DIRECTOR: Don’t believe the gossip of jealous women.
WOMAN: But everyone believes that’s how it is.
DIRECTOR: It’s a run-of-the-mill slander against the theater, a low-rent, lowbrow view of the sacred world of art. First, not “always,” and second, not “with all.” In fact, we often sleep not only with actresses, but also with, well, run-of-the-mill women from the audience.
CONSULTANT enters.
WOMAN: (whispers) We’ll come to an agreement later.
CONSULTANT: (to WOMAN) Darling, don’t you want to spend some time in the company of our esteemed prime minister?
WOMAN: (obediently) Of course. (exits)
DIRECTOR: Who said you could interrupt the rehearsal and boss everybody around? If it happens again, I’ll boot you out. Why did you send her away?
CONSULTANT: Don’t be angry. I’m not being bossy at all. I just wanted to be alone with you for a few minutes. I hope you don’t mind?
DIRECTOR: (gives her a look of typical male appraisal) That depends on how you conduct yourself going forward.
CONSULTANT: I’m ready to consider any options.
DIRECTOR: Do you have any specific suggestions?
CONSULTANT: The suggestions should come from the man.
DIRECTOR: Say the day after tomorrow? In the evening?
CONSULTANT: When a woman says she’s ready, that shouldn’t be followed by a lot of foot-dragging. She may change her mind.
DIRECTOR: Then I’ll tell them to take five right now, and we’ll have half an hour.
CONSULTANT: Half an hour isn’t worth it. When it comes to things like this, I don’t like to rush.
DIRECTOR: Oh, all right – an hour. Although, truth be told, the clock’s ticking. The performance’ll be starting before we know it, and I’m up to my neck in things to do. But I can give you an hour.
CONSULTANT: I already said that’s not worth it. Besides, I have changed my mind.
DIRECTOR: (trying to embrace her) Are you kidding me with this?
CONSULTANT: Mind your manners and get your hands off me.
DIRECTOR: But you said you were ready…
CONSULTANT: I was just joking with you. Or, actually, testing you. I wanted to see how easy it would be to distract you from the project – a very important project, too.
DIRECTOR: I don’t appreciate jokes like that.
CONSULTANT: Then let’s talk seriously.
DIRECTOR: I have nothing to talk with you about, and no reason to either. I’m busy. I’m in rehearsal.