quiet about who I was. Now listen carefully. I have been assigned case number 8989. (Shows a folder.) Here it is.
Pietro (is reading). "The Case of the Princess's Marriage".
Assistant. Yes. Here, in this folder, everything: the princess, and he, and you, both the present and the future.
Caesar Borgia. Who is planned to be the suitor of this high person - this worries me a little, like everything in this, as they say, earthly life, but still ...
Assistant. Both of you are intended to be the suitors of the princess.
Pietro. Devil! How so - both?
Caesar Borgia. I and he?
Assistant. Yes. It is necessary, after all, that the princess had a choice ...
Caesar Borgia. But you must see for yourself!
Pietro. What the hell does she need when there is me!
Assistant. Quiet! The decision is final. I propose - the princess chooses. Pietro, take your daughter home. I need to talk to a scientist, and she's guarding him like a whole regiment of guards.
Caesar Borgia. She fell in love with him. And Pietro is blind, as a father should be!
Pietro. Devil! I will kill them both!
Caesar Borgia. It is high time.
Pietro. Satan! You deliberately tempt me! I'll be arrested for murder, and you'll be the only suitor? Is this what you want?
Caesar Borgia. Yes I want to. And this is a completely natural desire. Goodbye.
Pietro. No, you won't leave. I know where you are going.
Caesar Borgia. Where?
Pietro. You want to eat me anyway. Will not work. I won't step aside from you.
Assistant. Quiet. He's coming over here. Let's agree this way: the one of you who will be king will pay the other a good ransom. Appoint, for example, the victim as the first royal secretary or head of the guard. Look, he's coming. He's having fun.
Caesar Borgia. How will you speak to him?
Assistant. I speak to everyone in their language.
Enterscientist and Annunziata .
Scientist. What a beautiful day gentlemen!
Pietro. Yeah, what a day, damn it. Annunziata, home!
Annunziata. Dad…
Pietro. Home! Otherwise it will be bad for you and someone else. You didn't even tell the cook what to cook for dinner tonight.
Annunziata. I don't care.
Pietro. What are you talking about, monster? Monsieur Caesar Borgia, come home with us, friend, or, I swear on my honor, I will quietly finish you with a dagger.
They leave. The assistant, who had kept aloof during the previous conversation, approaches the scientist.
Assistant. Don't you recognize me?
Scientist. Sorry no.
Assistant. Take a closer look.
Scientist. What? I feel like I know you, and I know you well, but...
Assistant. And we lived together for so many years.
Scientist. Yes, what are you saying?
Assistant. Trust me. I followed you relentlessly, but you only occasionally cast a casual glance at me. But I have often been taller than you, climbed to the roofs of the highest houses. This usually happened on moonlit nights.
Scientist. So, that means you...
Assistant. Quiet! Yes, I am your shadow... Why are you looking at me incredulously? After all, I have been so attached to you all my life since the day you were born.
Scientist. No, I'm just...
Shadow. You are angry with me for leaving you. But you yourself asked me to go to the princess, and I immediately complied with your request. After all, we grew up together, among the same people. When you said "mom", I silently repeated the same word. I loved those you loved, and your enemies were my enemies. When you were sick - and I could not lift my head from the pillow. You got better, I got better. Surely, after a lifetime of such close friendship, I could suddenly become your enemy!
Scientist. No, what are you! Sit down, old friend. I was ill without you, and now I have recovered ... I feel good. Today is such a beautiful day. I am happy, my soul is open today - that's what I'll tell you, although, you know, I don't like such words. But you just touched me... Well, what have you been doing this time?.. Or no, wait, let's switch to "you" first.
Shadow (holding out hand to scientist). Thank you. I've been your shadow, that's what I've been doing all these days.
Scientist. I don't understand you.
Shadow. You sent me to the princess. At first I got a job as an assistant to the chief footman in the palace, then I rose higher and higher, and from today I am an official of especially important affairs under the first minister.
Scientist. Poor fellow! I can imagine how difficult it is among these people! But why did you do it?
Shadow. For you.
Scientist. For me?
Shadow. You yourself do not know what terrible hatred has surrounded you since you fell in love with the princess, and the princess fell in love with you. They are all ready to eat you, and they would have eaten you today if not for me.
Scientist. What you!
Shadow. I am among them to save you. They trust me. They assigned me case number 8989.
Scientist. What is this thing?
Shadow. It's about the marriage of a princess.
Scientist. Can not be.
Shadow. And our happiness is that the case is in the right hands. The first minister himself sent me to you. I am instructed to buy you.
Scientist. Buy? (Laughs.) How much?
Shadow. Trivia. They promise you glory, honor and wealth if you refuse the princess.
