Characters:

Victor Mancev – a mountaineer

Oleg Tomov – a mountaineer

Vasil Korobko – a mountaineer

Anna Korobko, Vasil’s wife – a mountaineer.

Cyrill Sumyatov – a journalist

Alla Bjokova – a tourist

Levan – a bartender

Mikhalych – a postman.

The action is taking place at a mountain tourist camp.

ACT 1

There is a canteen at a mountain tourist camp. It is evening. Levan is standing behind a bar counter, Alla Bokova is sitting at one of the tables. Cyril Sumyatov comes in.

Sumyatov. Good evening!

Levan. (speaking with a Georgian accent) You are welcome, dear, come in, be my guest!

Sumyatov. Thanks for your kind invitation..

Levan. What would you like? We have salad, cutlets…

Sumyatov. Nothing. I was wandering about in search of a living soul.

Levan. Are you a newcomer?

Sumyatov. Almost. Is it always so lonely here?

Levan. Hey, listen, are you bearing ill will to me?! Everybody has gone to the mountains. I wonder, what allures them there?

Sumyatov. Scientists know nothing about it. And what about you, aren’t you allured there?

Levan. Everybody should know his own place in this life.

Sumyatov. You think so?

Levan. My grandfather used to say so. And he was the wisest in our village – anyone will tell you. Do you believe me or not?

Sumyatov. Oh, let’s ask the lady, maybe she is going to judge between us. Do you have the same point of view?

Alla. I don’t care.

Sumyatov. It’s not possible.

Alla. Don’t argue with a woman. You’d better pay a compliment to her.

Sumyatov. I am sorry. Don’t you mind? (sitting next to her)

Alla. Please, take a seat. Are you hanging around doing nothing?

Sumyatov. Vice versa. I am here on business.

Alla. I am really surprised to hear that! Then if it’s not a secret what brought you to this mountain camp in the middle of nowhere?

Sumyatov. What secrets can I have from such a charming lady?

Alla. You are not so bad. Keep going.

Sumyatov. Thank you.

Alla. Go on, I am looking forward to your answer.

Sumyatov. I have to meet with the four famous mountaineers.

Alla. Oh, I think I know who you are talking about. One of them is such a morose guy, isn’t he?

Sumyatov. Most likely this is Voctor Mancev.

Alla. The other one is quite the opposite – a cherry fellow

Sumyatov. This is Oleg Tomov.

Alla. And a together couple of sweet-hearts.

Sumyatov. They are Vasil and Anna Korobko, the just-married.

Alla. Oh, I see then. And what are they famous for?

Sumyatov. Recently they have conquered the Devil’s Fang? Have you heard about this peak before?

Alla. For the first time from you.

Sumyatov. It is considered to be a real feat.

Alla. How appearance might be deceiving! I would never look at those good guys as heroes.

Sumyatov. Are you a climber?

Alla. No, I am just a modest tourist guide. Besides, I am terribly afraid of height. And why are you asking me? Is there anything special about me?

Sumyatov. As far as I know this camp is for mountain climbers. It made me assume so.

Alla. Actually, my husband was suddenly offered a pass to this camp at his work. So, I am here near white peaks, floating eagles and heroes. I know I should be happy but in fact I am bored to death. Isn’t it strange?

Sumyatov. And how long have you been getting bored here?

Alla. For two days already. I am not sure If I could spend at least a week here. And you, how long are you planning to stay?

Sumyatov. It depends on how soon I will get along with those four.

Alla. Are you going to tempt them for another climb?

Sumyatov. I am a journalist.

Alla. Oh, really? I have never met with journalists before.

Sumyatov. My purpose is to depict their feats.

Alla. How gloomy you said that! Aren’t you looking forward to this meeting?

Sumyatov. Please, tell me the truth, do you have a feeling that our world has gone mad?

Alla. Oh yeah! And everybody would agree with that. All you can hear at every corner is “oh, this crazy crazy, crazy world”!

Sumyatov. Are you feeling good in such a world?

Alla. Yes, I can tell you. I must be also crazy?

Sumyatov. As for me to be honest I am not quite myself in this world…

Alla. Are you married?

Sumyatov. Yes. But what’s the matter?

Alla. What makes you feel uneasy then?

Sumyatov. A loss of self-esteem, I would say.

Alla. It is nonsense!

Sumyatov. Just look around!

Alla. Okay…

Sumyatov. What do you see?

Alla. Frankly speaking, nothing interesting.

Sumyatov. That’s it! However, they try to persuade us – you and me in the opposite.

