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McGuinness)
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Characters
Prologue
PEASANT WOMAN
OLD MAN
GIRL TRACTOR DRIVER
EXPERT
WOUNDED SOLDIER
TRACTOR WOMAN
OLD PEASANT
OLD MAN
SOLDIER KATO
PEASANT WOMAN
YOUNG WORKER
SINGER (ARKADI TSHEIDZE)
VILLAGERS
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COOK
GROOM
FAT WOMAN
THIRD WOMAN
SOLDIERS/CROWD
FIRST SOLDIER
SECOND SOLDIER
NEPHEW
THIRD SOLDIER
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LANDLORD
LUDOVICA
STABLE LAD
OLD PEASANT WOMAN
FIRST FARMER
SECOND FARMER
THIRD FARMER
VILLAGERS
IRAKLI THE BANDIT
FIRST LAWYER
SECOND LAWYER
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Summer 1945.
Among the ruins of a Caucasian village, the members of two collective farms.
Peasant Woman (left) We stopped three Nazi tanks there in the hills, but the orchard was
destroyed.
Old Man (right) Our lovely dairy in ruins.
Girl Tractor Driver (left) I put the match to it myself, comrade.
There is a pause.
Expert I'll give you the report now. As Hitler's armies advanced, they drove this kolchos and
its herds to the east. They now want to resettle in their valley. They have examined the
village and made note of the savage degree of destruction.
Now this valley grew little grass. Their neighbours, the Rosa Luxemburg kolchos, propose
that these lands be handed over to them. They will replant these pastures with fruit and
vineyards. As an expert from the Reconstruction Commission, I ask both sides that they
decide together, should the lands be replanted or should they come back to the valley?
Old Man (right) First of all I want to complain that the time for discussing this has been cut
short. We've spent three days and nights getting here. Now we have to decide this in half a
day.
Wounded Soldier (left) Comrades, we don't have as many villages now, there's not as many
hands working. We no longer have so much time.
Tractor Woman We have to ration all pleasures. Tobacco's rationed, so is wine, and talk has
to be rationed too.
The Old Man (right) sighs.
Old Man (right) Hell's gates to the Fascists. I'll come to the point and tell you exactly why we
want our valley back.
There's a whole pack of reasons, but I'll start with the simplest. Makina Abakidze, get out
the goat's cheese.
A Peasant Woman, right, takes out a large cheese, wrapped in cloth, from a large basket.
There is laughter and applause.
Old Man (right) Get stuck in, comrades, have a feed.
Old Peasant (left) Is this your way of offering some kind of bribe?
There is laughter.
Old Man (right) How could it be called a bribe? We know you're going to take the cheese and
the valley as well.
There is laughter.
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Old Man (right) I'm only asking you for an honest answer. Do you like this cheese?
Old Man (left) The answer is, yes.
Old Man (right) Is that so? (He adds bitterly:) I should have guessed you'd know damn all
about cheese.
Old Man (left) Why not, when I'm telling you it tastes grand.
Old Man (right) Because it tastes like nothing. Because it's not what it was like in the old
days. Why is that so? Because our goats don't like the new grass as much as they liked the
old. Cheese isn't cheese since the grass isn't grass. That's it exactly. Put it in the report,
please.
Old Man (left) But your cheese tastes great.
Old Man (right) It's not great, it's barely edible. The new pasture's good for nothing, no matter
what the young people say. I say we can't settle there. Even the morning doesn't smell like
the morning in that place.
Some laugh.
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Expert Don't upset yourself because they're laughing. They still understand you. Comrades,
why do we love our homeland? For this reason. The bread tastes better there, the sky is
higher, the air is more sweet, voices sound stronger, and the earth is easier to walk on.
Isn't that so?
Old Man (right) But this valley has always belonged to us.
Wounded Soldier What do you mean by 'always'? Nothing's belonged to anyone always.
When you were a young man, you didn't even belong to yourself. You belonged to the
princes of Kazbeki.
Old Man (right) The valley belongs to us, according to the law.
Tractor Woman Look, the law has to be examined to see if it still stands up.
Old Man (right) I do know that. But is it all the same then what kind of tree stood outside the
house where you gave birth? What kind of neighbours you have, is that all the same?
Old Man (left) Why don't you just listen quietly to what your 'neighbour' Kato Wachtang has to
say about the valley? She's our agronomist.
Peasant Woman We haven't finished what we have to say about the valley, not by a long
chalk. Not all the houses are destroyed and the foundations of the dairy are at least still
standing.
Expert Don't get angry. You know that you can call on state support, here and elsewhere. I
suggest that you lay out your plans for the valley under dispute before the comrades here.
Soldier Kato Last winter, comrade, we were fighting here in the hills as partisans, we spoke
about how we'd increase our fruit plantations ten times bigger after we rid ourselves of the
Germans. I have worked out an irrigation project. By building a dam on our mountain lake,
three hundred hectares of barren land could be watered. Then our kolchos could grow not
only fruit, but make wine as well. Yet the project is only worth doing if it includes the valley
that's under dispute. Here are the plans.
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Scene 1
The Mighty Child
The Singer sits on the ground before the Musicians. About the shoulders of the Singer there
is a black sheepskin cloak. There is a small battered script, with bit of paper.
Singer
Times gone by, when the streets were blood
When this town was like a living hell,
Who ruled?
A governor, Georgi Abashvili.
Rich as Croesus,
A lovely wife, a healthy child,
That was him no governor in Georgia
Had so many horses
And the tinkers thronged his doorways,
So many soldiers served
Him, all sought his favour
So how do I do him justice
This Georgi Abashvili? Life was one long pleasure,
There he wanders off to church,
On Easter Sunday morning his wish
Was his command, he was fit to burst,
Him and all belonging to that holy family.
From the palace archway Beggars and those seeking favours surge holding up petitions,
crutches, thin children. Two armoured Soldiers. They attend the Governor's family, dressed
in finery.
Beggars / Petitioners
Full of grace, show grace
Your taxes are killing us
My leg in the Persian War
Full of grace, my brother
I lost it where can I get
An innocent man
He's dying of hunger
It was all down to a misunderstanding
We have one son left
The water is sour
Grace, full of grace
Don't send him to the war
I beg you
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A Servant collects the petitions. Another Servant hands out coins from a purse.
The Soldiers push the Crowd back, beating it with heavy leather whips.
Soldier Get back. Make room. Let them enter the church door.
The Governor, his Wife and the Adjutant are followed by the Governor's child. He is
wheeled through the archway in a fancy pram.
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Simon No no others.
He runs after Grusha as the Singer continues his story.
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Singer
The town is still,
But why are there armed men?
The Governor's palace is at peace,
But why has it turned into a fortress?
The Fat Prince enters quickly from the gateway. He stands still looking about him.
To the right two armoured Riders wait.
The Fat Prince sees them and goes slowly past giving them a sign. He then goes off quickly.
One of the armoured Riders goes through a gateway into the palace. The other one remains
behind as a guard.
Muffled cries are heard from various directions, 'To your posts'.
The palace is surrounded.
Church bells are heard in the distance.
The train of the Governor's family comes out of the gateway, back from the church.
Singer
Then the Governor was going back to his palace
Then was the fortress a trap
Then was the goose plucked and roasted
Then the goose fed nobody's face
Then midday was no time to eat
Then midday was the time to die.
The Governor's Wife says in passing:
Wife It's utterly impossible to live in this slum, but of course Georgi is only building for little
Michael, not for me, not at all. Michael is everything! Everything for Michael.
