Douglas Kern
October 27, 2005
Lying for a Living
Characters-
In the play:
MARLON BRANDO
STELLA ADLER
HAROLD CLURMAN
ELLEN ADLER
SARAH ADLER
ERWIN PISCATOR
GIRL
PARTY GUESTS
YOUNG MAN (BRANDO’S FAN)
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
(Before the action of the play begins a sound clip from Marlon Brando’s film The Wild One can be heard.)
Girl: “Hey Johnny, what are you rebelling against?”
Johnny (Marlon Brando): “Whaddaya got?”
(In “Rochambeau,” a French café one block from the New School, in New York (1943)-Marlon Brando slouches in his chair while drinking coffee and reading a newspaper… The café is busy, and crowded. Brando is 19, extremely attractive, and seems to exude confidence (although he is actually quite self conscious). He is dressed in unpressed khakis and a thrift store t-shirt. He sits in silence, listening to the hustle and bustle of the New York crowd. He glances at a young girl, about 18, sitting across from him at a nearby table. The girl is looking directly at him)
BRANDO
(To the girl)
Can I help you? You outta sugar?
GIRL
(Stunned)
No… I was…
BRANDO
Staring at me? (Smirks)
GIRL
I’m sorry…
BRANDO
Never apologize for being yourself…
(Brando proceeds to get up and walk towards the girl)
GIRL
What?
BRANDO
It’s my mother talking.
GIRL
(Blushing)
Oh, I… I am…
BRANDO
(Interrupts quickly)
… Very pretty. What brings a duchess like you to turdeville?
GIRL
I go to the New School…
BRANDO
(Again, quickly)
You’re a student?
GIRL
Yes… are you?
BRANDO
Nah. I’m just visiting my sista. She’s a student. I’m here about a week, then I have to get back…
GIRL
Back?
BRANDO
Yeah… to India… my Dad is there… I’m helping him with some geological research…
GIRL
Oh, you’re kidding?
BRANDO
No, I’m not kidding. What’s funny about that? It’s hard work.
GIRL
(Embarrassed)
Oh sure, I’m sorry. I only meant to say…
BRANDO
(Interrupting)
… It sounds unbelievable? Yeah, I know… I get that a lot. So, you think I’m gonna see more of you?
GIRL
Oh, I don’t know. I… I have class…
BRANDO
Now? Do you have class now?
GIRL
Oh, no… I…
BRANDO
… Well then, how ‘bout now? You think I could see you now?
GIRL
You’re not seeing me now?
BRANDO
I believe I asked for more of you.
GIRL
You mean go out?
BRANDO
Sure… you and I can go out. Lets leave this joint, head over to Grand Tacino’s for some spaghetti.
GIRL
You sure do know a lot about this place for someone visiting from India.
BRANDO
Oh, come on doll. You believe that crap?
GIRL
Why not? You said it.
BRANDO
I lie for a living.
GIRL
Do you?
BRANDO
You want some dinner?
GIRL
(Intrigued but hesitant)
Sure… I like spaghetti. (Pause) You know, you certainly are good at it. Lying that is.
BRANDO
That’s what they tell me…
(He takes the girl gently by the arm, and they proceed to walk out.)
SCENE TWO
(The hustle and bustle of the busy café suddenly transforms into the sounds of a New York party. In an elegant upper-class apartment Stella Adler stands surrounded by her guests. Stella is 41, blonde with long legs, and dressed in an exquisite gown. Her husband, Harold Clurman (44), stands close by. By looking at the couple, one can clearly see that the satin drapes and pink tasseled lampshades that appear in the apartment were certainly chosen by the wife. In the center of the room, in which most of the party is taking place, there is a large decorative table.)
STELLA
(With scotch in hand)
… Well, I certainly didn’t want to shatter the poor boy. Simply not my style. There he was, butchering a masterpiece in my classroom, and I just didn’t have the heart. Quite a handsome young man, but no excuse! He mistakenly lent his rather dim bulb to the sharp witted Hamlet and made poor Shakespeare sound like Mother Goose. I must remind myself to tell my students… they may not simply look the part…
GUEST
And you didn’t let the boy have it?