Scientist. What if I don't sell?
Shadow. You will be killed today.
Scientist. Never in my life will I believe that I can die, especially today.
Shadow. Christian, my friend, they will kill you, believe me. Do they know the paths along which we ran as children, the mill where we chatted with the waterman, the forest where we met the teacher's daughter and fell in love - you are in her, and I am in her shadow. They cannot imagine that you are a living person. For them, you are an obstacle, like a stump or a deck. Trust me, the sun won't set before you're dead.
Scientist. What do you advise me to do?
Shadow (pulls paper out of folder). Sign it.
Scientist (is reading). "I, the undersigned, expressly, irrevocably and definitively refuse to marry the crown princess of the realm, if in return I will be provided with glory, honor and wealth." Are you seriously asking me to sign this?
Shadow. Sign if you are not a boy, if you are a real person.
Scientist. What's wrong with you?
Shadow. You understand, we have no other choice. On the one hand, the three of us, and on the other, the ministers, privy councilors, all the officials of the kingdom, the police and the army. We can't win in a direct fight. Trust me, I've always been closer to the ground than you. Listen to me: this piece of paper will calm them down. Tonight you will hire a carriage, you will not be followed. And in the forest we will sit in your carriage - the princess and I. And in a few hours we are free. Understand you are free. Here is a camping inkwell, here is a pen. Sign.
Scientist. OK then. Now the princess will come here, I will consult with her and, if there is no other way out, I will sign it.
Shadow. Can't wait! The First Minister gave me only twenty minutes. He does not believe that you can be bought, he considers our conversation a mere formality. The killers on duty are already sitting with him and waiting for orders. Sign.
Scientist. I really don't want to.
Shadow. You are a killer too! By refusing to sign this pathetic piece of paper, you are killing me, your best friend, and the poor, helpless princess. Can we survive your death?
Scientist. Well, well, well. Come on, I'll sign. But only... I will never again in my life come so close to the palaces... (Signs the paper.)
Shadow. And here is the royal seal. (Puts a seal.)
Runs inJulia . The shadow moves away modestly.
Julia. Christian! I died.
Scientist. What happened?
Julia. Help me.
Scientist. I'm ready... But how? Are you kidding me?
Julia. Not! Am I smiling? It's out of habit. Come with me immediately. Come on!
Scientist. Honestly, I can't leave here. Now the princess is coming.
Julia. It's about life and death!
Scientist. Oh, I can guess what's the matter... You found out from the Minister of Finance what kind of trouble threatens me, and you want to warn me. Thank you Julie, but...
Julia. Oh, you don't understand... Well, stay. Not! I don't want to be a virtuous sentimental philistine. I'm not going to warn you at all. It's about me! Christians, forgive me... Come with me, otherwise I will perish. Do you want me to kneel before you? Let's go!
Scientist. Good. I will only say two words to my friend. (Approaches Shadow.) Listen, the princess is coming here now.
Shadow. Yes.
Scientist. Tell her I'll be running in a few minutes. I can't refuse this woman. Some misfortune happened.
Shadow. Go easy. I'll explain everything to the princess.
Scientist. Thank you.
They leave.
Shadow. Damn habit! My arms, legs, neck hurt. I always wanted to repeat his every move. It's just dangerous... (Opens folder.) So... The fourth point is done... (Deeps into reading.)
Enterprincess and privy councilor . Shadow straightens up to his full height, looks intently at the princess.
A princess. Privy Councillor, where is he? Why isn't he here?
Privy Councilor (in a whisper.) He will come now, princess, and everything will be fine.
A princess. No, this is a terrible misfortune! Shut up, you don't understand anything. You are not in love, it is easy for you to say that everything is going great! And besides, I'm a princess, I can't wait. What is this music?
Privy Councilor. It's in a restaurant, princess.
A princess. Why do we always have music playing in the restaurant?
Privy Councilor. So that you don’t hear how they chew, princess.
A princess. Leave me alone... Well, what is it? (Shadows.) Hey you, why are you looking at me with all your eyes?
Shadow. I must speak to you - and I dare not, princess.
A princess. Who are you?
Shadow. I am his best friend.
A princess. Whose?
Shadow. I am the best friend of the one you are waiting for, princess.
A princess. Truth? Why are you silent?
Shadow. My answer will seem bold to you, princess.
A princess. Nothing, say.
Shadow. I was silent because your beauty struck me.
A princess. But this is not arrogance at all. Did he send you to me?
Shadow. Yes. He asked me to say that he would come now, princess. A very important matter had delayed him. All is well, princess.
A princess. But is he coming soon?
