Reintepreting the war

Flirting with an elder madam Europe

Author's motivation

The play” Flirting with an elder madam Europe” was a real challenge for me, as I tried to gather all my ideas and write them on paper, and also for those who had to play the roles of some important characters inspired by reality such as Hitler, Churchill or Stalin.

Since the beginning of the activity, when only few ideas and rules were settled( for example, the theme and the placing of the „action” in a specific period of history), I tried to find the way in which the general idea could be presented: the war was, in fact, a continuous pursuit of certain interests, a never-ending sharing of various purposes usually set by superiors and required from common people. So, in such a mess of principles and aims, Europe remained just a victim in front of those cruel wars. That’s why the first question that appeared was: ”How can all these be enclosed in a play? How can the WW2 , a big and appaling conflict, be captured in words and gestures ?  The male characters were easily chosen, as their presence suggested the peoples and  the political parties from which they were coming, with specific mentalities and doctrines, so the only solution to remain close to the subject without choosing just a simple imitation of the reality was to turn Europe into a female character, becoming the target of the two groups, the Allies and the Axis Powers. Of course, some characters in these two alliances are also symbols: the nazism is undoubtly reprezented by Hitler and his loyals, Himmler and Heydrich; sovietic comunism can be easily seen in the principles that Stalin convincingly afiirms; Churchill, the Britich prime-minister, gives a speech in which he presents his ideas about freedom and equality, as they are specific for the people he represents; Japan is represented by none other than Emperor Hirohito, while U.S.A. make their appearance through the president Roosevelt, initially uninvolved and not so friendly.

Before proceeding to the fight itself caught in the last scene, the tension between these two alliances already exists and it is certainly caused by the differences regardind their ideas and plans for achieving them. Unfortunately, when Europe manages to make a decision and chooses to follow the Allies, as Hitler’s ideas and violence have saddened her, it is too late , because the conflict cannot be stopped anymore. Being aware of the damages caused by war, the winners who have the power of decision promise that they have understood what the feature should bring to world and how important the unity is. What is truly sad is that this awareness have come only after a fierce battle occured. Capturing all these things in a play was a great opportunity of discovering our glorious and also cruel past. Involving in this project, we realised once again that we are Europeans, so we have a common history that remains a part of us even if it exceeds the national broders. Sympathizing or not with certain peoples and ideas, one message remains valid for all of us: UNITY, PEACE and HARMONY are the most important.

And last, but not least, we managed to make communication  a way of reaching some persoanl conclusion. Our endless debates about the ideology of war or its personalities and consequences created a stronger link and made us become aware that our generation is crucial in building a great future, so we rapidly turn into  more responsible and mature Europeans.

Scenario

Translation: Teodora Vieru

•EUROPE- continent personified as a woman.

•ADOLF HITLER- political person, member of the NAZI party, absolute ruler of Germany since 1934.

•HEINRICH LUITPOLD HIMMLER- war criminal and an important person in Hitler’s plan.

•REINHARD HEYDRICH- German NAZI politician, ranked Obergruppenfuhrer in SS and police general.

•IOSIF VISSARIONOVICI STALIN- Soviet political person, leader of the comunist party in the Soviet Union.

•WINSTON CHURCHILL- British political person, prime minister of the UK during the Second World War.

•FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT- the 32nd president of U.S.A.

•HIROHITO- the 124th emperor of Japan.

•OTHER STATES...

(In a spacious, elegantly furnished place of formal meetings especially important, in the middle, a sofa, and behind it and in the sides tables and chairs arranged in a circle, in the room there are two groups , facing one another having in front of them water glasses or cups of coffee, on the one table sit Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill, and the other table, Himmler, visibly tense from so much waiting, alongside, humble looking Reinhard Heydrich, trying to neat the uniform on which can be seen the Nazi simbol. urge, however annoyed, enters through a side door, Adolf Hitler, passing by the Allies without saluting and thoughtfully sits on a chair provided with awkwardness by Heydrich, who is taken aback. Allies glance mockingly and smile  mischievous beneath mustaches, Roosevelt tries, however, not to betray involvement).

