UNIVERSITY of CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO Casagemas a Thesis

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN DIEGO

Casagemas

A thesis submitted in partial satisfaction of the

requirements for the degree Master of Fine Arts

Theatre and Dance (Playwriting)

Sharif Abu-Hamdeh

Committee in charge:

Professor Naomi Iizuka, Chair Professor Alan Havis Professor Adele Shank Professor Manuel Rotenberg

2013

The thesis of Sharif Abu-Hamdeh is approved and it is acceptable in quality and form for publication on microfilm and electronically:

______

______Chair

University of California, San Diego

2013

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DEDICATION

To my family, without whom I would have never have found my spark. All my love.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Signature page………………………………………………………………….. iii

Dedication……………………………………………………………………… iv

Table of Contents………………………………………………………………. v

Acknowledgements…………………………………………………………….. vi

Abstract of the Thesis……………………………………………………...... vii

Casagemas……………………………………………………………………… 1

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I am extremely grateful to everyone I have had the great opportunity to work with during my graduate studies. The dedication, hard work, and passion will continue to inspire me long after graduation.

And, a special thanks to the playwrights that I have met here and am proud to call friends:

Krista Knight

Lauren Yee

David Myers

Jeff Augustin

David Jacobi

Kristin Idazak

ABSTRACT OF THE THESIS

Casagemas

Sharif Abu-Hamdeh

Master of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance (Playwriting)

University of California, San Diego, 2013

Professor Naomi Iizuka, Chair

Casagemas is a journey through Pablo Picasso's imagination as he relives memories of his best friend, Carles Casagemas. Inseparable from the time they first meet in Barcelona, the two painters travel to Paris when Picasso is invited to participate in the Universal Exhibition of 1900. There, the young men immerse themselves in a world of sex, drugs, and painting, which culminates in a moment that forever changes the course of Art.

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Casagemas

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Characters

Carles Casagemas – 20 years old. A tall and slender man with intense eyes and dark hair.

Pablo Picasso – 19 years old. Stocky, and rambunctious.

Germaine – 26 years old. Voluptuous and sensual. Art lover.

Odette – 20 years old. Wild and free spirit with a pile of hair and flawless skin.

Malouf – Mature. Art dealer.

Jasmine – 24 years old. Catalan artist.

Clestina - Old and blind in one eye

Beggar - Poor

Prologue - Germaine’s Apartment - Paris - 1901

PICASSO works on "Casagemas's Death Portrait" in the studio in GERMAINE’s apartment. There is a form lying on the bed covered in a sheet. PICASSO takes a sip of wine and then goes back to work. Throughout the overture, he continues to work on the painting. An old man leans up against the building on the sidewalk below. He is playing a guitar under the light of a streetlamp. Lights slowly fade on PICASSO. The old man’s song transitions into the music being played at the Four Cats.

Scene 1 – Four Cats Bar – Barcelona - 1899

JASMINE and PICASSO are standing in a lit corner of the Four Cats. CASAGEMAS is at the other end of the room. JASMINE is looking at PICASSO, waiting for him to speak. PICASSO is transfixed by CASAGEMAS.

PICASSO Who is that?

JASMINE What?

Silence.

PICASSO I’m sorry. What were we talking about?

JASMINE Nothing important, apparently.

PICASSO Oh, come on. [beat] I remember! I was telling you about my cave!

JASMINE No! I asked what you thought of the art scene here in Barcelona.

PICASSO Oh. It’s great! I love how much passion is in the work. I can feel it vibrating off of the canvases.

JASMINE I’m happy you appreciate what we are doing.

PICASSO I see so many movements that are reacting to the invention of the camera. I’m already getting tired of it.

JASMINE

Painters used to make a visual history of the world. They would travel to far off lands and bring back images of what they saw. But, now the camera is here and it keeps getting faster, cheaper and more accurate.

PICASSO Yeah, I know.JASMINE Painting it is undergoing a crisis of necessity. I think that’s something worth discussing.

PICASSO But, it’s already happened! There’s no turning back. We’ve been thrust into the future and must adapt. That is what I like about this city, and the work that you all are doing here. It’s less about the mechanics and more about feeling. [beat] I wish I were Gaudi.

JASMINE Yes! To live inside that man’s imagination would be a dream.

PICASSO He’s a visionary.

JASMINE La Sagrada Familia will be a wonder once it’s finished.

PICASSO No doubt. But, it’ll take hundreds of years to build! I love architects! They’re completely mad.JASMINE It’s a gift to the new century we are about to enter.

PICASSO More like a gift to the century after that. Gaudi himself will be long dead before it’s ever completed. Generations of people will never see its full glory.

Once again, PICASSO notices CASAGEMAS from across the room. He watches him talking to a group of people.

JASMINE Isn’t that part of the point. To do something on such a grand scale that it…

JASMINE finally sees the object of PICASSO’s attention.

JASMINE Would you like to meet Carles?

PICASSO What?

JASMINE He’s the guy you keep staring at.

PICASSO I wasn’t staring. [beat] That’s Carles Casagemas? I’ve seen his paintings. They’re very, very good.

JASMINE Would you like me to introduce you?

PICASSO He won’t know me. I don’t think we should interrupt their conversation.

JASMINE Are you scared of meeting him?

PICASSO I’m not scared. I’m busy flirting with you.

JASMINE Oh, god. Come with me.

JASMINE takes PICASSO by the hand and leads him over to CASAGEMAS. She taps CASAGEMAS on the shoulder. He turns away from his conversation.

CASAGEMAS Jasmine! So good to see you!

They hug. PICASSO watches awkwardly. CASAGEMAS holds JASMINE in an embrace as he talks, looking deeply into her eyes.

CASAGEMAS You look lovely this evening.

JASMINE Thank you.

They look into each other’s eyes. It has grown more uncomfortable than PICASSO can bear. He starts to walk away. JASMINE notices and calls after him.

JASMINE Pablo! Pablo! Get back here.

PICASSO comes back as CASAGEMAS releases JASMINE and steps forward to greet PICASSO with his hand extended.

CASAGEMAS You’re Ruiz-Picasso! From Malaga! I’m Carles Casagemas.

The two shake hands.

CASAGEMAS It’s a pleasure! Pillares has been talking about you non-stop since you both got back from his parent’s farm.

PICASSO Thank you.

Silence.

CASAGEMAS [to JASMINE] Is he always this quiet?

JASMINE Never. He’s quite taken with you.

PICASSO I’m sorry. I’m not used to people knowing who I am before I’ve met them.

CASAGEMAS Well, you’d better get used to it, my friend.

PICASSO You think so?

JASMINE begins to leave.

CASAGEMAS Jasmine. Where are you running off to?

JASMINE I thought I’d leave you to stroke each other’s egos in private.

CASAGEMAS Isn’t she the best!?

PICASSO I think I’m in love with her.

CASAGEMAS I hate to tell you this, Pablo, but you’ve got some pretty stiff competition.

PICASSO Stiff! Hah!

JASMINE It’s time for me to leave you boys.

PICASSO Oh.

CASAGEMAS If you must go, then go. But, don’t stray too far. I need to have some private time with you before the evening is through.

JASMINE Hmm. You need to see me?

CASAGEMAS It’s a powerful need, dear Jasmine.

JASMINE Well, I would be remiss if I were to deprive you of such a necessity.

JASMINE leaves with a flourish. The men wave goodbye.

PICASSO That was… You’re so good with the females.

CASAGEMAS shrugs.

CASAGEMAS It’s a gift.

PICASSO I think there’s a lot I can learn from you.

CASAGEMAS You need help getting yourself a lady?

PICASSO No, it’s nothing like that. I never know what to do- Or, what I’m supposed to do.

CASAGEMAS You know what you want, but you don’t know how to get it.

PICASSO Exactly.

CASAGEMAS I can help with that.

PICASSO Really?

CASAGEMAS It’s just like painting. All you have to do if focus all of your attention on the lady. Study her face, her eyes. Let her see you looking at her, and when she asks what you’re doing, inform her that you must paint her. And, then tell her why.

PICASSO I must paint you.

CASAGEMAS Oh, no. That’s not what I was-

PICASSO It’s your energy. You have a great deal of strength. I can feel it coming from your body. I must capture it on canvas.

CASAGEMAS thinks for a momet.

CASAGEMAS It, it would be an honor.

PICASSO Really?

CASAGEMAS

Pillares showed me some of your paintings of the farmlands surrounding his home. They’re fantastic. They remind me of Cezanne.

PICASSO I was copying his style.

CASAGEMAS Copying? You are not giving yourself enough credit.

PICASSO My father says the only way to learn how to paint is through replicating the works of the great masters. Only after making thousands of copies can a man call himself a painter.

CASAGEMAS So, a painter is a machine. That comes as a surprise to me.

PICASSO That’s not what I’m saying.

CASAGEMAS You’re not saying anything. You’re repeating what your father told you.

Silence.

CASAGEMAS All I’m saying is that I would find it impossible to keep my passion alive if I were forced to be in such a rigid system.

PICASSO My father was an art teacher, and-

CASAGEMAS Is your father here right now?

PICASSO What? No.

CASAGEMAS That’s correct. He isn’t here. I’m here. You’re here. Look around you.

PICASSO Okay.

CASAGEMAS We’re all a part of the Bande Catalane

PICASSO It’s an honor to be considered a part of your movement.

CASAGEMAS It’s our movement, friend! All of us together showing that our Art is just as important as the work made in France and Germany!

PICASSO I’ve only been in town a few weeks. I feel like I haven’t spent enough time here to deserve this

CASAGEMAS You’ve already made a big impact.

PICASSO Thank you.

CASAGEMAS Tell me. Have you ever thought about having an exhibition?

PICASSO Me? No. My father says I’m still too young to be exhibiting in salons.

CASAGEMAS Pillares and I have been talking. We’re going to exhibit here at the Four Cats. We want to take art out of the museums, the academies, and the galleries, and bring it back to the people. Instead of making paintings for the rich, we are going inspire the poor.

PICASSO That’s very exciting, Carles. I’m impressed by your boldness.

CASAGEMAS We’ve also decided that you are going to be the first artist we feature!

PICASSO Really?

CASAGEMAS Congratulations!

PICASSO

This is too much!

CASAGEMAS puts his arm around PICASSO.

CASAGEMAS The night is ripe for celebration, don’t you agree?

PICASSO nods vigorously as CASAGEMAS guides him in the direction of the bar.

CASAGEMAS Drinks! Where are the drinks?!

Scene 2 – Art Studio - Barcelona – 1900

PICASSO is studying CASAGEMAS as he poses in a chair. PICASSO begins to draw vigorously. He looks back at CASAGEMAS and then back at his drawing. While PICASSO draws, CASAGEMAS completely changes his pose. When PICASSO looks back up, he is flustered. CASAGEMAS laughs and starts to find his way back to his previous pose, but PICASSO stops him. He prompts him to stay in the new position and goes back to work on his canvas. After a moment, he looks back up and then prompts CASAGEMAS to change his pose. CASAGEMAS obliges, and PICASSO goes back to work. The fervor in PICASSO’s brushwork increases as he finishes one drawing and then immediately starts another.

Scene 3 - The Four Cats Bar - Barcelona - 1900

CASAGEMAS and JASMINE are sitting together at a booth. They are having a huddled conversation between the two of them.

CASAGEMAS The empire has collapsed, and yet they pretend our influence hasn’t changed. Conscripted Catalans continue to die on African soil. It’s our responsibility as artists to speak on such things.

JASMINE Henrik Ibsen said-

CASAGEMAS Oh, not him again. We're in Barcelona, not Norway.

JASMINE He said we must establish the principle of free will. That this is the one prerequisite for a universal brotherhood, and the beginning of a Freedom worth fighting for.

CASAGEMAS We must destroy the conquering mindset of our fathers, crush the monarchy, exorcise religion and find a universal acceptance that binds us all together. That’s what I think.

JASMINE That’s exactly what Ibsen said, but in your own words.

CASAGEMAS He’s talking about anarchy.

JASMINE Exactly.

CASAGEMAS Good. Then, we agree. Oh, Jasmine. I love talking politics with you.

JASMINE Pablo’s show seems to be a resounding success. It’s amazing to see what the Bande can accomplish in only a few months. Our influence in the community is growing. I can feel it. CASAGEMAS

I have to say, Jasmine, I didn’t expect this many people to show up. It seems like the working class is interested in our movement after all.

JASMINE We’re stamping our feet, and soon the rest of Europe will hear our noise.

CASAGEMAS Ha hah! Next we’ll do a show for me...and, then a show for you...and, then a group exhibition with all of the members

JASMINE You have big dreams. I appreciate that about you.

CASAGEMAS And, you are a vision in that dress.

JASMINE Thank you, Carles.

JASMINE is a little bashful. CASAGEMAS lifts his glass. They cheers. CASAGEMAS notices someone in the crowd.

CASAGEMAS Malouf! Malouf!

CASAGEMAS waves, and then give the thumbs up sign.

JASMINE Who is that?

CASAGEMAS He's an art dealer from Paris. A few of them came around our studios. They said they were searching for great, young painters.

JASMINE When was this?

CASAGEMAS About a month ago.

JASMINE Oh.CASAGEMAS Last week, I sold three paintings, and now Malouf’s back in town. I won't lie, Jasmine, I am very excited.

JASMINE You sold three paintings?

CASAGEMAS I did. They were pretty big canvases too.

MALOUF arrives at the table.

CASAGEMAS Malouf! Back in town again, I see.

MALOUF Ah, Carles! It's good to see you.

CASAGEMAS This is Jasmine Casillas. She is another member of the bande. Please, join us.

MALOUF Thank you, thank you. It would be my pleasure to sit with such an attractive, young couple.

JASMINE Oh, we aren’t together.

MALOUF Interesting! I would think that such a striking pair would find their way together. It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Casillas.

JASMINE Carles was telling me that you visited his studio recently.

MALOUF I did, I did. It was an eye-opening trip.

JASMINE How long will you be in Barcelona, Mr. Malouf? I have several new paintings that I’m excited to start showing.

MALOUF Sadly, I’m only in town for the night.

JASMINE Oh. The studio is just a few streets over. Maybe we-

MALOUF Unfortunately, the search has already been concluded.

JASMINE I see. Silence.

CASAGEMAS I am curious, Malouf. What did you think of my new paintings? The one’s you saw last month.

MALOUF I like them. They give me a sense of this region’s flavor.

CASAGEMAS Thank you, Malouf. That’s kind of you to say.

MALOUF But, I am getting fairly bored of matadors. Why you continue to paint them over and over again, I have no idea. [to JASMINE] But, one must let the artist progress at their own rate, as you and I both know.

JASMINE Um, yes.

CASAGEMAS Matadors are iconic to this region

MALOUF Yes, but too many matadors and not enough entrails. I’m looking forward to when you start painting with more guts.

CASAGEMAS Well, then I consider myself lucky for having sold them so quickly despite some people’s opinions.

MALOUF smiles. Silence.

JASMINE I have heard many wonderful things about the Parisian art scene.

MALOUF

Oh, yes! It is a very exciting time. In several months, we will be hosting the Exhibition Universalle. An art show that will display the brightest young stars in Europe.

JASMINE That’s wonderful!

MALOUF We are is looking forward to presenting the future of painting to the world.

CASAGEMAS What qualifies the academy to be an authority on human expression?

MALOUF studies CASAGEMAS.

MALOUF History, my dear friend.

CASAGEMAS The populace should decide.

MALOUF What do they know about art? No, no. It is best left up to the experts. We are the ones with the knowledge and practice to make informed decisions. We understand the context and the past. So, it is up to us to decide whose work is of value.

CASAGEMAS Look around you, my friend. It seems like common people are just as intereted in painting as the elites with their stuffed shirts and-

PICASSO enters.

PICASSO [to CASAGEMAS] You've found some friends, I see! Hello, Jasmine! Malouf! Always a pleasure.

MALOUF You're just the man I’ve been looking for.

PICASSO Really?

MALOUF

Of course! It is with great pleasure that I extend to you an invitation to participate in the Exhibition Universalle. The greatest art exhibition in history, and France’s gift to the world as we enter this new century.

PICASSO That’s...wonderful.

MALOUF Show a little more enthusiasm, my dear boy. You are going to Paris!

PICASSO It’s great. It really is. I’m overwhelmed.

JASMINE Oh, Pablo! Congratulations! This is such exciting news.

PICASSO Thank you, Jasmine.

JASMINE It’s going to keep getting better and better for you. I can tell.

CASAGEMAS Congratulations, friend.

PICASSO Thank you, brother.

CASAGEMAS This is a big moment! We must drink! Where’s the waiter?

MALOUF Now, I must leave you fine, young artists to your celebration.

JASMINE You should stay with us.

PICASSO Yes, yes! We should have drinks and celebrate!

MALOUF This time of night is reserved for the youth to frolic and conjoin. And, I am too mature for either.

PICASSO Oh, come on! Don’t leave us.

CASAGEMAS Let the man go. It’s past his bedtime.

JASMINE Carles!

CASAGEMAS Where is this damn waiter?! I’ll get the drinks myself.

CASAGEMAS starts in the direction of the bar.

MALOUF On second thought, I’ll have a glass of whatever it is that you are having.

CASAGEMAS Anything for the Academy.

CASAGEMAS leaves for the bar. There is a lingering silence.

PICASSO I hear that there is a sexual revolution in Paris.

MAOULF So they say.

PICASSO The beginning of a truly evolved society. Sex is freedom, and you have it.

JASMINE Ibsen said that freedom perpetually expands as one seeks to embrace it. That if, during the quest, anyone stops and says: "Now I have it!" he shows thereby that he has lost it.

PICASSO Ibsen-shmibsen. Just because you are a virgin doesn’t mean you should mock those that choose to partake in god’s exercise.

JASMINE Your head is already getting too big.

PICASSO

I do have a very big head, indeed.

JASMINE Whoa.

PICASSO What?

JASMINE I am a member of the Bande just like you. And, I expect to be treated like one.

PICASSO All I’m saying is that you shouldn’t be so up tight. Am I right, Malouf?

MALOUF I wouldn't say that.

PICASSO Oh?

MALOUF I see a smoldering passion.

JASMINE Thank you, Mr. Malouf.

CASAGEMAS returns with a round of drinks.

CASAGEMAS Eh! Eh! Drinks! Here, here. Take, take.

He passes them out. And, then raises his glass.

CASAGEMAS To Europe’s newest art star!

Everyone cheers for PICASSO who raises his glass and downs it in one gulp. CASAGEMAS follows suit. MALOUF and JASMINE each take sips from their drinks.

CASAGEMAS Just think, it was only a few months ago I came up with the idea to feature Pablo’s work, and now look.

MALOUF You have an eye for talent.

JASMINE And, a forgetful memory.

CASAGEMAS No, you forget, Jasmine. I was the one that heard about him from Pillares. I went to see his paintings.

JASMINE But, it was my idea to exhibit here at the Four Cats, away from the established salons and galleries.

MALOUF Pardon me.

MALOUF sets down his glass.

MALOUF Jasmine. I believe I was wrong in my initial assumption that I have seen all that Barcelona has to offer.

JASMINE Really?

MALOUF I would be most gracious in accompanying you to your studio for a private viewing of your new paintings.

JASMINE It would be my pleasure.

MALOUF Lovely.

MALOUF offers his hand to JASMINE. She accepts it.

MALOUF Good evening, gentlemen. Pablo, I’ll expect to see you in a month in Paris. Get yourself some better clothes.

JASMINE Good-evening, comrades.

They leave PICASSO and CASAGEMAS sitting at the table.

PICASSO She isn't going to sleep with him, is she?

CASAGEMAS grabs JASMINE’s drink and takes a swig.

CASAGEMAS She wouldn't do that. She’s different.

PICASSO They’re all different. And, they’re all the same.

CASAGEMAS Only to you. There’s only one worth loving.

PICASSO There is no one. Fuck them all, my friend. [beat] Just imagine the Parisian women.

CASAGEMAS You’ll be leaving soon enough.

PICASSO You should come with me, Carles.

CASAGEMAS I couldn’t.

PICASSO We’ll go there together and show the French what real art looks like.

CASAGEMAS Why? I’m selling paintings here. People are interested.

PICASSO Yeah. You’re selling paintings. But, I’m not.

CASAGEMAS Come on.

PICASSO

Exhibitions mean nothing if no one’s buying. The people here don’t have enouh money to spend on paintings. They’re just barley getting by.

CASAGEMAS Poor, Picasso.

PICASSO I won't beg.

CASAGEMAS Have a sense of humor, my friend. Of course I’ll help you. You’re my brother.

PICASSO Really? You'll come with me?

CASAGEMAS I’ll lend you some money. You can wire it back to me once you get settled in Paris.

PICASSO It is the city of love, and sex, and art, and culture, and everything. [beat] Please, my friend. I can’t do this alone.

CASAGEMAS Do you see any of this around you? All of these people, all the noise. It’s because of you. You’ll be fine.

PICASSO No, I won’t. All I do is copy. You can see it. Any first year art student can point to my pieces and say who it is based on.

CASAGEMAS It’s all a part of your process.

PICASSO But, what if I don’t have anything other than craft? They’ll tear me apart.

CASAGEMAS Stop panicking. It’ll be fine. Malouf was impressed with the show. Just send him one of these canvases.

PICASSO I already told him which one I was going to display at the exhibition.

CASAGEMAS And?

PICASSO It’s the one of you.

CASAGEMAS Really? Which one?

PICASSO It’s the one where you’re standing, and the light is coming across your face from the side. It’s the one I did after we came back from the whore house a few weeks ago.

CASAGEMAS Oh, right. I like that one.

PICASSO It’s the first time I’ve ever been able to capture someone’s essence on canvas. [beat] Please, my friend. You inspire me to be great. Help me in my most desperate time of need. Come to Paris.

CASAGEMAS thinks.

CASAGEMAS Okay. Fine. I’ll go, but only if you agree to one thing.

PICASSO Anything.

CASAGEMAS I’m leaving Barcelona. A city I have called home my whole life. Promise me that once we get to Paris and you become famous, you won’t abandon about me.

PICASSO Don’t talk like that. It’s just an exhibition. We must really celebrate! This bar is too nice. The women are far too nice. This is why I love you. You want to drink up life by the bellyful.

CASAGEMAS I agree.

CASAGEMAS grabs MALOUF’s abandoned drink and downs it.

CASAGEMAS Let’s make this place a party.

Scene 4 - On the Street – Paris - 1900

CASAGEMAS and PICASSO walk through the streets of Paris. CASAGEMAS hurries on ahead. PICASSO looks about as he strolls up the street.

