[I-16]

[Chekhov]

DORN: (speaking to the audience) Maybe I don't understand it, or maybe I'm crazy, but I liked the play. I think it makes a point. When Nina talked about loneliness, and when the red eyes appeared, my hands started trembling. I found the play fresh and exciting. And I'll tell Treplev so . . .

(Treplev enters.)

TREPLEV: So everybody went inside.

DORN: Except for me.

TREPLEV: Masha's been following me everywhere. It's unbearable.

DORN: Konstantin, I liked your play very much. I didn't see the end, of course, and it's very different, but it made a very strong impression on me. You have real talent and must keep writing. (Treplev embraces him spontaneously.) You chose a difficult subject, an abstract subject, but that's good - a work of art should express great ideas.

TREPLEV: You really think I should keep writing?

DORN: Yes - but only write about what is timeless and important. I've had good enough a life - but nothing like an artist must feel in the ecstasy of creation. For a chance at that, to be carried to such heights, I would have given up all the material comforts.

TREPLEV: Excuse me - but have you seen Nina?

DORN: And another thing - every work of art must have a clear purpose. If you follow "art for art's sake," you'll get lost along the way, and then your talent will be for naught. It may even destroy you.

TREPLEV: Where's Nina?

DORN: She went home.

TREPLEV: I have to see her. I'm going after her.

DORN: Calm down.

TREPLEV: I can't help myself.

(Masha enters.)

[continue]