The Love of a Painter
Our play is about Vincent Van Gogh, an artist, and his lover Margot Begemann, and takes place
in Holand. It is introduced with Marie reading a copy of Romeo and Juliet. Once she gets further
into the book, she soon realizes that it is fairly similar to what her best friend went through.
Marie then goes through a flash back of the events that eventually lead to her best friend’s death.
The theme of this play is a romantic one overall. This all takes place during the 1800’s in a
Holland neighborhood. Vincent travels to Holland because his mom (Anna) had a broken leg.
Soon after coming to Holland he meets Anna’s next door neighbor Margot. They went on walks
together and eventually fall in love. Vincent also meets Margot’s best friend Marie, they become
acquaintances, but Marie isn’t so happy with Margot’s decision after Vincent and Paul meet.
Paul is Vincent’s painting partner, but they become more like rivals, since Vincent desperately
wants to reach Paul’s fame level. Vincent starts to change, from a calm person, to an ecstatic and
crazy like person. Vincent’s change also doesn’t help the couple because their parents do not
want them to get married. Margot wants to be the first of her sisters to be married and also really
loves Vincent, but as time progresses, the pressure of the parents causes her to falter, and
ultimately she poisons herself to put herself into a short coma. This is all part of a plan so that
her father, Romek, would believe she is dead, but she would awaken and run away with Vincent.
Vincent decides to stop by at Margot’s house to discuss about their marriage. He finds her laying
on the floor in a coma, but believes that she was killed. Vincent decides to join the love of his
life by killing himself. After Margot awakes from the coma, she notices a dead man on the floor.
She soon realizes that it’s Vincent, and that he has been shot. Margot becomes very emotional
and decides to consume more poison that eventually kills her too. Marie snaps back into reality
from her flashback and immediately breaks into tears. She then continues to read the rest of
Romeo and Juliet.
Vincent Van Gogh (dynamic)
An easily inspired, determined man of 34 is an artist. He is a red head with inner conflicts such
as depression, low self esteem and mental illnesses because he wanted to become more like the
other well-known artists such as Paul Gaugin. At first he was inspired to become like Paul as
well as other well- known artists. Paul and Vincent were going to become artist brothers,
partners, but the two got into many arguments that took an effect on Vincent, and he faces more
inner conflicts. During this time, he falls in love with his neighbor, Romek’s daughter, Margot.
They want to get married but the disagreeing parents from both sides say otherwise. While all
this is going on, Vincent decides to cut off his left ear lobe and gave it to Margot to spite Paul
after another one of their arguments. Vincent faces more inner conflicts and starts to paint at
least one painting a day. Later on, Vincent finds Margot and believes that she is dead, even
though she was put into a coma. He then decides to commit suicide and shoots himself.
Margot Begemann (dynamic)
Born March, 17, 1841. Age 41. She is calm, emotional, passionate, and shy, but outgoing with
friends.She has straight red hair and around 5 feet tall. She is very outgoing, but when it comes
to her parents, she is a very passive person. Since none of her sisters were married, her goal is to
be first in the family to get married. She enjoys nature and paintings. Conflicts were that she
herself was older than Van and was improper at the time for an older woman to get married to a
younger man, which was why the parents didn’t allow for their marriage. Margot is connected to
all characters either by family, or by relationship.She is comfortable with her setting after living
there for so long.
Marie Collins (dynamic)
Born December, 3, 1840. Age 42. She is charismatic, likes to read, outgoing, and nosy, but she
cherishes her friendship with Margot and tries to help her in anyway possible. She has straight
brown hair and is also around 5 feet tall. She is a very compassionate person, but isn’t in favor of
Margot with Van Gogh because of his mental “status”.
She wants her friend to be happy, but her opinion of Van Gogh makes choosing sides difficult.
She is also familiar with her setting.
Paul Gauguin (static)
A great artist at the age of 39 is very influential to others because he is such a well-known artist
during the art movement, Impressionism. Paul has very dark brown hair with a mustache. He is a
respectable man that loves to paint, sculpt, and write. He motivates Vincent Van Gogh to become
a well known artist. The two soon become closer, but then they get into many arguments that
eventually end their friendship and turns them into more of rivals. These arguments then
influence who Vincent becomes.
Romek Begemann (static)
Age 63. He is Margot’s father and is very protective, strict, and narrow-minded,when it comes to
his daughters and is fairly unreasonable with Anna. He is a He is one of the people that deny
Margot and Van Gogh their marriage and causes sorrow and hardship throughout this play. He is
the father of Margot and plays a crucial role to what happens throughout the play. He has short
grey hair is 5’8 and is of medium build, he dresses casually since he spends most of his time at
home.
Anna Cornelia (static)
The mother of Vincent Van Gogh is a woman at the age of 57. She is tall, blonde, and is irritable
when it comes to Romek, the father of Margot. Anna is the one who introduces the two lovers,
Margot and Vincent to each other. Once they fall in love and decide to get married, the attitude
Anna shows towards Margot’s family changes. She disapproves of their marriage and gets into a
fight with Romek because she cares very much for her son and his future.
Characters
-Older Marie
-Housemaid
-Margot
-Anne
-Younger Marie
-Vincent
-Romek
-Paul
Scene 1:
[The scene begins with old, fragile Marie sitting on a rocking chair. Her housemaid comes in and
asks what she wants for breakfast. The kitchen is off left stage. ]
Housemaid: Miss Marie, what would you like for breakfast this fine morning? I have the new
English tea bags that were brought in last night from England. [She gets some silverware,
plates, tea cups, saucers, and napkins and starts setting a table for two.] Would you like to try
it? I can make you toast with some jam if you would like. [She heads over to the kitchen and
looks for the new tea bags and some bread.]
Older Marie: Yes dear, that would be nice. Can you get my favorite jam as well as some butter
for the toast? [Housemaid looks for the butter, jam and toast from the kitchen and places it on
the little table.] Is that the tea you were talking about last week that you really enjoy? If so, bring
me some honey just in case it is too bitter for my taste please. [Marie reaches for her reading
glasses. Housemaid starts brewing some water and gets honey and the tea bags.] Oh, I just
finished my book. Dear, do you have a different book with you that I may read?
Housemaid: The tea isn’t too bitter, so I do not believe that you need too much honey. [She
helps Marie to the table and then reaches into her bag for the new book.] This is one of my
recent favorites so far; it is “Romeo and Juliet” by Shakespeare. [She hands the play to Marie.]
It is about two lovers that could not be together due to their parents. Not to ruin the end of the
story, but Romeo and Juliet, both commit suicide. [She takes the tea and water and pours a cup
of tea for the both of them, and then hands a cup to Marie.]
Older Marie: [Marie grabs the cup and takes a sip and quickly glances at the play. She talks in a
lower slower voice.] This reminds me of a good friend that I had years ago; the same thing
happened to her and her lover. [She sighs, drinks some more tea, and sets down her reading
glasses as well as the play.]
Housemaid: [She puts down her tea and sets her hands on Marie’s.] Is that so? I’m so sorry; I
would have thought they could have worked past that. If it isn’t too much to ask, do tell what
happened.
Older Marie: [Marie hands her tea cup to the housemaid.] Well with a bit more tea and honey,
and then I shall explain what happened. Pour less honey this time dear.
Housemaid: [She takes the tea cup and pours more tea and honey waiting to hear the story that
Marie is about to tell.] Here you go. [She hands her the tea.] So how did everything start off?
[She takes a seat next to Marie.]
Older Marie: [Marie stops for a moment to think about it.] Well I believe that it first started with
my best friend Margot. She had a neighbor. I forgot her name, but she broke her arm falling
down somehow. Margot was such a sweet dear. She took care of... of... oh yes, Anne. That was
her name. Now I remember it all so well.
[The lights slowly fade out and then a new scene appears. It’s Holland of 1884.]
Scene 2:
[In the middle of the stage, there is a wall that separates the two houses. On the right side, it’s
Margot’s house. There is no light on their house, but lighting on Anne’s house. On the left side
of the stage, Anne is in a cast with a broken arm. She is sitting down in a chair, and then
suddenly Margot and the younger version of Marie bursts into the room running.]
Margot and Younger Marie: [Both running into the room shouting.] Anne! Anne!
Margot: [Margot runs and sits right next to Anne’s chair speaking rapidly.] Oh Anne, I heard you
broke your arm! Tell us what happened! Are you okay? Does it hurt? Do tell!
Younger Marie: [Marie comes and sits in the chair beside them and glances over at Margot then
looks back at Anne.] Rather, why don’t you just tell us how we can help you out?
Anne: [Looks at both of the girls.] Oh it’s really nothing. [Anne waves her good hand.] It just
hurts a bit. Margot, do me a favor and write a letter to my son Vincent for me please. [Anne
points with her good arm to the paper and quill on the table.] There is some paper and a quill
with ink right on the table over there. I will tell you what to write in a second.
Margot: But won’t you tell us what [Margot gets interrupted by Marie making a coughing noise.] I
mean, oh sure, that’s the least I can do for you. How should I start the letter off?
Anne: [Anne takes a moment to think.] Well today is April 23, 1884 you can start it off with dear
Vincent.
Margot: [Margot quickly interrupts Anne speaking once again.] Who is Vincent?
Anne: [Anne makes a little laugh.] Oh Margot. Vincent is my eldest son. He currently lives in
Paris, France. My Vincent is an artist you know; he is just starting out as one and is trying to get
more inspiration. According to his letters, he has been lacking the inspiration that he was
searching for in Paris. Now if only he came to Holland, he could help his old mother out and find
that inspiration.
