Slings and Arrows s03e02 Episode Script
Vex Not His Ghost
Everybody, please hurry up.
You'll miss your flight.
[speaking spanish.]
No! Tim, why is he doing this? He says he's lost His st.
Christopher medal.
He won't travel without it.
No! You have to make this flight.
Their visas expire tonight.
It's very serious.
[speaking spanish.]
Ooh! [applause.]
Good-bye.
Gracias.
Oh, there you are.
Gangs of people on the streets everywhere.
when life takes its toll and fate treats you bad you used to be cain but now you've be ad alone with your fool you think you'll go mad it's nice to take a walk in the rain a stomp through a storm is what i'd advise when people you trust tell nothing but lies and kidnap your friend and gauge out his eyes it's nice to take a walk in the rain you say your daughters are evil plotters and a little shower will keep you sane when all has been said and all have been slain it's good to take a walk in the rain for several hours helps to have a how in the rain without your clothes on nice to take a walk in the rain [cheering, applause.]
So.
Well I haven't cried in a week.
I think that's worth knowing.
Look, it's not a big deal.
50% of men age 40 to 70 Experience erectile dysfunction.
It's a highly treatable problem.
You got that off the web, didn't you? You just google "erection" And wade through the porn.
Eventually you get to bob dole.
Remember, he made that Public service announcement? HeHe made an ad for viagra.
And I don't need medication.
I'm just--i'm under a lot of stress.
What the fuck were you thinking Inviting barbara to move in with us? I thought she'd say no.
She did say no.
Then you asked her a second time.
Well, I thought she'd say no A second time.
She's my best friend, And she was very very good to me When we were in new york.
And this isn't about barbara.
This is about you accepting the fact That you're older now.
I'm older now.
We're not in a young company anymore.
[groaning.]
Vocalize your pain.
[screaming.]
Or pleasure.
No one will judge if they're the same.
Now imagining each vertebrae as building blocks As you start to roll up ever so gently.
Ahem.
And rolling faster.
And fuck the rolling; you're standing.
Es y tu? Remember, keep your pee clear.
Water is your friend.
There they are, our new roomies.
Hmm? That one is some kind of a future star.
She's like the ingenue part.
Carpathia in "king lear?" [giggles.]
There they are.
Boys and girls: The musical.
Well, they're flexible.
I'll give them that.
The stick figure, that stick insect, It's megan.
She's the lead And a triple threat they say.
What, cute, sexy, and bendy? You think she's cute? I think she looks sick.
Bet she's bony.
I think you're an idiot, 'cause she's totally your type.
What? I do not have a type.
And if I did, it wouldNot Shut up.
You don't find her attractive? Hey, um Are you excited About the rehearsals coming up? I'm nervous.
Like the first day of school.
Yeah.
It's their first day, too.
What do you do on the first day Of a musical rehearsal? I don't know.
Get all gay? Woman's voice: The service interval indicator Should be right next to the fuel gauge.
Do you see it now? Oh, yes.
Yes.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Sorry, i've never had a car like this before.
Is there anything else I can do for you this morning? Uh, no, no.
That's fine.
That's good.
Thank you.
Thank you for using bmw assist, And have a great day.
Thank you.
Actually, today is a big It's a big day.
I'm starting a new project.
It's a play, a musical.
I'm very excited about it.
Actually, i'm producing it.
Great.
Good luck.
Thanks! What's your name? My name? Yeah.
Uh, emily.
Oh, emily.
Ok, well, I'm sure i'll be talking to you again, So i'll let you know how it goes.
Great.
Ok.
Uh, yes, we had some artists booked on ac flight 916 To la paz via miami.
I'm just wondering did they get on the flight? Ok, well did they get off the flight? Yes, i'll hold.
Richard? Geoffrey? I need to speak to you 2.
A human resources meeting at 10.
Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
Richard? Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
No, you're not in rehearsal.
You don't get to use the same excuse.
I am taking on the musical.
Geoffrey doesn't do administrative duties While he's rehearsing.
Neither do I.
I'm sorry, anna.
That's the new deal.
So the new deal Is that anna does all the work? It's your department.
Richard? Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
Geoffrey? Geoffrey, just wanted to say Good luck on your first day of rehearsal.
Oh, yeah.
You, too.
Thank you.
And I wanted to ask you.
Could you give me some tips About dealing with darren? Because frankly, He makes me a little nervous.
Ah, yes.
Darren.
Well, darren is an idiot, And like many idiots, He's very proud.
Your best weapon is flattery.
Suck up, and he'll respond.
Ok.
Oh, no.
Stephen morris died.
I don't know why you bother with that.
Huh.
I might tell morrie.
Oh, you are a number.
I woke up this morning thinking: When will I ever play king lear? Oh, frank.
You can't seriously want To play king lear.
All that ranting.
You'd be a wreck.
Much nicer to stay In the middle of the pack.
Looks so much older.
Well, of course he is older.
So are we.
How are you? You look terrible.
I'm having that feeling again.
That weepy feeling? What is wrong with me? Well, just sit here like this.
Sorry.
I want it drug-like jags Why can't we have-- Hi.
Good looking group.
Wow.
God, they're young.
They're so young.
Yes.
You can actually, you know, Feel the first energy When you step in the door.
Do you have a purpose? Excuse me? Why are you here Quietly spouting banalities? Oh, oh, well, darren, you know, I thought i'd really like to learn something About this-- this process.
Oh Geoffrey said that if I want to learn Anything about theater, I should come and watch you.
He says you're the best.
And I mean you are the best.
I've always known That you are the best, but-- You've done very well for us, But you're the best.
Kind of a legend really.
Nigel? This is nigel harrison, the writer.
Hi.
And as the writer, Nigel is the eunuch in the harem.
Ha ha.
Take a look around, richard.
Absorb.
We'll settle, and then nigel Will sing us through the score.
Ok.
Thank you, darren.
Not in my chair! Us, sophie? Come on.
I want you to meet charles.
Sorry.
Charles? Yeah? This is sophie.
She's playing cordelia.
Yeah.
Uh, forgive me, dear.
How much do you weigh? 107 about.
Enter king lear With cordelia dead in his arms.
That'll be a challenge.
Ha ha.
Um, charles, I believe you know ellen.
Ellen? It's nice to see you again.
Oh, i've changed.
My hair is completely different.
"the 3 sisters?" national arts center? I was marsha.
Uh, sorry, dear.
There've been a lot of marshas Over the years.
Um, if you remember barbara? She was olga.
One of your olgas.
You, I remember.
Oh, how flattering.
You were the black one.
Uh, jerry? Come and meet charles.
Come quickly and meet charles.
Jerry is playing kent, and is your understudy.
Geoffrey? It's 10:15.
Oh, outstanding.
All right, everyone.
Let's grab a seat.
Ahem! I'd just like to say at the outset How thrilled I am That we have charles kingman joining us.
I first saw charles act as falstaff in henry iv, And as he knows, it was that performance That made me want to pursue this life In the theater.
I was 11, and my father took me to the play, Which was unusual because my father detested the theater.
Charles' performance left me with 2 things: The first is amazement that one human being Could generate that much spit [laughter.]
And the second-- the second was At the end of the play Where falstaff's great friend hal betrays him.
Charles made me cry Which wasn't unusual.
Um What was unusual was that my father My father was crying Geoffrey, I don't know if you remember The exercise we used to do.
The one where someone, well, anyone, Would tell the story of the play Through their character's point of view.
That sounds like a-- That's a great idea, charles.
Why don't you start us off? Is everyone sitting comfortably? The tragedy of "king lear.
" East hastings, the musical.
Once there was an old king who, after many years of reign, Realized he was at the end of his life.
This is the story of a junkie hooker named lulu And her fight to kick the horse.
The king announced that he was going to divide up the kingdom Amongst his daughters: Regan, goneril, And his favorite, cordelia.
But first he had a question for them.
Which of you, shall we say, doest love us most? And so david, the gentle stockbroker/john, He tells lulu that he's leaving for seattle.
And after one last night of passion, He leaves her an envelope with 20 crisp $100 bills inside.
So lulu has a choice.
Charles: So cordelia has a choice.
Does she flatter him like her sisters? Or does she risk everything and tell her father the truth? Nigel: Does she escape east hastings Or does she get higher than she's ever gotten before? I hate the needle, I hate the needle I hate needle, but I love the trip Lear's anger is boundless.
He banishes cordelia, he banishes the faithful kent, And goneril and regan seize their opportunity.
She's so high.
She's too high.
she's too high-igh-igh-igh They drive their father out of doors Into a fierce thunderstorm, And there, on the heath, With his fool and the disguised kent Begging him to take shelter, He rages against his daughter's ingratitude.
He's gone mad.
And it's there, in the mental ward, That lulu begins to sing.
wasn't long ago my soul was dying wasn't long ago I thought that life was too absurd now i've got it figured out, forgive me if I shout i'm trying, trying to be heard i'm trying to be heard trying to be heard The old man sleeps, and when he wakes, Cordelia is there, as if in a vision, And the king and his daughter embrace with tears of joy.
They're sent to prison, but they're resigned happy Because they're together.
And poor cordelia's hanged, AndAs lear cradles her dead body, His spirit finally breaks, And he dies.
And suddenly david appears.
He's returned from seattle.
He's a record producer now.
we don't need the needle, we don't need the needle we don't need the needle to be free Charles: And the moral? Well, perhaps you could tell me.
we don't need the needle, we don't need the needle we don't need the needle to be free we don't need it And blackout! [cheering, applause.]
Ahem.
Thank you.
Nice, charles.
Well, now we know the story, So why don't we start off With an easy reading of the text? Maria? But could--could we have a break? Of course.
Thank you.
[bell tolling.]
Man: But I can talk to my fishies.
My fishies, heh? You like the red flakes.
[whispering.]
Oh, sorry.
I was engrossed in the fish.
Are you looking for the Monday drop by? No.
No.
I was passing by.
Saw the sign.
Oh, well, please come in.
What is the--the Monday drop by? Oh, it's a glee club for the homeless.
Have a seat.
I'm sorry about that chair.
You're a little older than my usual clientele.
Your usual clientele are homeless children? You know, I just got these fish, And I can't stop looking at them.
I find them--I find them oddly soothing.
Fish live in the now, as they say.
We can learn from the fish.
So i'm--i'm andrew mcteague.
Geoffrey tennant.
Geoffrey tennant from the festival? Are you a subscriber? No, no.
It's just i've read about you In the paper with the swans.
Small towns.
Things get blown out of proportion.
So [sighs.]
Take your time.
Would you like some juice? I have--I have sunny d.
I think i'm-- I seem to be Right in the middle of a crease, And I don't know what--I don't I'm directing a play.
It's "king lear.
" And maybe it is the play, I don't know, But lately I find myself suddenly crying.
Suddenly--no reason, and, um, oh There's other stuff.
Other stuff? Ahem, yeah.
Um I'm having a peck of a problem Holding up an erection.
I'm sorry for the word.
No, i'm a minister, not a mollusk.
Well, I should tell you right now That I can't prescribe medication.
No.
I don't want medication.
These kind of problems, They're usually the symptom Of a much larger issue.
Think of your life as an inner tube.
If you fill it with too much air, It'll bubble at a weak point.
You can patch that weak point, But it'll just bubble Somewhere else.
The real problem is the pressure.
We just need to find The source of your pressure.
[sighs.]
[squeaking.]
Oh, am I distracting you? I'll just go wait in the pews.
What are you doing? I'm praying.
What's it look like? What for? Because i'm in need of help.
Geoffrey, why am I still here? Oh, god, i'm depressed.
Oh, I see.
So if i'm depressed, You have to be more depressed.
Is that how it works? Look, i'm the one Who's having the crisis here, oliver.
Where were you? Oh, I see.
You couldn't find your ghost friend, So you had to resort to therapy.
Listen to yourself.
Forget it.
Oh, my condolences on your limp dick.
You leave my limp dick out of it.
Amen.
[speaking halting spanish.]
Oh, I can't handle this.
Richard? Grant applications are due on Friday.
Dammit! Why didn't you tell me? I've been trying to tell you all week.
I've written something up, but you need to vet it.
Let's do that after work, ok? Richard, this is work.
No, anna.
The work of this place Is the theater, not about the money.
Ah! Get your priorities straight, anna.
Oh, um, si, si.
If you will come to me for thou I spy danger, I do entreat you bring but 5 and 20.
To no more will I give place or notice.
Line endings? What? I can't hear the verse.
I gave you all.
And in good time you gave it.
Made you my guardian, my depositories, But kept a reservation to be followed With such a number.
What? Must I come to you with 5 and 20, regan? And speaked again, my lord.
No more with me.
God.
The same bad habits you had 20 years ago.
Oh! Nice to know You remember me after all.
Continue.
I'll go with thee.
Lie 50 yet of double 5 and 20, And thou are twice her love.
Hear me, my lord.
What need you 5 and 20? 10 or 5 to follow in a house Where twice as many have a command To tend you? What need one? Listen.
Oh, reason not to need are basis beggars are And the poorest things superfluous Allow not nature more than nature needs; Man's life as cheap as beast.
Thou art a lady if only to go warm Where gorgeous white nature needs, Not what the gorgeous wears, Which scarcely keeps me warm.
But for true need, you heavens, Give me that patient's patience I need.
You hear the verse? The meaning is in the verse! We must respect it! Please continue.
$2000 it could get me some smack and a trip to nirvana $2000, it could get you on track solve your life if you wanna try that's what $2,000-- Megan, i'm gonna stop you there.
You're singing to david, The man you love, The man who pays you to have sex with him.
Obviously the emotions Contained within these relationships Are complex, but I don't want you to play Those emotions.
Nigel, sit.
Sit.
I want you all to take note of this.
Music is manipulative On a level few of us can fully appreciate.
I visited a lab in rotterdam, And I saw a chimpanzee driven to a state of sexual ecstasy Simply by listening to a c major seventh chord Repeated over and over.
I saw--I saw it with my own eyes.
Sing the duet by yourself.
Let's see how that feels.
Darren scares me When he gets esoteric like that.
Yeah.
That was confusing.
You want to step in if things get Out of hand, right? Oh, look, i'm just here as an observer.
I'll try.
Thank you.
I'm happy that I am.
I cannot heave my heart into my mouth.
I love your majesty according to my bond.
No more, no less.
Speak up.
You have begot me, bred me, loved me.
I return those duties back As are right fit.
Has no one told you You have serious vocal problems? Hmm? Oh, come on, for god's sake.
Give me the cue.
Sorry.
I'm trying.
Obey you, love you, and most honor you.
Why have my sister's husbands If they say they love you all? Is that the way she's going to do it? Ellen: Charles! Yes, ellen? You're being a bully.
Well, someone has to tell her.
If not me, it'll be the critics.
Stop it! Oh, so you're The cast mother now, hmm? Ok, everyone.
Let's cool down.
Sophie? I'm fine really.
I just Let me, uh Geoffrey, it's nearly 5:00.
Oh, thank the little baby jesus.
All right, everyone.
Have a relaxing evening, And we will pick up with this fun Again tomorrow.
Your company's soft.
We're rehearsing lear, for god's sake.
It's not an acting class.
The problem is this: We made a profit.
How is that a problem? Richard, if we made a profit, The arts councils will reduce our grant.
Then if we have a bad year, We have to start all over again In the funding line up.
Then we'll call it a surplus, you know.
We'll hand out some bonuses.
We'll throw a huge opening night party.
You know, maybe start a capital campaign.
For what? I don't know: A new theater? A swimming pool? You know, it doesn't matter.
We made a profit.
A surplus.
A surplus.
Whatever.
You know, we should celebrate.
God.
Do we not have any booze around here? Wait.
What happened to those gift baskets We got for macbeth? In the board room.
I haven't opened them yet.
Let's go! Jesus christ! Oliver, for fuck's sake! Oh, hello, geoffrey.
How's rehearsals? Oh, god and all his angels.
What is wrong with you? You just about gave me a heart attack.
Oh, don't bother.
It's not working anyway.
What is this? A cry for attention? Possibly.
I don't know.
I don't care.
Why don't you sit down here with me And tell me what this is all about.
I told you at the church.
I want to die.
Well, apart from the fact That you're already dead, why? Why now? Because it's my time.
It was my time 2 years ago.
I want to move on.
I want my reward.
What if you're not getting a reward? What if what you get is punishment? This is my punishment, This marginal existence.
Why is this happening to me? Was I such a bad person? Do you really want to go there? And in any event, It's all blood under the bridge.
I've moved on.
You really believe that, do you? What are you doing? It's my new affliction.
I come and go now, kind of like a rash.
Oliver? [humming.]
Done.
Good for you.
Hey.
One little bit.
ToBudgets.
[giggling.]
How's the musical? Oh, god, anna.
You should hear this one girl.
This huge voices come out Of this tiny body.
I get chills just thinking about it.
It's so good to see you having fun.
You know, that's it.
I'm having fun.
For the first time in my life As an arts administrator, I'm actually having fun! I always suspected There was a crippled artist in you Trying to crawl out.
Exactly.
But still, come on.
Are people talking about me In the musical? Do they think i'm an idiot? You killed yourself Turning this place around.
Yeah.
Don't worry about the talk.
You've earned the right.
Thank you, anna.
To your musical.
May it be a big hit.
Thanks.
So what about you? I mean, what's going on in your life? What's going on? Are you still seeing That canadian playwright? No.
That ended-- No! Richard! Please don't do that! I'm sorry.
Sorry! You were nice to me! Made me horny.
Oh, please don't say that.
Ok.
I'm sorry.
It won't happen again.
It was--it was the scotch.
I understand.
You were nice to me, and made me horny.
[laughing.]
Paul: You can't take it personal.
Well, it feels personal.
It's making me not want to go back to rehearsal.
He's just a grumpy old man.
No, he's mean.
I hope he gets alzheimers.
Ok.
We're gonna have a couple drinks.
We're gonna play some pool.
Ok? You owe me 40 bucks.
You know, you're a very simple person.
I am a very simple person.
It's true.
Shit.
They're at our table.
They're new owners.
Hi.
Ladies? Gentlemen? Sorry.
This table's traditionally reserved For actors.
We are actors.
We're in the musical.
Oh, yes, true.
Sorry.
That's my fault.
I should have been more explicit.
This table is traditionally reserved for actors In the classical company.
This is still the new burbage festival, And that converts to nature, rights, and privileges, And et cetera.
Anyway, bottom line is our shakespeare Pretty much trumps your sequins.
Well, too bad.
We were here first.
Yeah.
Paul, forget it.
No, wait, wait.
I'm sorry.
I'm just trying to make a point.
I'm sorry.
We are the residents, And you are the visitors.
We're gonna be here long after Your little workshop production is closed.
It's about respect.
Paul, i'm gonna go, ok? What? Ooh, your girlfriend's leaving.
Maybe you should walk her home.
That would be the respectful Thing to do.
[laughing.]
Oh, my god.
He's cute, but he's a dick.
[laughing.]
So, one minute i'm being insulted For not being able to organize My income tax receipts, And the next minute we're tearing off Each other's clothes.
So you know what the worst part of it is? I still have to pay $27,000 in back taxes.
Oh, excuse me.
I am sweating like a pig.
Hot flashes.
All ready? Yep.
Lucky me.
When I first found out, I was depressed for 2 days, And then I thought: This isn't tragedy.
Lear is tragedy.
This is just life.
Good for you.
So what if I can't have kids? Boo hoo.
I can travel.
I can do theater.
So what if i'm not in a relationship? I have my battery- operated boyfriend.
Ellen, you just finished telling me You slept with your brother-in-law.
I'm not shocked.
I'm just not used to intimate conversation.
There's no one in the company I can talk to.
What about geoffrey? God, it's so romantic.
Living together, working together, Sleeping together.
It is, but, you know, we have our problems.
I mean, I don't know.
Lately-- Tell me something.
Why doesn't geoffrey speak to charles About his behavior in rehearsal? I'm sorry.
I shouldn't Oh, no, no.
You're right.
Maybe--maybe i'll talk to him.
Where is he, by the way? Working.
Probably.
I don't know.
Oliver? Oliver? What? Oh, there you are.
You disappeared In the middle of a conversation.
I know.
I've been doing that lately.
I just fade away, but I don't go away.
Very depressing.
Well, I have a little something That might cheer you up.
Oh, you found a gun? No.
I need your help with "king lear.
" I'm having a little trouble.
I don't care.
I beg your pardon? Theater is pointless.
I see that now.
It accomplishes nothing.
You struggle to put on a play That was cobbled together From 400-year-old hand-written fragments.
And it's full of contradictions And inconsistencies.
And the actors don't know what the hell They're saying.
The audience doesn't know What the hell they're hearing.
And at the end, what does it get you? Not 2 pickets to tittsburgh, I can tell you that much.
You're depressing.
Let me come to therapy with you.
No.
I need help, geoffrey.
I've got nowhere else to turn.
Look, this isn't about you, oliver.
It's about me.
And I support what you're doing.
You're getting help while you're alive, And I respect that.
I just want to sit in, listen.
Maybe he might say something That will give me a new perspective, For both of us.
Maybe we'll both quit the theater For good, eh? I'm not going to him for career advice, You weirdo.
Aren't you? Oh, shit.
It's happening again.
[knocking.]
Hi.
What's up? Hey, you've been in here for 20 minutes, And I have a rehearsal to get to.
Oh, so do I.
Ha ha ha.
Uh, so you can't dry your hair In your room? Oh, there's no mirror in there.
Ha ha! There's no mirror in there.
Ha ha.
SoYou know, I want you to think of each session As your hour.
It's about you and nobody else.
If you want to whine and complain, Feel free to do so.
Take it away.
Uh-huh.
Well, I don't Maybe you could ask me a question.
Sure, yes.
Ok.
Um Do you think of yourself As someone who can separate His work life and his personal life? Or are you someone Who takes your work with you Wherever you go? Uh-huh.
Uh, you know, yeah.
I suppose I do take my work with me, But--but I don't really know how To stop working, which for me is thinking, And how do you not think of something? Right.
How do you ignore the elephant in the room? Well, you know, quite often work-related stress Results from an unrealistic self-image.
What do you mean? Well, you constantly fail to meet your own expectations, And it makes for a miserable life.
Interesting.
You know, no, I think maybe That it's a little bit different For people in the arts Because when i'm not working, I don't know who I am.
But you are working.
Very hard, in fact.
One of the first things you said to me When you came into my office Was, "I don't know who I am.
" Oh.
Oh, he's good.
I think sometimes you have to ask yourself Is work enough or--or is there something more? You mean i'm looking for a higher purpose? [knocking.]
Ah, yes.
Anna.
Oh, you found them.
We were just having breakfast.
Oh, thank goodness you're out of danger.
I was so worried you'd be caught up In the coup.
Coup? They didn't know? No.
There's been a coup in your country.
The generals have taken over the government.
[speaking spanish.]
They said they heard there were rumors, But they did not know that this was coming.
Then why did they come back? He did not want to go through security Without his st.
Christopher medal.
He caused such a scene That they kicked him out of the airport.
They didn't know where else to go, So they came back here.
And it worked.
[speaking spanish.]
[knocking.]
Got a minute? Sure.
I've come to talk to you On behalf of the company.
Who asked you? It doesn't matter who asked, does it? Ah.
Barbara.
Yes.
She's made me deputy.
Has she found somewhere to live? Uh, she's working on it.
I'm sure she is.
So, what did you want to talk about? Charles.
He's making life difficult For everyone.
It's not fair.
The actors can't do their work.
All we're asking for Is a little common respect.
That's not too much to ask, is it? No.
No.
I'll talk to him.
Ok.
Thanks.
SoHow's it going? Your therapy.
Did you have a session today? Uh-huh.
Yeah.
It's fine, you know.
Did you talk to him about your My faulty unit? I was trying to be a little sensitive.
Ok, well, i'll see you at rehearsal.
You know, my first musical, "oklahoma," I was 7, you know.
Pshew! "wizard of oz" when I was 4 or 5.
But isn't everyone's first musical "the wizard of oz?" I played the leader of the lollipop guild When I was in grade 2.
I drove my mother crazy.
I played snoopy In my high school production Of "you're a good man, charlie brown.
" I was linus.
No! Kingston summer rep.
Really? I used my own blanket.
I lost my virginity To the girl who played lucy.
I lost mine backstage at a production Of "broadway, broadway, broadway" At canada's wonderland.
[laughing.]
Would you 2 please shut up?! I'm trying to work! Sorry.
Sorry, darren.
Take 5.
[laughing.]
You do me wrong.
Now take me out of my grave.
Thou at a soul in bliss with I Am bound upon a wheel of fire That mine own tears do scald like molten lead.
Sir, do you know me? You are a spirit, I know.
When did you die? Still still far wide.
Where am I? Fair daylight.
I am mightily abused.
I should even die with pity To see another thus.
I know not what to say.
O, look upon me, sir.
Oh, for fuck's sake, girl! Will you learn your lines! That--that is my line.
It may be your line, but it's not your cue.
You cut me off.
I'm very sorry, charles.
A waste of my time Rehearsing with amateurs.
Stage management, you call me When she's learned her lines.
I thought you said You were gonna speak to him.
I did say that; yes.
When? Well, i've been waiting for An appropriate lull in the Darren: Let's try it again.
This time, everybody dance With your backs to the audience.
Let's go.
You know, the thing is darren has a vision.
But ultimately, all the great musicals Are sustained by the story.
Exactly.
And this is a good story.
I mean it's one woman's journey-- Then you've gotta help me defend it.
What? Because it's gonna get lost In all this theater.
Ok.
Ok.
Hey, darren.
Sorry.
I have a question.
I was just wondering, you know, This staging with their backs to the audience, And also, you know that scene in act 2, Scene 3, where it's all in the dark, Do you think that's really Serving our story here? Get out.
Get out! I cannot concentrate With your ill-informed yapping.
This is a creative process.
I cannot be constrained by your ignorance.
Sure.
Sorry.
I'll sit down.
Ahem! Again from the top.
Thanks for trying.
Geoffrey: Charles? Come in.
Come in.
It's all more of the crap You accumulate at my age.
Someone's writing a book On the history of theater in canada.
You look worried.
Charles, we need to talk about rehearsal.
Yeah? Good.
What are your thoughts? The thing is it's the cast.
They're having a very hard time, And they're afraid.
And so they should be.
The play is very disturbing.
It could effect your whole life.
They are afraid of you.
You are very What? Intimidating.
Well, it's not my problem.
Well, yes, it is.
They haven't been with this play As long as you have.
None of us have.
You have got to give us time to catch up.
I don't have time.
Charles, come on.
We've got weeks before we open.
I'm not talking about that.
I have cancer, geoffrey.
You have cancer? Yes.
I have 2, 3 months, So you'll forgive me if my patience Is a little strained.
[sighs.]
Charles, jesus.
Why didn't you tell me? I was afraid you'd cancel.
Well, of course i'm gonna cancel.
Nobody should die doing a play At new burbage.
Lear! Lear is far too demanding For somebody who's sick.
I mean you're gonna need to rest.
You're gonna need to take care of yourself.
What for? I'm still gonna die.
He's right.
He could get hit By a pig truck tomorrow.
And then what? No.
I know the part.
I've been studying it all my life.
And now i'm living it.
Help me do this.
For however far we get Promise me.
Is thisIs this my higher purpose? I don't know.
You have to do this, geoffrey, for me.
For you? Yes.
For me.
acorn media Captioned by the national --Www.
Ncicap.
Org-- call the understudy, I can't go on tonight i'm drinking with my buddy i'm getting good and tight before they raise the curtain i'll be higher than a kite so call the understudy I won't go on tonight tell the bastard crew to break a leg Break a leg.
and roll me out another bloody keg Bloody keg! I need to reach the point that life can bring Life can bring.
and liquor is what will hit the spot the play is not the thing so call the understudy, I think it's only right my picture will be muddy, i'll never find me light before the intermission i'll be pissing on the sprite so call the understudy, I can't go on He can't go on.
I won't go on He shan't go on.
I can't go on tonight Damn right.
You'll miss your flight.
[speaking spanish.]
No! Tim, why is he doing this? He says he's lost His st.
Christopher medal.
He won't travel without it.
No! You have to make this flight.
Their visas expire tonight.
It's very serious.
[speaking spanish.]
Ooh! [applause.]
Good-bye.
Gracias.
Oh, there you are.
Gangs of people on the streets everywhere.
when life takes its toll and fate treats you bad you used to be cain but now you've be ad alone with your fool you think you'll go mad it's nice to take a walk in the rain a stomp through a storm is what i'd advise when people you trust tell nothing but lies and kidnap your friend and gauge out his eyes it's nice to take a walk in the rain you say your daughters are evil plotters and a little shower will keep you sane when all has been said and all have been slain it's good to take a walk in the rain for several hours helps to have a how in the rain without your clothes on nice to take a walk in the rain [cheering, applause.]
So.
Well I haven't cried in a week.
I think that's worth knowing.
Look, it's not a big deal.
50% of men age 40 to 70 Experience erectile dysfunction.
It's a highly treatable problem.
You got that off the web, didn't you? You just google "erection" And wade through the porn.
Eventually you get to bob dole.
Remember, he made that Public service announcement? HeHe made an ad for viagra.
And I don't need medication.
I'm just--i'm under a lot of stress.
What the fuck were you thinking Inviting barbara to move in with us? I thought she'd say no.
She did say no.
Then you asked her a second time.
Well, I thought she'd say no A second time.
She's my best friend, And she was very very good to me When we were in new york.
And this isn't about barbara.
This is about you accepting the fact That you're older now.
I'm older now.
We're not in a young company anymore.
[groaning.]
Vocalize your pain.
[screaming.]
Or pleasure.
No one will judge if they're the same.
Now imagining each vertebrae as building blocks As you start to roll up ever so gently.
Ahem.
And rolling faster.
And fuck the rolling; you're standing.
Es y tu? Remember, keep your pee clear.
Water is your friend.
There they are, our new roomies.
Hmm? That one is some kind of a future star.
She's like the ingenue part.
Carpathia in "king lear?" [giggles.]
There they are.
Boys and girls: The musical.
Well, they're flexible.
I'll give them that.
The stick figure, that stick insect, It's megan.
She's the lead And a triple threat they say.
What, cute, sexy, and bendy? You think she's cute? I think she looks sick.
Bet she's bony.
I think you're an idiot, 'cause she's totally your type.
What? I do not have a type.
And if I did, it wouldNot Shut up.
You don't find her attractive? Hey, um Are you excited About the rehearsals coming up? I'm nervous.
Like the first day of school.
Yeah.
It's their first day, too.
What do you do on the first day Of a musical rehearsal? I don't know.
Get all gay? Woman's voice: The service interval indicator Should be right next to the fuel gauge.
Do you see it now? Oh, yes.
Yes.
Thank you.
Thanks.
Sorry, i've never had a car like this before.
Is there anything else I can do for you this morning? Uh, no, no.
That's fine.
That's good.
Thank you.
Thank you for using bmw assist, And have a great day.
Thank you.
Actually, today is a big It's a big day.
I'm starting a new project.
It's a play, a musical.
I'm very excited about it.
Actually, i'm producing it.
Great.
Good luck.
Thanks! What's your name? My name? Yeah.
Uh, emily.
Oh, emily.
Ok, well, I'm sure i'll be talking to you again, So i'll let you know how it goes.
Great.
Ok.
Uh, yes, we had some artists booked on ac flight 916 To la paz via miami.
I'm just wondering did they get on the flight? Ok, well did they get off the flight? Yes, i'll hold.
Richard? Geoffrey? I need to speak to you 2.
A human resources meeting at 10.
Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
Richard? Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
No, you're not in rehearsal.
You don't get to use the same excuse.
I am taking on the musical.
Geoffrey doesn't do administrative duties While he's rehearsing.
Neither do I.
I'm sorry, anna.
That's the new deal.
So the new deal Is that anna does all the work? It's your department.
Richard? Anna, i'm in rehearsal.
Geoffrey? Geoffrey, just wanted to say Good luck on your first day of rehearsal.
Oh, yeah.
You, too.
Thank you.
And I wanted to ask you.
Could you give me some tips About dealing with darren? Because frankly, He makes me a little nervous.
Ah, yes.
Darren.
Well, darren is an idiot, And like many idiots, He's very proud.
Your best weapon is flattery.
Suck up, and he'll respond.
Ok.
Oh, no.
Stephen morris died.
I don't know why you bother with that.
Huh.
I might tell morrie.
Oh, you are a number.
I woke up this morning thinking: When will I ever play king lear? Oh, frank.
You can't seriously want To play king lear.
All that ranting.
You'd be a wreck.
Much nicer to stay In the middle of the pack.
Looks so much older.
Well, of course he is older.
So are we.
How are you? You look terrible.
I'm having that feeling again.
That weepy feeling? What is wrong with me? Well, just sit here like this.
Sorry.
I want it drug-like jags Why can't we have-- Hi.
Good looking group.
Wow.
God, they're young.
They're so young.
Yes.
You can actually, you know, Feel the first energy When you step in the door.
Do you have a purpose? Excuse me? Why are you here Quietly spouting banalities? Oh, oh, well, darren, you know, I thought i'd really like to learn something About this-- this process.
Oh Geoffrey said that if I want to learn Anything about theater, I should come and watch you.
He says you're the best.
And I mean you are the best.
I've always known That you are the best, but-- You've done very well for us, But you're the best.
Kind of a legend really.
Nigel? This is nigel harrison, the writer.
Hi.
And as the writer, Nigel is the eunuch in the harem.
Ha ha.
Take a look around, richard.
Absorb.
We'll settle, and then nigel Will sing us through the score.
Ok.
Thank you, darren.
Not in my chair! Us, sophie? Come on.
I want you to meet charles.
Sorry.
Charles? Yeah? This is sophie.
She's playing cordelia.
Yeah.
Uh, forgive me, dear.
How much do you weigh? 107 about.
Enter king lear With cordelia dead in his arms.
That'll be a challenge.
Ha ha.
Um, charles, I believe you know ellen.
Ellen? It's nice to see you again.
Oh, i've changed.
My hair is completely different.
"the 3 sisters?" national arts center? I was marsha.
Uh, sorry, dear.
There've been a lot of marshas Over the years.
Um, if you remember barbara? She was olga.
One of your olgas.
You, I remember.
Oh, how flattering.
You were the black one.
Uh, jerry? Come and meet charles.
Come quickly and meet charles.
Jerry is playing kent, and is your understudy.
Geoffrey? It's 10:15.
Oh, outstanding.
All right, everyone.
Let's grab a seat.
Ahem! I'd just like to say at the outset How thrilled I am That we have charles kingman joining us.
I first saw charles act as falstaff in henry iv, And as he knows, it was that performance That made me want to pursue this life In the theater.
I was 11, and my father took me to the play, Which was unusual because my father detested the theater.
Charles' performance left me with 2 things: The first is amazement that one human being Could generate that much spit [laughter.]
And the second-- the second was At the end of the play Where falstaff's great friend hal betrays him.
Charles made me cry Which wasn't unusual.
Um What was unusual was that my father My father was crying Geoffrey, I don't know if you remember The exercise we used to do.
The one where someone, well, anyone, Would tell the story of the play Through their character's point of view.
That sounds like a-- That's a great idea, charles.
Why don't you start us off? Is everyone sitting comfortably? The tragedy of "king lear.
" East hastings, the musical.
Once there was an old king who, after many years of reign, Realized he was at the end of his life.
This is the story of a junkie hooker named lulu And her fight to kick the horse.
The king announced that he was going to divide up the kingdom Amongst his daughters: Regan, goneril, And his favorite, cordelia.
But first he had a question for them.
Which of you, shall we say, doest love us most? And so david, the gentle stockbroker/john, He tells lulu that he's leaving for seattle.
And after one last night of passion, He leaves her an envelope with 20 crisp $100 bills inside.
So lulu has a choice.
Charles: So cordelia has a choice.
Does she flatter him like her sisters? Or does she risk everything and tell her father the truth? Nigel: Does she escape east hastings Or does she get higher than she's ever gotten before? I hate the needle, I hate the needle I hate needle, but I love the trip Lear's anger is boundless.
He banishes cordelia, he banishes the faithful kent, And goneril and regan seize their opportunity.
She's so high.
She's too high.
she's too high-igh-igh-igh They drive their father out of doors Into a fierce thunderstorm, And there, on the heath, With his fool and the disguised kent Begging him to take shelter, He rages against his daughter's ingratitude.
He's gone mad.
And it's there, in the mental ward, That lulu begins to sing.
wasn't long ago my soul was dying wasn't long ago I thought that life was too absurd now i've got it figured out, forgive me if I shout i'm trying, trying to be heard i'm trying to be heard trying to be heard The old man sleeps, and when he wakes, Cordelia is there, as if in a vision, And the king and his daughter embrace with tears of joy.
They're sent to prison, but they're resigned happy Because they're together.
And poor cordelia's hanged, AndAs lear cradles her dead body, His spirit finally breaks, And he dies.
And suddenly david appears.
He's returned from seattle.
He's a record producer now.
we don't need the needle, we don't need the needle we don't need the needle to be free Charles: And the moral? Well, perhaps you could tell me.
we don't need the needle, we don't need the needle we don't need the needle to be free we don't need it And blackout! [cheering, applause.]
Ahem.
Thank you.
Nice, charles.
Well, now we know the story, So why don't we start off With an easy reading of the text? Maria? But could--could we have a break? Of course.
Thank you.
[bell tolling.]
Man: But I can talk to my fishies.
My fishies, heh? You like the red flakes.
[whispering.]
Oh, sorry.
I was engrossed in the fish.
Are you looking for the Monday drop by? No.
No.
I was passing by.
Saw the sign.
Oh, well, please come in.
What is the--the Monday drop by? Oh, it's a glee club for the homeless.
Have a seat.
I'm sorry about that chair.
You're a little older than my usual clientele.
Your usual clientele are homeless children? You know, I just got these fish, And I can't stop looking at them.
I find them--I find them oddly soothing.
Fish live in the now, as they say.
We can learn from the fish.
So i'm--i'm andrew mcteague.
Geoffrey tennant.
Geoffrey tennant from the festival? Are you a subscriber? No, no.
It's just i've read about you In the paper with the swans.
Small towns.
Things get blown out of proportion.
So [sighs.]
Take your time.
Would you like some juice? I have--I have sunny d.
I think i'm-- I seem to be Right in the middle of a crease, And I don't know what--I don't I'm directing a play.
It's "king lear.
" And maybe it is the play, I don't know, But lately I find myself suddenly crying.
Suddenly--no reason, and, um, oh There's other stuff.
Other stuff? Ahem, yeah.
Um I'm having a peck of a problem Holding up an erection.
I'm sorry for the word.
No, i'm a minister, not a mollusk.
Well, I should tell you right now That I can't prescribe medication.
No.
I don't want medication.
These kind of problems, They're usually the symptom Of a much larger issue.
Think of your life as an inner tube.
If you fill it with too much air, It'll bubble at a weak point.
You can patch that weak point, But it'll just bubble Somewhere else.
The real problem is the pressure.
We just need to find The source of your pressure.
[sighs.]
[squeaking.]
Oh, am I distracting you? I'll just go wait in the pews.
What are you doing? I'm praying.
What's it look like? What for? Because i'm in need of help.
Geoffrey, why am I still here? Oh, god, i'm depressed.
Oh, I see.
So if i'm depressed, You have to be more depressed.
Is that how it works? Look, i'm the one Who's having the crisis here, oliver.
Where were you? Oh, I see.
You couldn't find your ghost friend, So you had to resort to therapy.
Listen to yourself.
Forget it.
Oh, my condolences on your limp dick.
You leave my limp dick out of it.
Amen.
[speaking halting spanish.]
Oh, I can't handle this.
Richard? Grant applications are due on Friday.
Dammit! Why didn't you tell me? I've been trying to tell you all week.
I've written something up, but you need to vet it.
Let's do that after work, ok? Richard, this is work.
No, anna.
The work of this place Is the theater, not about the money.
Ah! Get your priorities straight, anna.
Oh, um, si, si.
If you will come to me for thou I spy danger, I do entreat you bring but 5 and 20.
To no more will I give place or notice.
Line endings? What? I can't hear the verse.
I gave you all.
And in good time you gave it.
Made you my guardian, my depositories, But kept a reservation to be followed With such a number.
What? Must I come to you with 5 and 20, regan? And speaked again, my lord.
No more with me.
God.
The same bad habits you had 20 years ago.
Oh! Nice to know You remember me after all.
Continue.
I'll go with thee.
Lie 50 yet of double 5 and 20, And thou are twice her love.
Hear me, my lord.
What need you 5 and 20? 10 or 5 to follow in a house Where twice as many have a command To tend you? What need one? Listen.
Oh, reason not to need are basis beggars are And the poorest things superfluous Allow not nature more than nature needs; Man's life as cheap as beast.
Thou art a lady if only to go warm Where gorgeous white nature needs, Not what the gorgeous wears, Which scarcely keeps me warm.
But for true need, you heavens, Give me that patient's patience I need.
You hear the verse? The meaning is in the verse! We must respect it! Please continue.
$2000 it could get me some smack and a trip to nirvana $2000, it could get you on track solve your life if you wanna try that's what $2,000-- Megan, i'm gonna stop you there.
You're singing to david, The man you love, The man who pays you to have sex with him.
Obviously the emotions Contained within these relationships Are complex, but I don't want you to play Those emotions.
Nigel, sit.
Sit.
I want you all to take note of this.
Music is manipulative On a level few of us can fully appreciate.
I visited a lab in rotterdam, And I saw a chimpanzee driven to a state of sexual ecstasy Simply by listening to a c major seventh chord Repeated over and over.
I saw--I saw it with my own eyes.
Sing the duet by yourself.
Let's see how that feels.
Darren scares me When he gets esoteric like that.
Yeah.
That was confusing.
You want to step in if things get Out of hand, right? Oh, look, i'm just here as an observer.
I'll try.
Thank you.
I'm happy that I am.
I cannot heave my heart into my mouth.
I love your majesty according to my bond.
No more, no less.
Speak up.
You have begot me, bred me, loved me.
I return those duties back As are right fit.
Has no one told you You have serious vocal problems? Hmm? Oh, come on, for god's sake.
Give me the cue.
Sorry.
I'm trying.
Obey you, love you, and most honor you.
Why have my sister's husbands If they say they love you all? Is that the way she's going to do it? Ellen: Charles! Yes, ellen? You're being a bully.
Well, someone has to tell her.
If not me, it'll be the critics.
Stop it! Oh, so you're The cast mother now, hmm? Ok, everyone.
Let's cool down.
Sophie? I'm fine really.
I just Let me, uh Geoffrey, it's nearly 5:00.
Oh, thank the little baby jesus.
All right, everyone.
Have a relaxing evening, And we will pick up with this fun Again tomorrow.
Your company's soft.
We're rehearsing lear, for god's sake.
It's not an acting class.
The problem is this: We made a profit.
How is that a problem? Richard, if we made a profit, The arts councils will reduce our grant.
Then if we have a bad year, We have to start all over again In the funding line up.
Then we'll call it a surplus, you know.
We'll hand out some bonuses.
We'll throw a huge opening night party.
You know, maybe start a capital campaign.
For what? I don't know: A new theater? A swimming pool? You know, it doesn't matter.
We made a profit.
A surplus.
A surplus.
Whatever.
You know, we should celebrate.
God.
Do we not have any booze around here? Wait.
What happened to those gift baskets We got for macbeth? In the board room.
I haven't opened them yet.
Let's go! Jesus christ! Oliver, for fuck's sake! Oh, hello, geoffrey.
How's rehearsals? Oh, god and all his angels.
What is wrong with you? You just about gave me a heart attack.
Oh, don't bother.
It's not working anyway.
What is this? A cry for attention? Possibly.
I don't know.
I don't care.
Why don't you sit down here with me And tell me what this is all about.
I told you at the church.
I want to die.
Well, apart from the fact That you're already dead, why? Why now? Because it's my time.
It was my time 2 years ago.
I want to move on.
I want my reward.
What if you're not getting a reward? What if what you get is punishment? This is my punishment, This marginal existence.
Why is this happening to me? Was I such a bad person? Do you really want to go there? And in any event, It's all blood under the bridge.
I've moved on.
You really believe that, do you? What are you doing? It's my new affliction.
I come and go now, kind of like a rash.
Oliver? [humming.]
Done.
Good for you.
Hey.
One little bit.
ToBudgets.
[giggling.]
How's the musical? Oh, god, anna.
You should hear this one girl.
This huge voices come out Of this tiny body.
I get chills just thinking about it.
It's so good to see you having fun.
You know, that's it.
I'm having fun.
For the first time in my life As an arts administrator, I'm actually having fun! I always suspected There was a crippled artist in you Trying to crawl out.
Exactly.
But still, come on.
Are people talking about me In the musical? Do they think i'm an idiot? You killed yourself Turning this place around.
Yeah.
Don't worry about the talk.
You've earned the right.
Thank you, anna.
To your musical.
May it be a big hit.
Thanks.
So what about you? I mean, what's going on in your life? What's going on? Are you still seeing That canadian playwright? No.
That ended-- No! Richard! Please don't do that! I'm sorry.
Sorry! You were nice to me! Made me horny.
Oh, please don't say that.
Ok.
I'm sorry.
It won't happen again.
It was--it was the scotch.
I understand.
You were nice to me, and made me horny.
[laughing.]
Paul: You can't take it personal.
Well, it feels personal.
It's making me not want to go back to rehearsal.
He's just a grumpy old man.
No, he's mean.
I hope he gets alzheimers.
Ok.
We're gonna have a couple drinks.
We're gonna play some pool.
Ok? You owe me 40 bucks.
You know, you're a very simple person.
I am a very simple person.
It's true.
Shit.
They're at our table.
They're new owners.
Hi.
Ladies? Gentlemen? Sorry.
This table's traditionally reserved For actors.
We are actors.
We're in the musical.
Oh, yes, true.
Sorry.
That's my fault.
I should have been more explicit.
This table is traditionally reserved for actors In the classical company.
This is still the new burbage festival, And that converts to nature, rights, and privileges, And et cetera.
Anyway, bottom line is our shakespeare Pretty much trumps your sequins.
Well, too bad.
We were here first.
Yeah.
Paul, forget it.
No, wait, wait.
I'm sorry.
I'm just trying to make a point.
I'm sorry.
We are the residents, And you are the visitors.
We're gonna be here long after Your little workshop production is closed.
It's about respect.
Paul, i'm gonna go, ok? What? Ooh, your girlfriend's leaving.
Maybe you should walk her home.
That would be the respectful Thing to do.
[laughing.]
Oh, my god.
He's cute, but he's a dick.
[laughing.]
So, one minute i'm being insulted For not being able to organize My income tax receipts, And the next minute we're tearing off Each other's clothes.
So you know what the worst part of it is? I still have to pay $27,000 in back taxes.
Oh, excuse me.
I am sweating like a pig.
Hot flashes.
All ready? Yep.
Lucky me.
When I first found out, I was depressed for 2 days, And then I thought: This isn't tragedy.
Lear is tragedy.
This is just life.
Good for you.
So what if I can't have kids? Boo hoo.
I can travel.
I can do theater.
So what if i'm not in a relationship? I have my battery- operated boyfriend.
Ellen, you just finished telling me You slept with your brother-in-law.
I'm not shocked.
I'm just not used to intimate conversation.
There's no one in the company I can talk to.
What about geoffrey? God, it's so romantic.
Living together, working together, Sleeping together.
It is, but, you know, we have our problems.
I mean, I don't know.
Lately-- Tell me something.
Why doesn't geoffrey speak to charles About his behavior in rehearsal? I'm sorry.
I shouldn't Oh, no, no.
You're right.
Maybe--maybe i'll talk to him.
Where is he, by the way? Working.
Probably.
I don't know.
Oliver? Oliver? What? Oh, there you are.
You disappeared In the middle of a conversation.
I know.
I've been doing that lately.
I just fade away, but I don't go away.
Very depressing.
Well, I have a little something That might cheer you up.
Oh, you found a gun? No.
I need your help with "king lear.
" I'm having a little trouble.
I don't care.
I beg your pardon? Theater is pointless.
I see that now.
It accomplishes nothing.
You struggle to put on a play That was cobbled together From 400-year-old hand-written fragments.
And it's full of contradictions And inconsistencies.
And the actors don't know what the hell They're saying.
The audience doesn't know What the hell they're hearing.
And at the end, what does it get you? Not 2 pickets to tittsburgh, I can tell you that much.
You're depressing.
Let me come to therapy with you.
No.
I need help, geoffrey.
I've got nowhere else to turn.
Look, this isn't about you, oliver.
It's about me.
And I support what you're doing.
You're getting help while you're alive, And I respect that.
I just want to sit in, listen.
Maybe he might say something That will give me a new perspective, For both of us.
Maybe we'll both quit the theater For good, eh? I'm not going to him for career advice, You weirdo.
Aren't you? Oh, shit.
It's happening again.
[knocking.]
Hi.
What's up? Hey, you've been in here for 20 minutes, And I have a rehearsal to get to.
Oh, so do I.
Ha ha ha.
Uh, so you can't dry your hair In your room? Oh, there's no mirror in there.
Ha ha! There's no mirror in there.
Ha ha.
SoYou know, I want you to think of each session As your hour.
It's about you and nobody else.
If you want to whine and complain, Feel free to do so.
Take it away.
Uh-huh.
Well, I don't Maybe you could ask me a question.
Sure, yes.
Ok.
Um Do you think of yourself As someone who can separate His work life and his personal life? Or are you someone Who takes your work with you Wherever you go? Uh-huh.
Uh, you know, yeah.
I suppose I do take my work with me, But--but I don't really know how To stop working, which for me is thinking, And how do you not think of something? Right.
How do you ignore the elephant in the room? Well, you know, quite often work-related stress Results from an unrealistic self-image.
What do you mean? Well, you constantly fail to meet your own expectations, And it makes for a miserable life.
Interesting.
You know, no, I think maybe That it's a little bit different For people in the arts Because when i'm not working, I don't know who I am.
But you are working.
Very hard, in fact.
One of the first things you said to me When you came into my office Was, "I don't know who I am.
" Oh.
Oh, he's good.
I think sometimes you have to ask yourself Is work enough or--or is there something more? You mean i'm looking for a higher purpose? [knocking.]
Ah, yes.
Anna.
Oh, you found them.
We were just having breakfast.
Oh, thank goodness you're out of danger.
I was so worried you'd be caught up In the coup.
Coup? They didn't know? No.
There's been a coup in your country.
The generals have taken over the government.
[speaking spanish.]
They said they heard there were rumors, But they did not know that this was coming.
Then why did they come back? He did not want to go through security Without his st.
Christopher medal.
He caused such a scene That they kicked him out of the airport.
They didn't know where else to go, So they came back here.
And it worked.
[speaking spanish.]
[knocking.]
Got a minute? Sure.
I've come to talk to you On behalf of the company.
Who asked you? It doesn't matter who asked, does it? Ah.
Barbara.
Yes.
She's made me deputy.
Has she found somewhere to live? Uh, she's working on it.
I'm sure she is.
So, what did you want to talk about? Charles.
He's making life difficult For everyone.
It's not fair.
The actors can't do their work.
All we're asking for Is a little common respect.
That's not too much to ask, is it? No.
No.
I'll talk to him.
Ok.
Thanks.
SoHow's it going? Your therapy.
Did you have a session today? Uh-huh.
Yeah.
It's fine, you know.
Did you talk to him about your My faulty unit? I was trying to be a little sensitive.
Ok, well, i'll see you at rehearsal.
You know, my first musical, "oklahoma," I was 7, you know.
Pshew! "wizard of oz" when I was 4 or 5.
But isn't everyone's first musical "the wizard of oz?" I played the leader of the lollipop guild When I was in grade 2.
I drove my mother crazy.
I played snoopy In my high school production Of "you're a good man, charlie brown.
" I was linus.
No! Kingston summer rep.
Really? I used my own blanket.
I lost my virginity To the girl who played lucy.
I lost mine backstage at a production Of "broadway, broadway, broadway" At canada's wonderland.
[laughing.]
Would you 2 please shut up?! I'm trying to work! Sorry.
Sorry, darren.
Take 5.
[laughing.]
You do me wrong.
Now take me out of my grave.
Thou at a soul in bliss with I Am bound upon a wheel of fire That mine own tears do scald like molten lead.
Sir, do you know me? You are a spirit, I know.
When did you die? Still still far wide.
Where am I? Fair daylight.
I am mightily abused.
I should even die with pity To see another thus.
I know not what to say.
O, look upon me, sir.
Oh, for fuck's sake, girl! Will you learn your lines! That--that is my line.
It may be your line, but it's not your cue.
You cut me off.
I'm very sorry, charles.
A waste of my time Rehearsing with amateurs.
Stage management, you call me When she's learned her lines.
I thought you said You were gonna speak to him.
I did say that; yes.
When? Well, i've been waiting for An appropriate lull in the Darren: Let's try it again.
This time, everybody dance With your backs to the audience.
Let's go.
You know, the thing is darren has a vision.
But ultimately, all the great musicals Are sustained by the story.
Exactly.
And this is a good story.
I mean it's one woman's journey-- Then you've gotta help me defend it.
What? Because it's gonna get lost In all this theater.
Ok.
Ok.
Hey, darren.
Sorry.
I have a question.
I was just wondering, you know, This staging with their backs to the audience, And also, you know that scene in act 2, Scene 3, where it's all in the dark, Do you think that's really Serving our story here? Get out.
Get out! I cannot concentrate With your ill-informed yapping.
This is a creative process.
I cannot be constrained by your ignorance.
Sure.
Sorry.
I'll sit down.
Ahem! Again from the top.
Thanks for trying.
Geoffrey: Charles? Come in.
Come in.
It's all more of the crap You accumulate at my age.
Someone's writing a book On the history of theater in canada.
You look worried.
Charles, we need to talk about rehearsal.
Yeah? Good.
What are your thoughts? The thing is it's the cast.
They're having a very hard time, And they're afraid.
And so they should be.
The play is very disturbing.
It could effect your whole life.
They are afraid of you.
You are very What? Intimidating.
Well, it's not my problem.
Well, yes, it is.
They haven't been with this play As long as you have.
None of us have.
You have got to give us time to catch up.
I don't have time.
Charles, come on.
We've got weeks before we open.
I'm not talking about that.
I have cancer, geoffrey.
You have cancer? Yes.
I have 2, 3 months, So you'll forgive me if my patience Is a little strained.
[sighs.]
Charles, jesus.
Why didn't you tell me? I was afraid you'd cancel.
Well, of course i'm gonna cancel.
Nobody should die doing a play At new burbage.
Lear! Lear is far too demanding For somebody who's sick.
I mean you're gonna need to rest.
You're gonna need to take care of yourself.
What for? I'm still gonna die.
He's right.
He could get hit By a pig truck tomorrow.
And then what? No.
I know the part.
I've been studying it all my life.
And now i'm living it.
Help me do this.
For however far we get Promise me.
Is thisIs this my higher purpose? I don't know.
You have to do this, geoffrey, for me.
For you? Yes.
For me.
acorn media Captioned by the national --Www.
Ncicap.
Org-- call the understudy, I can't go on tonight i'm drinking with my buddy i'm getting good and tight before they raise the curtain i'll be higher than a kite so call the understudy I won't go on tonight tell the bastard crew to break a leg Break a leg.
and roll me out another bloody keg Bloody keg! I need to reach the point that life can bring Life can bring.
and liquor is what will hit the spot the play is not the thing so call the understudy, I think it's only right my picture will be muddy, i'll never find me light before the intermission i'll be pissing on the sprite so call the understudy, I can't go on He can't go on.
I won't go on He shan't go on.
I can't go on tonight Damn right.