THE IDOL
A play by Vadim Kucherenko
Characters:
Victor Mancev – a mountaineer.
Oleg Tomov – a mountaineer.
Vasil Korobko – a mountaineer.
Anna Korobko, Vasil’s wife – a mountaineer.
Cyrill Sumyatov – a journalist.
Alla Bjokova – a tourist.
Levan – a bartender.
Mikhalych – a postman.
The action is taking place at a mountain tourist camp.
ACT 1.
There is a canteen at a mountain tourist camp. It is evening. Levan is standing behind a bar counter, Alla Bokova is sitting at one of the tables. Cyril Sumyatov comes in.
Sumyatov. Good evening!
Levan. (speaking with a Georgian accent) You are welcome, dear, come in, be my guest!
Sumyatov. Thanks for your kind invitation..
Levan. What would you like? We have salad, cutlets…
Sumyatov. Nothing. I was wandering about in search of a living soul.
Levan. Are you a newcomer?
Sumyatov. Almost. Is it always so lonely here?
Levan. Hey, listen, are you bearing ill will to me?! Everybody has gone to the mountains. I wonder, what allures them there?
Sumyatov. Scientists know nothing about it. And what about you, aren’t you allured there?
Levan. Everybody should know his own place in this life.
Sumyatov. You think so?
Levan. My grandfather used to say so. And he was the wisest in our village – anyone will tell you. Do you believe me or not?
Sumyatov. Oh, let’s ask the lady, maybe she is going to judge between us. Do you have the same point of view?
Alla. I don’t care.
Sumyatov. It’s not possible.
Alla. Don’t argue with a woman. You’d better pay a compliment to her.
Sumyatov. I am sorry. Don’t you mind? (sitting next to her)
Alla. Please, take a seat. Are you hanging around doing nothing?
Sumyatov. Vice versa. I am here on business.
Alla. I am really surprised to hear that! Then if it’s not a secret what brought you to this mountain camp in the middle of nowhere?
Sumyatov. What secrets can I have from such a charming lady?
Alla. You are not so bad. Keep going.
Sumyatov. Thank you.
Alla. Go on, I am looking forward to your answer.
Sumyatov. I have to meet with the four famous mountaineers.
Alla. Oh, I think I know who you are talking about. One of them is such a morose guy, isn’t he?
Sumyatov. Most likely this is Voctor Mancev.
Alla. The other one is quite the opposite – a cherry fellow
Sumyatov. This is Oleg Tomov.
Alla. And a together couple of sweet-hearts.
Sumyatov. They are Vasil and Anna Korobko, the just-married.
Alla. Oh, I see then. And what are they famous for?
Sumyatov. Recently they have conquered the Devil’s Fang? Have you heard about this peak before?
Alla. For the first time from you.
Sumyatov. It is considered to be a real feat.
Alla. How appearance might be deceiving! I would never look at those good guys as heroes.
Sumyatov. Are you a climber?
Alla. No, I am just a modest tourist guide. Besides, I am terribly afraid of height. And why are you asking me? Is there anything special about me?
Sumyatov. As far as I know this camp is for mountain climbers. It made me assume so.
Alla. Actually, my husband was suddenly offered a pass to this camp at his work. So, I am here near white peaks, floating eagles and heroes. I know I should be happy but in fact I am bored to death. Isn’t it strange?
Sumyatov. And how long have you been getting bored here?