BROADCASTS.com

Published: Feb. 16, 2023, 4 p.m.

b'

[mature language and violence]

Roy Chambers, self-proclaimed "artist of junk" becomes suspicious
about the intricate work
of another sculptor.

Written and Produced by Julie Hoverson

Cast List

Roy Chambers - J.D. Lloyd
Gwynneth Robinson Molly Tollefson
Vivienne - Rhys TM
Robert - Mr. Synyster
Arturo - Philemon Vanderbeck
Solange - Angela Kirby
Penelope Cartwright - Kris Keppeler
Hank Norton - Powers Chamber

19 Nocturne Theme:\\xa0 Kevin MacLeod (Incompetech.com)
All other music by Professor Kliq (Creative Commons License)
Editing and Sound: \\xa0 Julie Hoverson
Cover Photo:\\xa0\\xa0 (courtesy of Stock Xchange.com)

"What kind of a place is it?\\xa0
Why it\'s an art gallery - can\'t you just smell the culture?"

_________________________________________________________

FOR ART\'S SAKE

Cast:

Announcer

Cabbie

Olivia

Roy Chambers, artist of junk

Gwynneth Robinson, gallery owner

Robert [ro-BEAR], art critic

Vivienne, art critic

Arturo, sculptor

Solange, a supermodel

Hank Norton, grieving brother

Penelope Cartwright, psychic

Gordie, aspiring young critic

OLIVIA \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Did you have any trouble finding it?\\xa0 What do you mean, what kind of a place is it?\\xa0 Why, it\'s an art gallery. \\xa0Can\'t you just smell the culture?

SCENE 1

MUSIC - PRETENTIOUS GRUNGE/INDUSTRIAL, BUT LOW.

AMBIANCE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 LOW CROWD MUMBLE

ROBERT and VIVIENNE sound bored and disinterested - very, very jaded intellectual.\\xa0 They are sort of fencing with each other.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It\'s so innovative, it\'s almost retro.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Jejune, yet piquant.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The raw power of the chain link simply draws the eye.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The underlying metaphor behind the cracked concrete base is very telling.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Trash cans have been overused this season.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Which is precisely what this piece is trying to say.\\xa0 It is a commentary on the current state of the art world.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That it\'s all garbage?

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [snort of derision] Garbage?\\xa0 Perhaps to the petty and feeble mind, incapable of looking beyond the component parts--

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 --this one would look at a forest and see trees.

[ROBERT AND VIVIENNE chuckle.]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, I understand this piece just fine.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Do you?\\xa0 Do you really?\\xa0

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What, then, is this putty-like brown graffitti in its indecipherable scrawl?

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 And that smell - it\'s almost visceral.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It\'s crap.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You\'d best keep your voice down, dear fellow.\\xa0 The artist is a good friend of dear Gwynneth, our host tonight, and I hear he\'s actually graced us with his presence.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No- no.\\xa0 It\'s actually feces.\\xa0 The graffitti.\\xa0 I\'m Roy Chambers.\\xa0 The artist?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 F-feces?\\xa0 Excrement?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Yup.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 B-but...\\xa0 doesn\'t it ... lose pungency after a time?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Of course.\\xa0 I freshen it up every couple of days.\\xa0 I hope you don\'t mind if I don\'t shake hands.

A BEAT OF SHOCKED SILENCE, THEN

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well, that does put a new [trailing off] face ...on ...it.\\xa0

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, look, they\'ve opened the champagne.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 HURRIED FOOTSTEPS AWAY

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [chuckles]

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sigh] Darling, you\'ll never sell anything if you keep telling people your work is shit.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [laughs harder]\\xa0 You know that\'s not the point.\\xa0 I just love seeing the look in their eyes.\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well, you may have the luxury of not needing to make your way as an artist, but I still need--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I can always--

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [indignant]\\xa0 Write me a check?\\xa0 Not on your life, handsome.\\xa0 If I can\'t make it, I\'ll fail on my own two feet.\\xa0 [softening]\\xa0 But you can buy me dinner.\\xa0 Again.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [chuckling] I wasn\'t going to suggest charity - but since I seem to be the one losing you sales on my pieces, you could let me pay rent for the space--