Shadow. Yes.
A princess. Well, I'm having fun again. You will keep me busy until he arrives. Well?
The shadow is silent.
Come on! I hate to remind you of this, but I am a princess. I'm used to being occupied...
Shadow. Okay, I'll follow your order. I will tell you dreams, princess.
A princess. Are your dreams interesting?
Shadow. I will tell you your dreams, princess.
A princess. My?
Shadow. Yes. On the third day at night, you dreamed that the walls of the palace suddenly turned into sea waves. You shouted "Christians!" - and he appeared in the boat and extended his hand to you ..
A princess. But I didn't tell this dream to anyone!
Shadow. And you found yourself in the forest ... And the wolf suddenly rose in the bushes. And Christian said: "Do not be afraid, this is a good wolf," and stroked him. And here is another dream. You rode a horse across the field. The grass on your way became higher and higher and finally became a wall around. It seemed to you that it was beautiful, amazingly beautiful, so beautiful that you began to cry and woke up in tears.
A princess. But how do you know this?
Shadow. Love works wonders, princess.
A princess. Love?
Shadow. Yes. I am a very unfortunate person, princess. I love you.
A princess. That's how... Counselor!
Privy Councilor. Yes, princess.
A princess. Call... No, step back five steps.
The EA counts steps.
I…
Shadow. You wanted him to call the guards, princess, and, not understanding how it happened, ordered him to step back five steps.
A princess. You…
Shadow. I love you princess. And you yourself feel it. I am so full of you that your soul is as clear to me as my own. I have told you only two of your dreams, and yet I remember them all. I know your dreams are terrible, and funny, and those that can only be told in the ear.
A princess. Not…
Shadow. Do you want me to tell you the dream that struck you? Remember? In that dream, it was not him, not Christian, who was with you, but some completely different person, with an unfamiliar face, and that's exactly what you liked, princess. And you and him...
A princess. Advisor! Call the guard.
Privy Councilor. Listen, princess.
A princess. But let the guards stand there for now, behind the bushes. Talk more. I listen because... because I'm just bored waiting for him.
Shadow. People do not know the shadow side of things, namely, in the shadows, in the twilight, in the depths lies what gives sharpness to our feelings. Deep in your soul, I am.
A princess. Enough. I suddenly woke up. Now the guards will take you, and at night you will be beheaded.
Shadow. Read it!
He takes out a paper signed by the scientist from the folder. The princess is reading it.
He is a nice person, he is a nice person, but he is shallow. He persuaded you to run away with him, because he was afraid to become king - because it is dangerous. And he sold you. Coward!
A princess. I don't trust this paper.
Shadow. But here is the royal seal. I bribed your worthless fiancé, I took you out of the fight. Order me to cut off my head.
A princess. You don't let me recover. How do I know, maybe you don't love me either. What an unfortunate girl I am!
Shadow. And dreams! You have forgotten dreams, princess. How did I know your dreams? After all, only love can create such miracles.
A princess. Oh yes, that's right...
Shadow. Farewell, princess.
A princess. Are you... are you leaving?... How dare you! Come to me, give me your hand... It's... It's all... so... so interesting... (Kiss.) I... I don't even know your name.
Shadow. Theodore Christian.
A princess. How good! It's almost... almost the same. (Kiss.)
Runs inscientist and stops as if rooted to the spot.
Privy Councilor. I advise you to leave here, here the princess is giving an audience to one of her subjects.
Scientist. Louise!
A princess. Go away, you little man.
Scientist. What are you saying Louise?
A princess. Did you sign the paper waiving me?
Scientist. Yes... but...
A princess. Enough. You are a nice person, but you are nothing. Let's go, Theodore Christian, dear.
Scientist. Scoundrel! (Rushes towards Shadow.)
A princess. Guard!
Runs out of the bushesguards .
Escort us to the palace.
They leave. The scientist sits down on the bench. Quickly leaves the paviliondoctor .
Doctor. Put your hands on all this. Now wave your hand, otherwise you will go crazy.
Scientist. Do you know what happened?
Doctor. Yes, I have sensitive ears. I heard everything.
Scientist. How did he get her to kiss him?
Doctor. He stunned her. He told her all her dreams.
Scientist. How did he know her dreams?
Doctor. Why, dreams and shadows are closely related. They appear to be cousins.
Scientist. Did you hear everything and didn't intervene?
Doctor. What do you! After all, he is an important official. Don't you know what a terrible force it is?.. I knew a man of extraordinary courage. He went with a knife to bears, once even went to a lion with his bare hands - however, he never returned from this last hunt. And this man fainted, accidentally pushing the Privy Councillor. This is a particular fear. Is it any wonder that I'm afraid of him too? No, I did not interfere in this matter, and you will give up on everything.