Governor So 'Happy Easter' from Brother Kazbeki, did you hear that? Very nice, but as far
as I know it didn't rain here in Nukha last night. It was raining though where Brother
Kazbeki spent the night. Where was he?
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Adjutant We must investigate.
Governor Yes, straight away. Tomorrow.
The train turns into the gateway.
The Rider who has come out of the palace approaches the Governor.
Adjutant Excellency, will you not hear the messenger from the capital? He arrived this
morning with confidential papers.
The Governor goes on.
Governor Not before eating, Shalva.
As the train disappears into the palace, only two armoured Riders remain behind the gate.
The Adjutant speaks to the Rider.
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Adjutant The Governor does not want you to bother him before he eats. And His Excellency
will devote the afternoon to discussions with some eminent architects. Here they are now.
Three Architects come in.
The Rider goes off as the Adjutant greets the Architects.
Adjutant Gentlemen, His Excellency is expecting you at the meal. He will dedicate his entire
time to you. What great new plans?
Architects We're quite amazed that His Excellency is thinking of building in the face of the
terrible rumour of a bad turn in the Persian War.
Adjutant We say, build because of the war. It means nothing. Persia is far away. The
garrison here would let itself be torn to pieces for the Governor's safety.
Noise comes out from the palace.
There is a shrill cry of a woman. Commands are shouted.
Thunderstruck, the Adjutant goes up to the gateway.
An armoured Rider comes out, pointing a lance at him.
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Adjutant What is going on here? Put down those spears, you dogs.
He looks furiously to the palace guards.
Disarm him. They're attacking the Governor, don't you see that?
The armoured Riders do not obey. They look coldly at the Adjutant with no interest. They
follow the rest of the proceedings without taking part.
The Adjutant fights his way into the palace.
Architects The princes! Last night in the capital there was a gathering of the princes who are
against the Grand Duke and his governors. It's time to leg it.
The Architects go off quickly.
Singer
Oh the blindness of the strong!
They walk like popes
Tramping over necks that are bowed.
They believe in their power,
That has lasted on so long,
But a long time is not for ever.
Times change, and change is hope.
The Governor comes out of the gateway, in chains, his face grey, between two Soldiers who
are armed to the teeth.
Singer
Well, great man, keep your head up high.
Your enemies followed you with their many eyes.
No more mighty builders for you,
Now a poor carpenter will have to do.
Forget all about a fine new mansion,
A hole in the ground is your destination.
Take one last look about you, blind man,
Do you see where you stood and where you now stand?
The prisoner looks about him.
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Singer
Between Easter Mass and the Easter feed
You'll turn into dust and rock and seed.
The Governor is led off and the palace guard follows.
A trumpet alarm sounds.
There is a noise behind the gateway.
Singer
The house of a great man fails and maims
The unlucky, unfortunate, unnamed
The beasts of burden who sweat for the rich
Are dragged with the coach falling into the ditch.
Servants come running out of the gateway in pairs, shouting to one another.
Servants
The hampers
Food for five days
Her ladyship has fainted
What about us?
They'll wring our necks like chickens
Jesus, Mary, what's going to happen
They say in the town the blood's flowing already
No, this is all nonsense, the Governor has simply been asked if he would consent to
appear before the prince, I have that on the highest authority.
The two Doctors rush into the courtyard.
The First Doctor tries to hold the other back.
First Doctor Niko Mikadze, you must attend on Natella Abashvili, as a doctor it is your duty.
Second Doctor My duty? It's yours.
First Doctor Niko Mikadze, who has the child today, me or you?
Second Doctor Mikha Loladze, do you really think I'll stay one minute more in a cursed
house because of that brat?
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They break into a fight with shouts of 'You're abandoning your duty' and 'Damn duty'.
The Second Doctor knocks the First Doctor down.
Second Doctor Now, go to hell.
He goes.
Servants
The soldiers!
Have they mutinied? Does nobody know what has happened?
Yesterday in the capital some said that the Persian War is totally lost
The princes are leading a big rebellion
They say the Grand Duke's fled into hiding, all his governors are going to be hanged.
Simon enters and looks for Grusha in the crowd.
The Adjutant appears in the gateway.
Adjutant Everybody help with the packing.
He drives the Servants away.
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Simon They say that hurry is the storm that scatters the scaffolding but they also say that the
rich know no hurry. I come from
Grusha Kutsk.
Simon So the young lady has made enquiries? I am healthy, I have no one to care for, I get
ten piastres a month, as paymaster twenty, and I ask for your hand, with my heart.
Grusha That's all right with me, Simon Chachava.
He fumbles for a thin chain with a cross around his neck.
Simon The cross comes from my mother, Grusha Vachnadze. The chain is of silver. I ask
you to wear it.
Grusha Many thanks, Simon.
They stand, undecided.
Simon I'll accompany the lady only to the troops who've stayed loyal. When the war's over, I'll
come home. Two or three weeks. I hope the time till I come back won't be too long for my
betrothed.
Grusha
I will wait for you, Simon Chachava.
Soldier, go calmly into battle,
The bloody battle, the bitter battle,
From which not everyone returns.
I will wait for you under the green elm,
I will wait for you under the bare elm,
I will wait till you all come back from battle,
And when you do come back from battle,
No boots will stand before my door,
No head will lie beside my pillow
No mouth will touch mine with a kiss.
When you do walk back through my door,
You will whisper, sweet and low,
Everything is now as it once was.
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Simon I thank you, Grusha Vachnadze. Goodbye.
He bows deeply before her, she bows as deeply before him. Then she runs away without
looking back.
The Adjutant comes out of the gateway and speaks harshly.
Adjutant Get the nags harnessed in front of the big coach. Move yourself, you worthless
scum.
Simon stands to attention and goes off.
Two Servants, bent under the weight of giant boxes, crawl out of the gateway.
The Governor's Wife staggers after them, supported by her women.
Behind her another woman carries the child.
Wife No one gives a damn. I don't know if I'm coming or going. Where is Michael? Don't hold
him so awkwardly. Get the boxes onto the coach. Have you heard anything from the
Governor, Shalva?
He shakes his head.
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There is a pause.
Just look at the way it's packed all thrown together no love, no understanding at times
like these you see what you have for servants.
She makes a sign with her hands.
You stuff your faces with food, but you have no thanks. I'm making a note of it.
The Adjutant is very excited.
Adjutant Natella, come straight away. The carpet-weavers have rebelled. They've just
hanged our Illo Orbeliani, the greatest judge in the country.
Wife Why? The silver one, it cost a thousand piastres, I must have it. And that one and all the
furs, and where is the wine-coloured one?
The Adjutant tries to pull her away.
Adjutant The riots have broken out. We have to go now.
A Servant runs off.
Adjutant Where is the child?
Wife Maro!
She calls to the Nanny.
Wife Get the child ready. Where are you?
Adjutant We can forget about the carriage now and just ride.
The Governor's Wife rummages through the clothes. She throws some on the pile to take
with her, then takes them off again.
Noises are heard.
Drums beat.
The sky begins to go red.
The Governor's Wife desperately rummages.
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Wife The wine-coloured one, I can't find it.
She shrugs her shoulders to the Second Woman.
Wife The whole pile of them, take them to the carriage. Why has Maro not come back? Have
you all gone mad? It's at the very bottom, I told you.
Adjutant Hurry! Hurry!
Wife Hurry! Throw them into the carriage.
Adjutant We have no carriage. Get a move on, or I'll ride alone.
Wife Maro, bring the child.
The Governor's Wife speaks to the Second Woman.