STELLA
Have it? My dear friends, this particular boy didn’t deserve it! I simply told him, “Well, it is a great play!”
(All the guests laugh… Harold begins to make his way over to his wife)
HAROLD
Ah, yes… class time. (As he reaches Stella he attempts to put his arm around her… she wants nothing to do with his public attempts at affection.) Quite the teacher, isn’t she?
STELLA
Ah, yes… perfect timing Harold. We were just speaking about another dim-witted soul who had no clue he was dabbling in areas he need not be.
(Again… guests laugh)
HAROLD
Last I checked… this was my home, these were my friends, and you were my wife.
STELLA
Yes, Harold, you are probably right. The last time you checked, I was your wife… but I honestly can’t remember the last time you bothered.
(Silence)
HAROLD
You’re drunk…
STELLA
(Laughing)
Oh, Harold, please! By accusing me as such, you imply that you aren’t. Have another, Darling… I’m sure your women are waiting…
HAROLD
Must you ruin every party…?
STELLA
(Interrupting)
Ruin? I don’t understand. Judging by your previous after-party affairs, one would surely think that disrupting your plans could be the only way to ruin your party. Hurry along… you mustn’t upset the guests.
HAROLD
(Turns to guests)
Ha, a teacher and an actress. Quite good isn’t she? A couple of drinks in her, and she’ll be soaring. I always loved her taste for drama… always sort of loved it… She really digs into the part… The angry wife… she does her well, huh? I mean she really plays her part, doesn’t she? (Angrily starts to lose it) Damn… I wish I had it like that… I wish I had half her talent…
STELLA
Harold… enough…
HAROLD
No… no… Stella, let me try. Go on, teach me. Come on dear, you didn’t give up pictures for nothing… teach me…
STELLA
ENOUGH!
HAROLD
(To his guests)
That’s good. Damn, that’s good! How in the hell does she do that?
STELLA
(Sternly)
Harold…
HAROLD
You hear that? In her voice? You hear that? No one’s that good. You really get her meaning… I mean… I really get her meaning. (To Stella) Don’t hold back… come on, I’m the student… teach me…
STELLA
(Softer)
Harold…
HAROLD
NO! Wrong lesson… we were doing anger…
STELLA
Haro…
HAROLD
YOU REALLY KNOW HOW TO PISS THINGS UP!! And you call yourself a teacher. You may have the drama down…
STELLA
(Interrupting)
I can show you dramatic, Harold. Not a problem…
HAROLD
Make way for the teacher…
STELLA
(She begins her performance)
Is this stunt a desperate attempt to deny your infidelities?
HAROLD
Stella, what happened in the past…
STELLA
DON’T! Don’t say it won’t happen again. Don’t say it only happened once. I might be tempted to believe you, and I don’t need that much guilt.
HAROLD
Guilt?
STELLA
Surely, I do not need to feel guilty for my actions. As long as it remains that you are kept busy else where, then my actions seem completely justified.
HAROLD
What the hell are you talking about?
STELLA
My confession, Harold.
HAROLD
And what are you confessing?
STELLA
(Really going for it… over the top)
I have loved another.
HAROLD
The hell you have…
STELLA
It’s true, Harold… it’s true…
HAROLD
It happened once… Stella. ONCE! I am sorry… it will not happen again.
STELLA
HAROLD!! I told you not to say that. I feel it… the guilt… it’s rising.
HAROLD
STOP THIS! You did not sleep with anyone else!
STELLA
Who are you trying to convince...?
HAROLD
(Sternly)
Stella… you did not sleep with anyone else…
(Stella steps onto a nearby chair and then onto the table.)
STELLA
“A strife is grown between Virtue and Love
While each pretends that Stella must be his”
My husband seems to think that I am much too virtuous for love. I appreciate the thought… But, I tend to think the love I give leaves no room for virtue. Quite the conflict. Perhaps our guests could help us out… I would like all the men that I have slept with to gather around the table. Come on now, don’t be shy…
(Reluctantly, men from the party begin to encircle Stella as she stands proud on the table. At last, a number of men stand at the edge of the round table while Stella speaks.)
There you have it! “You see, Harold… you have your girls-but I have my men!”
SCENE ?
(In class- Students surround Stella Adler in a semi-circle. Stella is the center of attention and appears provocative in a fancy suit. The students (more men than women) are dressed in suits (no ties), dresses, or skirts. Brando stands effeminately, under-dressed in form-fitting attire, unconsciously drawing attention to his masculinity.)
STELLA
Gather around Darlings… I have one more exercise for all of you, if you can stand it? (Pause) You are all chickens, and an atomic bomb is falling from the heavens… begin…
(The students begin to frantically act like chickens, flapping their arms and clucking loudly… Brando stands, silent and still.)
STELLA
(Walks over to Brando… and whispers)
You look beautiful Darling, but you are not participating.
BRANDO
I’m doing what you asked.
STELLA
(She reaches out and touches Brando’s chest as she shouts… the class can not tell if she is happily excited or extremely upset.)
STOP, EVERYONE, stop at once! I asked you all to act like chickens about to be destroyed by an atomic bomb… and Marlon stood still… Marlon Darling, why did you stand still?
BRANDO
Do you think a chicken knows what an atomic bomb is?
STELLA
(Hesitates, then laughs)
Glorious! For once one of my students understands. What I am after is your best… from each and every one of you. The easy solution would be to jump and cluck like hysteric chickens, but to really put yourself inside the mind of a chicken is the essence of true acting. (Pause) That is all for today my little chickadees. Till tomorrow…
(She quietly pulls Brando aside as the rest of the students gather their things and exit the classroom. During this conversation Stella always appears as the aggressor. Brando’s attempts to fire back at Stella should seem a bit weak. Stella should appear as if she knows exactly what she is doing… every word placed carefully so she can lure Brando in.)
STELLA
Finally the talent is catching up with the looks. (Looks Brando up and down) I never expected to see such gifts coming from a young thing straight out of Nebraska.
BRANDO
(With sarcasm)
I wouldn’t call chickens gifted… (Pause) Or… are you done with that exercise? Are we talking about me now?
STELLA
Oh, my little bunny… you have so much to learn. In this classroom all that matters is YOU! You are the actor and the character you portray… all at once. Your emotions, your feelings are what matter. When I speak to you about acting, my dear, I am always talking about you.
BRANDO
Still teaching? I thought class was over…
STELLA
(Sigh)
Well… no manners, but you are certainly nice to look at. (Pause) Anyway, our end draws near… always a pleasure to talk with one of my students.
BRANDO
Where are you off to?
STELLA
(She steps towards Brando and touches him on the shoulder)
Are you toying with me, Marlon? Really, as if you are interested in where I am “off to.” I have a husband and a child to take care of.
BRANDO
No one to take care of you?
STELLA
(Laughs… she has him)
I make do.
BRANDO
I don’t mean to keep you. I just wanted to say I appreciate what you do for me in class. I really…
STELLA
(Interrupts)
… Class, are we still talking about class? Darling, I thought class was over?
BRANDO
(Sadly… as if he was insulted)
So it is.
STELLA
Oh you poor little thing. Are you cross? (She takes her hand from his shoulder and grabs Brando’s hand) So, you didn’t mean to “keep” me? Why, then, have you kept me so, Marlon? Haven’t you a home? A girl? Oh, look at you… of course you do… and I’m sure they can wait. Come on then… you shall dine with me tonight.
BRANDO
I thought you had to get home to your family? I’m sure they can’t wait.
STELLA
No… they most certainly can not. That is why we must be off.
BRANDO
You want me to eat with you and your family!?
STELLA
But of course… you said it yourself, darling… I need someone to take care of me.
(Stella reaches for her things… hat, bags, etc. Brando grabs his notebook off his desk as well as one of her bags and follows Stella out the door.)