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I don\'t understand why you\'re so down on your art.\\xa0 [serious] It\'s good Roy.\\xa0 It\'s powerful.\\xa0 I wouldn\'t have it in my gallery otherwise... [rowr] no matter how terrific you are in bed.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It makes me uncomfortable, like I\'m ... exposing myself.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That\'s what makes it so strong--

SCENE 2

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A COMMOTION IN THE BACKGROUND - SOMEONE YELLING - GETS LOUDER AS GWYNNETH AND ROY APPROACH

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttering as she hustles] Oh, goodness, it\'s not the man enclosed in legos with his winkie hanging out again, is it?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [right behind her] Maybe a critic\'s seeing eye dog got at the sculpture in baloney.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Poor dog - that meat\'s been here a week.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Either one.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 COMMOTION HAS ENDED - JUST HEAVY BREATHING FROM A COUPLE OF GUYS

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [authoritative] What is going on?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 This ...person... was ...molesting... my statue.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] Is it the baloney?\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] No.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] The winkie?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0 \\xa0\\xa0[muttered] Shh.\\xa0

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I demand charges be filed.

HANK\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I was only--

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No one cares what you were trying to do, you philistine!

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Arturo.\\xa0

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Luddite!\\xa0 Peon!

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Arturo!\\xa0 Please, calm down.\\xa0 I promise I shall handle this personally.\\xa0

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [going off] Just make sure he keeps his filthy hands off my beautiful marbles.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] Maybe his marbles should meet lego man\'s winkie.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [trying not to laugh] Ahem.\\xa0 Now, sir, I\'m Miss Robinson - and this is my gallery.\\xa0 And you are?

HANK\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [subdued, apologetic, aw shucks] Hank - Henry, that is - Norton.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What were you doing, then?

HANK\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The statue - it looks like Lizzie - Elizabeth - my sister.\\xa0 Just like her.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That not what she asked.

HANK\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well, I was thinking it might be like that old movie where the guy kills people, puts them in plaster and gets famous for his art...\\xa0 Lizzie\'s missing, ever since she wrote and said she had a job modeling for this guy.\\xa0 So I wanted to... check and see...

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gentle] I don\'t know the movie, Hank, but I\'m pretty sure you can\'t put someone in marble the way you might with plaster.\\xa0 It simply doesn\'t work that way.

HANK\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hank, let\'s get us a glass of that champagne.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [stage whisper] Thank you!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 QUICK KISS

SCENE 3

MUSIC \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0A LITTLE TIME PASSES

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 EXCITED COMMOTION, CAMERAS

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, god, what is it this time?

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [in awe] It\'s Solange.\\xa0 She\'s here!

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [going off] If I were only into women...

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [going off] Me too...

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sigh, then clearly trying to convince herself] It\'s good.\\xa0 Publicity.\\xa0 I like supermodels.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [coming on] Who--?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Solange is the latest sensation. \\xa0So bloody skinny.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Better keep her away from the baloney.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [slightly venomous] It would do her good.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I didn\'t mean her - just the dog.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS AND JINGLE OF DOG HARNESS APPROACH

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Solange, I am honored.

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [strange accent] Ah?\\xa0 Sorree, and you are?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'m Gwynneth Robinson.\\xa0 This is my gallery.\\xa0 We are truly--

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Where ees Arturo?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Right over there.\\xa0

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Take mee to heem, pleez.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 JINGLE OF DOG\'S HARNESS, SCRABBLE OF CLAWS ON FLOOR.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 My pleasure.\\xa0 My arm is just to your right.\\xa0 Would you like something to drink?\\xa0 [fading out]\\xa0 Perhaps some water for your service animal?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Is that the latest thing - blind models?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \'Differently abled\' darling.\\xa0 You could get sued --

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Or at least censured.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 --for use of non-PC language.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Besides, with a body like that, who cares if she can see?\\xa0 And the dark glasses are her trademark - she\'s never seen without them.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hmm.\\xa0 You two seem like just the type I need.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I don\'t do threesomes.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I do.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No, no - not like that, but [buttering up] you really seem to be in the know...

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \\xa0Of course.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Pity.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 This Arturo guy - what can you tell me about him?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Quid pro quo, dear friend - tell us about you first.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well...\\xa0 It\'s brownie mix - the brown stuff.

