[K-III-3]

[Deemer]

(Masha enters.)

MASHA: Hello.

NINA: I was just leaving.

MASHA: Don't go. I think we should talk.

NINA: I'm not sure that's a good idea.

MASHA: It's not your fault if he's in love with you.

(Dorn stands in the doorway but is not noticed.)

NINA: I'm glad you realize that.

MASHA: I'm jealous, of course.

NINA: Masha, I never encouraged him.

MASHA: I believe you.

NINA: Thank you.

(They notice Dorn.)

DORN: Don't stop on my account.

NINA: Why should we let you judge us?

DORN: Is that what I do?

NINA: You hold me responsible for what Kostya did.

DORN: That's not true. Neither of you are responsible for what he did.

MASHA: Who would blame me?

DORN: No one with just cause.

MASHA: I wish he would shoot himself over me.

DORN: Would you really?

MASHA: I don't want to talk about this. If you'll excuse me ...

(She exits. Follow her.)

NINA: She's so hopelessly in love with him.

DORN: Too bad. He's really not available to anyone, is he?

NINA: Why do you say that?

DORN: An artist is married to his art.

NINA: You don't think an artist can be in love?

DORN: An artist can love the way a man loves a mistress. But his soul belongs to his work.

NINA: I think the artistic soul is bigger than that -- it can love on many levels at the same time.

DORN: The true artist has a one-track mind ultimately -- his final allegiance is to his work.

NINA: Another soul can inspire an artist's work.

DORN: Of course. The lover as Muse. This doesn't contradict what I mean.

NINA: I guess I don't understand.

DORN: Two artists can inspire one another. But this doesn't mean they communicate in the same way that an artist communicates with his work.

NINA: You don't believe two artists can be in deep spiritual love?

(Dorn laughs.)

DORN: No, Nina, I don't.

NINA: Then I'm more optimistic than you.

DORN: Or more naive.

NINA: You can be wrong, you know.

DORN: Nina, I don't mean to upset you but--

NINA: Well, you have upset me!

DORN: Then I'm sorry. Let's talk about something else.

NINA: If I ask you a question, will you tell me the truth?

DORN: Of course.

NINA: Do you think I'm an artist?

(Dorn hesitates.)

NINA: You said you'd be truthful.

DORN: I think you want to be. Whether or not you actually become one remains to be seen.

NINA: Why don't you think I'm an artist now?

DORN: You are an actress with considerable talent, considerable potential. But being an artist requires considerable study in what is often called the school of hard knocks. I don't see you studying that curriculum.

NINA: I will be. I'm moving to Moscow.

DORN: Really?

NINA: Yes. Right away, in fact.

DORN: Have you told Konstantin?

NINA: You don't think he'll follow me?

DORN: No. But you'll upset him.

NINA: That can't be helped.

DORN: Now you're sounding like an artist. Artists are necessarily selfish.

NINA: I'm do whatever it takes to be an actress in Moscow.

DORN: And that's the only reason you're going?

NINA: What do you mean?

DORN: You wouldn't be going because a particular famous writer lives in Moscow?

(Nina looks away.)

NINA: Is it that obvious?

DORN: I'm afraid it is, dear.

NINA: Irina knows?

DORN: I doubt it. Irina is too infatuated with herself to pay attention to what others around her are up to.

NINA: Thank God.

DORN: Your motives worry me, Nina. You say you want to become an actress.

NINA: I do!

DORN: But also a mistress.

NINA: They don't have to be incompatible desires.

DORN: I think they are.

NINA: Then you're wrong.

(Dorn doesn't reply.)

NINA: You've never been wrong before?

DORN (half-heartedly): Then I could be wrong.

NINA: Everything's going to happen just as I've planned it!

DORN: Then you are a very lucky young lady.

NINA: I am. I've always been lucky.

DORN: I look forward to reading your reviews.

NINA: You don't believe me.

DORN: I think it's time to change the subject again.

NINA: Is your life so tidy? Everyone knows about you and Polina.

DORN: I suppose they do.

NINA: Why don't you run off with her?

DORN: Because that would solve nothing.

NINA: Then you aren't as smart as you think you are. You can't even solve your own situation.

(She exits.)

Follow Nina.

Stay here.