CHARACTERS

LULU, model, muse, heroine, femme fatale and an innocent at one and the same, late teens-early 20s

LUCAS, a visual artist; also plays MARK, a young man by the sea, 20s

ADRIAN, a journalist; also plays RHINEHART, Lulu’s fiancé, a psychiatrist, and BEGGAR, Lulu’s father, 30s-40s

CALLIE, Adrian’s wife, Lucas’ agent; also plays ROBERT, Lulu’s lover, a woman dressed as a man, 20s

AVA, an arts patron, 30s-40s

THE PLACE:

A cosmopolitan city in decline.

Note:

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Melody to original song “Blue Yellow Red” featured in the text may be obtained by contacting the author, or may be re-set by another songwriter.

CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS ISSUE

 

ACT TWO

5.

 

[Months later. Lucas and Lulu’s apartment. The two portraits from Act One are prominently displayed, along with one more, which is unfinished. Voiceover is heard as light hits each portrait:]

 

VOICE MIX (RHINEHART, LUCAS, CALLIE)

The girl delights.

The girl represses.

The girl is kept

By nature,

Mirror,

By eyes which dream her.

Often you wish

And yet again

she would be yours.

What a sad story.

(No sadder for being true)

Your love does not see you.

How can she?

(How can he?)

She is silent, broken,

Made to be taken.

Again,

And again,

and you do not know what you should do.

Make her something definite,

Something concrete.

She does not want this in between

interval self

Intervalled

[Lulu’s voice is heard, as if from out of one of the portrait’s mouths.]

LULU (VO)

Eternally.

[All the paintings are illuminated. Lulu is seated in a plush chair. A clock strikes. Adrian is at her feet.]

LULU

Get out.

ADRIAN

Molly. Please. I am without an axis. Can’t you see? Love’s fire has made a ghost of me.

LULU

You always talked such crap.

ADRIAN

Why did you marry him?

LULU

Lucas adores me.

ADRIAN

He hasn’t even finished the third portrait. Look at it. Nothing but a squiggly line. You call that adoration? He feels nothing. He does nothing.

LULU

He takes pictures now. He’s a star.

ADRIAN

Callie divorced me. I lost my job. I have nothing except you.

LULU

Tell me a tale of woe.

ADRIAN

Don’t laugh at me. I no longer know where I am. I am an atlas that questions itself daily. I love you.

LULU

You’ve gone soft. You’ve gone runny like an egg. I can’t even look at you.

ADRIAN

I have nowhere to go.

LULU

Kill somebody else. That shouldn’t be too hard for you. You’ve got practice now.

ADRIAN

I didn’t kill him…

LULU

Popsy poisoned himself?

[Adrian reaches into his pocket, offers her a pearl necklace]

What’s that?

ADRIAN

A gift.

LULU
Did you steal it?

ADRIAN

What I do… doesn’t matter now… I write your name in large letters on windowpanes; Your name vanishes the moment the wind blows. A bit of air extinguishes my writing, but not my love.

LULU

You are straight out of a novella. Who would’ve thought?

ADRIAN

Say what you like. Your words hold me captive. Destroy me.

LULU

[looking at pearls] They’re pretty. Lucas has bought me so many things, but not pearls.

ADRIAN

Shall I - ?

[She nods. He places necklace on her.]

 

They’re rare pearls. Very expensive. 

LULU

How do they look on me? Do I look rich?

ADRIAN

Very.

LULU

…I don’t want them. I don’t want your fucking gifts.

ADRIAN

Love me, then.

LULU

Why should I?

ADRIAN

Because I found you. I lifted you up.

LULU

I’ve done fine on my own. I’m not stupid.

ADRIAN

I never said …

LULU

I am fucking everyone’s fantasy. You think that’s easy? I think things. I plan things. What I do to get things… well, what of it? What wouldn’t anyone do? Nature’s law is one thing, society’s law is another. Besides, in the end, you married Callie.

ADRIAN

She’s left me.

LULU

You claimed a proper middle-class existence.

ADRIAN

So did you.

LULU

Lucas is an artist. He’s different.

ADRIAN

He’s as middle-class as anyone. 

LULU

Well, at least he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not.

ADRIAN

I’ve never pretended with you. I’ve sacrificed everything for you.

LULU

And look where you are now. That should tell you something.

ADRIAN

Molly.

LULU

The name’s Lulu. Molly’s dead. 

ADRIAN

…I see Rhinehart.

LULU

He’s not here.

ADRIAN

He is dancing. He wears his blood like a veil. Fucking vomit house.

 

[Adrian leaves. Robert the girl appears from within. She is dressed as a man.]

ROBERT

He’s a nasty prick. Where’d you pick him up?

LULU

I don’t remember now.

ROBERT

I thought he’d never leave.

LULU

Come here. Be good to me, Robert.

ROBERT

I like how you say my name.

LULU

How do I say it?

ROBERT

Like I’m a man. No pretense.

LULU

I don’t need to pretend with you. Come on. Do me up. Lulu needs to be done up.

ROBERT

Why?

LULU

Because she says so.

ROBERT

And what if I don’t want to?

LULU

…Then I’ll have to spank you very hard.

ROBERT

My bottom’s ready.

LULU

Naughty boy. You’re such a naughty boy.

ROBERT

I’ve been taught right.

LULU

We’ve both been.

ROBERT

We’re the best of the lot.

LULU
You’re so good to me, Robert. You give me what I need.

ROBERT

I give you what you want.

LULU

You should ask Lucas for a raise.

ROBERT

In time.

LULU

You’re a good assistant.

ROBERT

I never tire of you.

LULU
Of me or of my body?

ROBERT

Both.

LULU
Can you tell the difference?

ROBERT

They’re one and the same.

LULU
They’re not.

ROBERT

They are to me.

LULU

…I almost believe you. Why is that?

ROBERT

Because I’m completely free.

LULU

No ties.

ROBERT

None.

LULU
No allegiances.

ROBERT

Nothing but what you see. I live a dream.

LULU

I don’t know what to believe. Rhinehart, sweet Callie, Lucas, and fucking Adrian…The world’s a burning tire in the middle of the road. That’s the truth of it. I sit here in this house surrounded by myself. See that portrait? And the other? That’s me. They’re all me. What did I fucking make of myself?

ROBERT

What you are. Lulu. Right?

[Pause]

What do you want to wear today?

LULU

Pick something out. Something Lucas will like.

ROBERT

How’s this?

[She offers a chain link belt.]

 

LULU

Is that all?

ROBERT

Need you anything else?

LULU

A little more than that.

ROBERT

How bout these?

[She offers designer lace-up shoes.]

 

LULU

I like those.

ROBERT

They’ll make a good picture.

LULU

You always pick the best things, Robert.

ROBERT

Because I know you better than anybody. That’s why.

LULU

You’re my twin.

ROBERT

I’m your burglar.

LULU

What are you going to steal from me that hasn’t been already stolen?

ROBERT

Are you damaged goods?

LULU

Very.

ROBERT

Well then, Lulu, we’ll have to do something about that.

LULU

Will we?

ROBERT

Most definitely.

LULU

Go on, then.

[She strips Lulu.]

6.

[The clock strikes. Lulu is standing on a dais wearing nothing but a chain-link belt around her waist and lace-up shoes. Lucas is photographing her.]

LUCAS

Very still.

The swift arrow of clarity.

Part your lips. More. Yes. Not too much. 

Look at me.

Don’t move. Just look.

Feel everything.

Cold. Yes.

Pain in your toes.

How long have you been standing?

Twelve hours? Fifteen?

The clock strikes. You will remain.

You’ll stay there until…

The pain escalates. The legs are numb.

The toes ache. They burn.

The shoes are too tight. The laces are starting to hurt.

Your body is rigid.

Want things. Crave things. Want everyone, Lulu.

But think only of me.

[Flash of camera.]

 

7.

[The photograph  from previous scene is now on display. Lulu rests. There’s a noise from outside.]

 

LULU

Adrian?

LUCAS

[enters] It’s just me.

LULU

You’re early.

LUCAS

And you’re delirious.

LULU

What?

LUCAS

Am I Adrian?

LULU

I’m sorry. I was…I don’t know what I was thinking.

LUCAS

Every day I feel more and more contempt for you.

LULU

What do you mean?

LUCAS
See how you say things? So prettily, so stupidly. I can’t believe I love you.

