Man Without Purpose

A play by Arne Lygre

English version by May-Brit Akerholt

Agent:
Colombine Teaterforlag
Gffelgrend 1a
11133 Stockholm
46-8411 7085/fax 46-8411 7285
berit.gullberg@colombine.se

CHARACTERS
Peter
Brother
Wife
Daughter
Sister
Property Owner/Assistant
The play employs two narrative perspectives. At certain times, the characters
break out of the dramatic dialogue and use a more distanced third-person
delivery. It is as if the characters now relate to their own selves from an outside
point of view, in a form of narrative retrospect, while they are also able to
communicate with the other characters in a kind of dialogue. This text is
underlined.
Each of the plays three acts have a middle section in which this alternative
narrative perspective dominates. These segments also have a built-in time-leap.
In the first act this is 20 years, in the second act 20 days, and in the third act,
20 minutes.
Ten years pass between the first act and the second act. One week passes
between the second act and the third act.

Act 1
Peter and Brother stand on an empty piece of land by a fjord.
PETER
Here.
I shall build the town here.
BROTHER
Yes.
PETER
Here.
BROTHER
A whole town?
PETER
Dont start!
Ive made up my mind.
I shall build it here. The town.
The foundation stone
Peter walks a little distance away. Looks for another spot.
Or
No.
Peter goes back to the first place.
Here.
Well lay it here. The foundation stone.
BROTHER
Is it that important?
PETER
What?
BROTHER
Where you lay the foundation stone?

PETER
Its important.
The town centre.
The market square that all the main streets branch out from.
BROTHER
A market square, right here?
PETER
A market square, yes. And a wharf stretching along the sea promenade.
Wont that be great?
BROTHER
Well yes.
PETER
Itll be great.
BROTHER
Whos going to live here?
PETER
What?
BROTHER
Whos going to live in this new town?
PETER
I am. We are.
Brother looks surprised at Peter.
BROTHER
Move?
PETER
Of course.
BROTHER
Here?
PETER
Your choice.
Brother doesnt answer. Peter moves a little distance away. They are silent for
a while.

BROTHER
Yes.
PETER
What?
BROTHER
My choice.
PETER
Yes.
BROTHER
It could be a great town.
PETER
It will be.
BROTHER
Here?
PETER
Dont start!
BROTHER
Because we happened to sail into this fjord?
PETER
Or I wouldnt have known about this place.
BROTHER
And your business interests?
PETER
Ill sell. Invest here.
Put everything in one basket.
BROTHER
Sell your shares? In all your companies?
PETER
I need something new.
Something that may not succeed.
Brother doesnt answer. They are silent for a short while.
BROTHER
And what if ...

PETER
What?
BROTHER
If it doesnt succeed?
PETER
Thats the difference.
BROTHER
What?
PETER
Between someone who succeeds and someone like you.
If. If. If.
Theres always a risk.
BROTHER
Sell everything. For this?
PETER
Its a liberating thought.
Peter sits down on a stone. He finds a thermos in a backpack, pours coffee in
two mugs and gives one to Brother. Brother sits down next to him.
BROTHER
Liberating?
PETER
The possibility.
Brother doesnt answer. They drink. Brother starts to laugh, violently. Peter
looks at him. Brother calms down.
BROTHER
Who would want to live there?
PETER
Thousands.
Brother laughs uncertainly.
BROTHER
Thousands?
PETER
The fastest growing town in the country.

BROTHER
Who?
PETER
Anybody.
If we give them a roof over their heads. Cheap flats they own themselves.
Across the whole ridge.
Thousands. Workers for the factories well build and for the shops thatll shoot
up in the malls. Well put the premises at peoples disposal.
Brother doesnt answer. They sit in silence for a moment, drinking coffee.
Its liberating.
The possibility.
BROTHER
It is exhausting.
PETER
Exhausting?
Brother doesnt answer immediately. Peter looks at him.
Exhausting?
BROTHER
They are. The plans.
Peter doesnt answer. He turns away.
And its a strain.
As well.
PETER
How different we are.
Sometimes I wonder what use you are.
Peter contemplates Brother.
Sometimes I wonder whether
Peter interrupts himself.
BROTHER
What?

PETER
Whether you hold me back.
Despite being conscious of it. Trying not to let myself be influenced by you.
Sometimes I wonder if it doesn't take a hold all the same.
Your resistance.
They are silent for a while. Peter looks at Brother.
What use is it to me?
Brother hesitates for a moment.
BROTHER
Your decision.
PETER
Yes.
My decision.
Peter looks at Brother.
What use is a brother whos not in my best interest?
BROTHER
I am in your best interest.
PETER
But. But. But.
BROTHER
What?
PETER
Thats what I dont like about you.
Brother doesnt answer. They sit in silence for a while.
BROTHER
Otherwise I wouldnt have been here.
PETER
What?

BROTHER
You dont go anywhere, you dont do anything, without asking me to come with
you.
You wouldnt have done that if I wasnt good for you.
Peter tidies away mugs and thermos flask. He stands up.
PETER
Good, maybe. But not optimal.
You should be able to demand that from those who call themselves family.
Property Owner appears. He approaches Peter and Brother. He doesnt say
anything at first, just gazes at them. He gestures towards the fjord.
PROPERTY OWNER
Nice vessel.
PETER
Thanks.
PROPERTY OWNER
Yours?
PETER
Mine.
PROPERTY OWNER
I saw her gliding into the fjord last night.
PETER
You were awake?
PROPERTY OWNER
I woke up.
PETER
I gave an order to muffle the engine.
PROPERTY OWNER
Weve never had such a large boat in here.
PETER
The Captain was worried about sunken reefs, but the maps indicated it would
be alright.

10

PROPERTY OWNER
Its alright. The fjord goes deep all of a sudden.
Weve just never had boats in here large enough to pose a problem.
It was beautiful.
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
To watch.
PETER
She rides well in the water.
PROPERTY OWNER
Almost not quite real.
Thats what I thought as I watched her glide in. Here. My place. The lights from
the boat against the outline of the dark mountains behind it. The waves
breaking over the glassy surface of the fjord.
Almost not quite real, I thought as I watched.
Peter doesnt answer. They are silent for a while.
What do you want?
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
Why are you anchoring here?
PETER
Its nice here.
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes.
They are silent for a moment.
What do you want?
PETER
Just having a look around.
PROPERTY OWNER
This is my land. This.

11

PETER
A short stopover isnt going to be a problem?
Property Owner doesnt answer. Peter holds the thermos up to him.
Coffee?
PROPERTY OWNER
No. Thanks.
PETER
Your place?
PROPERTY OWNER
What?
PETER
You said the boat was gliding into your place. The fjord.
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes?
PETER
Your fjord?
PROPERTY OWNER
The east side of the fjord. From the river to the headland out there.
PETER
Yours. All of it?
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes. Mine.
PETER
And the west side?
PROPERTY OWNER
Belongs to someone who calls himself my brother.
PETER
Calls himself your brother?
PROPERTY OWNER
We dont keep in touch.
PETER
Argument?

12

PROPERTY OWNER
It was mine! All of it.
The first-born, they said. Thats what the law said. It didnt mention anything
about sharing with a brother whos half an hour younger.
PETER
But they did?
PROPERTY OWNER
He took it to court. Claimed half-hours didnt count in such a context.
It shouldve been mine! All of it!
Peter doesnt answer. He holds up the thermos to Property Owner again.
PETER
Coffee?
PROPERTY OWNER
Half a cup.
Thanks.
Peter pours coffee for him, and fills his own and Brothers cups. They all drink.
PETER
Its beautiful.
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes.
PETER
Pity.
PROPERTY OWNER
What?
PETER
To lose half of something like this.
PROPERTY OWNER
I hate him.
PETER
Whats the prize of the rest?
PROPERTY OWNER
What?

13

PETER
What youve got left. Whats the prize?
Property Owner hesitates
PROPERTY OWNER
My life.
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
Id have nothing left.
Peter doesnt answer immediately.
PETER
Money.
PROPERTY OWNER
What?
PETER
Youd have money.
PROPERTY OWNER
Not enough.
PETER
I want to buy.
Property Owner laughs. He looks at Peter in silence for a while.
PROPERTY OWNER
Its not for sale.
PETER
Find a place where you can sit undisturbed.
Down on the shore, perhaps.
Think of a sum you couldnt imagine your farm would be worth in your wildest
dreams.
Picture what you can do for that kind of money.
The opportunities it offers.
PROPERTY OWNER
Its not for sale.

14

PETER
Then multiply the sum by two.
PROPERTY OWNER
What?
PETER
Thats what Im prepared to pay.
Your wildest dreams.
Twice.
Property Owner shouts.
PROPERTY OWNER
Its not for sale!
Peter waves Brother over to him. He whispers something to him. Property
Owner looks suspiciously at them. Brother moves towards Property Owner, and
suddenly he attacks him. Property Owner fights back. Peter hurries over. They
finally manage to push him down to the ground and keep him still. Brother
forces himself to whisper something to Property Owner. Property Owner
suddenly calms down and remains still. He looks at Brother, then at Peter,
searchingly. They let go of him and stand up. Property Owner sits up. He sits in
silence and looks out over the landscape.
PROPERTY OWNER
Sold.
PETER
Bought.
They are silent for a while. Property Owner smiles.
PROPERTY OWNER
Im rich.
PETER
Yes.
PROPERTY OWNER
Im rich!
Peter laughs. Property Owner speaks in a low voice, to himself.
Rich.

15

PETER
You're one of us now.
Brother walks towards Peter. Property Owner looks at him.
PROPERTY OWNER
Are you rich?
Brother doesnt answer.
PETER
Hes my brother.
PROPERTY OWNER
Is he rich?
PETER
He will be. One day. If I pass away first.
Property Owner turns to Brother again.
PROPERTY OWNER
What are you going to do then?
BROTHER
I dont know.
PETER
Its a long way away.
PROPERTY OWNER
I dont know.
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
What Im going to do now.
PETER
You dont have to do anything.
You can just sit there and think about all the things youre able to buy.
PROPERTY OWNER
All the things hes able to do.
PETER
Travel, perhaps?

16

PROPERTY OWNER
Travel?
PETER
Wherever youve always dreamed of going.
PROPERTY OWNER
Sometimes he would dream.
PETER
He never dreamed.
BROTHER
Peter acted.
PROPERTY OWNER
Sometimes he dreamed about having someone there.
PETER
Another one who never dreamed about anything but love.
Thats why there was so much scope for people like him.
Who never thought about anything but how to create.
PROPERTY OWNER
Or two. Sometimes he dreamed about having two.
PETER
Two women?
PROPERTY OWNER
Kneeling in front of him. Pleading.
I love your cock. Give it to me.
Fuck my mouth.
Two women. Beside themselves with desire.
PETER
An amusing dream.
PROPERTY OWNER
There was nothing he thought about as often as that.
PETER
That could be arranged.
PROPERTY OWNER
The desire as well?

17

PETER
As much desire as he demanded.
PROPERTY OWNER
Whores?
PETER
Or other women.
It could be arranged.
Property Owner doesnt answer immediately. He thinks for a moment.
PROPERTY OWNER
It wouldnt be the same.
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
The fantasy.
It wouldnt be the same if it was demanded.
PETER
Youre a man of power.
Property Owner doesnt answer. They are silent for a while.
PROPERTY OWNER
What do you want with it?
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
The farm. The property.
If you're a man who can buy whatever you dream of, what do you want with my
farm? My property?
PETER
Mine. Now.
PROPERTY OWNER
What do you want with it?
PETER
Raze it to the ground.

18

PROPERTY OWNER
What?
PETER
First raze it. Then rebuild.
PROPERTY OWNER
A new farm?
PETER
A new town.
Property Owner starts to laugh. After a while he stops and looks at Peter, as if
he suddenly realises that he is serious.
PROPERTY OWNER
Houses? Streets? Shops?
PETER
Everything.
PROPERTY OWNER
Here?
PETER
Yes.
PROPERTY OWNER
Who for?
PETER
For everyone who wants to live in the cheap housing were going to build.
PROPERTY OWNER
Thats my dream.
PETER
What?
PROPERTY OWNER
To live here.
PETER
Mine too.
PROPERTY OWNER
High up on the mountainside, maybe. With a view over the town.

19

PETER
Maybe.
PROPERTY OWNER
Ill buy one of the sites up there.
PETER
Im not selling pieces of land.
PROPERTY OWNER
Youre not selling?
PETER
The town must be carefully planned. Designed.
I wont be dividing up the land before everythings ready.
PROPERTY OWNER
I know every square metre.
PETER
You can help.
PROPERTY OWNER
Can I?
PETER
I like you.
PROPERTY OWNER
Thanks.
PETER
Assistant, perhaps?
PROPERTY OWNER
Assistant?
Brother moves closer.
BROTHER
Assistant?
Peter looks at Brother.
PETER
Not in the way you are.
BROTHER
But why?

20

PETER
Its his dream.
Brother looks at Property Owner.
BROTHER
You can travel.
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes.
BROTHER
Around the world.
You can find a place you never want to leave.
PROPERTY OWNER
Or stay here.
PETER
Stay here. Invest, perhaps.
PROPERTY OWNER
Invest?
PETER
The town needs investors. People with visions.
Are you one of those?
PROPERTY OWNER
I know every square metre.
PETER
You're a man of vision. I saw that at once.
PROPERTY OWNER
Assistant. Investor.
PETER
Youre going to invest?
PROPERTY OWNER
Yes.
PETER
Yes!

21

PROPERTY OWNER
His town. A little bit his, as well.
PETER
Were going out to the boat now.
Do you want to come?
BROTHER
Hes got a farm to look after.
Peter ignores Brother, keeps talking to Property Owner.
PETER
Do you want to come?
PROPERTY OWNER
One of those who became involved. From the beginning.
Before anyone could quite imagine what it would be like.
Thats what he was most proud of.
Later.
BROTHER
Twenty years later.
PROPERTY OWNER/ ASSISTANT
When they were down at the wharf late one night. The night of the anniversary.
After the big celebration in the market place.
Assistant, Brother and Peter sit down on the edge of the wharf.
The streets were almost empty of people.
Assistant takes a champagne bottle from Peters backpack. He opens it, and
they pass the bottle between them.
PETER
He had dreaded it. As well.
So many things could have gone wrong.
BROTHER
All through spring they built up expectations about the twentieth anniversary.
ASSISTANT
People planned the summer and their holiday weeks around that day. That
week. No one wanted to miss out on what was going to happen.
BROTHER
Or not happen.

22

PETER
So many things couldve gone wrong.
They drink. Peter is deep in thought. Suddenly he smiles at them.
But they didnt.
Everything worked out.
Peter drinks again, smiles, and shouts.
Everything worked out!
Assistant laughs. Peter hands him the bottle, but Assistant pushes it back to
him. Peter takes another sip. He looks out across the fjord. They are silent for
a long time.
The speech too?
The other two dont answer. Peter turns to Brother.
My speech went well?
BROTHER
Yes.
PETER
Yes.
They are silent for a moment.
Yes?
BROTHER
It was fine.
PETER
Ive never enjoyed public speaking.
BROTHER
It was okay.
Peter turns to Assistant.
PETER
My speech went well?
ASSISTANT
Yes.

23

PETER
Ive never enjoyed it.
ASSISTANT
Youve improved.
They are silent for a while. Peter takes another sip. He passes the bottle to
the other two. They drink. Wife comes out on the wharf. The others look at
her but dont speak. She sits down with them.
PETER
They didnt believe him when he first told them about her.
BROTHER
A wife Peter has never mentioned?
PETER
Ex-wife.
ASSISTANT
An ex-wife Peter has never mentioned?
BROTHER
When?
WIFE
They had a few years together during the time Peter and Brother had no
contact.
PETER
And
BROTHER
What?
PETER
She came to the town for the anniversary.
BROTHER
An ex-wife hed been out of touch with.
And all of a sudden, contact.
A visit.
PETER
It was more important than he had first thought to have them there, those who
meant something to him. A day like that.

24

BROTHER
Did she mean something?
PETER
She came. He was glad she did.
WIFE
She shouldve come earlier.
PETER
They didnt talk about what had passed.
WIFE
They talked about the town.
For instance.
Beautiful. Modern. Witty.
BROTHER
Witty?
WIFE
All the buildings in the same colour.
PETER
Did she like it? The colour?
WIFE
Red was her favourite colour.
Brother laughs. He looks at Wife.
BROTHER
A red town?
Wife doesnt answer. Peter is lost in his own thoughts.
PETER
Perhaps? The new block?
As an apropos to the rest.
ASSISTANT
And they agreed that everything should be in the same shade of colour?
PETER
Perhaps. Still.
A red block?

25

BROTHER
Well, they agreed!
PETER
He changed his mind.
The others dont answer. They all sit in silence for a while.
WIFE
I couldnt sleep.
PETER
I dont want to sleep.
WIFE
I could hear that.
PETER
You could hear it?
WIFE
My hotel window was open.
I could hear your screams.
PETER
Im glad.
BROTHER
Were glad.
ASSISTANT
The celebration couldnt have been more successful.
Assistant offers the bottle to Wife. She drinks, and passes it to the others.
WIFE
Good.
PETER
What?
WIFE
That youre glad.
PETER
Everything worked out.
They sit in silence for a while. Wife lies down on her back and looks up at the
sky.

26

WIFE
I could live here.
PETER
You could?
WIFE
I like it here.
Peter lie down on his back too. They are silent for a moment.
PETER
With me?
WIFE
What?
PETER
Live with me?
WIFE
No.
PETER
No.
WIFE
It wouldnt work. Weve tried it.
Peter doesnt reply immediately.
PETER
When we were young.
WIFE
Yes?
PETER
We tried it when we were young.
Not now.
WIFE
It wouldnt work.
PETER
No.
You can have your own house. One of the new sites up on the ridge.

27

WIFE
Or
PETER
What?
WIFE
A flat in the town centre?
PETER
Youd rather that?
WIFE
I like it here.
PETER
A flat in the town centre, then.
They are silent for a short while.
BROTHER
The bottles empty.
Brother puts the bottle down. Peter sits up. He hesitates. Brother and
Assistant look at him.
ASSISTANT
What is it?
BROTHER
Peter?
PETER
Leave.
ASSISTANT
What?
PETER
The partys over.
Brother and Assistant hesitate. Wife raises herself on her elbows, looks at
them. Brother and Assistant stand up and leave the wharf. Wife sits up. They
are silent for a long time.
WIFE
Im here.

28

PETER
Im glad you are.
Wife doesnt answer immediately.
WIFE
Me too.
Peter looks at Wife.
PETER
You didnt want to at first?
WIFE
I
PETER
What?
WIFE
The offer surprised me.
PETER
Ive thought about it.
Often.
WIFE
Have you?
PETER
Yes.
WIFE
What do you want with an ex-wife?
PETER
What do I want without having you?
Wife doesnt answer. They are silent for a while.
WIFE
What is it?
PETER
Its over.
WIFE
Yes. Everything worked out.

29

Peter doesnt answer. They are silent for a moment.

PETER
Ill disappear.

30

ACT 2
Ten years later. Peter stands at the window in a room at the hospital.
He looks out across the town below him. Wife sits at a small distance.
PETER
Im glad I built the hospital up here.
The best location.
With a view across the town and the fjord.
WIFE
Its beautiful.
PETER
Several of my consultants thought we should put up a more prominent building
here. Build the town around it.
But I thought
The hospital.
In difficult times. Beautiful surroundings wont hurt then.
Peter is silent. Wife watches him.
WIFE
Are you scared?
PETER
Yes.
WIFE
Im here.
Peter looks at Wife.
PETER
It doesnt help.
WIFE
Would you like to be alone?
PETER
Yes.
Wife stands up. She is on her way out of the room.
No!

31
No. Dont go.
Wife hesitates. Peter is turned away from her. She comes closer and puts a
hand on his back. They stand like that, silent, for a long while.
Sometimes I regret that we got a divorce.
WIFE
Me too.
PETER
It wouldve been different if you were here now as my wife.
WIFE
Yes.
PETER
But we have our friendship.
WIFE
We do.
PETER
Im no longer your husband, but
Peter looks encouragingly at Wife. She hesitates, before she continues.
WIFE
Youre no longer my husband, but I
Theres no one I think of with the same unconditional good wishes.
PETER
I love you.
WIFE
I loved you too.
PETER
I deserved that.
WIFE
Yes.
PETER
I wasnt always just yours.
WIFE
No.

32

PETER
That was the worst?
WIFE
It was hurtful.
PETER
Of everything about me, about us, what would you rather have done without?
WIFE
The fact I had so little money in comparison to you that mine became
worthless.
PETER
But you had my money.
WIFE
Yes, I suppose I did. But.
PETER
Thats what I didnt like.
WIFE
What?
PETER
But. But. But.
I could put in an eighteen-hour day, sit in meetings half the night, travel to
Berlin one day and London the next, I never got tired.
Not from that.
Wife doesnt answer. They are silent.
WIFE
Perhaps it wouldve been different if wed had a child.
PETER
No.
WIFE
You dont think so?
PETER
Wed still have had different wishes and desires. Then.
WIFE
Lets not talk about that now.

33

PETER
If were going to talk about it, it has to be now.
WIFE
Its not important.
They are silent for a while.
PETER
I have a child.
WIFE
What?
PETER
A daughter.
Wife looks disbelievingly at Peter.
I havent met her yet.
WIFE
How old is she?
PETER
It was after your time. Not long after, but after.
Brother enters the room. Peter and Wife look at him for a moment before they
turn to each other again.
WIFE
Why havent you said anything?
PETER
I haven't met her yet.
Wife raises her voice.
WIFE
Why havent you said anything!
BROTHER
Peter needs to rest.
PETER
Let her scream. It wont last long.

34

WIFE
It may not last long.
But only because Ive no choice.
I wont forget.
BROTHER
Whats wrong?
WIFE
He has a daughter.
BROTHER
Yes.
WIFE
Yes?
BROTHER
Were expecting her today.
Wife looks at Brother, before she turns and stares at Peter for a long time.
WIFE
Why am I here?
PETER
I need you.
WIFE
Why am I here when you dont tell me anything anyway?
PETER
I didnt know myself.
WIFE
What?
PETER
It only just happened.
WIFE
She contacted you?
Peter doesnt answer. Brother looks at Wife.

35

BROTHER
This is not why we sent for you, so you could poison the atmosphere. My
brothers tired. He needs to rest.
Brother goes to Peter.
Lie down for a while.
Peter nods slowly, as if in his own thoughts. Brother walks over to the bed,
pulls the duvet aside. Peter follows. He sits down on the bed.
Well wait outside.
Peter doesnt answer. He is lost in his own thoughts for a long time. Brother
hesitates.
PETER
No.
BROTHER
What?
PETER
I wont lie down.
BROTHER
You need to rest.
PETER
It wont make me better.
I
BROTHER
Itll make you stronger.
PETER
I wont get better.
BROTHER
Dont say that.
Peter starts to strip the bed clothes off the bed. He throws them into a corner.
PETER
I refuse to be bed-ridden.
Everyone is silent for a while. Peter screams violently.

36

Where is she!
WIFE
When was she supposed to come?
BROTHER
Now.
PETER
I told her to be on time.
I wasnt prepared to wait!
Peter calms down. The other two are silent.
Shell be here soon.
Peter turns to Wife. He looks at her for a while.
You can leave.
WIFE
What?
PETER
I dont need you any longer.
WIFE
Im not leaving.
PETER
Leave!
WIFE
How many times have you asked me to leave?
PETER
Not enough times. Youre still here.
WIFE
For every time it happens, less and less time passes from when you ask me to
leave till you implore me to come back again.
The last few times I havent even managed to get out of the hospital.
Thats why Im still here.
PETER
Theres nothing more to for you to collect here. You wont get any more than
youve already got.

37

WIFE
Im not here to collect anything.
Im here so you can have the people you have around you.
I can see now that there are more than I first thought, but still. A wife, a
brother and a new daughter are no more than you should have. You cant spare
me.
PETER
Ex-wife.
WIFE
Ive still got your ring.
PETER
Who are you?
WIFE
What?
PETER
Behind this wife whos supposed to be mine? Who are you, indeed?
What do you think about? Who do you talk to?
What do you live for?
Besides my money, that is.
I dont know you.
WIFE
When did you become cruel?
PETER
Cruel?
WIFE
Youve never behaved like this before. You shouldnt start now, just before its
all over.
Peter starts to cry. After a while Brother goes to him. Peter screams.
PETER
Leave me alone!
Brother turns away. Shortly afterwards Daughter enters the room. Brother and
Wife look at her, but dont say anything. Peter doesnt notice her. Daughter
goes to him and puts an arm around his shoulder. Peter screams.

38

Leave me alone!
Peter sees Daughter. He calms down.
Who are you?
DAUGHTER
Your daughter?
You asked me to come.
PETER
Yes. Similar.
DAUGHTER
Similar?
PETER
To how Ive imagined you.
Peter sits and stares at Daughter. She hesitates after a while, looks at Wife and
Brother, but turns back to Peter again.
DAUGHTER
The town is nice.
PETER
Thank you.
DAUGHTER
Different when you see it with your own eyes.
PETER
You havent been here before?
DAUGHTER
No. Just seen shots of it on television.
PETER
Its been cleaned up.
DAUGHTER
The town?
PETER
For the thirtieth anniversary.
DAUGHTER
Is it that old already?

39

PETER
Thats not old. Not really. Not for a town.
DAUGHTER
I just meant that
PETER
Lets not talk about the town. I havent talked about anything else since I
founded it.
DAUGHTER
You?
PETER
Yes, I. And those in my circle who invested their billions.
Didnt you know that?
DAUGHTER
I knew you were part of it.
PETER
It was my idea. My project.
A new town.
My town!
If only we could manage to buy the two farms down by the fjord.
We did.
No one can say no to so much money.
The local council gave their permission.
No one can say no to the potential for so much growth.
DAUGHTER
Its a lovely town.
Peter doesn't answer. They are silent for a little while.
PETER
Youre glad
Peter looks encouragingly at Daughter. At first she doesnt understand what he
wants, but after a while she continues.
DAUGHTER
Im glad you made contact.

40

PETER
I often thought about it.
DAUGHTER
But?
PETER
I couldnt find you.
They are silent for a little while. Peter looks at Daughter.
DAUGHTER
How are you?
PETER
Im not
Peter cannot continue.
DAUGHTER
What?
Peter doesnt answer. He turns to Brother. Brother goes to Daughter, whispers
something to her. Daughter looks at Peter with alarm.
My condolences.
I mean
Not condolences, but
How sad.
Peter cannot answer. He nods carefully.
I didnt know.
PETER
I didnt want to say anything on the phone.
DAUGHTER
Thats why it was urgent.
PETER
Yes.
DAUGHTER
Im here now.

41

PETER
How sad?
DAUGHTER
What?
PETER
How sad, you said.
DAUGHTER
Yes, when that man said
PETER
My brother. Your uncle.
DAUGHTER
When he said that you
PETER
Just sad?
Daughter doesnt answer immediately.
DAUGHTER
I dont know you.
PETER
No.
DAUGHTER
Are you scared?
PETER
Yes.
BROTHER
Dont pester him with that.
PETER
Yes.
BROTHER
What?
PETER
Pester me!
BROTHER
Peter

42

PETER
I got her to come here! I got all of you to come here!
Pester me!
I cant bear this! This phase!
Waiting. Waiting.
DAUGHTER
Were here.
PETER
It doesnt help. Pester me!
Wife suddenly hurries over to Peter and slaps his cheek, hard.
WIFE
Pull yourself together!
Peter looks at Wife, alarmed. She lifts her hand to slap him again, but Brother
grabs her and pushes her away.
Youre going to die! It happens all the time!
People die. Children are born.
We cant turn everything upside down, just because this time its about you.
Pull yourself together!
BROTHER
Shut up!
WIFE
Someone has to tell him.
BROTHER
Not another word!
Wife calms down. Daughter suddenly starts to cry. Peter looks at her,
surprised. She comes closer and leans against his chest. At first he hesitates,
but soon he starts to stroke her back.
PETER
Ive tried.
BROTHER
What?
PETER
To pull myself together.

43

BROTHER
She didnt mean it like that.
PETER
I cant.
Its as if the fear I felt the first time I learnt what I could expect
Peter cannot continue.
WIFE
What?
PETER
As if it turns itself up another notch for every new day Im given.
They are all silent now. Daughter suddenly breaks off her crying.
DAUGHTER
No. I cant stand here like this.
Daughter moves away.
I dont know you.
PETER
Perhaps we can get to know each other?
DAUGHTER
Perhaps its too late?
PETER
Time isnt always that important.
Either you get to know each other quickly, or you dont get to know each other
at all. Thats my experience.
DAUGHTER
Maybe.
PETER
If we send the others out for a while?
DAUGHTER
No.
PETER
What?

44

DAUGHTER
They can stay.
Long embarrassing silences are worse.
Peter laughs. Daughter smiles tentatively.
PETER
Well I asked for
Peter breaks off. He looks at Daughter.
I thought you were talkative.
DAUGHTER
Occasionally.
Daughter turns and looks at Brother and Wife. They come closer. Daughter
holds out her hand to Wife. They shake hands.
WIFE
Wife.
DAUGHTER
Daughter.
Daughter smiles and nods to Brother. He nods stiffly back.
WIFE
Do you live in the capital?
DAUGHTER
Yes.
WIFE
With your mother?
PETER
Stop it!
WIFE
What?
PETER
Dont keep harping on the past.
WIFE
I just wanted to

45

PETER
I know what you wanted!
DAUGHTER
What?
PETER
Shes jealous.
WIFE
Im not jealous. Im uninformed.
Until today.
DAUGHTER
Were you together when I
PETER
No. Before.
DAUGHTER
Before me?
PETER
Yes.
DAUGHTER
And now, once more?
PETER
No.
DAUGHTER
Wife, she said?
PETER
Ex-wife.
WIFE
Ive still got your ring.
BROTHER
You have his ring. I had all the years before you arrived.
Stop going on about it.
DAUGHTER
What do I have?

46

PETER
The same as I have.
A few days.
Peter looks at Daughter. She looks at him with alarm. Peter laughs. First
violently, then increasingly hysterically. After a while Brother goes to him and
puts his arm around his shoulder. Peter calms down.
Im not old.
The others remain silent.
Why me?
Brother is about to put his arm around his shoulder again. Peter hits out at
him.
Stop it!
BROTHER
Why dont you lie down.
PETER
Stop it! Do you hear!
BROTHER
Youre not yourself.
Peter attacks Brother. He pushes him away and thrusts him up against the wall,
gripping the neck of his shirt.
PETER
Dont tell me what to do!
You hear!
Brother doesnt answer. Peter lets go of him.
Dont tell me anything!
You cant come up with anything I havent already thought about myself!
Wife is suddenly on her way out the door. Peter screams violently.
Dont leave!
Wife hesitates, turns to Peter briefly, but continues on her way out. Peter runs
over to her and stands in her way. Silently, they stand like that for a moment.

47

PETER
I hate you.
WIFE
What?
PETER
I hate you!
WIFE
What do you hate?
PETER
Everything.
Everything about you.
I couldve had anyone I wanted. Yet its your face I see every single day.
WIFE
Its not my face you hate.
PETER
Yes. That too.
WIFE
The only thing you hate about me is that I can walk out that door, down the
stairs, out into the street. That I can call anyone I like. Meet anyone I like. Make
plans.
Thats what you hate. That Im someone who can make plans.
That my life still has purpose.
PETER
Youre not leaving.
WIFE
Im not leaving. But I can.
They stand in silence. After a while Peter speaks in a low voice.
PETER
Why me?
WIFE
I dont know.
PETER
Ive never done anyone any harm. The opposite.

48

WIFE
I dont believe that means anything. Good and evil deeds.
The good deeds made your days better. Made you better.
But that doesn't mean anything now.
PETER
Stay.
WIFE
Im staying.
Peter leaves Wife. He turns to Daughter.
PETER
Dont leave.
DAUGHTER
No.
Peter sits down next to Daughter.
PETER
Are you scared?
DAUGHTER
What?
PETER
Of dying?
DAUGHTER
I dont think about it.
PETER
I thought about it. When I was your age.
Ive always thought about it.
This is just the continuation.
The last phase.
DAUGHTER
Perhaps a little.
PETER
What?
DAUGHTER
Seeing you like this. Perhaps that makes me a little scared.

