Professor Taranneafter Arthur Adamov

Dramatis Personae:Professor TaranneJeanneThe Chief InspectorThe UnderlingThe Old SecretaryThe HousekeeperThe JournalistThe SocialiteThe First ManThe First PolicemanThe Second ManThe Second PolicemanThe Third ManThe Fourth Man

Adaptation by Raoul Ruiz, February 1987

I. INTERIOR. CITY HALL. BREEZEWAY.(The police station. To the left, in front, seated behind a tablecovered with papers, the Chief Inspector, an elderly man, of strongbuild. He wears a black jacket and striped trousers. Standing in frontof the table, Professor Taranne, very tall. He is about 40 years old.He is also dressed in black and holds glasses in his hand. Nearby,an elderly employee, wearing a simple printed dress, compulsivelyarranges the papers, opening and closing the desk drawers. Seatedastride a chair with his head resting on a file cabinet, an Underling.To the right, the stage is empty).

PROFESSOR TARANNE(a little breathless, in a singular manner)-- But, you know my name! I am famous. I enjoy the public's esteem.You should know as well as anyone... or I should say, given yourprofession, better than anyone. You realize that this accusation isabsurd. Why would I do that? The way I have always comportedmyself should be sufficient proof that I could never make such agesture. ...Anyway.... show a little good sense, gentlemen. Please!What man would go around naked in this cold? (Laughing) I don'twish to get sick and laid up in bed for weeks. Like all busy workers,I'm stingy with my time. ...I'll demonstrate it for you if you don't get it.

- Think about it! Can we rely on the testimony of children? They sayeverything that comes into their heads. To get attention, to makepeople care about them, they'll do anything. You have to knowchildren. And I, I know them.

II. EXTERIOR. POND.

PROFESSOR TARANNE- .. Not that I have children for students! (Pompously) I am aprofessor of senior Faculty, but (turning to the Old Secretary still filingthe paperwork) my sister has a little girl, a little girl who desires to betaken seriously. You must listen, listen! I like her a lot... more thanthat. I would say that I love all children. But to believe what they say!I was walking quietly along the water, and then suddenly I sawthem...

III. INTERIOR. POOL. STATION.

TARANNE- They were everywhere, they had me completely surrounded. Thenothers came over me, everywhere at once. All of them came uponme. So I began to run. I don't know why I ran. No doubt because Idid not expect to see them there. Obviously, I ran, but that's all ...

IV. INTERIOR. STATION.

PROFESSOR TARANNE- Look at me, gentlemen! Do I look like a man who just got dressed ina hurry? And when would I have time to redress myself?

CHIEF INSPECTOR- I am sorry, but I have before my eyes a report that doesn'tcorrespond to what you're saying at all.

TARANNE- They ran, they called out, all of them together. (Whispering) As ifthey were giving the word.

V. INTERIOR. RESTAURANT. (POOL IMAGE).CHIEF INSPECTOR- And what were they shouting?

TARANNE(in a high voice and pointing the index finger) "You'll see! You'll see!"(returning to a normal voice) But see what? I've done nothing wrongand I can prove it.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- We only ask that you try to convince us.

TARANNE- I am Professor Taranne, an eminent man. I have been to countlessinternational conferences. Most recently I was invited to one inBelgium where I have celebrated an unprecedented success. All theyoung people crammed into my course to fight for a piece written bymy hand.

CHIEF INSPECTOR(rises and puts his hand on Taranne's shoulder) - I have no doubt ofyour success. But for the moment that's not what matters. (Heremoves his hand) We need to clarify this business to complete thereport. (the Inspector remains standing)

TARANNE- The report? What report? But if you file a report you risk causingme a great injustice by compromising my career.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- You're not the first person this kind of thing has happened to.(Pauses) You'll be released with a fine, that's all. If you can pay it,this... incident won't have any consequences for you.

TARANNE- Of course I can pay you. I have some money. I'll write you a check,nothing could be easier. (Putting his hand in his pocket). Right now,if you want.

VI. INTERIOR. RESTAURANT.

CHIEF INSPECTOR(rises and takes the arm of Taranne) - No, not right now. I must askyou only to sign a declaration (places a document on the table) thatyou acknowledge you were discovered naked by surprise by somechildren at nightfall. (He rises) You can add that you did not know youwere being watched.

