Arthur Page #5

Scene change, Olga breaks the news to Arthur, Arthur is accepted by the Tchaikovsky competition. Arthur is at the Airport heading to Russia with Olga, on arrival they are greeted by a hired driver to take them to the hotel. They check in for the week, the preliminary round is at 12 P.M the following day. Arthur is seated with Olga at the breakfast table at the hotel.

Olga – Now remember to relax, smile, be friendly, they are also looking at the overall package, give short polite answers to the press.

Arthur – You’re telling me there is going to be media coverage at the preliminary round.

Olga – Yes of course, all those that enter the second round get interviewed.

Arthur – You really believe I’m going to win it don’t you.

Olga smiles at Arthur, the taxi driver arrives, and they are driven to the Tchaikovsky Hall.

Scene Change, Arthur and Olga step out of the Taxi and make their way into the reception.

Receptionist – Please right your name clearly, and wait for your name to be called out, we will escort you to the waiting area, you will be given a number. Once in the waiting room your number will appear on a screen, you are then to make your way to the concert hall, someone will be there to guide you. Good luck.

The contenders arrive, some by limousine, some with their family, some escorted by Russian security men, the atmosphere is tense.

Scene change, the first round begins, the first contender is performing Bach’s Goldberg variation, the first variation is heard, at the end, the contender twenty-seven-year-old women from France, makes her way back to the waiting area. Arthur congratulates her they exchange kind words. The second contender is a twenty year old man from China, he is performing Chopin’s Sonata in B minor the forth movement, only the first page is heard. Arthur’s number appears on the screen, and he makes his way. Arthur begins with Chopin’s Etude in C major Op 10 No 1.

Scene Change Arthur is seated in the front row of the audience, his name is read out along with twelve others to enter the second round.

Competition organiser – Lady’s and gentlemen, we have reached a decision, in no order, Stavros Alexander from Greece, Helen Camillie from France, Arthur Bremann from the United Kingdom, Arthur walks onto the stage.

Scene Change, Arthur is in his hotel room on the phone to his mother.

Maria – I’m so proud of you Arthur, you did it.

Arthur – Well not quite, there is still a long way to go.

Maria – Olga did always believe in you, she was right, you are amazing Arthur.

Arthur – Give dad a hug from me, I must get some rest now.

Scene change, Arthur is standing in front of the mirror at the competition, getting himself ready, a knock is heard on the door for the waiting room, Arthur is expected to perform in five minutes. Arthur walks on to the stage, his program includes, Chopin’s Scherzo in C# minor, Prokofiev suggestion Diabolic and a Rachmaninov prelude in G# minor, a few bars from each piece is heard. Arthur completes his program bows to the audience and walks of stage, as he does, he sees a couple of Russian men looking suspicious.

Scene Change, the competition organisers are approached by these two Russian men and are questioning them about Arthurs piano teacher Dimitri Richter. They have been informed that Arthur was in fact his piano student. Dimitri, escaped communist Russia in his youth for speaking out against the Russian government, he was wanted by the Russian authority, his life was in danger, and his career was effectively over. It seems that a rival had unearthed this information to gain a competitive advantage.

Scene Change, the second-round results are about to be announced, Arthur is pulled to one side and questioned by these Russian men, when Arthur confirms that he does know Dimitri Richter, Arthur loses the possibility of reaching the finals. They threaten to arrest him and Olga, unless he withdraws from the competition.

Arthur – What are you telling me, that Dimitri is an outlaw.

Russian Agent – That’s exactly what we’re telling you, now unless you withdraw from this competition and return to England, we will have no choice but to arrest you.

Olga – Arthur I’ve been looking for you everywhere, you’re through to the final round, what is going on, who are these men.

Arthur – Why didn’t you tell me Dimitri is an outlaw.

Olga – Who are these men.

Russian agent – We are from the embassy, we have been given strict orders, to arrest Mr Bremann if he does not withdraw from the competition.

Arthur – Well I refuse to take orders from you, if you’re going to arrest me arrest me now, because I will be performing for the gold medal to-morrow evening.

Arthur and Olga return to the Hall to continue with the competition, Arthur walks onto the stage and takes his bow along with all the finalists.

Scene change, Arthur is having a conversation with Olga over the incident at the hotel dining area.

Arthur – Well, why didn’t you tell.

Olga – I was trying to protect Dimitri, he hasn’t been back to Russia for over thirty years, no one knows about him.

Arthur – Well clearly, they still remember him, what am I going to do, no I refuse to be bullied by them, I will continue as planned, when it’s over they can come and arrest me.

Scene change, a pianist is seated with the orchestra performing Schumann’s piano concerto, Arthur is expected to perform the Tchaikovsky piano concerto next, Arthur is waiting to be called out.

Conductor - Are we ready to go Arthur.

Arthur – I am.

The conductor walks onto stage with Arthur, the opening chords of the concerto thrill the audience, Arthur delivers a spectacular performance, extracts from each movement is heard, Arthur receives a smile from the conductor, he turns to the audience and bows. The audience gives a standing ovation, the applause continues, the camera crew are in tears, the judge know they have their winner, they each nod to each other agreeingly. The two Russian agents decide not to arrest Arthur, as it would create a scandal for Russian prestige, they decide to leave the concert hall unnoticed.

Olga – Congratulation Arthur you did it,

Dimitri – Is listening to the radio, he hears that Arthur won the gold medal, he lights a cigar, and relaxes in his armchair.

Scene change, news reaches the Royal Academy of music, that a young Arthur Brennan has won gold in Moscow, Arthur’s face appears on the cover of a piano magazine. Professor Simens is in a state of shock in hearing about Arthur’s success.

Scene change arrives back to the United Kingdom, he is greeted by the media, and fans.

Scene change, Arthur calls Dimitri from the airport.

Arthur – Dimitri it’s me Arthur I won.

Dimitri – Well done, well done.

Rate this script:0.0 / 0 votes