CASAGEMAS Come on. Hurry up!

PICASSO How can I? We’re in the Paris! The women here are game for anything! Look!

PICASSO points at a couple kissing.

PICASSO They’re kissing! In public!

PICASSO calls out to the couple. When he has their attention, he salutes and then gives them the thumbs up. The couple is incredulous. They return to making out. PICASSO watches them with open admiration.

CASAGEMAS If we don't hurry up, you're going to miss your own opening.

PICASSO I can’t believe you’re being like this.

CASAGEMAS What’d you mean?

PICASSO We’ve just arrived in the city of love.

CASAGEMAS I'm trying to help you!

PICASSO You know what I'm talking about.

CASAGEMAS If I'm ruining your fun, I can go back to Barcelona.

PICASSO Don't be like that. You know I need you here.

CASAGEMAS Then, stop being impossible.

PICASSO You take everything far too seriously.

CASAGEMAS Fine. I’ll stop caring then.

PICASSO You are right. We should make haste.

CASAGEMAS lets out a frustrated grunt and starts to walk again. PICASSO tries to catch up to him. They walk in silence for a moment.

PICASSO Are you angry?

CASAGEMAS Shut up.

PICASSO I'm just trying to have some fun.

CASAGEMAS Did you ever think that you get have more fun than most people?

PICASSO So?

CASAGEMAS We’re friends, and I am very happy for you. But, at the same time….it’s difficult. [beat] It’s hard to see someone else getting...

PICASSO There’s nothing I can do about that.

CASAGEMAS I’m not asking you to do anything.

PICASSO One exhibition doesn’t make a career.

CASAGEMAS Don’t do that.

PICASSO What?

CASAGEMAS It's insulting.

Silence. The men continue to walk. PICASSO picks up the scent of perfume. He inhales deeply.

PICASSO Can you guess what my senses have discovered?

PICASSO grabs his friend by the shoulder.

PICASSO Breathe it in.

PICASSO prompts CASAGEMAS to smell the air.

PICASSO Are you getting that? Yeah? I love that scent, don't you? The soft acidity of their sweat.

CASAGEMAS I think there’s very little about women you don’t like.

PICASSO I’ll bet you dinner we can find the flower that releases this perfume. Who knows? Maybe we’ll get lucky, and it’ll be a pair…or, even a bouquet.

CASAGEMAS How can a man’s furnace burn so hot without stressing the frame?

PICASSO I have a fire in my pants, Carles!

CASAGEMAS Are you completely crazy?! We have to get to your opening! [beat] Besides, there's no way you'll find them.

PICASSO The little genius in my nose will guide us.

PICASSO lifts his nose into the air and begins to sniff. He finds the scent, and takes off down the street with CASAGEMAS in tow. They travel through the streets looking high and low.

PICASSO We’re getting close!

CASAGEMAS We have no idea where we are.

PICASSO Who cares?

CASAGEMAS is exasperated.

PICASSO Where’s Carles? Where’s he gone? I’m looking for my nearest and dearest friend who’d walk into a flaming building if he thought there was a good party inside. Where has that man gone? I need him back!

CASAGEMAS There are many different sides to a man.

PICASSO I’m growing less and less enamored with this side. This is a trip of fun…of destiny, my friend. Everything is happening for us. We’ll get a studio and paint, and I’ll bring the best that Paris has to offer to see your work.

CASAGEMAS I… You’re right. I’m being sour. Being engulfed by your sweetness can do that to me.

PICASSO And, that’s why I love you, my friend.

PICASSO stops CASAGEMAS and points across the square at GERMAINE and ODETTE as the two ladies enter the Hippodrome. PICASSO grabs CASAGEMAS by the jacket.

PICASSO Oh, sweet lotus blossoms! We have found you!

CASAGEMAS Wow. [beat] Which one do you like more?

PICASSO You know me. I don't give a shit.

CASAGEMAS This is crazy.

PICASSO We need women. I can't show up with you on my arm.

PICASSO trots over to the front of the cafe and looks up at the sign. CASAGEMAS follows.

PICASSO What is this Hip-Hippo-what-what?

CASAGEMAS Hippodrome. You know how to read.

PICASSO But, what does it mean?! Are there hippos fighting inside? Carles! We must investigate!

CASAGEMAS Do you want to be a failure? Is that it?

The men enter the Hippodrome and spot the ladies sitting at a table. PICASSO strides up with CASAGEMAS in tow.

PICASSO Bonsoir mademoiselle!

ODETTE looks the young men up and down. GERMAINE takes a sip of wine.

GERMAINE/ODETTE Bonsoir.

A moment.

PICASSO Bonsoir mademoiselle!!

GERMAINE and ODETTE look at each other. PICASSO turns to CASAGEMAS and shrugs.

PICASSO That’s all the French I have.

CASAGEMAS shakes his head in embarrassment.

GERMAINE You boys are new in town, yes?

PICASSO No! We are regular Parisians. Carles, show them your hat.

CASAGEMAS produces a beret from his jacket pocket and puts it on his head. PICASSO adopts a French pose with a finger for a mustache.

PICASSO Et voila!

The women aren't overly impressed. They begin to whisper to one another in French.

PICASSO Now, now. No secrets among friends.

GERMAINE How can we be friends? You don't know my name.

GERMAINE makes a face at PICASSO.

CASAGEMAS I’m sorry, ladies. My friend, Pablo, is very excited.

PICASSO You can be sorry. I'm not sorry. [to ODETTE] What's your name?

A short silence.

CASAGEMAS We should go.

PICASSO Not yet. By now we've figured out that I'm Pablo, you’re Carles-

PICASSO points to GERMAINE

PICASSO And, she’s-

PICASSO mimics the face that GERMAINE made at him earlier.

PICASSO But, we don't know who you are, quiet one.

ODETTE Odette.

PICASSO moves closer.

PICASSO What was that?

ODETTE takes a sip of wine.

PICASSO May we sit with you?

The women seem indifferent. PICASSO motions to the two empty chairs at the table.

PICASSO What's the point of a chair if it’s empty? Give these chairs some purpose. [beat]

Or, as my good friend Carles would say, "Think of the worker's bleeding hands as he shaped the wood, sanded the finish smooth. Think of-"

GERMAINE You can sit if you stop talking.

CASAGEMAS Good luck with that.

CASAGEMAS laughs as he takes a seat next to GERMAINE. PICASSO sits with a huff. The rest of the group look at him. There is silence for a moment.

PICASSO You see? I stop talking and it’s quiet

GERMAINE Exactly.

PICASSO I’m quiet when I’m alone...and, after sex. Those are the only two times.

ODETTE laughs.

PICASSO You’re surprised?

ODETTE No. I think it's funny how you say sex like other men say football.

PICASSO It's excellent exercise.

GERMAINE It shows how young you are.

ODETTE laughs and raises her glass.

ODETTE Exactly!

PICASSO grabs his friend’s shoulder and shakes it.

PICASSO What’d you think? I like these girls.

GERMAINE I'm sure you like every girl unlucky enough to cross your path.

PICASSO No, no, no. We passed many women on the way to meeting you two.

CASAGEMAS Pablo was adamant.

GERMAINE You were following us?

PICASSO shakes his head. He gently takes ODETTES wrist in his hand, bends his head, and breathes in her perfume. He looks at CASAGEMAS and nods.

PICASSO This is the one.

CASAGEMAS He's been following your perfume for the last hour.

PICASSO buries his face in ODETTE’s hand. He inhales deeply.

PICASSO This is the Paris I have always dreamed of.

ODETTE We might’ve been wrong. You could be Frenchmen after all.

GERMAINE They’re artists.

PICASSO/CASAGEMAS Wow!

PICASSO checks his hands for paint. CASAGEMAS looks over his clothes.

CASAGEMAS How can you tell?

GERMAINE says nothing. She studies CASAGEMAS for a moment, and then turns to PICASSO.

GERMAINE You know? Your friend really is quite attractive.

PICASSO Why do you think I keep him around?

CASAGEMAS has grown uncomfortable.

GERMAINE Oh, come now. Don't get bashful.

ODETTE I like his jacket...and, those shoes.

PICASSO Both full of holes.

ODETTE But, it suits him. He looks like a prince.

GERMAINE Prince of the paupers!

ODETTE Yes! That's it!

PICASSO Oh, god. You've just made his day.

GERMAINE That's how I can tell he’s a painter.

PICASSO What about me? What do you see in Pablo?

GERMAINE shrugs. ODETTE leans over and whispers something in French. GERMAINE starts laughing, and nods.

GERMAINE Exactly!PICASSO What?

GERMAINE With you...

GERMAINE looks PICASSO up and down.

GERMAINE It was a lucky guess.

PICASSO I love these women! We have to take them with us.

ODETTE Look at us. You think we aren't already going somewhere fashionable?

PICASSO I can only imagine the amazing party full of amazingly boring people that we’re trying to save you from.

ODETTE He certainly has a lot of confidence.

GERMAINE That's why we're not going with them.

PICASSO You cannot say no. It’d break poor Carles's heart. You’ve hypnotized him.

Everyone looks at CASAGEMAS who is staring longingly at GERMAINE. He realizes that the conversation has stopped around him.

CASAGEMAS What? Stop looking at me. [to GERMAINE] We still haven't gotten your name yet.

ODETTE Her name is GERMAINE.

CASAGEMAS [to ODETTE] Well, tell your friend Germaine that she’s captivating.

GERMAINE [to PICASSO] And, you can tell your friend that I am already aware of that.

CASAGEMAS [to ODETTE] Tell her that if she could see herself through my eyes, then she would know what a goddess looks like.

PICASSO [to ODETTE] What's happening?

ODETTE shrugs.

ODETTE I think they like each other.

PICASSO Good for them. Tell me where you’re going. Please, I have to know what’s keeping you from coming with us.

ODETTE An art show.

PICASSO Really! Where?

ODETTE Not far from here.

GERMAINE It’s our friends painting exhibition.

PICASSO Isn't that curious, Carles? We ourselves are also on our way to a painting exhibition.

GERMAINE It's Paris. There’re exhibits everywhere.

PICASSO Too true.

CASAGEMAS Pablo has a painting in the Exposition Universalle. We're on our way to the opening.

Both women are impressed. PICASSO puffs himself up in his chair a little bit.

PICASSO So, now. If Carles is the prince of paupers, what am I? Tell me.

GERMAINE and ODETTE look at each other.

GERMAINE/ODETTE A cock.

Everyone starts laughing.

PICASSO Yes! Yes! That's good!

PICASSO leaps out of his chair and does a rooster dance, pecking at people and strutting around the table. CASAGEMAS pushes him away. ODETTE hides in terror. PICASSO eventually returns to his seat. GERMAINE looks at him.

GERMAINE If that's the way you intend to act at the gallery, Odette and I will keep our original plans.

PICASSO Oh, come on.

CASAGEMAS Now, it's over for the both of us.

PICASSO Have faith. Have faith. They haven't left yet.

GERMAINE Speaking of leaving.

The ladies cheers each other, finish the last of their wine, and get up. PICASSO jumps up. CASAGEMAS stays seated.

PICASSO No, no! You can't leave us alone. Who knows what would happen?

GERMAINE looks down at CASAGEMAS who stares up longingly at her.

GERMAINE

What's wrong?