Margot: Oh my, Paris! I heard so many things about that place. People say that it is such a
magnificent city. [Margot gets up and spins around, imagining herself in Paris.] I would
absolutely love to go there some day. [Margot is in her own world.]
Younger Marie: [Marie says impatiently.] Margot, we are supposed to be helping out Anne, not
imagining what France would be like. Please get back to writing that letter.
Margot: [Not paying attention to Marie.] Oh I’m sorry, what were you saying Marie?
Anne: Don’t worry about it Margot, can you just ask Vincent in the letter to come visit me? Also
mention that I broke my arm and that I am in need of his care.
Younger Marie: Hold on a second, are you asking your son to drop everything to come back
from the city of lights to help you? Margot and I can help you ourselves!
Anne: [Anne mumbles quietly under breath] I wouldn’t trust the two of you to take care of me if I
had broken every bone in my body.
Margot and Younger Marie: [They talk at the same time.] Did you say something?
Anne: Oh, it was nothing. [She chuckles nervously.]
Younger Marie: Well, it is getting late, and I have to go home. [Marie collects her stuff.] I’ll mail
the letter on my way back home. [Marie heads to the door, about to leave.] Margot, can you take
care of Anne for tonight?
Margot: Don’t worry, I will stay and take care of her until Vincent arrives.
Younger Marie: Thanks Margot. I will stop by to check on you later Anne. Good bye everyone.
[Marie exits the stage in a rush.]
Anne: [Anne is worried about Margot staying.] Oh no, I could not ask you to stay all night dear.
You can go home and get some rest. If you want, then you can just stop by tomorrow, and it
won’t be long anyway until Vincent arrives. He would probably leave as soon as possible.
Margot: Oh Anne, I could not do that to you. You need as much help as you can get until
Vincent arrives. It wouldn’t look good if I left you, with a broken arm would I? [Margot hurries to
the kitchen.] I’m making a pot of tea. Would you like some?
Anne: [She forces a smile.] Yes, tea would be nice. Do not forget the honey. [Margot exits the
stage and Anne sighs.] Debilitated, old?! The nerve of that girl...
[Anne is starting to get annoyed with Margot and is growing some hatred towards the girl. The
lights fade out, but the stage is set up the same. It changes to the day when Vincent arrives.]
Scene 3:
[The sound of horse hooves and rain pouring begins the scene. It’s late at night and suddenly
there is a knock on Anne’s door. After two more impatient knocks, and the sound of a door
being opened causes the light to fade in to show Vincent outside and Margot opening the door.]
Margot: [She is a little shocked when she sees Vincent.] Oh, hello, you must be Vincent. Anne
said you were arriving at night, but I did not expect that it would be this late. Well, please, come
in. You must be very tired from your trip from France.
Vincent: [He enters the house tired and sore.] I am sorry that I am so late. There were some
difficulties with the journey here. [Margot helps bring in his luggage and other belongings and
sets them in the room and closes the door. Vincent realizes that he does not know this girl.] Oh,
and may I ask, who are you?
Margot: I am so sorry, my name is Margot. [They shake hands.] I live next door and I have been
helping Anne until your arrival. She’s in her room sleeping. Oh, you must be hungry. There is
some soup in the kitchen if you would like some. If you need anything, just stop by next door.
[She collects all her belongings and heads to the door.] I must be going now; my father is
waiting for me. Nice to meet you Vincent. [She smiles.]
Vincent: [He feels overwhelmed with all the information.] Thank you, Margot.
Margot: [She is about to leave but then stops and turns around to face Vincent.] Your mother
has told me so much about you, and I would like to hear about your experience in France and
your love for painting. I’m going for a walk tomorrow morning; would you care to join me?
[Vincent feels a bit overwhelmed and hesitates.] Well I will stop by then. Good night. [Marie
leaves the house and Vincent tries to take in what just happened.]
Vincent: [He speaks quietly.] Good night... [Vincent gets his stuff and looks for a spare room and
the lights fade out.]
Scene 4:
[The stage is still set up the same; just it is early in the morning the next day. Lighting is focused
on Anne’s house and front yard. Margot is outside. Anne is in the kitchen and Vincent is eating
an apple while trying to find inspiration and trying to decide on what to paint on the left side of
the stage. Vincent then goes outside to get some fresh air and sees Margot walking by. He
remembers that she is heading for a walk.]
Margot: Good morning. Have you decided to join me for a walk?
Vincent: [He says hesitating.] Yes, I would like to see the country side, and get some inspiration
for my newest paintings. [He puts down his stuff and heads over to Margot. They go for their
walk.]
[They walk off the stage and the lights fade out.]
[The lights come back on and focus on Anne’s house. Vincent and Margot walk onto the stage.]
Vincent: [He is smiling.] Well, that was a very nice walk. The scenery around Holland is very
beautiful, especially around this time. Its warm weather around summer, so would you like to
accompany me and go to the lake?
Margot: Oh yes, it is very beautiful. [Her face lightens up.] What kind of painting are you going to
create?
Vincent: [He takes a moment to think.] Well I will decide once we get there. How about this
upcoming weekend? You have to get up really early though.
Margot: I don’t believe I have anything happening then, so I would enjoy that. Well, I better head
off. How about a picnic for lunch tomorrow?
Vincent: [He is disappointed.] I’m sorry, but I must take care of my mother tomorrow. Just stop
by another day. [He heads off to his house.]
[The lights fade out and the scene changes back to the setup of the first scene, Older Marie’s
house.]
Scene 5:
[Lights fade in and the housemaid cuts off Marie’s story. She begins to ask questions about the
story so far and what happens next.]
Housemaid: Marie, hold on a moment. If I may ask, when is this story going to get more
interesting? Are Margot and Vincent going to become more than friends? How does all this
connect to Romeo and Juliet’s story?
Older Marie: [She laughs.] Oh, dear, this is just the beginning. The next parts of the story will
introduce more characters and more complications. I won’t reveal too much to you now, but
Margot and Vincent spend plenty of time together. They go on walks, have picnics, and almost
anything else you can think of.
Housemaid: But what happens next? Oh, please do continue your story; I want to hear about
the romance and these other characters that you mentioned.
Older Marie: Well... [She is quiet for moment thinking to herself.] Oh dear, where did I leave off
in my story?
Housemaid: I believe you left off where Vincent and Margot were planning to meet again.
Older Marie: Oh yes, yes. I remember now. Like I said before, they spend plenty of time
together. Vincent and Margot -- Well, I will just skip over to the part where their parent’s get
involved into this situation. So, it starts when Anne hears voices outside and decides to see
what is happening, and she notices Vincent and Margot heading off for another one of their
walks. She waits for them to leave so she can then go over to Rome’s house to discuss some
important matters. [Marie’s voice fades off and then the lights fade as well. It switches back into
the story mode.]
Scene 6:
[. Lighting is focused on Anne’s house and the front yard. Anne is inside while Vincent and
Margot are outside, ready to head off for another one of their walks. She hears people talking
outside and walks to the window and notices Vincent and Margot. She waits until they walk far
enough so that she can then walk over to Romek’s house. The lighting is then focused onto
Romek’s house. Anne heads over to discuss about Vincent and Margot.]
Anne: [She makes her way to the neighbor’s house and knocks on the door with her good arm.]
It’s Anne, open up. I need to speak with you. [Impatient, she knocks on the door again.] Romek!
Romek: [He is getting some water when he hears knocking on the door.] Anne? I’m coming,
hold on a moment. [He takes a quick sip of water and sets the glass onto a table and then
opens the door and takes a deep breath. He speaks calmly.] What is it now Anne?
Anne: [She starts to raise her voice.] What is it now? It’s Margot and Vincent! Have you noticed
anything between the two?
Romek: [He heads back to the table to get his water. He pauses then takes a sip.] No. Now why
do you ask? Is there something important that I need to know?
Anne: [She starts to calm down a bit and talks slower.] Well... she seems to be very interested
in him and what he does.
Romek: [He sets his water down, very puzzled.] Anne, what do mean by that? You know that
Margot is a curious child and tends to get a bit excited when there are new comers, especially
from Paris.
Anne: Yes, I do know, but have you even noticed the way they act towards each other when
they are together? I think they are spending TOO much time if you know what I’m saying...
Romek: [He starts to pay more attention to the conversation they are having.] Well if she’s going
to spend time with anyone, it definitely shouldn’t be Vincent.
Anne: [She reacts defensively] Now what is that supposed to mean Romek? My Vincent can
spend time with anyone, and definitely deserves more than a rude, not so pretty, older woman
such as your daughter Margot.
Romek: [He is shocked that Anne would say such a thing and raises his voice. He walks
towards Anne.] It means that Vincent doesn’t even have a good career; in fact, the only career
that I am aware of would be his paintings. Those paintings are not even good. Margot should
not even be wasting her time on such a man. My Margot needs a dependable young man who
can eventually support a family and is not going to waste his life just painting.
Anne: [She stands there for a moment, stunned at what Romek just said. She tries to take in
everything, then raises her voice and snaps back towards him.] How dare you insult my son!
How dare you!
Romek: I am only speaking the truth. This son of yours is a disgrace. He can barely take care of
himself. I do not understand why you asked him to come and help you. You have a younger son
that is more than capable of taking care of you, according to what you have told me about him.