Alla. Who tries? Persuade of what? It’s bullshit!

Sumyatov. Bullshit?! Just switch on the radio. I am sure at this moment some feeble-voiced pop diva is trying to imitate a nightingale or maybe they are talking about some boxing champion. And let’s take TV….

Alla. So, what do you have against TV?

Sumyatov. It is flooded with show-business stars and politicians of various types. I am not even mentioning newspapers!

Alla. Are you afraid to find an inferiority complex in yourself?

Sumyatov. I feel offended for my country. It looks like we really can not live without either God, tsar, or hero. And it would be better to have three of them at once.

Alla. What are you talking about? A Tsar was overthrown a long time ago, the God is terribly far from people, only a hero has remained. Please, don’t deprive us of our last consolation!

Sumyatov. I can’t understand, what are you driving at?

Mikhalych enters.

Mikhalych. All bon appetit!

Levan. \speaking with a Georgian accent\ Come in dear! We’ve been waiting for you for a long time. Do you believe me or not?

Mikhalych. I am like a clock – precise and inevitable.

Levan. What’s new in the world, eh?

Mikhalych. Every minute something is happening in the world. How can I know about all?

Levan. But you know something anyway…

Mikhalych. The less we know, the more quiet we sleep. I advise you to learn this simple truth.

Levan. Thanks for advice, dear. Have you brought some mail or not?

Mikhalych. Here you go, if you really can’t live without it. But please, don’t blame me in case the news is bad.

Levan. I won’t, don’t worry.

Mikhalych. Hey guys, you see, I’ve warned him!

Sumyatov. Sure. You can refer to us as witnesses just in case.

Mikhalych. Absolutely! Can I learn your names?

Sumyatov. Cyrill Sumyatov.

Alla. Alla Bokova.

Mikhalych. You can call me Мikhalych. You have done me a favor I won’t forget it. (Leaves).

Levan. What a man he is, I can’t understand…

Sumyatov. An odd fellow, I would say.

Alla. Or maybe another madman?

Sumyatov. It looks like. I am afraid I could go crazy here myself. The ambience and the landscape are quite suitable.

Alla. Do not worry, it’s not going to happen with you.

Sumyatov. Then what is going to happen?

Alla. It’s a secret. However, if you kindly ask me maybe I am going to open it.

Sumyatov. Please do me a favor. You have really intrigued me!

Alla. Okay, listen. And don’t say that you haven’t heard. For example, you, men, desperately need beauty contests…

Sumyatov. What for?

Alla. Come on, you are not a kid… Take a guess. Well, don’t interrupt me!

Сумятов. Okay, I am as dumb as a fish.

Alla. However we, women, also need some kind of consolation in our lives, don’t you think so?

Sumyatov. It’s up to you.

Alla. Believe me, this is true.

Sumyatov. So, what can console you? I have no idea.

Alla. A mere trifle.

Sumyatov. So, what is it?

Alla. It is enough for us to know there real men still exist in this world, and they haven’t died out like mammoths.

Sumyatov. You are talking about the tamers of mammoths?!

Alla. Let it be your way. And don’t look at me so ironically.

Sumyatov. Not at all, I assure you!

Alla. I would say more. If such men don’t exist they should be invented.

Sumyatov. I guess modern men have done a bad turn to you…

Alla. Oh, those modern men! These sad and tiresome creatures are enable to bring happiness even in bed, not to mention other things.

Sumyatov. What are you talking about?

Alla. I say what I think.

Sumyatov. Then poor you…

Alla. Oh, don’t mention it. You’d better feel sorry for you.

Sumyatov. Why?

Alla. In case If we, women, would suddenly give up our romantic dreams. Who knows, where could it lead?

Sumyatov. Most likely to the fine aggressive amazons?

Alla. That’s why I am saying: don’t attempt upon dreams!

Sumyatov. Is it so dangerous?

Alla. Do not look so scared. I am not threatening you so far.

Sumyatov. Thanks a lot.

Victor Mancev enters.

Mancev. Levan, was there an evening mail today?

Levan. Sure there was, dear.

Манцев. What about me? Is it a letter or a telegram?

Levan. Sorry, my friend. Maybe tomorrow, eh?

Mancev. Let’s hope for the best.

Anna and Vasil Korobko, as well as Oleg Tomov enter.

Tomov. Oh, what a nice walk we just had, guys! (Singing). «A division was moving forward through the valleys and hills…”

Anna. It’s so quiet in the mountains by the evening, isn’t it, Vasil

Vasil. \speaking with a Ukrainian accent\ It sure is, my sweat heart!

