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:

 

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.

 

“…anyone who ever had a heart…”
The Velvet Underground, “Sweet Jane”

Act One

 1.

[Day. Lucas’ studio. Lulu is on a dais. She wears a transparent costume. Lucas is at canvas and easel. He is painting her.]

LUCAS

Don’t move.

That’s right. Very still.

Hold your breath.

Give a smile.

Part your lips.

The slightly open mouth. Very good.

We understand each other. We are in accord.

And arch your back. Arms at your sides.

And look at me.

You feel pleasure.

You want everything. Everything you see.

Keep your back… Yes.

And the pleasure… Yes.

Think of all your lovers.

Think of me.

Eyes alert.

Not a word. Nothing.

That’s how you should be.

Infinitely beautiful in silence.

[Lucas continues painting. Voiceover is heard as lights close in on the silent Lulu posing for Lucas:]

 

VOICE MIX (ADRIAN, AVA, CALLIE)

Her nipples yes 

a purple flower painted on each

easy, soft

imagine how pliable

shoulders curve

thighs lift

calves expose

stomach empty

clit

yes

okay

made to be taken

made to be…

female flesh never inquires

it stays firm and fresh

Break her in there

Now

yes

don’t think about

don’t spend time thinking about…

Break her

Yes

She will not wait for love

She does not wait

Glorious fresh 

Silent smeared

Bid

On the made-up child

[Lights close in tight on Lulu. Only her face is illuminated. Immediate darkness.]  

 

2.

 

[The painting of Lulu from the previous scene is now on display in the studio. Lucas, Adrian, and Callie look at the painting.]

 

ADRIAN

Is that her?

LUCAS

Yes.

ADRIAN

You didn’t tell me.

LUCAS

What do you mean? You know her?

ADRIAN

Molly.

LUCAS

That’s not her name.

ADRIAN

Certainly looks like her.

CALLIE

Who’s Molly?

ADRIAN

A girl from my old neighborhood. No one you’d know.

LUCAS

She’s not from around here. I don’t think you’d know her. She’s a friend of a friend.

ADRIAN

…She’s not wearing panties.

LUCAS

I am interested in the human form, the body. The nude is a classic artistic genre.

CALLIE

But she’s not completely nude. She’s wearing a costume.

ADRIAN

Barely.

LUCAS

So you can appreciate the body underneath. But what are we looking at really? Just subtle flesh tones, sophisticated composition…

CALLIE

Discreet pubic hair.

LUCAS

A nude is boring in and of itself. After a while, one nude is like another. But with a costume, with the barest thing, open down the front, a shimmering fabric, you can somehow truly contemplate the body. The viewer is liberated from restriction, from expectation. There is the interplay of what you see before you, and your imagination.

ADRIAN

Like feathers.

LUCAS

What?

ADRIAN

Burlesque girls with feathers. The art of the strip. The feathers entice, seduce, make you wonder.

LUCAS

She’s not a stripper, Adrian.

ADRIAN

Then what is she doing for you? She’s taking off her clothes, isn’t she?

LUCAS

She wears a costume.

CALLIE

Are those purple flowers on her nipples?

LUCAS

I paint what you want to see.

ADRIAN

Or what you want.

LUCAS

Sorry?

ADRIAN

You can have her, Lucas. We won’t judge. We like models. Don’t we, Callie?

CALLIE

They can be very charming.

ADRIAN

You should throw a party. Invite everyone. We should all meet Molly.

LUCAS

That’s not her name.

ADRIAN

What do you call her then?

LUCAS

Eve.

CALLIE

How Biblical.

LUCAS

She likes being called Eve.

ADRIAN

You are in for a fall.

LUCAS

It’s just a name. It suits her.

ADRIAN

Take my advice, Lucas. Find yourself another model.

LUCAS

Why?

ADRIAN

You shouldn’t paint the same person all the time. Painting is a dying art. You have to keep it fresh or else your clients will get bored, and boredom is the great enemy. If you risk boredom, you risk obscurity.

LUCAS

I promised I’d do three paintings of her.

ADRIAN

Promised whom?

CALLIE

Her fiancé.

ADRIAN

What?

LUCAS

It’s a triptych: Eve in costume. Callie’s such a clever agent. Aren’t you, Callie?

CALLIE

I can be.

LUCAS

He originally wanted only one. But we convinced him.

CALLIE

I convinced him.

LUCAS

Why commission one painting when you can commission three?

ADRIAN

Three portraits and then you fuck? Is that it?

LUCAS

I’ve never met anyone like her.

CALLIE

Could it be love? …You’d best find out or you’ll lose her, my pup.

LUCAS

She’s not mine to lose.

ADRIAN

Is she married?

LUCAS

She’s engaged. She’s got quite a ring on her finger. Eighteen karat G. 

ADRIAN

Some people move up in the world faster than others.

CALLIE

It’s all a matter of what kind of scruples you have.

ADRIAN

Why is it the immoral always do so much better than everyone else?

CALLIE

They have pacts with the devil.

ADRIAN

I wish I was immoral. I’d be much more powerful than I am now.

CALLIE

We haven’t done so bad.

ADRIAN

Little Miss Molly has a diamond ring on her finger to match her hard diamond mouth, and I’m eating scraps.

CALLIE

Don’t exaggerate, my dear. You see her as Molly, this Molly you remember from another time, but clearly, this woman is someone else. Right?

LUCAS

I only know her as Eve.

CALLIE

She’s a lovely subject, Lucas. Just delicious…

ADRIAN

She has nice tits.

CALLIE

Adrian…

ADRIAN

I am only admiring them, Callie.

CALLIE

Admire mine.

ADRIAN

I’ve had yours.

LUCAS

…She sits for me. She poses. She’s very delicate, fragile, a nervous type. It takes her a long while to sit still. I have to force her sometimes.