ROBERT\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Re-e-e-eally...?\\xa0

SCENE 4

MUSIC

SOUND \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0CLUNK OF OVERHEAD LIGHTS GOING OFF

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[coming on, low and sultry]\\xa0 So.\\xa0 The lights are off.\\xa0 The crowd is gone.\\xa0 And the door is locked against the night.\\xa0 You know what that means?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hmm?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Come on, love.\\xa0 I need some serious stress relief.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 In a moment.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0What is so fascinating about these things?\\xa0 First that poor little man - now you?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Have you really looked at them?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Dearest, I don\'t really look at anything that goes in here, beyond deciding if I think it will sell.\\xa0 That way lies sheer madness.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 How did legoman get in?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Oh, that. [sigh] I\'m still not certain about that one.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Anyway, these statues - I don\'t know anything about marble sculpting, but I would assume it\'s not the easiest thing in the world, even with modern technology.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0I suppose.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Look at the detail here.\\xa0 The clothes, hair \\xa0- rivets in the jeans, even.\\xa0 Everything is exact.\\xa0 Perfect.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0So he\'s anal.\\xa0 Surely you\'re not thinking that Arturo whats-his-name has somehow immured people in marble.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Nah.\\xa0 But I can see Hank\'s point.\\xa0 His sister\'s statue looks - almost alive.\\xa0 And she\'s not happy about it.

MUSIC

SCENE 5

AMBIANCE \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0RESTAURANT

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Where were you?\\xa0 I really could have used you at the gallery tonight.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Why?\\xa0 What happened?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0I asked you first.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sigh]\\xa0 I-I was trying to find that artist - the one with the statues.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0And--?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He\'s harder to track down than ... than me.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[laughs] Perhaps he\'s another eccentric with more money than sense.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hey--!\\xa0 I thought that was part of my charm.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0No.\\xa0 I love you.\\xa0 But I don\'t make any claim to understand you.\\xa0 You don\'t even like your own art.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [slightly uncomfortable] It just comes out that way.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A MOMENT OF EATING

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[unpleasantly surprised]\\xa0 Oh god! Don\'t look.\\xa0 It\'s her.\\xa0 Just act normal.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What?\\xa0 Who am I not looking at?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0The commotion.\\xa0 I mean the woman who caused the-

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off]\\xa0 Hello!

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I think she\'s seen you.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Oh, god.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Is there anything I should know before she gets here?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0I\'m going to be a coward and duck out for the loo.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 About her, I mean.\\xa0 [beat] \\xa0You\'ve got a moment, the maitre d\' has her in a headlock.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[laugh] She claims to be a psychic and made a fuss over Arturo\'s marbles.\\xa0 God, I\'m seriously regretting ever taking them on.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Why did you?\\xa0 I mean, looking at his stuff, he could be showcased in the biggest gallery in town, and- [trails off uncertainly]

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Rather than a piddling little upstart like mine?\\xa0 Oh, hell-\\xa0 See you!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 GETS UP FROM CHAIR, DASHES AWAY

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Chicken.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [slightly off] Miss Robinson!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CHAIR SCRAPES

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 She\'ll be right back.\\xa0

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [coming on] Oh. \\xa0I\'m so sorry - I didn\'t mean to interrupt - are you - you\'re her beau, aren\'t you?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'m her boyfriend, yeah.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CHAIR SCRAPES, SHE SITS DOWN

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I could tell the moment I really looked at you.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [giving her nothing] Ah.\\xa0 Well.\\xa0

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, I\'m so sorry.\\xa0 She probably mentioned me, I\'m Penelope Cartwright. [confidential]\\xa0 I\'m a certified psychic.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh.\\xa0 Well.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh-ho!\\xa0 I can tell you\'re a disbeliever,
Mr. -?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Don\'t you know?\\xa0 You\'re the psychic.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [laughs]\\xa0 It\'s not like that, handsome.\\xa0 Well, sometimes it is.\\xa0 Let me see, let me see.\\xa0 Hmm.\\xa0 I\'m feeling the letter T.\\xa0 Can I see your hands?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [over-eager] T?\\xa0 As in Thomas?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [pleased] Aha!\\xa0 Your palm?\\xa0 There.\\xa0 You work with your hands, are you in construction?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [noncommital] Mm.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 But there\'s something else - your money line is a bit baffling.\\xa0\\xa0 Very strong - not what I usually see in someone doing manual work.\\xa0 And something about cats... [Surprised as he snatches his hand away] What??

