Page 29 - Big Idea

Act 2: Inside the cave

(RIVALS, WOMEN, UTOPIAN, HALFWITS, CLOWNS,
ENTREPRENEUR, DEFEATIST, and INTELLECTUAL mill
about in cave, chatting in small groups; individuals come to front of
stage to speak)

ENTREPRENEUR: (with arm around WOMAN 2) Now, Madam—

WOMAN 2: Miss! If you please!

ENTREPRENEUR: (steps back) Why, pardon me. I just assumed a
lady as charming as you would already be married.

WOMAN 2: If that’s flattery, you can keep it. If it’s a proposal, let
me warn you I’ve knocked bigger men than you flat on the ground.

ENTREPRENEUR: Er, no, no, no offense intended. I mean, a lady
with a complexion like yours is very lucky indeed.

WOMAN 2: What is that supposed to mean, wise guy?

ENTREPRENEUR: Well, ha-ha, you know what they say: a
woman’s face is her fortune.

WOMAN 2: Who? Who says that? I never heard anyone say that.

ENTREPRENEUR: Oh, I have. Yes, indeed, many times. We men
are quite attracted to a soft smooth face.

WOMAN 2: And I suppose we women are attracted to rough hairy
faces like yours.

ENTREPRENEUR: Well, aren’t you?

WOMAN 2: No. A rough hairy face would scratch and bruise a soft
smooth face like mine.

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