CASAGEMAS I’m afraid that I will never see you again.

ODETTE whispers loudly to PICASSO

ODETTE He's intense.

PICASSO [to ODETTE] You're intense.

GERMAINE Well...I do like your shoes.

PICASSO I bought him those shoes.

CASAGEMAS You bought me these shoes with money that I lent you.

PICASSO So? They’re a present, and you look good in them.

CASAGEMAS An artist should reject the trappings of materialism. Otherwise, he’ll become polluted by it.

PICASSO Purity’s a lie.

CASAGEMAS Art is truth.

GERMAINE Stand up. Let me have a look at the rest of you.CASAGEMAS What?

GERMAINE Stand up, you handsome devil.

CASAGEMAS stands up awkwardly. GERMAINE looks him up and down.

GERMAINE Very nice.

ODETTE You're tall.

CASAGEMAS Please, come with us.

GERMAINE Why should we?

CASAGEMAS We’re strangers in a foreign country.

PICASSO And, because we’re pretty great.

CASAGEMAS We promise to be complete gentlemen.

PICASSO Eh.

GERMAINE shares a moment of eye contact with ODETTE. They come to an agreement.

GERMAINE We’ve decided to change our plans.

CASAGEMAS That’s excellent news!

PICASSO I love France! Now, we must go! We’re going to be very late.

PICASSO grabs ODETTE’s hand and charges off. CASAGEMAS offers his arm to GERMAINE. She accepts.

PICASSO What show were you ladies going to?

ODETTE I can’t remember the name. Germaine knows. She is posing in one of the paintings.

PICASSO Really? She’s a model? That’s fascinating. What about you? Are you a muse as well?

ODETTE Maybe.

PICASSO Come on. You must tell me.

ODETTE Germaine is the real model. I’m just starting out. We met at the Hippodrome a few months ago, and have been basically inseparable ever since. She knows all of the artists in town and told me that I could start modeling too, if I wanted to.

PICASSO She’s right. I could spend hours studying your curves. [beat] Those two really need to hurry up. [shouting] Does time not matter to the two of you!?

ODETTE Calm down. She really likes him.

PICASSO Why do you say that?

ODETTE I can tell. Is your friend a good man? He’d better be. Germaine is wonderful and if she really is this taken by him, he should treat her right.

CASGEMAS and GERMAINE have closed the gap.

PICASSO We’re men of our word...mostly.

The couples reunite.

ODETTE Truthful about silly things.

PICASSO And, utterly dishonest about the important ones.

CASAGEMAS Speak for yourself, my friend.

PICASSO Oh, right. Sorry. I didn't realize you’re still riding around on that alto caballo of yours. Eh, Carles?

CASAGEMAS [to GERMAINE] Are you an artist as well, then?

PICASSO So now he's ignoring me.

GERMAINE An artist? No.

CASAGEMAS waits, and then prompts her to continue.

GERMAINE Let's just say I can appreciate a good eye.

CASAGEMAS Okay.

GERMAINE I enjoy beautiful things...like you.

PICASSO starts to grope ODETTE. She pushes him away. The four walk in silence. They come upon a BEGGAR seated on the curb, his back resting against a brick wall. The BEGGAR extends his hand as the four pass. All but CASAGEMAS walk by. He stops and looks down at the beggar.

BEGGAR Please spare me.

CASAGEMAS looks at the man for a moment and then notices his bare feet.

CASAGEMAS You have no shoes.

CASAGEMAS pulls off his shoes and hands them to the man.

CASAGEMAS Take these.

BEGGAR accepts the gift in stunned silence. The other having noticed CASAGEMAS is no longer with them, turn and watch.

PICASSO Hey! Shoes! No!

CASAGEMAS nods goodbye and walks towards his friends.

PICASSO Carles! Those were a present! How could you do that?

CASAGEMAS He needs them more than me.

GERMAINE I think it's lovely.

PICASSO What’re you going to now, prince of the idiots? Walk around with dirty feet?

CASAGEMAS You can carry me.

PICASSO grabs ODETTE's hand and begins to walk off.

PICASSO We're going to be late...to MY opening!

ODETTE Aren't there many artists on display? Surely the opening isn't just for you.

PICASSO Yes. But, there is only one Pablo, y yo soy Pablo!

The two couples find their way through the streets of Paris to the exhibition. On entering the exhibition, they are swept up into the crowd. Time passes. Much

44 later on, GERMAINE finds CASAGEMAS standing in a corner, alone. He is shivering lightly.

GERMAINE Are you all right?

CASAGEMAS We should leave. The marble floors of the Academy weren't meant for the barefoot.

CASAGEMAS takes GERMAINE’s arm as she leads him out of the party.

Scene 5 - On the Street – Paris - 1900

PICASSO and CASAGEMAS is arm in arm, staggering their way up the street.

CASAGEMAS Slow, my friend.

PICASSO What?

CASAGEMAS Slow down.

CASAGEMAS come to a stop.

PICASSO What is it?

CASAGEMAS Why are we in such a hurry?

PICASSO Oh, come on man. It's so close.

PICASSO points a ways up the road.

CASAGEMAS What's the matter?

PICASSO What are you talking about? You said you wanted to leave the bar.

CASAGEMAS Too many people!

PICASSO Right. Too many people.

PICASSO takes CASAGEMAS in for a moment..

PICASSO You look different, somehow. How long has it been since I last saw you?

CASAGEMAS Two months! Asshole! That’s whole reason why we’re out tonight. To celebrate the anniversary of our...your triumph.

PICASSO Two months. Jesus. It's felt like an hour. Malouf keeps wasting my time with meetings when I should be working on my commissions. Being successful is a lot more difficult than I thought it would be.

CASAGEMAS You shouldn’t complain about being paid to paint. It’s a luxury.

PICASSO I’m not- Never mind. You’re right.

CASAGEMAS For me, it has been a long time.

PICASSO You’re such a lucky bastard, you know that?

CASAGEMAS You think so?

PICASSO Germaine’s only the sexiest woman in Paris. Everyone thinks so. You should hear the way the other painters talk about her. And, on the first day that you’re in town, she falls madly in love with you. Now, you’re living in her place and she takes care of you...it’s only a dream, Carles.

CASAGEMAS Everyone’s dream is different.

PICASSO

My dream when I came to Paris was to sleep with a woman who wasn’t a prostitute.

CASAGEMAS This is the first time you haven’t had to pay?

PICASSO What’s easy for one person might be very difficult for another. But, anyway, that’s over now. I understand how it works.

CASAGEMAS Oh? You do?

PICASSO Yep.

CASAGEMAS Look who finally found his balls.

PICASSO laughs.

CASAGEMAS Odette has been treating you well?

PICASSO sighs.

PICASSO What’s not to like? She’s tight in all the right places. Soft in all the right places. But...

CASAGEMAS But, what?

PICASSO Women are like songs. Lovely to listen to at first, but eventually they become repetitive. My one and only love is art.

CASAGEMAS It’s taken me a while to get used to this new city. But, I’ve finally started to make work again.

PICASSO That’s great news!

[beat] Why’re we standing here in the street?

CASAGEMAS Bah!

PICASSO puts his arm around CASAGEMAS and tries to get him moving again. CASAGEMAS won't budge.

PICASSO Come on. Let's go back to Germaine’s.

CASAGEMAS grunts and reluctantly obliges. They walk in silence for a moment.

PICASSO Tell me, is she as sweet as she looks?

CASAGEMAS Why do you talk about her like that?

PICASSO I can't help but notice.

CASAGEMAS You want to fuck her.

PICASSO Relax, Carles. She’s beautiful, and she's yours. [beat] Let's take you home.

PICASSO and CASAGEMAS walk in silence. They get to the front door. CASAGEMAS stops PICASSO.

CASAGEMAS Are we drunk?

PICASSO thinks, and then makes an ambiguous gesture.

CASAGEMAS We need to be less drunk.

PICASSO

Why?

CASAGEMAS She'll be awake.

PICASSO This late?

CASASGEMAS French women stay awake almost the whole night.

PICASSO Huh.

CASAGEMAS We need to be less drunk.

PICASSO Okay.

PICASSO stands up straight as does CASAGEMAS. They go about airing themselves out. CASAGEMAS offers PICASSO a mint. PICASSO looks at him incredulously.

PICASSO Are you in love, or something?

CASAGEMAS Shut up and take the mint.

PICASSO I'll take two.

The two men are ready to go inside. CASAGEMAS unlocks the door, but holds PICASSO back when he tries to enter.

CASAGEMAS One more thing...

CASAGEMAS looks PICASSO up and down, and then slaps him in the face before slipping through the door and running up the stairs. PICASSO is momentarily stunned.

PICASSO

You bastard!

PICASSO hoots and gives chase. The two men careen up the steps before hitting the landing. They struggle until GERMAINE opens the door and whistles at them. They stop and look at her.

CASAGEMAS Don't worry, we haven't been drinking.

GERMAINE Uh, huh.

CASAGEMAS Maybe we had one glass of wine.

PICASSO Shhhh! Don't give in so easily!

GERMAINE You know I don't care if you drink.

CASAGEMAS We had one glass of wine.

PICASSO We shared it. I need to pee.

GERMAINE holds the door open so the men can come in.

GERMAINE The bathroom is down the hall.

PICASSO hustles towards the bathroom. CASAGEMAS wobbles a little and decides to take a seat on the sofa. GERMAINE closes the door behind them, and turns to face CASAGEMAS. They look at each other.

GERMAINE Hello.

CASAGEMAS You're beautiful.

GERMAINE You're funny.

CASAGEMAS Come here.

CASAGEMAS pulls GERMAINE towards him.

GERMAINE Being around Pablo has certainly gotten your blood up.

CASAGEMAS Actually, it was seeing you on the landing. The way the light framed you in the doorway. I… I’m a lucky man.

CASAGEMAS kisses GERMIANE. PICASSO comes back into the room. He's washed his face and left it to dry in the humid air. CASAGEMAS and GERMAINE look at the semi-soaking painter.

PICASSO I really like that bathroom! The colors...

PICASSO notices a painting on the wall. He goes over to inspect it. GERMAINE watches him.

GERMAINE What do you think?

PICASSO It’s very nice.

GERMAINE You can be honest.

PICASSO I’m...uninspired.

GERMAINE As was the poor fellow that painted my mother.

CASAGEMAS I always liked that portrait.PICASSO I don’t mean to be rude.

GERMAINE

My mother commissioned this when I was young. The day the painter came to our house I was so excited. This would be the first time I would see a painting being made in front of my very own eyes. He made a show of setting up his easel and mixing the pigment, and directed my mother into her pose, all with me hiding in plain sight behind the piano. Soon, an image began to take shape, and I found my young self in a state of confusion. Where was the joy in the brushstrokes? Where was the genius that I was wanting to see take form? Everything felt flat and mechanical as I looked on in silent horror. I remember coming to two conclusions that day. One, that true art comes from inspiration, not compensation.

GERMAINE waits.

PICASSO And, the second conclusion?

GERMAINE I wanted to be someone that provides inspiration.

PICASSO Hah! That’s amazing. I’ve heard that many painters in the city have attempted to capture your likeness.

GERMAINE I have been lucky enough to meet some wonderful talent.

PICASSO Maybe I should paint you sometime.

CASAGEMAS Okay, okay. Enough of that. Let's go to my studio.

PICASSO Ah, yes! That's what I want to do!