Scientist. I do not want.
Doctor. Well what can you do?
Scientist. I will destroy it.
Doctor. No. Listen to me, you do not know, and no one in the world knows that I have made a great discovery. I found a source of living carbonic water. Near. In front of the palace. This water cures all diseases that are on earth, and even resurrects the dead, if they good people. And what came of it? The finance minister ordered me to shut down the source. If we cure all the sick, who will visit us? I fought the minister like a madman - and now officials moved on me. They don't care. And life, and death, and great discoveries. And that's why they won. And I gave up on everything. And it immediately became easier for me to live in the world. And you give up on everything and live like me.
Scientist. What do you live? For what?
Doctor. Oh, you never know ... The patient has recovered. My wife is away for two days. Here they wrote in the newspaper that I still give hope.
Scientist. Only?
Doctor. Do you want to live in order to make as many people happy as possible? So the officials will let you live! And people themselves can't stand it. Wave your hand at them. Look through your fingers at this crazy, miserable world.
Scientist. I can not.
Behind the scenes is a drum and trumpets.
Doctor. He is coming back. (He hastily leaves for the pavilion.)
Appearsa large detachment of guards with trumpeters and drummers . At the head of the squadShadow , in a black tailcoat and dazzling underwear. The procession stops in the middle of the stage.
Shadow. Christian! I'll give two or three orders, and then I'll deal with you!
Runs out of breathfirst minister . run runfootmen , bearfinance minister . Appear under the armPietro and Caesar Borgia .
First Minister. What does all of this mean? After all, we have decided.
Shadow. And I changed my mind.
First Minister. But listen...
Shadow. No, you listen, my dear. Do you know who you are talking to?
First Minister. Yes.
Shadow. So why don't you call me "Your Excellency"? Have you been to the office yet?
First Minister. No, I dined, Your Excellency.
Shadow. Go there. Case No. 8989 is over. At the end is the declaration of the princess's will and my order number 0001. It is ordered to call me "Your Excellency" until we take a new, proper title.
First Minister. So, is everything set up?
Shadow. Yes.
First Minister. Then there's nothing to be done. Congratulations, Your Excellency.
Shadow. Why are you frowning, finance minister?
Minister of Finance. I don't know how it will be accepted in business circles. You are still from the company of scientists. All sorts of changes will begin, and we cannot stand this.
Shadow. No change. As it was, so it will be. No plans. No dreams. Here are the latest findings of my science.
Minister of Finance. In that case, congratulations, Your Excellency.
Shadow. Pietro! The princess has chosen a groom, but it's not you.
Pietro. To hell with him, Your Excellency, just pay me.
Shadow. Caesar Borgia! And you can't be king.
Caesar Borgia. The only thing left for me is to write my memoirs, Your Excellency.
Shadow. Don't be upset. I appreciate old friends who knew me when I was still a simple official of especially important affairs. You have been appointed royal secretary. You are the head of the royal guard.
Pietro and Caesar Borgia bow.
Lord, you are free.
Everyone leaves with bows. The shadow approaches the scientist.
Did you see?
Scientist. Yes.
Shadow. What do you say?
Scientist. I will say: give up the princess and the throne immediately - or I will force you to do it.
Shadow. Listen, little man. Tomorrow I will give a series of orders - and you will find yourself alone against the whole world. Friends will turn their backs on you in disgust. Enemies will laugh at you. And you will crawl to me and ask for mercy.
Scientist. No.
Shadow. We'll see. At twelve o'clock at night from Tuesday to Wednesday you will come to the palace and send me a note: “I surrender. Christian Theodore. And I, so be it, will give you a place with my person. Guard follow me!
Drums and pipes. Shadow leaves with his retinue.
Scientist. Annunziata! Annunziata!
Annunziata runs in.
Annunziata. I'm here. Sir! Maybe... maybe you will listen to the doctor? Maybe you will give up on everything? I'm sorry... Don't be angry with me. I will help you. I'll be nice to you. I am a very faithful girl, sir.
Scientist. Annunziata, what a sad tale!
Evgeny Schwartz
A fairy tale in three acts
... And the scientist became angry not so much because the shadow left him, but because he remembered known history about a man without a shadow, which everyone knew in his homeland. If he now returned home and told his story, everyone would say that he set off to imitate others ...
G.-H. Andersen. "Shadow"
... The alien plot, as it were, entered into my flesh and blood, I recreated it and only then released it into the light.
G.-H. Andersen. "The Tale of My Life", chapter VIII.
Characters
Scientist.
His shadow.
