Death and the Maiden by Ritasha Nandwani

Act 1 Scene 1

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-15 02:03:03 UTC

Paulina is frightened by the car and beings out a gun as a form of self defence. We hear Gerardo talking to an unknown person. Gerardo has had a flat tire and argues with Paulina about whose responsibility it is to fix the tire. He then talks about the new job he was offered by the president and asks for Paulina permission (we later find out he already accepted it). Paulinas past is referenced and assumed to be one of trauma.

Scene 2

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-19 00:37:59 UTC

Roberto and Gerardo have a discussion in the living room while Paulina listens. We learn Roberto believes in Capital Punishment which is ironic as he is a doctor.

" Im for killing the whole bunch of them" R

Scene 3

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-19 00:38:51 UTC

All in stage direction. Paulina ties Roberto to a chair and gags him with her panties. She takes his keys and drives his car away.

Act 1 Scene 4

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-19 00:42:46 UTC

Paulina has a monologue in which she takes calmly about seemingly normal topics (she implies something deeper -> that they have met before). She has taken a cassette from Roberto's car and explains her trauma with Schuberts music. Gerardo comes in and doesn't believe Paulinas accusations as she has minimal tangible evidence. He accuses her of being crazy and that Roberto is innocent till proven guilty. It is implies that Roberto hurt Paulina in a sexual manner. She ends with saying she would kill Roberto and herself if the police are called.

" The doctor who played Schubert."

" You believe too much in your own powers of persuasion"

Scene 1

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-20 03:22:38 UTC

Paulina starts by talking to Roberto (calmly) about the aftermath of the situation. Gerardo comes back. Roberto explains how he won't forgive Gerardo as a human rights lawyer. P "but in here, for now, I'm in command" Roberto uses to bathroom while Paulina holds a gun to his back.

Paulina and Gerardo talk on the terrace. Gerardo explains how he would have to resign if this gets out as the dictatorship side would use this as evidence against the Commission. Paulina forces Gerardo to recall what happened to her that night and how he promised to give her justice.

Roberto tries to escape. Gerardo believes in the greater good "Imagine what would happen if everyone acted like you did"

Paulina explains how she wanted to rape Roberto but now just wants him to confess so if they try to find her again, she can publish the confession in the newspaper. She ends with "Tell him that if he doesn't confess, I'll kill him"

"If he's innocent. Then he's really screwed."

scene 1

ritashanandwani1_1 — 2024-08-20 03:24:07 UTC