WINSTON CHURCHILL( speaking quietly, so only the Allies can hear): What is he up to now?

STALIN( smiling): I think he recieved the gas bill, that’s why he’s so dull...

( The Allies, barely holding themselves not to burst into laughter, decide to silencely leave the room in order not to perturb the mood in the room)

STALIN( explaining his reason for leaving): Let us go! The thought of victory makes my heart and my mind tremble, and it’s power won’t let me stay still. Let’s take a walk! Nature will always be a friend to those who fight for good.

( The Germans are gazing ironically; soon after, they breathe easely because they were left alone in the room.)

HEYDRICH: Finaaaaly! Their presence disturb the discipline of my mind and my ideas cornerning the Reich.

HIMMLER( totally ignoring Heydrich): Heydrich, I am sure that the great Führer will be kind enough to pardon your daring. However, your foolishness to put your own problems above those of our leader’s, shall be your last, otherwise not even the nobility of your race will diminish your punishment.

( Heydrich salutes and turns once again into a humble subject.)

HIMMLER( towards Hitler): Mein Führer, the one and mighty master of our judgement, what dreadful occurrence weakened your trust into the future of the pristine world we ought to build? What leads you astray from your high ideals?

( Hitler rises from his chair and begins to slowly walk around the room.)

HITLER: Himmler, I must say: I couldn’t close an eye of mine all night, reckoning and reckoning again. It is a chance, a great chance, a once in a life time chance! Let us use it, my friend! She is the one who embodies my highest aim! In her lies the way to fulfilling our yearnings! I ought to convince her!

HIMMLER and HEYDRICH( at once): Heil, Hitler!

HIMMLER: Your determination shall guide us too, Führer! But, before all, what plan did your unbounded intelligence come up with? I dare asking as a humble subject of our nation and justice. Do you assume you can confine her to yourself for a life time, unless you gain her willingness?

HITLER: My thought, indeed. Or at least to begin with. In order to conquer her, I will use my ardent love, my sharp mind and my steel will. I will use these weapons alongside the vital reason, and if there is need, I will bring even a Blitzkrieg to assault her judgement with divisions full of delightful and flattering words tactically disposed, until her incertitude makes her surrender!

HIMMLER: Tell her, great Führer, that through her power and her countless worthy qualities, the whole world will lie at your feet!

HITLER: Ja, ja! And how many treasures she keeps which hang by her fingers... Only when I think about the influence I could obtain... How I could hold in my hands and play with the earth with her by my side!

HEYDRICH: I was actually thinking, Führer, that your interest wears a mask, pardon me. And what a mask, haha! As big as the Pennine Alps. A wise choise, nonetheless.

HITLER( repeatedly hitting the table with the fist): Nein, nein, nein, nein, nein! You don’t understand me, fool! She means more than a way to get to the resurces, in her an entire culture and a noble ancestry awaits it’s deliverer! But what am I to expect of you, Reinhard Heydrich!? You weren’t thrown out of the Marine for nothing, after all it was because of the long-standing and honorables principles... which you totally lacked in. 

HIMMLER: Heydrich, analyse deeply an idea, then give form to it! Stop remarking ridiculous things or using pathetic remarks around the Führer, that is an order! Otherwise, we shall think that beautiful head of yours, perfectly placed onto the body of a sportsman such as yourself, is that of a knight’s of  Heinrich I, exposed in a contemporany museum.

HEYDRICH( hopefully): Old indeed, but surounded by history’s wisdom...?

HIMMLER: No chance! The outside shines, but the inside is empthy.

HITLER: Was is das? You argue now when the interests of humanity demand agreement and discipline? Cease with it, otherwise you will be outclassed!

