Plot and description of Rozov’s play “On the Wedding Day”. Ernest Hemingway

Victor Rozov. On your wedding day

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Drama in three acts

ã Publishing house "Art", 1983

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OCR: Sergey Kandakov

Spellcheck: Sergey Kandakov, 09/26/2012.

CHARACTERS

SALOV ILYA GRIGORIEVICH - night watchman.

His children:

ZHENYA .

RITA - N's wife Ikolaja.

NELLY – their daughter.

MIKHAIL ZABOLOTNY.

VASILY ZABOLOTNY.

KLAVA KAMAEV.

MAYA MUKHINA.

TONYA - Nyura's friend.

OLYA KOZHURKINA.

MENANDR NIKOLAEVICH - storekeeper .

MATVEEVNA.

SERGEEVNA.

ALEVTINA PETROVNA.

MUSICIANS. GUYS. GIRLS. GUESTS.

ACT ONE

The courtyard of a small house located on the high bank of the Volga. In the courtyard there is a table dug into the ground, a workbench with a vice screwed to it. A barn is visible from the side. In the yard there are things taken out of the house for drying and airing: furniture, rugs, paths and other miscellaneous utensils. The windows in the house are open. There is cleaning going on, the floors are being washed.

Throughout the scene, Sergeevna periodically takes out a bucket of dirty water, dumps it somewhere behind the house and brings clean water into the house. Sometimes she shakes out a curtain, a cape, or just a rag on the porch. From the Volga you can hear the whistles of steamships, the sirens of self-propelled guns, and the hum of motor boats. Noon. Hot.

Ilya Grigorievich and Matveevna Salov are sitting at the table. Salov dictates. Matveevna writes it down. At the workbench is Mikhail. He is examining some detail.

Salov. ...That means there will be forty-six guests in total. Well, round it up - fifty, maybe someone will come in like that because of the noise. Now write what to buy. Ten kilograms of meat is a must - make cutlets and make pies. No, ten is not enough, fourteen will be gone. Write - fourteen. Take lamb and pork. Jelly, of course, is necessary. This means there are eight or ten cow legs. Write ten already. Herring. Well, five kilograms is a must. Take the salted ones, but just not the rusty ones, not the skinny ones, choose the fatty ones. It will take two kilos of vegetable oil: for the vinaigrette... for the green onion vinaigrette, buy three kilograms, there is already a lot of it at the market.

Matveevna. Still expensive, up to seventy kopecks.

Salov. Nothing, a wedding, tea, but not like that - a party. Eggs - and in pies

and for the herring - you need to take a hundred. Can be inexpensive, not for a ruble

thirty-four, and ninety each. Take four cabbages, we’ll make pies with meat and cabbage.

Matveevna. It would be good with fish too.

Salov. You probably won't get any fish.

Matveevna. And I’ll go to the artel in Chernousovo in the morning and get some. I’ll take it straight from the net, and inexpensively.

Salov. This is good. Go and get it.

Matveevna. I'll give you a liter and they'll give me a full basket.

Salov. Sausages would be good.

Matveevna. I'll look around.

Salov. Well, that's all for now. Take the basket and go.

Matveevna leaves.

(following her.) Buy fifteen glasses of seeds in the evening.

Matveevna left.

(He unfolded the newspaper lying on the table, looked at it, and put it aside.) Misha, bring me some beer, it's steaming fast.

Michael. Where is it?

Salov. I guess Nyurka put it in the underground.

Mikhail went into the house to get beer. Salov stood up, went to the barn doors, and opened them.

(Speaks quietly.) Zhenechka! Zhenka!

No answer. Salov opened the door slightly and went back to the table, but as he walked he saw someone behind the fence.

Menander Nikolaich, come in.

Mikhail left the house.

Michael. Not there, Ilya Grigorievich.

Salov. So she took it to the cellar. Go around and get used to the house.

Mikhail goes to the cellar. Menander Nikolaevich enters the gate. He falls heavily on one leg, apparently a war invalid. Says hello to Salov.

Menander Nikolaevich (pointing to the property displayed in the yard). Are you preparing for tomorrow's celebration?

Salov. Yeah!

Michael. Hello, Menander Nikolaevich.

Menander Nikolaevich. Hello, Misha. Are you in the evening, or what?

Salov. I took the legal three days, as required. Menander Nikolaevich. Well, I see he’s walking.

Mikhail left. Menander Nikolaevich shakes hands with Salov.

Salov. Sit down, Menander Nikolaich, let's have a beer. Menander Nikolaevich sits down at the table.

A break, or what?

Menander Nikolaevich. I'm going to lunch.

Salov. What a heat! The second week is scalding.

Menander Nikolaevich. Dry... Mikhail has already come to you

Salov. Not yet. I want the rules: how will they register tomorrow,

so here we go. Come, Saturday and Sunday for a walk

Menander Nikolaevich. This enterprise will cost you a lot of money.

Salov. Wedding.

Menander Nikolaevich. Where did you get the money?

Salov. Nyurka took out a loan, Mikhail saved up, but I’m afraid

got the hook of life. Convenient thing, you know!

It seemed like he was depositing small things, but now two hundred rubles at once

fucked off.

Menander Nikolaevich. One blame, I guess...

Salov. Let's add moonshine. Brother brought from Semyonovsky

z, he mines there alone...

Menander Nikolaevich. Aren't you afraid?

Salov. They say they have come up with a new method. His refrigerator is “ZIL”, so he freezes it out in the refrigerator. It doesn’t drive, but in a new way - it evaporates with cold.

Menander Nikolaevich. Look!.. We need to find out how it is.

Mikhail enters. Places bottles and glasses on the table.

S a l o v (touching the bottle with his hand). Fogged up. I wouldn't mind

catch a cold (He opens the beer and pours it into glasses.)

Get it, Menander Nikolaich, whitewashed kilograms of zinc

six. Do you have something in stock or not?

Menander Nikolaevich. When do you need something?

S a l o v. Yes today.

All three drank beer. Mikhail went to the workbench and vice.

Nikolai asked for it. He bought a motor boat, yes color

Not to his taste, he wants to repaint it. It's a good boat. Did not see?

Menander Nikolaevich. No.

S a l o v. He placed it near the passenger side. Go to town and take a look. About sixty horsepower... Wait a minute, he’ll probably arrive on it today. Exactly! Mikhail over there is sorting out the fuel pump for him instead.

Menander Nikolaevich. There is whitewash, it was just delivered. We will paint the manger. While the kids are at camp, we'll paint it. Just give me a can, I’ll pour it, as if it were milk. Otherwise it’s awkward, some dog will see.

S a l o v. Misha, bring the can!

Michael (stammering). Where is he?

S a l o v. In the kitchen, I guess.

Mikhail left.

Menander Nikolaevich. The guy is getting married.

S a l o v. And he and Nyurka can’t act as a commentator on TV -

mi... Yes, and he doesn’t always speak evenly, without hesitation.

Menander Nikolaevich. Why does he have this?

S a l o v. From birth, apparently.

Menander Nikolaevich. Not good.

S a l o v. What's wrong?.. You're lame, crippled, one might say,

Your wife didn’t even disown you.

Menander Nikolaevich. So I'm going to the Patriotic War...

S a l o v. In a word, Nyurka’s business is not ours. Menander Nikolaevich. That's for sure. How is he?

S a l o v. Quiet.

They drink beer. The bass whistle of the ship can be heard from the Volga.

The big one is coming from above. "Ilya Muromets" must. The Volga has become, Menander Nikolaich, eh? Highway! Motor ships, steamships, self-propelled guns, pushers back and forth, eh?

Menander Nikolaevich. Exactly. In the twenties, airplanes seemed like a miracle of beauty, but now they, my dears, are not visible in the thicket, they are dying out... It’s a pity, they were also handsome.

S a l o v. It's hard for them in high water.

Menander Nikolaevich. It’s just a pity, these seas have spoiled the Volga, there is no beauty, silence, magic...

S a l o v. But progress.

Menander Nikolaevich. That's for sure... There was a grove over there, but also no, they took it down.

S a l o v. What houses they put up!

Menander Nikolaevich. Domishchi - exactly. Yes... Something goes away, something in return.

S a l o v. And what did our factory produce before? Files and cast iron with pans. And now the excavators.

Menander Nikolaevich. We are developing...

S a l o v. A pedestrian bridge is being built.

Menander Nikolaevich. This is a good thing. And then in the spring and autumn people drown.

Menander Nikolaevich. It wouldn't be stupid. Just think, a motorboat! Yes, there are now thousands of them along the Volga. Do you hear?

Quiet. The sounds of motor boats traveling along the Volga can be heard.

What used to be dragonflies? Do you remember, in the twenties I walked alone,

Gubernia Executive Committee.

S a l o v. I do remember. Laughter! Whose was she?

Menander Nikolaevich. Yes, I’m telling you - Gubispolko-

Movskaya, obchaya.

Sadov. Yes, yes, we are getting rich.

Menander Nikolaevich. Life unfolds...

S a l o v. It's crazy.

Menander Nikolaevich. And it’s a pity for the old shores. Backwaters

there were reeds, a sandy island.

S a l o v (laughs, scaring him). Wait, they will issue an order to dry up the entire Volga. They will say - no need, and that’s the end.

Menander Nikolaevich. Who will say this?

S a l o v. There... They will decide and dry it. One moment! Like, it will be here

roadway Consequently, the riverbed will be filled with asphalt until

they will pour the edges, roll them up and start the cars. Like, for

speed...

Menander Nikolaevich. You will...

S a l o v. That's what it will be!

Mikhail enters, puts the can on the table, and goes to the vice. Menander Nikolaevich. The technology, of course, is coming. And here I am

what I read: they will soon invent a machine cleaner than a TV -

will read thoughts.

S a l o v. Leave this...

Menander Nikolaevich. I'm telling you!

S a l o v. They won't allow it.

Menander Nikolaevich. You'll see.

S a l o v (angry). They will publish a law - don’t invent it.

Menander Nikolaevich. Yes Yes. This is how I sit with you, and in

I have a device in my pocket.

S a l o v. This won't happen!

Menander Nikolaevich. Will. What will happen?