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Look, Miss Cartwright. You\'ve been right about one thing - and only one thing - I\'m a skeptic.\\xa0\\xa0

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 But, I--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 But, nothing.\\xa0 I think you\'d better go before I feel like embarrassing you in front of Miss Robinson.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Please--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Go.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [beat]\\xa0 Very well.\\xa0 [intense]\\xa0 But you need to hear this-- \\xa0[before he can speak]\\xa0 No!\\xa0 I have to say it, and if you won\'t let me wait to tell her, then you have to hear it.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Fine.\\xa0 Whatever.\\xa0 Quickly.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The statues - there\'s something very wrong with them - worse even than that painful installation near the front door with the brown stuff-\\xa0 I just walked past, and they shouted to me - screamed for help - as if they were alive!

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Right.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You don\'t have to believe, but you must hear me.\\xa0 I felt such evil in the presence of those poor dear things.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [very sarcastic]\\xa0 They\'re... evil statues?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, no.\\xa0 They\'re evil\'s victims.

SCENE 6

MUSIC

AMBIANCE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 STREET

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0I can\'t believe she would do that!\\xa0 You\'re such a saint to put up with everything.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Saint?\\xa0 No.\\xa0 Just amused by people.\\xa0 Probably why I like the gallery scene - art folk are hilarious.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Like Vivienne and Robert?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Who?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0You were talking to them at the gallery last week - after that young man made the fuss over the statues.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh.\\xa0 Bert and Ernie.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Vivienne IS a female.\\xa0 I\'ve known her for years.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The way they dress, who could tell?\\xa0 And who would care?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Dare I ask what \'the statue whisperer\' had to say?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 She said they were crying out for help, blah blah blah.\\xa0

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Oh, good, now we have two loonies who believe the statues are somehow alive.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, and she apparently hates my work too.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[joking] Well.\\xa0 Then she must be normal.

MUSIC

SCENE 7

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 HEAVY DOOR OPENING

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [echoey] Hello?

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 ECHOEY FOOTSTEPS, SECOND HEAVY DOOR OPENING

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hello?\\xa0 I know you\'re in here.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [distant sigh, then, off]\\xa0 Come on, then - to the left.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 HESITANT ECHOEY FOOTSTEPS, ANOTHER HEAVY DOOR

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Isn\'t it a bit dark in here for a studio?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [still distant] You want light?\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 LOUD RUSTLE OF CANVAS, as a heavy curtain swoops to the side.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [reacts to sudden brightness] Jeez!\\xa0 Good thing I\'m not a vampire.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [close] You come to steal my secrets?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [jumps, then laughs]\\xa0 Not my style.\\xa0 I sculpt from garbage.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [disdainful] Yes.\\xa0 I have noticed.\\xa0 So why?

ROY \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0You interest me.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I thought you were sleeping with our blonde gallery owner.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Um, and you\'re seeing the supermodel. So?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Not that kind of interest?\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [reacts, then] Not very sociable, eh?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hmm.\\xa0 Perhaps that is why my place here is unlisted and no one visits me.\\xa0 You have explained a lot.\\xa0 Feel free to leave.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [beat]\\xa0 I don\'t see any materials - working on anything?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I am planning.\\xa0 I don\'t sculpt here.\\xa0 It is much too noisy.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The sculpting?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The city.\\xa0 [beat]\\xa0 And the work.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Your work is very detailed.\\xa0 Do you model from life or photos?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [a bit odd] From life.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 How do you find your models?

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Anyone can be a model. [a bit threatening] Perhaps I should ... immortalize ... you?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'m not that cute.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [uncomfortably close] \\xa0You don\'t see yourself clearly.\\xa0 You\'re a perfect type - strong, but not silent.\\xa0 Yet--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CELLPHONE RINGS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That\'s me.\\xa0 Sorry.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CELLPHONE ON

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 \'lo?\\xa0 Yeah, I\'m there now.\\xa0 No, won\'t be long.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CELLPHONE HANGS UP, TURNS OFF

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Sorry about that.

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [backed off] \\xa0Of course.\\xa0 You are interested in my work - My next major project is a woman.\\xa0 That is all you will know.\\xa0 Now leave me.

