"ENEMIES AND LOVERS"
by
ALEXANDER KIMEL
1500 Palisade Avenue
Fort Lee, NJ 07024
Tel 201-461-0777
alex@kimel.net
1.
FADE IN
SYNOPSIS
Dietrich's brothers perish on the fronts, and he is the
only surviving child. His mother is a sickly woman
and his father begs him to be careful. He has to
survive to take care of his mother. Dietrich deserts
the German Army.
Rachel, a Rabbi's daughter, jumps the death train, is
wounded and consequently rescued by Dietrich. He
carries her to his forest hideout in the forest and
nurses her back to health.
Dietrich, suffering from loneliness, falls in love with
Rachel. It is a love without reciprocity. Rachel
tormented by her conscience suffers a relapse.
Dietrich, endangering his live, goes to town to
obtain medication for Rachel. There he is ambushed
and in a firefight he kills a German Policeman.
Rachel joins a group of Jewish survivor that is trying
to join Russian partisans. Dietrich refuses to join
them, declaring that he is a deserter but not a traitor.
The Russian partisans reject the whole group and
dejected Rachel returns to Dietrich's hideout.
Their hideout is attacked by the German Army. The
lovers that couldn't live together decided to fight and
die together. In the fight they both get wounded, but
while Dietrich is taken to the hospital, Rachel is shot
on the spot. The lovers that could not live together,
could not die together.
LIST OF CHARACTERS:
Dietrich, 24 years old male, very honorable and
dependable.
Rachel, 22 years old, very attractive girl, strong willed.
Joel, 25 years old, a brash young man, self confident
and poised.
Arnold, about 28 years old, young man soft spoken
and somehow shy.
Philip, father of Dietrich, about 58 years old,
conservative man.
(CONTINUED)
2.
Mother, of Dietrich, about 55 years old sickly woman.
Mr. Bloch, about 45 years old, a successful
businessman.
Mrs. Bloch, about 40 years old wife of Mr. Bloch.
1 SCENE 1 - HOMECOMING 1
SETTING:
The Kitchen of the apartment of the parents of
Dietrich. At the rear wall are located the appliance
like the stove and the sink, surrounded with kitchen
cabinets. at the rear right stands a old fashioned
cupboard. On the rear right adjacent to the cupboard
is an interior door leading toward the bed rooms.
On the rear left there is an entry door and adjacent
two small windows. Below the windows stands a
reclining chair. In the center of the kitchen there is a
dining table with four chairs with a lighting fixture
hanging over the table.
TIME:
Early part of March 1943.
AT RISE:
The sun is shining through the windows, filling the
room with warm rays. Philip (Father) sits in the chair
reading a newspaper. On the sound of the ringing
bell he gets up to open the door.
Dietrich has been wounded in that battle for Smolensk,
in Russia, and after the recuperation he came home
for a two weeks furlough.
FATHER
(cried out excited)
Dietrich is home. What a happy day. Come Mother, your son came home.
Dietrich's mother comes rushing in to the room,
crying happily.
MOTHER
Dietrich, my son. I am so happy to see you. So happy indeed. How are you? Let me have
a look at you.
MOTHER
We were so worried about your wounds. You recuperated fully. I am happy to see it.
(CONTINUED)
3.
1 CONTINUED: 1
She embraces and kisses him. Dietrich looks over
the room. Nothing much has changed, although it is
much lighter.
DIETRICH
How are you, Mother? How are you, Father? I am so happy to see you. I am very happy.
FATHER
We are like two old people, always waiting for good news. Unfortunately the letters that
we are getting are tragic.
DIETRICH.
(changing the subject)
The room is the same as I left it, but somehow it has more light.
FATHER.
Yes, some adjacent buildings took direct hits, and as a result, we have more light coming
in. This is about the only good thing that the war has brought us, besides the losses and
destruction.
MOTHER.
Philip, don't complain so loud. The walls have ears, and somebody can denounce us.
Please be careful.
FATHER.
Everybody is complaining now, even the Nazis.
Mother walks over to Dietrich, and takes a long look
at him.
PAUSE
Dietrich, you look good, but somehow changed.
DIETRICH
War changes people. It changed me too .
Mother looks inquiring into Dietrich's eyes
MOTHER
You changed immensely. There is this sadness in your eyes. Tremendous sadness. You
were always a kid with laughing eyes. Always but not now. What happened?
DIETRICH
Home feels so strange, so much space, so luxurious. After years of living in the cramped
space of a tank, I feel uncomfortable here.
FATHER
You should be happy that our home is so comfortable.
DIETRICH
Yes, you are right Father, but I feel so out of place.
(CONTINUED)
4.
1 CONTINUED: (2) 1
MOTHER
Out of place, nonsense. This is your home, Dietrich.
DIETRICH
Yes but I am missing my buddies.
(pause)
In the frontline one develops very close personal relationships with the people that share
your dangerous life, they become your closest buddies. Our tank had a crew of 4 people.
We became very fond of each other, very attached.
(pause)
Now all is gone and an emptiness remains.
FATHER
After the furlough you will reunite with your buddies. So what is this sadness?
DIETRICH
No father, I will never see them again, They are all gone from my life.
MOTHER
I think that Dietrich is depressed. Maybe he should see a Doctor? Maybe some pills will
help him? Philip, make him appointment with Dr. Glaser. He will help him.
FATHER
He doesn't need an appointment. I think that is only temporarily down. In a few days it
will pass, especially if he sees Charlotte, his girl friend. She will cheer him up. That is
for sure.
DIETRICH
No, Father, between us everything is finished.
FATHER
Finished? Why did you broke up? Why?
DIETRICH
It was Charlotte that broke up. She send me a very polite letter, informing me that she is
getting married. She found a very nice man that finished his war obligations, and she is
going to marry him
FATHER
Finished his war obligation. What does this mean?
DIETRICH
He lost two fingers on the frontline and was declared unfit to serve. Charlotte wrote me
that young German men are dying like flies and she feels that her Hans provides her with
security for the future. He is a sure bet. She is sorry but she has to think about her future.
(pause)
She did not see any secure future with me.
FATHER
The girl is not worth you. I always thought that she is a conniving manipulator. She is not
worth you. Is she the source of your depression?
(CONTINUED)
5.