S a l o v. Confusion, that's what. Is a person really free over his thoughts? You never know what pops into my head... Here I am somehow sitting on guard with my weapon, Kharitonov, our accountant, a good man, pleasant, walks past, and I think: “Now I’ll point my weapon at you... bam! And you’re upside down!..” Now, brother, what stupid thoughts... I should be arrested for this, huh? What do you think, Misha, will they invent such a device?

Michael. Maybe.

S a l o v. My only joy is that I won’t live to see it.

Menander Nikolaevich (takes the can). Thanks for the beer.

S a l o v. So bring it by evening.

Menander Nikolaevich. I'll pour it. (Go.)

S a l o v (following). I’m inviting you to my wife’s wedding.

Menander Nikolaevich left.

Sit down, Misha, in the shade, otherwise you’ll get a headache. Mikhail sits down at the table, pours beer, and drinks.

You should move your property from the hostel today, otherwise tomorrow it will circle around and turn you around.

Michael. OK.

S a l o v. Why did you become a stutterer? Since birth, or what?

Michael. N-no.

S a l o v. Scared?

Michael. Yes yes...

S a l o v. This is a small flaw. Otherwise, you are a good guy, businesslike. I'm glad that you're taking my Nyurka. She's okay, healthy, even. Of course, I stayed a little late. Twenty-six years is an age for a woman, but I was still missing you, you fool. Tea, it’s been three, maybe four, years now, and you’ve been stalling for something. What were you holding out for? A?

Michael. Marriage after all, Ilya Grigorievich.

S a l o v. Of course. Yes, just call me dad, it’s more sincere.

Michael. I'm not used to it yet.

S a l o v. Get used to it. This, brother, is where your lonely life ends. I have nothing to teach you; now you, young people, are more learned than us. Yes, open your mouth, talk to me.

Michael. About what?

S a l o v. Tell about yourself. About the life that was. What do I know about you? Sixth category, shop Komsomol organizer - and that’s it.

Michael. I was brought up in an orphanage.

Sadov. I know that. Who were the parents?

Michael. Unknown.

S a l o v. Stray, or what?

Michael. We were taken out of Leningrad in '42.

S a l o v. Therefore, there were legitimate ones. This is good. Don't remember them?

Michael. I do not remember.

S a l o v. At all?

M i x a i l. At all.

S a l o v. Well, is there anything looming?

Michael. Nothing.

S a l o v. Nothing at all?

Michael. At all.

S a l o v. It's a pity. It would be interesting... What are you, brother!

Michael. I only remember myself from the orphanage, from Perm.

S a l o v. Yes, the orphanage is not a raspberry. Of course, the state deserves honor and praise, care, so to speak. Only an orphanage is not good, orphanages come out of nothing but thieves, swindlers.

Michael (laughs). Well, really!

S a l o v. I'm not talking about you, don't be offended. Was the orphanage at least worthwhile? And then during the war, various kinds of people attached themselves to all sorts of such establishments, for pearls of food.

Michael. And we had it. Then they sorted it out.

S a l o v. Do you know where your last name came from?

Michael. They say that when they took us out of Leningrad, we were bombed

strong, they killed a lot. And who remained, in the forests yes

they were taken out by swamps. Fourteen children, they say, remain.

They were found behind the swamps without a single adult, they were killed.

So we were all dubbed the Zabolotniki. Three more in Perm

died, I already remember those.

S a l o v. Where are the rest?

Michael. Well, Vasily, my friend, you know. And the rest -

according to the Union.

S a l o v. Yes, war... (Crumples up the newspaper.) These are the kind of commanders who are going to fight, they should say this: come on, gentlemen, comrades, first we will kill you, your children and wives, and then we will start fighting, don’t you agree? They won’t agree, because these commanders are going to survive themselves... It’s good for you here

it will be, Mikhail. I am not a difficult person, I have always been honest. The circle of your life has closed, it has arrived, brother. Now it will go smoothly, good. What grade do you go to at school?

Michael. At ten.

S a l o v. That means there is a prospect.

Vasily enters the yard.

Basil (To Mikhail). Are you here? Hello, Ilya Grigorievich.

S a l o v. Hello, troublemaker. Who were you running away from, or what?

Basil. Why is that?

Salov. The mug is mischievous.

Basil. My leg was pinched by the gate.

S a l o v. Isn't it a tail?

Basil. I want to know if I need help?

Michael. Things need to be moved from the hostel.

Basil. Let's. Previously, brides brought their dowries into the house, but now grooms do.

Michael. Equality.

Basil. Even big. Quite the opposite... Do they give beer to everyone or just relatives?

Salov. You're a draft, boy, a carminative. Drink.

Basil (pours beer, drinks). Why is there a draft? I'm funny.

Salov. Too.

Basil. And we, Ilya Grigorievich, have not been given much in life. What did Misha and I see in the orphanage? Do you think it's just candy? There was no golden childhood. It was tin, reinforced concrete. And now we have become people, our own bosses. We need to get ours. Life is good, Ilya Grigorievich! Nice, huh?

S a l o v. Well, good.

Basil. Exactly. And the Volga is good, and the sky is good, and everything shimmers in me. We work hard. Are our portraits hanging at the gates of the enterprise? Hanging. This means that we are on good terms with the state. Well, Misha and I should live for our own pleasure, freely, eh?

S a l o v. Don't compare yourself to Mikhail.

Basil. I equal Ayaine, we are different. He strives to dive into the depths of life, and I swim on top. I know.

S a l o v. It wouldn't hurt for you to go deeper either.

Basil. I can not. I have a big bubble inside me and it shoots up. And what is there in the depths - there is nothing to breathe. We lived in the depths, we know. And above the sun is shining, there is a lot of air, there is only joy.

S a l o v. You are not a serious person.

Basil. This is right. And why? I, Ilya Grigorievich, don’t like it when my life is put off until tomorrow. Tomorrow, they say, you will be fine, but now be patient. As a matter of fact, I feel good now. I’m not completely stuffed with sawdust, I look at others over there and see them rushing about like crazy, their eyes preoccupied, prowling. Oh, they say, I’m busy with work now, I have no time, I’m not in the mood for fun, get away from me, everyone, I’m getting the best. And the best thing is right here. (Knocks on his chest.) I don’t like preoccupied and serious people; they invent a lot about life, attribute to it what is not there.

S a l o v. You have a good tongue, but your reputation is bad.

Basil. Which one is it?

S a l o v. You know.

Basil. Tongues are itching with envy.

Olya enters the yard.

Olya. Hello.

S a l o v. Hello, Olga.

Michael. Hello.

Basil. Kozhurkina, come to the wedding tomorrow and take a closer look.

Olya. Zhenya didn’t come?

S a l o v. I've been here for a whole week now.

Oh l I. And where he?

S a l o v. He's sleeping in the barn.

Olya. It's already twelve.

S a l o v. He is sleeping off Moscow life.

Oh l I. And what?

S a l o v. Nothing. There must be a rocker there. He escaped from his face and is still sleeping and sleeping. Where have you been?

Olya. The potatoes were hilled.

S a l o v. Go and wake him up. Olya. Let him sleep. I'm after.

Basil. How is this possible! What does he see there when he closes his eyes? Dreams? And then in reality such a handsome guy appeared. (Runs to the barn.)

You can hear Vasily waking up Zhenya: “Get up, get up, you’ll sleep through the most precious thing.” Vasily pushes Zhenya out of the barn. Tot in his underpants, disheveled, sleepy.

Here he is, a Muscovite.

Zhenya (Ole). I arrived... I came to see you every day and found out. Olya. I was told.

S a l o v. So why did you ask me if he had arrived? Oh l I. Why should I say anything?

S a l o v (To his wife). Go and rinse yourself.

Zhenya. I'm going to the river, taking a swim. (Takes a towel, clothes, Ole.) Sing-

Olya. Goodbye.

They ran away.

Basil. Lick your lips, Mikhail. You've had your day off, you've been free for the last day. And now they will move into my hostel instead of you some figure from near Chukhloma. Eh, betrayed!..

S a l o v. Good girl. Yes, mine got someone in Moscow, who knows. In Moscow, they say, debauchery is teeming. He was so clean. Strange even...

Basil. What’s weirder is that he went to study as an artist.

S a l o v. So what, they’re not people, maybe they’re artists?

Basil. Don’t worry, Ilya Grigorievich, maybe he will become a world movie star. He will glorify your entire family and our village. Maybe they will write about me later in connection with him: his brother-in-law Mikhail had a friend Vasily Zabolotny, a wonderful guy in all respects.

S a l o v. And chatter the likes of which the world has never seen before. (To Mikhail.) Why did Nyurka fail? We still have to get the dishes, we can’t even get enough for ten people.

Basil. So I’ll do it in a moment, Ilya Grigorievich, no one will refuse. I’ll say, lend it to Orphan Bear for his wedding: I’ll get enough equipment for a thousand people. The people are kind and love to feel sorry.

S a l o v. Well, are you taking over the dishwashing yourself?

Basil. It's said!

S a l o v. For fifty people. Knives, forks, plates, shot glasses, decanters too. Don’t take good dishes, they might break them.

Basil. I'll do it.

S a l o v. I'll go warm up Zhenya's food. (He went into the house.)

Basil (looking around the house, yard). You grabbed the farm for yourself in one fell swoop. He who was nothing will become everything.

Michael. Who are you hiding from here?

Basil. I went for a swim and almost ran into Maika Mukhina.

Michael. She is, after all, the daughter of the chief engineer.

Basil. And I have equal rights in these matters.

Michael. Have you fallen out of love?

Vasily shook his head affirmatively.

You're quick...

Basil. You are happy, Misha. You fell in love with your Nyurka, trampled around her for three years, now you get married, and this is where your heartfelt experiences end. Now you will love her until the grave. It seems to you that everyone is like this: fell in love, got married, died.

Michael. Are you looking for excuses?

Basil. Why should I make excuses, weirdo? I'm thinking. Did I fall in love with Mukhina? Loved it. And now you’ve stopped loving? I fell out of love. So I want to understand what is happening in me. After all, I'm a good person.

Michael. And you had a story with Prokhorova.

