The Marriage

An One-act Play
by Yi, Kang-baek

Translated by the students of UOS English Drama Research Association, Department of English Language and Literature, Seoul City University, Seoul, Korea under the guidance of Prof. Ryu, Yung-kyun and Prof. Richard McSweeney

This English version of [The Marriage] was first performed in March, 1988 in Seoul, Korea by the members of SCU English Drama Research Association at the Small Auditorium of Seoul City University as the fifth of their annual workshop productions.

COPYRIGHT ¨Ï 1993 by Ryu, Yung-kyun

All Rights Reserved

(Before she says anything, he continues to speak in a rushing Manner.)

Man: What I mean to say is that you are an angel although you don't have any wings with you. When it comes to the matter of ownership, you are my angel. You are mine. That's what I mean.

Woman: You've come to that conclusion already, have you?

Man: (Decisively) Yes, all mine. Just as you have heard it.

Woman: It's far too hasty.

Man: Why? Perhaps, you don't like my assertion?

Woman: Well, it's not that I don't like it but we haven't even said hello to each other yet. How do you do?

Man: (More quickly with emphasis) How much more do you do?

Woman: How are you?

Man: How much more are you?

Woman: My name is...

Man: We'll introduce ourselves to each other later. These days, conclusions come first. Introductions are put off till the end. That's a new custom in the modern world.

Woman: Well, that's certainly new to me.

Man: Yes, that is a way often utilized by a man who has not much to boast of when he encounters a charming Woman and instantly falls in love with her. If he were to introduce himself as he really is -- that is, as a good-for-nothing bum, the Woman would naturally be disappointed with him. Then what'll become of their relationship? It'll be the end of it right then and there.

So I intend to avoid such a regretable situation. We could introduce ourselves to each other after we manage to establish a workable and enriching relationship. It' better that way, isn't it?

Woman: (In spite of himself) I guess so.

( Man and Woman sit down. At the same time, Man proposes to Woman.)

Man: Well, then, let's.... get married.

Woman: Get married? Who will get married? To whom?

Man: Well, you to me, of course. Is there anybody else here?

Woman: We met only a few minutes ago. Are you out of your mind?

Man: Speaking of a few minutes ago, I have much to say about this matter of time. Do you have any idea about how long I have been waiting here for you? In case you have no idea, ask these people here. I wasted one third of my golden time and then......

(Servant makes a sudden dash at Man and takes off Man's shoes. Woman is very puzzled. Man tries to stop Servant but Servant points to his clock as if he would show off the 'legitimacy' of his action. Man fails to stop Servant and lets Servant take his shoes away.)

Man: Please forgive my Servant for his rude behavior.

Woman: What's going on?

Man: The shoes left my feet because time is up.

Woman: I don't understand what you're talking about.

Man: How could you possibly understand what life is all about!

Woman: What do you mean?

Man: No, nothing. Don't you try to learn anything about life. A Woman loves a man when she doesn't know anything about life. A man loves a Woman when he knows something about it.

Woman: (Feeling giddy) I don't know what you're talking about.

Man: Please don't try to understand.

Woman: Would you give me a glass of water, please?

Man: Yes. ( To Servant) Get her a glass of water.

(Servant doesn't move.)

Man: Well, then. Will you lend me a glass of water?

( Servant brings him a glass of water.)

Man: When I told him to get her a glass of water, he just stood there like a rock and didn't even stir, but when I aksed him to lend me a glass of water, he brings it to me. (To Woman) Here you are.

Woman: Thanks.

Man: Don't even mention it. It's not mine. I've just borrowed it from him.

(Woman drinks water.)

Man: Feel any better now?

Woman: No, I feel more or less the same actually.

Man: (Smiling) When you get used to it, you'll feel better.

Woman: Frankly speaking, I ... I had no idea you could be so rich. I just followed the instruction you gave in the telegram to get here. And this is such a gorgeous mansion that I... I hesitated at the gate for quite a while before I came in.

Man: You should have come right in without hesitating.

Woman: No, I hesitated because I was fascinated.

Man: (Smiling) Oh, were you?

Woman: Yes, when I received your telegram, my mother said:

"My sweetie pie, go and meet him righ away.

But if he doesn't seem to be rich, come right back.

If he seems to be rich, you must hang on to him firmly."

Man: Well, what did you say?

Woman: I said, "Yes, mom, I'll do as you say." And I swore with my right hand up.

Man: Did you really? You mean you actually raised your right hand and took an oath?

Woman: That's right.

Man: Do you have any water left in your glass?

Woman: No, I drank it all.

Man: It's a pity you didn't leave any for me.

(Again, Servant dashes to Man and deprives Man of his necktie. Man tries to stop Servant but he is too strong for him. Finally, he allows Servant to take his necktie. Servant carries the necktie out in a mechanical Manner. Woman is surprised at their struggle.)

Woman: What's the matter?

Man: (Smiling, yet gasping for breath) This time, the necktie left my neck.

Woman: (She does not fully understand.) What?

Man: Well, there's nothing to be surprised about. It just means that time has passed. Don't you worry about that. If my neck left instead of the necktie...... (He tries to divert her attention to something else.) Your mother is a very funny Woman. I'm deeply interested in her. I'd like you to tell me some more about this mother of yours who made you swear with your hand up. What's she like? Is she generous and...? Why do you stare at me like that?

Woman: Your necktie...

Man: Well, I don't care about it anymore.

Woman: Why did you let him take it away, (Glaring at Servant who stands at attention near her.) and in such a violent manner?

Man: You're right. I don't like a violent Servant who attacks his master like that. I would much prefer a warm-hearted and generous mother-in-law. What's my mother-in-law like? I mean your mother-in-law? No, I didn't mean... I mean your mother. What's she like?

Woman: But, I...... (She cuts herself short.)

Man: All right. I guess you're worried about the things he took away from me, but I can easily get them back. (In a loud voice, to Servant) Hey, bring it back to me. (Servant does not respond. Man stands up and tiptoes towards Servant. He whispers in Servant's ear.) Then please may I keep it just for five more minutes?

(Servant does not respond.)

Man: Just for five more minutes, please? I implore you.

(Servant shows no reaction.)

Man: Well, all right.

Woman: What did he say?

Man: Oh, he wished me good luck.

(Man plods around between the audience's seats, and sits down in front of a man in full dress with a tie.)