ADRIAN

With what?

LUCAS

I have a hippopotamus-whip two inches thick. Be it love or be it whipping, female flesh never inquires.

CALLIE

You’re a monster.

LUCAS

I’m joking. I wouldn’t strike her. I don’t like dominating. Not with props. It’s too much work. I get all sweaty. I stink. No. I prefer to be clean. I hand her a glass of Grand Marnier. I make her drink. I give her a box of truffles. She does my bidding.

CALLIE

She doesn’t have the kind of body that would eat truffles. Look at her. She’s damn perfect.

LUCAS

Sometimes we share the truffles. I paint. A silence enters the room. She looks at me.

CALLIE

How heavenly.

ADRIAN

Are you jealous of her?

CALLIE

Of a model? I am confident of our relationship, Adrian. We will always be together.

ADRIAN

I’m glad you’re confident.

CALLIE

What do you mean?

ADRIAN

People change, Callie. They grow and change and want different things in their lives.

CALLIE

You want to leave me? Is that what you’re hinting at?

ADRIAN

That’s not what I said.

CALLIE

It’s what you meant. I can feel it. We’ve been together so long I can read your mind.

ADRIAN

That’s the beauty of a long-standing relationship.

CALLIE
You can’t even say it.

ADRIAN

What?

CALLIE

We’re married, Adrian. We’ve been married for six years.

ADRIAN

Marriage is a bourgeois concept.

CALLIE

It is a civilized institution.

ADRIAN

For which bitches are bred.

CALLIE

What?

ADRIAN

You glorify marriage, Callie.

CALLIE

And why shouldn’t I?

ADRIAN

Put love on the free market, that’s what I say. Civilized institutions are made to be slaughtered.

CALLIE

I intend to spend my life with you, Adrian. Do you understand? My love is not on the market. We can have an uncivilized marriage. In fact, we already have one. You have an itch? Scratch it, but come back to me. I can’t think of a better institution than one that lets love roam freely behind a veneer of respectability. …Adrian? Are you listening to me? Stop looking at her.

ADRIAN

It’s only a painting, Callie.

CALLIE

Yes, but she’s real, isn’t she? She’s damn flesh and blood.

LUCAS

She’s all flesh.  I love that about her. She is all body. Forget about her mind. Sometimes I think if I could just have bits of her, parts of her all to myself, that would be sublime. Eve’s legs, Eve’s arms, Eve’s neck… And her senses are as fresh as a spring that bursts from a pure rock. It’s as if she was from another time.

ADRIAN

You are obsessed with this model. Obsession is a dangerous thing.

LUCAS
I’m not -

ADRIAN

The days of the muse are long gone. It’s all about cold light now: in your face realism, scientific candor. No room for hazy romanticism.

CALLIE

Indulge him, Adrian. Poor Lucas hasn’t had anyone in so long. He’s been starving for a bit of rapture. Haven’t you, my dear?

LUCAS

I do all right.

CALLIE

After the last one… Oh, the phone calls and the crying, and the vomiting up of everything… She burned you through and through without mercy. You should definitely seek consolation where you can. Even if it is with a tart.

LUCAS

She’s not.

CALLIE

Of course not. She’s your muse. The divine Eve.

ADRIAN

She’s risen up in the world.  And where am I? What have I done with my brilliance? I write obituaries and get by.

LUCAS

We will all get back on our feet again as soon as the country orders itself.

ADRIAN

And with thieving politicians in power, it’s not damn likely.

LUCAS

Show me an honest politician…

ADRIAN

And I’ll show you a scab on a fucking wound.

LUCAS

…I wish I had some more money.

ADRIAN

Don’t we all? It’s the curse of the vanishing middle class.

LUCAS

I’m not middle class.

CALLIE

No, you’re outside of everything, aren’t you?

LUCAS

I move about, amongst and around, ever ascending and descending…

ADRIAN

The curse of the artist.

LUCAS

I wouldn’t mind a cushion, though. Just for a while.

ADRIAN

Take care of yourself, Lucas. That’s all we can do at day’s end: take care of ourselves and do what we can to make do. Sell your damn paintings. Make a fortune. Go to Brazil, go to Spain. Travel the globe in style.

LUCAS

I don’t want to travel the globe. Things are fucked everywhere, aren’t they?

CALLIE

You could go to the northern countries.

LUCAS

Sweden? Iceland? And do what?

CALLIE

It’s a ripe market.

LUCAS

I’m fine here.

ADRIAN

That’s right. You’re content with your little muse. You’re more of a romantic than I thought.

LUCAS

You think I’m foolish?

CALLIE

We envy the purity of your devotion. That’s the truth.

ADRIAN

And truth is a transient thing.

LUCAS

I want to be with her all the time.

CALLIE

Then be. Seduce her. Stick your tongue in her ear like you did with me.

ADRIAN

Callie…

CALLIE

I’ve never lied about it, Adrian. Our lives have always been open in that regard. Except mine it seems has been more open than yours.

[Pause]

ADRIAN

She’s beautiful. She’s a goddamn angel. You should make twenty paintings, live with her, dream of her, screw her in every room of this house. Cause at the end of the day, we’re all damn fucked: eating scraps, feeding off leftover plates, and sinking into the great abyss known as this glorious country. Have your tart. Let her break you. We could all do with a bit of Molly.

3.

 

[The same painting from first two scenes is now seen reflected in a mirror in the studio.]

 

ADRIAN

A man killed himself today. He hung himself with his own belt. A lonely asshole. Not a friend to his name. Cops come. They call him a suicide. I write the obit. “Frank Neely, age thirty-seven, hangs himself in a Bearing Street room. No relations.” He leaves a bag behind. A black zip bag. I don’t write about it. But I see it. Everything this man owns is in this black bag: one toothbrush, two pairs of woolen socks, a jacket, four boxers, a fishing hat, a pair of gloves, a prayer book, a photograph of an old lover, a comb, two travel-size bottles of after-shave lotion, and a pack of gum. That’s the full extent of him. No more. No less. And I think “what are my contents? If I had just one bag left, what would be the full extent of me?”

[Lulu appears in another costume.]

 

LULU

One toothbrush, two pairs of nylons, a jacket, an evening gown four seasons old, four pairs of silk panties, a satin bra, a slip, a prayer book, a photograph of an old lover, an ivory comb, a romance novel, soft gloves, a Canadian penny given to one of my lovers at a market in Prague.

 

ADRIAN

Are those your contents?

 

LULU

I have to be sure of what I own, of what’s truly mine.

 

ADRIAN

And the costume?

 

LULU

Do you like it?

 

ADRIAN

It’s a bit frilly.

LULU

Lucas wants me to wear it for the second portrait.

ADRIAN

What about what I want?

LULU

You’re not painting me.

ADRIAN

You used to dress for me once. You were my girl in uniform.

LULU

I dress for art now. Not for sex.

ADRIAN

Kiss me.

LULU

You’re demanding.

ADRIAN

I need your mouth.

LULU

What about my needs?

ADRIAN

You’re getting married.

LULU

Who told you that?

ADRIAN

Lucas. He’s painting you to order. Whatever your fiancé wants as long as he gets paid. He says you’ve got quite a ring.

LULU

I don’t wear it.

ADRIAN

Afraid you’ll lose it?

LULU

I only wear it with him.

ADRIAN

The intended? Who is he?

LULU

You don’t know him.

ADRIAN

I know everyone in your circle.

LULU

You don’t know this one.

ADRIAN

Is he a carpenter?

LULU

He’s got money.

ADRIAN

A doctor, then?

LULU

Very good.

ADRIAN

What kind?

LULU

What does it matter?

ADRIAN

I may want to see him for my ills. I’m in need of a primary care physician.

LULU

He’s not that kind of doctor.

ADRIAN

Is he a vet?

LULU

Don’t be stupid.

ADRIAN

I know how you like animal tricks. Come on. I’ll be the lion-tamer and you be the lion.

LULU

I don’t do that anymore.

ADRIAN

That’s not what Lucas said.

LULU

What’d you mean?

ADRIAN

He says he’s got a damn hippopotamus-whip that he uses with you.

LULU

Fuck him.

ADRIAN

It isn’t true? Don’t disappoint me, Molly.

LULU

I’m not Molly anymore. I’m Eve. And he doesn’t need to use a whip with me. I do everything he says.

ADRIAN

Really? What does he…? Does he put a spell on you?

LULU

He’s got a soothing voice.  And he gives me things. Little gifts.

ADRIAN

How sweet.

LULU

It is.

ADRIAN

You’re like a regular schoolgirl with him.

LULU

I’m everything.

ADRIAN

And are you the same with your doctor fellow?

LULU

I’m who he needs me to be.

ADRIAN

He must have a lot of money. What is he again?

LULU

He’s a psychiatrist.

ADRIAN

A mind-fucker. Of course. From piss crap to platinum.

LULU

I can’t marry you. You’re already married. You made sure any chance I could have of having you would be wrecked.

ADRIAN

Are you still in love with me? How proud a woman will stand in the world as soon as she has won the right to sell herself, unbranded, at the highest price a man will bid for her. Marriage is convention’s trap. You have no need of it.

LULU

I need my rich doctor.

ADRIAN

Why?

LULU

So I can live a comfortable life.

ADRIAN

You were born in a slum. You crave comfort.

LULU

Don’t ridicule me. We’re the same.

ADRIAN

We’re not.

LULU

If our flesh is cut, we’ll both bleed…

ADRIAN

Red liquid ooze? I’d like that.

LULU

Would you?

ADRIAN

I’d like to see you suffer.

LULU

More than I have at your expense?

ADRIAN

And Lucas?

LULU

He’s a damn painter. No future with him.

ADRIAN

He adores you.

LULU

Adoration is exhausting.

ADRIAN

You like it.

LULU

I thrive on it, but at the end of the day…

ADRIAN

You want something more.

LULU

Don’t we all?

ADRIAN

I don’t.

LULU

Then why are you with me?

ADRIAN

To torment my wife.

LULU

You don’t like me, then?

ADRIAN

I like your body. If I could have just your body, I would.

LULU

You want me to be quiet? Lucas likes me to be quiet. He likes me to be still, like a corpse, so he can paint me in fucking silence.

ADRIAN

You have such a crude voice.

LULU

I should spank you.

ADRIAN

Do your pleasure, Molly. I’m yours.

LULU

Molly’s dead. …Stop. I don’t want to ruin my costume.

Lucas will lose his inspiration. I can’t have that.

ADRIAN

Cause your fiancé commissioned him. And what is your mysterious fiancé’s name?

LULU

Rhinehart.

ADRIAN

Fucking German? How come I’ve never heard of him?

LULU

You’re in the obit section. He’s in the metro.

ADRIAN

I am surrounded by the dead all day. That’s the truth. And then I come home, and there’s Callie.

LULU

She’s attractive.

ADRIAN

How do you know?

LULU

That party… wasn’t that her?

ADRIAN

Might have been.

LULU

If it was her, she was scrumptious.

ADRIAN

You’re such a bitch.

LULU

Did you come here to fight with me or fuck?

ADRIAN

I don’t know what I want anymore.

LULU

Make up your mind, handsome.

ADRIAN

Is the clock running? Shall I pay you?

LULU

Lucas will come back. He’ll want his time. Sitting for a portrait takes hours.

ADRIAN

Where does he touch you?

LULU

What do you care?

ADRIAN

Does he spread your legs?

LULU

If you’re going to be jealous…

ADRIAN

I want you for myself, all to myself.

LULU

That’s not possible.

ADRIAN

It was possible once.

LULU

I’m not thirteen anymore.

ADRIAN

You were never thirteen.

LULU

No. I was broken much earlier. Twat prig came to me, looked me over, took me in his big, beefy hands and had his way. And I didn’t know what. I had fat sun on my head. I was baking in the heat and prig had his beefy hands inside me, tearing me up, hanging me up by my arms, pushing himself into me. I’m six years old and next thing I know I’m being sold on the street. What chance has the poor girl? What right has she to marry a doctor?

ADRIAN

I didn’t say that.

LULU

It’s what you were thinking.

ADRIAN

Don’t read my mind. My wife does that. I can’t stand it.

When I’m with you…

LULU

Yes?

ADRIAN

It’s to be… with you. Do you understand?

LULU

Don’t you want to gag me?

Come on. Stuff your handkerchief in my mouth.

ADRIAN

Are we going to play that game?

LULU

Make me shut up.

ADRIAN

Not now.

LULU

It’s your game.

ADRIAN

You have me confused with someone else.

LULU

Choke me.

[He starts to choke her]

 

ADRIAN

Is this what you want? Is this what you want from me? You fucking tart, you fucking bitch… Fucking make me…

[He releases her]

 

LULU

You haven’t lost your touch.

ADRIAN

You’re sick. You need a damn psychiatrist.

Where’s Lucas, anyway?

LULU

You want him too?

ADRIAN

I don’t do men.

LULU

Don’t you?

ADRIAN

Not for a long time.

LULU

Lucas went to the store to buy me truffles. He said he’d be back by three. That gives us three minutes precisely.

ADRIAN

I have to get back to the office.

LULU

Give here.

ADRIAN

You’re insatiable.

LULU

I need… yes.

ADRIAN

...You’re getting inside…

LULU

I want…

ADRIAN

I’m not a machine.

LULU

I just want…hands, some tongue.

ADRIAN

Not now!

LULU

Well, I’m not a machine either to turn off and on at will. Doesn’t work like that.

ADRIAN

Ease up.

LULU

Put up; shut up.

ADRIAN

I didn’t say that.

LULU

I felt it in your words. You are determined to hate me. You are fucking weird. You are fucking fucking weird. Give give and what do I get? I got feelings.

ADRIAN

You wear them.

LULU

I’m all over you. All over…

[Lulu moves on him. Adrian doesn’t respond.]

Fucking body waste…

ADRIAN

Are you going to get upset? I don’t want you to get upset. Do you understand?

[Lucas enters with a gold box in hand.]

LUCAS

Adrian? What are you doing here?

ADRIAN

I was just leaving.

LUCAS

Stay. You can help me set up.

LULU

He’s interested in buying a painting, Lucas. I told him I’m all taken, but if he wants to commission you…

LUCAS

That’s very kind, Adrian. But I know you can’t right now. It wouldn’t be fair, and I believe in fairness above all.

ADRIAN

I should go.

LUCAS

Are you all right?

ADRIAN

I need to get back to the office. They’ll be missing me.

LUCAS

Things always on the hop at the obit desk.

ADRIAN

Yes. They are, as a matter of fact. A murder a minute, as they say.

LUCAS

Who says that?

LULU

It’s an expression. Isn’t it, Adrian?

ADRIAN

Not in the best of taste, but then what is these days?

LULU

See you for drinks later.

ADRIAN

Drinks?

LULU

At Vertigo. You’re all invited. This Thursday. Lucas, Callie… And Adrian, of course. You must come. I don’t take ‘no’ for an answer.

ADRIAN

This Thursday.

LULU

Vertigo. Half past ten.

ADRIAN

All right.

LULU

Don’t disappoint me.

ADRIAN

Nice to see you, Molly…

LULU

The name’s Eve.

ADRIAN

Eve. Right.

[Adrian exits]

 

LULU

Is that for me?

LUCAS

What? Oh. Yes. Champagne truffles, just like you wanted. I had to go all the way to the gourmet shop on 24th to get them.

LULU

You spoil me.

LUCAS

I can’t get enough of you.

[She kisses him.]

What was Adrian doing here?

LULU

He wanted to commission you, he said.

LUCAS

…Is that the costume I picked out?

LULU

Yes.

 

LUCAS

It’s more complicated than I remember. Ribbons and things.

LULU

Shall I take it off?

LUCAS

No. No. I just think maybe we should expose the shoulder a bit…untie the back… It’s better that way.

LULU

Do you still want me without my panties?

LUCAS

Stop that.

LULU

What?

LUCAS

Stop moving like that. Sit on the dais.

LULU

Now?

LUCAS

I don’t want to lose the light. Come on.

LULU

We’ve plenty of time, Lucas.

LUCAS

I think I’ll switch mediums soon. Painting is so old-fashioned. Nobody appreciates the brush stroke, the effort, the subtlety. It’s a dying art. It has no relationship to at all truth or reality.

LULU

How do you want me?

LUCAS

What?

LULU

Do you want me like this?

 

[pose]

Like this?

 [pose]

How ‘bout like this?

 

[pose]

LUCAS

Yes.

LULU

This is good?

LUCAS

Spread your legs a bit more. That’s right.

And open your mouth.

[Lucas places a truffle in Lulu’s open mouth. Freeze. Voiceover is heard:]

VOICE MIX (ADRIAN, AVA, CALLIE)

Fill her up

Keep her hole open

Still

Wanting

Always

Wanting

Begging

Pleading

Ache

Make her

Now, in the right now

Make her good

Make her eat

Good to eat

Yes

Every bit, every inch

Every hole

As you wish and want

To the quick

Come

And do not treat her as anything but

foul

[Lulu and Lucas unfreeze. Lucas spits in Lulu’s face. Darkness.]