1 CONTINUED: (3) 1
DIETRICH
Father, I am not depressed. I am somehow fearful, disappointed, miserable, apprehensive
but not depressed. As far as Charlotte is concerned I am indifferent. She was not the love
of my life, anyhow.
MOTHER
Dietrich, tells us the truth. We can help you. Don't hide your head in the sand.
DIETRICH
I am suffering from a guilty conscience.
MOTHER
Guilty conscience? About what?
DIETRICH
I served as a rear gunner in a tank, during the battle for Smolensk. I was telling s joke to
my buddies in the tank and did not see the approaching Russian tank. A few seconds later
the tank diver was killed and we lost maneuverability. Soon there was an explosion and
the turret gunner was killed and was heavily wounded. I survived because my comrade
pulled me out from the burning tank.
MOTHER
But why do you have a guilty conscience?
DIETRICH
Because of my stupid joke distraction, all my buddies were killed, and this weighs heavily
on my conscience. I am apprehensive of returning to the frontline and let my conscience
kill me.
(pause)
I will be OK mother, but why is Father home? Isn't he working?
FATHER.
The factory that I worked was obliterated by the English Air Force. I am waiting go a new
assignment. Nowadays, I'm keeping company to mother. She likes it.
DIETRICH
I got your letters. How is Carl?
MOTHER
Carl is OK. He is fighting in North Africa. Our`family became international travelers.
Like mercenary soldiers my sons were fighting in Smolensk, Stalingrad, Leningrad, El
Alamein. What a honor?
DIETRICH
The war brought so many changes. I wonder how my room looks like now. Did it change?
MOTHER.
Dietrich. Your room is as you left it. No changes were made. Do you want to rest? You
must be tired after such an ordeal. Let's go up.
(CONTINUED)
6.
1 CONTINUED: (4) 1
FATHER
Dietrich, do you remember how you use to fight with Carl about sleeping on the upper
bunk bed. Now the room is all yours. We took out the bunk beds and now the room is
airy with lots of space.
DIETRICH
I am home only for a two weeks and any bed will do.
FATHER.
The front line soldiers usually think that they suffer the worst beating. They think that the
hinterland is safe and peaceful. No, this is a crazy war. This war, hits everybody.
MOTHER.
Dietrich, you must be hungry. Let me make you something to eat.
DIETRICH.
No Mutti, I am not hungry. I want to know details about Herbert's and Hans's deaths. How
did they perish?
MOTHER
I am going to make you your favorite dish, the omelet. You will like it.
(Mother exits and Dietrich talks with his father)
FATHER
Herbert died under Stalingrad. He was awarded the iron Cross, and so I am a father of a
German hero.
DIETRICH.
Thank God that I am not a hero. No iron Cross, for me. What about Hans? Where did he
die?
FATHER
We don't know exactly what happened. He was fighting under Leningrad. We received
this horrible letter without any details attached to it.
DIETRICH.
Thank God Carl is still alive. Is he still in North Africa? The battles there are much
smaller and gentler, compared to be battles of Stalingrad.
Mother comes back and she looks confused.
MOTHER
It is funny, but I am so excited that I forgot what I am looking for.
FATHER
You went out to look for eggs. Eggs for the omelette. Don't you remember this?
MOTHER
Yes. Yes, now I remember. What a bad memory I do have.
(CONTINUED)
7.
1 CONTINUED: (5) 1
She exits again.
FATHER
Dietrich, How did you get wounded? You were a tank gunner. How did it happen?
DIETRICH
I took part of the greatest tank battle of this war, the battle of Smolensk. About 2000 tanks
participate in this gigantic battle. About 1000 German tanks and about 1000 Russian tanks.
(Pause)
I believe that the Russian tanks T-34 were better than our tanks.
FATHER
Did we lose the battle? I never read it in the newspapers.
DIETRICH
Sort of. We never advanced as planned. The Russians destroyed thousand of our tanks and
stopped the blitzkrieg. That is the truth.
(Pause)
This was the beginning of the end.
FATHER
But how did you get hit? Tell me the details.
DIETRICH
First the tank driver was killed and we lost the ability to maneuver the tank. We became a
sitting target for the Russian tanks, surrounding us. Later the tank received a direct hit
followed by an explosion. I was hit and lost my consciousness and was rescued by my
comrade. I was taken to the hospital.
(pause)
I was lying on the collection point for hours, bleeding profusely. Luckily I made it, because
one of the nurses took a special interest in me.
Mother comes in again. She has an embarrassed look
on her face
MOTHER
I completely forgot that we have no eggs. I feel so sorry. I think that I am going to make
your favorite potato soup. Yes, I will make this delicious potato soup.
She exits again
DIETRICH
Father, what is the matter with Mother? She acts so strangely. Her memory is gone.
FATHER
Mother is seriously sick, but we don't know what it is.
DIETRICH
How did it start?
(CONTINUED)
8.
1 CONTINUED: (6) 1
FATHER.
It started about six months ago. I did not write about it, because I did not want to worry
you and your brothers.
(pause)
She went shopping to the Department store and during the shopping an air raid was
announced and she ran to the air shelter, located in the cellar. A stray bomb hit the
building and the building collapsed, and buried alive all the people in the air shelter. Your
mother was rescued a few hours later, but psychological scars remained. The doctor thinks
that her brain was damaged by lack of oxygen.
DIETRICH
Is there a medication for this?
FATHER
The sickness has not been officially diagnosed so there is no treatment available for this.
Mother brings in all the pot with soup and sets the
table. She turns to the Farther.
MOTHER
Philip stop pestering Dietrich with your questions. Please leave him in peace. He must be
tired.
They started to eat when there was a knock at the
door and the letter carrier appears with a letter from
the Military Authorities.
LETTER CARRIER
Here is an official letter from the Authorities. It requires your signature. You have to sign
this receipt.
He hands over the letter to Father together with the
receipt. With trembling hands Father takes the letter
and signs the receipt.
FATHER
(Puts away the letter.)
Let's eat now. The letter can wait.
MOTHER
(protesting)
Philip why don't you read the letter, I cannot eat in suspense. It must be about Carl. Please
open it.
Father opens the letter and silently reads it.
FATHER
It is about Carl. He is dead. He fell in the battle of Al Alamein. Oh my God. We take loss
after loss and there is no end to this. He died a heroic death in service for the fatherland.