Basil. And with Prokhorova.

Michael. And with Migunova.

Basil. And with Migunova. Don't count, you'll get lost.

Michael. And loved everyone?

Basil. Everyone, I swear. I guess I was born this way. I'm walking down the street and I can't miss a single one that's more or less tolerable. God created such diversity! You go, there are no girls

you notice, but look how they want to catch your eye! One will wear a dress like this, emphasizing her entire waist, the other will comb her hair from her ears up so that her prettiest place right here, near her ear, is highlighted. The third one will put on an X-ray blouse - it hurts the eyes. Do you think she wears this gas chiffon for ventilation? The fourth sneaks into your soul like shoes...

Michael. No wonder they hang around your neck.

Basil. No wonder.

Michael. What are you going to do with Mukhina?

Basil. I’ll say: sorry, I made a mistake and mistook her for the wrong person.

Michael. What do you mean - the wrong one?

Basil. I'm looking, Misha.

Michael. Whom?

Basil. Well, the only one they sing about in songs.

Michael. You've been looking for a long time.

Basil. How is it my fault that she is hiding somewhere! Tell me, do you really love Nyurka?

Michael. For real.

Basil. Does it make you sick?

Michael. What does it mean - it turns out?

Basil. Well, it means your whole soul is being torn inside out?

Michael. Do you think love is too much to drink so that you vomit inside out?

Basil. I didn’t put it that way... You’re secretive, how can you tell? Do you remember, when we were working at the dam on Kuibyshevskaya - I was seventeen years old at the time - I fell in love for the first time with a wretched girl. Name was Tosei. Do not remember?

Michael. Do you remember everyone...

Basil. I wanted to get married. And then I realized that I don’t love her, but I feel sorry for her. And then she couldn’t seem to live without me. Here, brother, is the situation. I was backing into such loops and could barely taxi out. She cried. And I felt like the last scoundrel, I wanted to kill. And now she has a husband - a candidate of sciences, two children, or three, it seems, - I recently found out by chance. He only remembers me for fun.

Michael. So what?

Basil. So. Your Nyurka, of course, is nothing. She's gotten a bit shabby lately at the factory committee and has become untidy. Previously, she was somehow more soulful, brighter... Listen, tell me frankly: was it just her that you loved?

Michael. Her. Well, there was one more. But it doesn't count.

Basil. Who is this?

Michael. She is not here, she left a long time ago.

Basil. Will not say?

Michael. No need.

Basil. Which one is bigger?

Michael. It's incomparable.

Basil. Which way?

Michael. Well, okay, don’t go where you’re not invited.

Basil. You are wonderful, Misha. (Laughs.)

Michael. What is it?

Basil. Yes, I know your every breath, both inhalation and exhalation, just as you are mine. And in the orphanage our beds stood next to each other, and now the beds in the dormitory are aligned along one wall.

Michael. And what?

Basil. That's it, dear friend, I know about you.

Michael. What?

Basil. Okay, don't stare.

Michael. Tell me.

Basil. Oh, you love to carry everything inside yourself alone. Be careful not to overstrain yourself. It was locked from everyone, but not from my eyes.

Michael. Tell me, what are you hinting at, you idiot?

Basil. Wow, you are a lockless piggy bank, forever!

Maya Mukhina enters the gate.

Mayan. Mishenka, happy new year.

M i x a i l. Hello Maya, come back tomorrow.

Mayan. Necessarily. Let's dance. Hello, Vasily. Basil. I thought you went to town.

Mikhail went into the house.

Are you looking for me?

Mayan. You.

Basil. Here I am.

Mayan. I see... Have you fallen out of love?

Vasily is silent. Maya cried.

Basil. Well, what are you... Did you have a good time with me?

Mayan. Very!

Basil. Well, say thank you and we'll leave it at that. Why do something bad?

Mayan. You creeping bastard, that's what you are.

Basil. Quickly retrained!

Mayan. Vasya! (She rushed to Vasily, wanted to hug him, but he ran away to the side.)

Basil. You don't love me, that's what.

Mayan. I? What are you doing? It's you, you don't love me! I come to you with all my heart.

Basil. Yes, you are not a soul, but a body, that’s the trouble.

Basil. Don't bark.

Mayan. You need a soul, geek.

Basil. You have an incomplete higher education...

Mayan. And you have a craft. I would understand the difference, damned orphanage!

Basil. Orphanage... I saw through you correctly. I've already accumulated a full chest of stones. An orphanage!.. An orphanage has soul and fun, but you have only egoism. Perhaps the orphanage needs quiet affection, I say. And you, you know, have one move - full forward with your whole body. So you can overeat yourself.

Mayan. How's that?! OK! Your face will fly off the Honor Board, you won’t see any profitable work. (Calls.) Misha. Misha!

Mikhail enters.

I officially tell you, as the Komsomol organizer of the workshop: raise a question about this immoral type. Not only that, he treated my best friend Migunova like a total scoundrel. If only you, Mishenka, had heard how she was heartbroken and crying. She leaned her head on my shoulder and shuddered and shuddered. And if you

out of friendship, if you start to cover for him, then, Mishenka, you will have to be tickled, although you are a harmless guy in yourself. Mind you! (Walked up to Vasily.) I say kindly: let’s go for a nice walk, I’m not touchy.

Basil. Have you expressed everything?

Mayan. All.

Basil. Well, give me the mooring lines.

Mayan. Look, Mikhail, we will complain about you too. Remembering, Vasya, I didn’t run up this steep mountain just to cry here. I read in one book: a woman, having fallen in love, is capable of both the greatest heroism and the greatest meanness. You probably didn’t read it because you’re more interested in football. So remember! (Gone.)

Basil. Well, you know, she revealed her whole essence! I've been feeling lately that she's not good, but to such an extent...

Michael (mimicking). Lately... They used to do the right thing, they spent three years courting and finding out. And now it tickles us a little: ah, hurry up! Hurry! How did you not figure it out right away?

Basil. I'm trusting. Something seemed to me about her, I imagined it. For the first time she meowed something worthwhile. Apparently, she also rented it from some essay. I hung up the makhalki. I love tenderness.

Michael. Now marry her.

Basil. What more! This one will eat you up and spit out a bone every other day and even lick your lips.

Michael. She's not Migunova for you. She, you know, will cry on the shoulder of the entire plant.

Basil. So what?

M i x a i l. You'll turn around. I’m the only one who knows that you’re a good guy, even though you’re a dirty trickster, but what do you look like in everyone’s eyes?

Vasily. How? After all, she, the viper, felt good with me. After all, I gave her a real feeling. I am always present, to everyone. And as the present leaves, I myself leave. I'm not lying.

Michael. If you cry here, everyone will feel sorry for you.

Basil. This not only makes you cry, it also makes you want to hang yourself. What is this

Do you understand that they are trying to take you as their property? I don't want, you know, these marriage bonds. I don’t like any ties at all and don’t recognize them. And from all sides, bonds and bonds are thrown at you.

Michael. You live with people, not on the moon. Go and fly there first, tumble around alone, do whatever you want.

Basil. A! And commands will be given there from the ground.

Michael. Leave people like you without a rein - they will screw you up. I gave my word - I must keep it, especially in such matters. Here you take someone else’s fate, someone else’s life into your hands. The other person trusts you with it and gives consent.

Basil. Eh, wait! Don't force your lifestyle on me. When you start saying all these words, you get it right. I myself understand that the way you say is better. Yes, for some reason I’m not following the fairway in these matters, it’s blowing me away.

M i x a i l. She'll get you into the district committee.

Basil. Well, you know, the district committee has nothing to do with anything. So they dream of having a meeting on the topic of why Vaska Zabolotny gives Mikey Mukhina a go. No, tell me what dirty tricks I wasted myself on for three months! And everything is not enough for her, not enough, not enough. She doesn’t love life, she loves herself, her person. She thinks, and the whole world was created for her. No, honey, it’s equally for everyone.

Salo v enters.

S a l o v. Haven't you gone for the dishes yet? Basil. I'm going now.

Nyura and her friend Tonya enter.

S a l o v. Why so long?

Tonya. Long!.. Go walk from store to store in this heat. They tried on a hundred pairs of shoes alone. She's picky.

N Yura. So I want something better.

Tonya. You won’t recognize our quiet little one. It makes noise like the wind! I've worn it out. They were looking for lilac beads. Give her the lilac ones, take them out and put them in. We walked around all the rows, went to the factory district, and fell off our feet. Mikhail, you see, ordered her to wear lilac beads.

Michael. Yes, I'm joking, just like that.

Tonya. And for her, your joke came as an order. Here, brother, is the right kind of wife you take. We just didn’t find them, we bought blue ones. Maybe you won’t take us with the blue ones?

Michael. I'll take it.

Tonya. Otherwise we’ll find someone else better than you. (Nyura.) Try on the shoes, show them.

Nyura takes white high-heeled shoes out of the box. Tonya threw herself on her neck, crying.

S a l o v. What are you doing, Antonina?

Tonya. It’s a pity!.. We’ll throw such a wedding so that on the other side, in the city, it can be heard.

Alevtina Petrovna enters with a package in her hands.

Alevtina Petrovna. Good day, comrades.

S a l o v. Hello, Alevtina Petrovna.

Tonya. Did you bring the dress?

Alevtina Petrovna (Nyura). Need to try it on.

Tonya. Come on, come on, show me.

Nyura. Is it going well, Alevtina Petrovna?

Alevtina Petrovna. I’ll tell you this: I’ll sew it - no one has ever sewn something like this. Who got me a ticket to Matsesta last year? You. I know, I tore it out of Egorov’s claws, that’s why you are fair. He had to take a walk with his wife, and I had to repair my living legs. I’ll dance until I drop on these legs at your wedding... Let’s go into the house, why are they staring out here?

Nyura, Tonya, Alevtina Petrovna go into the house.

Nyura (from the porch). Misha, we met Klavdiya Kamaeva in the ranks. She has now completely moved here from Leningrad. He will teach at the seventh school. I invited her to the wedding and to sit with her today. How beautiful she has become, it’s terrible! (Gone.)

Basil. Eh, and we’ll wrap up these two days.

Zhenya and Ola are returning.