 

4.

 

[The second painting is seen in the reflection of a tilted mirror at Vertigo. Adrian, Lucas and Callie look at the painting.]

 

ADRIAN

How’d you get her to do that?

LUCAS

I can make her do anything.

ADRIAN

Very rude – that position. It’s very exposing.

LUCAS

It’s a fetish pose.

ADRIAN

You didn’t have to tie her.

LUCAS

I didn’t know you were such a prig, Adrian.

CALLIE

Only when he’s around you, Lucas. I don’t know what it is, but he turns into a different man altogether.

ADRIAN

I do not.

LUCAS

Old friends fall into old ways of being with each other.

ADRIAN

Except we’re not old friends, Lucas. We’re barely friends at all.

LUCAS

We’ve known each other eight years.

ADRIAN

Eight years is nothing.

CALLIE

Look how long Adrian and I have been together, and we still don’t know each other. That should tell you something, Lucas.

LUCAS

Well, you’re one of my oldest friends. Eight years is something to me, even if it’s shit to you.

ADRIAN

I didn’t say that.

LUCAS

Didn’t need to. I heard it in your voice: the contempt. “Barely friends.” Well, I’m sorry about that. Really sorry. But if that’s all we are, then I don’t think you should say a thing about my painting. It’s Eve in another guise, the way she’s sometimes seen. If you can’t bring yourself to admit that you’ve had a similar fantasy, then that’s something you need to deal with. But don’t be a prig with me, because I know you better than that. We’ve gone out drinking plenty of times without Callie around.

CALLIE

What’d you mean?

LUCAS

A couple of fuzzy navels and he can lose himself quite easily.

ADRIAN

You’re such a prick. An utter prick.

CALLIE

What exactly do you do when you’re out with Lucas, Adrian? I’m curious.

ADRIAN

We drink. We say things to each other.

LUCAS

We act things out.

CALLIE

What kind of things?

ADRIAN

We get drunk, that’s all. We drink until we’re passed out.

CALLIE

…I should get drunk. I should get pissed to high heaven.

ADRIAN

It’ll do you good.

CALLIE

I will then. I’ll get damn well drunk tonight. There won’t be a Chambord martini left. I won’t leave this place until I’m on the floor.

LUCAS

And we’ll have to carry you home.

CALLIE

No. I’ll leave with one of the bartenders. They’re so good-looking here.

ADRIAN

Callie…

CALLIE

You have your fantasies. I can have mine. I can play things out.

LUCAS

All the bartenders here are gay.

CALLIE

Have you slept with them?

ADRIAN

Callie…

CALLIE

Stop saying my name like that. You’re not my father. You’re not a damn parent.

ADRIAN

I’m your husband.

CALLIE

You don’t act it. Not for a long time.

LUCAS

Is that so?

CALLIE

So, have you slept with them? All of them?

LUCAS

I don’t sleep with men.

CALLIE

Fuck them, then?

ADRIAN

Callie…

CALLIE

Shut up.

LUCAS

On occasion.

ADRIAN

You didn’t tell me that.

LUCAS

When I’ve been pissed out of my mind.

ADRIAN

And one body is just like another?

LUCAS

Don’t be a prig, Adrian. You would have half the men in this bar.

CALLIE

What?

LUCAS

See that handsome over there? Bartender.

CALLIE

Ryan?

ADRIAN

You caught his name already?

CALLIE

I’m a people person, Adrian.

LUCAS

He was eyeing him when we walked in. Gave him a good look.

ADRIAN

Liar.

LUCAS

I saw you. You didn’t want Callie to find out?

CALLIE

Is this true, Adrian?

ADRIAN

Can’t you see the state he’s in? He’ll say anything. He’s always been jealous of us.

LUCAS

Adrian gives great tongue.

ADRIAN

Shut up.

LUCAS

Smooth and hard he enters…

ADRIAN

Stop it.

LUCAS

And when he cums, he’s like a fucking firework display.

[Adrian punches Lucas.]

CALLIE

Adrian!

ADRIAN

Say it again. Say those words again and I’ll fucking kill you.

 

LUCAS

…You’ve a mean streak.

ADRIAN

Like meets like.

LUCAS

Spilled my drink. Damn fuzzy navel…

CALLIE

I’ll get you another.

LUCAS

I’ll get it myself.

[Lucas walks away]

CALLIE

You’re a child.

ADRIAN

Excuse me?

CALLIE

You didn’t have to hit him. Where do you think you are?

ADRIAN

Vertigo.

CALLIE

You’re crazy.

ADRIAN

You’re defending him now?

CALLIE

He’s wrapped up with that woman. His head’s turned around. He says things.

ADRIAN

Molly…

CALLIE

Whatever her name is… He’s not himself. And you take him on like he’s… It’s not right.

ADRIAN

He just accused me of wanting to have sex with half the men in this bar.

CALLIE

And what of it?

ADRIAN

It’s not true.

CALLIE

If you’re so sure of it, then there’s no need to hit.

ADRIAN

What kind of logic…?

CALLIE

Think about it.

ADRIAN

You believe him. That’s why you’re defending him. Cause you believe him.

CALLIE

You should be grateful.  At least I pretend I don’t mind.

ADRIAN

He’s a liar. And not even a good one at that. Can you imagine “half the men in this place?…”  There’s more to a person than who you’ve fucked. There’s lots more.

CALLIE

Well, I’m going to get drunk. I’m going to get flaming ass drunk, and have as much sex as I like tonight.

 

ADRIAN

It’ll do you good.

 

CALLIE

It’ll do me damn good. Yes.

 

ADRIAN

…It’s a stupid painting. Cheap fetish shit. He hasn’t even got her nipples right. They’re not so… they’re more…

[Lucas walks in]

 

LUCAS

A Black Russian on the house. Thank Christ for Vertigo.

ADRIAN

I wonder what her fiancé will think.

LUCAS

What?

ADRIAN

About the painting. Has he seen it?

LUCAS

Rhinehart? He should be here soon.

ADRIAN

He’ll kill you.

CALLIE

It’s just a painting, Adrian.

ADRIAN

A fuck painting.

CALLIE

Adrian, you’re getting emotional. That’s not good.

ADRIAN

Do you like it?

CALLIE

I have no opinion.

ADRIAN

You hate it but you won’t say anything. You’re trying to be polite.

CALLIE

I stopped being polite a long time ago, Adrian. If I had something to say, I’d say it.

LUCAS

I’ve a job. I’m doing it. I have one more portrait and I’m finished. It’s going to be his honeymoon present to her.

ADRIAN

What’s his name again?

LUCAS

Rhinehart.

ADRIAN

It doesn’t ring somehow.

CALLIE

Why would it? He’s not in your circle. You make shit-all at the obit desk.

ADRIAN

You want to say it a little bit louder?

CALLIE

He makes shit-all at the obit desk.

LUCAS

They’re going to throw us out.

ADRIAN

Fucking coked up and dog-fucked. …I’ve a job. It means something. Living and dying. Essence of it all. I record it. I don’t paint creep-shots and pretend they’re art.  Fucking Lucas, the little whore, and Callie, his art pimp.  Fuck you.

[Adrian exits]

LUCAS

He’s in a mood.

CALLIE

He’s always…

LUCAS

…Screw that.

CALLIE

What?

LUCAS

I thought we’d all have a fuck later.

CALLIE

We can still have a fuck.

LUCAS

Not the same.

I like Black Russians. I think they’re all I’ll drink from now on. I like this place, Callie. It’s got an old romantic touch. Bit of torch. You hear that? Like a proper cabaret. And it’s easy.  You do a line or two, nobody bothers you.

CALLIE

Complete cocaine freedom.

LUCAS

That’s right. Coke, grass, booze, and sex.

CALLIE

You have your priorities in perfect order.

LUCAS

I know how to live.

CALLIE

My little pup.

LUCAS

I’m not.

CALLIE

My pup star.

LUCAS

Pop pup?

CALLIE

Puppy Pop.

LUCAS

Puppy Po-mo Pup.

CALLIE

Puppy Po-Mo Pop-up Pup.

LUCAS

I’n not keen on painting anymore, Callie.

CALLIE

What?

LUCAS

I’m getting bored with it. It’s a dead art.

CALLIE

Not to me. Not to your clients. I thought Eve was inspiring you.

LUCAS

She’s my only inspiration.

CALLIE

You want more money, is that it?

LUCAS

Yeah. I want to be a true pop star.

CALLIE

You’re already on your way, my pup.

LUCAS

I want more.

CALLIE

More of everything?

LUCAS

Lots more.

CALLIE

Greedy boy.

LUCAS

I deserve it. I’ve the talent.

CALLIE

Let’s see how this Rhinehart deal goes through and then we can…

LUCAS

Look at him.

CALLIE

What?

LUCAS

Adrian. What’d I tell you? He’s cozying up to the bartender already.

CALLIE

Let him.

LUCAS

You’re easy.

CALLIE

Rhinehart needs to pay up.

LUCAS

When I deliver the third portrait.

CALLIE

Stingy. Those monied types always are. You should be careful he doesn’t do a get-away on you. They like to do that, these types. One day they’re here, the next day they sell their luxury apartment and head to Switzerland, and you’re left waiting for a check that will never come.

LUCAS

I could take photos. Capture the truth, capture reality as it is. Screw canvas and paint. It’s all fucked. It gets in the way of seeing things as they are. 

CALLIE

You see things as they should be.

LUCAS

Hours spent on what…? Looking at the body, and never getting it right.

CALLIE

My pup, my dear pup.

LUCAS

Fuck art. Let’s all be whores.

[Rhinehart appears]

 

RHINEHART

Another round, Lucas?

LUCAS

I’m all right. Have you met Callie?

RHINEHART

Not officially. I’m Rhinehart.

CALLIE

We spoke on the phone.

RHINEHART

Yes. Good to meet. I told Angel she should get down here, and have a drink before she gets up there and sings.

CALLIE

Who’s Angel?

RHINEHART

My fiancée.

CALLIE

Oh, Eve. I didn’t know she was a singer.

RHINEHART

She’s making her debut tonight. She brought us all together, didn’t she? Angel has many talents. I’m encouraging her to make the most of them.

CALLIE

You’re very kind.

RHINEHART

She’s my life.

LUCAS

Aren’t you going to have a look?

RHINEHART

What?

CALLIE

At the painting.

RHINEHART

…You should try a different pose next time. Schnapps?

LUCAS

No. I’ve Black Russian. Is that all you’re going to say?

RHINEHART

You want me to praise you?

LUCAS

I worked hard on that painting. I think I deserve a bit more than…

RHINEHART

I’m not a connoisseur.

CALLIE

But you must have opinions.

RHINEHART

I think opinions are best left to the critics. You sure you wouldn’t like a schnapps, Lucas?

LUCAS

Did fuzzy navels before; I’m sticking with Black Russian now.

RHINEHART

I agree. Mixing drinks is not a good idea. It’s terrible for the system.

CALLIE

And what’s your diagnosis, doctor?

RHINEHART

About what?

CALLIE

Angel.

LUCAS

Eve.

