Extract from The Project
RedNeedle Productions presents The Project
Written & produced by Ian Buckley
'The Project', Ian Buckley's latest powerful play, presented by RedNeedle Productions at The White Bear Theatre, March 5th - 23rd 2019.
PLOT SYNOPSIS:
Jewish cabaret artists interned in Westerbork Camp hope their shows will help them avoid the weekly transport to the East.
EXTRACT:
Peter proposes escape from the camp to Anna. Anna is torn.
PETER: Come with me Anna?
ANNA: Seeing as it’s all a fantasy I will.
PETER: Say it’s real? (ANNA TROUBLED) If you love me you’ll say yes.
ANNA: If I do I’ll leave loved-ones behind.
PETER: That’s the choice.
ANNA: My love for you would mean more than my love for them.
PETER: Different not more.
ANNA: Just go.
PETER: With you?
ANNA: No.
PETER: Because you can easily do without me?
ANNA: I can’t.
PETER: Then why aren’t you begging me to stay?
ANNA: I would if I was selfish. You’re part of me, part of my life here. No you must go. You can. You’re not tied down. If you’ve really got a plan follow it. Go with my love.
PETER: If you’re not with me I’ll go without my love.
ANNA: I’ll be with you in spirit - guarding you, hiding you.
PETER: Please come with me Anna.
ANNA: Anyway I’m hopeless at crawling and running. I’d hold you back.
PETER: I’d carry you. And then we’d have bikes.
ANNA: In this day-dream of yours?
PETER: (AFTER A BIT) Say I did go? What about the people I left here? We know what happens to the friends and family of people who try and escape.
ANNA: Artistes are an exception to the rules. What happens to others doesn’t to them.
PETER: Performers have been sent away on transports.
ANNA: If you have a plan worked out, follow it. Your friends can take care of themselves.
PETER: Are you saying I should go? Even if it causes problems for others?
ANNA: I am. With all my heart.
PETER: Say I ask one last time, ‘Will you join me?’
ANNA: ...(SHE STANDS) I’ll say I hope you make it. I’d end up with a ‘till-we-meet-again’ moment... (THEY KISS PASSIONATELY)
PETER: Anna if you tell me you love me as much as I love you, I’ll stay. My word. I’d stay with a warm heart and total happiness. So say it? Will you? Please?
PETER LOOKS AT ANNA. WAITS. ANNA SAYS NOTHING
END OF EXTRACT