SCENE 8

MUSIC

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 DOOR OPENS, FOOTSTEPS APPROACH, COMPUTER NOISES

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'ve been doing some googling--

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[slightly off] You don\'t even look up.\\xa0 I could be anyone.\\xa0 A serial killer?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Reflection in the screen.\\xa0

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[close up] Oh, well, then.\\xa0 [hug and kiss noise] So what have you been googling?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Turning people to stone.

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[sigh] Oh god, not Arturo again?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He creeped me out.\\xa0 I\'m not sure if he was about to kiss me or stab me.\\xa0 And when he said his next project was a woman - all I could think about was that poor blind girl.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Yes. [mock sympathy] Poor little skinny bitch blind supermodel.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Right.\\xa0 So, disregarding the E-L-O song, there are myths all over the place about people being turned to stone.\\xa0 Gorgons, Basilisks--

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Medusa--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 --yeah, gorgons--

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0What?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Medusa\'s a gorgon. Like Dracula\'s a vampire.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Fine, so I slept through my classical education.\\xa0 What have you come up with, then?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Disregarding the mythological crap, then, there are a number of fictional stories dealing with it.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Why disregard the mythical crap?\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Right.\\xa0 Have you seen any women wandering around New York with snakes for hair?\\xa0 Or a giant lizard?\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hmm.\\xa0 [shrug] It is New York. \\xa0So you lean towards fiction as being more reliable?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 When you put it that way...

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What\'s the front runner, then?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [very serious] Some sort of alchemical process or machine\\xa0 that changes flesh to stone.\\xa0 [laughs] \\xa0But it\'s still nuts.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 LAST COUPLE OF KEYS BEING HIT

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 If you\'re so creeped out by him, perhaps I should send him on his way.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Nah.\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Good.\\xa0 He sells.\\xa0 [teasing] Unlike some...

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Most of your art crowd creeps me out.\\xa0\\xa0 A little.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 And me--?

ROY\\xa0 \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Definitely.\\xa0 [chuckle] Not.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 SMOOCHING

SCENE 9

MUSIC

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [talking on phone]\\xa0 --shipped out first thing.\\xa0 Crating and handling will be fairly expensive-- [some talk] --very heavy, yes.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 TAP ON DOOR, DOOR OPENS QUIETLY

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [covers phone, whispers] just a second.\\xa0 [back to phone]\\xa0 I\'ll email you the invoice, and that should go out this afternoon.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 PHONE HANGS UP

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Can I help you?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I hate to bother you, but-- [deep breath]

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Nonsense.\\xa0 Have a seat.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CHAIR SHIFTS

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Could you perhaps see your way to telling me how to find that sculptor?\\xa0 The one who does the truly amazing marble statues?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] Not another one.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Huh?\\xa0 You see, Robert--\\xa0 that fellow asked him to model, and being the narcissist that he is, he was entirely unable to refuse--

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh.\\xa0 Um, I might be able to--

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I don\'t want to make any trouble, but his partner, you know, blames me--

SCENE A1

MUSIC

AMBIANCE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 NEW AGE MUSIC PLAYS SOFTLY

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hello?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, musical] Just a moment!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 RATTLE OF BEAD CURTAIN, FOOTSTEPS

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [over the top] Welcome to-- [tone change] oh, it\'s you.\\xa0 Come to sneer?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [soft laugh]\\xa0 No.\\xa0 I wanted to ask you a few questions.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You saw my sign - it\'s all entertainment.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It also said this--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 SLAP OF MONEY ON TABLE

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 --buys me an hour of your time.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sigh] It\'s your dime. \\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 MONEY SNATCHED UP

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 One of many, if I recall your money line.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I want to know what put you onto the statues.\\xa0 Did a guy named Hank Norton hire you?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hire?\\xa0 You think I\'ve been paid--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Were you?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sigh]\\xa0 Yeah, I really love making an ass of myself in public.\\xa0 Tscha.\\xa0 If I was that much of a masochist, I\'d\'a taken up mime.\\xa0 You may not believe it, but I truly felt something in there.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Screaming?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It\'s not that specific.\\xa0 I have to exaggerate - to translate - when I tell people about my "feelings."\\xa0 They only want to believe things they can relate to.\\xa0 I felt ... unease.\\xa0 Fear.\\xa0 [sigh]\\xa0 A definite flavor of more than one mind.\\xa0 \\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You were in a crowded gallery.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 More than one mind in distress.\\xa0 Since then- [breaks off]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Yes?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Can you do me a huge favor?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Maybe.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Can you try to hold your laughter until you\'re back out on the street?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I think so.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'ve been having dreams.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [snort]

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [warning noise]\\xa0 I couldn\'t move.\\xa0 And I couldn\'t feel anything - but I could see. I could even hear.\\xa0 And be afraid.\\xa0 It was - fear was the biggest part of it.\\xa0 [beat] \\xa0You seem to be with me so far--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Yes.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well, here\'s where I\'ll lose you.\\xa0 I don\'t usually feel things in words, but in flavors, and colors, and textures.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Like auras?

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 No.\\xa0 It\'s - like with you, I taste brick and brown, and smell the tang of old wires.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [uneasy] Whatever.\\xa0 Get on with it.

PENELOPE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The feeling in my dream - the flavor of it, if you will - was identical to what I felt at the gallery.\\xa0

SCENE a2

MUSIC

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, calling]\\xa0 Gwyn?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muffled] Eh?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [coming on] Gwyn?\\xa0 [muttered] Oh, it\'s Bert.\\xa0 Or Ernie.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hmm?\\xa0 She\'s out.\\xa0 Asked me to run some numbers for her.\\xa0 You didn\'t realize I have skills beyond those of mere mortal critics?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [snarky] You\'d have to.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Look.\\xa0 Maybe you can help me - Gwyn seems to put a lot of faith in you, despite your obvious attitude problems.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [snort]

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Robert - you recall Robert?\\xa0 Well, he\'s gone missing, ever since agreeing to model for Arturo, and I don\'t know what to--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He probably just went off with someone.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He wouldn\'t--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 And you\'re such a judge?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I know Robert--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I thought he was into guys.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [really mad]\\xa0 That does not make him a slut who would run off without a word.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [backing down a bit]\\xa0 Ok, fine.\\xa0 You know your friend.\\xa0 But everyone has a dark side.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 True.\\xa0 [quick, stabbing] Why do you hate yourself?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What?\\xa0 What are you, a shrink?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 There\'s a lot of psychology in art.\\xa0 Your work says a great deal about you.\\xa0 Self loathing fairly screams from every line.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [still trying to brush her off, but with an edge] Maybe why it doesn\'t sell.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I didn\'t say it wasn\'t brilliant - it is.\\xa0 It\'s much too powerful for most people. They see what you show them, but don\'t know how to handle it.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You should meet that psychic.\\xa0 You\'ll get on like a house on fire.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Marines?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sharp] What?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Special forces?\\xa0 You either saw action or spent a lot of time in prison.\\xa0 You don\'t have the stance of an abused child.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Look lady--

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Or the tats of a career criminal--

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Shut up!

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Those are the main ways to reach such a depth of hatred for yourself--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A COUPLE OF QUICK FOOTSTEPS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [close]\\xa0 Is there a point to this?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [not backing down]\\xa0 I needed to show you I understand people.\\xa0 You.\\xa0 Gwynneth.\\xa0 And Robert.\\xa0 And he wouldn\'t go off and leave Gregoire without a word like that.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Ok, I believe you.\\xa0 Get the fuck out.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 First, tell me how to find Arturo.\\xa0 If you don\'t care what happened to Robert, I do.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What makes you think I know how to find him? [beat]\\xa0 All right.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 SCRIBBLING, PAPER TEARS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Here.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS RECEDE, THEN STOP

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [slightly off] She doesn\'t care, you know.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [tries not to respond, then] What?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Gwynneth.\\xa0 She knows you, and for some reason she still loves you.\\xa0

SCENE a3

MUSIC

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 She really said--?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [uncertain] She was full of it.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well, if that looney\'s psych-ee sense is right, and they are cursed, at least they\'re not my problem - all six of them have sold for huge amounts, and I\'ve a list of commission requests as long as my arm to pass on to Arturo as soon as he gets back in contact.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Have you checked out his so-called studio?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He never told me where it is.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I was there.\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You beast!