Anna. I’d like some tea! I am feeling cold a bit.

Vasil. Levan, two cups of tea, please!

Levan. Would you like some cakes? They are absolutely fresh.

Vasil. No, I don’t need them.

Levan. Don’t need, don’t need! Again, the cakes are going to get dry. Take your tea and go, got it?!

Vasil. Annushka, please drink your tea while it’s hot.

Anna. Thanks, my dear!

Tomov. I’d have a stiffener now, what about you, Vasil? Just a little bit, since I am so tired.

Vasil. That’s true. But I don’t need it.

Tomov. Or maybe your wife makes you save money? So, just tell me the truth, don’t wag the tail like a dog.

Anna. Shame on you, Oleg!

Tomov. Go, tell me!

Vasil. Yes, a wife is a wife.

Anna. Got it?!

Tomov. You are such boring people. One can’t even have fun with you.

Anna. Why can’t? You are welcome but mind your jokes. Levanchik, dear, was there some mail?

Levan. Are you also waiting for a letter, eh?

Anna. Don’t be so curious. It doesn’t become to you!

Levan. What have I said? Why are you getting angry? Would you like a newspaper?

Anna. Take a guess!

Levan. You think I spare it, eh?

Tomov. Anna, Levan is a good guy. Don’t beat him, you will need him in future.

Anna. Go on, the floor is yours… (taking a newspaper).

Vasil. What are they saying, Annuska?

Tomov. What can they say? Just some idle things for emotional girls and old people.

Anna. Oleg, you are a pain in the neck. How many people told you this?

Tomov. Surprisingly, you are the only for today. Oh man! And she is my best friend’s wife!

Alla. Aren’t you going to defend honor?

Sumyatov. No, thanks.

Alla. Are you consoling yourself with the thought that It wasn’t addressed to you?

Sumyatov. It might be to me also. Whatever!

Anna. Oh, guys, I can’t believe it!

Levan. Hey, what’s that? Why are you shouting, eh?

Vasil. Can I look at it?

Tomov. It’s him! He looks so real.

Mancev. What’s the matter?

Anna. (reading). «On the photo: an adventurous conqueror of the forbidding Devil’s Fang mountain-climber Victor Mancev».

Tomov. Vityok, can I shake your brave hand?

Mancev. Why is there me only?

Vasil. Don’t get upset, we don’t mind at all.

Mancev. But why?!

Anna. Oh, there is an urgent message here.

Tomov. What’s that?

Anna. Don’t tear up the newspaper!

Mancev. Anna, read aloud.

Anna. (reading). «Avalanche in Mountains».

Tomov. Hey, everybody get silent!

Anna. (reading). «Last night the dwellers of the local villages heard a threatening rumble…» We heard nothing didn’t we, Vasil?

Tomov. You were sleeping like gophers in their holes.

Anna. Hey, you!

Mancev. Anna, go on!

Anna. «A mighty avalanche fell down at midnight sharp. At that moment a radio connection with a group of mountaineers climbing up the Devil’s Fang broke».

Tomov. The guys are totally screwed up!

Vasil. Don’t croak!

Anna. Spit three times and knock at a piece of wood right away!

Tomov. Well, if it helps them… Vasil, where is your head to knock at?

Anna. «By morning several rescue brigades headed for the mountains. However, the group of climbers have not been found yet. Their traces are lost».

Levan. No wonder they are lost! The devil is going to break his neck there. Believe me or not?

Mancev. That’ s why it is called the Devil’s Fang.

Tomov. This peak won’t have mercy on anyone. And it won’t let anyone back.

Anna. But we have gone through. Haven’t you forgotten?

Tomov. It’s by a fluke. Blind luck. I wouldn’t take such a risk for the second time. (Singing). «Hey, apple, where are you rolling? Should you get to the Devil’s Fang you won’t roll back»!

Anna. Vasil, Vitya, just tell him! Is there a hope?

Vasil. Just a slight one.

Mancev. In what area were they when the radio connection broke?

Anna. It doesn’t say.

Levan. Is there anything else?

Anna. Yes, there is. (Reading). «Before this accident the Devil’s Fang was conquered only by a group of climbers headed by the famous mountaineer Victor Mancev…»

Sumyatov. Alla, you see? Here is a bright confirmation of my words!

Alla. What are you talking about?

Sumyatov. Victor Mancev! The others are not even mentioned.

Alla. Come on! Does it really matter now?

Sumyatov. What about fairness? Where is fairness, I ask you?