Pietro- the owner of the hotel.
Annunziata- his daughter.
Julia Julie- singer.
A princess.
First Minister.
Minister of Finance.
Caesar Borgia- journalist.
Privy Councilor.
Doctor.
Executioner.
majordomo.
Corporal.
court ladies.
courtiers.
Holidaymakers.
Sister entertainment.
Sister of Mercy.
Royal heralds.
Minister of Finance lackeys.
Guard.
Townspeople.
Act one
Small room in a hotel southern country. Two doors: one to the corridor, the other to the balcony. Dust. Reclining on the sofa scientist , a young man of twenty-six. He fumbles with his hand on the table - looking for glasses.
Scientist. When you lose points, it is, of course, unpleasant. But at the same time, it’s beautiful - in the twilight my whole room does not seem to be the same as usual. This plaid, thrown into a chair, seems to me now a very sweet and kind princess. I'm in love with her and she came to visit me. She is not alone, of course. The princess is not supposed to go without her retinue. This narrow, long watch in a wooden case is not a watch at all. This is the eternal companion of the princess, the secret adviser. His heart beats evenly like a pendulum, his advice changes in accordance with the requirements of the time, and he gives them in a whisper. After all, he is a secret. And if the advice of the Privy Councilor turns out to be disastrous, he completely renounces them afterwards. He claims that he was simply not heard, and this is very practical of him. And who is this? Who is this stranger, thin and slender, all in black, with a white face? Why did it suddenly occur to me that this is the princess' fiancé? After all, I'm in love with the princess! I'm so in love with her that it would be monstrous if she marries someone else. (Laughs.) The beauty of all this fiction is that as soon as I put on my glasses, everything returns to its place. The plaid will become a plaid, the watch will become hours, and this ominous stranger will disappear. (Throws his hands on the table.) Well, here are the glasses. (Puts on glasses and screams.) What is it?
In the chair sits a very beautiful, luxuriously dressed masked girl . Behind her back - bald old man in a frock coat with a star . And pressed against the wall a long, skinny, pale man in black coat and dazzling underwear. On his hand is a diamond ring.
(Mutters, lighting a candle.) What are miracles? I am a humble scientist - how do I get such important guests?.. Hello, gentlemen! I am very glad to see you, gentlemen, but... can you explain to me what I owe this honor to? You are silent? Ah, everything is clear. I dozed off. I see a dream.
Girl in a mask. No, this is not a dream.
Scientist. That's how! But what is it then?
Girl in a mask. This is such a fairy tale. Goodbye, Mr Scientist! We will see you again.
Man in a tailcoat. Goodbye scientist! We'll meet Again.
old man with a star (whispers). Goodbye, dear scientist! We'll meet again, and everything may end quite decently, if you're prudent.
There is a knock on the door and all three disappear.
Scientist. That's the story!
The knock is repeated.
Enters the room Annunziata , black-haired girl with big black eyes. Her face is most energetic, and her manner and voice are soft and indecisive. She is very beautiful. She is seventeen years old.
Annunziata. Excuse me, sir, you have guests ... Ah!
Scientist. What's the matter with you, Annunziata?
Annunziata. But I distinctly heard voices in your room!
Scientist. I fell asleep and talked in my sleep.
Annunziata. But… forgive me… I heard a woman's voice.
Scientist. I saw a princess in a dream.
Annunziata. And some old man muttered something in an undertone.
Scientist. I saw a privy councilor in a dream.
Annunziata. And some man, I thought, was yelling at you.
Scientist. It was the princess' fiancé. Well? Now do you see that this is a dream? Would such unpleasant guests come to me in reality?
Annunziata. Are you joking?
Scientist. Yes.
Annunziata. Thank you for that. You are always so kind to me. I must have heard voices in the room next to me and got it all mixed up. But... you won't be angry with me? Can I tell you something?
Scientist. Of course, Annunziata.
Annunziata. I have long wanted to warn you. Don't be angry... You are a scientist and I am a simple girl. But only... I can tell you something that I know, but you don't. (Does curtsy.) Forgive me my insolence.
Scientist. You are welcome! Speak! Teach me! I'm a scientist, and scientists study all their lives.
Annunziata. Are you joking?
Scientist. No, I'm being completely serious.
Annunziata. Thank you for that. (Looks back at the door.) In books about our country, they write a lot about a healthy climate, clean air, beautiful views, hot sun, well ... in a word, you yourself know what they write in books about our country ...
Scientist. Of course I know. Because that's why I came here.
Annunziata. Yes. You know what is written about us in books, but what is not written about us is unknown to you.
Scientist. This sometimes happens to scientists.