HIMMLER and HEYDRICH: Only not to be gassed!

( Hitler throws at them a severe regard and the two stop to think once again about the possible solutions towards Fuhrer’s problems)

HIMMLER: If only we were to know what the enemies are planning...

HEIDRICH ( trying to fix his earlier mistake): But we could easely find that out, Führer. We need only a few well trained spies who can gather their secrets! Or better some women-spies. I propose...

HITLER( violently interrupting him): Nein , nein, nein! Halt! I know what you’re thinking, fool, but I’m telling you: don’t even mention it! Didn’t you get it by now that your idea of hosting Salon Kitty was an awful decision?

HIMMLER: As empthy as his head is, a model of a submarine could cross over and not be stopped by a dendrite or an axon!

HITLER: Stop it! Stop it! After all, Jeder tut’s auf seine weise! But still a question remains to be asked: instead of the foreign delegates, how the heck did all of our own swallow the bait? Ah, how much we worked then too. And I almost made myself a shedule: Gestapo in the morning, Gestapo in the afternoon, Gestapo in the evening!

HIMMLER: Exhausting period, indeed, but without your just decisions, those of a true leader, we would have been lost. In a world full of high traitors, insolent conspirators or worse, stubborn careless people, who if not you, our great Führer, could have dispatch evil with so much accuracy, placing it on categories ” Towards prison”,” Towards the camp”,” Towards the back wall”...

HIMMLER and HEYDRICH: Heil, Hitler!

( Hitler begins walking around again, immersed deeply into his thoughts.)

HITLER: Shut up and listen to me! This is the plan to get her: first of all, I will greet her most politely; overwhelmed by this, I will have my chance to tell her what bothers me from 1918 onwards; how I, a brave heart always ready to do extraordinary things, don’t have a Lebensraum to ease my tired arms.

HIMMLER: Keep telling her, Führer, how much it hurts us, your subjects, to see her tainted from head to toe, losing her nobility day by day. Where are her beautiful blue eyes, blond hair and white skin from long ago?

HEYDRICH: Leader, let her know your ideas corcerning the future: how you plan on making her the most important Lady of all continents, how you plan on exploring her every part and restore her to her former position.

HIMMLER: And, Hiler, you will surely remind her how she is going to regain her moral integrity through your power: a single spirit into an entire body, undivided, not torned into pieces by spheres of magnificence or spheres of maleficence.

HITLER: And if she doesn’t agree, be prepared: one way or another, I will take what is rightfully mine. Let us pounder wisely the plan to abduct her, because Europe, in the end, shall be mine!

SCENE II

( While Hitler is uttering his last words, the Allies return welldisposed to the room. The Nazi leave the appearance to be going, but they actually hide behind the door and listen to the conversation.)

CHURCHILL: But for the love of God, Roosevelt, you’ve got nothing to lose if you help us gain her benevolence. Yes, of course we know, the principles, the doctrines, the ideas, the ’’ Splendid Isolation’’ that you seem to have borrowed from the venerable mother... But these are no excuses. Do think about it. After all, every conflict was solved through wisdom.

ROOSEVELT: In the name of sweet Monroe! Cease with these persuations and let me decide on my own. America, Americans! To me is enough the title ’’ arsenal of the Democrats’’, for the moment at least.

CHURCHILL: O.K, O.K. but when your neigbor will be a continent ruled by the ”man of the year” and maybe one of Hirohito’s subjects, don’t abandon your renowned principles. Then, that waver will make even the Statue of Liberty to burst into laughter.

( Churchill takes out of a box a pipe, and as he doen’t have anything to light it with, he looks at Stalin.)

STALIN: Net, ya!

( Irritated, Churchill turns to Roosevelt, who encounters him with an ironic smile.)

ROOSEVELT: Lend&lease, my friend!

( Churchill lays back on the chair, relaxed and delighted.)

