I can only chase arms and legs that part from me

By Rosario Stefanelli

Theatre. One act. Three characters + Black dress
Can receiving forgiveness be a source of anguish? For Hans it is.
Can forgiveness be a way to deal with that anguish? For Hans it is.
All this rises and falls. Who will break the chain?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Rosario
• Release date: Jul 29, 2022
• ISBN: 9791221383690

Book preview

Single Act

I CAN ONLY CHASE ARMS AND LEGS THAT PART FROM ME

OF

ROSARIO STEFANELLI

Characters

Hans

Tullia, Hans' daughter

Eridanio, Thief

Black Dress

Living room of Hans's flat. There are chairs scattered everywhere, on which women's clothes are placed. There is a table in the middle on which necklaces, earrings and bracelets are prominently displayed. On the sides of the room a few shelves display perfumes and make-up. Hans, in his fifties, sits around the living room table. The man breathes on the necklaces. At that moment Tullia, his daughter, enters. In black trousers and a white T-shirt, tanned, flowing hair and highlights. The woman, a little incredulous, closes the front door

TULLIA How come it was open?

HANS Good morning daughter. At last! It's been a long holiday

TULLIA It was needed after a lousy year.

HANS That's right

TULLIA The children had a great time

HANS I'm sorry you didn't accept the rent for that cottage. I would have gladly paid it

TULLIA I know, dad. But the camp went more than well

HANS You made them sleep in a tent?

TULLIA By the sea

HANS Who knows what humidity

TULLIA What's important is that they had fun.

HANS And so many mosquitoes! But what have you done to your hair?

TULLIA I've grown it out.

HANS Even the colour...

TULLIA Sunstroke

HANS And so dark...

TULLIA I've been to the sea. And don't stare at me like that!

HANS You're strange

TULLIA The same as always

HANS That's not true, something is different.

TULLIA We haven't seen each other for months. I must be getting older

HANS It's not that. You are....

TULLIA That's OK dad. I'll take that as a compliment. How come the door was open?

HANS Not even in September does the heat want to leave us.

TULLIA And then with mother's things outside

HANS Do they bother you?

TULLIA It's like being in a boutique downtown.

HANS You say it in a way, as if you had a monster in front of you.

TULLIA Come on dad. I still can't get used to it

HANS May I miss your mother?

TULLIA But why are you so defensive?

HANS No one will make me feel guilty about this

TULLIA That wasn't my intention

HANS No one will

Tullia shakes her head

TULLIA How long have they been there

HANS A few days

TULLIA If you want I'll put