Wife See what's happening? No, take the clothes first of all. Pack them. This is madness. I
can't think of riding.
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A Soldier fixes the head by the hair with a hammer and nail.
Fat Prince I positioned myself today at the church door and I said to Georgi Abashvili, 'I love
a blue sky,' but I prefer a bolt from the blue. It's such a pity that they've taken the brat
away. I need it urgently. Search for him in all Georgia. A thousand piastres, that's the
reward.
Looking carefully about her, Grusha comes to the gateway. The Fat Prince and the Soldiers
leave.
There is again the sound of horses' hooves.
Grusha carries a bundle and goes up to the gateway. Just as she gets there she turns round
and sees the child is still there.
The Singer begins to sing.
Grusha stands motionless.
Singer
She stood between the door and the gateway
She thought she heard the child say,
Whisper, half call in a voice like her own,
'Woman, help me,' a voice that knew more than silence and stone,
'Woman, help me, help me, hear flesh and bone,
If you pass me by, if you block your ears,
You will never listen to your lovers' fears,
No birds will sing nor no angelus bell
Toll in the vineyard where we all dwell.'
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Grusha takes a few steps towards the child and leans over it.
Singer
She heard this and returned to the child
To see him one more time, so meek and mild,
She sat with him, waiting for his mother,
Wait for another, for any other
She sits opposite the child, leaning against a box.
Singer
This was a time of terror, the town full
Of terror, this was a time of hell.
As it becomes evening and the light grows weaker, Grusha goes into the palace to get a lamp
and some milk to give the child to drink.
The Singer sings loudly.
Singer
Terrible is the temptation to do good.
Throughout the night, Grusha sits wide awake with the child. She lights the lamp and looks at
him. She wraps it in a brocade coat. Sometimes she looks and listens about her to see if
anyone comes.
Singer
For a long time she sat by the child, evening, night and dawn.
How hard it is to resist; evening turned to night.
How hard it is to resist; night turned to dawn.
Too long she sat by the child, evening, night And dawn.
Too long she heard the breathing of the tiny prince.
The morning danced,
She was entranced.
She was convinced
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Scene 2
The Flight into the Northern Mountains
Singer Grusha Vachnadze went out of the town
To travel this Georgian highway
On the road into the Northern Mountains.
How will the good and kind escape
The bloodhounds and the trappers?
She wandered into the bare, bereft mountains,
She wound along the Georgian highway,
She sang a song, she bought milk.
Grusha continues walking, with the child in a sack on her back. In one hand she holds a
bundle, in the other a large stick.
She sings.
Grusha Four generals
Went off to Iran.
The first had no taste for war.
The second no taste for victory,
The third thought the weather wasn't right.
For the fourth the soldiers could not give a shite.
Four generals
Left without a pal.
Sosso Robakisde
Marched off to Iran.
This boy had a stomach for war
His boy liked the taste of victory
He thought the weather was right enough
For him the soldiers would fight enough.
Sosso Robakisde,
He's our man.
A peasant cottage appears.
Grusha speaks to the child.
Grusha Time to eat, so we'll plonk ourselves here on the grass and live in hope until the
good Grusha has bought a jug of milk.
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She puts the child on the ground and knocks at the cottage door.
An Old Man opens it.
Grusha Can you spare us a little jug of milk, and maybe a wheaten bun, Grandfather?
Old Man We have no milk. The soldier gentlemen from the town have our goats. If you want
milk go to the soldier gentlemen.
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Grusha Would you not even have a sup of milk for the child, Grandfather?
Old Man And I'll get a 'God bless you', will I?
Grusha Who's talking about 'God bless you'?
She takes out her purse.
Grusha We'll pay out like princes. Head in the air, arse in the water.
Crumbling, the Old Man fetches milk.
Grusha And how much does that taste of milk cost?
Old Man Three piastres. Milk's gone up.
Grusha For that dribble?
Without saying a word, the Old Man slams the door in her face.
Grusha Did you hear that, Michael? Three piastres. We can't afford that.
She goes back, sits down and gives her child her breast.
We have to try it like this again. Suck, think of three piastres. It's dry as a bone, but you
think you're drinking and that's better than nothing.
She shakes her head, seeing the child is not suckling any more. She stands up, goes back to
the door and knocks again.
Open up, Grandpa, we'll pay. (She adds quietly:) God's curse on you.
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Older Lady The Innkeeper does things in his own time. Since what happened in the capital,
manners have gone to hell in this country.
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The Innkeeper comes out, followed by his House Servant. He is a very venerable old man,
with a long beard.
Innkeeper Forgive an old man for keeping you ladies waiting. My little grandson was showing
me a peach tree. You should have seen the blossoms an exquisite pink.
Younger Lady I have to say I didn't really study the landscape.
He answers politely.
Innkeeper The dust, I understand. On our highways it's wiser to take your time, unless you're
in a hurry.
Older Lady Wrap your scarf around your throat, dearest. The winds seem a little cool here in
the evening.
Innkeeper They come from the glaciers of the Jungu Tau, ladies.
Grusha Yes, I'm afraid that my son will catch cold.
Older Lady A very spacious caravanserai. Might we go in?
Innkeeper Oh, you ladies want rooms? Sorry, we're full, ladies, and the serving staff have run
off.
Younger Lady We can't spend the night on the roads.
The Older Lady asks drily:
Older Lady How much do you charge?
Innkeeper Dear ladies, you do understand that these times a house must be very careful
so many refugees
Older Lady We are not refugees, my good man. We are travelling to our summer residence
in the mountains. We would not think of seeking hospitality unless we absolutely had to.
He nods knowingly.
Innkeeper Of course not. But I'm not sure the tiny room still available would suit the ladies. I
do charge sixty piastres per person. Do you ladies belong together?
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Grusha In a way, we do. I too need a place to stay.
Younger Lady Sixty piastres. These prices are cut-throat.
He answers coldly.
Innkeeper I have no desires to cut throats, ladies, so
He turns to go.
Older Lady Must we talk about throats? Come along.
She goes in, followed by the House Servant.
The Younger Lady is desperate.
Younger Lady A hundred and eighty piastres for a room!
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Don't imagine I don't know you're an obstinate donkey. Beat an order into you and you still
won't follow it. That limp is to let me know you don't like footing it. You're only doing it
because I sold the old horses for a price I'd never get again. It won't be any use to you,
it'll be all the worse for you. Sing.
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He comes out.
Peasant What's wrong? Let me finish my soup.
Peasant Woman Where's your mother, if you have one? It's a boy, I think. The linen's good,
that's a fine-born child. They've dumped it in front of the door. The times we live in.
Peasant They must be mad if they think we'll feed it. Haul it to the priest in the village. That's
an end to it.
Peasant Woman What would the priest do with it? It needs a mother. Look, it's waking up.
Could we not just take it in?
Peasant (shouts) No.
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Peasant Woman If I make it a bed by the armchair, I'd only need a basket. I could take it with
me into the fields. Look how it's laughing. We have a roof over our heads, we can do it, so
I'll hear no more, man.
She brings the child in. The Peasant follows protesting.
Grusha comes out from behind the tree, laughs and hurries away in the opposite direction.
Singer Why are you happy, as you head for home?
The little one has new parents,
He smiled and they were his,
That is why I'm happy.
I'm free of the one I loved,
And so I can be happy.
And why are you sad?
Because I'm free and I'm alone,
That is why I'm so sad,
Like a person who's lost something,
Like a person who has nothing.
She has gone a little way when she meets the two Soldiers, who point their lances at her.
