FILUMENA MARTURANO (2015) – ENGLISH SUBTITLES
DRAMATIS PERSONAE, in order of appearance
First Woman / 2nd Filumena (Act 1, Scene 5; Act 3, Scene 3)
First Man / 2nd Domenico (Act 3, Scene 3)
Second Man / 2nd Alfredo (Act 1, scene 5)
Third Man
Second Woman
Doorman
Filumena Marturano, not-quite-servant not-quite-lover to Domenico
Rosalia Solimene, Domenico’s maid and Filumena’s confidant
Alfredo Amoroso, Domenico’s servant
Domenico Soriano, a rich confectioner
Diana, Domenico’s young fiancée
Teresina, a seamstress
Nocella, a lawyer
Doctor / Priest / Passerby (Act 3, scene 1) / Cameraman (Act 3, scene 8)
Lucia, a housemaid / Customer, a lady with whom Riccardo flirts
Umberto (young - Act 1, scene 5; Act 3, scene 1; adult), orphaned son of Filumena, student
Riccardo (young - Act 1, scene 5; Act 3, scene 1; adult), orphaned son of Filumena, glove salesman
Michele (- Act 1, scene 5; Act 3, scene 1; adult; Altar Boy - Act 1, scene 4), orphaned son of
Filumena, mechanic
SETTINGS
Domenico’s House:
· Main Hall (containing an entrance and a phone booth)
· Kitchen
· Dining Room
· Filumena’s Bedroom
· Domenico’s Bedroom
· Lawyer’s Office/Domenico’s Study
· Sacristy
Dress/Atelier Shop
Gas Pump
Glove Shop
Street level
1
ACT ONE
SCENE ONE
The play opens with Filumena watching her sons at their jobs: Umberto is seen reading the
paper on the bench. Michele is seen taking cigarette from uniform pocket, he smokes as he stands
with hand in pocket. Riccardo is walking at street level, a stack of boxes in hand as he looks First
Woman as she walks by him. All three men, at the same time, stop to eat a pastry. Riccardo gets
icing sugar all over his face. Filumena is no longer willing to watch them from a distance.
Feeling weaker as she looks upon them, she faints. The boys exit the stage. Passersby notice and
a commotion at the entrance to the house of Don Domenico Soriano ensues. Filumena,
unconscious, is carried inside by a group of townspeople.
First Woman. Who is it? What’s wrong?
First Man. Someone has fallen ill!
[Confused chattering.
Second Man. We have to hurry!
Third Man. I’ll take her!
Second Man. Gently, gently! Slowly!
[A crowd of men and women gather around Filumena,
with the men carrying her towards the house.
Third Man. Give me a hand!
Second Man. Help her!
First Woman. Who is it?
Second Man. It’s Lady Filumena...
Second Woman. Mother of God, how pale she is!
First Woman. How did this happen?
Third Man. At the bakery, all of a sudden someone yelled out: “Lady Filumena is having an
attack!” Clear the way, let us pass through!
First Man. In the house! Attention in the house! Rosalia!
Second Woman. When she entered this morning, I saw that she wasn’t the same. It’s already been
a few days that she hasn’t been herself. She hasn’t eaten for 15 days, the poor woman! Always
looking the paler, until you can only see the eyes in her face.
Doorman. An armchair! Let her have some air.
[First Man picks up chair from outside of glove shop.
Filumena is placed upon the chair and lifted.
Enter Rosalia onto the balcony.
Rosalia. Holy Mary! What–
First Woman. Lady Filumena has fallen ill!
Rosalia. Oh, Mother of God!
[Rosalia descends the stairs.
2
Second Man. But really, what a workaholic... She’s passed her whole life in that bakery.
Rosalia. Lady Filumè... What did it to you, how did this happen?
Second Man. In the bakery... She fell ill in the bakery!
Rosalia. Oh mother, I felt it, I felt it! Take her upstairs, gently... gently. [to Third Man] A doctor!
And we need to alert Don Domenico as well. Alfrè!
Everyone. Alfredo!!!
[Enter Alfredo onto the balcony.
Alfredo. What is it, what’s going on?
First Woman. Lady Filumena has fallen ill!
[Alfredo descends the stairs.
Rosalia. Hurry up! Get down here, get down here!
Alfredo. Oh my goodness...
Rosalia. Run to tell Don Domenico and call a doctor, go!
Alfredo. But how am I supposed to do that? Don Domenico has the car...
Rosalia. Then take a taxi, go!
[Exit Alfredo hurriedly.
Rosalia [to the men]. Slowly... gently... slowly... gently. Don’t hurt her.
[The men carry Filumena into the house.
Like that... like that... slowly... gently... slowly. Gently, I’m telling you!
Doorman. You’re going to bring the armchair back down to me afterward, right?
Third Man. Oh sure, you’re worried about the armchair.
Rosalia. Gently, I’m telling you. Oh, I felt it, I felt it! Slowly, gently. Look here, her hands are so
cold, the poor girl. Oh, Don Domenico... he’ll be so upset, I wonder what he’s going to say about
all of this!
Second Man. I didn’t even think of him.
Rosalia. Oh, how this will hurt him...
[Exeunt all.
SCENE TWO
Domenico is at a shop with Diana, preparing for their marriage as lively music plays. Nocella,
the lawyer, sits at a small table. Domenico faces the audience as if looking into a mirror, trying
on a ridiculous flower hat. He stands smoking with his hand in his pocket, mimicking the earlier
shot of Michele. Teresina, the seamstress, is helping Diana to try on her wedding dress.
3
[Domenico chooses another ridiculous hat.
Domenico. This one’s good. Diana, where are you?
Diana. Mimì!
Domenico. Let me see you. Oh, there’s a defect.
[Domenico points to a spot on Diana’s wedding dress.
Teresina. What defect?
Domenico. There’s a defect.
Diana [parroting him]. There’s a defect.
Domenico. Shame on you if this one here...
[Domenico takes Diana by the shoulders.
This treasure of mine is getting married
[Domenico kisses Diana.
before the altar next Saturday, she needs to look more beautiful than the Madonna...
[Enter Alfredo with a handkerchief to his mouth.
He looks around the shop nervously.
Domenico [to Nocella]. How did it go with the deal? Don’t forget about that two hundred million
in cash.
Nocella. Yes, yes, it should be finalized soon, everything’s in order.
[Alfredo looks to the two men.
Alfredo. Don Dummì?
[Alfredo dries his eyes on his handkerchief and goes to the atelier.
Alfredo [whispering]. Excuse me?
[Alfredo sees Diana changing and stares.
Diana sees Alfredo watching and covers herself.
Domenico is sitting at a desk with Teresina, writing a cheque.
Domenico. The wedding dress?
Teresina. One hundred eighty thousand.
Domenico. And the hats?
Teresina. Both of them?
Domenico. Yes, both of them.
Teresina. Sixty thousand lire.
Alfredo. Don Dummì!
Domenico [looking up briefly]. What do you want?
Alfredo. It’s Lady Filumena... she’s ill...
4
[Domenico looks at him, rolls his eyes,
sighs and throws the cheque book on the table.
He stands and moves to speak with Alfredo privately.
Domenico. So take her home. Call a doctor.
Alfredo. I called him but... she’s really sick. She won’t speak.
Domenico [sarcastically]. Oh, then she must be very sick indeed!
Alfredo. She’s in agony.
Domenico. Alfrè! I’m here discussing important matters and you come to me –
Alfredo [seriously]. Don Dummì, it’s true!
[Domenico rolls his eyes again and moves towards the exit.
Domenico [muttering under his breath]. She never leaves me a moment’s peace, ever!
[Domenico addresses the lawyer at the table.
Lawyer... I have to step out for a couple of minutes. Continue to work on the transfer. However...
This shop, the two pastry shops and the bakery on Forcella St.: I have to sell everything together
because I’m getting married
[Alfredo comes to Domenico’s side.
Domenico pushes him towards the exit.
Diana returns to her place at the cash register.
and moving to Rome. Now excuse me, I will go and return... [to Diana] Goodbye.
Diana. Goodbye.
[Domenico looks at the audience again as
if looking into a mirror and fixes his hair.
Exeunt Alfredo and Domenico.
SCENE THREE
Domenico returns to the house, where he is greeted by the Doctor.
Rosalia and Lucia watch from a distance.
Filumena is abed in her bedroom.
Doctor. Mr. Soriano...
Domenico. Yes...
Doctor. I am a bit perplexed. If it is okay with you, I would like to do a consultation...
Domenico. We’ll do it, we’ll do it. Whatever’s necessary.
Doctor. I was thinking of asking Professor Brinati from the university. But, unfortunately, he has
a lecture in the morning.
[Domenico nods in agreement.
Domenico. That’s fine, we’ll have him come in the afternoon.
5
Doctor. Yes, but... no, considering the condition of the patient... to wait until the afternoon...