.
ACT TWO
SCENE ?
(The Basement of the New School-Brando sits alone in the dark, late at night, beautifully beating on his bongos. Suddenly, shouting can be heard in the distance.)
STELLA
(Faintly in the distance)
Marlon!? Marlon!?
(As Stella descends down the stairs of the basement Marlon stops playing his bongos.)
STELLA
How’s my little drummer boy?
BRANDO
(Annoyed)
Don’t you have to get home to Harold? You have a husband to take care of…
STELLA
Oh, Marlon… you can stop acting now… we are not in class.
BRANDO
I’m not acting…
STELLA
Wonderful. Finally, one of my students understands. Do not act! Just be!
BRANDO
I’M NOT ACTING!
STELLA
In deed, Marlon. In deed. I have come to see how you are doing. Erwin has told me that he suspects you have been sleeping here at night.
BRANDO
I was just playin’ my drums.
STELLA
And quite well I might add. You’re so talented… my little protégé.
BRANDO
I was just playin’ my drums.
STELLA
Ah, yes… and, have you been spending the night here… Marlon?
BRANDO
I certainly haven’t been spending them with you.
STELLA
(Laughing)
No, my dear boy, you certainly haven’t. The family misses you. If you needed a place to stay I wish you would have…
BRANDO
(Interrupting)
… Save it.
STELLA
(Continuing to laugh and joke)
Marvelous, Marlon, simply marvelous. I wish I knew how to stir up emotions the way you do… maybe then my acting would be worth something.
BRANDO
I’m not acting.
STELLA
(A bit belittling)
Of course, dear. (She steps towards Brando and reaches for his hand) Come on then… you shall come with me tonight.
BRANDO
(Shrugs Stella off, stands up, and begins to pace)
Where? Where are we going?
STELLA
Home, my dear, home.
BRANDO
The apartment?
STELLA
Yes, my apartment.
BRANDO
Is Harold there?
STELLA
Yes, Marlon, of course he is.
BRANDO
I’m not coming.
STELLA
My boy, are you angry with Harold?
BRANDO
No… yes… I…
STELLA
Oh my, this won’t do. I will speak with Harold in the morning, come on then.
BRANDO
NO! It’s not Harold.
STELLA
Marlon, please, we can practice dramatics in the morning. Let’s get home.
BRANDO
I’M NOT ACTING!! I’M NOT PRACTICING!!
STELLA
And yet, you deliver so well…
BRANDO
CUT THE CRAP STELLA!!
STELLA
Ah… yes… but that, I suppose is what I do well.
BRANDO
I’m serious.
STELLA
I hadn’t noticed.
BRANDO
STELLA!! I mean it. Stop treating me like a child.
STELLA
My dear boy, you are a child.
BRANDO
(As Brando becomes angrier he begins to mumble a little)
You always go around screwin’ children?
STELLA
It’s not everyday you meet a young thing with a body like yours, Marlon.
BRANDO
Is that all you wanted from me.
STELLA
(Laughing)
Well, Marlon, this was certainly unexpected. Why don’t you tell me what you wanted from me?
BRANDO
(Hesitates)
More. (Pause) Your love. (Softly) I love you.
STELLA
Thank you, Marlon. Thank you very much… I love you too.
BRANDO
NO! I really love you, Stella.
STELLA
Yes, and I love you as well.
BRANDO
And Harold? Do you love Harold?
STELLA
He is my husband, Marlon.
BRANDO
Does he know you’re screwin’ me?
STELLA
(Finally Stella begins to show signs of anger)
Very elegant, Marlon. Quite elegant.
BRANDO
Does he?
STELLA
No, I can honestly say I don’t think my reputation is quite as soiled as yours, Marlon. (Pause) Love! Love? How can you even claim to know what that word means? You are much too busy… what is your word… ah, yes… SCREWING anything you can get your hands on!! You’ve turned your sister’s apartment into a regular rib joint.