RHINEHART

Diagnosis in what sense?

CALLIE

What’s her affliction?

RHINEHART

Beauty. But that’s not an affliction.

CALLIE

She’s perfect?

RHINEHART

As pure as a Greek statue. Of course, all women…

CALLIE

What?

RHINEHART

There are clearly identifiable female neuroses: hysteria, melancholia…

CALLIE

Which century are you from?

RHINEHART

I’m a classicist.

CALLIE

Heaven help us.

RHINEHART

There are truths. Certain truths. Gender differences. Females are bound by their sex. The costs of sex, if you will.

CALLIE

You like the painting, though.

RHINEHART

I’m paying someone to do a job. I would suggest less flesh tones next time, if you want my non-critical opinion. Though she does look fine under this light. Lovely nipples.

LUCAS

They’re not accurate.

RHINEHART

Excuse me?

LUCAS

They’re not accurately drawn.

RHINEHART

I like exaggeration.

CALLIE

You’re not a true man of science, then.

RHINEHART

Art is always an exaggeration of life. Isn’t it, Lucas?

LUCAS

I do what I’m told. I paint what I see. I offer a vision.

RHINEHART

If the money is right…

LUCAS

Absolutely.

RHINEHART

And the subject is appealing. No need to be shy, Lucas. Angel should be admired. She’s a vision, a light. [looking at painting] What kind of rope did you use to tie her?

LUCAS

Jute.

RHINEHART

You should use a stiff cord next time, preferably one not less than an inch in circumference. It’ll read better to the viewer’s eye. It would have more impact. It should call to mind an appliance for reminding assassins that they too are mortal. Jute’s too common. Easy, really. I’m not being critical, you understand. I like the painting, Lucas. Very much. It serves its purpose. But details are important. The attention to detail… and don’t add things in.

LUCAS

I didn’t.

RHINEHART

Pubic hair. I asked her to shave. And you’ve painted it in. As much as I like exaggeration, there is a degree of accuracy in rendering a figure which should be implemented. Angel is a beauty, a rare bird. You should capture her properly.

CALLIE

You’ve got that right.

RHINEHART

You’re an attractive woman, Callie, but I have no interest in your throwing yourself on me.

CALLIE

What?

RHINEHART

A case of arrested development. I see it all the time in women your age.

CALLIE

What the hell are you talking about?

[Lulu appears]

LULU

Isn’t he divine? Hello, Popsy.

RHINEHART

Hello, Mopsy.

[They kiss]

 

You taste of berries.

LULU

It’s the new lipstick you bought me: “Berry bliss.”

RHINEHART

I should buy you more.

LULU

You’ll indulge me enough when we’re married.

RHINEHART

Give another, Mopsy.

LULU

Another? How very spoiled you are, Popsy. We’ll have to do something about that.

RHINEHART

Spoils to the spoiler.

[She kisses him. He gives her a firm smack on her ass.]

LULU

Watch it!

RHINEHART

I like your ass.

LULU

We’re in public, Popsy. Behave.

LUCAS

Eve?

LULU

Oh hello, sweetheart. Always so nice to see you. Give this girl a hug. Come on. Give an embrace. I’m going to sing tonight.

LUCAS

When are you on?

LULU

In a few. Popsy is encouraging me. Aren’t you, darling?

RHINEHART

Anything I can do for you, I will.

LULU

Such an angel.

RHINEHART

You’re the angel.

CALLIE

The perfect pair.

LULU

And you are….? Don’t tell me. Are you…?

LUCAS

Callie. My agent. Remember?

LULU

Adrian’s wife?

CALLIE

Yes.

LULU

And Adrian…?

LUCAS

He’s over there somewhere.  Drowning in drink.

LULU

You’re so different…

CALLIE

Am I?

LULU

Not what I recalled at all.

CALLIE

And what did you recall in that little brain of yours?

LULU

I recalled you were a dog, but in fact, you’re yummy.

[Lulu kisses Callie.]

 

CALLIE

You’re very effusive.

 

LULU

When I like what I see.

 

RHINEHART

Angel… Keep close to me.

 

LULU

Of course, Popsy. It’s an absolutely blissful dream to be near you.

 

RHINEHART

No flowery talk.

 

LULU

I’m not being flowery.

 

RHINEHART

Isn’t a beautiful ring I gave her? Show it off, Angel.

 

[She does so.]

 

LUCAS

It’s quite something.

 

CALLIE

Not like mine.

 

LULU

I can see myself in it, Popsy.

RHINEHART

That’s why I bought it for you. So you could have a clear view of yourself all the time. A clear view I have given you.

LULU

You’re so wonderful, Popsy. What would I do without you?

RHINEHART

Don’t cry now.

LULU

Tears of joy, Popsy. That’s what they are.

RHINEHART

You deserve whatever you get, my angel.

LUCAS

This stuff is cut to shit.

LULU

What? 

LUCAS

Shit line. Doesn’t do anything.

LULU

You should ease up a bit. I had to tend to you yesterday, didn’t I, right in the middle of our sitting?

RHINEHART

I don’t pay you to be coked up on the job, Lucas. You shouldn’t waste my dear Angel’s time. Every moment is golden. Every tick of the clock… I’ll cancel everything. There are artists on every corner in this city who’ll deliver much faster and with more accuracy than you have.

LUCAS

I’m not fucking coked up on the job. Christ. Just here, right? It’s Vertigo.

RHINEHART

Cavernous pit.

LULU

Where I’m making my debut, remember.

RHINEHART

Of course, dear angel.

LULU

Be kind, Popsy. We’re among friends.

RHINEHART

Is that what you’re going to wear?

LULU

Don’t you like it?

RHINEHART

It’s a bit formal.

LULU

I’m a serious singer.

CALLIE

Torch songs?