Carl is dead. Our Fuhrer and his wars.
(CONTINUED)
9.
1 CONTINUED: (7) 1
MOTHER
Oh my God , Carl is dead. Our family is cursed. What a curse.
FATHER
He is buried in the hot sands of Africa, We will never be able to visit his grave. This awful.
The mother starts weeping and suddenly turns over
and collapses. Father runs to mother, picks her up
and cries out.
Dietrich, please bring me some cold water, Hurry up. Cold water.
Dietrich runs toward the cupboard, takes a toll glass
and fills it with water. Father takes the glass and
splashes the face of Mother, yelling:
FATHER
Wake up darling. Wake up. We are here. We are with you. Mother opens her eyes.
She turns around and collapses again.
Dietrich, please help me to put mother to bed. She is quite heavy, too heave for me.
Father and Dietrich carry mother out and soon return
to the scene.
FATHER
Dietrich you are now our only son. All your brothers are dead. The future of our family is
in your hands.
(Pause)
Remember Dietrich your` mother's dream was for you to marry a nice German girl and
have lots of children. You both could work and she could raise all the children. This is
the dream of her life.
Dietrich watches silently and with apprehension the
pain and sufferings of his Father. He approaches him
and embraces him warmly.
FATHER
Remember Dietrich you have to do everything to survive this crazy war, for the sake of
your old mother. She needs you. She needs you badly. I am very much concerned about her.
DIETRICH
Aren't we all concerned about our future?
FATHER
I am afraid that without me, Mother will be lost.
(CONTINUED)
10.
1 CONTINUED: (8) 1
DIETRICH
What about you? You look quite healthy.
FATHER
Looks are deceiving. Inside my body there si a very weak heart. Dietrich, I have a grave
heart condition.
DIETRICH
With a weak heart you can live forever.
FATHER
No, Dietrich. It is very serious. My days are limited. I am counting on you Dietrich. You
are the only child left alive. You have to take care of your mother. Promise me.
DIETRICH
How can I promise you? I am a soldier, a small cock in the German war machine. How
can I promise.
FATHER
You have to do everything to survive.
DIETRICH
What can I do for example?
FATHER
Don't volunteer for dangerous assignments.
DIETRICH
Father, I am not in the infantry, or scouts. I am crew member of a tank. I don't volunteer.
I follow orders of the tank commander.
FATHER
You could give yourself up. It is better to be a war prisoner in Russia than s dead hero in
Germany.
DIETRICH
Do you expect me to crawl our of the tank and to the Russian, Don't shoot I am giving
myself up?
FATHER
If there is no other choice, you have to become a deserter. Desert the army.
DIETRICH
Father, if I desert the Army, and survive the war, do you think that I can return to Germany
without facing prosecution?
(pause)
Won't I be prosecuted for desertion?
FATHER
The Nazis will lose the war and after the war a new Germany will arise. I don't think that
they will prosecute deserters. You will be able to return.
(CONTINUED)
11.
1 CONTINUED: (9) 1
DIETRICH
I was brought up as a German patriot, and deserting or abandoning the Army is emotionally
very difficult for me. It is against my grain.
FATHER
Think of your old mother. Think about your three brothers that were sacrificed on the
altar of German nationalism. Is the nation be stronger if one more young life will be
sacrificed?
DIETRICH
I have to be a strong guy to go against those waves of nationalism that engulfed our nation.
Am I strong enough?
FATHER
I believe that you can do it. For the sake of your old mother you can do it.
DIETRICH
I am ready to do it. The only thing is that I have to wait until I get my personal weapons
and ammunition issued. With my weapons I am sure I can survive.
END OF SCENE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2/1 SCENE 2 - AWAKENING 2/1
Setting:
A forest dugout, lit by a small oil lamp. The dugout
is about 10 feet long and 8 feet wide. Inside there are
two bundles of straw used for sleeping. At the right
left there is a pail of water, and an improvised stove.
Another pail is used for as a wash basin. On there far
left stands a gleaming riffle and piles of cartridges.
TIME:
Two months later.
AT RISE:
At the left, a young woman lies on a bundle of straw.
She is breathing heavily. At the right sits a German
soldier, mending his jacket. He is engulfed deeply
in his thoughts.
The girl, Rachel, opens her eyes.
RACHEL.
Where am I? Who are you?
(CONTINUED)
12.
2/1 CONTINUED: 2/1
DIETRICH
(Turning to her at the sound of her voice)
You are alive and well. I am so happy. I worried about you!
RACHEL.
Who are you?
DIETRICH
I am your friend. Don't worry.
(He takes a flask or water, and hands it over to her)
Drink. You sweat so much. You must be thirsty.
RACHEL.
(Drinks the water thirstily)
Where am I? Is this a concentration camp or a death camp? Are you a soldier?
DIETRICH.
No. I am a German deserter, hiding in the forest. My name is Dietrich.
RACHEL
You are a deserter, a German deserter? You must be a strong man to run against the Nazi
propaganda.
DIETRICH
I am not strong but a weak man. I could not adjust to the hell of the war.
(pause)
Little did I know that I exchanged the fighting hell for a lonely hell. How this all will end
I do not know.
RACHEL
You built this dugout all alone?
DIETRICH
Yes, all alone. Nobody helped me.
RACHEL (WITH ADMIRATION)
You are a strong, inventive guy. How do you survive in the forest?
DIETRICH
On berries and potatoes. Berries I pick in the forest and potatoes I steal in the fields.
DIETRICH.
I am going to make you something to eat. You must be hungry.
RACHEL.
Yes. I am quite hungry.
(She looks at him, intensively)
How did I come here? Who brought me here
(CONTINUED)
13.
2/1 CONTINUED: (2) 2/1
DIETRICH.
I brought you here. I was lonely in the forest, so I went to the edge of the forest, to a place
overlooking the railroad tracks, to watch the`passing trains. Suddenly, a train appeared. I
saw two people jumping of the train. I heard a series of shots. One person was hit and
collapsed beside the tracks. It was you.
(Pause.)
Out of curiosity, I went to check it out. I found a beautiful girl, wounded, laying
unconsciously on the ground. I decide to help you and bring you to the forest, that means
here. And here we are.
RACHEL
You brought me here. The forest must be far from the railroad trucks. How did you manage,
alone I assume?