GERMAINE Would you fiesty young painters like a glass of wine?

PICASSO I can't refuse.

CASAGEMAS Me neither.

GERMAINE halts mid exit.

GERMAINE Do me a favor, gentlemen.

CASAGEMAS Anything.

GERMAINE Have an important conversation while I’m gone. I always like returning to something meaningful.

PICASSO Of course.

CASAGEMAS The studio’s this way.

GERMAINE goes into the kitchen. PICASSO stops CASAGEMAS on their way to the studio

PICASSO Please tell me you're going to fuck her tonight.

CASAGEMAS Shut up.

PICASSO You, Casagemas. You need to charge la gatita como un torro!

CASAGEMAS Germaine takes great care in filling my every desire, and let me tell you, she falls asleep a satisfied woman each and every night.

PICASSO That’s my man! I knew he couldn’t be far off! We’re finally back to the way we were.

CASAGEMAS The past never returns. It only haunts you as it recedes.

CASAGEMAS and PICASSO go into the studio.

CASAGEMAS

Here take a look.

CASAGEMAS points to a canvas on an easel. PICASSO moves to get a better view. CASAGEMAS studies his friend intently as PICASSO looks the piece over.

CASAGEMAS So?

PICASSO It's good.

CASAGEMAS Uh, huh.

PICASSO What?

CASAGEMAS Are you trying to hurt my feelings, my friend? Tell me, what you think.

Silence. PICASSO stares intently.

PICASSO I like it. The line quality is superb.

CASAGEMAS The lines.

PICASSO Yes, the line quality is-

CASAGEMAS Who gives a damn about the lines?! It's the purpose that matters.

PICASSO Of course. I've told you what I think. We must always have one eye behind us as we advance.

CASAGEMAS A cryptic messaged bestowed from on high.

PICASSO I am looking at Van Gogh to see the future.

CASAGEMAS Expression in form. He was an artist. A true feeler of pain. How can you be a painter if you’ve never experienced it?

PICASSO You think I haven’t felt pain?

CASAGEMAS You’ve never had your art rejected. Ever. Not once will you ever have to endure that horrible ache.

Silence.

CASAGEMAS Their faces are voids of darkness to show how people view one another.

PICASSO I am seeing that. And, I think it’s interesting.

CASAGEMAS You don’t understand. I’ve stripped away their individuality like society does to us.

Silence. PICASSO continues to study the painting.

CASAGEMAS You think it's horrid.

PICASSO No, no. It's...

CASAGEMAS What?

PICASSO It's almost there. I can see what you are doing now...and, as I said before, I really do like it. I’ve always liked your work, Carles. That’s a part of the reason why I love you.

PICASSO is distracted by the canvas.

PICASSO Maybe if you...

PICASSO grabs a brush from a jar near the easel and deftly makes several marks on the canvas. CASAGEMAS watches in horror.

CASAGEMAS Have you lost your mind?!

PICASSO If the woman in the background has even the suggestion of a face, then you’ll be breaking the rules of perspective as you break down the rules of society. [beat] I think that’s something.

GERMAINE enters with two glasses of wine. CASAGEMAS scrambles to throw a tarp over the canvas.

PICASSO What’s happening?

GERMAINE He won’t let me look at the piece until it’s done.

PICASSO Really?

GERMAINE I keep trying to sneak in and surprise him, but it hasn’t worked yet.

She sets one down in between the two men and takes the second for herself. PICASSO notices the lone glass.

PICASSO Are there no more clean glasses?

GERMAINE I thought since you boys were sharing a glass all night, you'd feel more comfortable continuing to do so.

CASAGEMAS licks his finger and sticks it in PICASSO's ear. PICASSO reacts in disgust while his friend snatches the glass of wine from the coffee table.

PICASSO Ug! This! What is this?! You beg me to stay and then stick...yuck.

CASAGEMAS What happened to the Pablo Ruiz from Malaga? Eh?

CASAGEMAS takes a long sip of wine and rises.

CASAGEMAS You two stay here. I'll get another glass of wine so we can be more comfortable.

PICASSO stands quickly and follows his friend back into the living room. GERMAINE follows after them.

PICASSO No, no. You stay here and drink. I must be getting on my way.

CASAGEMAS Why're you trying to leave all of a sudden? Somewhere better to be?

PICASSO What? No.

CASAGEMAS Then, stay! Have you forgotten who financed you on your voyage out here? Have you forgotten who you begged to come with you?

GERMAINE Why are you giving him such a hard time?

CASAGEMAS I’m looking out for him. None of the people around him now will tell him that his shit stinks.

PICASSO What’s that supposed to mean?

CASAGEMAS All I’m saying is that I remember the boy from Malaga that was still terrified of his father. You used to be PabloRuiz-Picasso. Where did the Ruiz go, my friend? Why did you drop your father’s name? Now you are just Picasso. A boy who everyone treats like a man.

PICASSO This is what I love about you, Carles. You will always speak your mind. [beat] I really must be going.

CASAGEMAS But, there-

GERMAINE gets up.

GERMAINE Carles. Let the man go.

CASAGEAMS It’s just a little jabbing between friends.

She gives PICASSO a hug.

GERMAINE It was so lovely to see you again, Pablo.

PICASSO You too, my dear.

The embrace lasts a moment too long. CASAGEMAS intercedes.

CASAGEMAS Well, if you must go, then go. The night and its endless bounty is calling to you.

PICASSO laughs. CASAGEMAS opens the door for him. PICASSO roars and charges out through the door. GERMAINE laugh together as CASAGEMAS closes the door and locks it. He then moves around GERMAINE to the coffee table and the glass of wine. GERMAINE sits in a lounge chair, curls up her feet and takes a sip of wine.

CASAGEMAS That guy. [beat] Would you put on some music?

GERMAINE I just sat down.

CASAGEMAS You won't let me touch the phonograph.

GERMAINE shakes her head, gets up and goes over to the record player. She begins to search through her collection.

GERMAINE How was your evening?

CASAGEMAS It was fine. His head’s so full of air. If I were in his place, I wouldn’t be so quick to forget my friends.

GERMAINE So, you won’t forget about me when you’re a famous painter?

CASAGEMAS Who wants fame? It’s a poison.

GERMAINE selects an album. Soon the soft pop of an old record is heard as she sets the needle. A song plays. GERMAINE picks up her wine glass and returns to her original position in the lounge chair. CASAGEMAS watches her as she does this.

GERMAINE He seems in good spirits..

CASAGEMAS It's easy when the whole world's caught up in your storm.

GERMAINE You don't think he deserves it?

CASAGEMAS That is a strange word. Who deserves what? What makes someone better than someone else? Is it luck?

GERMAINE I have no idea.

CASAGEMAS To be one in a million. A billion. To be the one in a century of millions and billions of people.

GERMAINE Not everyone wants to be a painter.

CASAGEMAS What else is there?

GERMAINE So many things, Carles.

CASAGEMAS I used to think that art was the only thing that separated us from animals. And, I clung to that idea in the face of all the brutality that I saw in this human world. But, I eventually came to know myself as a fool.

GERMAINE How so?

CASAGEMAS The Golden Bowerbird.

Short silence.

GERMAINE What?

CASAGEMAS It's a bird they found in Australia. The male has a favorite color and searches for bits of fabric, buttons, flowers, and anything else that exact color. He then sweeps a space clean in front of his home with his tail feathers, and arranges these monochromatic knick-knacks into a composition. All of this to attract the attention of a passing female Golden Bowerbird.

GERMAINE You’re crazy.

CASAGEMAS No, no! It’s all there! Aesthetic. Composition. Pigment. Painters are just birds trying to get laid. And, Academy painters are parakeets in an aviary squawking for attention.

GERMAINE You’re wrong about the Academy. There has to be a structure

CASAGEMAS People don't belong in structures, or systems, or any of that. Artistic expression is as old as fire itself. We don’t need anyone to tell us how to do it at this point.

GERMAINE That makes no sense.

CASAGEMAS Man painted in caves before he could speak. It’s the only form of expression worth anything.

GERMAINE You think of yourself as a cave dweller scratching deer onto walls by torchlight?

CASAGEMAS grunts like a caveman.

CASAGEMAS Art supposed to be for people. Most people no like art. Make them feel stupid. Art not for people anymore. Art stupid.

GERMAINE The Academy offers a place for artists to come and learn together. It provides a structure for learning about the practice of art making. I’ve posed for Academy classes, and watched the students progress. Many of them benefit from their teacher’s advice and make better work.

CASGEMAS Look at who’s making the decisions. How did it become their responsibility to choose the direction that we go?

GERMAINE The system allows the best to rise. Shouldn’t they be the ones that have the most influence?

CASAGEMAS Why should I listen to a bunch of liars? So they can continue to oppress me?

GERMAINE You are such a tortured artist.

CASAGEMAS I hate this world.

GERMAINE Really? There's nothing about it that you love?

CASAGEMAS thinks drunkenly.

CASAGEMAS I love you.

GERMAINE Oh, yes?

CASAGEMAS You’re captivating.

GERMAINE laughs.

GERMAINE Thank you.

CASAGEMAS Really. Each and every mundane move that most people stumble through, you make with grace. It's something I've never seen before.

CASAGEMAS continues to look at her. GERMAINE crosses to CASAGEMAS and teases him playfully.

GERMAINE Who could refuse a painter with such sad eyes?

CASAGEMAS swats her away lightly.

CASAGEMAS Bah!

GERMAINE Even when he's drunk.

CASAGEMAS Drunk? Me? Never! [beat] Maybe a little, little bit. Actually, I’ve been thinking I need to stop the drinking, clean up my life a little.

GERMAINE Really?

CASAGEMAS I need to focus more on my work. I should get up by ten in the morning and go for a walk before breakfast. Lunch no later than one, and I’ll lock myself in the studio for the rest of the day and night.

GERMAINE I like the sound of that. Is there anything I can do to help encourage you?

GERMAINE moves to sit closer to CASAGEMAS. Silence. She begins to poke at him flirtatiously.

CASAGEMAS The way you smell, the way you look at me. I never knew a woman could be so deeply alluring.

GERMAINE You like how I am?

CASAGEMAS I love how you are.

GERMAINE Then, show me.

CASAGEMAS I can't even begin to express how deeply you-

GERMAINE puts her hand to his lips.

GERMAINE Please. No more talk. I love when you tell me these things. These beautiful, meaningful things. But, please.

GERMAINE begins to kiss CASAGEMAS. He plays along for a while, and then holds her away by the shoulders. GERMAINE pulls him back. CASAGEMAS runs his hands along her body before reaching under her dress and feeling his way up. GERMAINE responds to his touch. She starts to fumble with his belt. CASAGEMAS pushes her hands away.

CASAGEMAS I want to please you tonight.

GERMAINE Then, let me have you.

GERMAINE pulls him back and starts to undo his belt. CASAGEMAS breaks away from her.

CASAGEMAS That's the thing. That's it.

GERMAINE What?

CASAGEMAS You and I have something deeper. A real connection. What does it matter if we have sex right now? It will be amazing. I promise. Can't you just let me enjoy you this way?

GERMAINE You can! You can enjoy me in all ways. It’s a part of life, Carles. And, I’m a woman that wants pleasure.

CASAGEMAS In waiting, the minds endless fantasies are allowed to run wild.

GERMAINE I’m tired of waiting. Aren’t you?