CHURCHILL: O, Cuba, sweet Cuba, how overwhelming it is to taste your flavour enclosed in these tobacco leaves. O, Cuba, dear Cuba!

STALIN: O, net! Yevropa !

CHURCHILL: Yes, Stalin, you’re right! Europe is the one that we need to talk about. ( Adopting a serious attitude, in contrast to the previous one, and begins to walk slowly around the room.) No man in the world is just an island, lonely and self-contained. Every man is a piece of the Universe, a part of the whole head. If big waves rip a snowball from her, Europe is diminished, as would be any clod of earth or your estate or your friends. Death of man injures me, because I am included in mankind. Therefore, never do question: for whom do the bell tolls? They toll for you.

ROOSEVELT: If I didn’t know you were quoting John Donne, I would say that you deserve the Nobel Prize for Literature.

CHURCHILL( flattered): I’m not far from it, not that far! But to return now. We have a few moments until she, in flesh and bones, in country and relief will arrive. Let's get ready. I propose to allure her with the concept of freedom. Let's paint shades of democratic future and the whole world in harmony colors. After all, we’re talking about a she! What else could be more convincing?

STALIN: Power to the people? Ha-ha! And then, to whom will they sing hymns? To whose interests will they be subordinated, if not those of the state itself? She must know that moments of glory await for her and only through a prompt collectivization and  urbanization can her hands be cleaned of the mud, and if she doesn’t accept the terms, we will threaten with the crackdown of the rebellious ideals.

CHURCHILL: But Stalin, that is inconceivable! To treathen a lady? Horrible! To believe in what if not etiquette and common sense!

STALIN: Aş! In etiquette and common sense? How stupid! I, gentlemen, believe in Marx and in Lenin.

ROOSEVELT: Don’t assume that I have any interrest in this, but I find it difficult not to get involved. Therefore quit this talk. However, I will kindly give you a piece of advice: tell her fermly that you want her disarmed and the defese system minimized.

STALIN: But it is paradoxical, so she might think that we want to take advantage of her kindness. Also, to take her weapons and organization in order to impose our own conditions.

CHURCHILL: Not a bad idea at all, Roosevelt. A lady will always be impressed by firm beliefs and character strength. Point not miss, president.

ROOSEVELT: Oh, but how subtile, my friend. You said well. It was the 4^th point out of Wilson’s "Fourteen Points".

CHURCHILL: And we do not even need 13 more to get the desired treasure. She is so weak and sickened because of the war that her claims have fallen a lot.

STALIN: Claims, perhaps, but wealth net!

CHURCHILL: What great wealth can exist in an anthill? Only Europe is a molehill. These are Bonaparte’s words.

STALIN: But the ground digged by moles is always airy and good for future plantations.

ROOSEVELT: And if these blind moles will destroy your roots?

CHURCHILL: After the job is done, they should be brought to light and metamorphosed.

ROOSEVELT: Brilliant idea, but the enemies are thinking about extinction rather than metamorphosis.

CHURCHILL: And then, a mole can only be transformed into a crawling creature !

ROOSEVELT: A crawling creature has no principles, that’s why it can’t get too high.

STALIN: But it can be led easily! By its nature, is a loyal subject.

CHURCHILL: Snakes crawl too, Stalin. You would not want to drive the Republic of some venomous snakes.

STALIN: Snakes like to hide in the west. They have there a more favorable climate.

ROOSEVELT: Nonsense! Nonsense! Let's see how you agree to Hitler's Eastern friends. From the far East, I mean.

CHURCHILL: Roosevelt refers to the yellow East, with slanted eyes.

ROOSEVELT: It appears that I got too involved in your problems. I’ll remain as planned: cold and distant. However, if you do not want that from Allies to become Alienators, come to an agreement.

( Stalin and Churchill shake hands and attempt to make the same gesture towards Rossevelt who icily abstains.)

CHURCHILL: Do not forget that we are not alone. Eiffel Tower has our back.

