Leonardo’s Studio. 

Some weeks later – a Monday.

By now Salai and Lisa are lovers.  They have been meeting secretly at Leonardo’s studio.

Salai has also been working on a nude painting of Lisa. (The ‘Monna Vanna’ )

PROJECTION ON CURTAIN:  <SOME WEEKS LATER>

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LISA sits, while LEONARDO and SALAI paint.

(LEONARDO concentrates on his canvas, but SALAI and LISA are acting in a flirtatious way – pulling faces, giggling)

                       LEONARDO

(annoyed)

Salai! Will you please stop fooling around, this is difficult enough without these distractions

                       SALAI

It’s not my fault. She is deliberately trying to make me laugh...

                       LEONARDO

You too Lisa...

(LISA giggles behind her hand)

                       LISA

No I’m not! 

                       SALAI

Yes you are

                       LEONARDO

That’s enough from both of you!

                       LISA

Leonardo,  I promise. It’s Salai who’s being silly. Silly Salai.

(SALAI and LISA both laugh)

                       LEONARDO

(tutting)

It’s no good... I need a break, a quiet glass of wine perhaps.

(LEONARDO exits wiping his hands.

As soon as he leaves the room SALAI rushes over to LISA and they kiss passionately)

                       LISA

Oh my darling Salai, we must be careful. I’m sure Leonardo suspects.

                       SALAI

He certainly would if he saw my other portrait of you...

                       LISA

What other portrait? Oh please show me.

                       SALAI

It’s a surprise. I’ve been working on a slightly different version. One that shows a little more of your...er, beauty. From memory of course...

                       LISA

NO!! Salai, How could you. What if someone sees it. You must show me at once.

                       SALAI

Don’t worry my love, it’s hidden well away. You’ll see it when it’s finished. I just need to study the subject a little bit more...

                       LISA

You are wicked!

                       SALAI

Just be patient. Shhh. Leonardo returns.

(THEY separate. LEONARDO enters)

                       LEONARDO

You know, I think that’s enough for today. I’m feeling quite tired.

                       SALAI

 But Master...!

                       LEONARDO

In fact I don’t think we’ll need to trouble you to sit for us for much longer Signora. I have all the detail I need and..

                       SALAI

No Master. I have much more work to do!

                       LEONARDO

It’s not my fault if you work too slowly. Time stays long enough for those who will use it. Anyway, it’s not like you to take your time doing anything. I’m sure Lisa will be glad to have her life back.

(Pointedly)

I’m sure she’d like to spend more time with her family.

                       LISA

(Worried)

I really don’t mind Leonardo. If Salai wants me, I’ll gladly come.

                       LEONARDO

Well. We’ll see. That’s it for now anyway. You can get changed Signora.

(LISA leaves the room to change. LEONARDO takes Salai to task)

                       LEONARDO

What kind of fool do you take me for Salai? It’s obvious that you two are in love -  and it’s a dangerous game you play. Very dangerous. How far has this gone?

                       SALAI

Too far Master. Too far to turn back I’m afraid. I never intended...

                       LEONARDO

(angrily)

Never intended? It’s easier to resist at the beginning than at the end Salai.  I know you, you can’t help yourself. Another conquest, a passing amusement, and then..

                       SALAI

NO! It’s not like that with Lisa. I promise. It really isn’t. We fell in love. I fell in love...

                       LEONARDO

With someone else’s wife!  Do you realise what will happen when her husband finds out... and he will you know.

(LISA returns)

                       LISA

Is everything all right? I heard raised voices. Leonardo?

(LEONARDO waves his hand dismissively)

                       LEONARDO

Yes, everything’s fine, don’t worry. A minor disagreement. You know how temperamental us artists can be. I’ll bid you goodbye. God be with you, Signora.

(LEONARDO exits. Salai is silent)

                       LISA

What’s happened Salai?

                       SALAI

He knows... and he’s angry - with me. I suppose it was inevitable. He’s no fool is he?

(LISA and SALAI embrace)

                       LISA

Oh Salai. We can’t go on like this.  Where will it all end? Maybe we should just...

(Pulls away)

                       SALAI

(optimistic)

No! Don’t say it. I really don’t know what’s going to happen... but I do know that I love you. Trust me Lisa, somehow we’ll work it out.

(LISA and SALAI move to front of stage)

         #17    YOU AND ME                      Salai / Lisa                              PLAY MUSIC

   BLACKOUT