TARANNE- I knew very well that I was being watched by those probing eyes.The whole world has their eyes fixed on me... Why are you looking atme now? Myself, I don't look at anyone. Even more often, I pursemy eyes. Sometimes, I nearly shut them. (Pauses) I had my eyesnearly shut when they came, all of them.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- How many were they?

TARANNE- I didn't count them. I didn't have the time. Why are you asking methat? I have told you who I have been and that should suffice. I don'tbelieve that you ever heard talk of me.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- I regret that I haven't.

TARANNE- That's very regrettable indeed. It is always better to know withwhom one is dealing.

VII. INTERIOR. CORRIDOR. HOTEL.

TARANNE-... Yet again, how can you rely on children's gossip? What is theevidence that the girl who came here to inform you actually witnessedthe scene? Other children would have told her about it in their way,and then she transformed it, modified it, without even realizing it.(pauses) Yes, that's what happened.... The rest is easy: simply callthe people who know me. I can give you their names... and theirtitles. They'll testify to my moral character, my renown. (Pause) Letthem come here, everyone. Then you'll see!

(enter from the right the Journalist, a middle-aged blond women,neither ugly nor pretty, with a haircut like a boy's. She wears apleated skirt and a short-sleeved blouse).

VIII. INTERIOR. CORRIDOR. (COCKTAIL LOUNGE).

JOURNALIST- You haven't seen a very tall, strong man? He always has hisglasses in his hands... He told me come here.

UNDERLING- Nobody came, miss. Except (indicating Taranne) Mr Professor.(Taranne leaps forward)

TARANNE(approaching the Journalist) - I think we have already met, miss. If Iremember correctly, you recently published a thesis ... (turning to theChief Inspector) a quite remarkable thesis.

JOURNALIST(while walking casually)~ You must be mistaken. I am a journalist. (to the Underling) It sgetting hot in here. Would you like to take in a little air?

UNDERLING- Sure.(He gets up and moves to open the window, rear stage)

TARANNE(to the Journalist) - Allow me to introduce myself...

JOURNALIST(turns his back to the Professor and goes over to the Chief Inspectorwho is in the middle of writing something) – Whatever else may besaid, men lack imagination. When they attempt to pick up a woman,they always go after a certain part.

(the Chief Inspector laughs lightly as he continues to write. Shemoves over to the window which should be located in the rear of theframe).

IX. INTERIOR. STAIRCASE.

(Enter at right the First and the Second Man, very hurriedly, in wintercoats. The First Man carries a leather briefcase. Clearly, they arealready in the midst of a conversation.)

FIRST MAN(Second)- Well, I told you to be wary of him.

TARANNE(approaching the two men, after a hesitation)- I am so pleased to meet you. You should be able to provide me aservice.(The two gentlemen stare, speechless, since they take Taranne for amadman)

FIRST MAN(very coldly)- I do not know you, sir.

X. EXTERIOR. STREET.

(The Second Man makes a hand gesture signifying 'me neither')

TARANNE- How can this be? But I have seen you often in my courses!

SECOND MAN- We aren't taking any courses. (Laughing) We're past the age ofstudies. (Urgently, to the First Man) We must change our agenda.

(The First Man takes the arm of the second. They scurry).

TARANNE(chasing after them)- But gentlemen! You can't possibly not recognize me!

Xbis. INTERIOR. HOTEL.

TARANNE-...It's impossible... I am... Professor Taranne.

THIRD MAN(quizically, like someone searching his memory)- Taranne?

SECOND GENTLEMAN(turning pointedly away from Taranne and taking the arm of the FirstMan)- In any even, my acquaintance with you is over.

TARANNE(meekly)- I beg you, sirs, make an effort, a very small effort. And perhaps, inless than a minute, you will cry (joyfully): 'But it's Taranne!'

FOURTH MAN(shrugging his shoulders)- You can see very well that we are busy.

(Taranne stands dumbstruck)

FIRST MAN(to the second)- It is time to take steps.

XI. INTERIOR. HOTEL. TRANSOM.

They take several steps.