STALIN( disdainful): From above, as always.

SCENE III

( While allies say the last words, in the room appears long-awaited madam Europe,looking exhausted, dressed in a specific outfit to the first half of the XXth century, some details show however, a total lack of care: her hair is quite messed up, her dress is patched in some places with different flags and her nails are different colored. A few other states enter after her wearing the colors of their flags -and, finally, enters Hirohito, emperor of Japan.)

EUROPA: Oh, how ravished I am! Where is my calm now? Where are my faithful subjects? Where's the harmony and well-being? Alas, they went all. Economical balance, I don't even know what to say anymore...  I am so financially strapped, that I had to come all this way down here. How terrible! I've known war since youth, the Antiquity I mean, but this one came to me over the mountains. I declare myself torned apart: I  am loosing tectonic plates of so much pain!

( During the little speech, Europe looks for a place to sit, constantly supported by the arms of the states behind her. As soon as she enters the stage, the Allies rise from the table, run behind the couch, grab a chair and offer it to Europe. Roosevelt attends only... by regarding, and greets her politely, nevertheless cold. Simultaneously, behind the door the Nazis make a quick appearance . They run to the opposite side of the room, take a chair, bring it to Europe and invite her to sit. Europe makes a gesture of gratitude, but when she wants to choose a place, the two sides start arguing.)

CHURCHILL: Allow me, my fair lady!

HITLER( demanding): I’ll offer a seat to beautiful Frau! Whether you mind or not!

STALIN: Well, I really do mind. How could I let her sit in a chair so tough? She needs something more comfortable.

HITLER: I reckon you are clever enough not to oppose.

STALIN: Spasibo, but I'd be really stupid if I take for good that remark.

HITLER: Tell a lie loud enough and long enough and people will come to believe it!

CHURCHILL: Hitler, allow us! We are a majority, we represent the interests of people. And these people want you, insolent German, let us offer Europe a chair!

HITLER: There is still faith in human progress and, no matter how small, it comes from the minds of the majority and not the head of a man. (From Mein Kampf)

( Roosevelt prepares to remedy the situation through saying something, but the emperor of Japan goes ahead and says something in Japanese, drawing out his sword and threatened the two groups. Europe, seeing herself ignored, walks away contemptuous from the Allies and the Nazis and sits on the couch in the middle.)

HITLER: Danke, Hirohito. But you spoke too late.

( Hirohito answer him in "Japanese." Immediately, the two groups go and sit next to Europe in opposites sides, trying to be as courteous as they can.)

EUROPA: But what a terrible heat. I am so thirsty.

( Churchill and Himmler- as Hitler ordered- go after a full cup of tea, respectively a glass of beer).

CHURCHILL: Please, fair lady, have a taste of this special English tea.

HITLER: Tea is not good at a time as this. A few drops of German beer first quality, as all our products, nonetheless, will do you well.

CHURCHILL: You want, of course, to dispose of reason in these decisions. Just see where regular consumption of beer can take( pointing disdainfully towards Hitler).

HITLER:  I insist, madam, for you to taste this refreshing drink. This silly tea is no match for your moral strength.

EUROPA : Stop, I suffer from a terrible headache. I do not like tea ... and so much I hate beer. (barely talking) All I wanted was a glass of water.

( It happens just as before, but this time Hitler comes first. Clumsy, he wets the dress of the distinguished lady, and she lets out a scream. Predicting this scene, Stalin draws out a napkin.)

HIMMLER : It’s time, Führer!

HITLER( towards Europe): Forgive my clumsiness Europe. If I didn't act according to the rules courtesy, it's because the wish to stay alongside you is overwhelming even for me. I'll be strong, as always. I ask you now, loud and clear, ( Hiler makes his well known gesture), to follow me. Help me and accept my help.

EUROPA( amazed): But I...