LULU

Is something wrong, Lucas? Don’t you like the photograph?

LUCAS

I thought taking your picture would grant me accuracy, but it hasn’t. I still can’t capture you. That’s the truth. You stand there, you sit there, you do what I say, and in the end, you’re not there.

LULU

Paint me, then.

LUCAS

No.

LULU

Finish the third portrait.

LUCAS

What for?

LULU

For me.

LUCAS

I can sell a hundred photographs of you for the price of one painting. I put you in a pair of Prada shoes, a Westwood corset, a Galliano skirt, and…

I’m just the eye that snaps your frozen fucking image. 

LULU

Monster.

LUCAS

And you’re my Dolce doll. Aren’t you?

LULU

Give here. Come on.

LUCAS

I don’t want to.

LULU

Fill yourself up with me.

LUCAS

To what end?

LULU

No end. Just do. Be.

LUCAS

Why should I?

LULU

I married you.

LUCAS

It was convenient for you.

LULU

You wouldn’t be anything without me.

LUCAS

You’re my subject.

LULU

I’m your star. Relish me.

LUCAS

Why did you call out for Adrian? Do you see him?

LULU

Not since Vertigo. And it’s not even there anymore.

LUCAS

Everything’s closed down, shut down…There won’t be an oasis left us. What are you doing?

LULU

Do you like it?

LUCAS

You’ve an active tongue.

LULU

And you’re hard.

LUCAS

It’s involuntary.

LULU

I have no effect? What game is this?

LUCAS

To not feel. To not want. Pure control.

LULU

I can do that.

LUCAS

Can you?

LULU

Test me.

[He moves on her.]

Harder. More. More.

…See? Nothing. No feeling.

And you?

LUCAS

I’ve eliminated all feeling. Do what you like.

 

[She moves on him.]

 

LULU

You’re burning.

LUCAS

I’m not.

LULU

You are.

LUCAS

I won’t…

 

[He breaks away. ]

 

LULU

We’re like empty jars. Not wanting to be filled.

LUCAS

We’re beyond pleasure. We’re above everything, Lulu. That’s how we should be.

LULU

You don’t want me.

LUCAS

I want every bit of you. I always have.

LULU

From the first portrait?

LUCAS

From the first time you stood before me without a stitch. [He kisses her]

LULU

I love your taste.

LUCAS

 …What’s that on your feet?

LULU

Slippers. They’re new.

LUCAS

I don’t remember getting those for you.

LULU

I ordered them from a catalogue.

LUCAS

Take them off. They’re cheap.

LULU

I don’t want to.

LUCAS

Is that how you’re going to be today? Willful and unreasonable?

LULU

They’re just slippers.

LUCAS

Little pearls on them.

LULU

Aren’t they pretty?

LUCAS

They’re all right.

LULU

Did you see that lady?

LUCAS

Which one?

LULU

The patron.

LUCAS

Ava? She likes you. No doubt about that. I just have to come up with something special. A unique image of some kind.

LULU

You can do that.

LUCAS

Do they come off?

LULU

What are you talking about?

LUCAS

Just the pearls. Like you’ve come out of the ocean. Like a gorgeous sea figure. A Venus for a new age.

LULU

What’d you mean?

LUCAS

I’ll show you.

[He grabs a tube, and scissors from his work-space.]

 

LULU

You’re so clever. I never know what you’re going to do. That’s why I love you.

LUCAS

Do you?

[He cuts pearls off of her shoes.]

 

LULU

You silly boy. Sweet, silly boy. What is that? What are you doing? Is that glue? Lucas?

LUCAS

Shh…

[He begins to glue the pearls to her skin one by one.]

8.

[Lulu stands in half-light. She sings reprise of “Blue Yellow Red” to herself.]

LULU

“I don’t care where you take me

As long as you take me…

Come on, come on, take me…

Wear me red

Wear me blue

Liquid is my mood

In the dark night

In the swell night, In the last night…”

[A beggar appears.]

BEGGAR

Christ would you look at this… would you look at all this fucking…

 

LULU

What are you doing here?

BEGGAR

Come to see you. Miss you. I come for a bit of taste. You’re famous now, eh? Paintings, photos… Look at that one: just a squiggly…

LULU

Go away.