Corporal Young lady, you've run into the armed forces. Where do you come from? When did
you come from it? Have you any subversive contacts with the enemy? Where is he? What
sort of manoeuvres is he making in your rear? What about the hills? How are the valleys?
How do you fasten your stockings?
Grusha stands scared.
Grusha They're pretty tightly fastened, so you'd better withdraw.
Corporal I can be relied to make my withdrawal be sure of that. Why are you looking at the
lance like that? In the field the soldier never lets his hand loose off his lance learn that by
heart, thickhead. So, young lady, where are you making your way to?
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Grusha To my fianc, Mr Soldier. He's Simon Chachava in the palace guard at Nukha. And
when I write to him, he'll break every bone in your body.
Corporal Simon Chachava, I know him surely. He gave me the wink that I should keep an
eye on you from time to time. Well, thickhead, we're becoming unpopular. We'll have to
show our intentions are honourable. Behind my smiles I've my serious side. So, down to
business, I want a child from you.
Grusha gives a quiet scream.
Corporal
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Thickhead, she's copped on. That gave her a sweet little shock. Let me take the bread out
of the oven first, Mr Officer. Let me change my torn blouse first, Mr Colonel. No more jokes,
young one, no more jokes. We're searching for a certain child. Have you heard of such a
child showing up here from the town, a well-born child, dressed in good linen?
Grusha No, I've heard nothing.
Singer
The butchers are coming,
Run, run, good girl.
You may be the helpless one.
And so she runs.
She turns suddenly and runs, panic-stricken, back where she came from.
The Soldiers look at one another and follow her, swearing.
Musicians
In the worst of bloody times
Good people still survive.
Grusha bursts into the Peasant's house as the Peasant Woman leans over the basket with
the child.
Grusha Hide it quickly the soldiers are coming. I left it in front of the door, but it's not mine.
It belongs to the nobility.
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Peasant Woman Who's coming? What soldiers?
Grusha Don't waste time asking. The soldiers are looking for it.
Peasant Woman They have nothing to look for in my house, but I think I need to say a word
to you.
Grusha Throw the good linen from him. It gives us away.
Peasant Woman Ah, linen be damned. I decide what's what in this house. Why are you so
pale? Don't be sick in my room. Why did you abandon him? It's a mortal sin.
Grusha looks outside.
Grusha They're coming out behind the trees right now. I should not have run away. That
woke them up. What should I do now?
The Peasant Woman also looks out and is suddenly deeply shocked.
Peasant Woman Jesus and Mary, a soldier.
Grusha They're after the child.
Peasant Woman But what if they come in?
Grusha Don't give it to them. Tell them it's yours.
Peasant Woman Right.
Grusha They'll knife it if you hand it over to them.
Peasant Woman What if they demand it? I have the harvest money in the house.
Grusha You have to say it's yours.
Peasant Woman Right, but what if they don't believe me?
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Singer
As Grusha Vachnadze, pursued by soldiers,
Came to the glacier that led to the eastern villages,
She sang the song of the rotten bridge and risked two lives.
A wind has arisen.
Out of the twilight the glacier footbridge looms. Since one rope is broken, it is half hanging into
the abyss.
Merchants, two men and a woman, stand uncertainly before the bridge as Grusha arrives
with the child. In the meantime one of the men fishes for the hanging rope with a pole.
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First Man Hey, young woman, you can't cross that pass.
Grusha But I need to go with my child to my brothers on the eastern side.
Merchant Woman Need? What do you mean, need? I need to cross because I have to buy
two carpets in Atum that a woman needs to sell because her husband is dying, my dear.
But can I do what I need to do?
First Man Quiet I think I hear something.
Grusha (speaks loudly) The bridge is not rotten through and through. I think I could try to
cross it.
Merchant Woman I wouldn't try that if Satan himself were on my trail.
The First Man shouts loudly.
Grusha Don't shout. Tell him not to shout.
First Man But down there someone's shouting. Maybe they've lost their way.
Merchant Woman Why shouldn't he shout? Is something wrong with you?
Grusha The soldiers are after me. I knocked one of them out.
Second Man Hide the merchandise quick.
The Merchant Woman hides a sack behind a stone.
Grusha Get out of my way. I have to cross that bridge.
Second Man I can't do that. That abyss drops two thousand feet deep.
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Grusha Get out of my road.
From a distance, cries: 'Up there!'
Merchant Woman They're very near. You can't take the child on the bridge. Look down!
Grusha looks into the abyss.
The cries of the Soldiers come again from below.
Second Man Two thousand feet.
Grusha Those men are worse.
First Man For the sake of the child, don't do it.
Second Man She weighs more with the child.
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And snow, Michael, it's not too bad. It dresses up the little fir trees, so they don't die in
winter. Listen.
She sings.
Your father is a robber.
Your mother is a whore.
But the most honest of men.
Will be bowing at your door.
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Scene 3
In the Northern Mountains
Singer
The sister wandered for seven days.
She wandered over the glaciers, down the slopes.
She said to herself,
When I enter my brother's house,
He will rise and embrace me.
He will say,
Is that you, sister?
I have been expecting you for a long time.
This here is my dear wife.
And this is my home, mine through marriage,
With eleven horses and thirty-one cows.
Sit down.
Sit down at our table with your child and eat.
The brother's house lay in a lovely valley.
She was sick from wandering.
The sister, when she came to the brother.
The brother stood up from the table.
A fat peasant couple has just sat down to eat. Lavrenti Vachnadze has a napkin around his
neck.
Supported by a Stableman and very pale, Grusha enters with the child.
Lavrenti Grusha, where have you come from?
Grusha (speaks weakly) I've crossed the Jungu Tau pass, Lavrenti.
Stableman I found her before the haybarn. She's a child with her.
Aniko Go and groom the chestnut.
He leaves.
Lavrenti This is my wife, Aniko.
Aniko We thought you were in service in Nukha.
Grusha can hardly stand.
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Grusha I was, yes.
Aniko Was it not a good job? We heard it was a good job.
Grusha The Governor has been killed.
Lavrenti Yes, there's been word about riots. Didn't your aunt say so, Aniko?
Aniko Here we've been very quiet. They're always stirring things up in towns.
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Mother Child? I see no child and neither do you. All right? If not, maybe I saw all kinds of
carry-on behind the pub. Come on.
They go into the front room.
After Grusha has put the child down and told it to be quiet, she is introduced to the Guests.
Mother This is my daughter-in-law. She's found my dear Jessup barely alive.
Woman A desperate thing to happen to a farm. The corn ripe for the picking and the farmer
in his bed. I thought he was just doing a bunk from the army. I was wrong, God take him. I
say it will be a relief for him when his suffering's over.
Mother Please, sit yourselves down and help yourselves to cakes.
The Mother beckons Grusha.
The two Women go into the bedroom where they pick up trays of cakes from the floor.
The Guests, the Monk among them, sit on the floor and begin a subdued conversation.
Peasant You say there's a little one? How could that have happened with Jessup?
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Mother Gossiping already, and filling their faces with the funeral cake. If he doesn't die today,
I'll have to bake more tomorrow.
Grusha I'll bake them.
Mother Yesterday evening, when the horsemen went by rounding up the boys, I went out to
see who it was, I came back in, and he's lying there like a man dead. Then I sent for you. It
can't take much longer.
Grusha gives Michael a cake.
Grusha Eat the cake, Michael, and be nice and quiet. We're respectable people now.
They carry the cake trays out to the Guests.
The dying Man sits up under the mosquito net and sticks his head out looking after them. Then
he sinks back again.