HITLER: No, do not answer. Just come with me, Frau. A glorious future awaits for you. Far from the lies that enslave people, I'll fight to regain your purity. A clean Europe, a strong Europe, a Europe under the reign of a single man. A healthy Europe, brave, dauntless, just like me. To hell with democracy and liberalism! Where is equality supossed to be? Is it not the job of the strong to lead the weak? Would not any mighty cry seeing himself torned by an inferior? Wouldn’t any pure heart scream seeing you in the mud of these alleged ties? Babylon ready to collapse! How could I conceive living when you have decayed and lost your last traces of nobility? I was told so, a million times: we humans, we are the same, we have the same rights. But since when are vultures caught in the claws of mice and lions are ripped by gazelles? Isn’t this the law of nature: the noble and hard to feed even with the helpless? Is it not my right, oh, you cruel being, to exterminate the roots of evil and purify the Aryan race? Than in a world of creatures that crawl, better dead! Oh, please, give your consent. I have big plans and sacred thoughts. Don’t stand against them, this I say. It all depends on you.

CHURCHILL: Do not listen to him, my lady. Who ever heard of brutality to replace it the kind words? Since when do we consent to be killed? Are we ought to silently approve massacres and smile when people are taken to camps? Look here, Europe! Open wide your sad eyes and regard us, poor Allies, who fought for years for good and to destroy evil. We give you complete freedom, equality among people that is what we offer you ...

STALIN: Even if it means struggling with the idea of private property...

CHURCHILL: I ask you, sapient Elder, isn’t this what you wish for: peace and equality? Aren’t you tired of sheding so many tears of your own blood that floods every piece of territory? Didn’t it get over your head this tumult of fighting continue? I tell you, beloved, if you accept to go with the one that just drew you in rebellion, you'll be lost forever, and through you, we will all be lost. Ponder wisely!

( During this time, Roosevelt and Hirohito had an exchange of words, and by their gestures, signs of misunderstanding can be interpreted.)

HITLER: Well, have you decided?

( Europe withdraw terrified and goes to the Allies.)

HITLER: So, like this you want it to end, this is what I disgustingly conclude. I see myself despised and misunderstood by the only one I expected a slight trace of respect! Fine, have it your way! Remain so your feelings, I mean, treacherous woman, because the situation will change now. With or without your consent, you will follow me!

( Under the astonished and frightened eyes of the Allies, Hitler grabbs Europe and alongside the other Nazis, he heads toward the exit. Roosevelt and Hirohito notice too late and go along with others. Background sounds of battle can be heard and in the end, gunfire shots. After a moment, Europe returns in the room with the Allies, weak, pale and holded by hands. They help her sit on the couch and take care of her.)

CHURCHILL( exhausted): We succeeded, we succeeded, friends. The fight was tough, Europe is weak after such a happening.( Kneeling besides the couch) But dear, I solemnly promise from now, you will not go through such terrible times again. We will defend you with our lifes,  we’ll put at stake our dignity and love for humanity. We will put aside selfishness, for selfishness and gluttony demons constantly grind the soul and lead it to destruction. We swear, Europe, we will keep you from this day on united.

( States- characters join hands, embracing, only Stalin stays retreated.)

STALIN: But Roosevelt and the Emperor, where did they remain?

( Two sounds very strong are suddenly heard, as two bombs had exploded.)

EUROPA: Please, stop fighting. People like you are at Pearl Harbor and Hiroshima and also at Nagasaki. It's too much.

( Enters Roosevelt sorrowful.)

ROOSEVELT: The war has ended. There's nothing left to do. Let us rejoice. Perhaps the years of peace that will follow will be able to balance through harmony these terrible deeds of the present.

CHURCHILL: I swear allegiance to you, Europe!

EUROPA: Oh, my dears, if this is the price to pay for unity, I swear I'd rather drown more islands in the sea and shake the mountains than to let my lands and waters turn red with the blood of so many innocents.