BEGGAR

What? You’re tired? You’re never tired. Not my girl.

LULU

How much do you want?

BEGGAR

You’re always trying to get rid of me.

LULU

You want money. You always want money. You’ll never change.

BEGGAR

And neither will you.

LULU

Get off.

BEGGAR

Poor little delicate one. You’re made of muscle and bone like all the rest. A bit hurt? What of it? No use pretending you’re above things. You smell of roses, but you’ll always stink.

LULU

Your hands are rough.

BEGGAR

Not used to that? You are losing all your strength in this house.

LULU

I’m tired.

BEGGAR

Have you got a baby in you? I thought we fixed that.

LULU

Did we?

BEGGAR

You like to forget things. You always did. You’ve no head for nothing except giving it. That’s a fact. You were born stupid. Like an animal. All motion, no sense.

LULU

I don’t remember now.

BEGGAR

Silly tart girl, that’s what you are. He’s got you dressing up. Silk robe, eh? What money can do… if you want a baby you’re going to have to buy one. I could sell you one. I got connections. But you ain’t having one. That was taken care of long ago. Madam hanger done the trick.

LULU

Son-of-a-bitch.

BEGGAR

Get your claws out. Come on. Let’s see the animal.

LULU

Son-of-a-fucking bitch.

BEGGAR

I could still take you on.

LULU

You wouldn’t dare.

BEGGAR

Wouldn’t I?

LULU

Not in this house.

BEGGAR

Cause of your husband? I’ve seen him. He’s a nothing.   

LULU

Because it’s my house, father.

BEGGAR

Don’t use that word with me. I’ll cut you to ribbons. I’ll do it. I’m not like your husband. I’m not an artist type. I cut, you bleed. Get me?

LULU

Stop.

BEGGAR

Give, then.

LULU

How much?

BEGGAR

Give kiss.

LULU

No.

BEGGAR

I’ll cut.

LULU

I don’t care.

BEGGAR

Little animal, little slut. You always liked being hurt.

[He cuts her. She stops him with a kiss.]

 

You’ve got blood on my clothes. What are people going to think?

LULU

Think nothing. Think what they like.

BEGGAR

You’re not even crying. What are you made of, girl? You got stone in you? Blood trickles but it don’t do nothing.

LULU

You trained me.

BEGGAR

I made you strong. That’s right. Flesh and bone, hard muscle. No feelings.

Give another kiss. I’m not long in this world. I’ve a sickness. I’ll die soon. And won’t you be the sorry one. … No pity?  A couple dollars, then. Send me on my way. I’d like to take a trip. Things aren’t right anymore. Things are savage. I can’t walk down a street without feeling the knives out.

LULU

Here’s my purse. Take whatever’s in it.

BEGGAR

Gold necklace, some coins, what’s this…little ring? One of your men gave this to you? You’re a lucky girl. …So, is this what you do now? Model for fancy pictures?

LULU

I sing.

BEGGAR

Sing for your supper, strip for your pimp.

[She slaps him]

 

Hit harder. Like this.

 

[He slaps her.]

 

Firm hand. Remember what I taught you.

[She slaps him.]

 

That’s right. Strong. Pure animal.

And lift your arms.

LULU

What?

BEGGAR

High up to heaven.

LULU

My arms?

BEGGAR

Don’t you remember? Sun was beating. And you had weakness in your heart and what did I say? What did I say? “Molly, my little angel, raise your arms to heaven while I put my hand in and take the weakness out of you. High up to the clouds. And hold your tongue.”

LULU

High up. To the clouds.

BEGGAR

While I put my hand in.

LULU

And I hold…

BEGGAR

…That’s a good girl now. That’s my little Molly girl. You’ll always have room for me in your poison heart. This debt is eternal. Keep your arms up, girl. Straight up to the sky. Remember the words I taught you. They were good words, girl. They were a prayer.

[He exits with Lulu’s purse. Lulu keeps her arms up for a long time. She recites from memory.]

 

LULU

ruin and death

worms devour us

how good to eat

red blue purple

ruin and death

a bowl of darkness

how good to eat

for when I am went

a thumb-less nail

dark

still

beaten

I will  

I will be

good.

[Lucas appears.]

 

LUCAS

Lulu?

LULU

Go back to bed, Lucas.