TARANNE(going over to the Chief Inspector, still seated at his table)- This is unbelievable. Not least because, without speaking of mydegrees, my work... I have a face that it isn't possible to forget afterit's been seen just once.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- Absolutely!

TARANNE- It's true that I have taken an international trip in the mean time.

CHIEF INSPECTOR- I know. A trip that you've esteemed a very great success.

TARANNE- A tremendous success. It seems I must go back soon. (Pause)Abroad, they look much more seriously into the problems thatconcern me. They grant them an importance that they do not alwayshave here, I should say.

(The Chief Inspector does not move, Taranne shyly approaches thetwo gentlemen. The Underling, who has remained seated in the samepose, seems to be sleeping. The Old Secretary is still fussing withher paperwork.)

XII. EXTERIOR. CITY HALL.

JOURNALIST(leaves the window and goes to greet the two Men)- And me who you don't know at all; truly, I apologize.

SECOND MAN- How we remember!

TARANNE(taking a step toward the two Men) - I have often remarked...

FIRST MAN(to the Second Man, turning away from Taranne) - I believe that it's inour best interest to hurry. (they walk)

JOURNALIST- This must be the business you were telling me about the other day?

FIRST MAN(lauging) - We can t keep anything hidden from you.(Enter a Socialite, an aged woman, dressed conservatively, with aviolet hat, accompanied by the Third and Fourth Men, both tall, greytempled, elegantly dressed)

SECOND MAN- Who have we here! (tightens his fist)

JOURNALIST- It's a small world!

FIFTH MAN(turning toward the Socialite and the Fourth Man, in a hushed voice)- It's the tireless journalist. (Laughing) They're everywhere, even inthe halls of Academia.

(tightens his fist; Taranne notices and approaches)

XIII. INTERIOR. BATHROOM. COCKTAIL LOUNGE.

SIXTH MAN(to the Journalist)- I read your latest article. Congratulations.

SOCIALITE(serious)- Speaking of the University, I attended a lecture last week thatparticularly interested me. (Seeing Taranne) Professor, I did not darehope for such a chance. I was just speaking of you.

TARANNE(bashful emotion)- I am pleased, Madam ...

SOCIALITE- Allow me, Professor, to introduce you to my friends(Presenting Professor Taranne) Professor Ménard.

TARANNE(crushed)- I ...

(The Chief Inspector organizes his papers on the table, rises, puts onhis coat and leaves to the left. Nobody seems to see him leave.)

XIV. INTERIOR. CITY HALL.

FOURTH MAN(in a hushed voice)- Look! That isn't Professor Menard. He resembles him a bit, but ProfessorMenard is bigger, stronger...

THIRD MAN(to the Socialite)- He holds his glasses in his hands like him (laughing) but apart from that...

TARANNE(babbling)- I am... Professor Taranne... You most certainly know my work...

SOCIALITE-Taranne?

(The Third Man and the Fourth make hand gestures indicating: 'We don'teither, we don't know his name!' The Underling rises, pushes his chair underthe table and exits to the left. No one seems to see him leave.)

TARANNE- You astonish me very much. And especially since I know and highly regardProfessor Menard... and since, for his part, he has for me the greatest (voicecracking) consideration.

(Professor Taranne talks into the void, no one has heard him. The Socialitetakes the arms of the Third Man and the Fourth. They take several steps.The Old Secretary, who has finished her work, puts on her coat and exits tothe left only no one seems to notice.)

JOURNALIST(into space)- I should get going now.(She waves her hand goodbye and leaves to the right)

SECOND MAN(placing his hand on the shoulder of the First)- This sham needs to stop right now. Good order is needed.

(The leave to the right).

XV. INTERIOR. HOTEL. BED.

SOCIALITE(to the Fourth Man)- Shall we go? We can't stay here forever (suddenly very serious) like theguilty ones.

(The Socialite and the Third and Fourth Men leave as a group to the right.Professor Taranne takes a step or two after them, but very quickly stops andslumps, defeated, into a chair. Then he suddenly notices the absence of theChief Inspector and the Old Secretary and leaves precipitously).

TARANNE S VOICE(from offstage)- Excuse me but I would like to know if you've seen the Chief Inspector or theOld Secretary? This is very irritating... I must sign my confession and Ihaven't done it. (Terrified) They couldn't have left without one of us see them.I don't understand.

(Enter, left, the Housekeeper, wearing a grey blouse. She casually arrangesthe table and chairs, puts away the files and takes a ring of keys which shehangs on the wall out of frame, to the right of the scene. Then, she leaves).

TARANNE- Still no one! How tiresome this is! The housekeeper is gone on her way, asusual. Under these circumstances, she would do better to give her leave, thatwould be more honest. (Pauses) I would still like to know if I have any word.

(Enter, at right, two Policemen with suspicious expressions).

TARANNEWho are you? What do you want? There's no one at the station.

FIRST POLICEMAN- We're looking for a certain...(He retrieves a document from his pocket)

SECOND POLICEMAN- Taranne.

TARANNE- You meant to say: Professor Taranne.

FIRST POLICEMAN- According to our records, the profession has been left blank.

TARANNE- That's an annoying oversight. But anyway, what is your proof thatit's me you're looking for? (The police laugh) I am Professor Taranne.I have a chair at the University (the police approach him). What'sgoing on here? I haven't done wrong to anyone. (Laughing) I have aconscience for myself.

SECOND POLICEMAN- We didn't ask for much, but you couldn't keep quiet.

FIRST POLICEMAN- The violation you've committed is very commonplace. You'll bereleased with a contravention.

TARANNE- Still I must know what all of this means!

FIRST POLICEMAN- Calm down! Who then has never had some contravention?

XVI. INTERIOR. HOTEL. STAIRWAY.

TARANNE(as though he's made a heroic decision, after a hesitation) - Ah, that's it... Youaren't up to date! But I am coming from the police station. I have signed thenecessary paperwork. My case is settled. Whatever else, you'll need tomake plain since I am here, free, before you as I am explaining. Yourprocess is very poorly organized, it has to be said. But, in the end, what youdo there is your own business.

SECOND POLICEMAN- You're mistaken. We're not attached to the district station. It;s on thesubject of another offense that we've been ordered to interrogate you.

TARANNE- Yet again, explain to me.

FIRST POLICEMAN- You are accused of having left behind your papers in the beach changingroom.

SECOND POLICEMAN- You think everything is permitted. You no longer believe that the cleanlinessof these facilities must be respected.

TARANNE- You've gone mad. I haven't used any changing room, neither yesterday,nor... the other day, and this is the only time when I have been bathing lately.(Pauses) However, I am accustomed to using a changing room. I hateundressing on the beach where the whole world can see me. And everyprecaution must be taken if one doesn't want to be the target of indiscriminategazes, all these precautions wear me out, and in any case cause me to losetime that I'd rather use (laughing) for other things.... more useful. (Approximating via gesture). It's quite a feat to drop your trousers after havingvery quickly fastened your shirt around your waist, it may fall, you must bevery careful. (Pause) It can be said that you can always withdraw behind thecabins, but the sand is never refreshed and it is so filthy.... One hesitates togo to such lengths.

XVII. INTERIOR. STATION.

FIRST POLICEMAN(shows Professor Taranne the paperwork he holds in his hand)- Okay. We are only asking you to make the following declaration: 'Iswear that I have not used the shower rooms, since... however long,and sign your name. It's not too hard.

SECOND POLICEMAN- You could, if this is right and if you wish to, write after 'sincehowever long': 'this was because I did not have any money.'

TARANNE- That's true, I didn't have any money on me. This could happen toanyone... to forget his money at the house. Even so, it seemssomewhat strange that such a predicament should recur a few dayslater. But if you think about it, that's a superficial view of the situation.Things always come in waves. It's curious, but the deed is done.Yes, the last time that I went to the beach, I had also forgotten mymoney. You might tell me that I could have retrieved it, retraced mysteps, but that, gentlemen, I could not do and I can never do. Goingdown a route with the idea that one has already gone down it before,to look over all of the fine details, I don't think I have the strength.(Changing his tone) And anyway, I don't like to walk in general. Ican't work while walking.

THIRD POLICEMAN(Retrieving a notebook from his pocket)- Do you recognize this?

TARANNE- But, that's my notebook! ...

XVIII. EXTERIOR. STREET.

TARANNE-... How did you get that? Answer me. You are answerable to me. Ihave it constantly about me, it never leaves me. I note all the ideasthat occur to me during the day, ideas that I develop later ... No, youwon t find the full text of one of my lectures. (Laughing) …

XIX. EXTERIOR. CANAL.

TARANNE

(Laughing)- ... All the notebooks in the world wouldn't suffice, my lectures arelong, very long. A friend assured me that in no other University haveany others so long been given. I am entitled to several hours.Sometimes, I occupy the lectern until nightfall. As I speak, they lightthe lamps, and through the open doors comes a constant stream ofnew auditors ... Naturally, I don't like that very much because iscauses me to lose my train of thought... but many people haveoccupations during the day which they cannot escape, no matter howmuch they want to, they must stay in their place. All the more sosince my situation does not suffer from this state of affairs. Mylectures are subdivided so that one can very easily follow one partwithout necessarily having heard the one previous ... It's not that Irepeat myself, ...

XX. INTERIOR. HOTEL. BATHROOM. COCKTAIL LOUNGE.

TARANNE- ..., goodness no. But at the beginning of each part, I review whatI've said previously, and this review, gentlemen, far from beinguseless, sheds new light on the question I am addressing.

FIRST POLICEMAN- There are many pages in your notebook in a writing which doesn'tseem to be your own.

THIRD POLICEMAN(showing the notebook to Taranne without giving it to him)- Here, for example.

TARANNE- No, no. Look. That's mine. Mine! I recognize it very well, ahandwriting like mine is so particular....

THIRD POLICEMAN- Then, reread to us what you have written.

TARANNE(trying to decipher the page he is being shown)- I would.... you... wines... So it is, I have difficulty deciphering it butthat proves nothing. When one is writing very quickly, while walkingfor example -and I often work while walking- it turns out that one isnot able to reread it.

XXI. EXTERIOR. STREET. TWILIGHT.

FIRST POLICEMAN- The author of a text should be able to complete what he's taken pains overby rereading in his own text.

SECOND POLICEMAN- So they say...

TARANNE(terrified)- Then I should attempt to take another's writing? But why? (Laughing) In theinterest of what?

FIRST POLICEMAN- I don't know. For a little change.

TARANNE(extending his hand)I am begging you, give it back to me.

FIRST POLICEMAN- A little patience.

SECOND POLICEMAN- One question more. Why are the first and last pages of the notebook theonly ones written upon? The pages in the middle, they're...

TARANNE- The pages in the middle? No, that's not possible. It's been a long time sinceI been using this notebook... It's a very old notebook that I have used forreviewing, for locating certain notions that I have a need for. I remember.... Iwrote throughout it even in the margins; you had to have noticed that....Everything is covered by me; by me, you understand?

SECOND POLICEMAN(giving the the notebook to Taranne)- See for yourself.

FIRST POLICEMANYou haven't used up all of the pages, it's all right there.

TARANNEYes, there is a gap. A gap, in the middle....

XXII. INTERIOR. CORRIDOR. ?

SECOND POLICEMAN (laughing)- We told you so.

TARANNE- I will explain it to you. It's very simple. Sometimes I open mynotebooks in one way, sometimes in another. You understand? Oh!I foresee your objections. You are going to tell me: 'Why then is italways written in the same way? If you begin at each end, youwouldn't be able to to read a single scribble.' Very well... only, I payattention... (The two policemen exit to the right. Taranne, who has notnoticed their departure continues his explanation). Clearly, I shouldhave been able to take heed not to confuse the pages, and... thatwouldn't have happened. But I was distracted. Gentlemen, a greatmany thinkers and researchers are this way. They're all the sameeverywhere, it's well known. (Laughing) There are a great manyanecdotes about this topic.

(perceiving suddently that he is alone, he exits quickly to the left).

TARANNE'S VOICE- Wait! I haven't signed my declaration. You haven't given me a penand I haven't got one with me... Upstairs, I left it upstairs. But I can'tgo look for it... I don't know why, my key isn't on the ring; and thehousekeeper has left, as usual.... Do you hear me? (He shouts)Gentlemen!

HOUSEKEEPERI found it on the desktop when I returned. Someone had attached anote in which was written: return immediately to Mr. ProfessorTaranne. I don t know anything else.

XXIV. INTERIOR. BRIDAL SHOP.(She exits left. Taranne kneels again over a chart and studies it. Enter, right,Jeanne, a young brunette woman with ordinary features and a similar voice.She shows no surprise and walks around the chart so as not to trample it.She stops at the other side of the chart to the left of the stage.)

JEANNE- It's nice here.

TARANNE- Jeanne, extraordinary things are happening to me.

JEANNE- Extraordinary? Are you sure about that? According to you, everything isalways extraordinary. (Laughing) What I brother I have here!

TARANNE- Listen to me well: somebody came and gave me this chart... It's the plan ofthe dining hall on an ocean liner on board of which I have secured a position.Only look, I have not secured a position on board of an ocean liner.

JEANNE(getting on her knees and clambering on the chart)- By the looks of this plan, this is one big beautiful dining hall.

TARANNE- Yes, it is big.

JEANNE- In the travel agencies, I have often admired the photographs of the'President Welling.' That boat is definitely the fastest and the best appointedof all.

TARANNE- That's possible. It's still true that I have not secured a position on board ofthis cruise ship, not one, and as a consequence...

JEANNE(She seeks a random chance, putting her hand on the chart)- What are you complaining about? Everything has been so hard for you.(Placing her finger on a point on the chart) You see, the cross, here, that'syour position. You are at the table of honor, and at the center no less!

TARANNE- All this doesn't explain why I should have secured a position on board of anocean liner. To go where? One doesn't go to Belgium to see the sea, that Ido know.

JEANNE- In order to be well positioned, they will need to know who you are.

TARANNE- Very well... That's not by chance why they have placed me at the table ofhonor, next to the highest personalities.... But I don't have any intention oftraveling so far. I have no reason to do that. I have nothing to look for...nothing to fear.

JEANNE(standing up and moving to the far right)- You must have bought a ticket one day when you were tired, after too muchwork. And since then, you have been less tired and you have forgotten thatyou bought it.

TARANNE(absentmindedly)- Maybe...

JEANNE- Yes, it often happens that one does things that one later forgets. Often, Ilook for my combs and find them in my hair. It's funny, you're a little peevedfor a moment and then you laugh. (She laughs, then in a serious tone) I havea letter for you.

TARANNE(very rapidly)- From Belgium?

JEANNE- I don't know. There is a statue on the stamp and an inscription.

TARANNE- You have the letter?(He goes towards Jeanne, bypassing the chart)

XXV. EXTERIOR. PARK.

JEANNE(taking a letter from her pocket)- Over the statue, it's written: (reading) 'Independent Territory'.

TARANNE- But there are never such inscriptions on stamps. (Extending his hand) Giveme that.

JEANNE(Showing the letter to Taranne without giving it to him)- You see, on this side, there's another stamp with a lion.

TARANNE- Yes. The royal lion of Belgium.

JEANNE- I have been forced to pay a surtax. (Laughing) I have lost all my pocketmoney.

TARANNE- Give me that.

(He attempts to take the letter, but Jeanne resists)

JEANNE(Offering the letter to Taranne) - As you wish.

TARANNE- No. You read it.

(Jeanne sits down at the end of the table and opens the envelope. Tarannestays not far from her.)

JEANNE(reading in a neutral tone that she does not waver from until the endof the piece)- "Sir, you show an impatience in your last letter, I must confess, hasshocked me. …

XXVI. INTERIOR. CITY HALL. CORRIDOR.

TARANNE(distracted)- I'm sure of it. I have been clumsy, I vexed about that.

JEANNE(reading)- 'I had believed that drawing my wife's state of health to your attention wouldhave been sufficient explanation to you of the reasons for my delay in replyingto you.'...

TARANNE- Clearly, I should have asked him for news about his wife. But he should puthimself in my place. I was speaking to him in my letter about questions thattouch my heart directly. One can't so easily move from one subject to theother. (Pauses) Well yes, I forgot his wife.

JEANNE(reading)- 'Under these circumstances, it is in every way impossible for me to makeany decisions that would necessitate your second term among us.'...

TARANNE- He thinks he's irreplaceable. For making such decisions, many others arejust as qualified as he is; many other would be happy to do me a favor bymaking the rounds for me.