The Monk has taken two bottles out from under his habit. He passes them to the Peasant
sitting near him.
Three Musicians enter. The Monk waves at them with a grin.
Mother Why have you landed here with your instruments?
Musician Brother Anastasius here told us there was a wedding.
Mother What? You've tied three more around my neck? Do you know there's a man dying in
there?
Monk It's a great challenge to an artist. Should it be a subdued happy march or a jolly funeral
jig?
Mother Play at least, you won't be stopped from eating.
The Musicians play a mixture of music.
Monk Dear mourners, wedding guests, here we stand moved to tears, before a deathbed and
a bridal bed. The woman gets a veil, the man gets a grave. The bridegroom's just been
washed, and now the bride's on heat. Dear me, we're all getting a stiffy. Nothing we can do
about it it's all fate.
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Different folks, different strokes. La-di-da. One dies in there to get a roof over his head, and
the other gets married so that flesh may turn to dust, from which we're made. Amen.
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You can buy Persian saddles from soldiers now, some of them swap them for crutches.
The top knobs know one side wins a war, but the soldiers lose it on both sides. At least
that's the end of the call-up.
Jessup sits up in the bed and listens.
Guests What we need is two more weeks of good weather. Our pear trees have hardly no
fruit this year.
The Mother offers cakes.
Mother Take some more cakes and enjoy them. There's more.
The Mother goes with the empty tray into the bedroom. She doesn't see the sick man and
bends over a full tray on the floor as he begins to speak hoarsely.
Jessup How many more cakes will you stuff down their gullets? Do you think my arse shites
money?
The Mother turns round and stares in shock.
Jessup climbs out from behind the mosquito net.
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Jessup Did they say the war was over?
In the other room the Second Woman speaks friendlily to Grusha.
Second Woman Has the young lady someone in the war?
Man Well, it's good news they're coming home.
Jessup Stop staring. Where's the one you've saddled me with as a wife?
Since he gets no answer, he climbs out of bed and, swaying in his shirt, walks past the Mother
to the other room. Trembling, she follows him with the cake tray.
Seeing him, the Guests shout.
Guests Jesus, Mary and Joseph Jessup.
All stand up in alarm. Women rush for the door.
Still on her knees, Grusha lifts up her head and stares at him.
Jessup Eating over my corpse. Out before I whip you out!
The Guests leave the house quickly.
He speaks glumly to Grusha.
Jessup That's put a stop to your gallop, eh?
Since she says nothing, he takes a cake from the tray the Mother is holding.
Singer
Confusion, confusion,
The bride finds out she has a husband.
By day there's the child,
By night there's the man.
And the lover's on his way back day and night.
The married couple look at each other.
The bedroom's narrow.
Jessup sits naked in a high wooden bathtub.
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Jessup More.
He speaks to Grusha.
Jessup Even if your soldier boy worms back, you are married.
Grusha Yes.
Jessup But your soldier won't show up any more.
Grusha No.
Jessup You're cheating me. You're my wife, and you're not my wife. Where you lie, there's
nobody laid there, and yet no other woman can lie there. When I go out early to the fields,
I'm completely spent. When I lie down at night, I sleep no more than Satan. God made you
woman, and what do you do? My bit of land doesn't earn me enough to buy myself a
woman in the town. Woman clears the fields and opens her legs, that's what it says in our
book. Do you hear me?
Grusha Yes.
She adds quietly:
I didn't do right cheating you.
Jessup You didn't do right. Pour again.
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The Mother pours.
Jessup Jesus!
Singer
She sat by the stream
To wash linen
And she saw his face in the flood,
His face became paler
With the passing moons.
She got up to wring the linen
And heard his voice
Whistling from the maple
His voice became more quiet
With the passing moons.
She sighed and made more excuses,
She poured out tears and sweat,
With the passing moons,
The child grew up.
Grusha crouches by a little stream, and dips linen in the water. A few children stand at a
distance. Grusha speaks to Michael.
Grusha You can play with them, Michael, but don't let them boss you about because you're
the smallest. A duck takes to water, they say.
Michael runs away, the children follow him.
Grusha laughs, looking after them.
When she turns back, Simon Chachava stands on the other side of the stream. He wears a
torn uniform.
Grusha Simon!
Simon Is that Grusha Vachnadze?
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Grusha Simon.
He addresses her formally.
Simon God's blessing and good health to the young lady.
She gets up happily and bows deeply.
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Grusha God's blessing on Mr Soldier, and thank God that he's back safely.
Simon They found better than me, so they didn't eat me, said the haddock.
Grusha It took courage, said the servant boy. It took luck, said the hero.
Simon How were things here? Did you endure the winter, were the neighbours considerate?
Grusha The winter was rough enough, the neighbours were the neighbours, Simon.
Simon May a man ask: is a certain person still fond of sticking her leg in the water when
washing clothes.
Grusha The answer's no, because the bushes have eyes.
Simon The young lady's talking about soldiers. A paymaster stands before her.
Grusha Is that not twenty piastres?
Simon And board.
Grusha gets tears in her eyes.
Grusha Behind the barracks, beneath the date trees.
Simon There exactly. I see someone never misses a thing.
Grusha Someone didn't.
Simon And has someone not forgotten?
She shakes her head.
So is the door still on its hinges, as they say?
Grusha looks at him in silence and shakes her head.
Simon What is this? Is something not right?
Grusha Simon Chachava, I can never go back to Nukha. Something's happened.
Simon What has?
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Grusha I knocked an Ironman out.
Simon To do that Grusha Vachnadze must have had a good excuse.
Grusha Simon Chachava, I'm no longer called what I was called.
There is a pause.
Simon I do not understand that.
Grusha Simon, when do woman change their names? Nothing's changed between us.
Everything is still the same. You must believe me on that.
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Simon I see a cap, there in the grass. Is there a little one already?
Grusha There is, Simon. I won't hide that. Don't worry yourself. It's not mine.
Simon They say, when the wind blows once, it blows through every crack. The lady need say
no more.
Grusha bows her head and says no more.
Singer There was longing,
But there was no waiting.
The oath was broken.
Why? That was not told.
Hear what she thought,
But didn't say.
Soldier, you fought in the battle,
The bloody battle,
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Simon Give me back the cross I gave you. Better still, hurl it into the stream.
He turns to go.
Grusha Simon Chachava, don't go he's not mine, he's not mine.
She hears the children shouting.
Michael, what's wrong?
Michael Soldiers are coming.
Grusha stands shocked.
Two Soldiers come up to her.
Soldier Are you Grusha?
She nods.
Is this your child?
Grusha Yes.
Simon goes.
Grusha Simon.
Soldier We have a legal command to take this child, found in your care, to Nukha, since
there is a suspicion he is Michael Abashvili, son of the Governor Georgi Abashvili and his
wife, Natella Abashvili. Here is the document with the legal stamps.
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They lead the child away.
Grusha runs after them, shouting.
Grusha Leave him, please, he's mine.
Singer
The soldiers took away the child,
The loved one.
The unlucky one followed them
To the city,
That place of danger.
The mother who bore him
Demanded the child back.
The woman who reared him
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Faced judgement.
Who will decide the case?
Who will get the child?
Who will the judge be,
A good one, a bad one?
The city was on fire.
In the judge's seat sat Azdak.
Copyright Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Groe kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30
Bnde, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness
has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work.
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Scene 4
The Story of the Judge
Singer
Listen to the story of the judge:
How he became a judge,
How he gave judgement
And what make of judge is he.