LUCAS

Are you all right?

LULU

I was dreaming.

LUCAS

What are you doing?

LULU

What?

LUCAS

Why are you standing like that?

LULU

I’m praying.

LUCAS

For what?

LULU

For everything.

9.

[The clock strikes. A party. The portraits, and photographs are arranged in a slightly different fashion.]

 

AVA

And I said “Take your hands off her, she’s mine.”

ROBERT

Did you really?

AVA

I am a woman of my word. Aren’t I, Lucas?

LUCAS

You are many things, Ava.

AVA

Countess Ava, if you please.

LUCAS

You come into your inheritance finally?

AVA

Hungarian royalty, my dear. Vineyards and bitter lemons. Hardly worth the ground we shit on.

LUCAS

You mean the ground we walk on?

AVA

Oh, no,  I prefer shit much better. Truer to life. And where is the dear angel?

LUCAS

Lulu is getting dressed.

AVA

A change for her.

LUCAS

Do you object to my art?

AVA

Never, my dear. As long as Lulu remains your subject, I will be your greatest champion.

LUCAS

And patron.

AVA

Of course.

LUCAS

She is acting strangely these days.

AVA

Our Lulu?

LUCAS

She wanders about at night, can’t sleep.

AVA

You should both come to my house in the country. A change of scene is what you need.

ROBERT

Can I come too?

AVA

Robert, you are such a nothing. Really. I’ve never met a more nothing thing. Are you completely empty, my dear?

ROBERT

As empty as I can be.

AVA

Of course you can join us. There’s always room for a doll like you.

ROBERT

Am I your doll?

AVA

Lulu is the only doll for me, my dear. But you’re pretty enough. And that’s not such a bad thing. Where is she?

[Lulu appears]

LULU

I’m right here, silly.

AVA

My dear, you look a bit …

LULU

What?

AVA

Nothing. You’re perfect. Isn’t she, Lucas?

LUCAS

Always.

AVA

A little more makeup than usual.

LULU

Shall I take it off?

AVA

No, my dear. I just like you a bit more natural, that’s all.  I am terribly old-fashioned, I’m afraid. 

LUCAS

Times change.

AVA

They do. We live in graffiti and gunpowder now. We stink and celebrate our filth.

LUCAS & ROBERT & AVA

Hurrah.

AVA

Why aren’t you cheering, Lulu?

 

LULU

Sorry?

AVA

You’re not listening to me. What is the matter with you? Is that a scar?

LULU

What?

AVA

Near your breast. I don’t remember seeing it before. Do you, Lucas?

LUCAS

No.

AVA

Robert?

ROBERT

It’s hard to say…

AVA

You’re always the polite one, doll.

ROBERT

I can be.

AVA

When it’s convenient for you, right?

LULU

I must’ve brushed up against something in the garden.

LUCAS

We don’t have a garden.

LULU

In the park.

LUCAS

When do you go to the park?

LULU

I always go. It’s very soothing.

LUCAS

I didn’t know this.

LULU

I do things all the time without your knowing. It’s wonderful. Isn’t it, Robert?

ROBERT

I wouldn’t know.

AVA

…A little scar can be very attractive. Imperfections are what make a great work of art. Have you finished the third portrait, Lucas?

LUCAS

No.

AVA

It’s mine. You promised me.

LUCAS

I know.

AVA

And you, my dear Lulu, promised me a great big kiss, and you haven’t so much as touched me….I think you are a bit distracted tonight. Is that a fair assessment? Lulu is distracted.

LUCAS

Lulu is away.

ROBERT

Lulu will come back another day.

LULU

Stop it.

AVA

It’s a little game, my dear. Try to smile, would you?

LULU

Like this?

AVA

That’s not a smile.

LULU

I’m showing teeth.

AVA

A smile must be sincere, must have sweetness about it.

LULU

Like this?

AVA

You mock me. I deserve it, I suppose. I come here to your little house with my grand ways and make a mess of things.

LULU

Are you grand?

LUCAS

Of course she is, Lulu. She’s a Countess.

LULU

When did that happen?

AVA

Quite recently.

LULU

You got more money, then?

AVA

I’ve a title. It’s not worth much. But to some people, it means something.

ROBERT

Society people.

AVA

Yes.

ROBERT

I had a title once.

LUCAS

You?

ROBERT

When I was married.

LULU

You’ve been married?

ROBERT

I’ve been everything.

LUCAS

Darling, where’s your ring? You’re not wearing it.

LULU

I gave it away.

LUCAS

Sorry?

LULU

I can’t find it.

LUCAS

Our wedding ring? You lost it?

AVA

Rings are a token, a symbol for society. I have never believed in them.

LUCAS

I’ll buy you a new one.

LULU

I don’t want one.

LUCAS

A sapphire with diamonds round it; something spectacular. It’s what you deserve.

And if I can’t buy it, there are beautiful things in cracked places, luminous objects in a junkheap. I’ll find one for you.

AVA

Such gallantry. You can be quite the romantic, Lucas.

LULU

He’s very sweet.

LUCAS

And you’re my angel.

LULU

Don’t.

LUCAS

What?

LULU

I don’t like that word.

AVA

All that saintliness, holiness…it’s hard to live up to. I see what Lulu means. “Angel.” It’s not a good word. Is it, Robert?

ROBERT

I think some words should be axed.

AVA

Exactly. That’s exactly how I would put it.

ROBERT

You’re a liar.

AVA

I am a woman of my time, Robert. As are you. Aren’t you? …Oh, did I tell you about the story?

LUCAS

What’s that, Ava?

AVA

I was reading the paper today and there was this little item. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then when I started reading…Some man was found dead not far from here. A young man. A pity. Apparently he was holding a picture of our dear Lulu in his hand when he died.

LULU

Of me?

AVA

He was a suicide. Slit-wrist type. It was just a little story, in the back of the paper. But I thought “How funny that someone would die for Lulu.”

LUCAS

Why wouldn’t they?

AVA

I know what you mean, of course. I’d die for her. In an instant. I know her. To know is to love. But a total stranger?

LUCAS

Who was he?

AVA

I don’t know. Name didn’t ring. He was a journalist apparently.

LUCAS

Must have been a critic.

AVA

Critics should kill themselves. I agree. They’re parasites.

LULU

Christ…

AVA

Don’t take it to heart. You inspire love, my dear. You require admiration. I just thought it was a rather funny little story. A funny sad pathetic kind of thing. What people will do, right?

LUCAS

It’s the curse of celebrity, the power of the image: you don’t know who is going to love you, you don’t know what kind of feelings you will inspire in people. It’s a loveless world, after all, and people grab on-

AVA

…Yes. It’s very sad. To whatever they desire. How shallow is our world to confine us to one thing only, and seek consolation in only one thing? It’s enough to make one cry. Lulu, dear, sing for us a bit.

LULU

I don’t do that anymore. I just model. I have a charmed life. I remain still for hours and pretend I am a fucking corpse

AVA

Dressed in Prada.

ROBERT

If you’re going to be a corpse, might as well be the best-dressed one.

LUCAS

Lulu, I don’t know what’s gotten into you, but Ava’s a patron of the arts. Now, give a song, if that’s what she wants.

AVA

I come all this way to see you, my favorite nymph, I deserve a little something. Indulge me, my dear.

LULU

You’re after my ass, then be after it, but know it’ll never be yours.

LUCAS

What kind of way is that to talk to Countess Ava?

LULU

Shh…

LUCAS

What?

LULU

Hear it? Rattling outside. Do you hear it?

ROBERT

They’re smashing windows.

LULU

An egg sails through the air. See it?

LUCAS

Bad luck on whoever it falls upon.

LULU

Poison tongue.

LUCAS

It’s lore. Handed down from generations. “Broken egg brings bad luck.”

AVA

We live with broken eggs against our skin. That’s the way we live now. Smashed houses and shattered glass. That’s why beauty is important. That’s why I admire Lulu so much. I’d do anything for you. It’s true, my dear. My love is pure.

ROBERT

All this talk of love. What’s it to me? You have sex and then you get on with things.

AVA

You are quite empty.

LULU

Sometimes I think Robert is the only one in the world who understands me.

AVA

The only one? My dear, why won’t you kiss me?

LULU

Because I don’t want you to die for me.

AVA

I’d do it. Gladly.

LULU

Your love is that pure?

AVA

Yes.

LULU

You’re a cunt.