Annunziata. You do not know that you live in a very special country. Everything that is told in fairy tales, everything that seems to be fiction among other nations, actually happens to us every day. For example, Sleeping Beauty lived a five-hour walk from a tobacco shop - the one to the right of the fountain. Only now Sleeping Beauty is dead. The ogre is still alive and works as an appraiser in the city's pawnshop. The Thumb boy married a very tall woman, called the Grenadier, and their children are people of ordinary height, like you and me. And you know what's amazing? This woman, nicknamed the Grenadier, is completely under the shoe of the Boy with a finger. She even takes it to the market with her. The little finger sits in her apron pocket and haggles like the devil. But, however, they live very amicably. The wife is so attentive to her husband. Every time they dance the minuet on holidays, she puts on double glasses so as not to step on her husband by accident.
Scientist. But it's very interesting - why don't they write about it in books about your country?
Annunziata (looking at the door). Not everyone likes fairy tales.
Scientist. Really?
Annunziata. Yes, you can imagine! (Looks back at the door.) We are terribly afraid that if everyone finds out, they will stop visiting us. It will be so unprofitable! Please don't betray us!
Scientist. No, I won't tell anyone.
Annunziata. Thank you for that. My poor father is very fond of money, and I will be in despair if he earns less than he expects. When he is upset, he swears terribly.
Scientist. But still, it seems to me that the number of visitors will only grow when they find out that fairy tales are true in your country.
Annunziata. No. If children were visiting us, then it would be so. And adults are cautious people. They know very well that many fairy tales end sadly. This is what I wanted to talk to you about. Be careful.
Scientist. But as? In order not to catch a cold, you need to dress warmly. In order not to fall, you need to look under your feet. And how to get rid of a fairy tale with a sad end?
Annunziata. Well... I don't know... Don't talk to people you don't know enough.
Scientist. Then I will have to be silent all the time. After all, I'm a visitor.
Annunziata. No, really, please be careful. you are very good man, and it is precisely such that most often have a bad time.
Scientist. How do you know I'm a good person?
Annunziata. After all, I often mess around in the kitchen. And our cook has eleven friends. And they all know everything that is, was and will be. Nothing will be hidden from them. They know what is done in every family, as if the houses had glass walls. We laugh in the kitchen, and cry, and are horrified. On days of especially interesting events, everything perishes on the stove. They say in unison that you are a wonderful person.
Acquaintance with the work of this writer begins not with books, but with feature films. Amazing, isn't it? Nothing unusual, and yet incredible, wonderful, magical when it comes to Yevgeny Schwartz - the great Soviet storyteller. We remember him with amazing screenplays for the old good fairy tales, and children's stories and poems, and, of course, their famous fairy-tale productions. Among the latter is the play "Shadow" (Schwartz). Summary works will help to get acquainted with this wonderful work.
Little southern country
One fine day in a certain southern country, a young scientist named Christian Theodore arrives in a small hotel. He settled not somewhere, but in the room in which the famous storyteller Hans Christian Anderson lived before him. Apparently, this is not without reason, who knows?
Knows Annunziata - the daughter of the innkeeper. Usually she keeps quiet, but here, out of a sense of goodwill towards a new guest, she shares her innermost with him. It turns out that in a small southern country, fairy tales are true. The Sleeping Beauty, the Cannibal, and the Little Thumb Boy live in this place. And there was once a king who ruled here. He died long ago and left an extraordinary will. In it, he orders his daughter Louise to look for a husband not a rich and noble man, but a simple, honest and kind one. This order is a great mystery, but in a fairy-tale land there are ears even at the walls. So even street boys know about it. To fulfill the last will of the parent, the princess secretly leaves the palace. Many wish to discover her refuge in order to marry and take the royal throne.
Getting to know the princess
We continue to explore the play "Shadow" (Schwartz). The summary of the work does not end there. We continue ... Listening to the story of a simple girl, the scientist is endlessly distracted. He keeps looking at the balcony of the neighboring house, on which the beautiful stranger constantly comes out. Annunziata notices the new lodger's strange behavior and warns him that this may be the beginning. new fairy tale and the end may be sad. Christian Theodore reassures her, and at the same time decides to talk to an unfamiliar girl. He falls in love at first sight, and the feeling seems to be mutual. Evgeny Schwartz ("Shadow", a summary of which we continue to present) imperceptibly leads the reader to the assumption that perhaps she is the very runaway princess?
The scientist is eager to continue the conversation and with a share of irony suggests that the shadow lying at his feet go instead of him to the young beauty and tell her about his love. In an unexpected way, the shadow really separates, deftly slips through the door of the neighboring balcony and disappears into the dark space. To a young man suddenly becomes bad. The master's daughter runs into the room. Her fears and fears were not in vain: there is no shadow, and this is a very bad omen. She runs after the doctor.