Domenico. But it’s that serious?
Doctor [gravely]. Mah...
Domenico. Oh, Jesus.
[Domenico sits down on a chair, lost in thought.
Church bells can be heard ringing within.
Domenico. Then what will we do?
Doctor. What do I know?
Domenico. Aren’t you a doctor?
Doctor. Eh. I will try to reach Professor Carrocci... Stay calm, he’ll know what to do.
Domenico. Do everything that can be done, even the impossible! Don’t worry about the money!
Doctor. Stay calm, now.
[Doctor heads towards the door.
[to Rosalia] You, go to the patient.
Rosalia. Right away, Doctor.
[Lucia gives the Doctor his hat.
[to Lucia] Don Domenico doesn’t look too well. Make him a coffee.
Lucia. Okay.
[Enter Alfredo excitedly, holding up a package.
Alfredo. The injection!
[Alfredo heads towards the bedroom.
Domenico and the servants follow along.
Rosalia comes out from the bedroom, snatches the injection from
Alfredo’s hand and closes the door behind her, leaving Domenico outside.
Domenico looks at Alfredo confused. A heavy silence falls.
Lucia. Oh, the coffee.
[Rosalia exits the bedroom, but as Domenico makes to
enter she waves a finger in his face to stop him.
Filumena [weakly]. Domenico!
[Domenico enters the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Domenico goes to Filumena’s bedside.
She stares blankly at him, as though in a daze.
Domenico. Filumè.
Filumena. Muh?
Domenico. What did you do to yourself?
[Filumena slowly turns her head towards him.
The professor is coming now. We’ll do a consultation and you’ll get better.
6
Filumena [disorientedly]. No, no.
Domenico. What do you mean, “no”? Of course you’ll get better.
Filumena. Not the professor, the doctor.
Domenico. The doctor was already here.
Filumena. Ah, right. Eh... no, no... I want the priest.
[Speechless, Domenico turns and leaves the bedroom.
Alfredo. How is she?
Domenico. She wants the priest.
Alfredo. The priest!
[Rosalia grabs Alfredo roughly, sending him off.
Exit Alfredo.
Rosalia. Run to the parish church at San Cipriano. Ask for Don Alfonso...he was her confessor.
[Rosalia begins to cry and returns to the bedroom.
Once more Domenico tries to follow her, but she closes
the door in his face. Domenico sits silently down.
Lucia. The doctor told me to bring you a coffee because you’re not well either...
[Lucia places a coffee on the table by Domenico.
Domenico. Did you put sugar?
Lucia. Two teaspoons. Then... Lady Filumena is really that sick?
[Domenico nods sombrely.
Lucia slowly leaves the room sobbing.
Domenico rests his arm by the coffee, nods off.
FADE OUT.
SCENE FOUR
FADE IN. Domenico knocks a tablespoon off the table, causing him to wake up. The Priest has
arrived and is inside the bedroom, attending to Filumena. Rosalia, Alfredo, and Lucia anxiously
wait behind the bedroom door.
[Priest exits the bedroom and closes the door behind him.
He ignores the crowd and walks over to Domenico, shaking his head.
Domenico. Father...
Priest [shrugging with resignation]. Eeh!
Domenico. Is she really... at the end?
[Priest nods and walks past Domenico.
I feel like I know him from somewhere... mah.
7
Rosalia, Alfredo, Lucia [shrugging in unison]. Eeh!
Priest. My son...
[Priest removes his raiment and kisses it.
Priest and Domenico stand apart from the others.
My son... Be honest: do you care for that woman?
Domenico. We’ve been together for many years... You know our story.
Priest. Eh, I know it... I know... I know everything.
[Priest leads Domenico to the bedroom.
Rosalia, Alfredo, and Lucia follow them.
Filumena waves Domenico over to her.
Filumena [weakly]. Dummì... Come...
[Rosalia eagerly pushes Domenico towards the bed.
Rosalia [whispering to Domenico]. Go, go, go.
[Priest and Altar Boy enter bedroom - begin to prepare for wedding.
Altar Boy is to shadow priest, but doesn’t follow instructions well.
Domenico watches uncertainly as Rosalia and
Alfredo help the Priest change into white robes. Filumena grabs at
Domenico’s sleeve to get his attention and he gives her his hand.
Filumena pins Domenico’s hand firmly to the bed.
The Priest, now clad in marriage robes, approaches the bed.
Rosalia takes a pillow from the wardrobe and places it on the floor,
then shoves Domenico down so that he is kneeling at Filumena’s bedside.
Rosalia. Alfrè, here.
[Rosalia and Alfredo stand at the foot of the bed,
assuming the role of best man and maid of honour.
Alfredo clumsily knocks over something behind him
and begins to cry in a whiney and distracting tone.
Rosalia [hissing to Alfredo]. Be quiet.
[Alfredo covers his mouth with a handkerchief.
Everyone looks at him with condescension.
Priest. Do you, Domenico Soriano, wish to take as your legitimate spouse the here present
Filumena Marturano under the rite of the Holy Roman Church?
[Domenico looks around wide-eyed.
Filumena discreetly glares at him with expectation.
Domenico. Yes.
8
Priest. And do you, Filumena Marturano, wish to take as your legitimate spouse the here present
Domenico Soriano under the rite of the Holy Roman Church?
[Filumena struggles to speak.
Everyone watches in suspense.
Filumena [taking a deep breath]. Yes...
[Alfredo resumes crying, breathing heavily.
Rosalia elbows him in the side.
Rosalia. Shut up.
[Priest takes Filumena and Domenico’s hands
and blesses them with the sign of the cross.
Priest. I declare you husband and wife...
[Priest too begins to cry and rushes out of the bedroom.
Altar Boy and Lucia follow him out. Rosalia yanks Domenico back to his feet,
beats the dust off of the pillow and places it back in the wardrobe.
Everyone leaves Filumena alone in the bedroom.
Rosalia. Don Alfonso, fix your hair.
Priest. Right.
Rosalia [to Lucia]. You, go over there.
[Rosalia points Lucia to the kitchen sink.
[to Altar Boy] And you, come over here.
[Rosalia leads the Altar Boy to the counter,
where she cuts him a very large slice of cake.
Priest takes Domenico by the arms and speaks privately to him.
Lucia begins to wash the dishes and accidentally breaks a plate.
Lucia. Oh my God!
[Lucia turns and raises her hands to her mouth in surprise.
Rosalia gives her a stern look, then gives the cake to the Altar Boy.
Rosalia. Here, eat.
[Rosalia, crying, leads the Altar Boy to the door.
Altar Boy takes a bite of the slice of cake.
Domenico leads the Priest to the door.
Priest. Well done, my son, well done. You’ve done a good deed.
[Rosalia opens the door for the Priest.
She takes his hand and kisses it, bowing.
She then ushers the Altar Boy through the door.
There shall be one more soul in Heaven.
9
Rosalia. Don Alfonso, thank you. Thank you.
[Rosalia ushers the Priest through and closes the door.
Domenico looks at his watch while her back is turned.
Rosalia signals to Alfredo to join her in the kitchen.
Domenico goes to the telephone, on his way, picks up a pastry, his face is dirtied by it.
He dials Diana’s telephone number, whose voice is heard within.
Domenico [looking over his shoulder repeatedly]. Hello Diana, is that you?
Diana. Yes, dear. Have you finished?
Domenico. Yes, yes... I’ve almost finished... What has happened there? Has the lawyer finished
the transfer?
Diana. Seems like it. The lawyer’s waiting for you at his office... Two hundred million in cash
and the rest in promissory notes...
[Diana sees the glare of her bosses and sighs.
Also, Mimì, the typographer would like the wording for the wedding invitations.
Domenico. <inaudible; Well, that’ll have to wait.>
Diana [pouting]. No, no, it’s urgent, Mimì.
Domenico. Yes, I know... but it’s not a big deal... At the most, our friends will receive them after
we’re married... and nothing will change...
[Filumena opens the curtains and stands behind Domenico.
Domenico does not notice and continues speaking with Diana.
Diana. <inaudible; How much longer until you’re coming back here?>
Domenico. I don’t know... I don’t know, maybe in a little bit...
Diana. <inaudible; Is she really that sick?>
Domenico. Yes... the poor woman is on her deathbed...
Filumena. Ah ha! On the phone? You must be talking to that floozy!
[Domenico looks up from the phone, eyes wide open, shocked.
Dummi, I’m right here... “The poor woman” is right here... alive! Oh, how the Madonna has
blessed me: we’re husband and wife! Heh heh!
[Filumena throws the curtains shut on Domenico’s face.
Domenico gets tangled in the curtains as he chases after her,
throwing them aside angrily.
Lucia. The Lady’s feeling better–ah!
[Domenico grabs Lucia by the hair and tosses her aside.
Rosalia and Alfredo watch confused as Domenico charges into the kitchen.
Domenico [yelling]. Filumèeeeee!
Filumena [yelling back at him]. Hey! What do you want?! And clean your face, you’re worse
than a child!
10
[Domenico wipes his face.
Filumena has the fridge open,
from which she takes a bowl of pastina.
Domenico. A trick! But how did you do it?!
Filumena. Eh, how many things haven’t you been able to do...
[Filumena sits down at the table and eats.
I allowed you to replace the cashier one, two, three times. The first time, I let it slide: “Filumè,
you need to rest” – and fine, we rested. The second, thankfully, she left you... And now with the
third, you wanted to get married... to that floozy...
[Domenico turns on Rosalia, Alfredo, and Lucia.
Domenico grabs and begins beating Alfredo.
Domenico [angrily]. And you! All of you knew about it!!
Alfredo. Don Dummì, for the love of God!
Rosalia. I knew nothing!
Domenico [yelling]. You knew about it! ...Out! Out of my house! [to Lucia] You get out! [to
Filumena] ...And you as well!
Filumena [yelling back at him]. I am in my house, beneath the conjugal roof and not even the
police will move me from here.
Domenico [hissing at her]. Rotten woman... A rotten woman you were, and so you’ve remained!
Filumena. Be careful, you’re talking about your wife...
Domenico. What wife... What wife?!
[Filumena points to herself.
Filumena [with her mouth full]. Yours, the Mrs. Soriano: that’s me. Me!
Domenico. You and I... You and I... I’ll kill you and pay three dollars in restitution! After all,
that’s what a woman like you is worth: three dollars.
[Domenico turns back to Rosalia, Alfredo, and Lucia.
[yelling] And these two scoundrels that gave you a hand... I’ll kill all of you!
Filumena. Well in that case, let’s have a massacre...
[Domenico throws Alfredo out of the way and goes to the clothes rack.
Domenico [hysterical]. The gun... Where’s my gun?
Rosalia [shocked]. Oh, Madonna of Mount Carmel!
[Filumena stands by the startled group,
bowl in hand and continuing to eat.
Filumena [calmly]. Now don’t make a mess, there are freshly ironed shirts in there!
[Domenico struggles with the pockets of his jackets.
He sees his face in the mirror and stares.
11
Domenico [hissing]. Idiot... idiot... You’re an idiot and a scumbag!
[Domenico pulls and tips the rack onto himself and shouts.
Rosalia and Alfredo run over to help him.
Alfredo. Oh my goodness!
Filumena [exasperated]. Screw you!
Rosalia. St. Januarius!
[Domenico is pinned beneath the clothes,
grunting, disoriented.
Rosalia. Blessed Mother of God!
Alfredo. Don Dummi, what have you done?
Domenico. Go away! [wincing in pain] My knee! My heart!
[Enter Doctor hurriedly.
My heart... my heart...
[Doctor sees Filumena standing there nonchalantly,
continuing to eat. He slowly comes to a stop, confused.
Filumena [her mouth full]. He’s over there.
[Filumena nods in the direction of Domenico on the floor.
Doctor. Who is over there?
[Alfredo rushes over to the Doctor.
Alfredo [breathlessly]. Don Domenico... Don Domenico... He’s having a heart attack... He’s
dying!
[Doctor looks at Alfredo confusedly,
then head to Domenico beneath the clothes.
Filumena [condescendingly]. He’s not dying, Doctor. That one won’t die! A person that doesn’t
have a heart can’t have a heart attack!
[Filumena slams the spoon into the bowl and places it atop the fridge.
She opens the fridge and takes out a basket of apples.
Sitting back down at the table, she begins skinning an apple.
SCENE FIVE
A flashback occurs here. 2nd Alfredo and 2nd Filumena are seen walking down the street.
2nd Alfredo. Lady Filumena, I’ll marry you and your son.
2nd Filumena. Alfre’, please.
[Enter Three Boys who cross in front of 2nd Alfredo and 2nd Filumena.
Umberto is carrying a newspaper under his arm.
Michele has a candy in his pocket which he takes out at centre stage.
12
Three Boys. Good day, sir.
2nd Filumena. Good day, Riccardo, Umberto, Michele. [to Alfredo] Besides, you don’t know the
half of it... I have another two.
[Alfredo nearly faints.
Young Michele. Madam, did you bring us pastries like last time?
2nd Filumena. Of course.
[2nd Filumena motions to Alfredo to give the boys the pastries.
The Three Boys begin to devour them.
2nd Filumena wipes the sugar off of Boy Riccardo’s face.
Slow down. Be careful or you’ll give yourselves a stomachache.
[Alfredo watches on.
Three Boys. Thank you, ma’am. We’ll see you again soon.
[Exeunt boys.
2nd Filumena waves.
2nd Filumena [to Alfredo]. Alfre’, thank you, but you can’t give them what they need.
[Alfredo breathes a sigh of relief.
Don Domenico is the only one that can do it.
SCENE SIX
Domenico has been freed from the clothes and he storms back over to Filumena in the kitchen.
Rosalia and Domenico bicker incomprehensibly as he goes.
Rosalia. You shouldn’t be up!
Domenico. I’m fine, get out of the way... I’m fine... my slippers!
[Domenico searches everywhere for his slippers in a fury.
He leans against the wall for stability, head is covered in Rosalia’s extra large underwear.
Filumena continues to skin an apple, unconcerned.
Rosalia. Oh my goodness.
[Rosalia hands Domenico his slippers,
tears her undergarments off of Domenico’s head.
Domenico. Get out of here, you!
Rosalia. No!
Filumena. Go on, Rosalia...
[Rosalia leaves them alone.
13
Domenico. Only a woman like you could have managed to make it this far... You just couldn’t
help yourself, twenty-two years couldn’t change you... I’ll sue all of you. I’ll expose you for the
con artists that you are, each and every one: you, the doctor, and the priest. As soon as I tell them
the truth about you, who you were and where I picked you up from, they’ll all say that I’m right.
And I’ll destroy you, Filumè, [yelling] destroy you! Oh God!
[Domenico puts a hand to his forehead,
wincing in pain at a headache.
Filumena. Sit down, go on.
[Domenico sits.
Are you finished?
[Filumena takes a bottle of wine and yanks the cork off masculinely.
She pours herself a glass of wine.
First: where you got me. And yet where I was, you would also come. Point.
[She takes a sip from the glass of wine.
Second: that I tricked you, alongside the doctor and the priest... They didn’t know anything.
Even the doctor believed me; he had to believe me! After spending twenty-two years with you,
any woman would have been left in agony. Yes, because for those twenty-two years I’ve been a
servant to you! I’ve been your policewoman, managing all of your business from the bakery on
Forcella St. to the pastry shops. I took better care of your household than even a wife would have
done. I washed the feet of both you and your mother, peace be on her soul! And not just now that
I am older, but when I was much younger... Always like a servant you’ve treated me, ready to
send me out the door at a moment’s notice.
Domenico. I don’t remember you ever being submissive. You seemed to be clear about how
things stood between us and you never seemed to care very much. No, always with that twisted,
arrogant look on your face. I’ve never seen a tear in those eyes! In all of these years, I have never
seen you cry, ever!
Filumena. And I’m supposed to cry for you?
[Filumena smiles sarcastically at him.
It was too beautiful, your fantasy world.
[Filumena stands up and walks over to the fridge.
Dummì, do you know when one cries? When one knows the good life and cannot have it! And I
have never known the good life. The satisfaction of crying, I could never even have had...
[Filumena slams the fridge door shut.
You’ve always treated me like the last of all women! Yes ma’am, your past sins are being paid
for... but just when will they be over with? And now, at fifty years old, you decide to retire with
filthy handkerchiefs covered in lipstick – which are disgusting! [to Rosalia] Where are they?
14
[Rosalia appears briefly to answer.
Rosalia. They are preserved...
Filumena. Good, go.
[Rosalia leaves them alone again.
And all of this without even a little bit of discretion. For in the meantime, if Filumena finds and
sees them, what can happen? Who is Filumena? What right has she?
[Filumena takes the bowl from atop the fridge.
And now, turning to the things of the past month! ...You make a fool of yourself by going after
that floozy! A man of fifty years with a girl of twenty!
[Domenico squints his eyes and gestures with his
fingers to his thumb, unable to grasp Filumena’s point.
Domenico. But what does it matter to you, if she is twenty or twenty-two years old?
Filumena. Nothing, nothing, nothing! I care nothing of you anymore. Now, you’ll serve your
purpose to me and that’s that.
[Filumena places the bowl in the sink
and leans against the counter.
After twenty-two years, did you think that I would just go like that with one hand in the front and
another behind?
[Filumena gestures with a hand to her front and back.
Domenico. Ahhh! Money! Here it is, the real reason, money! But why, would I not have given it
to you all the same? Without putting on this entire masquerade?
[Domenico rests his forehead against his hand.
Filumena. Oh shut up! That’s all you understand: money! Money may have made your horses
run, but it was Filumena who made you run. And you’re going to keep on running; you’re going
to run until you’ve learned your lesson. I want something else from you... and you’re going to
give it to me!
[Filumena turns her back to Domenico.
She turns on the tap in the sink, stares down tensely,
then turns again to look Domenico in the face.
I have three sons, Dummì...
[Domenico’s eyes widen in panic.
He faints. He struggles to get up on his own
and looks over at Filumena with incredulity.
Domenico. But... but what are you saying...?
15
Filumena. Three sons.
[Rosalia steps in again, handing Filumena a pile of dish cloths.
Domenico [to Rosalia]. Did you know about this?
Rosalia. Yes, this I knew.
Filumena. Good, go.
[Rosalia leaves them alone again.
Domenico. And... whose sons are they?
Filumena. To men like you!
[Domenico rises from the chair and approaches Filumena.
Domenico. Filumena... What are you trying to say?
Filumena. That for me they were all the same, those that would come and visit me down there.
[Filumena dries the bowl, smiling in thought.
The oldest is twenty years old... in May. He studies. The second...
[Filumena notices the serious look on Domenico’s face
- that he’s about to faint again.
Oh, don’t make that face: they aren’t yours.
Domenico. Oh. And do they know you?
[Filumena shakes her head.
Domenico. What do they do? Where do you keep them? How do they get by? How did you raise
them?
Filumena. With your money. I’ve robbed you; all this time I’ve been robbing you. I’ve raised
them, I’ve made them study, all with your money!
Domenico. Ah! That way, these three – whom I don’t even know – can laugh at me in the face if
they ever meet me.
Filumena. Eh no, don’t worry...
[Filumena shakes her head.
Domenico gestures ‘at least that much won’t happen’.
they don’t even know that you exist!
Domenico. Ah! I only paid for them!
Filumena. And what was I supposed to do? Kill them? That’s what my friends down there told
me to do: “But what are you doing, are you crazy? Just get rid of the worry!” There was no one
who would give me a single good word of advice. No one who would help me, who would be
my counsellor. And so I walked the streets; but where could I go? What could I do? Who would
offer me such advice? ...I even asked the Madonna of the Roses in an alleyway. I found myself
standing right before her one night... “What should I do? You know everything. What should I do
16
with this son?” And she stayed quiet; from behind her stone smile she did not respond. “I’m
talking to you!” And still she didn’t respond.
Domenico. And still she didn’t respond? A statue won’t respond!
Filumena. Hmm, you think so? Wrong! Instead she responded to me, “Children are children!” I
froze. I remained like this: still. But I thought to myself: “It was Her... It was the Holy Mother!
She saw you standing before Her and wanted to speak... But She always waits for you to figure
out the truth for yourself before speaking it. And when they told me, “Just get rid of the worry!”
it had also been her that had said it, in order to test me. ...And I don’t know what changed, if I
did or if the Holy Mother just got tired of listening to me and granted me her blessing, but at that
moment I understood what she meant and swore that children were indeed children! It’s for this
reason that I have stayed by your side for so many years... It was for their sake that I’ve endured
everything that you’ve done to me and the way that you’ve treated me. And here we are: they’re
all grown up and I’m the better for it!
[Rosalia appears in the background, weeping at the story.
Rosalia. Lady Filumè, you’re a saint... You’re a saint, Lady Filumè...
Filumena. Rosalia, go cry over there.
[Rosalia disappears again.
Domenico. A saint... You’re a devil... You’re a venomous snake that poisons everything that it
touches. And now you have to tell me: if you don’t want money, then what is it that you want
from me?
Filumena. Dummì, I’m tired of hiding myself, of watching them grow up from afar. They have a
right to know me, they have a right to know me! They have a right to care about me! I need it,
Dummì. And now that they’re all grown-up, they shouldn’t have to feel ashamed when they’re
asked to present a card, a document of identification. They must have a name... and they should
call themselves by mine.
Domenico. “By mine,” how?
[Brief pause. Filumena looks away.
Filumena. Soriano!
Domenico. I knew it, but I wanted to hear it from you! In my house, three strangers?! ...Not even
dead will they put a foot in here. I swear it to you on body and soul...
Filumena. Don’t swear! Because to get you to swear just once, before a priest, I had to beg for
your charity for twenty-two years! And should you ever need to beg for something in your life...
Domenico. Oh, get out of here! ...What charity!? Here! ...You wanted to bring them here! Into
my house! With my name! Your sons, those sons of a...
Filumena [yelling]. Of what?!
Domenico. Yours! Of a whore!
[Domenico leaves, slamming the door behind him.
Lights fade stage to black.
17
ACT TWO
SCENE ONE
Domenico appears in his bedroom doorway, distressed, awoken by loud noises in the hall.
Lucia and Alfredo are seen in the main hall preparing coffee.
Domenico looks around and rings a bell to call for his servants.
Domenico [yelling]. Oh! [coughing] Hear that? She’s even made me lose my voice, this rotten
woman...
Lucia. He’s awake, Lady Filumè!
Alfredo. Good day, Don Dummì. Did you sleep well?
Domenico. Is that how you present yourself, looking like that? What else is happening in this
house now?
Alfredo. We’re doing some chores... Cleaning... In fact, if you’ll permit me...
[Alfredo enters bedroom.
Domenico. What are you doing?
Alfredo. I’m taking the bedside table... It’s heavy, ugh...
Domenico. And where are you taking it?
Alfredo. Lady Filumena ordered me to do something... Just a thing...
Domenico. What did you say?!
Alfredo. ...and so...
[Alfredo carries the bedside table out of the bedroom.
Domenico. Alfré! Get back here!
[Domenico drops the coffee glass onto the floor.
Darn it! What’s happening to me?
[Domenico exits the bedroom.
Filumena. Lucì, after that, take the new bed sheets down from the top shelf, the ones tied with
the red ribbon...
[Lucia walks by Domenico, carrying bed covers.
Lucia. Yes... yes... Of...
[Rosalia enters from the kitchen, carrying clothes.
These are placed on the table.
Filumena. Ah, Rosalì, put the shirts inside the armoire. The winter things can go in the trunk...
And put my shoes in the footlocker behind the small folding screen. I’ve already cleared it out
for you.
Domenico. The footlocker behind the small folding screen?
[Domenico rushes over to Filumena.
Mammà’s bedroom!
18
Filumena. No. This is the bedroom of Mrs. Soriano!
Domenico. Wretch! You’re crazy! Crazy! Mammà...
[Domenico moves over to a table where his mother’s
belongings and photographs have been placed.
He picks up a photograph and kisses it.
Mammà... Mammà...
Filumena. Dummì, from now on I won’t sleep among the servants anymore.
Domenico. Put everything back in its place! Everything how it was before!
Filumena. Rosalì, put the shirts inside the armoire!
[Domenico wrestles the clothes from Rosalia,
who bickers with him incomprehensibly.
Rosalia. Oh my goodness!
Domenico takes the clothes back to the servant’s room,
where he discovers that three beds have been brought in.
Alfredo, who was inside the room making the beds, shrugs timidly.
Domenico. What is this room?
Filumena. It’s for my sons. They’ll be a bit tight in here... but, then again, we’ve been so far
apart for so long...
[Domenico throws the clothes at Alfredo.
Domenico quickly goes back to his bedroom.
Domenico. Now I’m going to call my lawyer on you... and we’ll see how this ends...
Filumena. As far as I’m concerned, you can even call on the Eternal Father...
Domenico. I’ll have the police throw them out! And you as well! Out! I’ll send you back to
where I got you!
Filumena [confidently]. They’ve closed down, Dummì...
[Domenico, flustered, slams the door
and disappears into his bedroom.
SCENE TWO
Domenico and Filumena stand before Nocella at the lawyer’s office.
Nocella is seated at the desk, reading aloud from a huge law handbook.
Nocella. According to Articles 101, 110, 121, 122 and others, your position is fraudulent, is that
clear?
Filumena. Eh, the law and I don’t get along very well...
Nocella. Well, this we can see, Madam. But from a legal standpoint, even if you were ignorant of
what you were doing – let’s not mince words – you’ve committed a fraud. Article 101. Marriage
within imminent danger to one’s life... In the case of imminent danger to one’s life... etcetera,
etcetera. It explains all the procedures... But the problem is that there was no imminent danger to
your life, my dear, because your condition was a ruse...
19
Domenico. There are witnesses: Alfredo, Lucia, Rosalia! As soon as the priest left, she leapt out
of bed and said to me: “Dummì, we’re husband and wife!”
Nocella. And here we fall again to Article 122: coercion and error... “The marriage can be
contested by a spouse whose consent was extorted through coercion or excluded as a result of an
error.”
Filumena. I didn’t understand any of that... article 2015, was it?
Domenico. Filumè, I married you because you were supposed to die!
Nocella. Eh, no... marriage cannot be conditional...
Filumena. Oh, you see? Be quiet, because you don’t understand it either. Lawyer, explain it in
Neapolitan.
Nocella. This is the article. Read it for yourself.
Filumena. No, no... I don’t know how to read and what’s more, I don’t accept such papers!
Nocella. In few words: since you were not truly at the point of death, the marriage can be
annulled, for it’s invalid... Do you understand?
Filumena. And the priest?
Nocella. He’ll say the same. In fact, he’ll say that you’ve dishonoured the sacrament. It’s invalid!
Filumena. It’s invalid? I needed to have died?
Nocella. Here we are.
Filumena. If I had died...
Nocella. Then it would have been most valid.
Filumena. Ah... and this is justice?
Nocella. The law cannot support your own personal agenda, even if you mean well by it, and it
certainly cannot be used to commit a fraud at the expense of another person... And futhermore,
Don Domenico Soriano has no intention of being united with you in marriage!
Domenico. Oh! Is it clear? Have you understood, now?!
Filumena. No.
[Domenico grunts with frustration.
But I believe it. It must be true. And do you know why? Because you’ve calmed down. Once
again, you’ve regained that same air of a master...
Domenico. Lawyer, proceed...
Filumena. And me neither! I don’t want you either! Yes, lawyer, proceed. Not even I want this
marriage. It isn’t true that I was at the point of death. I just wanted to commit a fraud! I wanted to
steal a family name! But I only understood my own law: the law that makes one laugh, Dummì,
not the law that makes one cry!
[Filumena storms out of the office, holding back tears.
Outside she encounters Alfredo, who sees her and hides.
She looks at him gravely before walking away.
As she walks she bumps into a woman,
who says “Scusate” and continues walking.
She then stares at her reflection in a shop window.
She takes off her hat and throws it in a trash as she continues walking.
Alfredo follows her timidly from a distance.
20
Filumena. Alfré! Come here!
[Alfredo rushes over.
Go and call them, quickly, all three...
Alfredo. All three? Right away.
[Exit Alfredo in a hurry.
SCENE THREE
Filumena sits before the mirror in her bedroom in Domenico’s house.
[Enter Rosalia into the bedroom.
Rosalia. Two of them have already arrived... Only the youngest is missing... the plumber...
Filumena. You mean the mechanic?
[Rosalia nods.
Rosalì, help me out a bit here... I can’t do this. My hands are shaking... I’ve been waiting for this
moment for so many years, and now that it’s arrived, I’m afraid, Rosalì!
[Rosalia moves behind Filumena and fixes her hair.
Rosalia. Afraid of what?
Filumena. What will I say to them? ...How will I say it to them? ...And them, what will they say
to me?
Rosalia. I know exactly what they’ll say. They’ll say: “Thank you, mammà,” for all of the
sacrifices that you’ve made for them... ...Mammà only thought about what was best for you...
Filumena [smiling]. Yes...
Rosalia. Put on a bit of lipstick...
[Filumena picks up her make-up brush, but hesitates.
Filumena. No...
Rosalia. And why not? Do you want to present yourself looking so pale?
Filumena. I want to present myself like a mother, Rosalì...
[Filumena rises and leaves the bedroom, Rosalia following.
She stops before the door to the dining room,
where Umberto and Riccardo await her arrival.
Alfredo carries a tray of pastries into the dining room.
Alfredo. Here we are. The lady will come in soon... In the meantime there’s a bit of dessert, so
help yourselves.
[Alfredo exits the dining room and addresses Filumena quietly.
21
[whispering] Ah, I just brought them some dessert.
[Filumena peeks through the door at her sons, who are eating the pastries.
Riccardo takes a bite and gets powder all over his upper lip and suit.
Umberto. But... but haven’t I seen you somewhere before?
[Riccardo shrugs.
The doorbell rings. Alfredo goes to answer it.
Filumena hides once again in her bedroom.
Did you stay at the Nazareth Institute? That small–
Riccardo. No, no... I stayed at the St. Anthony Institute at Palma.
Umberto. Ah, in that case, I’m not quite sure.
[Enter Michele from the house entrance.
Alfredo shows him into the dining room.
Filumena returns to peek in from the dining room door.
Alfredo. Come in, take a pastry as well.
Michele. Good day.
Umberto and Riccardo. Good day.
[Michele stands next to Riccardo and
takes out a cigarette from his uniform pocket.
Michele [to Umberto]. Do you have a light?
[Umberto shakes his head.
[to Riccardo] And you?
Riccardo. And who are you supposed to be? Who here knows you, pal?
[Filumena continues to peak in at them through the door.
Michele. Well, excuse me! I’ll introduce myself, then... [puts cigarette back in uniform pocket] if
you’ll permit me. Michele Esposito...
Riccardo. It’s a pleasure, Esposito...
Umberto. And I’m also Esposito...
Michele. Ah, it’s as thought. We must be related... Esposito, Esposito, Esposito... Did you receive
this note?
[Filumena paces back and forth outside the door.
Umberto. Yes, yes, we received it as well. “44 Piazza of Jesus. From Ms. Filumena Marturano.
Your attendance is recuested” with a C. It’s from someone that doesn’t know how to write.
[Umberto, Riccardo, and Michele laugh.
Rosalia and Filumena bicker in hushed voices outside.
Rosalia. Why don’t you enter? Go on!
22
Filumena. Wait a minute!
[Rosalia follows Filumena back to her bedroom.
Leave me be...
[Filumena fixes her hair once more,
then returns to the door of the dining room.
Riccardo. But who is this Filumena Marturano?
Umberto [to Michele]. Do you know her?
Michele. She’s a... [gestures suggestively]
Riccardo. Oh, give me a break!
Michele. Everyone knows it... that one’s famous... Now she’s retired, sure, but in her prime...
Umberto. But what does she want from us?
Michele [shrugging]. Beats me. This is a mystery film.
[Umberto, Riccardo, and Michele laugh together again.
Riccardo. Hey pal, how many cigarettes do you smoke a day?
Michele. Four, five.
Riccardo. And how old are you?
Michele. I’m old enough... What’s it to you?
[Enter Domenico and Nocella from the house entrance.
Filumena and Alfredo stare at him defensively.
Domenico. It will only take a minute. Come, make yourself at home, lawyer...
Nocella. Madam.
Domenico. Ah. Now then, if we’d like to conclude this story...
[Domenico takes off his hat.
The lawyer here has prepared the documents. ...Let’s go into the study!
[Filumena continues to stare immobile.
What is it? Are you having second thoughts?
[The three sons can be heard laughing.
Who’s in there?
Filumena [panicking]. Stay back! Get out of here! Go into the study, I’m coming... I’ll come
right away... Just relax, worry about your documents. I’ll sign them, I’ll sign them. I’ve already
packed my suitcase. [to Rosalia] ...Isn’t that right, Rosalì? [to Domenico] I’ll leave you alone,
Dummì... But still, I won’t give up my sons to you! Now go on, go!
Domenico. Filumè, but why?
Filumena. Leave me alone! ...Who are you to stop me from telling my sons that they’re my sons?
[to Nocella] Lawyer, the law will at least permit me that much, no? [Nocella looks around in his
‘law book’; to Domenico] And don’t worry about me, Dummì, because I’m strong, as you
23
know! ...I’m the one that doesn’t cry! ...Look: do you see them? ...They’re dry... Go on now, go
into the study; just one minute and I’ll come right away.
Domenico. But you’re really crazy, you are crazy. Make yourself at home, lawyer...
[Filumena enters the dining room.
SCENE FOUR
Enter Filumena into the dining room.
Michele, Umberto and Riccardo all stand to greet her.
Filumena walks over to them and speaks with them one-by-one.
[to Michele] Yes, it’s me, it’s really me, Michele. The crazy lady that always comes down to the
gas station to see what you’re doing, with one excuse or another.
[Filumena smiles and pinches Michele’s nose.
[to Riccardo] And you recognize me too, right Ricca’? I’m the lady that, in order to buy a pair of
gloves, makes you throw the whole store upside-down.
[Filumena dusts the powdered sugar off of Riccardo’s face and suit.
[to Umberto] ...You, on the other hand, have never seen me, eh?
Umberto. No...
Filumena. And yet, how many times have we eaten together, Umbé!
Umberto. Where?
Filumena. At your restaurant near the hospital. You at the little table by the window and I at the
one opposite of you. Ah, yes, you’ve never seen me there – you’re always busy, always studying,
even while you eat... [to all three sons] This isn’t a mystery film, like you said Michele... This is
a drama... an important story... Because...
Domenico [from offstage]. This is a comedy!
[Filumena pauses, hesitating. She looks at all three of her sons.
Filumena. Because you are my sons...
[A heavy silence follows.
Alfredo and Rosalia listen in on the conversation from outside.
Domenico exits the study and notices them.
Domenico. What are you doing, there? [to Alfredo] Go downstairs and wash the car, move!
[Rosalia and Alfredo gesture for Domenico to keep his voice down.
Domenico rolls his eyes and returns to the study.
Filumena seats herself at the table. Her sons gather around her.
Filumena. ...Do you know those slums? At St. Giovanniello, Vergini, Forcella, Tribunali, or
Pallonetto... ...Where it’s dark and covered in such smoke that in the summer one can’t breathe.
Where there’s no light, not even at noon... I lived in one of those slums with my family... How
24
many were we? A crowd... I don’t know what became of my family in the end. I don’t want to
know. I don’t remember them. Always wearing frowns on their faces, always bickering with one
another... We’d go to bed without saying “goodnight” to each other and wake up without saying
“good morning” either... And the heat... the heat... In the evening, we would sit around the table:
one big plate and who knows how many forks... Only once did my father ever show any interest
in me... When I remember that time, I shudder! I was sixteen years old. He said to me, “You’re
big now, and there’s nothing for us to eat here, you know that?” At sixteen years old! The welldressed ladies would walk by, wearing such beautiful shoes... And I would watch... They walked
holding onto the arms of their fiancés ...There was someone who would help me sometimes; a
baker that would give me sweets and fresh bread. In the winter, that bakery was a relief... But my
father was right... I had grown up, and the baker had noticed as well... One day I encountered a
friend of mine. I almost didn’t recognize her because she was dressed so well. Though, perhaps
back then, anything would have seemed beautiful to me. She said to me... You do it like this, like
this... like this and this...
[Filumena looks up at her sons.
Forgive me... If I had I told you... But I just couldn’t bring myself to. Forgive me. Maybe having
no one was better for you, rather than to have a mother “like that” ...Is that true?
[Michele shakes his head.
[in disbelief] ...It isn’t true?
[Michele shakes his head again.
...Then come here and give me a kiss, Michè!
Michele. But my hands are all dirty...
Filumena. That doesn’t matter!
[Filumena takes Michele in her arms and double-kisses him.
Michele. Stupid me! I’m sorry... But how could I have known that there was a lady listening at
the door...
Filumena. Riccà.
[Riccardo looks away and moves towards the door.
Michele. Hey, where are you going?!
Filumena. Let him be. That’s his character...
[Riccardo passes Rosalia and Alfredo as he leaves.
Alfredo. Oh Riccardo, what are you doing? You’re leaving?
Rosalia. What... What are you doing? Riccardo, where are you going?
Alfredo. Riccardo!
Rosalia [pleading]. Come back, Riccardo, come back!
[Domenico enters the hall from the bedroom.
25
Domenico. Have they cleared out?
Alfredo. One moment...
Domenico. Alfrè, you’ve annoyed me too! [calling to Filumena] Are we going to wait until
night? ...Shall we end this drama in my house?
Michele. You can come and live with me. The house is small, but we’ll fit. And you have a
granddaughter. She’s always asked me: “Where’s nonna... Where’s nonna...” and I’ve always had
to lie, to pretend that she just didn’t have one, but now when I go home and she asks about a
grandmother, I can say, “Here’s nonna!” Come on, come and stay with me.
Filumena. A grandmother! [plumping up her cheeks] My goodness, I only just became a mother!
Umberto. Wait, a granddaughter? Hey pal, tell me the truth: just how old are you?
Michele. I’m old...enough.
Filumena. He’s old enough.
Michele. Let’s go, mamma.
Filumena [motherly]. Of course I’ll come with you. Hurry up, come on... What are we doing
here, after all, closed up in this house while the sun shines so brightly outside. Wait for me
downstairs by the door. I have to arrange one last thing here... with the master of the house, and
then I’ll catch up with you right away....
[Filumena leads Umberto and Michele to the house door.
SCENE FIVE
Domenico awaits Filumena in the study, looking out the window.
Nocella is unaccounted for, having left sometime during the last scene.
Filumena enters the study, carrying her bag.
Domenico. Oh!
Filumena. Here, I’m ready. Where’s the lawyer?
Domenico. He left. What, do you think I can keep the entire Court of Napoli at your disposal? In
any case, the papers are here... And the pen is here! Do you want me to read aloud the document
to you?
Filumena. No, no, it’s all fine with me...
[Filumena produces a set of keys from her pocket
and throws it on the desk.
Here, these are the keys to the house, to the armoires and to everything else. Tomorrow I’ll send
for my things... Do I have to sign?
Domenico. Yes, here!
[Filumena sits down at the desk and begins to sign her name.
Domenico rolls his eyes, recognizing that this is going to take a while.
Waiting, Domenico goes back to looking out the window.
You’re a crazy woman! You’d have picked up a sum of money without doing all this
nonsense... ...Did you wish to ruin the peace of those three boys? What made you do it? Just why
did you tell them?
26
[Filumena stands up, holding the contract.
Her eyes are still focused on the contract.
Filumena. Dummì, one of those three boys is your son.
[Domenico nearly faints until
Filumena hands him the contract confidently.
Domenico. And who would believe you?
Filumena. One of those three boys is your son.
Domenico. Oh, shut up.
Filumena. I could’ve said that all three were yours... You’d have believed it; I’d have made you
believe it... But only one of them is your son...
Domenico. It isn’t true, it can’t be true. You would have told me, then, to tie me down.
Filumena. Tie you down? You would’ve made me kill him. It’s only because of me that your son
is alive today.
Domenico. So which one is it?
Filumena. I don’t remember. For me, all three are the same.
[Enter Alfredo in a hurry.
Alfredo. Lady Filumè, come and see! Riccardo’s there too: he stopped at the front door. He’s
waiting for you downstairs as well!
Filumena [smiling]. I knew it...
[Domenico and Filumena step out onto the balcony.
Umberto, Riccardo, and Michele can be seen waiting below.
Domenico. Which one is it?
Filumena. Here, look, they’re the same... They have to be the same, all three!
Domenico. And they are the same! ...They are your sons! I don’t know them... I don’t know
you... Now get out of here! Go!
Filumena. I’ll go. I’ll go with pleasure.
[Filumena walks towards the bedroom door and then stops.
Alfredo is standing in the hall, holding her bag and waiting for her.
Wait for me downstairs.
[Exit Alfredo.
Filumena turns back to Domenico.
One moment, Dummì...
[Filumena opens the locket around her neck.
You don’t remember, but one night you said to me: “Filumé, let’s pretend to love one another.”
That night I truly loved you. You, no; you were only pretending. And when you left, you gave me
the usual one hundred lire. Here is that one hundred lire.
27
[Filumena takes the bill out of the locket and unfolds it.
On it I marked the year, the day... And I saved it... Then you took off, like usual... And when you
returned I had a stomach like this [gestures a big stomach]. I had them tell you that I wasn’t well,
and that I had gone out to the countryside. You don’t remember... There was a farmer that would
take care of me...
[Filumena rips the date off of the bill.
The date that I wrote, I’m keeping it. But here...
[Filumena throws the rest of the bill in Domenico’s face.
Take the rest. You can’t simply pay your children off.
[Exit Filumena.
Domenico slowly picks up the bill from the ground.
He stares at the bill in his hand, all alone on stage.
Lights fade the stage to black.
ACT THREE
SCENE ONE
Domenico and Diana are walking along the street.
Three children walk past him, accompanied by a man,
which causes him to think upon the possibility of his own son.
Diana. What’s wrong with you, Dummì?
Domenico. Mmh? Nothing, nothing... I’m going to go and get a coffee.
Diana. Do you feel sick? Would you like me to accompany you?
Domenico. No, no, I’ll return quickly. Stay there...
15 MINUTE INTERMISSION
SCENE TWO
Domenico and Alfredo sit at the desk in the study, which is covered with photographs.
It is the middle of the night and Alfredo rests his head on his hand,
barely able to keep himself from falling asleep.
Domenico. ...Where is it? ...It has to be here!
[Domenico rummages through the photographs on the desk.
...This is mammà... No, this is auntie... And whose camel is this? Hmm... Oh, that one’s auntie.
[Domenico fixates on a single photograph.
...Here it is, here is the mathematical proof! ...Look... Alfrè, look here! What are you doing,
you’re sleeping?!
28
Alfredo. No... I was thinking...
Domenico. Well don’t think! Look here!
Alfredo. Oh! ...The lady from Milan, the wife of the surgeon... She had some thighs!
Domenico. Read below, the dedication!
Alfredo [reading]. “Bellagio, summer of 1946. Three dreamy months... Marisétte” ...Eh, eh!
Domenico. Alfrè, if I was in Bellagio dreaming with Marisétte, I couldn’t have been here doing
this and that with Filumena. Do the calculations with nine months and at least that one cannot be
my son, right?
Alfredo. Right... so long as he wasn’t born after seven months...
Domenico. Huh? ...The glove salesman, premature? A fine young man like that one there? ...O
darn it! August, July, June, May...
[Alfredo yawns.
And don’t yawn. Make yourself a coffee!
Alfredo. In my opinion, the key to everything still lies in that one hundred lire...
Domenico. I told you, no!
Alfredo. I think they went out of circulation along with the AM-lire of the Americans...
Domenico. No, mister! I am informed about banking. They stayed in circulation right up until the
end of ’51! It was the fifty lire bills that they recalled. Darn me! If I had given her a fifty lire bill,
then an easy calculation could be done... But no! Mimì Soriano was a big shot! A hundred
lire! ...Stupid me! Let’s recap...
[Domenico gets up and paces back and forth.
The glove salesman was premature... The mechanic... Before everything was coming back to me!
That one was excluded. We were in Paris with the horses,
[Domenico sits back down and opens his passport book.
then in London. The stamps are on the passport! ...But then no! Not even him! Because all that
he’ll tell me is that he’s ‘old enough’!
Alfredo. Hey! Well he’s certainly a bit vain... [insinuating a similarity to Domenico]
Domenico. ...The student... For him, we’re going back into ancient history... Who can remember
that far back? ...No, no, no... It’s impossible for a man to keep count of something like this, as if
it were a balance sheet... This disgusts me, it does! ...That time yes, that time no... ...Alfrè, swear
to me one more time that you don’t know which it is!
Alfredo. I swear, but doesn’t your gut tell you anything...?
[Domenico sighs and leans back in his chair.
Domenico. ...It tells me that I’ve had too much coffee and that I’ve made many mistakes... That
I’ve always been running, running without ever arriving at a finish line...
[Domenico looks down at the photos again.
September 25th... Minus nine... August, July, June...
29
SCENE THREE
Domenico sits on the patio of the shop.
A jukebox begins to play loud music, startling him.
He dabs the sweat off of his head with a handkerchief.
Enter Filumena at the top of a hill across the road.
Domenico runs over to her and meets her on the hill.
Domenico. Filumena! It’s ten days that I’ve been waiting for you... It seems like I’ve become a
police officer...
Filumena. What do you want?
[Domenico sits on some stacked bricks and other rubble.
Domenico is dishevelled and out of breath.
Domenico [desperately]. To talk!
[Domenico dabs himself with the handkerchief again.
But how can I talk to you if you’re standing up...
[Filumena throws her bag to the ground and sits apart from him.
Anyway... Let me hear it from your mouth that what you said was a lie... Now that you’ve had a
chance to calm down... it’s only fair that I can relax as well... Tell me that there wasn’t a single
thing that you said to me that wasn’t pulled out of thin air... ...notwithstanding that whole story
about the date on the hundred lire bill... Come on, Filumè! You’re illiterate... in order for you to
write something down, you’d need an entire piazza, go figure!
Filumena. It’s true... but you only need three numbers for a date... and those I know how to do...
[Filumena gets up, picks up a couple off rocks from the ground,
and turns the rocks over in her hand as she speaks to him.
furthermore while I wrote them, I wasn’t thinking about blackmailing you...
[Filumena throws one of the rocks to the ground.
It was an important night... a beautiful one... how can you not remember it! Think about the
nightgown, Dummì... Doesn’t it tell you anything?
[A flashback occurs here.
Filumena recalls the night they spent together.
2nd Filumena. Dummì... It hasn’t ever been this beautiful... Don’t you agree?
2nd Domenico. Yes... But now I have to go... It’s late... turn on the light...
2nd Filumena. Stay and sleep with me... As if we were husband and wife...
2nd Domenico. But what are you saying... And I would still need my pyjamas, even if it is
summer...
2nd Filumena. For that, there’s an easy solution... Here...
[Filumena offers him her negligee.
30
2nd Domenico. Oh, give me a break!
2nd Filumena. It’s clean from the laundry... In fact, I’ve never even worn it...
[Domenico removes only his shoes and gets into bed.
2nd Domenico. Just as well. Turn off the light, though.
[End flashback.
Domenico. What year was it?
[Filumena watches him sadly but does not respond.
Were we under the Germans?
[Filumena again does not respond.
The Americans?
[Filumena shakes her head.
Domenico. What suit did I have on? What shoes?
Filumena [laughing at him]. Oh, how rotten you are... you remember the year... even the day that
you wore a pair of shoes and you don’t remember that night...
Domenico. And what am I supposed to do about it?
[Domenico gets to his feet as well. He lights a cigarette.
Twenty years... How the world’s changed and how it always remains the same... Houses, palaces,
skyscrapers... and in the middle of it all, a story as old as ours...
Filumena. It’s old because you want it to be old... Even in America there are many skyscrapers,
and within those skyscrapers are the same old stories... The problem is with something else: it’s
that before, we had a heart big like this...
[Filumena pauses and raises the small rock in her hand.
and now look at how it’s diminished... Here...
[Filumena drops the rock into Domenico’s palm.
She picks up her bag and begins walking away.
Domenico [pleading]. Filumè...
[Filumena turns to look back at him.
But how, you’re going to leave just like that?
[Filumena shrugs as if to say, “What do you want?”
...What are you doing? You’ve started wearing lipstick again?
[Filumena looks down, somewhat ashamed,
then turns away and leaves. Exit Filumena.
31
SCENE FOUR
Domenico is seen sitting at street level, behind a huge newspaper. Umberto too is seen doing the
same actions. Unbeknownst to them, the two men begin to mimic one another as they sit and
read. Occasionally, they notice one another.
Riccardo can be seen working in the background, at the glove shop.
Umberto. Good day.
Domenico. Good day.
[Domenico begins to watch Michele as he
performs various duties by the gas pump.
Occasional sounds of agreement / disagreement
come from Domenico, increasing in volume.
Michele [fed up with the sounds he hears coming from Domenico]. Sir, with all due respect, can
I help you?
Domenico. Oh, yes, of course... No, no it’s just that I don’t have much to do...
[Domenico sits back down.
Michele. Lucky you.
Domenico. How old are you?
Michele. Old en...
[Domenico finishes Michele’s sentence, frustrated.
Domenico. Old enough...I know, I know!
Michele. Well, if you already knew the answer...
Domenico. Ah. If I were to guess, I’d say that you were born in ’49.
Michele. Eh, that’s right...
Domenico. Now tell me which month.
Michele. March. The twenty-fifth... What, do you want to read my horoscope?
[Domenico laughs.
Michele sits down beside Domenico to have a cigarette.
They each pull one out of their top pockets and light them in sync.
They say goodbye to one another as Domenico gets up to visit Riccardo at the glove shop.
Domenico is seats himself at the counter before Riccardo, who helps him to try on gloves.
Domenico. I’m looking for gloves.
[Riccardo looks around as if to say that Domenico has come to the right place.
Riccardo. From canary yellow to snow white... I’ll pull down whichever you’d like to see.
Domenico. Thank you.
Riccardo. The canary?
Domenico. Eh.
Riccardo. Simple or also with pigskin?
32
Domenico. The pigskin as well, yes.
Riccardo. They’re very youthful. Athletic. And always Bohemian pigskin.
Domenico. Can I try them on?
Riccardo. Of course...
Domenico. It’s all dried up, the talcum powder...
[Domenico stares at Riccardo’s hand as
Riccardo helps him to try on the glove.
Hey! But we have the same hand!
Riccardo. Eh no, mine is an eight, yours is a nine...
Domenico. It isn’t the size that counts, but the form... May I?
[Domenico takes Riccardo’s hand and places
his palm against Riccardo’s, comparing the two.
Do you see it? Our middle fingers match... The thumb... Well, the thumb no...
Riccardo. They’re not the same.
[A female Customer enters the store.
Domenico. Alright, they aren’t exactly the same, no, but well, almost...
Riccardo. They’re not the same, they’re not the same...
Customer. Riccà.
Riccardo [to Domenico]. Excuse me for a moment.
[Riccardo happily comes out from behind the counter
to tend to the customer, taking her by the shoulder and
leading her to the opposite end of the store.
Good day, young lady.
Customer. Good day.
Riccardo. I was waiting for you yesterday. Your package is ready.
Customer. Thank you.
[Riccardo takes a package from the shelf and hands it to her.
Riccardo. You’re looking prettier every day.
Customer [flattered]. Thank you.
[Riccardo leans over the counter to be discreet.
On time tonight, eh?
Customer [nodding]. Eh.
[Domenico watches Riccardo proudly, hand on his hip.
Riccardo. At eight o’clock, I’m warning you. [smiling] Have a good day!
Customer. Goodbye.
[Exit Customer.
Riccardo moves back towards Domenico.
33
Domenico. You like women, mhm?
Riccardo [sarcastically]. Yes, I sure do, pal.
[Domenico’s face falls slightly.
Embarassed, Domenico stands up and leaves.
SCENE FIVE
Domenico and Filumena talk at street level.