DIETRICH
It is about 3 miles. It was not easy. It took a lot of perseverance and sweat. I struggled all
the way, but I made it.
RACHEL
Why did you do it? A German deserter rescuing a Jewish girl. This is very unusual. Why
did you do it?
DIETRICH
My life in the forest was not easy. It was a lonely life without any human contact.
(pause)
When I saw you for the first time, I felt that you are a gift from heaven for me. A gift from
heaven for me. The more I look at you the stronger I feel that way.
RACHEL
You are exaggerating a little bit. Aren't you?
DIETRICH
You don't know what a gift from Heaven you are for me. Before I met you I felt miserable,
lonely, helpless. Now the misery has gone. You energized me to the utmost. I am full of
full of hope. You gave a purpose in life. You are my miracle.
RACHEL
You are losing your guilty conscience and I am getting one.
DIETRICH
Why should you have a guilty conscience?
RACHEL
The idea that a nice Jewish girl is an inspiration for a German deserter,
(pause)
We will have to share our lives, and this is a great problem for me.
DIETRICH
I am not going to force myself on you. You are too precious for me. You have to gain
strength and then we can built another dugout for you. An inspiration is an inspiration.
(CONTINUED)
14.
2/1 CONTINUED: (3) 2/1
RACHEL.
So, you saved my life. Thanks.
(She looks down and sees all the bandages and dressings.)
And who treated my wounds, dressing them up? Did you call a doctor?
DIETRICH.
I did it. I had medics training in the Army. It came in handy. I used up all my first help kit.
No bandages are left.
RACHEL.
How long am I here?
DIETRICH.
About two weeks. Two full weeks. I do hope that in another two weeks you will be cured
completely. Do you want something to eat? You have to eat to gain strength.
Dietrich approaches, the primitive stove, standing in
the corner, for some kasha into a pot, mixes it with
water from a pail and cooks grit for Rachel. After
finishing the cooking he feeds are tenderly. She eats
eagerly and after finishing she tell him.
RACHEL.
Thank you for saving my life. I don't know what fate has for me in storage. Maybe dying
on the railroad trucks would have been a lucky solution, but one thing I know that I want
to live. I want to survive.
DIETRICH
Aren't we all want the same thing?
RACHEL
Yes, but you don't know how the will to life was strong in the Ghetto. Survival was a
mirage, a life sustaining hope.
(pause)
It was like a forbidden fruit, the more it is denied the more one crave for it. I want to live,
to survive this cruel war and to lead a normal life.
DIETRICH
You will surprised to know that I also want to survive this war and lead a normal family
life. Our desires are so similar.
RACHEL
I hope that you don't get ideas. Let me explain it. I admired and worshipped my father.
He was a gentle and educated man. He wanted me to survive and marry a Jewish man to
establish a Jewish family. I can't go against his wishes.
DIETRICH
I promise not to take advantage of you. I am a strait forward man. I mean what I say, You
can count on it.
(CONTINUED)
15.
2/1 CONTINUED: (4) 2/1
RACHEL
Let me ask you a simple question. How could a strait forward man become a German
Deserter? I can't understand this.
DIETRICH
I did it for my sick mother. I strongly feel that I have a moral responsibility for her well
being. I did it for her.
RACHEL
You must be very close to your mother.
DIETRICH
Not exactly, but I feel the responsibility. For her sake I deserted.
(pause)
It looks like that we both share similar desires and expectations. We can help each other
by joining forces.
END OF SCENE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 SCENE 3 - THE VISIT 3
Setting:
Clearing in the forest. On the right is a wide trail,
covered with bushes. On the left there is an almost
invisible trial leading toward the dugout. A few tree
stumps are scattered around the clearing.
A week later.
AT RISE:
Dietrich comes out from the bushes helping Rachel
to walk. Rachel support herself on a primitive cane
fashioned out from a heavy branch. She sits down
on a stump turning toward the sun.
RACHEL.
It is the first time, that I am out of the dugout. The world is so beautiful, the sun with its
warm rays is so nourishing.
DIETRICH.
Aren't you a little chilly. It is a cold day. Maybe you want my jacket?
RACHEL
With pleasure. I am still weakened by the ordeal.
Dietrich walks into the bushes, and in minute later
he comes out carrying his military tunic.
(CONTINUED)
16.
3 CONTINUED: 3
RACHEL.
Thanks. You are a very caring man.
DIETRICH
You know, I see you the first time in the daylight. You are so beautiful. You are a real
beauty.
Rachel smiles appreciatively.
RACHEL.
You know, Dietrich that the bunker is located it too close to the clearing. It is dangerous
to be so close to the forest clearing.
DIETRICH.
You are right. I don't know how a young girl, that you are, is so versed in the art of
buildings bunkers. A woman usually does not observe those things.
RACHEL.
I am an experienced bunker builder. I built many bunkers in the ghetto, and supported
myself and my Father, building bunkers.
DIETRICH
What was the need for bunkers in the ghetto? It wasn't a war zone.
RACHEL.
For hiding from the Germans. Don't you know about it? Where have you been?
DIETRICH
No. I don't know. I am ignorant in this matter?
RACHEL.
What do you think the Germans are doing with the Jews?
DIETRICH
They resettle them.
RACHEL.
Where do they resettle them?
DIETRICH.
I don't know.
RACHEL
Resettlement, means killing in special camps set up for this purpose.
DIETRICH
Killings? This is awful.
RACHEL.
Those are facts of life. I was on one of those resettlement trains, and when I jumped I
almost got killed.
(CONTINUED)
17.
3 CONTINUED: (2) 3
DIETRICH.
All my God! I never thought that this is possible in a civilized society. I heard some
rumors, but never paid attention to them.
Voices were heard in the distance: "Friends are
coming, Friends are coming." Soon, a middle aged
couple appeared at the clearing of the forest.
BLOCH
Hi Dietrich. We came to see the beauty that you saved from death.
Mr. Bloch turns to Rachel.
Hi, Rachel. I am glad that you survived. Do you remember me?
RACHEL.
Of course I do. You are Mr. Bloch. I think that I worked on your bunker.
BLOCH
You did a fantastic job, and because of you we both survived. We survived, and we are here.
RACHEL
I am glad to hear this.
(Turning to Dietrich).
Dietrich I am cold. Could you please bring me a blanket from the bunker?
DIETRICH.