CASAGEMAS Lets stay up. Lets stay awake for the rest of the night and watch the sun come up. Now is the time to enjoy each other. Come on. Have some more wine.

CASAGEMAS gets the bottle and refills their glasses.

GERMAINE Okay. Fine. [beat] I can see a storm in your eyes.

CASAGEMAS grunts and looks away.

GERMAINE What's wrong?

CASAGEMAS It... It's nothing.

GERMAINE Oh. [beat] Come here.

CASAGEMAS I've been feeling blue.

GERMAINE moves to the couch and beckons for CASAGEMAS to lie against her. She takes him in her arms and caresses his head and face.

CASAGEMAS This is nice.

GERMAINE There is so much sadness in those eyes.

CASAGEMAS When you hold me...it's the only peace I can find.

GERMAINE continues to stroke his hair. He begins to fall asleep.

CASAGEMAS Stay awake with me. Promise me we'll stay awake the whole night and watch the sun come up.

GERMAINE Of course.

CASAGEMAS And then, we'll fly away. Into the soft pink morning sky. You and me.

GERMAINE kisses the top of his head.

CASAGEMAS Maybe you don't know how to fly. But, I can show you. It'll be easy for someone graceful like you.

CASAGEMAS falls asleep. GERMAINE sits for a while, listening to the music. Time passes. The record has played itself out. Dawn light begins to come through the window. GERMAINE shifts CASAGEMAS's sleeping body off of her, and quietly moves about the house, getting ready.

Soon, she slips out the front door and into the early morning. CASAGEMAS shifts and contorts in his sleep. GERMAINE makes her way through the streets until she finds the CELESTINA's hovel in a back alley.

She enters the dwelling to find the CELESTINA sitting at a modest wooden table. The chair opposite her is empty. The fortuneteller beckons through the folds of her shawl for GERMAINE to come and sit.

GERMAINE Thank you for meeting me. Please, Celestina. Tell me what you see.

The CELESTINA takes GERMAINE’s hands and studies them. The CELESTINA begins a ritualistic and foreboding dance. GERMAINE watches her, but doesn't like what she sees. Soon, she gets up and leaves the hovel. CELESTINA continues to dance as the lights go down.

Intermission.

Act 2

Scene 1 – Hippodrome – Paris - 1900

GERMAINE and ODETTE are seated at a table. GERMAINE waits expectantly as ODETTE takes a sip of wine.

ODETTE It was fine.

GERMAINE Just fine?

ODETTE It was a party...like any other party.

GERMAINE Come, come Odette. I want to hear all about it.

ODETTE Oh, thank you! It’s such hard work pretending to be unimpressed! It’s like a whole different world. Everyone’s dressed so elegantly, and the food’s incredible! Waiters were everywhere with trays full of champagne glasses, and-

GERMAINE The parties were fun. I'm sure they still are. But, Carles and I have something different.

ODETTE I can see that. It feels like this is the first time we've spoken in ages.

GERMAINE Painters...they're all consuming.

ODETTE Truly.

The women sigh in distinctly different ways. Back in GERMAINE’s apartment, CASAGEMAS wakes up and looks around the living room. Throughout the rest of the scene, we see CASAGEMAS puttering around the apartment. He goes through a morning ritual that ends with him standing in front of his canvas. He contemplates it for a while, then moves it off the easel, sets up a fresh canvas, and starts to work.

ODETTE I'm exhausted. We stayed up very late last night.

GERMAINE Really? So did we.

ODETTE Oh, what fun! Did you watch the sun come up?

GERMAINE I did.

ODETTE

Then, we both really are living the dream life! You were right. I didn't understand the fascination, at first. But, now having tasted this particular kind of fruit, I find it delightful.

GERMAINE Picasso seems unique.

ODETTE Sometimes he gets this look in his eyes. And, then he starts coming towards me, and before I know it, I'm bent all the way over and he's fucking me from behind. Just like that!

ODETTE snaps her fingers.

ODETTE At first I'm not quite sure what's happening, but then I figure it out...and, I like it! It's like he consumes me.

GERMAINE That sounds...wonderful.

ODETTE Wonderful can't even begin to describe... He won't let me out of bed. Three, four, five times! And, that’s just in the morning!

GERMAINE You must be exhausted.

ODETTE I am! He makes me tired with his-

GERMAINE So! Where did you say Malouf's party was?

ODETTE Oh! Oh. It was at a gallery with a very proper name of which I am unable to remember. I really had hoped you would come.

GERMAINE I don't believe we were invited.

ODETTE

But you’re our friends! No one says, “No” to Picasso. It's amazing! We can go anywhere. Anywhere! And, they let us in for free. Free food. Free drinks. Everything. "Come to the symphony". "Come to the theater". I feel like I haven't slept in weeks!

GERMAINE I'm amazed you have time to be "consumed".

ODETTE Being with a man like him takes all of my capacities...and, sometimes even more than I have to offer.

GERMAINE I can see that you have found happiness, darling Odette.

ODETTE Oh, Germaine! Please tell me that you’re happy too. I want to hear that we’ve both gotten exactly what we want.

GERMAINE Carles is lovely.

ODETTE I can't tell you how happy this makes me, Germaine. At first, I was upset because he appeared to be the catch between the two, and you always seem to get the better one. But, they both turn out to be exactly what we wanted! How often does that happen?

GERMAINE is silent.

ODETTE Is something wrong? [beat] You seem different.

GERMAINE Do I?

ODETTE Has Carles crept into that heart of yours?

GERMAINE What are you talking about? Of course not.

ODETTE What’s he done to you?

GERMAINE Men are usually falling over themselves to be near me.

ODETTE Of course they are.

GERMAINE I know what they want, and they know what I want, and everything else is a beautiful dance.

ODETTE So, you and Carles are not...dancing.

GERMAINE He’s made me so that I don't know what I want anymore.

ODETTE Oh, Germaine! [beat] I can't believe it.

GERMAINE I can't believe it either.

ODETTE What’ve you two been doing all this time?

GERMAINE Talking.

ODETTE Talking? Egh! Some talk’s good, but how much does someone have to say? Really?

GERMAINE He tells me that he loves me.

ODETTE Oh. That's nice.

GERMAINE He says all the things I dreamt a dark, handsome man would say to me.

ODETTE Like what?

GERMAINE What does it matter? He devours me with his eyes, but then refuses to touch me. [beat] There must’ve been something I did. I don't know.

ODETTE Believe me, Germaine. It isn't you.

GERMAINE Maybe I was too straightforward? Maybe he thinks I’ve slept with too many men.

ODETTE There must be something wrong with him.

GERMAINE Don't say that.

ODETTE He's a man, yes? A young man. From Spain! [beat] Is he...you know...homosexual

GERMAINE No! Of course not. He says that what we have is special, and he doesn't want things to change just yet. That he's enjoying the suspense.

ODETTE He's lying.

GERMAINE Odette!

ODETTE He is!

GERMAINE You seem to know a great deal for not having spent much time with the issue.

ODETTE I’m sorry, Germaine. I didn't realize you were so...tense.

Silence.

ODETTE You love him.

GERMAINE Don't say that.

ODETTE You defend him even when he isn't around.

GERMAINE I respect his mind. He isn’t afraid to look at the harsh realities of life.

ODETTE In what way?

GERMAINE He sees all of the pain in the world. The rest of us have become experts at ignoring it, but he keeps his eyes open. His problem is that he sees it all at once, all at the same time. There’s not switch inside of him that can be turned on or off. I can’t imagine what the must be like.

ODETTE So, you want a man who’s constantly in pain?

GERMAINE Love is pain, dear Odette. The two are forever conjoined.

ODETTE How has he, of all the many men that have thrown their hearts at you, managed to work his way so deeply inside of yours?

GERMAINE Carles is a sensitive man. He isn’t like the rest of them. I can feel how deeply he needs me. I can see it in his eyes. He tells me I am his only refuge, and I believe him. Besides, the Celestina confirmed that our destinies are intertwined.

ODETTE I can't believe you went to see that crazy, old bat.

GERMAINE Everything will be fine. He just needs to find some footing in Paris.

ODETTE Has Carles painted since he arrived?

GERMAINE nods.

GERMAINE He won't let me look at anything, though.

ODETTE Well, it is difficult to gain a reputation as a painter if you wont let people see your work.

GERMAINE Thank you, Odette.

PICASSO walks up the street towards the cafe. He sees the women and shouts.

PICASSO Hey, hey! It's time to go!

ODETTE Oh, shoot! How the time has flown! Picasso is taking me to Normandy. For a week!

GERMAINE That sounds lovely.

ODETTE Oh, Germaine. Let us meet again soon.

ODETTE collects her belongings and stands as PICASSO arrives at the table. She offers her hand to GERMAINE who takes it.

PICASSO Good morning, Germaine.

GERMAINE Pablo

ODETTE Just tell that man of yours to eat some chilies or rhino horn or whatever he needs to get the blood flowing.

PICASSO What?

ODETTE Look at me, Germaine. I am a happy woman. Find yourself some happiness.

PICASSO What are you two talking about?

GERMAINE Honestly, Odette. Pablo, I have to ask you, how was the painting you saw last night?

PICASSO It was fine.

GERMAINE Carles said he wants to spend more time in the studio. I’m hoping that this will help him.

PICASSO I was a little disturbed by that piece he showed me.

GERMAINE Really?

ODETTE What was it?

PICASSO If he doesn’t want you to see his work, then I’m sure he doesn’t want me discussing it with you either. It is a part of his process to go down into dark places. That is a part of the job. Now, we go. We are very, very late! Odette!

ODETTE Good-bye, Germaine.

GERMAINE Pablo. If you don’t mind, could you inform Malouf that Carles is painting again.

PICASSO I’ll see what I can do.

GERMAINE I would be grateful.

PICASSO Then, I will make it happen. Odette!

GERMAINE You two have wonderful holiday.

ODETTE and PICASSO exit.

Scene 2 – Hippodrome - 1900

CASAGEMAS is sitting at a table in the Hippodrome. He clutches a drink in his hand and takes large swills every once in a while. Eventually, MALOUF enters, sees CASAGEMAS and walks over to the table.

MALOUF Carles Casagemas.

CASAGEMAS gets up quickly.

CASAGEMAS Malouf! Malouf! Thank you for coming!

MALOUF Anything for a young artist.

CASAGEMAS Please, sit down. Can I get you a drink? Waiter! Waiter!

MALOUF That won't be necessary. I can only stay a few minutes.

CASAGEMAS Oh. That's too bad.

MALOUF Busy, busy. You know how it is. How can I help you?

CASAGEMAS Germaine. She’s forcing me to share my work again.

MALOUF Oh? That’s good.

CASAGEMAS When I arrived in Paris, I was at a crossroad. What I had been doing in Barcelona was not holding my interest, so I have started something new.

MALOUF New, you say?

CASAGEMAS I’m taking the humanity out of the human form. Picasso himself came to see my canvases. He was most gracious with his compliments.

MALOUF That’s wonderful.

CASAGEMAS I think Picasso's acceptance of my new work is a testament to its strength. Didn’t he tell you about it? I assumed that’s why you agreed to meet me.

MALOUF He did. Unfortunately, my gallery’s no longer accepting new artists. We’ve decided to consolidate and focus our attention on the fine talent we already possess.

CASAGEMAS Then, why’re you here?

MALOUF Picasso asked me as a favor to come speak with you.

