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CAST
BLOND ACTRESS, 30
DIRECTOR, early 40's
LIGHTS UP on an empty, drab stage. A rehearsal table, scattered chairs. Harsh lights.
The BLOND ACTREss enters uncertainly, stage right. She wears an oversized black turtleneck sweater, slacks, a plain scarf tied around her platinum blond hair which she removes slowly. She is pale, without visible makeup; self-conscious. She carries a script held against her breasts.
The BLOND ACTREss deflects her nervousness by tidying up the rehearsal space; bringing chairs in an orderly fashion to the table, wiping up something spilled, taking away crumpled napkins, styrofoam cups, a pizza carton, etc., but doesn't know what to do with them. She peers out anxiously into the audience.
ACTRESS (little-girl voice): Gosh it's so ... big in here. Hil Hello! (Pause) There's an echo. (Shudders) Last time I was here, in the audience, I swear the space was smaller.
DiREcToR has appeared, in the aisle; striding toward stage.
DIRECTOR: Can't hear you, Marilyn. Speak up.
AcTREss: Ohl You're here already. . . ? I... thought I was alone.
DIRECTOR: Louder.
ACTRESS: I ... what should I s-say?
DIRECTOR (warning): You're not going to be miked. in here. The space seats one hundred twenty people and I guarantee it will be filled. This isn't a movie set, dear. SPEAK UP.
ACTRESS (a thin, forced voice): Today is May 18, 1956 . . . I guess? Is it?
DIRECToR: That's minimally better.
ACTRESS: My b-birthday's coming up, June 1. Oh gosh!
DIRECTOR: What'd I tell you about breathing? Jesus! You sound like a sparrow being strangled.
As the ACTRESS tries awkwardly to breathe deeply, the DIRECTOR joins her on stage and demonstrates. His manner is brisk, authoritative, respectful but slightly condescending; he's a man confident of his powers, with an air of male sexual aggression. He's dressed casually and may have a small affectation of dress, a wool knit cap on his head, a scarf around his neck.
DIRECTOR: Deep into the lungs, inhale, up from the diaphragm, like this-(addresses the audience in a perfectly modulated actorly voice) TODAY IS MAY 19,1956. Not 18.
AcTREss (frightened): I lost a day ... ? How'd I lose a day?
DIRECTOR (severely): You're breathing through your mouth. I've told you.
ACTRESS tries to breathe...