LULU

That’s right. Classic songs of love.

RHINEHART

Get me a scissors.

LULU

What do you mean?

RHINEHART

Go to the damn bar and ask the sweet bartender with the auburn hair -

LULU

Ryan?

RHINEHART

Ryan. Yes. Ask Ryan for a pair of scissors.

LULU

You won’t find scissors at a bar.

RHINEHART

There is always a pair of scissors in an establishment of any kind.

LULU

My, how you know things, Popsy.

RHINEHART

Get your ass over there, and bring them to me, Angel.

LULU

…I’ll be right back everyone. Don’t drink without me.

[Lulu walks away]

 

CALLIE

You’ve a temper.

RHINEHART

I don’t like this place. It’s hot and I’m getting tired.

CALLIE

Not your scene, is it?

RHINEHART

Would you be so kind as to not lean on me in quite such an aggressive manner?

LUCAS

She’s not leaning.

RHINEHART

I don’t need her breath in my ear.

CALLIE

You don’t know me at all and you’re being quite a shit.

RHINEHART

I’m not married to you. I don’t need to put up with you.

CALLIE

Is that how you treat your patients?

RHINEHART

I don’t need a petty agent’s opinion on how to do my job.

LUCAS

Do a line.

RHINEHART

Not now, Lucas.

LUCAS

Mix your drinks. Get high.

RHINEHART

You’d like that?

LUCAS

What else are we here for? It’s crap outside. Go on.  

RHINEHART

Be careful, Lucas.

LUCAS

What do you mean?

RHINEHART

I think you should finish the portrait series this week.

LUCAS

You said not until the honeymoon…

RHINEHART

I’ve decided Angel and I should get married right away. There’s no reason to delay things. 

LUCAS

But I can’t just… I need inspiration.

RHINEHART

I’ll cut you another check. That will be inspiration enough.

[Lulu appears with a drink, and scissors in hand.]

 

Ah, there she is, my dear divine Angel.

 

LULU

You should’ve seen the look on Ryan’s face when I asked him for –

 

[Rhinehart takes scissors and starts to cut her dress]

 

What are you doing?

 

RHINEHART

I’m fixing it.

 

LULU

This dress cost a fortune.

 

RHINEHART

My fortune. I do what I like.

 

LULU

Stop it. Stop.

 

RHINEHART

Are you my Angel? Are you?

 

LULU

Yes.

 

RHINEHART

Then let me suit you to my needs.

 

LULU

Don’t cut me.

 

RHINEHART

Don’t be dramatic, angel. It’s not your forte.

 

LULU

I mean it.

 

RHINEHART

Press your lips. Shut.

I fondle your closed mouth, your red purple lips so fresh and innocent.

 

[He cuts again]

 

Quiet. Give me my amusement. There’s so little left for me now.

Don’t fight me. Be kind.

 

LUCAS

They’re going to throw us out.

 

 

RHINEHART

Nobody cares what anybody else is doing here, Lucas. Have a look around.

Women seduce whom they will. Men seduce who they will. When I met you, Angel, you had a delicate bracelet on your wrist. And I knew such a delicate thing had no right being on such a strong and vital woman. Do you understand? I cannot endure to see an animal beaten or drowned as I cannot endure a human beaten or drowned. If I am excessively tenderhearted, do not berate me but warm to me, Angel, for we are all we can be to each other. … What is it, Angel? Go ahead. Speak.

 

LULU

I love this dress, Popsy.

 

RHINEHART

And they’ll love you even more when they can see you in it. How is anybody going to know you’re an angel if you’re all covered up? How is anybody going to appreciate your voice if they can’t see the body it belongs to? Now, turn around.

 

LUCAS

[to Lulu] You shouldn’t…

 

LULU

It’s all right.

 

RHINEHART

What’s that?

 

LULU

You’re right, Popsy. You’re always right.

 

RHINEHART

Popsy knows best.

 

LUCAS

[to Lulu] You know I’ve got money…

 

CALLIE

What?

 

LUCAS

Isn’t it funny?

 

CALLIE

What is?

 

 

LUCAS

How we are all here. All here having a good time.

 

[Lucas kisses Callie]

 

CALLIE

What’d you do that for?

 

RHINEHART

[finishes cutting] There. Now, look at me. Come on. Mopsy!

Doesn’t she look lovely?

 

LUCAS

Stunning. You’re always stunning, Eve.

 

RHINEHART

Now I can have my drink, and you can go on.

 

LULU

What?

 

RHINEHART

You’re on.

 

MC’S VOICE

And taking the stage at Vertigo is our very own…press your flesh now… for… what was her name again?

 

RHINEHART

Lulu.

 

MC’S VOICE

Lulu.

 

LULU

That’s not my –

 

MC’S VOICE

Lulu. Give her a hand.

 

[Spotlight on Lulu. Silence. She sings.]

 

“Blue Yellow Red”

 

LULU

Wear me red

Wear me blue

Yellow is my mood

In the dark night

In the swell night

Of your solitude.

 

Wear me pink

And cerise

Give an inkling

Of what you need.

And I’ll deliver

I always deliver

What you please.

 

Angel, Venus

Whore, and child

Send me higher

On a cloud

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

Honey, give up your pride

I’ve got losing

In my bones

But I’m not empty.

 

[Time suspension. Lulu is framed in light. Rhinehart has finished his drink.]

 

RHINEHART

Foul ravenous meat eyes diseased cannot see, too much beauty… 

 

[Rhinehart convulses.]

 

CALLIE

Christ. What’s this?

 

LUCAS

[in a daze] What’s happening?

 

[Time release. Applause as Lulu takes her bow. The faint sound of an alarm is heard. It grows louder.]

 

End of ACT ONE

CONTINUED IN NEXT ISSUE