With pleasure.
(Looks at her tenderly.)
Are you alright?
RACHEL.
Yes, but I feel a little cold.
Dietrich goes to the bunker.
RACHEL.
As you can see I am in a very uncomfortable situation. Alone with a German soldier in a
bunker in the forest. I am very uncomfortable.
MRS. BLOCK
I understand your position. I wish we could help you, but there is no place in our dugout.
It is not even finished. Also, it is much safer here.
RACHEL.
Why? Why is it much safer here?
(CONTINUED)
18.
3 CONTINUED: (3) 3
MRS. BLOCH
The Ukrainians know that Dietrich is armed. They won't dare to attack him. With us is a
different situation.
(Pause.)
You have to recuperate completely, and at that time things will be different. Let's hope for
the best.
RACHEL
I have problems sleeping at night. In my sleep, my father appears and threatens me with it
dire consequences. I wake up with a headache. This is very trying. I am in a tough
situation and don't know what to do?
MRS. BLOCH
Rachel, do you know, what the toughest challenge is? It is you. Two lonely, attractive,
young people living in a dangerous environment, will fall in love, sooner or later and here
lies the challenge.
RACHEL.
I know it. Dietrich is good to me. He saved my life, he is so tender to me. I can not deal
with this. Please help me. Please tell me what to do?
Dietrich returns from the bunker carrying a military
blanket. He gives the blanket to Rachel.
DIETRICH.
So you know Rachel from the ghetto?
MRS. BLOCH
Yes, we know her well. She is coming from a prominent family. Her father was a Rabbi.
DIETRICH.
A Rabbi? That means like a priest in the Catholic church?
MRS. BLOCH
Not exactly. In the Jewish religion, presently they are no priests. A Rabbi, is like a teacher
of faith. Nothing more nothing less. He is usually a very learned man, esteemed by the
community.
DIETRICH.
What happened to her father, the Rabbi?
RACHEL.
We were caught, during the latest action, or pogrom, and taken by train to the gas chambers.
The train was packed, standing room only. I decided to jump the train. At least I will die
fighting back. I will die in the open air. I told myself.
(pause)
I found two other boys and together we started to make an hole in the wooden planks of
the railroad car. We worked through the night. When we were ready to jump, an old lady
approached us, trying to stop us. The Germans counted the number of people and if some
people will be missing they will kill us all, she cried out.
(more)
(CONTINUED)
19.
3 CONTINUED: (4) 3
RACHEL. (CONTINUED)
(Pause)
Lady I told her they will kill us one way or the other. A scuffle developed and we almost
choked the old lady to death.
DIETRICH
I am sorry to hear this. I never heard a word about the atrocities. This is awful. I am glad
that i deserted the German army. Really glad.
(Pause)
Why didn't your father jump?
RACHEL
He was too old and tired of this life. He also believed in destiny, "Bashert" as they call in
in Yiddish. He told me Rachel you are young, you should take chances. I am too old to
struggle. Let God's will be done.
MRS BLOCH
He was such a nice, learned man. It's a pity. What a pity.
At this time a young good looking man appeared at
the clearing. He approached the group, greeting them
warmly.
JOEL
Good Morning gentlemen.
Suddenly he sees Rachel, sitting on the stump. He
stops talking, clearly smitten by her.
I see that we have a charming newcomer into our part of the woods. Hello.
Suddenly he recognizes Rachel and stops in his tracks.
JOEL
I did not expect to find you here. But I am delighted to see you, Rachel.
RACHEL
The same here.
JOEL
If I can help you in any way, please don't hesitate. For the sake of the old days don't hesitate.
RACHEL
For the sake of the old days I will definitely don't ask you for any favors. I am still hurt by
your insensitive behavior.
JOEL
I am sorry to hear it. It was my father that caused all those problems. I am sorry.
Joel turns to Mr. Bloch.
(CONTINUED)
20.
3 CONTINUED: (5) 3
I am afraid that I have rather disturbing news. Dietrich those news are important for you too.
MR. BLOCH
What are those news? Tell us, please.
JOEL
I went to the village to buy some food and I was told by my Polish contact that the
Ukrainian Partisans are preparing a raid of our area. "We have to get rid of the Jews. They
will bring out the Germans."
(Pause)
We have to clear out the forest now. We have to move. This area is getting hot.
BLOCH
I agree with Joel, it is time to move out from here.
DIETRICH
Where would you go?
JOEL
To another part of the forest, close to the village of Zarwanica.
DIETRICH
How long will it take the Partisans to find you there? A week, two weeks? Running away
will not solve the problem. They will find us later.
(pause)
You people are unbelievable. At the first sign of danger you panic and run. You have to
learn how to fight back.
BLOCH
How do we fight back? We have no weapons, no ammunition, no organization.
DIETRICH
When is the raid scheduled? Do you have an idea?
JOEL
No. The time is not set yet. This will give us time for packing. I think it is time to pack
and move out of the area.
DIETRICH
This will give us time to prepare ourselves for defensive a battle. Only by fighting back
can we survive. Period.
MR.BLOCH
Defensive battle? We have no weapons and they are very strong. How can we defend
ourselves without weapons? It is impossible.
DIETRICH
How, many fighters can you organize?
JOEL.
Counting some girls, about 12 people.
(CONTINUED)
21.
3 CONTINUED: (6) 3
DIETRICH
This should be enough. But are they motivated to fight for survival?
JOEL.
I think so. I am sure of it.
DIETRICH.
This is a tremendous opportunity for us. If we can mount a successful defense, we will be
in a good position to survive. I do have a plan.
JOEL AND BLOCK.
Let's hear this plan.
DIETRICH.
The idea is to pull the partisans deep into the forest, and attack them from all sites. Front
and the rear.
(Pause)
We kill a few of them, and the rest will run away, leaving all their weapons behind.
BLOCK
It sounds good, but give us some details.
DIETRICH
We have to start using night watches. When they appear the Watchman will run away,
using a horn to wake up the people. They will run toward this hill. I will be waiting for
them and to open a sniper fire, while they rear a group will attack them with hand grenades.
Three hand grenades will do the job.
JOEL.
It sounds good. It will sound even better if we kill a few of them, and get their weapons.
DIETRICH
Wait here.
Dietrich disappears in the forest. In the meantime,
Joel approaches Rachel.