CASAGEMAS I don’t need any favors from him, or you.

MALOUF You really don’t get it yet, do you?

CASAGEMAS What do you mean?

MALOUF You’ve already been passed over. There’s no place for you in the art world. As we enter the twentieth century, a new way of seeing has been introduced to us by your

77 little friend. He’s the one that’s going to lead us into the future. He’s the one that’s going to stomp on the dying carcass of Romanticism until it’s finally destroyed. He will guide us into the future of art.

CASAGEMAS But, all of his ideas come from other artists! He’s a fake! It’s so obvious! He can make a pretty drawing and copy the great masters as if it‘s child’s play, but there’s no heart to his work.

MALOUF You underestimate your friend.

CASAGEMAS No, I know him very well. He’s not an original at all, just a copy of many different things put together. How can he be the future of art? He has no idea what he’s doing. MALOUF Nobody cares what you think. Don’t you understand that? Your opinion is utterly meaningless here in Paris. You might have been something back in Barcelona, but this is the cultural center of the world. It is here that all real ideas are tested and judged, and you...what else can I say?

MALOUF waves towards the bar.

MALOUF Another whiskey for my friend!

MALOUF pats CASAGEMAS on the shoulder.

MALOUF Have a drink on me. It will help with the inspiration.

Scene 3 - Germaine’s Apartment - Paris - 1900

GERMAINE is waiting in her living room. There is a knock on the door. She opens it. PICASSO steps in.

PICASSO Good evening.

GERMAINE Thank you for coming.

PICASSO I got your message. I can't believe he's fallen so low.

GERMAINE What do you expect? He is overwhelmed here.

PICASSO What happened?

GERMAINE Lately, he spends all of his time sulking. This is the first time he’s left the apartment in weeks.

PICASSO Really? Where is he now?

GERMAINE He left to have a meeting with Malouf, but that was hours ago. I’m starting to worry.

PICASSO He loves walking the streets. That’s how he prepares to paint.

GERMAINE

How can he concentrate? There’s so much noise in this neighborhood. He’s meant to be out in the sun, at the beach, not stuck in a gray prison.

PICASSO You think it's the city? Is that the reason why he’s so unhappy?

GERMAINE It has to be.

PICASSO This is terrible. [beat] Should I take him back to Barcelona? Maybe he could use some fresh air. A change of scenery to get him back to his old self.

GERMAINE I think that would do him a great deal of good. You’re a true friend. [beat] Thank you for coming.

PICASSO I'd do anything for Carles.

Silence.

PICASSO Odette said something peculiar while we were on vacation.

GERMAINE Really? About what?

PICASSO I told her that she was crazy. [beat] It doesn't matter. Our relationship has run its course.

GERMAINE What?

PICASSO We weren't meant to be, and now that I ‘m going on this trip...

PICASSO shrugs.

GERMAINE You would get rid of her just like that?

PICASSO We have no obligations to one another. I make no promises. Besides, my tastes have migrated elsewhere.

GERMAINE So soon?

PICASSO I have a big appetite.

PICASSO It’s a curse.

GERMAINE laughs. A key rattles in the door. PICASSO and GERMAINE grow quiet. The doorknob turns and CASAGEMAS stumbles in wrecked. He looks at the two of them.

CASAGEMAS Are you two having a meeting?

GERMAINE I don't know what you mean by that. Picasso’s come to see you. I was keeping him company until you got back. Where’ve you been?

CASAGEMAS Looking for inspiration.

GERMAINE Well, I’ll leave you two gentlemen then.

CASAGEMAS I come, she goes. What’s happened?

CASAGEMAS watches GERMAINE leave the room. He turns and sees PICASSO as if for the first time.

CASAGEMAS Picasso! My old friend! Where have you been?

PICASSO

I was away for a while. But, now I’m back.

CASAGEMAS Back, back, back. So good to see you back, and alive, and well. How’s the great art star these days? What brings you to our lowly doorstep?

PICASSO I was thinking that I might take a trip home for a while.

CASAGEMAS Lucky you.

PICASSO You seem down. You've lost weight. Maybe, it's time to get out of this city for a while.

CASAGEMAS Where’s this coming from?

PICASSO Come with me. Stay with my family for a while. Let's go back to Spain.

CASAGEMAS Spain is dead.

PICASSO No, my friend. It’s alive. And, very close by. Come with me. It will be like old times. No critiques, no curators, no-

CASAGEMAS No fakes allowed!

PICASSO Exactly! Nothing but the real.

CASAGEMAS Just you and me. Like before.

PICASSO Exactly!

CASAGEMAS But, what about Germaine?

PICASSO I already asked her before you arrived. That’s what we were talking about in the kitchen.

CASAGEMAS Please. What did she say? Oh, Pablo. I have to tell you. I have no idea what will become of me if I lose her.

PICASSO Never fear. At first she wouldn't hear of it. The thought of being so far away from you was too much for her to bear. But, after I told her you would return full of life and vigor she was satisfied.

CASAGEMAS Really?

PICASSO Of course! We must move quickly before she changes her mind. There’s a train leaving for Barcelona tonight. If we hurry-

In the excitement CASAGEMAS pitches forward and falls onto the ground. He laughs at himself and slowly staggers to his feet with PICASSO’s help. PICASSO holds his friend and looks into his eyes.

PICASSO How’ve you been taking care of yourself?

CASAGEMAS With opium.

PICASSO That's a dark path, my friend.

CASAGEMAS Does it show?

GERMAINE returns.

GERMAINE Is everything all right in here?

CASAGEMAS breaks free from PICASSO’s grasp.

CASAGEMAS It is, darling Germaine! Oh, it is! Thank you for caring so deeply for me. I will go with him and return a different man.

GERMAINE I’m so happy to hear that.

Lights go down.

Scene 4 - Four Cats – Barcelona - 1900

PICASSO and CASAGEMAS make their way back to Malaga in half-light as the orchestra plays the overture. A sequence of short scene takes place in pantomime as the music plays. The scenes are of PICASSO and CASAGEMAS walking around town, drinking at the bar, PICASSO carousing with prostitutes and trying to get CASAGEMAS to join. The whole time, CASAGEMAS is sullen and despondent. Back in Paris, GERMAINE turns on a desk lamp and starts to fervently scratch out a letter. At times, she gets up to walk around her living room. It is a painful letter to write. Eventually, she signs it, and seals it in an envelope.

PICASSO and CASAGEMAS are sitting at a table at the Four Cats. PICASSO surveys the crowd as CASAGEMAS sulks and drinks.

PICASSO It's strange being back among the Bande again. Don't you think?

CASAGEMAS grunts.

PICASSO Come on, man. Everyone’s excited to see you.

CASAGEMAS Let them be.

PICASSO What is it? Huh? What's going on with you? You’ve crept back into your hole again.

CASAGEMAS shrugs and drinks. JASMINE comes over to the table.

JASMINE Hello, hello! It’s so wonderful to have you both back in town!

PICASSO Congratulations, Jasmine! The show is great.

JASMINE Thank you! [beat] Carles?

CASAGEMAS What? Oh, yes, yes. It's great.

JASMINE May I sit, or are you two lovebirds needing privacy?

PICASSO Please. Sit, sit.

JASMINE sits. PICASSO looks around at the crowds of people in the café.

PICASSO The crowd’s changed.

JASMINE Really?

PICASSO I see a lot more money here than I used to.

JASMINE That’s what happens when you are doing something important. People start to take notice.

PICASSO Of course. It just feels a little different.

JASMINE Hopefully in a good way. The Bande is starting to get some real traction in the art world.

PICASSO Undoubtedly. Is this the kind of work that’s been happening since we left?

JASMINE Why do you say that?

PICASSO

It's a different direction, that's all.

JASMINE An art movement must evolve…with or without its so-called leaders.

PICASSO Maybe so, but there’s no soul left in the work. Isn’t that why the Bande Catalane was started? To preserve the soul of this great region and present itself as an equal to the rest of Europe.

JASMINE I can't believe how pompous you’ve become. When you lived here and were a part of the Catalan scene, I thought very highly of your opinion. But, you’re not one of us anymore.

PICASSO How can you say that?

JASMINE You left to get famous. And, it’s changed you. In truth, I’m very happy that you have been gone. It’s freed up so much room in the local scene for real Catalan painters to have their work shown.

JASMINE looks at CASAGEMAS

JASMINE And you, you sit there silently drinking your life away. Nothing to say?

CASAGEMAS Anything I say now would be pointless.

JASMINE What happened to you?

CASAGEMAS I fell in love.

JASMINE You, and your fickle heart, Carles. How come you can’t pick one and be happy with her?

CASAGEMAS is quiet.

JASMINE

I don’t mean to aggravate a wound. I care about you, Carles. He may be lost, but you…you’re special. A true man of feeling.

CASAGEMAS Bah!

JASMINE It hurts my heart to see you like this. You should never have followed this one to Paris.

JASMINE rises.

PICASSO Jasmine, you know how highly I value you. If you’d like me to come by your studio later tonight, I can look at some of your other work.

JASMINE Oh, that won't be necessary. But, thank you for the offer.

JASMINE leaves the table.

PICASSO Spanish women. Hah!

CASAGEMAS Who cares.

PICASSO Exactly. Come on, my friend. Get up.

CASAGEMAS doesn't respond. PICASSO looks at his friend for a moment and then gets up.

PICASSO Carles. Come on. Let's go.

CASAGEMAS Where is there to go?

PICASSO We need to find some fun.

CASAGEMAS Go on without me. If joy is what you want, I’m useless.

PICASSO You forget that I've been by your side for the past week.

CASAGEMAS What’d you mean by that?

PICASSO Oh, come on, Carles. Since we've retuned you've had nothing but a storm cloud over your head.

CASAGEMAS What of it?

PICASSO I want to help you, my friend. My good, dear friend. I want there to be rainbows above your head again.

CASAGEMAS Again.

PICASSO When we first met, you were different. More colors. I want the old Carles back.

CASAGEMAS’s shoulders sag. He is silent for a moment.

CASAGEMAS I don’t know what happened to me.

PICASSO You're blocked. That's all. Come with me.

CASAGEMAS There’s only one place I want to go.

PICASSO Wong's.

CASAGEMAS Uh, huh.

PICASSO

How could I have guessed? I know we're here to clear our heads...but, mischief does the brain good as well.

CASAGEMAS I...I like the way you think.

PICASSO I know. Now, come on. Get up. A world of splendid release awaits us.

Scene 5 - Opium Den - Barcelona - 1900

PICASSO and CASAGEMAS are soaking in a pair of bathtubs next to one another. A table stands between them.

PICASSO You see? I spare no expense for my friends.

CASAGEMAS Where's the boy with the tray?

PICASSO He'll be along in a minute. Relax.

CASAGEMAS I'm ready.

PICASSO I know you are.

Silence.

CASAGEMAS Have you given up on me?

PICASSO What?

CASAGEMAS The rest of the world is against me. I want to know if my best friend has abandoned me as well.

PICASSO

I'm here, yes? Sitting right beside you?

CASAGEMAS You're here...and, you're not here.

PICASSO shakes his head and looks away.

CASAGEMAS Does it hurt you that much to see me like this?

PICASSO It hurts until you become too bitter. Then...

CASAGEMAS Then, what?

PICASSO Why must you push everything?

CASAGEMAS Because it's truth.

PICASSO There are no truths.

