TheKiss

"The Kiss" Transformations

Robin and Kayla The Kiss By Kate Chopin and _

Harvy, Nathalie and Brantain are at a bar. We see Nat and Bran talking. Nat appears barely interested in the conversation. Bran goes to the bar to get himself a drink. Harvy walks in, grabs Nat and passionately kisses her. Nat seems to be okay with this, even happy about it until she sees Brantain approaching.

Brantain: I believe, I see that I have stayed too long. I – I had no idea – that is, I must wish you good-by.

Bran is standing to the left of Nat's chair while Harvy is to the right.

Harvy: Hang me if I saw him here, Nattie! I know it’s deuced awkward for you. But I hope you’ll forgive me this once – this very first break. Why, what’s the matter? Nathalie: Don’t touch me; don’t come near me. What do you mean by entering the bar without ringing? Harvy: I came in with your brother, as I often do. We came in the side way. He went upstairs and I came in here hoping to find you. We've done this for years, Natty, you and I. The explanation is simple enough and ought to satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable. But do say you forgive me, Nathalie.

Nathalie: Forgive you! You don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me pass. It depends upon -- a good deal whether I ever forgive you.

Harvy exits the bar.

Nathalie: Will you let me speak to you a moment or two, Mr. Brantain?

Bran sits back down beside her and nods.

Nathalie: Perhaps I should not have sought this interview, Mr. Brantain; but – but, oh, I have been very uncomfortable, almost miserable since that little encounter earlier. When I thought how you might have misinterpreted it, and believed things – of course, I know it is nothing to you, but for my sake I do want you to understand that Mr. Harvey is an intimate friend of long standing. Why, we have always been like cousins – like brother and sister, I may say. He is my brother’s most intimate associate and often fancies that he is entitled to the same privileges as the family. Oh, I know it is absurd, uncalled for, to tell you this; undignified even, but it makes so much difference to me what you think of – of me. Brantain: Then you really do care what I think, Miss Nathalie? May I call you Miss Nathalie?

Nathalie: Of course you may. You can call me whatever you like. Nat smiles and slides closer to Bran.

SCENE 2 Nathalie and her friend Abby are sitting at a cafe outside Abby: I don't know how you are going to be able to choose between the two men. You have been in this ongoing tryst with Harvy for years yet you are trying to captivate Brantain for his wealth. Eventually this will end badly. You can not have both. Nat: (Pause) (smiles) I can continue what I'm doing as long as both men continue to want me.

SCENE 3 The wedding In the dressing room, Nat is in her dress and peering at herself in the mirror. Harvy walks in and speaks to Nat from behind her, into the mirror.

Harvy: Your husband has sent me over to kiss you. Nat: (makes eye contact with Harvy in the mirror and smiles)

Harvy: I suppose it’s natural for a man to feel and act generously on an occasion of this kind. He tells me he doesn’t want his marriage to interrupt wholly that pleasant intimacy which has existed between you and me. I don’t know what you’ve been telling him, but he has sent me over here to kiss you.

Nat Turns her face to kiss Harvy but he abruptly stops her. Nat seems confused. Harvy: But you know, I didn’t tell him so, it would have seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I’ve stopped kissing women; it’s dangerous. Harvy exits the room Nat is left alone in the room and returns to the mirror.

Christina and Krista

Cassie Lynch and Allison Haste

** The Kiss **

** By Kate Chopin and Allison Haste and Cassie Lynch **


 * Scene I **
 * // Setting: Women (Nathalie) is sitting in front of fire place, absentmindedly stroking a cat. While a very well dressed man (Brantain) sits in the shadows watching Nathalie. They’re quietly talking, then they pause and another man (Harvy) enters the room. Harvy, wearing middleclass clothing, walks swiftly to Nathalie and kisses her, oblivious to Brantain. //**
 * Brantain: ( // clutching hat, stammering // ) I believe, I see that I have stayed too long. I – I had no idea – that is, I must wish you good-by. ( // Brantain quickly stumbles out of the room) //**
 * Harvy: (//startled//) Hang me if I saw him sitting there, Nattie! I know it’s deuced awkward for you. But I hope you’ll forgive me this once – this very first break. (//Tries to place hand on shoulder)// Why, what’s the matter? **
 * Nathalie: (//removes Harvy’s hand from her shoulder//, //angrily)// Don’t touch me; don’t come near me. What do you mean by entering the house without ringing? **
 * Harvy: (//defensively//) I came in with your brother, as I often do. We came in the side way. He went upstairs and I came in here hoping to find you. The explanation is simple enough and ought to satisfy you that the misadventure was unavoidable. But do say you forgive me, Nathalie. (//He steps between Nathalie and the door)// **
 * Nathalie: Forgive you! You don’t know what you’re talking about. Let me pass. It depends upon” (//side-steps past Harvy)// “-- a good deal whether I ever forgive you. (//storms out of room)// **


 * // Scene II //**
 * // Setting: Outside courtyard, lined with plants. Nathalie approaches Brantain in a frank manner. Brantain looks comically sad. //**
 * Nathalie: Will you let me speak to you a moment or two, Mr. Brantain? (//She hooks her arm with his and pulls him into a corner)// **
 * Nathalie: Perhaps I should not have sought this interview, Mr. Brantain; but – but, oh, I have been very uncomfortable, almost miserable since that little encounter the other afternoon. When I thought how you might have misinterpreted it, and believed things” (//Brantain’s mournful expression turns to very happy//) “ – of course, I know it is nothing to you, but for my sake I do want you to understand that Mr. Harvey is an intimate friend of long standing. Why, we have always been like cousins – like brother and sister, I may say. He is my brother’s most intimate associate and often fancies that he is entitled to the same privileges as the family. Oh, I know it is absurd, uncalled for, to tell you this; undignified even, but it makes so much difference to me what you think of – of me. **
 * Brantain: (//Eagerly)// Then you really do care what I think, Miss Nathalie? May I call you Miss Nathalie? (//Walk down corridor, then walk back. Brantain’s expression is radiant and happy, and Nathalie’s expression is triumphant)// **


 * Scene III **
 * Setting: //Wedding reception, Nathalie is in an extravagant dress. Groups of people are around talking, but none talk to Nathalie at the moment. Harvy saunters over the Nathalie.// **
 * Harvy: (//smiling, leans in and whispers)// Your husband has sent me over to kiss you. (//Nathalie blushes, extends her hand)// **
 * Harvy: (//smirking//)I suppose it’s natural for a man to feel and act generously on an occasion of this kind. He tells me he doesn’t want his marriage to interrupt wholly that pleasant intimacy which has existed between you and me. I don’t know what you’ve been telling him, but he has sent me over here to kiss you. **

Dan and Nate John and Lindsay
 * Harvy: (//Whispers in Nathalie’s ear)// But you know, I didn’t tell him so, it would have seemed ungrateful, but I can tell you. I’ve stopped kissing women; (//Starts to move away)// it’s dangerous. **

Sarah and Anthony

Emily Oesterling and Mysti Eichinger Erin Drake and Titiana Flax