S a l o v (to son). Eat some eggs here, the house is a mess.

Olya goes to the table. S alov goes into the house. Zhenya went to the barn.

Basil. Misha, let's go beg for dishes together. Mikhail doesn't answer.

Michael. What?

Basil. Let's go get the dishes, I say. Michael. For what dishes!

Basil. Are you from the heat, or what? Michael. Let's go, let's go...

Vasily and Mikhail leave.

S alo brings scrambled eggs, milk, bread, puts it on the table and leaves. Zhenya came out of the barn, holding a roll of paper in his hands.

Zhenya (unrolls the roll). Have you seen it?

Olya. What is this?

AND e n I. I'm doing it for their wedding. That means I’ll fall asleep in the evening, and when it dawns, I wake up at three o’clock and draw and write until six o’clock. And then I go back to sleep. This is a wedding wall newspaper. Called it "Legitimate Marriage". (Shows.) This is Nyura, this is Mikhail. And in the middle, the father in the form of the god of hosts blesses them.

Oh l I. And these are angels, or what?

Zhenya. What angels! These are their future children.

Olya. So there are about ten of them.

Zhenya. So what?

Olya. There is never that much.

Zhenya. Firstly, it happens, and secondly, I did this to express an idea, so that it would be clearer. Well, if I drew one child, two, what would happen? So, gray realism, boredom. And when there are ten of them here, it’s funny. Right?

Oh l I. What kind of poems are these?

Zhenya. Pushkin, Blok, Yevtushenko. By the way, I saw Yevtushenko in Moscow.

Olya. Is he alive?

Zhenya. Ooh, darkness!..

Olya. Now I watch all the Soviet films.

Zhenya. Not enough good ones.

Olya. I don't care. What if I see you there? You know, I’m sitting in the hall, and everything seems to me - you’re about to appear on the screen. I feel like I’m dying of fear, my teeth are even starting to chatter.

Zhenya. Tell a secret?

Zhenya. Just for now, no one.

Olya. Certainly.

Zhenya. I'm starring in one film.

Oh l I. Starring?

Zhenya. No, what are you talking about! You don’t understand anything... A small episode, one phrase. But very interesting, and close-up.

Olya. What is a close-up?

Zhenya. When you're in full screen.

Olya. One?

Zhenya. Maybe one.

Olya. Oh, creepy! When, when will it be?

Zhenya. In autumn.

Oh l I. What phrase?

Zhenya. The phrase is: “Don’t brag about it!”

Zhenya. “Don’t brag about it!”

Olya. Strange phrase...

Zhenya. This is how to pronounce it.

Olya. Of course... And you don't say anything else?

Zhenya. No.

Olya. Nothing at all?

Zhenya. At all.

Olya. Interesting... Why didn't you write about this?

Zhenya. Afraid.

Olya. Why?

Zhenya. They can cut it out.

Olya. How to cut?

Zhenya. Like this: snip a piece of film with scissors and you’re gone!

Olya. At all?

Zhenya. At all.

Olya. Can they really use scissors?

Zhenya. They can.

Olya. I would have them!..

Zhenya. Maybe they won't cut it.

Olya. They won’t cut you out, they won’t cut you out, they won’t cut you out, they have no right!

Zhenya. Why is this?

Olya. Shame on them! One unfortunate phrase, and that one will be cut out... Are you really afraid?

Zhenya. Well, you know, after all...

Oh l I. And I’ll tell you - let them cut it out, let them! And don't be upset. It is important that you are noticed and in full screen. And if they cut it out, do you know why?

Zhenya. Because of which?

Olya. Because of this stupid phrase. Well, what is this: “Don’t brag about milking me!”, huh?!

Zhenya. How to pronounce...

Olya. Yes, as you wish! (Says the phrase in every possible way.) Still stupid. Let them cut - even with scissors, even with a knife, even with a saw. You know, I’ll tell you as a moviegoer: because of one such phrase you can stop going to the cinema, you can hate artists, and milkmaids, and cows, you can even stop drinking milk because of this phrase. Well, what is this - “Don’t brag about it!”! Let them cut.

Zhenya. You're probably right. That's right, let it be.

Oh l I. And good.

Zhenya. And good... What if they don’t cut it out?

Olya. If they don't cut it out?

Zhenya. Yes, if they don't cut it?

Olya. So what? No one will listen to this phrase; they will ignore it. But when they see you in full screen - oh, what will happen!.. Yes, one of our villages will go into the picture five times because of you. Why do you think people go to the cinema? I’ll tell you as a moviegoer: kill time and watch your favorite artists.

In general, I’ll tell you this: if they cut it out, it’s good, if they don’t cut it out,

Zhenya (quiet). Did you miss me? Olya. I was waiting.

They kiss.

Nellie, a girl of about ten years old, comes through the gate.

Nellie. Hello.

Zhenya. Hello Nellie.

Olya. Hello.

Zhenya. Where are mom and dad?

Nellie. They trudge up the hill... I saw you kissing.

Zhenya. What are you doing, Nelka?

Nellie. I always look through the crack before entering: it’s interesting. I think it's still too early for you.

Zhenya. Nelka!

Olya. Stupid girl, I just hugged him by the neck, a bug was crawling down his back.

Nellie. What beetle?

Olya. May.

Nellie. Big?

Olya. Huge.

Zhenya. Which one! (Shows.)

Nellie (shows). Like this?

Zhenya. Even more.

N e l l i (Olga). Did you catch it?

Olya. Certainly.

Nellie. Where is he?

Olya. Released.

Nellie. For what?

Olya. Just.

Nellie. Is this so he can sit on his back again?

Zhenya. Look, we'll swim and I'll drown!

Olya. Do you think it's good to peek?

Nellie. I haven’t decided this question for myself yet. If people knew that they were being spied on, they would do less nasty things.

Zhenya. Got it!

Nellie. I'm not little - I'm friends with eighth-graders.

Nikolai and his wife Rita enter the courtyard. They carry some large object wrapped in paper and place it on a bench. Everyone says hello.

Nikolai. Where is the father and the bride? Zhenya. In the house.

Nikolai goes to the house.

Don't go, they wash the floors there.

Nikolai stopped.

Dad, Kolya and Rita have arrived!

Nikolai. Sit down, Rita, on the bench and relax.

Rita sits down and immediately opens the book she had with her. Is reading.

You see, the mansions are being prepared for tomorrow. Nelechka, take a walk for now. Nellie. Did you take the chess?

Nikolai. I took it. (Takes out a chess from his bosom.)

Nellie sculpted them, went to the workbench and placed the figures on the board.

Nyura, Tonya and Alevtina Petrovna come out of the house.

Nyura (seeing Rita, delighted). Rita, it's good that you came.

You know, my head is spinning. I haven’t drunk yet, but I’m already crazy!

Perhaps you forgot how you felt on such a day? Rita. Completely forgot.

Nikolai. We will soon celebrate ten years.

Nyura. Hello, Kolya.

Nikolai. Hello, hello... My Rita has overtaken you all

(points to Nellie) here it is - our speedometer - something like a year

shows, clicks... Nelechka, say hello to Aunt Nyura.

Nellie doesn't turn around.

Nikolai. Nelechka!

Nellie doesn't pay attention.

Well, let her play, she's a keen one.

Tonya. I’ll go feed Lesha, he’s about to come home from work. Oh my two

They also run and click... I'll be back soon, Nyura. Bye, comrades. N Yura. Alevtina Petrovna, well, let me out by three or four centimeters,

I want it to be long, like before.

Alevtina Petrovna. Let's agree: either you give me

trust, or go to another dressmaker, even in the city.

They will sew something like this for you - not just for a wedding, not for a funeral.

put it on.

Nyura. I trust you, only...

Alevtina Petrovna. And period. According to fashion it is necessary. Let's go, Antonina. Nyura (following the departing Tonya and Alevtina Petrovna). Persuade her

Tonya and Alevtina Petrovna left. Salov enters.

Salov. I was expecting you in the evening, or at worst tomorrow. (He greets Rita and his son.) Nelechka, go and give me some candy.

Nellie quickly runs up to her grandfather. Salov takes candy out of his pocket and gives it to his granddaughter.

N e l l i. I thought they were chocolate... I don’t eat these. (She went to chess.)

Salov (putting the candy in his pocket). I'll give it to normal children, you fool.

Nikolai. Well, what are you saying... Child.

Salov. And you're a fool. Well, it's up to you... Sit down here. Do you want beer or kvass?

Nikolai. It's all the same.

Salov. Zhenya, bring it.

Zhenya left.

Nikolai. Nyura, father, this is such nonsense - I’m going on a business trip for three days, I can’t be at the wedding. Damn it, I need to go to the area.

Salov. What does it mean: tea, you are the boss, you are your own boss.

And in k o lay. The city committee called.

Salov. You would explain: they say, my own sister is getting married.

Nikolai. They think about statesmanship there, father.

Salov. This is of course... It's a shame.

Nikolai. And me too.

Nyura. Will you come, Rita?

Rita. Will try. If I get Nellie a job with someone.

Nellie. I won't let you go anywhere.

Rita (strictly.) Shut up.

Nellie. I said!

Rita (evil). And I said, shut up.

Nellie's face suddenly stretched into a grimace. She began to cry and rushed to her father.

Nellie. Dad, dad, I don't want to go to anyone! Pa-apa! Nikolai. Don’t cry, Nelechka, don’t cry, mom won’t go anywhere.

(Rita.) Well, tell me you won't go.

Rita is silent.

Tell me, they tell you!

Rita is silent, Nellie cries louder.

Say, do you hear! How stubborn you are, Rita. (Kisses his daughter.)

She won't go, she won't go...

Rita. Will not go!

Nikolay (daughters). Well, you see, it won’t work, it won’t work... Wipe it off

eyes. (Wipes his daughter’s tears.) Good girl! (Kisses her.) Go

Nellie. Zhenya, shall we play a game?

Zhenya. Once.

Olya. Let's cut it with me.

Nellie. Can you?

Oh l I. Well, barely.

Nellie. Then I won't. To play with a bad player is only a hand

spoil. Who wants?

Everyone is silent.

N e l l i. I'll go in the yards and look for a partner. (To father.) Give me money for ice cream.

Father gives money.

Give more, more, maybe you’ll have to treat someone.

Nikolai gives more money to Nellie, and she leaves.

Nikolai. Child! How good is it, huh? Such sweetness, delightful! But she’s smart, she’s a beast. Prodigy!

Pause.

Nyura (quiet). Idiot!

Nikolai. You bring your own people, then we’ll come to an agreement. We brought you a gift, Nyura. (He unwrapped the package and put it on the table. This is a TV.) He's acting up a bit, but your husband is a jack of all trades and will sort it out. I only sent it in for repairs twice. The tube is new. My Almaz only has a bigger screen, but the visibility is the same... Aren’t you angry that I handed you, so to speak, a second-hand thing?

Nyura. What are you talking about? Dear him, thank you. (Kisses his brother.)

Nikolai. It's good that I didn't have time to sell it.

S a l o v. Well done you. Otherwise, when something outstanding happens, we go to Menander. Even though he has “KB”, he’s still a miracle.

Nyura (kisses Rita). Thank you. And Misha will be so happy. Thank you. (Kisses him again.) Oh, it must be good to be rich.

Nikolai. Not bad.

S a l o v. And here I am, when they showed Valentina Tereshkova in space flight, I look at her and think: fathers, what is this! She flies in space, that is, in the next world, and I keep an eye on her, I see how she blinks her eyes, how she breathes with her mouth, how she moves. And do you know what thought struck me? What if there, on some planet, some kind of Martians, Jovians, or something, they seem to have the same instruments and look at us, earthly people! Now, let’s say, now one of them sees our yard - you, me, her, our whole earthly life is examined in some kind of device.

Zhenya. Look, they're laughing!

Nikolai. You, father, love to spread philosophy.

S a l o v. Old age...

Nikolai. Nobody is looking. There is no being higher than man. He -

crown of nature. The most beauty, the most intelligence.

Nyura. Zhenya, take it to the barn, otherwise it’s as if in the turmoil here someone has hit it.

Zhenya takes away the TV. Serge appears on the porch

Evna.

Sergeevna. Ready. Now it just dries and you can go back.

S a l o v. Wait, Sergevna, I’ll pay you now. (Climbs into

pocket for money.)

Sergeevna. I won't take it. I decided: this is a gift from me to Mishka and

Your Nyurke. Yes, and I feel sorry for you, a widow. If only peace would be alive

Nice Alexandra Ivanovna would be happy.

S a l o v. Come back tomorrow.

Sergeevna. I know. Bye! (Gone.)

Zhenya returned from the barn.

Olya (quietly, Zhenya). Come to us, we don’t have a hectic life. We'll finish the newspaper.

Zhenya (to father). We're going to Olya's. ( He leaves with her.)

Nikolai. I hope we don't have another wedding soon.

S a l o v. I’ll place you all with Alexandra Ivanovna at the cemetery

I'll lie down next to you. Waiting, come on. Nikolai. Didn’t you find out about the whitewash? S a l o v. Menander will bring it in the evening. Nikolay (gives father money). Pay. S a l o v. Let's drag the sofa into the house.

The men take the sofa and carry it into the house.

Nyura. Here, Rita, my turn has come... As I see you, you are all with

with a book and with a book. Smart!

Rita. But I don’t read for the mind, but so as not to see life. I have this

like opium. Anesthesia. I block my thoughts so that they don’t interfere.

N Yura. What thoughts?

Rita. All kinds.

Nyura. What are you reading?

Rita. Don't know.

Nyura. You were cheerful, remember, at school? Laughter. Family,

Is it really that stuck? Rita. Family.

Nyura. I know what you carry inside of you.

Rita. And you, my dear, don’t poke your nose in.

Nyura. You are evil.

Rita. And what?

Nyura. Well, I won't.

Rita. That's better. (She buried herself in the book again.)

Mikhail and Vasily enter. They have dishes in their hands. Michael. Hello, Rita.

Rita. Hello, groom.

Basil. Hello to the boss!

Rita. Hello, fidgety.

Basil. Don't be jealous. When our turn comes, we will come to you. Rita. Hurry up: my hands are itching.

Nyura (To Mikhail). Rita and Nikolai gave us a TV. Basil. Lucky people!

Michael. Thank you. Is it conceivable to give such gifts? Rita. Nikolay bought a new one. This one is old and damaged. Michael. That's why my soul is lighter.

Basil. We'll make candy out of it.

Nyura. Rita, help.

They took the dishes and went into the house. Mikhail is looking for something at the workbench.

Basil. Misha, what are you doing? Michael. What?

Basil. It was as if someone had bitten you. Michael. Heat.

Basil. It’s hot for me too, and Mike Mukhin too. And I’m not wasting away. What happened to you?

Michael. Leave me alone, why are you sticking!

Basil. The old thing rose from the bottom, or what? So it's empty

Misha, a mirage of the past, like a ghost, yesterday’s dream. Michael. Well, what are you doing here! Shut up, I say!

Basil. Wow, wow! I thought it had completely gone out, but

you were still smoldering under the ashes. Michael. I said...

Basil. I'm silent. And why the hell brought her here at this particular time! Michael. Where did the screwdriver go? (Searching.)

Basil (approaching). Here, right under your nose... She must be in Leningrad

got married.

Michael. He stuck the rasp somewhere.

Basil. Here's the rasp.

Michael. It needs to be removed. (Puts the tools in the drawer.)

Vasily took the guitar, which had been taken out of the house and was lying on the bench, and fingered the strings.

Stop playing. Basil. I'm abstract... Mikhail. Stop it, I say!

Nyura enters.

Nyura. There are still not enough dishes, not enough.

Basil. So we called the cry. The Shustovs will bring it, the Deryabins, the Ovchinnikovs promised... Nyura, did Klavdya Namaeva get married or is there another one wandering around?

Nyura. I didn’t ask in a hurry. And what?

Basil. So. If I'm lonely, I want to hit you. (To Mikhail.) I'll go get your belongings to the dorm. Should I carry the bed too?

Michael. No need for bed.

Nyura. It's not good before the wedding.

Basil. Formalism! Nyura, today you hold Mishka with both hands, otherwise, look, he will run away on the eve of the wedding.

Nyura. It'll be a blast for you.

V a s or y left. Nyura and Mikhail are alone.

Your black suit needs to be ironed.

Michael. I'll iron it in the evening.

N Yura. I'll do it myself.

Michael. This is a man's job.

N u r a (approaching). Are you satisfied?

Michael (patted Nyura on the head and stroked her like she was a little girl). And you?

N Yura. Very.

Michael. That's good.

N u r a (quiet). I've loved you for a long time. One thing... Are your eyes worried about something?

Michael. How many things to do...

N Yura. And don't keep it in your head. My father and I will do it, people will help. It will be good, it will be fun. (Laughs.) I still don’t believe it, it just seems like something is going to break out. (She pressed herself close to Mikhail.) It will be good for us, Misha.

Enter Rita, Nikolai and Salo.

Nikolay (seeing Nyura hugging Mikhail). Ay-ay-ay, up

weddings, don’t sin, it’s dishonest.

Rita (to my husband). I left the book in the house, bring it. Nikolai. Ritochka, go and get it.

Rita. Bring it, she said!..

Nikolay (to all). Sometimes it hits her... (He goes into the house.) S a l o v. Misha, let's build another shop by tomorrow. I have

Behind the barn there is some good wood lying around. Michael. Come on, Ilya Grigorievich.

Mikhail and Salo went behind the barn. Nikolai leaves the house, hands Rita the book and also leaves after Mikhail and Salov.

Klava enters the gate.

N Yura. Klava! Come in, come in, there's someone else here! (Points to

Rita.)

Klava. Rita! (Hugs her.) Rita. Happy graduation!

Klava. Yes all. Thank you. I have now crossed the Volga, I am walking along the street

kam - feet touch their native land. After all, every fence knows

com, every tree, stone. I haven't seen you for three years...

Rita. You frayed your nerves in Leningrad.

Klava. You don’t understand this when you don’t see your native places for a long time. All

so dear, it comes alive, and your soul is so pure and pure.

N Yura. Oh, where did you get the lilac beads from? Did you buy it in Leningrad? Klava. These are old ones, from my mother.

N Yura. Klavochka, let me wear them for these two days. K lava. They are glass, simple.

Nyura. So what, give it to me.

Klava (taking off the beads). Please. (Gives them to Nyura.)

N Yura. Misha wished. He says: buy lilac ones and put them on. But they are not there

nowhere. (Hides the beads.) I'll wear it tomorrow - I'll be surprised! Said

After all, what I couldn’t get, I bought blue ones.

Klav a. They won't suit you, they won't suit you.

N Yura. Doesn't matter.

Klava. Better give it back.

N Yura. Don't even think about it. (Laughs.) Again the three of us are like girls,

together. (Klavet.) Listen, have I changed?

Klava. Not a bit. Has she gotten better?

N Yura. I'm red with excitement. And you have changed!

K l a v a. Has it become old?

N Yura. No. Leningrad and the institute left some kind of imprint on you, it seems like it’s not ours at all. She became so neat and intelligent. And the eyes are deep. Your learning is reflected in them. You have changed. Which means I don’t.

Klava. You too.

N Yura. Well, not sugar. I got lost in the factory committee. This one gets a voucher, that one gets an allowance, this one sends a child to kindergarten, this one gives it to a funeral, the fifth one takes out an apartment, the tenth one - the husband beats his wife, the thirty-fifth one - the wife left her husband. Everyone wants to help, that’s all, it’s necessary.

Klava. Your kindness is known.

Nu r a. Oh, don't tell me. Kindness, that too, is a whirlpool. Sometimes it seems that there is no kindness in me, everything has been drained to the bottom, to the last drop.

I'm starting to get crazy like crap. Then I feel ashamed myself, but I can’t help myself. A person comes to you with his pain, with business, but what opportunities do I have? I would like everyone to have trips to Sochi and Yalta at least twice a year, everyone is worth it... They work well, it’s difficult. Apartments for everyone, benefits for everyone - no. I will give to one, but I must refuse the other. But you refuse someone who is also desperate. Those who cry. At first I cried with them, and then there were no more tears, they were over. I've grown manly. Someone comes to me with a request, I’m already, you know, all stretched out, like a dog, I’m doing a stance, and it’s clear from me: don’t come closer, I’ll bite.