JOEL.
(turning to Rachel)
I am sorry for the breakup. Really sorry. Maybe we could start again our romance?
RACHEL.
Did you get an approval from your father? Last time you couldn't break the umbilical cord.
JOEL
It was my father's fault. He liked you but expected a great dowry. This is the truth.
Dietrich comes back, and approaches Joel.
(CONTINUED)
22.
3 CONTINUED: (7) 3
DIETRICH.
Here is the horn, you will be using to awake the people and pull the Partisans into the
ambush. And here are three hand grenades. Don't waste them. They are precious. They
will save lives.
All people exit now with the exception of Rachel
and Dietrich.
RACHEL.
By God, Dietrich I admire your fighting spirit. You are born leader and a fighter. I admire
you. I never met a Jewish man with such qualities. I really admire you.
DIETRICH
Thanks for the compliment. It is nice to know.
He takes Rachel's hand an kisses it, for long time.
END OF SCENE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 SCENE 4 - PROBLEMS 4
Setting:
Clearing area.
TIME:
Two weeks later.
AT RISE:
Dietrich and Rachel sit on tree stumps, talking.
DIETRICH
Almost a month has past from the time that Joel made his alert and nothing happened. We
keep watches, we don't sleep at nights, and nothing happens. I wonder if this was a
practical joke.
RACHEL.
I doubt that it. You don't make jokes when peoples lives are imperiled. The partisans have
their own problems, and are not in a hurry. The Jews won't escape them.
DIETRICH.
Could we somehow confirm all those statements? This would be very valuable for us, all
of us.
RACHEL.
It was somehow confirmed already. You can ask Bloch about it. He told me that one of
the Jewish women, Golda, looks like a peasant woman. She often goes to the village to
(more)
(CONTINUED)
23.
4 CONTINUED: 4
RACHEL. (CONTINUED)
beg for food. She was told by a few peasants about rumors that the partisans are
preparing a raid. Probably, Joel got wind of the same rumors and upgraded them to
warnings from its contacts. We have to take those rumors seriously. Don't we?
DIETRICH.
Yes, we do. The consequences could be very dire.
RACHEL
I also think that we are relying to munch on Joel to organize the defense. He is a smooth
talker but not an inspiring leader. Too smooth of a talker.
DIETRICH
What do you think we can do?
RACHEL.
I believe that we should get together the whole group and start training sessions. Teach
them how to toss hand grenades, how to listen to orders. Sort of basic training. Why
couldn't we do it?
DIETRICH.
Rachel, you are an amazing girl. Not long ago, you were dying from wounds. You still
walk with difficulties, but you are already ready for action. You are amazing. But still,
you have to recuperate. You have to get your full strength back.
RACHEL
I am recuperating very fast. There is only one danger. As Mrs. Bloch said: two lonely,
attractive people living in close quarters, will fall in love. This is the law of nature and
here lies the danger.
DIETRICH
So what is wrong about this? Falling in love is supposedly be wonderful.
RACHEL
It is easy to fall in love. But I cannot marry you, and this is the source of my misery.
DIETRICH
Why can't you?
RACHEL
You need a German wife that will bear you German children, keep a clean house, look up
to you, maintain a good relationship with your mother. Be a good German wife. I can't do it.
DIETRICH
Good marriages are based on compromises. I am ready to compromise. Why can't you?
RACHEL
What looks like love could be simply infatuation. Infatuation could be a short lived mirage.
There is a tremendous gulf between us, the German language.
(CONTINUED)
24.
4 CONTINUED: (2) 4
DIETRICH
But we have no problems of communications. You speak Yiddish and I understand you, I
speak German and you understand me. So what is the problem?
RACHEL
For me the German language is connected with fear, hatred, violence and death. Do you
think that I could communicate with my children in German? Every time I hear German,
images of my martyred family come to my mind. Can you built a happy life on such a
foundation?
DIETRICH
We could live in another country, America for example. You will speak with your children
English.
RACHEL
And yo will leave your sick mother behind.
DIETRICH
She could go with us.
RACHEL
And speak German with the children. Dietrich don't fool yourself. Between us is a
tremendous gulf, difficult to fill or breach.
(pause)
The problem is that in the Shtetl lived about 10,000 Jews, and it will be a miracle if one
hundred survive.
(pause)
If I survive it will be my obligation to marry a Jewish man, and make sure that our culture,
our language will not disappear from the face of this planet. It is a grave responsibility
placed on me by my Father, my family and my upbringing. I hope that you understand this.
DIETRICH
It is hard to understand your irrationality.
RACHEL
Unfortunately, our lives are not governed by the rules of reason, but by irrationality. Look
at this war, does it make any sense?
There are voices heard in the distance.
DIETRICH
It looks like the Blochs are coming. Will further discus those matters later. I love you
nevertheless.
At this moment 3 people enter the clearing, the
Blochs and a middle aged blond woman.
MRS. BLOCH
Friends, we are coming on an urgent mission. We have a big problem on our hands.
RACHEL
What is the problem?
(CONTINUED)
25.
4 CONTINUED: (3) 4
MR. BLOCH
It is Joel. He is such a jerk. Yesterday on the night watch he tried to rape a young girl of
seventeen.
DIETRICH
Raping a girl. This is unbelievable. Hew should be shot for this,
RACHEL
Who is to decide? We are not barbarians. We are civilized people.
DIETRICH
Civilized people do not cordon rape.
RACHEL
First of all rape was not established, and secondly who is the person that will determine
quilt and issue the verdict?
DIETRICH
The leader of the community does this.
RACHEL
We are not Germans raised in obedience to a leader. We are Jews follow the law. I don't
think that we are equipped to solve this problem. So lets drop it.
BLOCH
Especially that we need people for the defense.
RACHEL
(turns to the blond woman)
Are you the mother of this girl?
GOLDA
Yes I am the mother of Alice. She is a young teenage girl. I don't want her to become
pregnant. It would be awful. Fortunately she fought him off and after she started screaming
he backed off.
MR. BLOCH
The problem is more serious. Now all the women refuse to participate in the night watches.
Our defenses are down. How do we handle this problem?
DIETRICH
Do you have another guy, a decent guy that could provide honest leadership?
BLOCH
I think that Arthur would be the right person. He is very reliable, decent and personable.