That Easter Sunday of the great rising
And the father of our child,
Georgi Abashvili, lost his head,
And the Grand Duke was overthrown,
Azdak, the village clerk, found a refugee
In the woods and hid him in his hut.
In rags and having a few drinks, Azdak helps a Refugee, dressed as a beggar, into his hut.
Azdak You're not a horse, quit snorting. And it'll do you no good with the police to run like
snot in April. Be still, I'm telling you.
He catches the Refugee again, who has tottered on as if he would walk through the wall of the
hut.
Azdak Sit down and have a feed there's some cheese.
He fetches some cheese out from a box under some rags and the Refugee eats it ravenously.
Azdak Been a while since you put a bite in your stomach?
The Refugee mumbles.
Azdak Listen, arsehole, why did you run like that? The policeman wouldn't have seen you at
all.
Refugee Had to.
Azdak Shite scared out of you?
Not understanding, the Refugee stares at him.
Azdak Shite? Scared? Eh? Don't slobber like a sow or a Grand Duke. I can't stick it. We're
forced to put up with highborn shitehawks as God made them. But not your like. I once
heard of one high court judge who farted in company just to show he was an independent
spirit. Watching you eat gives me the heebie-jeebies. Why don't you say a word?
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He speaks sharply.
Show me your hand. Do you not hear me? Hand, show me.
Trembling, the Refugee holds out his hand.
Azdak
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White! So you're no beggar. A fraud, a wandering cheat. And I'm hiding you like a decent
man. Tell me why you're on the run when you have land, because you have don't deny it,
I read it in your guilty face.
He stands up.
Get out.
The Refugee looks at him uncertainly.
Azdak What's holding you back? Don't you have peasants to whip?
Refugee Being followed. Give undivided attention want to make proposition.
Azdak Proposition what? Have you no shame? He's making a proposition. A man
scratches his bites until they bleed, and the louse makes a proposition. I'm telling you, get
out.
Refugee Understand point of view. Persuasion. Pay a hundred thousand piastres for one
night, yes?
Azdak Do you think you can buy me? For a hundred thousand piastres? A lousy farm? Make
it a hundred and fifty thousand. Then you have a deal.
Refugee Have not got it with me, of course. Will be sent. Hope. Do not doubt.
Azdak Doubt deeply. Get out.
The Refugee stands up and trots to the door. A voice calls from outside.
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Voice Azdak.
The Refugee turns round and trots to the opposite corner. He stays standing there.
Azdak (shouts) I'm not available for conversation.
He goes to the door.
So you're back from snouting around, Shauva.
The policeman, Shauva, cries reproachfully outside.
Shauva You caught another hare, Azdak. You swore to me it wouldn't happen again.
Azdak grows severe.
Azdak Shauva, stop talking about things that are beyond you. The hare is a bad brute of an
animal that devours plants, especially the so-called weeds. That's why they have to be
wiped out.
Shauva Azdak, don't be cruel to me. If I don't take action against you, I'm out on my ear. I
know your heart's good.
Azdak My heart is not good. Am I not blue in the face telling you that I'm a class of an
intellectual?
Shauva I know, Azdak you have brains in your arse, you say so yourself. Now I'm asking
you, me a Christian and uneducated man: if a hare's stolen from the Duke, and me a
policeman, what should I do with the thief?
Azdak Shauva, Shauva, shame on you. You stand there and you ask me a question, and
there is nothing more tantalising than a question. Now say you were a woman, that
Nunovna, that naughty Nunovna, and she asked me, what am I going to do with my thigh,
it's got a wild itch in it, now is she innocent when she does that? She is not. I catch a hare,
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but you catch humans. Man is made in God's image, but a hare is not. I eat hare, but you
eat men, Shauva, so go on home and fall on your knees, you cannibal. No, wait, maybe I
have something for you.
He looks at the Refugee, who stands there trembling.
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Azdak No, it's nothing, no. Go home and fall on your knees.
He slams the door in his face.
Your eyes are popping out of their sockets, aren't they? I didn't hand you over, eh? I
couldn't hand over a flea to that specimen of a policeman. It goes against my nature. Don't
shake. So old, and such a coward. Eat up your cheese, but eat like a poor man, or they'll
get you yet. God, have I even got to show you how a poor man behaves?
He pushes the Refugee down to make him sit and puts the piece of cheese back in his hand.
Azdak This box is the table. Put your elbows on the table. Now circle round the cheese on
the plate; it could be ripped from under you at any minute, so why should you feel safe?
Treat the knife like it's a little sickle and stop looking at the cheese with such pleasure
look at it more sadly, because it is already fading, like everything good.
He looks at him.
They're after your skin, that's in your favour, but how can I know you're the genuine article?
Once in Tiblisi, they hung a landowner a Turk. He could prove to them that he quartered
his peasants and not just halved them, as the rest did. He also squeezed double the tax
out of them. He was sharp, very sharp but they hanged him, like a dog, because he was
a Turk, which was something he could do nothing about. Such injustice. He came to the
gallows with as much enthusiasm as Pontius Pilate came to the Creed. To put it bluntly, I
don't trust you.
Singer
So Azdak gave shelter to the old beggar that night.
He found out that it was the Grand Duke himself, that old mumbler.
He was ashamed, blamed himself, ordered the policeman to take him to judgement, before
the court in Nukha.
Mob hangs judge.
83
Singer
Times gone by, when the streets were blood,
When this town was like a living hell,
Who ruled?
This was a time of terror, the town
Full of terror, this was a time of hell.
Mob Yes, yes, yes, yes, that is so.
In court, three Soldiers crouch, drinking.
Azdak enters in chains, dragging Shauva after him.
Azdak Keep your trap shut, Shauva. These are changed times they're going to thunder
over us. Even policemen are being wiped out. Everything is being investigated. Everything
is being thrown out into the open. That's why it's better to hand yourself in before the
people get their hands on you. It's the only way out.
He shouts.
I helped him get away the Grand Duke the Grand Thief the Grand Strangler. I
demand that Fm punished severely, in an open court, in the name of justice.
First Soldier Who's this funny boy?
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Azdak Stop, that won't do. If the judge hasn't been appointed, we shouldn't use real
criminals. He might be thick as a horse, but he has to be appointed, or the law will be
violated. The law is a very sensitive being, just like the spleen. Never punch it with your
fists, or death sets in. You could hang the two of them, that way the law is not violated
because no judge was there. The law must be treated always with complete seriousness,
because it's complete bollocks.
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Hurt, robbed,
Your sons in the war,
Full of hope,
You weep to get a cow,
Stand amazed
Not to be beaten.
Little mother,
Judge us,
Show mercy to the damned.
He yells to the Farmers.
Azdak You heathens, admit you don't believe in miracles. A fine on each of you of five
hundred piastres for Godlessness. Get out.
The Farmers crawl out.
Azdak You, Grandma, and you, holy man, down a drop of wine with the Public Prosecutor
and Azdak.
The Singer and Musicians sing.
Chorus
He broke the laws like bread,
He shared the laws like wine,
That wine and bread he fed
To the hungry and crying.
Their hands at last he filled,
Lifted burdens from their back,
Their skipper at the helm,
Good judge, bad judge, Azdak.
The Singer continues.
Singer
Then the days of disorder ended,
The Grand Duke came back,
The Governor's wife came back,
And a court was held.
Many people died,
The outskirts burned again,
And fear grabbed Azdak.
