intro (i)

Lyrics

First House: Susan (A dimly lit cocktail bar, decorated in the style of a grandparent's living room, circa 1970-80. Dark wood, Tiffany lamps, a grandfather clock, taxidermy. Cluttered yet elegant, retro and just a tiny bit morbid. Cabaret tables are scattered amidst more traditional furniture, including midcentury chairs for the musicians, a 4-piece combo: violin, cello, french horn, piano and organ—an old Hammond Behind the bar stands Wolf, making drinks. He is dressed like a dapper mixologist, with a full beard and just a hint of grandma. At two of the scattered cabaret tables sit Sadie and Beckеtt, backs to the audience, sipping thеir cocktails; Susan sits at the bar. Wolf finishes making Susan's drink and slides it to her. A looped electronic beat drifts in and out.) WOLF Here you go You want a straw? SUSAN Yes please WOLF (dropping a straw in her drink) One straw, boom SUSAN Metal straw. Freaky WOLF We're fancy SUSAN I'm a little nervous WOLF Well that's to be expected. First time out? SUSAN I think so? Plus I've never done this kind of thing before— WOLF You'll get the hang of it pretty quick. It's good for you! SUSAN I mean I've done public readings but not— WOLF Writer? SUSAN Yes WOLF Ah you'll be fine then SUSAN Yeah WOLF Where were you? SUSAN Latvia WOLF Latvia, oh! Very cool. Svieks! SUSAN You know Latvian? WOLF I've been around SUSAN Svieks is informal Labdien is safer WOLF Labdien SUSAN Labdien WOLF Labdien SUSAN Labdien WOLF Labdien SUSAN Better (The electronic loop stops and the musicians take the stage; a spotlight shines on an empty mic stand.) WOLF I think you're up SUSAN Just like that, huh? WOLF Just like that SUSAN (gesturing to Sadie and Beckett) What about those two? WOLF They'll get their turn You seem ready SUSAN (taking a big swig) All righty WOLF Don't worry, the band helps a lot SUSAN They'll follow me? WOLF Yeah Yeah, they're really good (She walks onto the stage. Music begins.) ———————————————————— ​intro (i) WOLF Just let it all out Susan Keep talking And don't be afraid to go deep SUSAN ​during the pandemic ​when the lockdown hit ​i had just separated from my husband ​and i had fled to the baltics ​i was alone in a new home: ​my grandmama's giant ranch house ​in the middle of a white forest in latvia ​so this is the story ​of how i went a little bit crazy ​living alone in the pandemic ——————————