Waiting for the Parade- Marta Lines Flashcards
JANET: Good afternoon, I rang the bell on the counter, but nobody came.
Sometimes I don’t hear the bell.
JANET: No? I’m not surprised.
(PAUSE) Can I show you something?
JANET: No.
Just browsing?
JANET: No. I didn’t come in to buy anything.
Oh?
JANET: Look, I’ll come straight to the point- if I may?
What point?
JANET: We felt it was necessary- at least, I did- I thought you and I should- have a little chat.
I see.
Go on then. Chat.
JANET: It’s about- this music of yours.
Music?
JANET: On the phonograph.
Oh. You don’t like it?
JANET: The question is not whether I like it-
No? What is the question then?
JANET: You are not making this any easier. People- a substantial number of people- are bothered by it.
By my music?
JANET: Yes.
Why?
JANET: Surely I don’t have to tell you-Would you mind putting out your cigarette?
Yes, I would. Who is it that objects to my music?
JANET: As a matter of fact, I was delegated- unofficially- a substantial number of people have expressed their disapproval. Concern. And I feel it’s in your own best interest-
Because it’s German music, you mean?
JANET: Surely you can understand that.
It’s not war music. It’s a love song.
JANET: I realize that. I am a music lover myself-
Are you? Don’t you like this song?
JANET: It’s-a lovely melody.
You want me to translate the words? “Ach, so fromm”- “Oh, so chaste” - “Ach, so traut” - “Oh, so true”
JANET: Please! You’re not making this any easier. There are constant complaints about that noise! That music. It can be heard right out there on Centre Street. You must know that.
These old buildings have very thin walls. I wish I could afford a better place. I just like to have some music while I work-
JANET: The point is, nobody wants to hear it!
I want to hear it!
JANET: Look, I came here with every intention of being perfectly pleasant.
Oh, you are being “perfectly pleasant.”
JANET: I can understand that you might feel a bit-resentful. I know all about your father. Where he is. And why. You have my sympathy. Truly. But it’s in your own best interest to be a little more-discreet. When they asked me to come her, I told them, “I’m sure she’s not a die-hard like her father. She’s been in this country quite a few years now-“
Since I was nine years old!
JANET: Don’t raise your voice to me! I’m trying to make this as painless as possible. For your sake!
Get out of my shop.
JANET: Civic authorities can be asked to handle this sort of thing. But I thought-
Get out of my shop.
JANET: -that you’d prefer a more personal approach. Obviously I was-
Get out of my shop!
(JANET LEAVES)
Banger Grahm, eh’s sie kam, Hat die Zukunft mir umhult, Doch mit ihr bluthe mir Neues Dasein-