Klava. You probably blame yourself more.

Nyura. I restrain myself, of course, I try not to show it... Maybe in the fall I’ll go to an evening technical school, a textile school. Then I’ll get a job at a factory in the city... Well, okay, why did I suddenly start crying. How are you? Married?

Klava. No.

Nyura. What's so?

Klava (softly, confused). It didn't work out.

Nyura. Who was it?

Klava. Was.

Rita. All of them guys are bastards.

Nyura. That's all!

Rita. All. You pray for Mishka Zabolotny. He is a fool, atypical. And then, if you dig deeper, it will turn out to be rubbish too.

Nyura. You are angry, Ritka, and envious.

Rita. And you are all wonderful. Lucky!

Nyura. I know what your problem is. You don't love Nikolai.

Rita. And you prove it.

Nyura. I think you still love Yurka Kozhin, you miss him.

Rita. I remembered!

Nyura. True love, it seems, never fails. So, maybe it will subside, but it still sucks. Then he left you.

Rita. And I pushed him away myself.

Nyura. Well!.. He fell in love with Lyubochka, even though she was lame.

Rita. Lyubochka gave birth to three children in two doses, let him rejoice!

Nyura. But he loves her.

Rita. Nikolai loves me too.

Nyura. He's afraid of you.

Rita. And I like this even more. I want to be feared.

Nyura. Good things don't come from fear.

Rita. You're a fool, nowadays the whole world is based on fear.

Nyura. So what's good?

Rita. But it's great.

Klava. In my opinion, the world is based on human hopes, we fight for

them... otherwise it would have collapsed.

Nyura. Listen, are you really angry because Yurka Kozhin

pushed away?

Rita. You're a fool, you're a fool!

Nyura (Klavet). What kind of boy was he, remember? And he was the first in the city in jumping, and the 100-meter dash, and he studied how! It’s no wonder that I’m now a graduate student. What a handsome guy!

Rita. Well, I cheated! I have not loved and do not love anyone. They're not worth it.

Nyura. Listen, you probably still dream about him at night, Yurka-

then, do you see him in a dream?

Rita (shouting). Stop it, blessed one!

Pause.

Klava. No need, Nyura.

Nyura. Ritochka, forgive me. I didn't really think that

I say so.

Rita. I love Nikolai, Nikolai, do you understand? Do you think you're the only one happy? I may be happier than you. I see life without embellishment, but if you slap your face, then you’ll start singing and you’ll annoy me. (She went into the house.)

Nyura. I didn't want to offend her. Not good... Wait, you haven’t seen my Mikhail yet.

Klava. Is he here?

Nyura. Here. My father and I are making shops for tomorrow. Guests

(Calls.) Misha!

Klava. Don't call him.

N Yura. Why?

Klava. I'm busy with business.

N Yura. Let him at least say hello.

Mikhail enters.

Look who...

Michael (approaching Klava). Hello, Klava. Klava. Hello.

They say hello.

Michael. How are you? Klava. Fine. And you? Michael. I'm fine too.

Vasily enters the gate. He has a bunch of books and a bookshelf slung over his shoulder. A suitcase in one hand, a table lamp in the other.

Basil. The dowry has arrived! A curtain

© Favorit Books, 2010

© Artist Selivanov A. A., 2010

© Development Academy, 2010

Preface

A wedding is a special holiday that unites not only two lovers, but also two families, two family structures, which is why organizing and holding a wedding raises so many questions and doubts among newlyweds. How not to forget the main thing? How not to miss out on the secondary? Should you entrust the organization of such an important event to professionals or involve family and friends?

Any wedding should be thought out to the smallest detail. This is what makes her perfect. This book contains many useful and original ideas and tips regarding wedding celebrations. Here you will find recommendations for setting the table, decorating the hall, choosing wedding accessories, scenarios for the bride's ransom and wedding feast, games and competitions, toasts and congratulations.

Choose what suits you and enjoy a wonderful holiday!

What to consider when preparing for a wedding

The key to the success of any undertaking is a carefully thought-out preparation plan. You need to allocate enough time to draw up this plan, involve friends and family, and, possibly, professionals. Record all points of the plan in writing so that you can control the timing of their implementation.

It would be reasonable to appoint those responsible for carrying out this or that task.

Sample wedding preparation plan

Two months before the wedding

Visit:

– registry office – submit an application and choose the most suitable day for registration;

– lawyer – to discuss and draw up a marriage contract;

– wedding salons – look for a dress for the bride and a suit for the groom. If there is nothing suitable in the salons, it’s time to look for a good atelier or tailor;

– travel agency – choose a route for your honeymoon.

Select and order:

– the hall where the wedding banquet will take place;

– cars for the wedding procession (as a rule, these are stretch or superstretch limousines or executive class cars. Before making an order, decide on the number of people who will participate in the procession, as well as the route and, therefore, the approximate travel time);

- wedding invitations.

Prepare:

– preliminary guest list;

– preliminary wedding day script.

Choose:

– witnesses and bridesmaids.

A month before the wedding

Buy:

– wedding rings (the ideal option for choosing wedding rings is when the bride and groom go to the store together. Here the bride can try on several types of rings and choose the right size and style she likes);

– shoes and accessories for the bride and groom;

- dress and suit.

Order:

– tickets for out-of-town relatives;

– photo and video filming of the wedding celebration;

– concert program and decoration of the banquet hall.

Approve:

– wedding bouquet design.

Two weeks before the wedding

Order:

– hotel rooms for out-of-town guests;

- a wedding cake.

Visit:

– cosmetologist, hairdresser and stylist to treat hair and skin.

Don’t forget to bring your wedding dress and all the necessary accessories to make it easier for the stylist to decide on your hairstyle;

– choreographer – take a couple of lessons to perform a wedding waltz.

Approve:

– layout of guests in the banquet hall;

- honeymoon route.

A week before the wedding

Order:

- bridal bouquet.

Buy:

– good cosmetics and perfumes (perhaps the stylist will recommend something);

– everything you need for your honeymoon.

Approve:

– number of guests and wedding menu;

– the scenario of the wedding day and the route along which the wedding procession will move.

Try on:

– wedding dress and shoes. At the slightest feeling of discomfort, it is better to stretch your shoes.

Three days before the wedding

Buy:

– everything you need to decorate your cars, as well as champagne and glasses for a walk.

Confirm:

– ordering cars, time and place of the ceremony;

– list of invited artists, concert program, photo and video shooting.

Check:

– availability of all necessary things for a honeymoon.

The day before the wedding

Prepare:

– suitcases for a honeymoon;

– rings and ribbons for decorating cars;

– all necessary documents;

– several scarves to cover your head in church (if the wedding coincides with the registration day);

– champagne for the upcoming celebration.

Collect:

– the bride’s handbag with the necessary cosmetics, perfumes, disposable napkins, etc.

Confirm:

– an hour session with a stylist.

Visit:

– with your best friends, a good restaurant, theater or cinema to take your mind off the pre-wedding turmoil and gain positive emotions before the Main Day.

Wedding invitations

Wedding invitations are distributed to guests, thereby showing them that they are welcome at the first family holiday. Therefore, invitations should not be treated as a mere formality, since wedding invitations- this is a business card, this is the first thing that guests will see, they will get an idea of ​​​​the style of the upcoming celebration, they will anticipate what it will be like, and they will also know what kind of wedding day plan is proposed.

But in order to understand how many wedding invitations you need and what information to include in them, you need to decide on the list and number of guests: who and how many of them will be, where they will be invited (from the very beginning of the day - for the bride price - and until the end of the evening, for registration marriage and banquet or only for the banquet). Remember that in one invitation you can indicate the names of several guests at once if they are related (for example, an uncle and aunt, their children) or friendly relations (for example, a friend of the groom and his girlfriend).

Wedding invitations must indicate the place and time of the marriage registration and banquet (or just the banquet, depending on where you are inviting a particular guest), so it is advisable to start handing out invitations after you have submitted an application to the registry office or Wedding Palace and have already decided exactly on the cafe or restaurant where the wedding celebration will take place.

What will your wedding invitations? In this matter, everything is important: the style, the shape, the color scheme, the design of the invitations, as well as the style of the text, the quality of the paper for the invitation cards themselves and for the envelopes or boxes, and it is advisable to design the envelopes and boxes in the same style, in the same color scheme as the wedding invitations.

Wedding invitations can be very diverse in shape and design: in the form of simple cards, unusual scrolls, in the form of hearts, doves, swans, angels, for themed weddings, with voluminous elements (for example, wedding rings, shells, starfish, voluminous hearts, a bouquet and dress of the bride, a hat of the groom, drawings made with 3D paint, and even an invitation in the form of a corset), with handmade elements (beautiful satin or brocade bows, hearts and flowers made of fabric, decorations made of lace, beads, pearls, Swarovski or ordinary, etc.). The invitations can have any illustrations or a beautiful photograph of the bride and groom together.

In addition to the actual data (time and place of marriage registration and banquet), there must be the text of the invitation. In terms of style, the text of wedding invitations can be official, in verse, comic, etc., imagination is not limited in any way. And if you are not satisfied with the standard text, then you can order the text of the invitations to be written according to the theme of a specific wedding, based on the preferences and tastes of the newlyweds. Nowadays it is very fashionable to additionally write an aphorism about love, happiness, and the family of various famous people, in particular poets and writers, in a wedding invitation. Don't forget to sign your wedding invitation cards with your full names.

Example text in verse:

Having decided once and forever
Continue to live by one destiny,
We cordially invite you
Come to us, share this joy.
Say a parting word
Exclaim “Bitter!” - and more than once.
We will be happy to see you
At our wedding at this hour.

Elena and Sergey

The text on a wedding invitation may look like it was customary at the beginning of the last century: We humbly ask you to honor with your presence the wedding of our son Sergei with the girl Elena, which will take place on the 3rd day of March. at 2 pm in the Ascension Church.