CASAGEMAS That's silly. It's true that we are sitting in bathtubs. It's true that the water is warm.

PICASSO Yes, the water is warm. Where’s the boy with the tray?

PICASSO begins to look around.

CASAGEMAS Before, you didn't lie to yourself. But, now you do.

PICASSO [calling] Boy! [to CASAGEMAS] You're wrong.

CASAGEMAS Am I? You think of yourself as a god walking among men.

PICASSO That’s not true.

CASAGEMAS See? Right now. You’re lying.

PICASSO You have no idea how I see myself.

CASAGEMAS You may have everyone else fooled, but I know what you really are.

A young man appears with a tray. He sets it down on the table between the two men. On the tray is an opium pipe, a lit candle, the usual paraphernalia, etc., and leaves silently. PICASSO leans over, picks up the pipe, and offers it to CASAGEMAS.

PICASSO You first, my friend.

CASAGEMAS No, no, no. It's you that is first.

PICASSO Here. Take it.

PICASSO pushes the pipe into CASAGEMAS's hands. PICASSO lights the bowl, and a thick cloud of smoke rises. CASAGEMAS leans his head back and exhales up into the ceiling. He watches the smoke billow, and then sighs. PICASSO watches him.

PICASSO Only the best, eh?

CASAGEMAS It's fine.

PICASSO "Fine", he says.

CASAGEMAS hands the pipe to PICASSO. PICASSO is about to light the bowl when CASAGEMEAS speaks.

CASAGEMAS We are both alone. Even when we are sitting right next to each other.

PICASSO No, no. None of that.

CASAGEMAS I'm tired of you.PICASSO Oh. You're tired of me? How-

CASAGEAMS Shut up.

CASAGEMAS takes the pipe and tries to light it for himself. He is unable to, and PICASSO leans over to help.

PICASSO Here.

CASAGEMAS takes another hit. He hands the pipe to PICASSO and leans back in the tub. PICASSO sets the pipe down and watches his friend.

CASAGEMAS The wave is sweeping me away.

PICASSO Where is it taking you?

CASAGEMAS To my future.

PICASSO What does your future hold?

CASAGEMAS Fuck you.

CASAGEMAS begins to nod off. He wakes himself back up and reaches into his coat pocket for GERMAINE’s letter. PICASSO watches as his friend, now clutching the letter in his hand, leans back in the tub.

PICASSO What is that?

CASAGEMAS opens the letter and stares at the words through an opium haze. He tries to form some of the words in his mouth, but they are too painful to pronounce. His head slumps to the side, and the crumpled letter falls out of his hand and onto the ground. PICASSO looks at his friend.

PICASSO Carles? Carles.

PICASSO stretches out and retrieves the letter. He unfolds it and begins to read.

PICASSO Dear, Carles. I hope this letter finds you in better spirits than when you left Paris. Your sorrow has been a great, pressing weight on my heart. At first, I was overcome with an overwhelming urge to care for you. It was so immediate and intense, I succumbed. But, now that you are gone, I can see that there is no want for solace in your heart. The core of you is wasted, and no part, nor the whole of me can save it. You have twisted me into knots, and thus is the nature of love and life. But, you have also made me feel undesirable, and that is unforgivable. At this point, I must assume that you are truly broken, and desire to stay so. I have sent your remaining belongings to Barcelona. Please do not return to Paris. Germaine.

PICASSO stares at the letter for a moment. He then looks at his comatose friend. After a moment, PICASSO folds the letter and puts it back on the ground where CASAGEMAS dropped it. He then retrieves the pipe and takes a long hit. He leans back. Time passes. A man enters and wakes the men up. Their session has expired. The men slowly climb out of the tubs and start to dry off. CASAGEMAS watches PICASSO.

PICASSO How are you? Relaxed?

CASAGEMAS Uh huh.

PICASSO pretends to notice the letter for the first time.

PICASSO Did you drop that?

CASAGEMAS notices the paper and moves to it. He bends over to pick it up.

CASAGEMAS

You know what this is?

PICASSO It looks like a letter.

CASAGEMAS It's a dagger.

PICASSO I see.

CASAGEMAS You see nothing!

PICASSO Why is your vision of life more real than mine?

CASAGEMAS Because mine is full of pain and failure. Those are two things that never touch you.

PICASSO You know nothing of what it is to be me. I am a constant failure in my own eyes. Nothing is good enough, none of my work is perfect. I can always see the blemishes.

CASAGEMAS You expect pity?

PICASSO I expect little from you.

CASAGEMAS You despise everyone around you for not being able to see things with the ease that you do.

PICASSO No! I despise their envy.

CASAGEMAS Finally! Truth!

PICASSO I was locked in my room and drew every day of my childhood. I have worked more on my craft than most artists twice my age, and I've earned this.

CASAGEMAS How can you possibly feel you deserve your talent?

PICASSO It had to go to somebody.

CASAGEMAS So, you admit that you are lucky.

PICASSO Fuck you.

CASAGEMAS You'd like that, wouldn't you.

PICASSO What?!

CASAGEMAS That first night at the Four Cats, I could see it in your eyes.

PICASSO Stop.

CASAGEMAS You said I was beautiful.

PICASSO I don't- Why are you saying these things?

CASAGEMAS Because I'm not scared. You can't deny that there’s something between us.

PICASSO This is ridiculous!

CASAGEMAS You asked to for me to pose for you.

PICASSO It’s your essence that I wanted to capture.

CASAGEMAS

You lead me on and then drop me in my time of deepest need? How dare you treat a friend this way!

PICASSO I don't know what you’re talking about.

CASAGEMAS You can't deny what we have. [beat] Please. Help me.

PICASSO Carles, I-

CASAGEMAS You have stripped me bear of all that I had. Every dream, every hope, every desire has turned to ash. You get all that I’ve ever wanted and more. More than I can even imagine. And, it isn’t because of your virtue or your struggle. It’s a freak talent. But, you have it and will corrupt it as you are compelled to do, and people will love you for all that you are and everything that you’ve done. You get to live the dream of total and complete acceptance. Not me. You. I get to stand here, watching you do it.

PICASSO Why do you say these things?

CASAGEMAS Germaine dumped me! She has shattered my heart! The last bit of my world has crumbled into dust. You are all that is left. I need you.

Silence.

CASAGEMAS She left me because I am broken.

PICASSO You’re what?

CASAGEMAS I can’t paint. The hunger that used to pull me forward, the flame that kept me warm when the cold world crowded in around me…they are gone. [beat] I can’t...I can’t make love.

PICASSO What? How’s that possible?

CASAGEMAS Maybe you can fix me, or maybe it’ll finish me off. But, either way, you have to break the spell. [beat] Please. Fuck me.

PICASSO What?! What the hell are you talking about?!

CASAGEMAS lunges at PICASSO and tries to wrestle him to the ground.

PICASSO Get away! Get away from me!

CASAGEMAS You must! You can’t deny me! I need this!

PICASSO No! No! You don’t!

CASGEMAS Take me! Make me whole again!

PICASSO I can’t! Get off of me!

PICASSO struggles to get CASAGEMAS away from him. It goes on for a bit. PICASSO is finally able to pry himself away.

PICASSO You’ve gone beyond the bounds of friendship!

CASAGEMAS Then, your friendship is worthless!

CASAGEMAS hurriedly gathers his things and leaves. PICASSO looks out through the door, and watches his friend walk away. PICASSO walks back into the dressing room and begins to pace. At the Hippodrome, a waiter holding a candle on his serving tray makes his way to the back of the seating area.

PICASSO collapses into a chair. He sits staring off into space. Eventually he can hear music. His head drops. CASAGEMAS returns to Paris. As it draws to an end, the rest of the Hippodrome illuminates and grows lively with carousing and bar music. GERMAINE is seated at a table with ODETTE and several other friends. CASAGEMAS pushes open the door, and walks in. He scans the room before spotting GERMAINE through the crowd. He pushes his way towards her. GERMAINE notices, and motions to ODETTE. The women watch as CASAGEMAS barges through the last group before reaching the table.

GERMAINE What’re you doing here?

CASAGEMAS I had to see you.

GERMAINE Was my letter not clear?

CASAGEMAS But, you have to know that I’m destroyed without you.

GERMAINE Why must you make this so difficult?

CASAGEMAS This is all I have to hold onto. The world is full of dark, venomous people. Human beings eating themselves, and everything around them. But, deep in this writhing pile of humanity, I found you…and, you were different. You have become my heart.

GERMAINE I don't want any of this. You have to understand that.

CASAGEMAS I bleed for you.

GERMAINE You cut yourself because you are addicted to pain! Suffering is the mistress that rules you.

CASAGEMAS Life is suffering.

GERMAINE I’m tired of this talk. You should go.

CASAGEMAS Did you get rid of me on purpose? You thought it would be easier to send a letter rather than look me in the eye. You didn't think I’d come back?

GERMAINE You want me to look you in the eye? I will.

GERMAINE looks at CASAGEMAS.

GERMAINE It was a mistake to come back to Paris. There is no one here for you.

CASAGEMAS is stricken. He staggers back slightly.

CASAGEMAS Germaine.

GERMAINE My needs are strong, Carles. And, all of your talk isn't worth one good fuck. Now go away! Leave and never come back.

CASAGEMAS is sent reeling back. Something inside of him breaks. CASAGEMAS reaches into his pocket and pulls out a revolver. His song ends. He fires a bullet at GERMAINE. She is struck and falls to the ground. CASAGEMAS puts the muzzle up to his temple and pulls the trigger. His head snaps to the side. Blood. Screaming. The lights slowly fade to black.

Epilogue

PICASSO is standing at the easel looking at Casagemas's Death Portrait. He stands back to survey the work that he has done. After a moment, he starts to walk around the room. PICASSO paces around the room, and then returns to the canvas and makes a few brush strokes. He stares intently at the canvas. As he is about to touch his brush to the painting, GERMAINE wakes from a startling dream and sits up in bed. PICASSO is startled.

PICASSO Good god! What happened?

GERMAINE I... I was having a dream.

PICASSO Oh.

GERMAINE I was standing on the ocean, and-

PICASSO I don't want to hear about it.

Silence.

PICASSO I am painting.

PICASSO begins to examine the canvas. GERMAINE watches him.

PICASSO I'm doing something different now.

100

Silence.

PICASSO My heart has taken control of my hands. [beat] I've stopped caring.

GERMAINE How can you say that? I know you mourn him. We both do.

PICASSO I have stopped caring about judgment.

GERMAINE Oh. [beat] It never occurred to me that you were concerned with such things.

PICASSO I am human.

GERMAINE gets off the bed. Her shoulder is freshly bandaged, but some blood from the bullet wound has seeped through, staining the white cloth red. She crosses to PICASSO, and stands on the far side of the canvas.

GERMAINE May I look?

PICASSO motions for her to come around. She looks at the canvas, soaking in the colors. Then, she turns and kisses PICASSO on the neck. He plays with her hair for a moment and then moves away and becomes lost looking out the window.

PICASSO I didn't know there could be so much pain.

GERMAINE You loved him.

PICASSO I did. [long beat] Are we all terrible?

101

GERMAINE shrugs. She gets up, walks over to an empty wine glass resting on a shelf, and picks it up.

GERMAINE Would you like some more wine?

PICASSO downs the last of his glass, and holds it out for her. She takes it and walks out of the room. PICASSO eventually goes back to work on his painting. Lights go down.

The End