RACHEL
I think that we should tell Joel that he will be in charge of collecting intelligence. He has
the best connections and his job is the most important job presently. Arthur will take over
the drilling and organization of resistance. We should also tell him to keep his hands off
the woman and especially the young girls.
(CONTINUED)
26.
4 CONTINUED: (4) 4
DIERTICH
Starting tomorrow, after the meeting we should start the training sessions. The situation is
quite dangerous and we and we have to be prepared to fight.
BLOCH
By the way our group grew recently. A few young people escaped a death train, joined us.
We also have to ask Golda to keep her eyes and ears open for new new development.
They all exit only Rachel and Dietrich remain at the
clearing.
DIETRICH
In another two weeks you will be fully recuperated.
RACHEL
I already recuperated. I am a strong woman and ready for action. I will make you a bet
that I can outrun you. Do you want to bet?
DIETRICH
Okay. Let's try.
Rachel gets up from the stump and starts running
toward the other end of the clearing. Dietrich runs
after her, and he is almost ready to tackle her when
she deftly changes did course and avoid him. This
lasts for a while, when suddenly she trips on an
exposed root and loses her balance.
Dietrich catches her, embraces her tightly, and saying
softly - I love you, kisses her ardently. She
compulsively returns his kiss. After A while she
disengages herself and goes over to her stump and
sits down engaged in deep thoughts.
DIETRICH
I am sorry for acting so impulsively, but I really love you. You are so unique, so beautiful,
so full of live. I never met a girl like you.
RACHEL
You shouldn't have done it. It makes my life so difficult, enormously difficult.
Rachel sit down on a stump and starts to cry softly.
Dietrich approaches her cautiously and tries to
console her.
DIETRICH
I am sorry. I did it compulsively. I didn't want to hurt you. I am sorry.
RACHEL
You took advantage of a helpless girl.. You hurt me deeply. You violated me. How could
you have done it? Now I hate myself..
(CONTINUED)
27.
4 CONTINUED: (5) 4
DIETRICH
I am in love with you.
RACHEL
But I am not in love with you. And what is worse, we sleep together in one dug out and
now we kissed publicly. I am devastated.
END OF SCENE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACT 2
5 SCENE 1 LAMENTATIONS 5
At rise Dietrich walks around the forest clearing
talking talking to himself.
DIETRICH.
I am in love with a strange girl, full of contradictions: She's strong and resourceful, but
after one kiss she develops high fever. She is full of life, but afraid of me. It is my
situation so hopeless? Why am I so helpless. I never met a girl like her. What should I do?
(Pause)
First of all I need lots of aspirins to break her high fever. But how can I get aspirins in
this desolate that the area? This is my first problem to solve.
(pause)
It is true that she has been suffering a lot: she was taken to the gas chambers, she jumped
a death train, was wounded and taken to a forest dugout. To those dramatic experiences
she adjusted in stride. But she cannot adjust to the idea of living with a loving man and
having a normal family life. No she can't. What am I to do? This is the question. What is
the noise? Somebody is calling me.
Two men approaching the clearing, yelling - Friends
are coming. Bloch and Joel enter the clearing
DIETRICH
Welcome to my area. What good winds bring you here?
BLOCH
We have a few things to discuss with you. First Joel has a complaint to make. He feels
that he has been mistreated.
JOEL
I was stabbed from behind by an "Innocent" young girl, Alice. She is an agggressive,
flirtatious come on. She flirted with me unabashedly and later fell into a screaming frenzy.
The girl is screwed up and I was blamed for raping her. A sad story of treacherous behavior.
(Pause)
This affair interferes with our organizing of the resistance and self defense.
(CONTINUED)
28.
5 CONTINUED: 5
DIETRICH
The best way to deal with this crisis is to ignore it. It will pass away.
(pause)
To dwell on it is useless. Sooner or later Alice will have a fallout with another victim and
will be unmasked. Leave her alone for now.
JOEL
It is easier said than done. It hurts.
BLOCH
There is another business we came to discuss. Joel was recently in the village and it looks
like the raid is being prepared, The Partisans will attack us soon. His contact offered him
to sell two riffles, one Italian and one from the Polish Army. Which do you suggest we take?
DIETRICH
How many cartridges are they providing with the riffles?
JOEL
About 500 cartridges come with each riffle. Supposedly both riffles are well maintained
and in perfect condition.
DIETRICH
What is the asking price?
BLOCH
About 50 dollars for each.
DIETRICH
Do you have the money?
BLOCH
Yes. We can scrape together the necessary amount.
DIETRICH
Give the a low offer and take both of them. We can use them. Offer them 75 dollars for
both riffles. After the war they will be worthless.
(pause)
If you buy one weapon only take the Italian riffle, it is lighter and more accurate.
BLOCH
Dietrich, thanks for the advice. We will be back soon, hopefully with both riffles.
DIETRICH
When are you going to the village? I have a favor to ask.
BLOCH
Straight from here we are going to the village.
DIETRICH
Rachel developed high fever, and I need aspirins to break her fever. I need them badly.
Could you buy them for me in the village? There must be a store in the village. Here is the
money. It is really all the money I do have.
(CONTINUED)
29.
5 CONTINUED: (2) 5
He takes out 20 Mark bill and hand it over to Bloch.
BLOCH
(rejecting the banknote)
I am not sure that here is a store in the village. But I have money and you will repay me
later. I will do my best to bring you the aspirins. But what happened to Rachel. She looked
so strong the other day when I saw her?
DIETRICH
It looks like an emotional crisis. She is twisting and turning in her sleep, argues with her
father, cries and yells at the same time. I believe that this is caused by the high fever. I
hope that aspirins will break the fever and she will return to normal.
(Pause)
Before you go there is another request that I do have to make. I am in love with Rachel. I
never saw a girl like her. I believe that she is in love with me too, but she is afraid. She
has deep seated anxieties coupled with innate resistance. I wonder if I could marry her in
a Jewish wedding ceremony? Maybe this would allay her fears?
JOEL
Dietrich, you want a Jewish ceremony. Wow! What a surprise?
BLOCH
I guess it could be done. I Jewish weddings you don't need a Rabbi.
DIETRICH
You don't need a Rabbi? How is the wedding certified in the eyes of God?
BLOCH
The wedding is like a contract, based on the "Ketubah."
DIETRICH
What is this "Ketubah?"