The text on invitations can be applied in different ways: you write it yourself by hand, or the text is printed and you only enter the names of the invited guests, or absolutely all the text is printed.

It is necessary to take into account one more important point: recently, in wedding invitations it has been customary to indicate directions to the restaurant (sometimes also to the registry office or the Wedding Palace) so that guests can arrive at the holiday without any problems. In this case, using the printing method of applying text and illustrations saves time and makes wedding invitations bright and colorful.

And guests who live in the same city as the newlyweds can be given an invitation in person, but if you are sorely short of time, then find out the exact addresses (with postal code!) of the guests and send out invitations. But remember that according to the rules of etiquette, elderly people (for example, grandparents, scientific advisers, etc.) and parents should only be given wedding invitations in person.

Wedding rings

The old song is right - a wedding ring is indeed more than just a piece of jewelry. We owe the emergence of the tradition of strengthening the union of two hearts with metal circles placed on the ring finger to the ancient Egyptians - they considered the circle, that is, the ring, a symbol of eternity, and the ring finger was endowed with mystical power due to the artery supposedly located in it, leading directly to the heart. Thus, rings made of precious metal worn on the wedding day meant priceless heartfelt affection that would last for eternity.

Much later, already in our era, the concepts of “wedding rings” and “engagement rings” began to be separated. A wedding ring was a piece of jewelry presented by the groom to the bride on the day of engagement as a sign of seriousness of intentions and approval of the future union by members of both families. The couple exchanged wedding rings at the wedding - in those days, a marriage not blessed by the church was not considered valid at all.

Nowadays, couples exchange wedding rings at the registry office, and for the wedding, which is an optional part of the program, another pair of rings is purchased. Both rings are worn on the ring finger of the right hand, the wedding ring above the wedding ring. An engagement ring is often either a future wedding ring or a specially purchased ring with a stone, which after marriage and the appearance of a “real” wedding ring becomes unnecessary to wear every day.

It is believed that an engagement ring should be more expensive than an engagement ring, and a wedding ring should be more expensive than an engagement ring; this symbolizes increasing responsibility for each other and the willingness to live together all our lives. However, it is also possible to have only one pair of rings “for all occasions,” especially if there was no official engagement, and the wedding took place on the day of the civil wedding or did not take place at all.

Classic engagement rings are sleek yellow gold rings. Their width depends on fashion - for example, now thin, elegant rings are in fashion, but in the time of our parents, on the contrary, thick, heavy rings were held in high esteem. The fashion for wearing rings is also changing - 20-30 years ago, men often took off their rings immediately after the wedding, but now a wedding ring is considered an element of a business image, and men over 25 years old who hold any position must wear a wedding ring, even if they not married - this emphasizes their thoroughness and reliability.

You can often find engagement rings with stones these days - usually several small diamonds on a strip of another metal, for example, white gold on yellow. They will not pass for wedding rings in the form of signets with double-headed eagles or rings with massive stones. Wedding rings are perhaps the only item in the wedding budget that you shouldn’t skimp on. It’s better to wait and save money than to buy cheap silver rings and other wedding “unliquid” items, because an engagement ring is a piece of jewelry that, if things go well, will be with you for the rest of your life.

Custom-made wedding rings are considered a special manifestation of love. For example, one Hollywood actor presented his beloved on her wedding day with a gold ring made in the shape of a twisted palm leaf - this is exactly the kind of palm ring the actor had to make with his own hands when he decided to propose to the girl, and the shops were already closed. You need to contact a jeweler no later than two months in advance - making jewelry according to an individual sketch is a painstaking task. The cost of an exclusive ring will decrease if you bring old jewelry from a family box as material.

Flowers for a wedding

The groom must choose and give the bouquet - no wedding planners, relatives or witnesses are suitable for such a delicate task. The bouquet is ordered from the selected flower salon two weeks in advance so that all the flowers needed for it can be delivered before the wedding day. At the same time, a boutonniere for the groom is made from flowers combined with the bouquet - a miniature flower arrangement attached to the lapel of the jacket.

The boutonniere must be made of fresh flowers; artificial flowers in a wedding boutonniere are only allowed for a witness or guests. The size and shape of the bouquet are chosen depending on the wedding dress (its style and the outline of the bouquet should be in harmony) and on the constitution of the bride - it must be remembered that she will have to hold the bouquet for several hours, which means the bouquet should be comfortable and light.

A petite bride should pay attention to compact bouquets in a porta bouquet - a special form with a damp sponge inside; model-sized brides will look great with a “waterfall” bouquet consisting of flowers with elongated stems up to a meter long; a curvy bride does not need to choose a bouquet in in the shape of a ball, so as not to evoke unflattering associations for guests. The smaller the bride, the more elegant and smaller her bouquet should be - otherwise it will simply hide the newlywed.

There are also bouquets in the shape of a basket woven from fresh flowers, “drop” bouquets in the form of a flexible arc braided with flowers, bouquets-muffs that can be inserted into a loop attached to the hand, and classic round bouquets, which are more loved in our country the rest. Recently, with the advent of fashion for everything natural, wire frames and artificial greenery have become less common in bouquets, leaving instead “living” flower stems and leaves. The bouquet should match not only the dress, shoes and accessories - it is desirable that it also set off the “suit” of the bride and her temperament.

Blondes suit delicate tones - golden and light pink; redheads need to avoid scarlet shades so as not to look like a crazy Red Queen; rich colors go better with dark hair. In no case should young brides choose dark flowers - they “kill” the freshness of the skin, and exotic black roses should be avoided altogether if you are not Dracula’s bride. Purple and yellow colors suit some people very well, but it is also better not to include them in a bouquet - these colors have a bad “reputation” as messengers of sadness and separation.

The character traits of the newlywed are no less important - a modest woman will feel uncomfortable with a floral curiosity in her bouquet, and an extravagant and impulsive bride will lose all originality if she is given a bouquet of field daisies. By the way, the groom, going to the salon to order a bouquet, must prepare for the “interrogation” of the florist - a real specialist will definitely ask about twenty questions about the bride’s parameters, her zodiac sign and weak and strong character traits.

The hopes of all the bride's unmarried friends are usually placed on the wedding bouquet. Traditionally, after the wedding ceremony, the newlywed turns her back to the guests and throws the bouquet over her head with both hands. The girl who caught the bouquet, if you believe it, should soon get married. However, brides are sometimes sad to part with a beautiful bouquet. Therefore, along with a wedding bouquet, a so-called double is often ordered, which the bride can dry and store even until the diamond wedding.

The cost of a wedding bouquet depends on the season in which the wedding takes place (in summer the price of flowers is always lower), on the flowers themselves included in the composition (Russian roses, for example, will cost less than Dutch ones), on urgency (a bouquet collected on the wedding day from former availability of flowers is often more expensive than ordered in advance), finally, on the size of the bouquet and the complexity of its execution.

To ensure that the bouquet in the hands of the groom visually repeats the words of the wedding vow, it doesn’t hurt to look at the flower “phrase book” ahead of time:

Aster- a symbol of love, sophistication

White aster– I love you more than you love me

Pansies- my thoughts are busy with you

cornflower- I don’t dare express my feelings to you

Carnation- charm, female love

Red carnation- admiration, my heart is full of you

Pink carnation- I will never forget you

Purple carnation– inconstancy, capriciousness

Dianthus striped- refusal, unfortunately, I can’t be with you, although I want it

White carnation– innocence, pure love, gift of female luck

Yellow carnation- you disappointed me

Gladiolus- luxury, splendor, give me the opportunity, I am sincere, flower of gladiators

Dahlia- I'm glad to see you

Hydrangea– thank you for your understanding, coldness, heartlessness

Iris- symbol of France, your friendship means a lot to me, faith, hope, wisdom and fearlessness

Camellia– nobility

Camellia pink- I passionately desire you

Camellia red- you are the flame in my heart

Camellia white- you are adorable

Bell- humility, why do you torment me with whims

Lily of the valley– freshness, tears of the Virgin Mary, return to happiness, humility, you decorate my life

Lily white– innocence, purity, greatness, delightful to be with you

Lily yellow- I walk on air, false and dissolute

Lily- beauty

Poppy– eternal sleep, oblivion, imagination

Poppy red- pleasure

Poppy white– consolation

Poppy yellow- wealth, success

Daisy– innocence, true love, I will never tell, purity

Mimosa– modesty, shyness and purity

Narcissus– love me, reciprocal love, desire, sympathy, desire for reciprocal love

Forget-me-nots– true love, memories

Marigold– cruelty, grief, jealousy

Dandelion- loyalty, happiness

Orchid– love, beauty, sophistication, beautiful lady, Chinese symbol of large families

Peony– dissatisfaction, happy life, happy marriage

Ivy– marital love, fidelity, friendship, affection

Rose dark crimson– mourning

Rose hibiscus– sophisticated beauty

Rose pink– perfect happiness, please believe me

Red rose- love, I love you

Tea rose- I will always remember

Rose without thorns- love at first sight

Rose white– innocence and purity, I am worthy of you, you are amazing, mystery and silence

Rose yellow– decrease in love, jealousy

rose bud– beauty and youth, innocent heart

Rose bud red– clean and sweet

Pink bud white– girlhood

Daisies- the birth of hope

Tulip red– believe me, declaration of love

Multi-colored tulip- beautiful eyes

Tulip yellow– your smile, sunshine

Violet– modesty

Violet blue– vigilance, loyalty, I will always be faithful

White violet- let's take a risk

Chrysanthemum– you are a wonderful friend, cheerfulness and peace

Chrysanthemum white– true

Chrysanthemum yellow– weak love

Wedding suit

Until the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, young people in most countries got married in traditional festive clothing, characteristic of the area and class. Often the bride and groom did not stand out from the crowd of guests - this, however, could serve as additional protection from evil spirits. One of the oldest mandatory elements of a bride’s outfit was a wreath of fresh or artificial flowers. A wreath in the form of a closed circle was a symbol of chastity.

Gradually, first in cities, then in rural areas, black and white colors began to predominate in wedding suits. Some historians are inclined to consider the white color of the bride's dress as mourning, since the bride “died” for her clan, passing into the clan of her husband. Of particular importance in the wedding dress was also apron– an indispensable attribute of a good housewife.

And here veil, veil for the bride it is not only decoration, but also protection from evil spirits and evil spirits. Many rituals also played a “protective” function - for example, carrying the bride over the threshold (where the evil force resides) in the arms of the groom, as well as the noise of the wedding procession: congratulatory cries, singing, fireworks, or even shots from a gun.

In Rus', people walked down the aisle in the dress their great-grandmother got married in.

In southern European countries (Italy, Spain, Greece), they prefer to sew dresses, and after the wedding they keep them as reverently as family silver or sofa cushions embroidered by their grandmother. Overly pragmatic Americans, although they prepare for the wedding ahead of time, often rent dresses. In our country, the style of a wedding dress and the quality of the lace on it, as always, is dictated by the thickness of the wallet.

The play was written by Viktor Rozov in the early 60s and, like all of Rozov's plays, was a success. It ran all over the country, then, like all Rozov’s plays, it left the stage. The conflict, the situation, the characters themselves - everything suddenly seemed outdated and lost its credibility.
In the life of every person there is a moment of choice. Right now you need to take the next step. It will affect your entire life line. How to proceed? The problem is eternal.
Wedding preparations. Everyone is in a festive mood, they are creating a menu, the bride Nyura is buying an outfit, and relatives are preparing gifts. The whole village

He only talks about the wedding of Nyura and Mikhail. And everything would be fine, but Mikhail Klava’s first love comes to the village; they grew up together in an orphanage. They meet secretly and confess to each other that they have always loved each other. But since the wedding is already planned, they will have to part forever. Vasily, Mikhail’s brother, persuades the groom to break up the wedding, because what Mikhail feels for Nyura is not love. But Mikhail does not agree with his brother; he feels guilty before Nyura.
Nora, in turn, has already heard gossip about her husband’s secret love, but she prefers not to believe in them, because she loves him madly and wants to build family happiness with him. But the thought that her husband loves someone else haunts her and she decides for herself that the wedding will still take place, but when the application is signed, she will look at her husband’s face and understand what is in his heart. Everything was confirmed and at the first toast, “bitterly,” she says that she is letting her husband go. How it all ended is unknown, the author himself invites us to further fantasize.
Despite the seemingly open love line, the play, in fact, is not about love. Here, first of all, ethical problems are visible: true and imaginary freedom, a high sense of duty and awareness of responsibility for the fate of a loved one. The struggle of opposing feelings in the soul of the main character is clarified in the finale by the realization that you cannot build your own happiness on someone else’s misfortune.
Both Nyura and her chosen one Mikhail are presented by the playwright exclusively from all possible merits. Nyura is the very embodiment of kindness, selflessness, spiritual openness, and caring for people. Nyura loves Mikhail devotedly and selflessly, especially since the chosen one matches her in everything - the author portrays him as a man of rare spiritual beauty, honesty and reliability. Although the main characters are in no hurry to indicate the nature of the conflict, it is clear that Mikhail loves not Nyura at all, but Klava, but the suffering of Mikhail, Nyura, and most of all Klava is exposed to the public.
Self-sacrifice of one's happiness for the sake of the happiness of a loved one touches the hearts of the audience and does not allow one to be indifferent. This is true love!
“I love you, Misha! I can’t take your freedom... I don’t want to... I saw how you signed your death warrant... and your eyes became completely calm, even... I love you, Mishenka! I love you, not myself..."

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I don't want to say anything bad about Maggie, but I don't think she's very good for you.

Steve leaned toward her, his broad shoulders blocking the light coming from the street lamp.

Yes? And who do you think is right for me?

Don't know. - The tart smell of cologne made Betsy’s thoughts confused. - Someone... like... like... Diana Greenway.

Do you think that Diana and I are right for each other, but Maggie and I are not? “Even in the darkness, Betsy saw Steve’s eyes narrow. -Are you trying to convince me that I'm not good enough for Maggie?

Lord, of course not...

Betsy, go into the house. Immediately!

She was frightened by the tone of his voice and, quickly unlocking the lock, ducked out the door. Pulling back the curtain on the window a little, Betsy watched as Steve quickly walked up to the car and got behind the wheel. The door slammed loudly, a powerful engine roared, and, with a squeal of tires, the car quickly disappeared from sight.

Betsy lowered the curtain. Her face was gloomy. What happened to Steve? She had never seen him angry, but today he looked angry. However, he was strange all evening - he put on a suit, made eyes at Maggie, accused her, Betsy, of being afraid of sex...

Afraid of sex! It's funny to talk about this. She had indeed never made love before, but not at all because she was afraid of physical intimacy. She simply did not want to tie herself to family ties just yet. Betsy believed that sex was the first step to marriage, to marriage and to diapers. She was not afraid, she maintained her freedom.

Continuing to frown, Betsy sat down at the table and picked up a pencil. She didn't understand why Steve would say such a thing to her. Maybe he was joking? He always had an unconventional sense of humor that made her laugh many times. But now Betsy was not laughing. The situation is very, very serious. It won't be easy for her to save Steve, who has become completely unpredictable. Maybe he was influenced by the fact that he was in love? In love with a woman who doesn't know the meaning of this word.

Betsy slid her pencil over a blank sheet of paper, and the outline of a dress appeared on it. Maggie's wedding dress that will reflect her nature. She drew a line outlining her full breasts, then traced an intricate design onto the long skirt. The dress turned out to look like a wedding dress for a girl from the saloons of the old Wild West.

Betsy took another sheet of paper. On it she had draped a dress of fine white lace, the hem, trimmed with white feathers, barely covering her hips. The dress came with a fan made of white feathers. This wedding dress would be suitable for a whore. Betsy looked closely at the drawing. No, she decided, this dress was not slutty enough for Maggie.

In the next drawing, she depicted tight white panties showing through an almost transparent skirt and a high headdress of white feathers, to which a long veil was attached. Wedding outfit for a girl from a variety show.

Betsy experimented until her fingers lost feeling and could no longer hold the pencil.

The next morning, Betsy showed up to work a little late, and the first person she saw was Maggie. Steve's bride wore a tight golden-yellow dress, so short that her legs were almost completely exposed. She had a turquoise handbag in her hands and high-heeled sandals on her feet.

Maggie sat in a chair, and the entire store, led by May, was bustling around her. May showed Maggie bright cardboard decorations for the wedding table and listed all the different menu options. Two saleswomen ran back and forth, laying rolls of fabrics for wedding dresses on the table in front of the client. Another saleswoman sat next to Maggie and carefully wrote down her wishes in a notebook.

Steve, leaning against the wall, looked at the bustle of women with calm indifference. He seemed amused by what was happening.

As if sensing Betsy's presence, Steve turned his head and their eyes met. In the hall, bathed in bright sunshine, his gray-green eyes seemed more green than gray.

“Yes, I’m ready to bet my business, my house, even my car, damn it, against the fact that you’re still a virgin!” As these words surfaced in her memory, Betsy felt something flutter inside her. Confused, she looked away from Steve and found Maggie watching her.

Oh, here comes Betsy! - the actress cooed. - What a blessing to be able to sleep for so long! It's good to have a sister as a boss, it gives certain privileges. I envy you. I have to get up at dawn. Many people don’t even imagine how hard it is for actors to get money! On the set of the latest television series, for example, I had to report to the studio at six o'clock in the morning for makeup. They applied instant tanning cream all over my body.

July 11 2010

Rozov’s next landmark work was “On the Wedding Day” (1963). After the appearance of this work, I first of all noticed that here the playwright for the first time refuses to depict his beloved young dreamers. As a result, the conflict of the drama becomes more complicated, but the journalistic pathos of the work is reduced. The playwright focuses on the relationship between the three main characters - Nyura Salova, Mikhail Zabolotny, Klava Kamaeva. But despite the seemingly openly love plot, the play “On the Wedding Day” is, in fact, not about love. Rozov was not then, and later did not become, a subtle researcher of the love experiences of his heroes. He is attracted primarily by ethical problems: true and imaginary freedom, a high sense of duty and awareness of responsibility for the fate of a loved one.

Both Nyura Salova and her chosen one Mikhail Zabolotny, just like the “Rozov boys” in previous works, are woven by the playwright exclusively from all kinds of merits. Nyura is the very embodiment of kindness, selflessness, spiritual openness, and care for people. She has determined her place in life, works at a factory in a small Volga town and, of course, as befits an ideal hero of the era of developed socialism, is active in social work: “I got lost in the factory committee. This one has a voucher, this one an allowance, that one a child in kindergarten, this one a child for a funeral, the fifth one, take out an apartment and put it in... Everyone wants to help, that’s all, it’s necessary.” Nyura loves Mikhail devotedly and selflessly, especially since the chosen one matches her in everything - he portrays him as a man of rare spiritual beauty, honesty and reliability. And everything would be fine, but unexpectedly, on the wedding day of Nyura and Mikhail, his former unforgotten love, Klava Kamaeva, appears in the town.

In one of the recent interviews, V. Rozov was asked why his characters do not have an “underground”, why the heroes of his early works, including the play “On the Wedding Day,” look incredibly light? The playwright replied that he always deliberately did not describe the dark sides of the human soul: “It’s just not mine. The underground and devilry are from Dostoevsky.”

Does the almost complete absence of serious flaws impoverish Rozov's characters? It's probably depleting in some way. But on the other hand, those beautiful, lofty deeds that they perform at the will of the author certainly look organic. In general, the reader and viewer do not doubt for a minute that Nyura Salova will still decide on her own wedding day, despite the misunderstanding of those around her, to correct the mistake and “let go” of the groom:

“Nyura. I love you, Misha!! I can’t take your freedom... I don’t want to... I saw how you signed your death warrant... and your eyes became completely calm, even... I love you, Mishenka! I love you, not myself...

Mayan. Come to your senses... what is the city going to say!..

Nyura. Well, if I’m going to survive all this, then the city will survive somehow!.. Go, Misha, go!.. My Misha! I can not! (Takes off his veil and screams.) I’m letting you go!!”

The struggle of opposing feelings in the soul of the main character in the finale is clarified by the realization that you cannot build your own on someone else’s misfortune.