The Idol

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!