Prime Time 4, Coursebook

The actors get in position for the balcony scene. Juliet’s bedroom light comes on and Deva comes out onto the balcony. She lifts her veil. Without glasses she looks transformed as Juliet. The cast and technical crew: Wow! She looks so beautiful! Ross: But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? / It is the East and Juliet is the sun! Deva: (shakes her head, confused) Wherefore art thou Romeo? Deny thy father and refuse thy family name and I’ll no longer be a Capulet. Ross: (puts down his script) Shall I hear more, or shall I speak at this? Deva puts down her script and plays the part by heart. Jade has come back and looks on from the wings. Deva: It’s only your name Montague that is my enemy: What’s Montague? What’s in a name? A rose by any other name Would smell as sweet. Mr G.: Excellent. Let’s do the end of the scene. Are you ready? Ross: Ah Juliet! Deva: Good night, good night, parting is such sweet sorrow/ that I shall say good night till it be morrow! A pause. Romeo kisses her. All the cast and technical crew cheer. Everyone: Bravo! Bravo! That was brilliant! / She’s such a good Juliet! /Wow! / She can act! Jade: Ugh! But I’m Juliet! This is so unfair! Throws down Deva’s glasses and storms off across the stage. Mr G.: Same time tomorrow for Act 3 everyone! The main stage lights go off, the cast and crew leave. Ross and Deva are alone on the stage. Ross: You were absolutely brilliant, Deva, I never knew you could act! With you as my Juliet I’m sure to be spotted by the scout (to himself) . Hollywood could call one day … Blossom has picked up Deva’s glasses from the stage floor, returns them to her and exits. Deva: Thanks, Bloss. Ross: What’s that Deva? Deva: (embarrassed) Oh, just my glasses. (She goes to hide them away in her bag.) Ross: Don’t put them away, Deva. Deva: Huh? Ross: I quite like you with them on. Slowly, he takes the glasses from her, places them on her face and gazes at her. A pause. Blossom has crept back and watches secretly from the wings. Ross: Ah! Two of the fairest stars in all heaven … Did my heart love till now? … (shakes his head) Blossom clasps her hands in joy for Deva. Ross: For I NEVER saw TRUE BEAUTY till THIS night!! They kiss. Blossom in the wings jumps for joy and silently punches the air. THE END 102 12 Unit The Understudy – a play one hundred and two Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv