jeudi 1 avril 2010

Short Play by Romain Vuillez

From "An Evening of words and theatre" performance at the Ecole Polytechnique on the 17 February 2010.

SHORT PLAY by Romain Vuillez, Acted by Matthieu Hubert and Sophie Potin

A couple on a couch at a party.

SALOME : It was something really pure, you know, being in the desert, all alone... At night you really get the feeling you are the only one left on Earth... but at the same time, I have never been so close to anyone than the Bedouins we were working with. The Bedouins are really amazing people. So much dignity... We shared tea with them, it was so meaningful, for them because it's part of their culture, and for us because we got the feeling of being accepted, as if we were belonging to the tribe. Their life is so different from ours, everything counts, the time is slower, and in a sense everything is much more intense... You know what I mean ?

JOHN : Yeah...
SALOME : You know, I tend to be very open, because I think that it's really important to connect to the others ; like now we are talking and while I'm sharing my thoughts with you, it's just like the inner me is touching the inner you. I can't stand people faking, or people being bored by sharing, because it's what really matters, you know. I like sharing with people, even in the small moments in life, when you go to the laundromat, when you go to the grocer...
JOHN : And not only by talking.
SALOME : Exactly, what was really strong in the desert was this bond that exists without words. But it is very difficult to get this kind of connection here, because everybody has something to do, somewhere to go, and everybody is always in a hurry. Including myself !

JOHN : I'm sure you have a lot of projects going on...
SALOME : Sure, I'm working on a new movie with the same team.
JOHN, coming closer : Really ? Great, about what ?
SALOME : Well, it's a secret, but I'm having a lot of fun with it. It's a beautiful experience. These people are so good at what they are doing, it's astonishing. You know, I believe there is a rule one must follow in cinema, the rule of the three Es : entertain, educate and elevate. Most of the time, a movie is all about entertaining, you have fun but nothing comes out of it. Or all about educating, but you get bored because nothing has been made to keep you interested. Some movies, and that is rare, manage to do both. But when a movie really reaches the spectator, makes him realize something important, really elevates his mind, then it's a masterpiece. And this new project is promising. Not only will it entertain, educate and elevate the spectators, but so it does with us who are working on it.
JOHN : Can't wait until it's out !
SALOME : I'm gonna tell you a part of the secret, because I trust you... You probably know I'm always deeply concerned by the environment, even if I've focused more on my career last times ?
JOHN : Of course, I've heard you've bought some land in South America.
SALOME : Yes, that's part of a bigger project, in order to give back the land to those who plow it. I'm glad you've heard from it.
JOHN (coming closer) : I really liked the idea ; very original, but concrete and simple.
SALOME : I know, people tend to avoid originality, have you noticed ? They never want to find out what's true and what's bullshit by themselves. But it is possible, you just need to look for the information. For instance, we are being manipulated by the big firms, but nobody realizes it because people don't read about it, don't ask questions... Who are Monsanto's shareholders, that's a good question. It's one of the themes of the movie.
JOHN : It's very interesting... (coming always closer)
SALOME : But don't tell anyone about it, okay ?
JOHN : Of course not ! I'm glad you trusted me enough to tell me this. I really feel there is this connection between...
SALOME (standing up) : Hold on, I'm gonna get another glass of champagne.(leaving)
JOHN : Wait a sec... (on his side) Shit ! Hope I haven't had to stand all this for nothing ! Phew, there she comes again.
SALOME (sitting) : Where were we ?
JOHN : You were telling me about...
SALOME : Oh yes I remember, the fact that people always believe what they are being told and never question it...
JOHN : That's right.
SALOME : You see, when there was this little scandal a few years ago...
JOHN : It's a shame how your words have been twisted !
SALOME : Oh thank you, I appreciate that. You know, I never said it hadn't happened or so, I just wondered if everything was as simple as they pretended... You know, it would not be the first time that a government manipulates the media.
JOHN : That's for sure !
SALOME : But nobody understood it, and nobody checked out what I had really said. But we talk, we talk and it's getting late, I need to go !
JOHN : So soon ? Let me take you back home...
SALOME : That's sweet of you, but it won't be necessary, I have a chauffeur. It was really nice speaking with you, we really had a good connection here, don't you think ?
JOHN : I was just thinking the same thing ! Why don't we...
SALOME : And that's really important, you know being able to share like this, so to say for nothing, just understanding each other, get to know each other.
JOHN : Yeah that's why...
SALOME : That's why we should take care of such small beautiful moments of life as if they were precious things, try not to destroy them.
JOHN : Certainly...
SALOME : I'm so glad you feel the same way than I do ! It was a real pleasure meeting you, John. I really like these kinds of memories, of very truthful exchanges. (kissing goodbye) Well, bye ! (leaving)
JOHN : Wait...wait... Damn !
The END !

Aucun commentaire: