The Magician
SCENE 1
Dara is our main character. He is accused of setting fire
accidentally and is arguing with 2 other people about the fact
that he is innocent.
You can play the lines and/or improvise and add more to the
scene.
DARA
(English)
No sir there’s been a mistake or someone wants to get back at me.
I was in the theatre all day…
KARL
(English)
We are talking about more than that. It’s about your behaviour,
about all those reports in your file.
DARA
(English)
But that’s just it. If I haven’t done anything wrong this time, I
have another chance! I had two notices, not three!
KARL
You have been given plenty of opportunities.
Dara slides the statement back.
DARA
I haven’t done anything so I won’t sign anything either! I can
prove that I am not guilty this time. I was rehearsing with Iman.
He can testify for me! Please give me a chance to go and get him.
He can corroborate everything I say.
SCENE 2
Jina and Dara are our main characters. Jina is upset because she
wasn’t cast in a theater play and is arguing with Dara, the
director, on why he hasn’t chosen her.
You can play the lines and/or improvise and add more to the
scene.
DARA
(Farsi)
Are you still angry?
No answer.
DARA (CON’T)
(Farsi)
Look, I just want to say something about the absence of women
on…
JINA
(Farsi)
Who asked you to do that?
DARA
(Farsi)
I want to show something by not showing it. Your absence raises
questions. When the audience only sees men on stage, only then
will they understand..
JINA
So you want to make the invisible invisible again?
DARA
No, you don’t get it. Ik want to ..
JINA
(Farsi)
No you don’t get it. You are taking something that is not
yours.
DARA
(Farsi)
Miss Jina…
JINA
You are replacing our voice with that of your boys.
If you really wanted to change something, you would have given me
your place. Or at least given me a role.
Dara doesn’t know what to say.
JINA (CON’T)
And what is it with this obsession with the West? What, we don’t
have any writers?
DARA
Surely it doesn’t matter who wrote it. This story is universal! I
just want to depict as authentically as possible what is
happening in Iran and what used to…
JINA
What a lame excuse. You’re an amateur.
Dara is visibly affected. He is silent.
DARA
Are you safe up there?
Jina doesn’t respond and writes in her journal.
DARA (CON’T)
(Farsi)
Do you need anything? Water or …?
JINA
(Farsi)
No. It’s about to rain. More than rain. Like you’ve never seen
before.