Amidst a violent palace coup, Simon and Grusha share a hurried and formal betrothal. Simon prepares to leave for war while Grusha promises to remain faithful and wait for his return despite the uncertainty of the conflict.
SIMON: Grusha! There you are at last! What are you going to do?
GRUSHA: Nothing. If worst comes to worst, I've a brother in the mountains. How about you?
SIMON: Forget about me. Grusha Vashnadze, your wish to know my plans fills me with satisfaction. I've been ordered to accompany Madam Abashwili as her guard.
GRUSHA: But hasn't the Palace Guard mutinied?
SIMON: That's a fact.
GRUSHA: Isn't it dangerous to go with her?
SIMON: In Tiflis, they say: Isn't the stabbing dangerous for the knife?
Create a free account to explore more
Upgrade to Pro for full access — £6.99/month
Director's Notes
Want expert coaching on this scene?
Browse our curated list of acting coaches, dialect specialists, and more.
Need representation?
Browse verified agents and casting directors in our directory.
How well does this scene match you?
Save your casting profile to see match scores on every scene.
Try Headshot AnalyserGo Pro
£6.99/mo
- ✓ Unlimited scene reading
- ✓ PDF downloads
- ✓ Director's Notes
- ✓ Headshot Analyser
- ✓ Cover Letter Generator
- ✓ Practice Mode
- ✓ Agent Connect
- + 1,000+ scenes
More from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Scene 3 — The Corporal's Philosophy of War
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
A cynical Corporal berates a subordinate for his lack of enthusiasm and perceived insubordination during their march. He delivers a crude, visceral speech defining the 'ideal' soldier as someone who finds sexual gratification in violence and total devotion to their superior.
The Old Man's Wisdom
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Members of two collective farms meet with a government delegate to debate the ownership of a valley following the retreat of Nazi forces. The scene explores themes of heritage versus utility as the characters use humor, hospitality, and tradition to argue their claims to the land.
The Peasant's Resurrection
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
A supposedly dying peasant, Jussup, suddenly sits up and confronts his mother-in-law and guests who are celebrating his expected demise. He drives the wedding/funeral guests away in a rage, leaving his new 'wife' Grusha in a state of shock as the reality of her forced marriage changes instantly.
Grusha's Lament for Michael
from The Caucasian Chalk Circle
Grusha, a young servant girl fleeing with an abandoned noble infant, attempts to buy milk from a cynical peasant. The scene highlights the harsh reality of war-torn poverty as the Old Man exploits Grusha's desperation, forcing her to pay an exorbitant price to keep the child alive.