Shadow
Everyone knows about the amazing events taking place in the southern country: the journalist Cesar Borgia, the owner of the hotel Pietro, the singer Julia, and, of course, the ministers. The fairy tale does not end there (E. L. Schwartz, “Shadow”). The summary of the work cannot convey all the subtleties of the experiences of the characters. The author further tells that all the inhabitants of the city, without exception, did not approve of those sincere feelings that arose between the scientist and the princess in an instant and continue to grow, despite illness and separation. This is dangerous. Christian Theodore may soon become king, but he is not a bandit, not an extortionist and not a rogue, but a simple honest man. And, as you know, it is impossible to predict the actions of such people. What to do? The only way out is to get rid of it. Can be killed or bribed. To carry out this task is not so easy. For this you need a friend. Only he knows what the scientist loves and how he can be bought, or what is a mortal danger for him. And here the Shadow enters the scene, which appears to be the old faithful friend of the protagonist.
CONSPIRACY
How does the plot of the fairy tale "Shadow" (Schwartz) unfold further? The summary does not end there, just like the work itself. The Shadow has its own cunning plan. He tricks Christian Theodore into signing a waiver of the princess. Allegedly, this will lull the vigilance of the ministers, and then they and Louise will be able to escape from the hated country. And in the meantime, he shows the princess a paper signed by her lover about the renunciation. The unfortunate girl is unable to forgive the traitor. Like the wind, her moods and feelings are changeable, and she immediately succumbs to them. "What is your name?" she asks Shadow. In response, he hears the name Theodore-Christians. This is almost the same as Christian Theodore. So she decides not to be sad anymore, but to marry Shadow.
execution
The scoundrel and deceiver celebrates his coronation and prepares for a magnificent wedding with Princess Louise. The only unresolved issue is the Scientist. It makes no sense to kill him, but there is a great desire to subjugate and become his master. Let him now follow him on his heels, inaudibly, imperceptibly. He orders Christian Theodore to give him a note at midnight agreeing to submit.
The scientist understands that if he refuses, he faces imminent death. But he cannot do otherwise. Yes, Annunziata was right, he ended up in a fairy tale with a sad ending.
Drums beat from afar. The death sentence was carried out. The scientist's head was cut off... But unexpectedly, the Shadow's head also flies off his shoulders. The courtiers understand what happened fatal mistake. What to do? They decide to get the living water hidden under seven locks, which has the miraculous power to cure all diseases and resurrect from the dead. In order to save Theodore-Christian, it is necessary to bring Christian-Theodore back to life.
A happy ending
The real master of all possible and impossible fairy kingdoms is Schwartz. "Shadow" (summary for reader's diary is the subject of this review) - a play about the most magical - about loyalty, dignity, kindness and the ability to love, which will never end.
Shadow's head returns to its original place. But what happened does not allow him to return to his former power. From now on, he fears for his life and tries his best to please his former master. The princess, in extreme indignation, drives away this lover as well. The shadow wraps himself in a black robe, presses against the wall and disappears. The scientist is sure that this is not the end. More than once he will meet him on his way. So be it, as long as he's happy. He takes his true love, Annunziata, by the hand, and they leave the palace.
Once again, I would like to remind you that this article is devoted to the play-tale "Shadow" (Schwartz). The summary cannot describe all the feelings and emotions of the main characters, unable to convey that thin line between magic and reality, which the author depicted so vividly and naturally. Therefore, reading the work in its entirety is simply necessary.
Evgeny Lvovich Schwartz
fairy tale in 3 acts
Characters:
Pietro the innkeeper
Annunziata - his daughter
Julie - singer
A princess
First Minister
Minister of Finance
Caesar Borgia - journalist
Privy Councilor
majordomo
court ladies
courtiers
Holidaymakers
Sister entertainment
Sister of Mercy
Royal heralds
Minister of Finance lackeys
Townspeople
“... And the scientist was angry not so much because the shadow left him, but because he remembered the well-known story about a man without a shadow, which everyone knew in his homeland. If he now returned home and tell his story, everyone would say that he set off to imitate others ... "
Hans Christian Andersen, "Shadow"
“An alien plot, as it were, entered my flesh and blood, I recreated it and only then released it into the light.”
