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A short play, staged within The Finn-Brit Players' production Short 'n' Snappy #4:
http://www.finnbritplayers.com/productions/past-productions/sns4
Play blurb:
Ever since the Renaissance, the Carnival of Venice is one of the most iconic festivals. A centrepiece jewel in the crown of Baroque celebrations. It is the ultimate stage where people can leave the woes of the world behind and enter a realm of fantasy and pleasure. This is precisely what our two heroes are up to.
For a week, Alan and Clio have feasted on the Carnival and on each other's company, trying to outdo themselves in creating the perfect romance for two. From dancing in the streets to moonlit gondola rides, name it – they did it. And more.
Tonight is the eve of Fat Tuesday, the last night of the Carnival. Tonight, Alan and Clio meet in the booth of an intimate bar, secluded in the Dorsoduro district of Venice. They meet to talk about the beauty of the Carnival, about the pleasure they had, and to debate what is the respectable number of Rossini cocktails.
Join them. And listen. You will learn about the unique arrangement of their carnival adventure, and about a greater story that lies hidden behind their masks.
Characters:
Alan
"I know my Venice,” boasts Alan, rather roguishly. “I'm practically local."
We see that he isn’t. And so does she. Yet, he knows all the pubs around, like a magician knows their oldest deck of cards. He arranged an after-hours private tour of San Marco’s Basilica, something which all the websites would tell you is simply impossible. He was the one to find the most idyllic route through the city canals, but miraculously free of all the other couples looking for romance, so that the moon will have no other choice, but to shine just for two.
So, if you judge him by his actions, you will never guess he’s not from here. You’d rather bet he is either a Venetian, or he must possess some godly powers that grant him knowledge over all the hidden gems of the city.
Tonight, he is after one treasure only. A concealed piece of trivia, closely guarded by his lovely companion. A thing so simple and mundane, which most of us gladly give away at first encounter. Who is she?
Once he uncovers this secret, it will be time for his next move…
Clio
Meet Clio.
She knows a lot about history, but her mastery is not limited to the past alone. She can design a carnival costume that resembles a galaxy of flowers and then make it come to life. She knows precisely when to spill her laughter, and when to stop. When to pull her hair back into a chignon. When to let it loose."All good things begin with a dance," declares she, and you just have to spend a day with her to know that she lives what she says. It takes her a split second to spark a celebration, or to waltz into the Doge's Ball without an invitation. The poor boys at the doors, dressed as guards, never knew what hit them.
Just as suddenly, she would stop in front of a statue and tell you the eye-watering story of its origin. There’s one story, though, she wouldn’t tell. Hers.
Cari Amori reveals part of this story, the part that connects her so intimately to Venice, to the Carnival, and to the man in front of her tonight. Will she share more? How much does she suspect of his intentions? How will she respond?...
written & directed by Vladislav Nenchev
Cast:
Alan – Arnaud Praplan
Clio – Delphine Laniesse
Additional credits:
The first photo and the photos of Clio are by Thibaud Rohmer.