Anne: [She is speechless for a moment.] Why, I have never been SO--[She stops talking and
turns towards the door where Margot and Vincent enter from.]
[Vincent and Margot enter Romek’s house holding hands to soon come into an awkward silence
in the room where everyone is staring at each other. Anne’s face red and mad while Romek
walks to get his water and takes a sip. After a few moments of silence, Vincent decides to
speak.]
Vincent: [He gets the courage to start talking.] Well... I am getting older with age and would
soon like to spend my days with such a wonderful woman, and-Margot: [She is filled with anticipation to blurt out the news, but calmly cuts off Vincent.] Father,
Vincent and I are deciding to marry. I know we haven’t known each other for that long, but I
want to marry Vincent, the sooner the better.
[Anne and Romek stand there filled with rage and then look at each other then looks at Vincent
and Margot. It becomes very silent once again.]
Anne: [She snaps at Vincent and rushes towards him.] Vincent. We are going home right this
instant. Come now, we shall discuss this later.
Vincent: Mother, what are you doing? Aren’t you happy for the two of us?
Anne: [She stands at the door, impatient.] I said we are going home. [She quickly opens the
door and heads out, slamming the door on the way.]
Vincent: [He lets go of Margot’s hand and embraces her in a hug.] I will be back. I must discuss
something with my mother. [He heads towards the door and takes a quick glance back and exits
the room.]
Margot: [She stands there stunned and confused.] What-- What just happened here? [She looks
over to Romek who just shrugs.]
[Lights fade out.]
Scene 7
[The stage is set up the same, lights focused on Anne’s house with Anne and Romek discussing
inside. Marie stops by to check on Anne just like she said and meets Vincent.]
Younger Marie: [She walks up to the door and knocks twice. Vincent stops talking and gets up
to open the door. The door opens.] Hello, Ann-- Oh, excuse me, I am here to see Anne. My
name is Marie.
Vincent: Oh hello, [He shakes her hand and let’s her enter the house.] please come in. I’m
Anne’s son, Vincent.
Anne: [She is surprised to see Marie entering the room.] Oh Marie! It’s very good to see you
again. I see you have just met Vincent. We were just about to make some tea, would you like
any? [Marie nods.] Please, have a seat. [Marie takes a seat next to Anne.] Vincent, do me a
favor and get another tea cup and make her some tea.
[Vincent gets up and heads to the kitchen to make some tea for Marie.]
Younger Marie: So, Anne, I have come to check up on you, but I see that you have plenty of
help around the house. How is your arm; is it healing?
Anne: Oh it’s healing, just slowly. Thank goodness that Vincent was able to come to Holland
and help me out, [Anne looks around the room and speaks a bit softer.] but that is not what I
want to talk about to you right now.
Younger Marie: [She is a little puzzled.] Oh, then what would you like to discuss with me?
Anne: I will tell you in a moment, but let’s just ask Vincent to leave the house for a while. [She
sees Vincent coming back into the room with tea for everyone. He sets the tea and honey on
the table.] Oh Vincent dear, thank you. Can you do me another favor and go to the market to get
some more bread? I am afraid we are all out.
Vincent: Oh, I will be back soon then. [He heads towards the door and grabs his coat. He takes
a look back and heads out the door.]
Anne: [She waits until she knows that Vincent has walked far enough to continue talking in
normal voices. She then becomes very serious.] This has to do with regards to Margot and
Vincent; have you heard they want to get married?
Younger Marie: [She sits there, shocked.] Really? Well I suppose that was bound to happen,
with all the time they were spending with each other! I’m going to go give my congratulations to
Margot. [She quickly runs out the door before Anne has anything else to say.]
Anne: Wait! [She tries to go after Marie, but she falls in the process and isn’t able to get up. She
then just lies there, disappointed, waiting for Vincent to return home.]
[The lights then move over with Marie running over to Margot’s house. Marie storms into the
house yelling out Margot’s name.]
Younger Marie: Margot! Margot! Where are you? Margo-- Oh there you are. I heard about you
and Vincent. Congratulations! [She runs over and hugs Margot tightly but is pushed away by
Margot.]
Margot: [She says glumly.] Thank you....
Younger Marie: [She is puzzled.] What’s wrong? You should be happy! [She says very
concerned.] Margot, why aren’t you happy? Do tell your best friend. So far you haven’t told me
anything. I had to hear the news from Anne.
Margot: [She looks at Marie with a sad expression.] I’m sorry, I have been spending so much
time with Vincent recently, but I think my dad and Anne are against our marriage. [She slowly
walks over to a chair and sits down. Her hands are on her lap.] We informed them that we
wanted to get married, but then everyone got quiet and Anne stormed out of the house, and my
dad won’t tell me anything.
Younger Marie: Anne stormed out of the house? Why?! She was just telling me about you tw-[Margot cuts her off.]
Margot: I don’t know. I don’t know. [She buries her face into her hands.]
[Marie walks over and gives Margot another hug, rubbing her back. The lights fade out.]
Scene 8:
[The scene is the marketplace. Vincent carrying a bag of bread back to Anne’s house. Paul is
just walking around and sees Vincent and decides to walk over. You hear Older Marie narrating
the story to the housemaid to explain the relationship between Paul and Vincent.]
Older Marie: Vincent had a painting partner named Paul Gaugin. Paul back then, was a much
more successful artist than him. Vincent always wanted to be a well known artist and was
jealous of Gaugin. I believe this is just one of the things that eventually drove Vincent crazy.
Paul: [He notices Vincent while walking around the market in Holland.] Vincent! Vincent!
[Vincent turns around at the sound of his name. He sees Paul waving and walks over to talk.] I
heard you were in Holland and I came here as well since many people say that Holland looks
quite beautiful in summer. I thought that if I came here, we can work on our painting and
become more than just colleagues.
Vincent: [He has an annoyed expression on his face.] Oh. Hello Paul. I do not have much time
dedicated to painting because I have to take care of my mother; she has broken her arm as I
am sure you probably heard. I also am trying to prepare for a wedding. [He starts to walk away.
Paul follows and continues talking.]
Paul: You? Getting married? [He is very shocked and finds it a bit funny.] I would have never
guessed! Now who is this young lady? [They both stop walking to continue with their
conversation.]
Vincent: Yes, I am getting married. He name is Margot, and she is older than me, not younger.
[He remembers about the bread in his hands.] Oh my, I better am going. I have to take this
bread back home for my mother. I will see you around then.
Paul: Sure thing Vincent. Nice seeing you. Oh, before you go, I just wanted to remind you that I
came to Holland to work together on some paintings.
Vincent: Yes, I recall you telling me. I can try to make some time to paint with you. [He pauses.]
Do you know where I am staying?
Paul: [He says with a sad expression.] I am afraid not, but I do have a piece of paper and a
pencil somewhere in my bag... [He looks through his bag and pulls out a scrap piece of paper
and a dull pencil and hands it to Vincent.]
Vincent: [He takes the paper and pencil and writes down his mother’s address then hands it
back to Paul.] That’s my mother’s house and you can stop by later today because I will be
home. Now, I really must go.
Paul: [He reads the address and nods his head.] Sure thing. Nice seeing you! [He puts his
pencil and paper back into his bag and waves his arm as he continues walking around through
the market.]
[They walk their separate ways and the lights fade out.]
Scene 9:
[The scene then changes back to the set up of Scene 1, of Older Marie’s house. The housemaid
has questions about what just happened.]
Housemaid: So what was the relationship between Vincent and Paul? It seems that Vincent was
a bit annoyed at Paul. Can you give me a brief overview of who Paul is?
Older Marie: [She tries to remember exactly who each character is. She talks slowly.] Paul was
a famous painter who also lived in France. He was, in a way, an artist brother to Vincent since
Vincent wasn’t well known. As I stated before, he came to Holland to work with Vincent. It was
mostly by luck that Paul actually found Vincent in the market. I think that Vincent was actually
jealous of Paul’s success. That’s why he seemed annoyed at the sight of Paul in Holland.
Housemaid: So, if this was all happening to Margot, where were you in this?
Older Marie: I was more of a bystander, all of this happened relatively fast and I was there for
my best friend. Vincent and I didn’t know each other personally, I just heard about him from
Margot and Anne.
Housemaid: Oh, well thank you for clearing that up, please continue the story.
Scene 10:
[The scene is the Holland neighborhood. The light is on Anne’s house and the front yard.
Vincent enters and slams the door. He drops the bread on the table and washes his hands.]
Vincent: [grabs a couple of beers which he drinks throughout the scene] Mother, my friend will
be stopping by later to-- [He gets cut off by Anne.]
Anne: Vincent, I need to talk to you about something...
Vincent: [He wipes his hands and walks over to Anne and sits down.] Yes mother?
Anne: [She hesitates to tell him the bad news.] I... I do not approve of your marriage with
Margot.
Vincent: [He sits there shocked and confused.] I don’t understand. Why do you not approve?
What is wrong with our marriage? Margot took care of you when you broke your arm until I was
able to come to Holland. She has been very kind to you ever since you decided to leave France
and move away. I want to be with her; why don’t you approve!? [He starts to fill up with anger.]
Anne: [She sits there with a stern face.] Vincent, it isn’t because of her. It is her age. She is too
old for you, and it is very improper for an older woman to marry a younger man! I understand
that you want to marry, but you must understand why I don’t want you to.
Vincent: [He stares at her angrily.] That’s your reason? Our age difference? Don’t you want us
to be happy? Don’t you want me to be happy?