BRANDO
(Stunned at Stella’s outburst)
You used me…
STELLA
No, Marlon… I helped you. I taught you. I have taken you into my home, and made you a part of my family. The screwing? That is just what you do! It’s one of your many talents. Everyone knows about it, I just choose not to judge you for it.
BRANDO
So, you have nothing to do with what happened between us?
STELLA
I knew what I was getting myself into. I was ok with being another one of your women, but I was mostly interested in being your teacher, your friend.
BRANDO
Friend? CRAP! What do you take me for?
STELLA
You, my dear, are an actor. You lie for a living… isn’t that your line? Isn’t that what you do?
BRANDO
Stella, I am not lying to you. You are more than my teacher. You are more than a friend. (Brando goes towards Stella and attempts to grab her close)
STELLA
(Pulling away)
And, Marlon Darling, you are very good at what you do. (She proceeds up the stairs of the basement)
BRANDO
I’m not lying. (He shouts after her) Stella!! Stella!!
SCENE ?
(Brando sits in a dressing room… the year is 1947. Brando is dressed as Stanley Kowalski from ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’ He is waiting to go on. A younger man reluctantly approaches Brando from behind.)
YOUNG MAN
Mr. Brando? Mr. Marlon Brando? Wow… I really love what you do out there…
BRANDO
(Turns slowly towards the young man)
Love? Come on, kid… Go love yourself…
YOUNG MAN
(A little shocked, but not discouraged)
No, really, I mean… God, when you walk out on that stage as Stan… Damn! I mean, you should see the sweat dripping from the audience…
BRANDO
(Laughing)
The sweat from the audience, huh kid? I’d rather not…
YOUNG MAN
I just mean… well, I guess… it’s just…
BRANDO
It’s just acting. Nothing to sweat over… Anyone can do it. You’re doing it right now. Look at ya… acting like you give a damn about my performance…
YOUNG MAN
I just want to know how you do it. How do you make it seem so real…?
BRANDO
I’m trying to tell you, it is real… We all act, we all lie sometime or another. When you’re talking to your mother, don’t ya act a certain way? The waiter down the street, don’t he act a certain way when he’s bringing you your food? Don’t think for one second that little act he’s pullin’ aint a lie. I lie to a room full of people, pretending to be somebody written down on some page, and you applaud me ‘cause I walk out there and act the way I would act if I was really in these situations. Sure, I have to follow some of it… but I always manage to have a little fun... like with Jess… cuttin’ up my lines…
YOUNG MAN
No, mister, you’ve got it. Nobody does the way you do.
BRANDO
You got it, kid. No one can do it like me, ‘cause they aren’t me. Everyone’s got their own lie. People think acting is something special, they don’t realize there doing it every day. You can’t act… You just have to be…
YOUNG MAN
Man… that sounded just like her.
BRANDO
Who?
YOUNG MAN
Stella Adler. She talks about you a lot in class.
BRANDO
You’re in Stella’s class?
YOUNG MAN
Yeah, I’m working my way up.
BRANDO
Stage hand?
YOUNG MAN
For now… I prefer studying actor.
BRANDO
Well, you’re studying with the best.
YOUNG MAN
She’s great isn’t she?
BRANDO
“Pretty amazin’.” Hey, you box, kid?
YOUNG MAN
Box?
BRANDO
Spar…? You know? A little rough house…
YOUNG MAN
Oh, yeah, sure… a little…
BRANDO
Yeah, my father taught me. He was a boxer… damn good one too…
YOUNG MAN
Really?
BRANDO
Oh yeah… hey look, I’ll teach you a little. Stand up…
(Brando takes the young mans hands and positions them. Brando stands in position, ready to box the young man)
BRANDO
All right kid… (Pause) listen… tell her I said hi.
YOUNG MAN
What?
BRANDO
You’ve got to hold you hands up high… My Pop once won a fight in India just by blocking the other guys punches… Keep your guard up…
[CURTAIN.]
(As the curtain is drawn, a sound clip from Marlon Brando’s film, A Streetcar Named Desire, can be heard)
Stanley: “STELL-LAHHHHHH!”