JEANNE(reading)- 'I must also tell you that during your last trip I discovered with surprise thatyou had neglected to make known to the committee the precise time of yourlecture bringing hardship to your colleagues who were obliged, at the lastmoment, to change their schedules.

TARANNE- But they asked no better!

JEANNE(reading)- 'I am also aware that your presentations have been prolonged beyondacceptable limits.'...

TARANNE- If I was required to prolong my lectures, the abundance of materialsobliged me to... I could not do otherwise.

JEANNE(reading)- "Finally, it was told to me that the attention of your auditors wassignificantly relaxed, some going so far as to speak aloud, whileothers left the lecture hall before you had finished"

TARANNE- Who has helped bring her such lies? How can she be so gullible?See, it's absurd! If the room was empty while I was giving my lecture,I would have seen, I would have stopped. Instead, I spoke in onemanner and without lowering my voice.

XXVII. INTERIOR. HOTEL. ?

TARANNE(Lowering his voice) - At any moment I have lost my voice. Sure, itturned out that some students left before the end, but that's becausethey had a train to catch to travel back home. They had come in fromout of town, especially to hear me, and there was only that train. Youwould have nothing to reproach these students for, nothing. Save formurmurs which, one time, were rising from the back of the room. Iknow what provoked them. Some students, who had taken seatsamong the young people around them, called out: 'What brilliance!Such powers of reason!' I don't begrudge these students; they tookconscientious notes. It is in any event normal that they should havebroken the silence.

JEANNE(reading)-All of this would hardly matter if the interests of your lectures werenot in question, which is not the case. Your latest expositions seemedto me very uneven.'

XXVIII. INTERIOR. HOTEL. BEDROOM.

TARANNE- Unfair! Easy to say! That's how you were always able to get to thepoint. As if there weren't questions that were more pressing thanothers because they concerned you personally, those that touchedyou...

(He pokes his breast with his fingers)

JEANNE(reading)- 'Some points interested me. But I would have liked to see themexpressed more clearly, and I would say with more honesty. Theideas you shared with me remind me a little of those alreadyestablished by Professor Menard. Not that I have any reservationsabout these ideas. They seem to me to deserve the greatestattention. But how did you manage to neglect to provide yourreferences and present as the result of personal research the findingsof a work that we all know and admire.'

XXIX. INTERIOR. POOL.

TARANNE(slumped, so to speak, at the table and babbling)- It's not true... it's not true.... We have had the same ideas at the samemoment. These things happen. This isn't the first time.

JEANNE(reading) - 'I would not have been able to let go of my impressions of youperhaps if I had not been made aware, from various sources, of letterssuggesting to me what must can only be called your insensitivity.'

TARANNE(resuming his reverie)- They have written everything to him! I knew that they would do it. I'veobserved them very well. While I was speaking, they chattered: (mocking in ahigh pitched voice) 'He stole Professor Menard's glasses! Too bad he's somuch smaller than him!' and I know not what other slights. If only they hadhad the courage to come clean and say to my face the things that they weremuttering among themselves, I would have stood up and I would have said:(with an expression of horror) 'Gentlemen...'

JEANNE(reading) - 'The result of all this is that I am unable to invite you to our nextsession. Believe me, sir, that I am sorry to have had to have modified theopinion that I had made of you.

Jeanne stands, sets the letter down quietly on the table and prepares toleave. Taranne holds onto the table to avoid falling.

TARANNE- Why tell me that now, after all of these years? Why didn't they already tellme? Why didn't they tell me, anything? Now that its seen, now that it strikesthe eyes for the first time.

(While Taranne speaks, Jeanne moves around the chart with caution andexits softly to the right. After his final line, Taranne turns toward the chart andlooks at it intently.Enter, left, the Housekeeper. Without looking at Taranne, she removescertain objects that comprise the decor: table, chaise, etc. and carries theminto their stalls.Taranne, who has noticed nothing, takes the chart and proceeds withmechanical steps to the base of

the stage and searches intently for where to hang it. A hook hasalready been installed. By raising on his tiptoes, he manages to hangthe chart on the wall. The chart is a large gray area, uniform,absolutely empty. Taranne, back to the audience, looks at it for a longmoment and then very slowly starts to undress. The curtain falls.