Hans Christian Andersen, The Tale of My Life, Chapter VIII
Act one
small room in a hotel in a southern country | two doors: one to the corridor, the other to the balcony | twilight | a scientist, a young man of twenty-six, is reclining on a sofa | he fumbles with his hand on the table - looking for glasses
Scientist
When you lose points, it is, of course, unpleasant. But at the same time, it’s beautiful - in the twilight my whole room does not seem to be the same as usual. This plaid, thrown into a chair, seems to me now a very sweet and kind princess. I'm in love with her and she came to visit me. She is not alone, of course. The princess is not supposed to go without her retinue. This narrow, long watch in a wooden case is not a watch at all. This is the eternal companion of the princess, the secret adviser. His heart beats evenly like a pendulum, his advice changes in accordance with the requirements of the time, and he gives them in a whisper. After all, he is a secret. And if the advice of the Privy Councilor turns out to be disastrous, he completely renounces them afterwards. He claims that he was simply not heard, and this is very practical of him. And who is this? Who is this stranger, thin and slender, all in black, with a white face? Why did it suddenly occur to me that this is the princess' fiancé? After all, I'm in love with the princess! I'm so in love with her that it would be monstrous if she marries someone else.
laughs
The beauty of all this fiction is that as soon as I put on my glasses, everything returns to its place. The plaid will become a plaid, the hours will become hours, and this ominous stranger will disappear.
rummages on the table
Well, here are the glasses.
puts on glasses and screams
a very beautiful, luxuriously dressed girl in a mask sits in an armchair | behind her is a bald old man in a frock coat with a star | and a long, thin, pale man in a black tailcoat and dazzling underwear pressed against the wall | on his hand is a diamond ring | mumbles, lighting a candle
What are miracles? I am a humble scientist - how do I get such important guests?.. Hello, gentlemen! I am very glad to see you, gentlemen, but... can you explain to me what I owe this honor to? You are silent? Ah, everything is clear. I dozed off. I see a dream.
Girl in a mask
No, this is not a dream.
Scientist
That's how! But what is it then?
Girl in a mask
This is such a fairy tale. Goodbye, Mr Scientist! We will see you again.
Man in a tailcoat
Goodbye Scientist! We'll meet Again.
old man with a star (in a whisper)
Goodbye, dear scientist! We'll meet again, and everything may end quite decently, if you're prudent.
knock on the door, all three disappear
Scientist
That's the story!
the knock is repeated
Annunziata, a black-haired girl with big black eyes, enters the room | her face is extremely energetic, and her manner and voice are soft and indecisive | she is very beautiful | she is seventeen years old
Annunziata
Excuse me, sir, you have guests ... Ah!
Scientist
What's the matter with you, Annunziata?
Annunziata
Scientist
I fell asleep and talked in my sleep.
Annunziata
Scientist
I saw a princess in a dream.
Annunziata
Scientist
I saw a privy councilor in a dream.
Annunziata
And some man, I thought, was yelling at you.
Scientist
It was the princess' fiancé. Well? Now do you see that this is a dream? Would such unpleasant guests come to me in reality?
Annunziata
Are you joking?
Scientist
Annunziata
Thank you for that. You are always so kind to me. I must have heard voices in the room next to me and got it all mixed up. But... you won't be angry with me? Can I tell you something?
Scientist
Of course, Annunziata.
Annunziata
I have long wanted to warn you. Don't be angry... You are a scientist and I am a simple girl. But only... I can tell you something that I know, but you don't.
does curtsy
Forgive me my insolence.
Scientist
You are welcome! Speak! Teach me! I'm a scientist, and scientists study all their lives.
Annunziata
Are you joking?
Scientist
No, I'm being completely serious.
Annunziata
Thank you for that.
looks back at the door
In books about our country, they write a lot about a healthy climate, clean air, beautiful views, hot sun, well ... in a word, you yourself know what they write in books about our country ...
Scientist
Of course I know. Because that's why I came here.
Annunziata
Yes. You know what is written about us in books, but what is not written about us is unknown to you.
Scientist
This sometimes happens to scientists.
Annunziata
You do not know that you live in a very special country. Everything that is told in fairy tales, everything that seems to be fiction among other peoples, actually happens to us every day. For example, Sleeping Beauty lived a five-hour walk from a tobacco shop - the one to the right of the fountain. Only now Sleeping Beauty is dead. The ogre is still alive and works as an appraiser in the city's pawnshop. A boy with a finger married a very tall woman, called the Grenadier, and their children are people of ordinary height, like you and me. And you know what's amazing? This woman, nicknamed the Grenadier, is completely under the shoe of the Boy with a finger. She even takes it to the market with her. A boy with a finger sits in the pocket of her apron and bargains like the devil. But, however, they live very amicably. The wife is so attentive to her husband. Every time they dance the minuet on holidays, she puts on double glasses so as not to step on her husband by accident.