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Azdak I'd better find out what they can burn me for. I've always let those who have nothing
get away with everything and that's going to cost me dearly. I gave poverty a hand to get
on its hind legs and so they'll hang me for being permanently pissed. I fingered the rich
man's pockets, and that's a bad habit. I can hide from none since everybody knows I
helped all and sundry.
Shauva Someone's coming.
98
Azdak stands petrified, and then, trembling, he goes to the chair.
Azdak Over. I'll give no one the pleasure of acting the big hero. I'll fall to my knees for mercy
from you don't leave now. I'm drowning in spit. I have a fear of death.
The Governor's Wife enters with two Lawyers.
Wife What is that thing?
Azdak A willing one, Your Honour, one standing ready to serve.
First Lawyer Natella Abashvili, the wife of the dead Governor, has just returned. She's
searching for her two-year-old son, Michael Abashvili. She's received information that the
child was abducted into the mountains by a former servant.
Azdak Your Excellency, it will be brought back, as your order.
Second Lawyer The person is said to be spreading the word that the child is hers.
Azdak Your Excellency, she will be beheaded, as you order.
First Lawyer That is all.
The Governor's Wife goes out.
Wife That man is not to my liking.
Azdak follows them to the door, bowing deeply.
Azdak Your Excellency, it will all be arranged as you order. As you order.
Copyright Der kaukasische Kreidekreis 1955. Groe kommentierte Berliner und Frankfurter Ausgabe 30
Bnde, Suhrkamp Verlag, Frankfurt am Main. Translation copyright 2007 by Brecht Heirs. Frank McGuinness
has asserted his right to be identified as the translator of this work.
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Scene 5
The Chalk Circle
Singer
Now hear the story of the case concerning the child of Governor Abashvili;
To establish who was the true mother
Through the famous test of the chalk circle.
The court of justice in Nukha.
Ironmen lead Michael in across the court and out the back.
A Soldier with a lance holds Grusha back under the gateway until the child has been led
away. She is then let in. With her is the Cook of the Governor's household.
There is noise in the distance and the glow of fires.
Grusha He's a fine boy, he can wash himself on his own.
Cook You're in luck. It's not a real judge at all. It's Azdak. He's fond of the booze, and he
knows nothing. He let the biggest crooks get away. Because he argues that black's white
and the swanks can never pay him enough bribes, he sometimes sees our kind all right.
Grusha I need luck today.
Cook Let your luck hold.
She blesses herself.
I think I'd better say another quick rosary for the judge to be roaring drunk.
She prays, moving soundless lips while Grusha looks in vain for the child.
Cook I just don't understand in these times why you want such a grip on him when he's not
your own.
Grusha He is mine. I reared him.
Cook Did you never think what would happen when your woman came back?
100
Grusha I thought at the start I'll give him back to her, and then I thought she won't come any
more.
Cook So a borrowed coat keeps you just as warm, yes?
Grusha nods.
Cook I'll swear what you like, for you're a decent woman.
She memorises.
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I was looking after him for five piastres and Grusha fetched him that Easter Sunday
evening while the riots were going on.
She catches sight of Simon approaching.
Cook You sinned against Simon, you know. I've spoken to him, he can't understand this.
Grusha does not see him.
Grusha I can't worry now about the man if he understands nothing.
Cook He understands the child is not yours but you're married and free no more, till death do
you part that he cannot understand.
Grusha catches sight of Simon and greets him.
He speaks gloomily.
Simon I would like to inform the lady I'm ready to swear that I am the child's father.
She answers quietly.
Grusha It's right, Simon.
Simon I would also like to state that by doing this, I'm not obliged in any way, and neither is
the lady.
Cook No need for that, she's married, you know that.
Simon That's her business, and there's also no need to rub it in.
Two Soldiers enter.
101
Soldiers Where is the judge? Has anyone seen the judge?
Grusha has turned away and hidden her face.
Grusha Stand in front of me. I shouldn't have come to Nukha. If I run into the soldier I
clobbered over the head
One of the Soldiers who has brought the child steps forward.
Soldier The judge is not here.
The Soldiers search for him.
Cook I hope nothing's befallen him. With another judge you have as much chance as a
chicken has teeth in its head.
Soldier There are only two old people and a child. The judge has scarpered.
Other Soldier Search further.
The Governor's Wife enters with two Lawyers.
Wife Thank God we're spared the presence of the people. I can't stand the stink. I get a
migraine from it.
First Lawyer Your Ladyship, please be as careful as possible until we have another judge.
Wife What did I say, Illo Shuboladze? I adore the people they're so straightforward and
sensible and so plain. It's just their stink gives me migraine.
Second Lawyer
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There won't be much of a crowd. Most of the population is sitting behind locked doors
because of the bother in the outskirts.
Wife Is that the tramp?
She points to Grusha.
First Lawyer Your Grace, Natella Abashvili, please refrain from all name-calling until we're
sure the Grand Duke has named the new judge and we're rid of the peasant one. He's
about as low as any who ever have been seen in a judge's robe. And things seem to be
moving fast. Look.
102
Soldiers enter the court.
Cook Her Grace there would have clawed your eyes out if she didn't know Azdak is on the
side of the people. He judges by the face.
Two Soldiers have begun to fasten a rope to the column.
Azdak is now led in in chains.
Shauva comes behind him, also in chains.
Soldier Making an attempt to escape, yes?
He hits Azdak.
Azdak, covered in blood, is panting.
Azdak Give me a cloth, I can't see.
Soldier What, so you want to see?
Azdak Dogs you are dogs.
He wipes the blood out of his eyes with his hand.
How do you do, dogs? How are you, dogs? How is the world, dogs? Does it smell like a
dog? Do you have a boot to lick again? Are you chewing yourself to death again, dogs?
Soldier Strip him of the judge's robe before he's strung up.
They tear the judge's robes off Azdak. His ragged underwear is visible. One of them kicks him.
They start throwing him one to another.
During this 'ball game' the Governor's Wife has been clapping her hands hysterically.
Wife I didn't like him from the instant I set eyes on him.
Soldiers
Do you want a pile of justice? Here it is.
You take him.
I don't need him.
They throw Azdak to and fro until he collapses. He is then pulled onto his feet and dragged
under the noose.
A Rider, covered in dust, enters. He takes papers from a leather bag. He looks through them,
and now he interrupts.
103
Rider Stop I have a letter from the Grand Duke that concerns the new appointment.
He yells.
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Stand still.
They all stand still.
With regard to the new judge, the following is declared: we nominate a man who must be
thanked for saving one of the most important lives in the country he is called Azdak, from
Nukha. Who is that?
Shauva points to Azdak.
Shauva The man beneath the gallows, Your Excellency.
Rider What's going on here?
Soldier Permission to report that His Worship has already been His Worship but he was
declared an enemy of the Grand Duke.
Rider Make sure His Worship faces no more attacks.
The Rider exits.
The Cook speaks to Shauva.
Cook That one clapped her hands. I hope he saw it.
First Lawyer This is catastrophic.
Azdak has fainted. He is picked up, comes round and is once more dressed in the judge's
robes. He goes swaying away from the group of Soldiers.
Soldier Your Honour, we meant no harm. Your Honour, what do you wish?
Azdak Nothing, my fellow dogs. Perhaps a boot to lick.
He speaks to Shauva.
104
Azdak You I pardon.
Shauva is unchained.
Azdak Fetch me wine, red wine, sweet red wine.
Shauva exits.
Azdak Get out. I have a case to deal with.
The Soldiers exit.
Shauva returns with a mug of wine. Azdak drinks deeply.
Azdak Something for my seat.
Shauva brings the statute book and puts it on the seat.