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I guess I forgot to mention it.\\xa0 Money does have some privileges.\\xa0

SCENE a4

MUSIC

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 STEALTHY FEET. EVERYTHING ECHOES SLIGHTLY

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [whispered] This is madness.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You\'re the one who spotted Vivienne\'s car.\\xa0

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Doesn\'t mean we needed to break in.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It was unlocked.\\xa0 No breaking.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 RUNNING FEET APPROACH, SLIGHTLY MUFFLED

ROY \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Stay back, someone\'s--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FEET ARE CLEAR

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [panting, then gasps in muffled terror]

SOUND \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0FEET COME TO AN ABRUPT STOP

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Viv?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gasping, trying to calm down]\\xa0 We need to get out of here - call the police!\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What?\\xa0 Why?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It\'s Robert!\\xa0 A statue!\\xa0 There\'s no way he could have carved so fast--

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [far off scream]

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gasp] He\'s doing something terrible to her, too--!

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You get out of here - I\'ll see what I can do--

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Yes, get going.

SCENE a5

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS, DOOR

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [to Gwyn] You too.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Nonsense.\\xa0 You stop him, I\'ll help her--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 THEIR SNEAKING FOOTSTEPS

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, calling] You think you can get away?\\xa0 Darling?\\xa0 If you hide, it just makes me angry.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 We can at least see what\'s coming at us.\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That\'s not always a good thing.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 DISTANT DOOR IS FLUNG OPEN

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off]\\xa0 Here?\\xa0 No?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I plan to stare death in the face and spit in its--

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, whimper]\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Shh!\\xa0 Did you hear that?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [moving off] Over here\\u2014

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CUPBOARD DOOR OPENS

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gasp]\\xa0 Who ees thees?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 It\'s all right.\\xa0 We\'ll get you out.\\xa0 Feel my hand?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He\'s getting closer.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I\'ve got her.\\xa0 Up you come.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 We need to move.\\xa0

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Are wee neer zee door say ehkseet?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Exit?\\xa0 [looking around]\\xa0 Oh, yes \\u2013 there.\\xa0\\xa0 Come on.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 CAREFUL FOOTSTEPS, DOOR QUIETLY OPENS, THEN\\xa0 STARTS TO CLOSE BEHIND THEM

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Roy?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Get her out of here.\\xa0 I\'m going to stop Arturo.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Roy!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 GRAB, RUSTLE, KISS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Get clear.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 DOOR SHUTS

SCENE a6

SOUND \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0QUIET CAREFUL FOOTSTEPS

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, calling]\\xa0 Come out, come out?

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 DOOR SLAMS OPEN, OFF

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 ROY\'S FOOTSTEPS STOP

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [Getting closer]\\xa0 There is no place to run to\\u2014

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 A\'s FOOTSTEPS APPROACH

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Don\'t make this any more difficult--

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 SCUFFLE.\\xa0 GRUNTS.\\xa0 BODY FALLS

ROY\\xa0 \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[whispering, close, puffing a little]\\xa0 Not difficult at all.\\xa0 [chuckle]

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 HANDCUFFS RATCHET, SLAP SHUT

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [puffing, hard to breathe] And Solange?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Out of your reach.\\xa0

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [wheezy evil chuckle]\\xa0 In reach of your young lady, though. [laughs again]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What?\\xa0

ARTURO\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Don\'t worry - you still can get away.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [dawns on him] Shit!\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 BODY DRAGS, DOOR OPENS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [Grunt as he shoves Arturo into a closet]

SCENE a7

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 DOOR SLAMS, LOCKS, HURRIED FOOTSTEPS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [edge of panic] Gwyn?\\xa0 You here?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muffled gasp of pain, distant]

SOUND \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0RUNNING FOOTSTEPS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Where are you?

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off, too sweetly] Over heere.\\xa0

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 BANKS OF LIGHTS COME ON, ONE AT A TIME

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS SLOW, CAUTIOUS

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You can\'t hide in the light\\u2014

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [closer] I \'ave no weesh to.\\xa0 I hwant you to see\\u2014

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off] Roy!\\xa0 Get out!\\xa0 Get the police!\\xa0 Don\'t\\u2014 [breaks off with a long gasp]

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [off] Are hyou zee hero?\\xa0 Cohm and geet her.\\xa0 Hyou might steel sehv her.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS STOP

ROY \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0[very sotto]\\xa0 Shit.\\xa0 [up] I\'ve got Arturo \\u2013 let\'s make a trade.