[Lulu kisses Ava deeply.]

 

AVA

I’m at your mercy.

[Ava returns the kiss.]

 

LUCAS

Lulu? Lulu?

LULU

[breaking away from Ava] What is it, Lucas?

LUCAS

Why don’t you fuck her? Like you fucked Rhinehart, and everyone else. I’m the bastard who married you. I’m the one who puts up with your filthy words and silly games.

LULU

And in turn you do what you want with me. I’d say that’s a fair exchange.

AVA

Perhaps a little song wouldn’t be so bad now. Perhaps a record. Robert?

ROBERT’

What do you want?

AVA

Some music. Something with horns and strings.

LUCAS

Well, I know what I want. And it’s to be rid of you. Rid of feeling so much for you all the time. And not ever once getting a kind anything. You can’t even make an effort anymore.

LULU

What’s gotten into you, Lucas?

LUCAS

I’m here. I see things.  I saved you, and you wreck me. Your body has become disgusting to me. There isn’t an inch of you I don’t know and yet what of it? You don’t really want me. You never have. I photograph you over and over, and what? You’re still the same. You pose. Like you pose as my wife. I come home and you smell of everyone else. Not of me. Never of me. Not completely. You want to know where the third portrait is, Countess Ava? There isn’t one. There will never be one. I will never finish it.

AVA

My dear Lucas…

LUCAS

[to Lulu] I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you. I love you.

LULU

Stop. Stop.

LUCAS

I love you. I love you.

LULU

Stop.

LUCAS

I love you.

LULU

Stop. Stop. Stop it! Stop.

Where are you going? Where are you going?

Lucas?

[Lucas leaves]

 

AVA

Such emotion… I never knew Lucas…

LULU

Shut up.

AVA

I think emotion ruins things. It confuses the picture.

Don’t you agree, Robert?

ROBERT

Emotion’s what it is. Nothing more.

AVA

You’re such a doll.

LULU

Leave her be.

AVA

Jealous now?

LULU

Lucas wants a baby. I can’t give him it.

AVA

Well, I made it all the way fucking down in a gypsy cab who charged me a swell fortune. I couldn’t even stop a bit and walk into Cartier. I ruined my coat. See the lining? It got ripped. One hundred percent silk absolutely destroyed. The cabbie insisted on telling me his life story. Everybody’s got a damn story, right? Why is it people feel they can just talk to me about anything and everything? I must have a kind face. Damn curse it is. And your beauty is the most exquisite mirror…Tell Lucas I’ll send him a check for the third portrait. It was lovely to see you, Lulu. It’s always lovely to see you. Even if you do think of me as a cunt.

LULU

I didn’t mean-

AVA

We all make mistakes, my dear. Mine is to love you.

[Ava exits.]

LULU

Beauty is sin. It is. It is an error.

ROBERT

You want a rub? Just the shoulders and neck… You need it.

LULU

I want a different life.

10.

[Lulu is in Lucas’ workspace. Cocaine vials near her. Lucas is photographing her. He wears lipstick.]

LUCAS

I don’t want to see your breasts now. Only your box.

She wants the third portrait, right? I’m going to give it to her in close-up.

LULU

Are you all right?

LUCAS

I need a line.

LULU

…Shit on my belly. You can snort it right from me.

LUCAS

You know what I like.

LULU

I know you well.

LUCAS

Your belly is so hard.

LULU

…Are you shooting in color or black and white?

LUCAS

Black and white. I’m giving it a noir effect.

LULU

What about my face?

LUCAS

I’ll do color. And then I’ll superimpose it on your black and white crotch. Would you like that?

LULU

You’re a genius.

LUCAS

I’m wearing your lipstick.

LULU

You like being me.

LUCAS

I like this game. Another line, please.

LULU

…I serve you on my belly.

LUCAS

I lick and snort.

LULU

Pig. You’re smearing me.

LUCAS

Lipstick remains…What color is this?

LULU

“Pandora’s Box.”

LUCAS

Did I buy it for you?

LULU

You buy everything. Everything I desire.

LUCAS

Another line. Come on.

LULU

Slow down.

LUCAS

Magic fucking blow. Inspire me.

LULU

I’m your drug.

LUCAS

Screw me.

LULU

Take my picture.