Anne: [She feels bad for a moment.] Of course I want you to be happy! You are my son! The
main thing is that “difference.” And that difference is your chance for fame and shame. You have
told me that you want to be famous just like the other painters. Don’t you want that? Fame?
Marrying someone older than you would hurt that chance.
Vincent: If that is what it takes for me to be with her, then the fame can wait. Marrying Margot is
more important than being famous. I love painting and I love Margot, but my dreams of being
famous is not going to separate us. I hope you understand that mother. [He gets up and walks
over to where all his art supplies are and grabs it all and leaves the house. He also grabs beer
and walks out of the house.]
Anne: [She is very shocked at what just happened. She then pounds her fist onto the table. She
talks to herself.] Margot... I just hope your father will convince you to be against this marriage.
[Vincent is outside throwing his art supplies everywhere. He is very frustrated and angry and
Romek takes notice. The lights fade out. ]
Scene 11:
[The scene changes back to the Holland neighborhood with a wall in the center of the stage.
The lights are focused on the front yard and Romek’s house. Romek, Margot, and Marie are
talking until they suddenly hear noises outside.]
Romek: [He begins talking in the middle of his sentence.] And didn’t you say he loved painting?
Margot: Yes; it is his life.
Marie: It was, until you came along Margot. [She says smiling. Margot faces her and starts
giggling.] I can’t believe you are getting married! It is all so sudden!
[Vincent in his front yard with all of his art supplies, throwing them on the floor. Romek hears
crashing noises.]
Romek: What is that?
Margot: What is what father? [She has a puzzled look on her face.]
Romek: That noise, outside. [He turns towards Anne’s house, then gets up and walks to the
door and opens it.] It’s Vincent.
[Margot quickly gets up and runs over to the door with Marie following. They peer out of the door
while Romek takes a few steps outside.]
Romek: [He yells towards Vincent.] Vincent! Vincent! [He gets Vincent’s attention.] Why are you
making so much noise?
[Vincent looks over to where the shouting voice comes from and continues to drink beer]
Romek: [He turns to face Margot.] The nerve of that boy, ignoring me, and just drinking his
worries away. [He goes back inside the house.]
Marie: I think you better talk to Vincent. Be careful, he does look very angry.
Margot: [She has a scared expression on her face.] Marie, must I talk to him now?
[Marie nods and gives Margot a little push and then closes the door. Margot looks back then
decides to slowly walk over to Vincent.]
Marie: Vincent? Are- Are you okay? [She slowly approaches him and places her hand on his
shoulder.]
Vincent: [He quickly turns around and notices Margot. He seems a bit crazy.] She... She does
not approve not at all. [He continues throwing around everything and stomps on it as well.]
[Margot backs away cautiously and bumps into a man. Scared, she turns around to see who. He
greets her with a smile.]
Paul: Hello, I am Paul. I am looking for Vincent. He gave me this address. [He reaches inside
his pocket to get the scrap piece of paper and then hands it to Margot.] Can you tell me if I am
nearby? I am having a difficult time navigating through Holland.
Margot: [She takes the paper and reads the address.] You are at the place. His house is the one
right over there. [She points to Anne’s house and then hands back the paper to Paul.] Vincent is
quite busy right now, but I can tell him that you stopped by after he calms down. [She looks
nervously at Vincent then Paul.]
Paul: Oh my! What is going on? Why is Vincent throwing his art supplies everywhere and
destroying them? I came by to discuss about our next paintings. And, I did not catch your name
miss.
Margot: My name is Margot. [She reaches out to shake hands.] I think it would be best if you
come back because I do not know when he will calm down.
Paul: Does Vincent normally act like this?
Margot: [She has a sad expression.] No not at all. This is actually the first time I have seen him
act so strange. I asked him what was wrong and he was mumbling something about not
approving.
Paul: Do not worry, I shall talk to him. Just wait here for a moment. [He walks over to Vincent.]
Vincent, it is Paul. What on earth are you doing here? Why are you destroying everything?
Vincent: [He is mumbling to himself and is stumbling from side to side. He is drunk.] Who... [He
hiccups] are you? [Vincent stumbles toward Paul].
Paul: [He steps back and catches Vincent.] It’s Paul, your partner?
Vincent: Oh, I don’t like that name... Paul. [He pushes Paul out of the way.]
Paul: [He stumbles back.] Vincent, you shouldn’t be up and around, let me help you in to your
house.
Vincent: I don’t need your help Paul, I don’t need your help for anything, and maybe I don’t want
to go back in that house, with that WOMAN. [He turns around and continues to throw his art
supplies around all over the floor and drinks more beer.]
Paul: [He walks over to Vincent and grabs his shoulder to make Vincent face him.] Vincent, stop
destroying all of your art supplies, you have a future ahead of you.
