"Well," Adrian said when they were back at his flat, "What do you want to see this evening?"
"There is a play on at the Piccadily Theatre that I'm keen to see", Celia said. "What kind of play?", Adrian asked. "It's a black comedy. It's set in a mental hospital. The patients rebel against the medical authorities and take over the hospital. The rebels are reversed — the patients change places with the doctors. It's a satire on modern society and the nature of authority. The reviews have been very good. Jonothan Jarrot says in the "Globe" that it is a memorable evening and a great theatrical experience. He's a very experienced theatre critic. The play has a good cast. Liliane Petti-
grew is the female lead. She plays a hospital nurse who t ils in love with one of the patients and then is disillusioned when he becomes head of the hospital. They say it's one of her greatest roles. There is a strong supporting cast, too. The play has been a considerable box-office success — it's been running for almost six months now."
"Well", Adrian said, "What time does the performance begin?" "Eight o'clock." "I'll telephone the box-office and see if I can reserve seats. Shall I ask for stalls or circle?" "Stalls", Celia said. "Front stalls if possible. I like being near the stage."
Adrian telephoned. All the front stalls had been taken but there were still a few places in the rear stalls. Since the reservation was made by phone, the tickets had to be picked up half an hour before the play was due to begin.
They arrived at the theatre at about half past seven, collected their tickets and spent a few minutes chatting in the theatre foyer. Then they made their way to the stalls entrance. An attendant sold them a programme and showed them to their seats. They sat and watched the theatre filling up.
After the performance they went to a nearby pub.
"Well," Adrian said, "What did you think of it?"
"Terrible", Celia said. "I didn't like the element of cruelty in the play."
"Well, that's what life is like," Adrian said. "As I see it, the theatre has got to be realistic and deal with contemporary issues. It's no use pretending that these things don't happen. Violence and cruelty are features of our lives. They concern a!! of us."
"I don't agree," Celia said. "The vast majority of people live their lives without having such experiences. Except in the theatre. There's too much emphasis on violence these days Besides, showing violence and cruelty on the stage has a bad effect on public morality. Crimes of violence have increased lately. People see these things performed and go out and imitate them." "There is no evidence that violence on the stage or on the screen influences people's behaviour," Adrian said. "I'm sure it does. And in general I don't like this sort of plays. Let's go and see a musicai next time," Celia said.
Self check
/. Put each verb into the most suitable tense:
It (rain) when I (wake) up last Saturday. It always (rain) when I am not working. We (plan) to go to the seaside, but in the end we (decide) to go to the theatre instead. We (miss) the bus
and (arrive) late. We (arrange) to meet Joe outside the theatre and he (wait) for twenty minutes when we (get) there. The play already (start) when we (go) in.
It's Monday again today, and I (work) as usual. I (sit) here in the office for the last two hours, but 1 (not, do) much work yet. 1 (feel) too fed up to work. I already (have) my holiday this year I (go) to Scotland in July and, of course, it (rain) every day. Tomorrow I (book) a holiday for next April in Spain.
//. Translate into English:
— Ты не хочешь сходить в театр в субботу?
— С удовольствием. Я давно не был в театре. Какой спектакль ты предлагаешь?
— Я бы хотел послушать «Кармен».
— Кто поет партию Кармен?
— Елена Образцова.
— Она прекрасная актриса. Ты думаешь, мы сможем купить билеты?
— Мой друг обещал мне достать два билета.
— Спасибо. Очень любезно с твоей стороны, что ты пригласил меня. Я буду с нетерпением ждать спектакля.
Fluency
/. Answer the questions:
Are you keen on theatre? Which do you prefer: cinema or theatre? Why? Which of the Minsk theatres do you like best? Why? When did you last go to the theatre? Did you book a ticket in advance? What did you see? Who was in the cast? How did you find the acting? Did you like the costumes and scenery? Was the house full? Did you have a good seat? Was the performance a success? Do you enjoy opera? Which do you prefer: opera 01 ballet? What opera (ballet) did you see last? Did you enjoy it' What did you like in particular: the music? the singing? the dancing? the sets? What is on at the Byelorussian Drama Theatre now? Who is your favourite actor?
//. Speak on:
a) the Minsk theatres b) your favourite theatre, its cast and repertoire c) your last visit to the theatre.
///. Act out the following situations:
1. On your way home you meet a friend of yours. You haven't seen each other for a long time. You want to get together one
day and go to the theatre. You choose a performance to see. Your friend offers to buy tickets. You agree to meet at your place on the day of the performance.
2. The performance is over. You are leaving the theatre. You are full of impressions. Your tastes differ.
IV. Write about the performance you enjoyed.