49

PETER
Good.
DAUGHTER
What?
PETER
I want you scared.
Peter stares at Daughter. Finally she turns away. Peter turns to the other two.
I want you scared. I want all of you scared!
Mutual fear is more bearable.
Wife moves towards Peter. She stands and looks at him in silence.
WIFE
Cruel.
PETER
What?
WIFE
What you did now.
Cruel.
You shouldnt start now.
PETER
Perhaps he had crossed that boundary?
WIFE
I dont recognise you.
PETER
Perhaps he now was like that.
DAUGHTER
I dont know you.
BROTHER
He knew him.
PETER
A gradual transition. Something he couldnt fight against.
BROTHER
It was the illness.

50

PETER
One deed. Two deeds.
WIFE
Cruelty.
PETER
And gradually. As if it no longer cost him anything.
WIFE
As if it no longer was worth staying.
DAUGHTER
She shouldnt have come.
BROTHER
Peter was not himself.
WIFE
Utter cruelty.
DAUGHTER
Who was he?
PETER
And he remember other things. Other methods. Habits hed picked up.
Generosity, for instance.
BROTHER
Peter was generous.
WIFE
Thats how it all started.
DAUGHTER
How generous?
PETER
A gift. Two gifts. Three. Four. Five.
It became a habit.
BROTHER
A kind of habit.
PETER
Habits dont change all of a sudden.
WIFE
Not without a strong wake-up signal, he said.

51

BROTHER
Something that made him understand this couldnt continue.
DAUGHTER
Not continue the generosity?
WIFE
The cruelty. They were talking about the cruelty now.
BROTHER
The generosity was just for the sake of comparison.
DAUGHTER
They compared generosity and cruelty?
BROTHER
They talked about habits.
And what it took to break them.
PETER
What could that be?
DAUGHTER
Her, maybe. His daughter?
Peter looks at Daughter.
PETER
It could be her.
DAUGHTER
Wasnt that why he asked her to come?
PETER
Was that why?
DAUGHTER
He never said it.
PETER
He never said anything.
BROTHER
They understood him nevertheless.
PETER
He never got to say anything!

52

WIFE
Peter was a man you understood.
DAUGHTER
She didnt understand. Not really.
Peter sits down on the floor. The others look at him. No one says anything for a
long time.
WIFE
She was the one who first noticed.
DAUGHTER
That he laid down?
BROTHER
He didnt lay down. He sat down.
WIFE
There was something about the way he did it.
BROTHER
The silence?
WIFE
He was rarely silent.
BROTHER
And that he didnt look at them.
WIFE
That too.
BROTHER
As if they suddenly werent important to him anymore.
WIFE
Thats how it was. As if they werent important to him.
DAUGHTER
And twenty days later.
WIFE
When he died.
BROTHER
Did he die?
Brother looks at Peter. Peter sits and stares into the air.

53

WIFE
He wasnt breathing.
DAUGHTER
His head fell to the side. A small movement, that was all.
As if hed found a new point to focus his eyes on.
That was all.
BROTHER
Peter dead.
Brother lowers his head. For a moment it looks as if he will cry, but he
manages not to. Wife moves closer to him and puts a hand on his back. They
stand like that in silence.
DAUGHTER
Nothing to be scared of.
BROTHER
What?
DAUGHTER
A small movement with the head, that was all.
Just before it was over.
Brother stares at Daughter.
BROTHER
Leave!
DAUGHTER
What?
BROTHER
Just leave!
DAUGHTER
No.
Brother fetches two envelopes. He gives one to Daughter and the other to
Wife. Daughter opens it, looks inside.
BROTHER
Theres nothing more to collect here.
Daughter doesnt answer.
Leave!

54

DAUGHTER
He asked me to stay for a while.
Not to leave as soon as it was over.
WIFE
Its over.
PETER
Nothing to be scared of.
DAUGHTER
Nothing to play anymore, he said.
Still, stay for a while.
Daughter takes off the red-haired wig she is wearing.
WIFE
Did he ask you to come as a red-head?
DAUGHTER
No. Long hair, that was all he said. The red was the only long-haired wig I could
lay my hands on in a hurry.
WIFE
You were in a hurry?
DAUGHTER
He called the day before I came here. I had to turn right around.
WIFE
And you did?
DAUGHTER
Yes. This is the best job Ive ever had.
BROTHER
Dont talk like that!
DAUGHTER
Job?
Brother screams violently.
BROTHER
Stop it!
They are silent for a long time.

55

WIFE
I met him in a park.
DAUGHTER
By accident?
WIFE
He was so sweet. Shy.
DAUGHTER
Peter?
WIFE
Why hadnt someone grabbed him already?
DAUGHTER
What?
WIFE
I couldnt get that thought out of my head all through dinner.
DAUGHTER
You went for a meal?
WIFE
Yes.
Every moment I expected him to stand up and leave. Disappear. As if he was too
good to be real.
DAUGHTER
But he stayed?
WIFE
He wanted me.
Me.
BROTHER
I never understood why.
Wife looks at Brother. She is about to say something, but stops herself.
WIFE
Me neither.
BROTHER
What?

56

WIFE
An ex-wife. I didnt understand why he wanted that.
DAUGHTER
How long had you been married?
WIFE
I cant remember. He told me, but its gone now.
BROTHER
Eight years.
WIFE
That long?
BROTHER
Eight years of marriage. Then sixteen years without any contact before you met
again. By accident.
WIFE
In the park?
BROTHER
But you know that?
WIFE
I get the numbers mixed up. Eight and sixteen and
DAUGHTER
And what?
WIFE
And the time that has passed since I met him.
BROTHER
Ten.
WIFE
Is it that long?
DAUGHTER
Years?
Wife doesnt answer.
Have you played his ex-wife for ten years?
BROTHER
Stop it!

57

DAUGHTER
What?
BROTHER
Dont talk like that. Peters just died.
DAUGHTER
Im sorry.
BROTHER
It doesnt affect you?
DAUGHTER
I didnt know him very well.
BROTHER
I never understood what he wanted with you.
Brother turns to Wife.
With you both.
WIFE
Im hurting too now.
Peters gone.
But its not as if we didnt know it was going to happen.
Weve been waiting. Waiting.
BROTHER
What would youve been today without him?
Wife doesnt answer. Brother raises his voice.
What would you have been?
WIFE
Something different.
Brother laughs.
BROTHER
Something quite different. Yes.
WIFE
What do you mean?
BROTHER
What?

58

WIFE
You said, something quite different. Negatively.
BROTHER
Dont talk to me as if I didnt know what you were doing when Peter found you.
WIFE
Dont talk to me as if you know the choices I wouldve made later, if I hadnt
met him.
DAUGHTER
When did he find you?
Brother screams at Daughter.
BROTHER
Stop it! Dont talk about it as if it was a job!
Peters dead!
Wife screams at Brother.
WIFE
Hes dead! Its over!
Dont tell us how to deal with it.
Brother looks at Wife. He is about to scream back at her, but stops himself.
After a while he answers in a low voice.
BROTHER
Were grieving.
Wife and Daughter dont answer. Theyre all silent for a long time.
PETER
It was over.
Or he was over.
The others continued.
Peter moves to the bed and lies down. Brother goes and closes his eyes. Wife
covers his body with the sheet. They stand silently beside the bed for a while.
WIFE
Ill get the doctor.
BROTHER
No. Wait.

59

WIFE
What?
BROTHER
Wait a little.
They stand silently. After a while Wife takes off her ring. She puts it on Peters
body.
WIFE
He insisted that I wear that ring.
DAUGHTER
Was that all he demanded?
Wife hesitates.
WIFE
No.
DAUGHTER
What else?
WIFE
I dont remember.
Daughter looks at her envelope, holds it up to the Wife.
DAUGHTER
One of these every day. For ten years?
WIFE
The days I was here. Yes.
DAUGHTER
And that was often?
WIFE
It varied. I could wait for him to call me for long periods of time.
BROTHER
For long periods of time he couldnt stand the thought of you.
WIFE
I know.
Daughter turns to Brother.

60

DAUGHTER
Have you been here as long as Wife?
BROTHER
Longer. Since we were young.
DAUGHTER
Since you were both young?
BROTHER
Ive been there for him. Yes.
I just never understood why he needed you.
Daughter holds the envelope up to Brother.
DAUGHTER
One of these every day. Since you were both young?
BROTHER
The envelopes were for you. I didnt need them to be with him.
Wife stares at Brother for a long time.
WIFE
Brother didnt need envelopes, no.
BROTHER
Stop it.
WIFE
And do you know why?
DAUGHTER
Why?
WIFE
Brother is the sole heir.
BROTHER
Stop it!
WIFE
He gets everything.
Brother screams.
BROTHER
The man isnt cold yet!

61

They are all silent for a short while.

DAUGHTER
Im sorry.
Brother screams.
BROTHER
Leave!
DAUGHTER
He asked me
Brother screams violently.
BROTHER
Just leave!
DAUGHTER
Im leaving.
Daughter is on her way out of the room. She stops for a moment and turns to
Brother again.
DAUGHTER
My condolences.
Daughter leaves. Brother doesnt watch her go. Instead he picks up the ring
from Peters body. He looks at it for a moment before he throws it into the
room. Wife does nothing. Brother puts his hand on Peters forehead.
BROTHER
Hes not cold yet.
WIFE
It doesnt happen that quickly.
BROTHER
It happened quickly.
WIFE
I mean
BROTHER
I know what you mean. Im not interested.
WIFE
I dont like you.

62

BROTHER
Fine.
WIFE
Peter didnt like you.
Brother is about to answer, but hesitates. Hurt.
BROTHER
Not always. No.
WIFE
Not often.
BROTHER
You came and went. It was me who was here.
WIFE
Sometimes I wondered why he kept you.
BROTHER
You cant choose your family.
WIFE
He chose you.
BROTHER
I was there.
WIFE
Dont talk to me as if I dont know!
BROTHER
What do you know?
WIFE
That youre playacting.
BROTHER
Im not playacting.
WIFE
Stop it.
BROTHER
I am. I was. From the beginning.
WIFE
Youre playacting!

63

Brother screams at Wife.

BROTHER
Im not playacting!
Wife doesnt answer. She looks at Brother in silence for a while.
WIFE
Who are you?
BROTHER
What?
WIFE
Behind this brother who was never mentioned.
BROTHER
Never mentioned?
WIFE
By Peter.
BROTHER
What do you mean?
WIFE
He showed me old interviews hed given. Portrait interviews.
He never mentioned a brother who was always there.
BROTHER
He didnt like to talk about the family.
WIFE
He said there were times he missed having a family.
BROTHER
He didnt like to talk about me.
WIFE
He didnt like you.
Brother doesnt answer immediately.
BROTHER
I liked him.
WIFE
Yes.

64

They are silent for a while.

BROTHER
Peter is dead.
WIFE
Dead. Yes.
Wife suddenly seems lost in her own thoughts. Brother is on the verge of tears.
BROTHER
Ive no one. Now.
Wife moves closer to Brother. He whispers.
BROTHER
Leave.
WIFE
What?
BROTHER
Just leave.
WIFE
Ill get the doctor.
BROTHER
No. Youre leaving.
Im staying.
Wife hesitates.
WIFE
See you later then.
BROTHER
You wont see me.
Wife leaves. Brother looks at Peters body for a moment.
Im no one.
Now.

65

ACT 3
A week later. Brother sits on the floor in a large empty room in Peters house.
Assistant unhooks a clock from the wall. He turns to leave the room, carrying
the clock.
ASSISTANT
Last item. Shall I open the gate?
Brother sits in his own thoughts. There is a catalogue in front of him.
Shall I open the gate?
BROTHER
Already?
ASSISTANT
This is the last item. The workers have emptied the whole house. Everythings
out in the garden.
BROTHER
How longs the queue?
ASSISTANT
It winds its way down to the fjord.
BROTHER
What?
ASSISTANT
Weve told people at the back of the queue that therell be nothing left by the
time they reach the house, but its as if they refuse to believe us. They stay in
the queue.
BROTHER
Its a big house. Peter was a collector.
Perhaps theres more to go around than we think?
ASSISTANT
Perhaps. The lawns tightly packed with things, both at the front and the back
of the house.
BROTHER
Lets open the gate then.
ASSISTANT
Ill let them know.

66

BROTHER
And not more than one item each.
ASSISTANT
Well be strict about that. Well mark them.
BROTHER
The items?
ASSISTANT
The people in the queue. When they come through the gate to choose their
item, well mark them with waterproof ink.
They cant sneak back in and choose something else.
BROTHER
And just one at a time inside the gate.
Assistant looks surprised.
ASSISTANT
What?
BROTHER
They should be allowed to choose in peace.
ASSISTANT
Itll take a long time.
BROTHER
Well allow them to choose in peace for one minute. Or two. Lets give them
two minutes. Then they have to go out again.
ASSISTANT
Alright.
BROTHER
Alright?
ASSISTANT
If thats what you want.
BROTHER
Thats what I want.
ASSISTANT
Itll take
Brother interrupts Assistant.

67

BROTHER
I dont want hordes of people in the garden.
Fighting over the finest items. Smashing and breaking.
The furniture. The vases. The paintings.
ASSISTANT
One at a time, okay.
Assistant nods briefly, and walks out with the clock. Brother starts to look
through the catalogue. After a short while Assistant comes back, still carrying
the clock.
Your sister. She says youve called her.
BROTHER
Show her in.
Assistant leaves. In a moment, Sister enters. Brother looks at her. They dont
speak. After a long pause Brother starts to look through the catalogue again.
What should I choose?
SISTER
What?
BROTHER
My first thing, after the house became mine.
What should it be?
SISTER
You need most things.
BROTHER
But what do I need first?
SISTER
A bed?
BROTHER
No.
I need something Ill never get tired of.
SISTER
Me, maybe.
Sister smiles. Brother looks at her.

68

BROTHER
You, maybe.
They are silent for a moment.
Its been a long time.
SISTER
Yes.
BROTHER
Im sorry.
Sister doesnt answer. They are silent for a while.
Im sorry.
SISTER
Lets talk about now.
BROTHER
Yes.
SISTER
We cant do anything about times past.
BROTHER
And mother?
SISTER
She had stopped hoping.
Brother doesnt answer.
I cant go here and wait for him, she said.
Still. Ive never seen her as happy as when I told her we were invited here.
BROTHER
But she didnt come?
SISTER
He knows where I live, she said.
Brother doesnt answer. They are silent for a short while.
BROTHER
I need one thing.

69

SISTER
What?
Brother starts to look through the catalogue.
BROTHER
One thing Ill never get tired of.
As a start.
The house is empty.
Sister takes the catalogue from Brother. She looks through it, appraises.
One thing Ill never get tired of.
Brother takes the catalogue back. He sits and looks through it.
I can do whatever I want to, Peter always said.
I cant find a single thing.
SISTER
Lets not talk about him.
BROTHER
Its strange. When you think about it.
To be so important.
And then suddenly, not important at all.
SISTER
Lets not talk about it!
BROTHER
Its strange, thats all.
SISTER
I hate him.
BROTHER
Dont hate him.
Sister doesnt answer. She turns away.
Ignore him. Thats worse.
Sister goes to the window.

70

SISTER
Thank you.
BROTHER
What?
SISTER
You told them to let me jump the queue.
So I could choose first.
BROTHER
What did you choose?
SISTER
I didnt.
BROTHER
Nothing?
SISTER
Hate.
Brother doesnt answer immediately. They are silent for a moment.
BROTHER
Me too.
I want everything gone.
Sister stands and looks out the window.
Whos inside now?
SISTER
An old woman and a younger man.
BROTHER
I said one at a time.
SISTER
Hes supporting her. I dont think she can walk on her own.
BROTHER
What are they looking at?
SISTER
The paintings.

71

BROTHER
Thats where the money is.
SISTER
I know.
BROTHER
Did they tempt you the most?
SISTER
I dont want anything from him.
BROTHER
Neither do I.
SISTER
I ignore him.
BROTHER
Thank you, you said?
SISTER
For making it possible. If I wanted.
To choose first.
BROTHER
Were family.
SISTER
Yes. Now.
BROTHER
And mother. Mother as well.
SISTER
We can visit her.
Together.
BROTHER
Maybe.
SISTER
Its not far.
BROTHER
But in a way. Still.
Sister doesnt answer. She moves away.

72

SISTER
You should go and see her.
BROTHER
She can come here. You can both come here.
SISTER
I am here.
BROTHER
Permanently.
SISTER
Live here? With you?
BROTHER
No!
No.
New house. New, big houses for you both.
High up on the side of the mountain.
Ill tell them to start building.
Brother is on his way to the door. He calls.
Assistant!
SISTER
She doesnt care.
BROTHER
What?
SISTER
About a big house. She has everything she needs.
He knows where I live, she said.
Assistant enters the room.
BROTHER
Sorry. I dont need you.
Assistant leaves again.
SISTER
I care.

73

Brother calls again.

BROTHER
Assistant!
Assistant comes back.
BROTHER
A house for Sister. A big house. In the top row, and the best location.
Its urgent.
ASSISTANT
Ill sort out the formalities.
Assistant leaves. Brother looks at Sister.
SISTER
Thank you.
BROTHER
My pleasure.
SISTER
Ive missed you.
BROTHER
Yes.
SISTER
It was always the two of us. Before.
BROTHER
And it can be. Again.
SISTER
Always you and I.
BROTHER
Lets not talk about it.
SISTER
To know more about what happened?
BROTHER
But we know.

74

SISTER
I dont know everything about you.
I dont know everything about myself.
You forget.
BROTHER
I suppose thats how its meant to be.
SISTER
To forget?
BROTHER
Things you forget without much effort?
Yes.
Thats how its meant to be.
SISTER
I dont know.
BROTHER
Lets not talk about him, you said. When I mentioned Peter.
SISTER
Not because I wanted to forget him, especially.
It was because I dont want him to have a larger space in my head than he
already has.
BROTHER
He had many good sides.
SISTER
Stop it!
BROTHER
Almost only.
Sister shouts.
SISTER
Stop it!
Sister is on her way out of the room.
BROTHER
Dont leave.

75

SISTER
Im leaving.
BROTHER
I need you.
Assistant enters with a box full of envelopes, like those Daughter and Wife
received earlier.
ASSISTANT
We forgot this one.
Brother doesnt speak. Assistant puts down the box and walks out again.
Brother and Sister are silent for a while.
SISTER
Whats that?
BROTHER
Envelopes.
SISTER
I can see that.
BROTHER
Take one.
Sister picks up an envelope. She opens it.
SISTER
Money.
She checks more closely.
A lot of money.
BROTHER
The daily pay-check.
SISTER
That much?
BROTHER
Will you be here tomorrow too?
SISTER
Yes.

76

BROTHER
Well, take two envelopes.
Sister looks at Brother, uncomprehendingly. He starts to laugh violently. Sister
throws the envelope back in the box. She is on her way out of the room.
BROTHER
Dont go!
Brother runs after Sister and blocks her way. He laughs.
Joke.
SISTER
Not funny.
BROTHER
Sorry.
SISTER
I dont recognise you.
BROTHER
Its been a long time.
SISTER
Strange. Still.
BROTHER
What?
SISTER
I dont see a single thing in you today that I recognise from when you were my
brother.
BROTHER
I am your brother.
SISTER
A kind of brother. Now.
Brother raises his voice. He is on the verge of tears.
BROTHER
I am your brother!
Sister doesnt answer. They look at each other.

77

SISTER
Im staying.
BROTHER
Im sorry.
SISTER
Its okay.
BROTHER
Ive changed.
Sister doesnt answer. They are silent for a moment.
Sorry.
SISTER
Me too.
BROTHER
For what?
SISTER
For having expected something else.
We change. Thats what time means.
Isnt it?
Brother doesnt answer immediately.
BROTHER
I dont remember.
SISTER
What?
BROTHER
Who I was.
Sister doesnt say anything. Brother looks at her, speaks in a low voice, almost
whispering. He is on the verge of tears.
Who was I?
SISTER
You were the best big brother I couldve wished for.
Brother doesnt answer. They are silent for a while. Brother speaks mildly,
thoughtfully.

78

BROTHER
I hate her.
SISTER
She did her best.
BROTHER
A kind of hate. Still.
SISTER
I hate them.
BROTHER
Who?
SISTER
All those who came and went and whom she said she loved.
BROTHER
She couldnt bear to live alone. Not even for the briefest time.
SISTER
But still. Among all of them. Not one decent human being.
BROTHER
Maybe we get them mixed up. In retrospect. So they all become tainted by each
other.
Maybe the best of them are tainted by the worst.
SISTER
Maybe.
They are silent for a while. Sister starts to cry.
So important. And then not important at all.
BROTHER
What?
SISTER
How could you just leave?
Brother doesnt answer. They are silent for a while. Assistant enters with Wife.
She has a black cross on her forehead, and carries a painting wrapped in paper.
BROTHER
Whos she?
Assistant hesitates, puzzled.

79

ASSISTANT
Peters wife?
BROTHER
I dont know any Peters wife.
ASSISTANT
She refused to leave without seeing you.
Brother walks over to Wife. He stares at her in silence.
WIFE
I want to come back.
BROTHER
Back?
WIFE
I, too, want to belong here.
BROTHER
What would I want with an ex-wife who no longer means anything?
WIFE
Who no longer means anything?
BROTHER
What was him is on the lawn.
Soon the last little memory will be gone.
Wife laughs shortly.
WIFE
You wont make him go away that easily.
BROTHER
Hes gone!
WIFE
Youll never make him go away.
Brother doesnt answer immediately. He looks at Wife.
BROTHER
You dont think so?

80

WIFE
No.
I dont think so.
Brother doesnt answer. After a short while he walks over to the window and
looks into the garden.
BROTHER
Fuck!
Its slow.
Brother opens the window and shouts into the garden.
Leave the gate open! Let in as many as theres room for!
I want everything out of there!
Brother closes the window and walks away. Assistant hurries out of the room.
Sister goes over to the window.
SISTER
Theyre pouring in.
Wife goes to the window too. Both women stand there and look out.
BROTHER
Move away from the window.
Sister and Wife move into the room. Wife gazes at Sister.
WIFE
Who are you?
Sister looks at Wife .
SISTER
Who are you?
Wife doesnt answer, she turns to Brother.
WIFE
Who is she?
BROTHER
My sister.
WIFE
A new branch, I presume?

81

BROTHER
What?
WIFE
That family tree mustve been planted in fertile soil, as wildly as it keeps
growing.
BROTHER
My real sister.
Wife scrutinises Sister for a moment.
WIFE
Youre not the least bit alike.
BROTHER
Were alike. In a way.
SISTER
Were alike.
Wife looks at Sister. Suddenly she walks over to the box of envelopes, picks one
and gives it to Sister.
WIFE
Theres no more to collect here.
Sister refuses to accept it. Brother jumps up, hurries over to Wife and snatches
the envelope from her. He pushes her away.
BROTHER
You dont know me.
WIFE
Youre not paying any longer?
BROTHER
No one knows me!
Wife turns to Sister.
WIFE
You should make sure youre well paid.
BROTHER
Stop it!
WIFE
The fee has always been generous in this house.

82

Brother slaps Wife in the face. She falls.

BROTHER
Stop it.
SISTER
Get her out of here.
BROTHER
Leave.
WIFE
Im sorry.
BROTHER
My sister doesnt want you here.
WIFE
Ive got nothing else.
BROTHER
You and many others.
I cant take them all in.
Wife doesnt answer.
SISTER
Get her out.
Brother screams.
BROTHER
Get out!
WIFE
She cried.
SISTER
Its just an act.
WIFE
Fell down on her knees.
BROTHER
Get up.
SISTER
Shes acting.

83

WIFE
Finally she could see that he started to hesitate.
BROTHER
He hadnt seen her like that. Before.
SISTER
Shes squeezing out a few tears!
WIFE
She could stay, he said.
BROTHER
Well, he wanted people around him. Get rid of things, take people in.
Wife puts down the painting.
WIFE
He asked her which painting she had chosen.
BROTHER
Get rid of things.
WIFE
The one she had always liked best, she answered.
SISTER
The most expensive?
Brother raises his voice.
BROTHER
Take people in. Get rid of things!
They are silent for a moment. Wife speaks in a low voice.
WIFE
Perhaps hell regret it later?
BROTHER
Regret?
WIFE
Perhaps.
Sister screams.
SISTER
Get her out of here!

84

Brother doesnt react. He gazes at Wife in silence.

BROTHER
Did she think that?
WIFE
Not to have a single thing left after all the years with Peter?
BROTHER
No life with Peter.
Sister screams tearfully.
SISTER
She hated him!
Wife doesnt react. She looks at Brother.
WIFE
A small memento?
BROTHER
Perhaps one little thing?
WIFE
One of the things he loved the most?
BROTHER
Perhaps. Something he wouldnt get tired of?
WIFE
It was urgent. They were emptying the garden out there.
SISTER
Dont listen to her!
Brother doesnt answer. They are silent for a moment.
BROTHER
Stop! he screamed.
WIFE
Before he ran to the window and tore it open.
Brother screams violently.
BROTHER
Stop!

85

They are all silent for a while.

WIFE
The people in the garden froze for a moment.
BROTHER
Turned towards the house and the first floor window, but still with a firm grip on
whatever items they had fought for.
WIFE
Staring up at Brother.
SISTER
Not a sound.
BROTHER
Get out, he screamed! Let go of whatever youre holding!
Disappear from my property!
WIFE
No one let go of anything. Everyone just stood there.
SISTER
Not a sound.
BROTHER
Before all hell broke loose.
WIFE
Everyone was screaming. No one wanted to lose what they had managed to pick
up. Wanted more. Started to fight over things other people had. The strongest
hit out to lay their hands on every little thing. The weakest let themselves be
hit.
BROTHER
The guards started to push everyone out of the garden.
WIFE
Those outside the gates began to realise theyd miss out on the valuables. They
were soon pushing to get inside.
Panic.
BROTHER
And twenty minutes later. When the garden was being emptied.
WIFE
Trampled to death.

86

BROTHER
Who?
No one answers. Brother screams.
Who!
Sister cries.
SISTER
She could hear the screams change character.
From this-is-mine-screams to the-girl-isnt-breathing-wails.
Sister hurries out of the room. Brother screams violently.
BROTHER
Who!
WIFE
A girl.
Assistant enters. Brother turns to him.
BROTHER
A girl?
ASSISTANT
Yes.
BROTHER
How old?
ASSISTANT
Fourteen. Fifteen.
BROTHER
And her parents?
Assistant doesnt answer immediately. Brother screams.
Her parents!
ASSISTANT
Her mother.
BROTHER
Mother?

87

ASSISTANT
The girl came with her mother.
BROTHER
And?
ASSISTANT
She was waiting down in the hall while Sister was up here with you.
BROTHER
Sister?
ASSISTANT
Sisters daughter.
The girl.
BROTHER
Sister has a daughter?
ASSISTANT
She mustve slipped into the garden when we lost control.
Brother doesnt answer immediately.
BROTHER
Dead?
ASSISTANT
Shes not breathing.
BROTHER
Is no one doing anything!
ASSISTANT
Theyre trying.
BROTHER
Who?
ASSISTANT
There were doctors in the crowd.
The ambulance is on its way.
They are silent for a little while.
BROTHER
Why didnt she say anything?

88

ASSISTANT
What?
BROTHER
Why didnt she say she had a daughter?
WIFE
You werent clear enough.
BROTHER
What?
WIFE
Peter was always very clear.
Explained exactly what he wanted.
I would never drag a daughter along unless he had ordered one.
Brother screams, appalled.
BROTHER
Theres a lifeless girl on the lawn!
WIFE
Playacting, too?
BROTHER
Were not playacting!
WIFE
Isnt that part of the game?
Never to say youre playacting.
Brother attacks Wife. He pushes her up against the wall.
BROTHER
Were not playacting!
Do you hear!
Were not playacting now.
Wife doesnt answer. Brother lets her go.
Sister is mine.
After a short while, Brother walks to the window. He looks out cautiously,
making sure he cannot be seen from outside.
I must go out there.

89

Brother is silent for a while.

I must go out, mustnt I?
Brother looks at Assistant and Wife. They dont answer. Brother hesitates.
We talk about what we are going to buy.
What we were like as kids.
We dont talk about this.
Brother stands in silence for a moment.
I dont know her.
ASSISTANT
One talks about what takes place.
BROTHER
Not us. Not this.
The worst.
To lose a child.
Assistant and Wife dont answer. Wife walks over to the window.
WIFE
The ambulance is here.
Brother runs over to the window. He looks out cautiously. They are silent for a
moment.
BROTHER
I must go out there.
WIFE
Theres nothing you can do.
BROTHER
Sister needs me.
WIFE
Sisters in the best hands. The girls in the best hands.
BROTHER
Yes.
Perhaps? With the right equipment?
Perhaps then?

90

WIFE
Perhaps.
BROTHER
Yes.
Brother and Wife stand at the window in silence for a long time. Finally
Brother sits down on the floor.
Theyve gone.
WIFE
There was nothing we could do.
BROTHER
We?
WIFE
Im here.
BROTHER
Who are you?
WIFE
I was Peters wife. Who am I now?
BROTHER
What do I want with a dead mans wife?
WIFE
I need you.
Brother doesnt answer. Wife sits down next to him. They are silent for a
moment.
You need someone who needs you.
Brother looks at Wife. Wife moves her hand towards Brothers face, strokes his
cheek. Brother breaks down and cries. After a while he calms down.
WIFE
We can continue.
Brother doesnt answer.
I can be whoever you want.
BROTHER
You need me.

91

WIFE
Yes.
BROTHER
You need a meaning. Here.
WIFE
A meaning. For you.
BROTHER
Me.
Brother stands up. He picks up the box of envelopes and empties it over her.
Mine.
WIFE
Yours.
Wife starts to collect the envelopes.
All of them?
BROTHER
I dont want them.
Ive got you.
Brother turns to Assistant.
Tie her up.
ASSISTANT
What?
Brother screams violently.
BROTHER
Tie her up!
Assistant hurries out.
WIFE
Tie me up?
BROTHER
For that many envelopes Im fucking well entitled to tie you up.

92

Wife doesnt answer. She forces a smile. Brother looks at her, but doesnt
speak.
WIFE
Im scared.
BROTHER
Yes.
For that many envelopes I want you scared.
WIFE
Yes.
BROTHER
You dont like to be tied up.
Im going to tie you up.
WIFE
Yes.
BROTHER
Yes.
WIFE
Tie me up.
BROTHER
Im going to tie you up! Fuck you!
Brother hurries, on his way out of the room. He screams.
Assistant!
Assistant is on his way into the room. Brother tears the rope from him.
Assistant leaves. Brother moves towards Wife. She looks at him. She tries to
smile, but bursts into tears.
WIFE
Tie me up.
BROTHER
Ill take you lying there.
WIFE
Im lying here.

93

BROTHER
Arms back.
Wife lies down on her side, her arms held around her back. Brother ties her
arms and legs together.
WIFE
Tie me up!
Brother stands up. He looks at her.
BROTHER
Youre tied up.
Brother moves away. Wife lies helplessly on the floor.
It was me you wanted.
Me.
Wife starts to cry. Brother goes to her and lifts her head up by the hair.
Dont cry.
WIFE
Im not crying.
Wife cries. Brother pulls her hair.
BROTHER
Dont cry!
Wife cries.
Im horny.
Wife doesnt answer.
Say it.
Wife cries. Brother pulls her hair.
Say it!
WIFE
Im horny.
BROTHER
Ill do anything you want.

94

Wife doesnt answer. Brother pulls her hair.

Say it!
WIFE
Ill do anything you want.
Brother lets go of her hair. He is silent for a moment.
BROTHER
Youre mine.
WIFE
Youre mine.
Brother slaps Wifes face. He raises his voice.
BROTHER
Im not yours!
Fuck you, Im not yours!
Brother holds Wifes head down on the floor. He undoes his pants, they fall
around his knees.
Open mouth.
Wife lies with open mouth. Brother holds her head down hard.
Dont look.
Wife looks at him. Brother screams.
Dont look!
Brother tears off his shirt and ties it around Wifes head and eyes.
You are nobody.
Now.
WIFE
I have a box of envelopes.
Brother screams.
BROTHER
You are nobody!