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Heez a tool.\\xa0 I can find anozzer.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What?\\xa0 You--?

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [disparaging] Zee great arteest.\\xa0 A mere saylzman.\\xa0 He is un\\u2011eemportant.\\xa0 Come out and aye weel no hert her more.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gasp]\\xa0 Get out, Roy\\u2014 [ends in a hiccup of pain]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Gwyn, whatever you do, keep your eyes shut \\u2013 can you do that?

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [fights to make an affirmative sound]

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 So you Zink you noh somezeeng?\\xa0 Come clozer, man.\\xa0 [kissing noise, like summoning a dog] I could reemov her eyeleedz, you know.\\xa0 It is chust zo \\u2013 barbareec.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [High squeal]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Why?\\xa0 I mean, why do it?\\xa0 What are you?

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Stop moveeng!\\xa0 Hwonce, we wayr feered and worshipp-ed.\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [gaspy] So now you\'re a supermodel - what\'s the diff-- [gasp]

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Hyou ask why I turn peepul to stone?\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [muttered] Just a bit closer.\\xa0 [up] Yeah, what\'s the deal?

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Chust for the look on zayr face! [laughs merrily, then gasps] Ow!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 SCUFFLE, THEN QUICK FEET

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 You Beech!\\xa0 You BEET mee!

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Come on!

SOUND \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0RUNNING FEET

SOLANGE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [going off] You cannot geet away!

SCENE a8

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS RUNNING MADLY, SLAM THROUGH SEVERAL SETS OF DOORS, FOOTSTEPS STOP

BOTH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [breathing hard, Gwynneth gasping a bit in pain]

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Sorry.\\xa0

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Let\'s get out, then you can apologize all over me.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [chuckle]

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 HIT BAR ON NEXT DOOR. IT WON\'T MOVE.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Shit!

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 POUNDING ON DOOR, TRYING TO MAKE IT OPEN

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0 \\xa0\\xa0BEHIND THEM, A DISTANT SET OF DOORS SLAMS OPEN

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Shit!!

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 What is it?\\xa0

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 She\'s a gorgon \\u2013 medusa.\\xa0 That\'s why she always wears the shades-\\xa0 Whatever you do, don\'t look in her eyes.

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 ANOTHER DISTANT SET OF DOORS

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 PUSHING ON THE NEAR DOOR. NO LUCK

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [almost giving up] shit.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [strangely calm] We\'re trapped?

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 She did it.\\xa0 Just like this.\\xa0 Hunted them down and caught them - no wonder they all look so damn scared.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Well... [gasp] hold me?\\xa0 At least that way, we end up a statue together.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [chuckle dissolves into gasping sob]

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 LAST DOOR BUT ONE SLAMS OPEN.\\xa0 FOOTSTEPS CAN BE HEARD COMING CLOSER

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [deep breath] Do you trust me?

GWYNNETH \\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0Of course.\\xa0 I love you.

ROY\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I \\u2013 I love you, too.

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 I know.\\xa0 I \\u2013

SOUND\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 LAST DOOR SLAMS OPEN.\\xa0 SLOW OMINOUS FOOTSTEPS, SLITHERY NOISES ACCOMPANY HER ARRIVAL

GWYNNETH\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [Scream of agony]

SCENE a9

MUSIC

AMBIANCE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 GALLERY.\\xa0 BUZZ.\\xa0 MUSIC.

GORDIE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Is that the owner?\\xa0 Seems funny to run a gallery, being blind and all.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [sounding older, wiser]\\xa0 She trusts my judgment.\\xa0

GORDIE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Was she born blind?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Oh, no \\u2013 there\'s a tragic story there.

GORDIE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Do tell!

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 Some years back, our dear hostess was madly in love \\u2013 you\'ve seen the statue in the corner near her office?

GORDIE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 That fabulous marble of the hunk?\\xa0 Sylvester said it was the last piece Arturo ever sculpted.

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 The \\u2013 model \\u2013 for that was the man she loved.

GORDIE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 [a little bitchy] Oh, how sweet, and she keeps it to remind her of him?

VIVIENNE\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0\\xa0 He was the one who put her eyes out.

END

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