SEDUCTION SCENE
“Seduction scene,” she says. We’ve already learnt our parts. Kostya is the Duke of Gloucester, I am Lady Anne. Today is the first rehearsal. F is filling us in on what has gone before and what is yet to come. What has gone before is the murder of my husband, Prince Edward. What is to yet come is my wedding. The Duke of Gloucester – she calls him Richard – is thirsty for power. A murderer. I am the means. I am a widow walking behind the hearse. I hate him, I hate my husband’s murderer. It’s a very dangerous feeling, she says. You must learn to love it. So that everyone will believe you. Gloucester is ugly, a hunchback with a withered arm. I understand this in my own way: the ugliness, hunched back and withered arm must become indiscernible for my weak eyes. I hear in my own