Azdak sits down.
Azdak I take.
Among the prosecutors a worried consultation is taking place, but at Azdak's declaration, their
faces show relieved smiles. There is some whispering.
Cook We're up shit creek.
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First Lawyer Your Honour, thank you. Permit a mother laid low by suffering, who has lost her
husband already and now fears the loss of her child, to direct a few words to you. Gracious
Natella Abashvili
She speaks quietly.
Wife Sir, a hideous fate forces me to ask for my beloved child to be returned. It is not for the
likes of me to describe to you the agony of a mother robbed, the worry, the nights without
sleep, the
The Second Lawyer interrupts.
Second Lawyer It is outrageous how this woman is being treated. She is forbidden entry to
her husband's palace, her income from the estate is blocked, she is told, in cold blood, that
they are all due to the heir and that without the child she can undertake nothing she can't
pay her lawyers.
Despairing about this interruption, the First Lawyer has been frantically gesturing to him to
shut up.
Second Lawyer Dear Illo Shuboladze, why shouldn't it be said that this really concerns the
Abashvili estates?
First Lawyer Most respected Sandro Oboladze, please we were agreed
He addresses Azdak.
First Lawyer Of course, it is correct that the outcome of this case also decides whether our
client obtains the disposal of the extremely large Abashvili estates. However, I emphasise
that 'also', for the main issue at stake here is the human tragedy of a mother, as Natella
Abashvili has rightly stated at the beginning of her moving testimony. Even if Michael were
not the heir to the estate, he would still be the dearly beloved child of my client.
107
Azdak Stop! The court is touched by the mere mention of estates. It's terribly human.
Second Lawyer Your Honour, I thank you. Dear Illo Shuboladze, we can prove in any case
that the person who grabbed the child is not the child's mother. Allow me to put the bare
facts before the court. Through an unfortunate series of events, Michael Abashvili was left
behind by his mother when she fled. Grusha, a kitchen maid in the palace, was there that
Easter Sunday and she was seen busying herself with the child
Cook while the other one was concerned only with what clothes she could cart with her.
The Second Lawyer is unmoved.
Second Lawyer Grusha appeared with a child in a mountain village nearly a year later and
she entered into the marriage with
Azdak How did you get to the mountain village?
Grusha By foot, Your Honour, and he was mine.
Simon I am the father, Your Honour.
Cook I looked after it for five piastres, Your Honour.
Second Lawyer The man is Grusha's fianc. I put it to the high court that he is not to be
trusted.
Azdak Are you the man she married in the mountains?
Simon She married a peasant, Your Honour.
Azdak winks at Grusha.
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Azdak Why?
He points at Simon.
Azdak Is he not up to much in bed? Tell the truth.
Grusha We never got as far as that. I got married because of the child. To get it a roof over
his head.
108
She points to Simon.
Grusha He was away in the war, Your Honour.
Azdak And he wants you back now, does he?
Simon I would like to say in evidence
Grusha is angry.
Grusha I'm no longer free, Your Honour.
Azdak And you state that the child's the consequence of whoring?
Grusha does not answer.
Azdak I'm asking you a question. What kind of child is this? Is he a scraggy little tinker, or
does he hail from a fine family with independent means?
Grusha is angry.
Grusha He's a normal child.
Azdak And from an early age did he possess very refined features?
Grusha He possessed a nose on his face.
Azdak He possessed a nose on his face. A significant answer on your part, I believe. They
say about me that before making a judgement I went out and smelt the roses. You need
tricks like that these days. I'll bring this to an end. I'll hear no more lies from you.
He speaks to Grusha.
Azdak Especially you.
He speaks to the plaintiffs.
I can well imagine what balderdash you've concocted to cheat me. I know your like you're
swindlers.
Grusha speaks suddenly.
Grusha You'd want to cut it short after having seen what you took.
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Azdak Close your mouth. Did I take anything from you?
The Cook tries to hold Grusha back.
Grusha Why no because I've nothing.
Azdak Exactly. I get nothing from you hungry gits, I could starve away myself. You roar for
justice, but do you want to pay? If you go to a butcher, you expect you have to pay, but
with a judge you sit with your hands out clasped like it's a wake.
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First Lawyer If we don't say another word, Your Grace, we have this verdict in the bag.
Cook (to Grusha) You've had it with him. Now he'll give the child away.
A very old Married Couple enter.
Wife Smelling salts, Shauva, smelling salts.
Azdak I take.
The Old People do not understand.
Azdak I hear you want a divorce. How long have you been married?
Old Woman Forty years, your honour.
Azdak Why do you want a divorce?
Old Man We hate the sight of each other, Your Honour.
Azdak For how long?
Old Woman For forty years, Your Honour.
Azdak I'll ponder on your case and pronounce judgement when I've wrapped up the other
case.
Shauva leads them into the background.
Azdak I need the child.
He waves to Grusha that she should come to him. He bends towards her in a way that is not
unfriendly.
Azdak I've seen that you stand up a bit for justice. I don't believe the child is yours, but
woman, if it was yours, would you not want it to be wealthy? If so, you need only say it's not
yours. Straight away it would have a palace, all the horses in the stables, all the beggars at
the doorstep, all the soldiers in his service and all the loads of petitioners in the courtyard.
Yes? What's your answer to that? Would you not want him to have wealth?
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Singer Hear what the angry woman thought now, but she did not speak.
He sings.
If he walked in golden shoes,
He would trample those who lose,
He would do harm and evil,
And at me he'd laugh his fill.
To turn the heart to stone,
Is a task to be disowned,
To grow mighty and bad
Would make the good heart mad.
Hunger, I hope, he fears
But not hungry tears,
May he fear the dark of night
But not the good daylight.
Azdak Woman, I understand you, I think.
Grusha I won't give him away. I reared him, and he knows me.
Shauva leads the child in.
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Azdak Don't influence the court. I'd say you know about twenty yourself. All right, I'll do the
test one more time, to convince myself completely.
The two Women position themselves again.
Pull.
Grusha lets the child go again. She is desperate.
Grusha I reared him. Should I rip him to pieces? I can't do that.
Azdak stands up.
Azdak This way the court has decided who is the true mother.
He speaks to Grusha.
Azdak There's your child, take him away, I warn you not to stay with him in the city.
He speaks to the Wife.
Azdak You, vanish before I have you up for fraud. The estates go to the city so that a garden
for children be made out of them. They need it. I proclaim it to be called after me, 'Azdak's
Garden'.
The Governor's Wife faints and is carried out by the Adjutant.
The Lawyers have already gone.
Grusha stands without moving.
Shauva leads the child to her.
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Azdak Time for me to remove the judge's robe, it's grown a bit too hot. I play the hero for
nobody. Still, I invite you to a little parting dance, outside in the field. Oh, in my hurry I
almost forget something. I have to carry out the divorce.
Using the judge's chair as a desk, he writes something on a piece of paper.
Dance music has started.
Shauva has read the paper.
Shauva This isn't right. You haven't divorced the two old ones. You've divorced Grusha from
her husband.
Azdak Wouldn't that break your heart? I've divorced the wrong ones, but that's how it stays, I
take nothing back, there would be no order if I did. So I invite you to my party, if you're still
in the form for a dance. You both of you owe me forty piastres.
Simon takes out his purse.
Simon Well worth it, Your Honour. And thanks thanks.
Azdak pockets the money.
Azdak I'm going to need this.
Grusha Then, Michael, we'd better get clear of this city tonight, yes?
She wants to take the child on her back.
Do you like him?
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