The Script
ACT One - Scene Four
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Inn Next
day The Inn is
crowded and the atmosphere jolly. Captain
Donati and his crew are
there.
------------------------------------------------------------ Sailors and
girls are relaxing, and singing and dancing. They sing a
Marinaresca, in part a sailors’ "chanty," in part a regular melody.
#10
NEVER TAKE A DRINK
Chorus
PLAY MUSIC
(TOTTO and BASTIANO are
revealed sat in the shadows)
TOTTO It’s nearly three
Bastiano. Keep your face hidden, we don’t want them to know they’re
being watched.
BASTIANO Do you think I’m a fool
– remember I was the best in the business at this.
TOTTO How could I ever
forget. Quiet now. He’s here (SALAI
enters and is greeted by Iseppo)
ISEPPO Salai! Amico mio!
Where’ve you been hiding lately?
SALAI Not hiding Iseppo.
Leonardo keeps me working. Working hard.
ISEPPO You, working... hard??
(Laughs in
disbelief) Come on now, what have
you really been up to. Involves some woman no doubt.
SALAI Shhh. I’m trying not to
attract attention. I’m meeting someone.
ISEPPO (Interested)
A Signora?
SALAI Yes, a lady.
ISEPPO A
lady... Who?
SALAI Never mind who, you’ll
see soon enough. Now bring me a jug and two glasses, I’ll be over
there in the alcove. And remember – silenzio!
ISEPPO Ahh, don’t worry.
Nobody here cares much. They’re all at it anyway. Do you want the
good stuff?
SALAI Not at your prices.
(ISEPPO smiles cheekily
and goes for the wine. SALAI
sits down.
ARAGONA enters, hooded.
She sees Salai and joins him.
ISEPPO brings the wine
over. He leans over
and tries to get a better look at Aragona’s face.
ARAGONA turns away)
ISEPPO Hmmm... Buonasera
Signora.
SALAI
(Pointedly) Thank you, Iseppo.
ISEPPO Best wine in the house
Signor. Enjoy. (ISEPPO
leaves the table, with a knowing smile)
ARAGONA (Looks round)
O-Oh. There’s Captain
Donati!
SALAI Bernardo...? Does he
know you?
ARAGONA Yes he does - but he’s
an old friend of my family. He wouldn’t cause trouble for me. Anyway
why shouldn’t I meet with my protégé. My husband will want to know
what I’m getting for his money one day.
SALAI Let’s hope he doesn’t
find out what you’re really getting..
ARAGONA Salai!
SALAI Can we not go straight
back to your house.
ARAGONA No! My maid might still
be there. Be patient and finish your drink.
#10
DANCETTE
Orchestra
PLAY MUSIC
(GIRLS start dancing. SALAI and ARAGONA hold hands across the table and laugh and flirt)
(An argument breaks out between GIUSEPPE and SAILOR#1, over a girl. They start to fight)
#11
MUSIC STOPS
(The GIRL tries to separate them. A knife is drawn and there is a standoff)
CAPTAIN
Lazzaro! Sort these fools out before they kill one another. Bring them over here.
(LAZZARO and SAILOR#2 disarm Giuseppe and bring him and the girl to the Captain)
CAPTAIN
What’s this all about Giuseppe. It’s not like you to get upset.
GIUSEPPE
No Cap’n. But I had no choice. He said my girlfriend was the ugliest woman he’d ever seen.
CAPTAIN
He did? No wonder you’re angry.
(gesturing)
You have my permission to go and finish him off. You can leave your monkey with me!
GIUSEPPE
Aye, Cap’n...
(GIUSEPPE looks bemused, then everyone falls about laughing)
(SALAI and ARAGONA drink up and leave, giggling as they go)
BASTIANO
Ah! They have no shame. So it’s true, the virtuous Aragona is not as pure as she seems. I’ve seen all I need to see, and heard what I need to hear.
TOTTO
Not so fast Bastiano! If you truly want your revenge you’ll need proof, or there’ll be big trouble. Her husband is a rich and powerful man. He won’t take kindly to you accusing his wife of adultery, whether it’s true or not. She’ll deny it of course, and if you can’t prove it you’ll be lucky to get away with your life. Tread easy my man.
BASTIANO
Ye-es. I suppose you’re right. At least I know now my suspicions are true. I’ll bide my time. A chance will come.
#11A
DANCETTE (Reprise)
Orchestra
(DANCERS do ‘Hornpipe’routine at front of stage)
BLACKOUT