LUCAS

It’s like old times. I miss Rhinehart.

LULU

You liked taking orders?

LUCAS

I liked executing. Yes.

LULU

…Take my picture.

LUCAS

Make me.

LULU

…How much for my box?

LUCAS

A fortune.

LULU

More.

LUCAS

What’s more than a fortune?

LULU

Think.

Look at me. How much?

Must I be ever waiting?

LUCAS

Just give, Lulu. Come on. That’s what you’re good at.

[She sprinkles the cocaine slowly in a pattern upon a knife. He sniffs; he snorts. She stabs him.]

 

11.

[Near the sea. Lulu is looking out. She is dressed as a man. Mark stands next to her.]

 

MARK

There are plenty of places to have sex.

LULU

What’s that?

MARK

That’s the beauty of the sea. The beauty of being near it. You can have sex anywhere. The ocean spooks you?

LULU

I can see it clear as day.

MARK

Clear as muck. There’s nothing to look at. Why look?

LULU

I imagine I am a voyager.

MARK

A voyeur?

LULU

A voyager, voyager, voyager.

MARK

You repeat words.

LULU

Words are porous. They are made of water. I imagine I am on the water discovering a new world.

MARK

What’s it like?

LULU

It has big strings, giant elbows of sound. And huge letters painted over marble walls.

MARK

Is that all?

LULU

What else do you need?

MARK

…I could suck you off. Would you like that? I could suck you til sundown?

LULU

You have a foul mouth.

MARK

You got crap on your shirt. Yellow stain.

LULU

I am immaculate.

MARK

You’re got big splotchy runny… right there. Egg. You’ve got egg on you. Fucking bad luck. Must cut that stain out.

LULU

What are you doing?

MARK

What’s it look like?

LULU

Put the knife down.

MARK

You’re afraid?

LULU

No.

MARK

You like it?

LULU

I like cold things.

MARK

I’m just scratching the stain off. Doing a service. I hate stains. They remind me of when I was a kid. I was always spoilt. People made fun of me. 

LULU

I’ll take my shirt off.

MARK

What? Here?

LULU

Isn’t that what you want?

MARK

I don’t care. 

LULU

How old are you?

MARK

Old enough.

LULU

You’re a boy.

MARK

I’m not. I’ve got, what you call it, baby face. Yeah. That’s me. Mark with the baby face. That’s what they call me.

LULU

Mark?

MARK

It’s a good name, isn’t it?

LULU

Plain but good.

MARK

Yeah. That’s what I say. Plain but good.

What’s your name?

LULU

I’m James now. Unbutton me, Mark. There’s no one round.

MARK

…All right.

LULU

Slowly now. There’s no rush. We’ve all the time in the world.

MARK

Nimble fingers fiddle with buttons. I’ve no trouble.

[He unbuttons her shirt; she unzips her fly.]

What are you -?

You ain’t got no sex or nothing. You’re fucking alien.

LULU

That’s the beauty of me.

MARK

Fuck.

LULU

Don’t you want me? I can do anything. I have no limits.

I’m perfect now.

[Noise]

MARK

What was that?

LULU

Rattling from the city. Sounds closer than it is. We should be quiet.

We should be very quiet.

Very still.

[Noise. Then silence.]

Nothing now.

MARK

I think I need to piss. I used to know what my body felt. Don’t know now. It’s tricking me. I think I’m getting an erection.

LULU

Yeah?

MARK

I feel weird.

LULU

You’ll be fine. We will all be fine in time.

MARK

Sounds a riddle.

LULU

Does it?

MARK

Like at school. Like in a rhyme or something.

Can I touch you?

LULU

Go ahead.

MARK

…You feel normal. You feel like a boy, or a girl or something.

…I feel funny.

LULU

Calm down.

MARK

I don’t know what I’m doing.

LULU

How old are you?

MARK

Old enough.

LULU

Have you ever made love?

MARK

What you think I am?

LULU

Make love to me, then.

Put the knife down.

MARK

Speck of stain. I still see it.

LULU

Make love to me.

MARK

Like how?

LULU

However you wish.

[…Mark touches Lulu awkwardly, stops. He caresses her face lightly with the blunt edge of the knife. She lets him. …He touches her hand. He kisses her palm. ]

 

 

end of play