Vincent: [He punches Paul in the face and then looks at his fist.] Don’t tell me what to do! Just
because you’re more famous does not mean you can boss me around.
Margot: [She is watching everything that is happening and then rushes over and pushes Vincent
away from Paul. She faces Paul with a concerned expression.] Paul come inside I will be there
in a moment. [She faces Vincent with an angry expression.] What are you doing? He’s only
trying to help you!
[Paul runs over and punches Vincent in the stomach. They both start fighting and Margot runs to
get Romek. Romek comes and stops the fight.]
Romek: [Romek walks over from his house and says with a stern voice] you [points to Paul] go
home. Vincent, you need to calm down. [Turns to Margot] This is what you don’t need; I am now
against this marriage more than ever because having a drunkard in this family is a bad idea!
[End scene]
Scene 12:
[The scene switches back to Old Marie and the housemaid. Marie talks about Vincent and how
he changes who he is. She also explains how Margot reacted to what recently just happened in
the story.]
Housemaid: Hold on a moment. So, does that mean the wedding is now off?
Older Marie: Sadly, yes. Margot was just depressed and crying about everything and venting to
me about it. After Romek stepped in, she came back into the house full with tears trying to make
out words. I could barely understand what she was saying.
Housemaid: What was she saying, well that is if you remember.
Older Marie: I remember. Oh yes, I remember quite well. She told me about the fight and how
Vincent got drunk and how Romek had to step in and end it. She felt everything was going in
the wrong direction, the marriage, Vincent. Everything. Later on, Vincent tried to prove to
Romek that he was a good artist. Vincent bought more art supplies and created more paintings
and tried to sell them in the market. No one bought his paintings.
Housemaid: He never even sold one? That must have felt terrible not being able to sell anything
and not being able to marry his loved one.
Older Marie: Yes, this kind of stress brought him close to madness. As the days progressed, his
mental status increased and he completely changed. He was still mad at Paul, and they haven’t
really talked since.
Housemaid: He changed? How so?
Older Marie: He continued to drink, which often got him into more arguments with Paul, Romek,
and Anne. Also, he was having some issues with Margot. Vincent started talking to himself and
mumbling. When he painted, it had to be perfect. The lighting and what time of day, and the
colors. He spent most of his time outdoors, painting, being by himself. Vincent was painting at
least one painting per day from then on, yet no paintings were bought.
Housemaid: Now how did affect his relationship between Margot and his mother, Anne?
Older Marie: Well, he lived with his mother when he moved to Holland, but eventually he moved
into a small little house. Paul and Vincent tried working things out and eventually Paul was
thinking about visiting Vincent, but he never came. Vincent waited and waited. He tried to kill
some time by painting.
Housemaid: [She cuts Marie off.] Marie...
Older Marie: Oh my, am I rumbling on again? I’m sorry. What I was talking about?
Housemaid: You were going to tell me about Margot and Vincent’s relationship after that.
Older Marie: Oh yes, I was saying. Since Vincent wasn’t getting any progress on his part,
Margot decided to create a plan. Her plan involved taking some poison.
Housemaid: So what happened? Did she take the poison?
[Marie pauses for a second to remember.]
Housemaid: You don’t remember?
Older Marie: I’m old dearie. I did forget, I just do not remember at this point. Do you honestly
think I would completely forget the biggest event that happened to my best friend? {Angrily}
Housemaid: I’m sorry it is just that you are getting old and...
Older Marie: Anyways, Margot decides to take the poison. Vincent and Margot just finished
another argument. Vincent wanted to apologize and make it up to her, so he stops by her
house. He enters the house and its quiet, and then Vincent decides to look for Margot. When he
finds her, he sees her lying in bed with the poison right by her. He takes a moment and comes
to the conclusion that she has committed suicide. He comes to tears and mopes around.
Housemaid: What happens after that? Did Margot really kill herself?
Older Marie: I am getting to there. Well turns out she did not kill herself. She just put herself into
a coma, and she did not think that Vincent would have stopped by. Vincent is mad at himself
because he believed that he brought her to killing herself. He could not stand the thought of that
so he decided to commit suicide as well.
Housemaid: Wait why did she put herself in a coma without telling him?
Older Marie: [sadly] that was my fault, I was supposed to tell Vincent, but I could not find him in
time. I came back to see Margot next to the bottle of poison, I tried to wake her up, but she
wouldn’t, I heard Romek coming so I grabbed the bottle and pretended that I found her body.
After her body was moved, she woke up and I told her what happened, she was so depressed
she took the bottle from me and drunk it all.
Housemaid: That’s terrible! Both of them died!
Older Marie: [crying] it was all my fault that both of them died.
Housemaid: I’m so sorry, [tries to comfort Marie]
END