BLOCH
The "Ketubah" is a a marriage contract, written in Aramaic, which is the legal language
from the times of Christ. In the "Ketubah", the Groom specifies how he is going to support
his wife and his family. It is the basis of the "Tnaim" or the Conditions of the Marriage
Contract. The "Ketubah" is signed by two witnesses and not by the marrying couple.
DIETRICH
Is this the whole ceremony?
BLOCH
No. Then comes the main ceremony the Betrothal, with all kind of trappings based on
tradition, like lifting the veil, breaking the glass, etc. The main part of the ceremony is
when the Groom places a ring on the finger of his betrothed saying in Hebrew: You are
hereby consecrated unto me according to the Laws of Moses and Israel. - This is the main
part of the ceremony.
DIETRICH
Do you have to be Jewish to participate in such a ceremony? Could I marry Rachel?
(CONTINUED)
30.
5 CONTINUED: (3) 5
BLOCH
Only a Rabbi can answer such a question. Unfortunately, I am not a Rabbi.
Before he could answer the question Arnold appeared
carrying the horn he received from Joel.
ARNOLD
I got finally the horn from Joel and I think that is time to organize a rehearsal otherwise
we will improvise during emergencies and we could face unpleasant surprises.
DIETRICH
I think that it is an excellent idea. First of all we should establish points of control. The
night watches cannot cover all the territory.
ARNOLD
There are two roads leading toward the forest from the village. The Partisans would
definitely take one of those roads. My feeling is that it will be the main road.
BLOCH
We have to cover both roads otherwise we might miss them.
ARNOLD
We have only on horn for communications. How are we going to do this?
DIETRICH
The watchman of the main road will keep the horn. He will be alerted by the watchman of
the second road. All agree? OK.
DIETRICH
I still have another horn. This horn will be used for signals to attack. This horn will issue
coded signals.
(he pulls the horn out of his pocket)
A long persistent, urgent tone will be the signal of attack. Like this.
(he blows the horn issuing a long pitched sound)
Another sound will be used for assembling the group. Like this.
(The horn emit tru-tru-tru-tru...a broken up signal)
It is interesting to note that ancient Israelis used a ram horn for battle communications,
very similar to the ones used by Dietrich. For example the attack sign called "Tekiah
Gedola" while the assembly signal is called "Truim". It loooks like we going back to our
roots.
ARNOLD
It is very funny, indeed.
DIETRICH
Now it is time to set a date for conducting those exercises.
JOEL
What time of the day are we going to conduct the exercises? At night is no good because
we will not be able to maintain the necessary vigilance. During the day time someone from
the village might be in the forest and witness the whole show.
(CONTINUED)
31.
5 CONTINUED: (4) 5
DIETRICH
Joel, you brought out a valid point. Let's do it at sundown. It's the safest time.
BLOCH
Three days from now, at sundown we will conduct the exercises.
END OF SCENE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6 SCENE 2 ASPIRINS 6
SETTING:
In the dugout.
TIME:
AT RISE:
At right Dietrich stands at the oven and cooking a
meal. Rachel is laying on the bundle of straw,
sweating profusely. She haa hallucinations. The
Blochs enter the dugout.
BLOCH
We are back from the village. We bought both riffles but could not get the aspirins. The
peasants don't use them. Sorry Dietrich but we couldn't help you. How is Rachel?
DIETRICH
Rachel is sick. She has high fever. Where can I get aspirins? Do you know a place?
BLOCH
You have to go to only Pharmacy in this area. You have to go to the city,
DIETRICH
Where is the Pharmacy located?
BLOCH
On the Main street, not far from the Railroad station.
DIETRICH
How close is the Pharmacy to the Police station?
BLOCH
Not too close. Don't tell me that you intended to go to the city. It is a very dangerous.
Don't go. Rachel will make it without the aspirins. She is a strong girl.
MRS. BLOCH
Don't go Dietrich. It is very dangerous. It is like putting your head into the lions mouth. It
is playing with fire.
(CONTINUED)
32.
6 CONTINUED: 6
DIETRICH
I will put on my best uniform and with the riffle I will look like a German Policeman.
Nobody will suspect me of being a deserter.
BLOCH
If you must, go. We will stay with Rachel. Do you have local money to pay for the aspirins?
DIETRICH
I still have the 20 D.M. banknote. Can yo give me some zlotys?
BLOCH
Sure. Here is 50 zloty. It should be sufficient.
Dietrich, takes his riffle, straightens out his uniform
and leaves.
MRS. BLOCH
It is a miracle. Here the Germans are killing millions of Jews and here comes a German
soldier and endangers his life to save a Jewish girl. Go figure this out.
BLOCH
He is in love. That is so simple.
In the meantime Rachel started to moan, she jerks
her body. She has hallucinations. She sweats
profusely and is emitting a stream of disconnected
words. It looks like she is arguing with her father.
RACHEL
Father, what do you want from me? I am a wounded, helpless girl tossed by destiny into
this situation. What shall I do?
BLOCH
Poor thing is fighting with herself, fighting with her conscience. It is a losing battle. She
is in love.
RACHEL (HALLUCINATING)
Father, you believe in preordained Destiny as being God's will. Isn't my jumping the Death
Train, the miraculous saving of my life also God's will. Who am I to fight God's will?
BLOCH
You are right. She is fighting her own conscience. I feel badly that we cannot help her.
What can we do?
Mrs. Bloch approaches Rachel and wipes her
sweating face with a handkerchief.
MRS. BLOCH
Sleep Rachel, sleep. The sleep will do you good. Don't worry, things will work out. Life
will solve all our problems. Sleep child, sleep.
(CONTINUED)
33.
6 CONTINUED: (2) 6
For a minute Rachel is quiet and then starts again her
hallucinations.
RACHEL
Father. I am not abandoning the path of our people. Please accept God's will and stop
asking God to do your will.
MRS. BLOCH
I feel so much with her. She is a deep emotional turmoil. It is like when we lost our baby.
The emotional pain was worse than the physical pain.
Mrs. Bloch starts to look for a towel but could not
find one.
MRS. BLOCH
I will stay with her and you could go and find a towel in our bunker. It should help her.
MR. BLOCH
OK. I am going.
He leaves the dugout.
END OF SCENE
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 SCENE 3- THE BRAWL 7