Domenico. I don’t sleep at night... I have something here that stops my breathing. I go like this,
ah... [breathes in] and my air stops here. Enough is enough, Filumè. Enough. Now you have to
tell me which of the three boys is my son. You have to tell me, Filumè, because if you don’t... I
don’t know what might happen.
Filumena [smiling]. Now I understand why you called me out here today! Do you want to know?
Then I will tell you... Yes, perhaps it’s better that I do... And then, this way, you can help him...
He still doesn’t support himself and...
Domenico. The student?
Filumena. Yes, that’s right. Umberto.
[Domenico’s head shoots up and he loses himself in thought.
Domenico. Umberto... Umberto... He’s certainly chosen a difficult road. But if he studies, and if
he works hard... Of course, in order to study, he can’t live in the middle of all the confusion of
your house, there’s too many of you there... Studying is laborious... He has need of... and then, to
present himself to the University... the son of Soriano...
[Domenico looks at Filumena with suspicion.
But look, look... precisely the one that has the most need of all...
Filumena. And what’s a mother supposed to do? She should look to help the weakest... But you
didn’t believe it... You’re clever, you... It’s Riccardo the shopkeeper...
Domenico. The glove salesman?
Filumena. No, it’s Michele, the mechanic.
Domenico [exasperated]. Still...
[Domenico grabs Filumena by the shoulders and lifts her to her feet.
Still you won’t tell me the truth? Right up until the end!
[Filumena tears herself away from his grasp.
Filumena. But didn’t you see how, before I had even finished saying that it was the student, you
were already thinking about helping him, about giving him money... To that one, yes, and to the
other two, no. And then what will happen? Don’t you understand that favouring one will turn the
other two against him? Don’t be selfish, Dummì! Don’t think only about yourself and don’t think
of me. Let’s just leave things how they are and let everyone go on their separate ways.
34
[Domenico stands behind Filumena and grabs her by the shoulders.
Domenico speaks to her from over her right shoulder.
Domenico. Filumè... Tonight, I will take the car and go to your sons and tell them the truth, all of
it: “I am rich,
[Domenico switches to Filumena’s left shoulder.
I am this... this and that... One of you is my son... and now figure out amongst yourselves who is
the heir...”
[Domenico shoves her aside and begins heading to his car.
Filumena. Dummì! Dummì!
[Filumena rushes after Domenico and grabs him by the arms.
Listen to me well, Dummì... You have to leave them be!
Domenico. Let go of me!
Filumena. You mustn’t put them one against the other!
Domenico. Let go of me!
Filumena. Stay far away from them... because remember...
Domenico. Eh, let go of me, go on...
[Domenico throws Filumena to the ground.
Filumè!
[Domenico pins the struggling Filumena to the ground.
Filumena. ...You just remember: if you go and tell my sons what I’ve told you... I’ll kill
you! ...But not like how you say it, which you’ve said to me for twenty years...
Domenico. Close this mouth... Close it...
Filumena. They have to be the same, all three... all three... all three...
[Filumena scratches at Domenico’s face.
Domenico’s cheek shows blood.
Domenico. Stay still. Filumè, stay still!
Filumena. ...I’ll kill you, just watch!
Domenico. Shut up!
Filumena. I’ll kill you.
Domenico [yelling]. Shut up!
Filumena [quietly]. I’ll kill you...
Domenico. Shut...up...
Filumena. I’ll...kill you...
[Domenico kisses Filumena.
Filumena wraps her arms around Domenico.
35
I loved you Dummì... And I still do, now more than ever... We’ve already missed out on the love
of our children. Children are those that you hold in your arms when they are little. Those that run
towards you calling, ‘Papà...’ Those that return from school with frozen hands and a red nose and
ask you a thousand questions.
Domenico. All of this fighting... all of this drama without even knowing what the boys probably
think of me... what they would say... What am I to them?
Filumena. In these past days, I have spoken to them a lot about you.
SCENE SEVEN
Michele, Umberto and Riccardo sit in the church sacristy.
It is the day of Domenico and Filumena’s wedding.
The three sons rise and bow as Domenico enters.
Michele and Umberto and Riccardo. Good day.
Domenico. Good day... What happened? You were talking, and now you don’t talk anymore?
Michele. We were just chit-chatting about this and that, Don Dummì.
[Awkward pause.
Domenico. Anyway, seat yourselves.
[The three sons sit back down on the bench.
Domenico looks at his watch.
It’s already six in the morning and your mother, as usual...
[Domenico sits on a bench opposite them and crosses his legs.
He fidgets awkwardly as he tries to find the words to say.
For me, this “Don Domè” ...I don’t like it.
Umberto. But you haven’t yet told us how you would like to be called.
Domenico. And I didn’t tell you because I thought that you would understand for yourselves... I
will marry your mother in a little bit... if she comes, that is, because with her you can never be
sure... And from tomorrow on you will call yourselves by the same name as me: Soriano...
[Michele, Umberto, and Riccardo look at one another.
Umberto. Here, you see... I’ll respond, for I think that all three of us are filled with the same
sentiment. We are not young children, we are men... and we can’t just as easily call you by the
way that you so generously and justly request to be called. With such things... it’s necessary to
feel them inside.
Domenico [anxiously]. And you don’t feel, inside, this such... let’s say “need”... this necessity to
call someone... me, for example, papà?
Umberto. I wouldn’t think of lying to you, nor do you deserve such treatment. At least for the
moment: no.
Domenico [to Riccardo]. And you?
36
Riccardo. No, me neither.
Domenico [a Michele]. Then you?
Michele. Me neither, Don Dummì!
Domenico. Indeed, with time, you would get used to it. It would please me, for I’m happy to find
myself with you, above all because you are three good boys. Each one of you works in one field
or another, all with the same goodwill and the same tenacity.
[Michele, Umberto, and Riccardo nod in unison.
The atmosphere is still awkward.
Domenico turns and crosses his legs the other way.
Who among you likes horses? ...Do you play at the tracks?
[The three sons look at each other and laugh.
Beh, and why do you laugh?
Riccardo. With what money would we play?
[Domenico nods and forcibly laughs.
Domenico. When I was young, I liked to sing... I had a passion for it... a hobby... Who among
you sings?
Umberto. I don’t.
Riccardo. Me neither.
Michele. I do, sure.
[Domenico stands and approaches Michele.
Domenico. You sing?
Michele [confidently]. And how!
Domenico [excitedly]. Then let me hear something... Do you know “Monastery of St. Chiara?”
Michele. Oh... that old song... but it’s so passé...
Domenico. Well, let me hear a refrain!
Michele. What, am I to start singing in a sacristy?
Domenico [quietly]. Yes, but like this, in a low voice... just enough to hear the tone...
[Riccardo nudges Michele.
Riccardo. Come on, come on, Michè! Let us hear you!
[Michele begins to sing poorly.
Michele. “Monastery of St. Chiara... I have a dark, dark heart, but why, why every night, I think
of how Napoli was...”
Umberto [interrupting]. Well, if that’s what you call singing, then I can sing too. Where do you
have a singing voice?
Michele. And this isn’t a singing voice?
Umberto. Eh!
Riccardo. Oh, give me a break! In that case, I’m Enrico Caruso!
37
Domenico [to Riccardo]. Is that right? Then you try it, let me hear.
Riccardo. Oh no, I wouldn’t dare. I’m not as bold as this guy. [humbly] Like this, just barely
barely...
Domenico. Eh eh, right.
[Riccardo sings just as poorly. Umberto joins him for the next line,
singing just as poorly, and finally Michele joins as well.
“Monastery of St. Chiara” – [to Umberto] how does it go?
Umberto. “I have a dark, dark heart.”
Umberto and Riccardo. “But why, why every night I think of how Napoli was, I think of how
Napoli is...”
Michele, Umberto, and Riccardo. “No... it’s not true... No, I don’t believe it...”
[The three sons continue for another line,
but their singing becomes a garbled mess.
Domenico [bluntly]. Oh shut up! It’s not possible: three Neapolitans that don’t know how to sing,
what a disgrace...
[Enter Rosalia, out of breath.
Domenico. What’s this, you went out?
Rosalia. I went to run an errand for Lady Filumena.
Domenico. What errand?
Rosalia. What’s this, are you jealous? I went to St. Liborio alley...
Domenico. To do what?
Rosalia [jokingly]. Look at this, you really are jealous!
Domenico. Come now, who’s jealous?!
Rosalia. I’m only joking.
[Rosalia looks around carefully to make sure
that Filumena is not in earshot.
I’ll tell you... but don’t say anything to Lady Filumena because she didn’t want you to know
about it.
Domenico. In that case, don’t tell me.
Rosalia. Oh, no... Actually, I think you ought to know because it’s really to her credit. She had
me bring a thousand lire and fifty candles to the Madonna of the Roses in St. Liborio alley, so
that I might ask the old lady there who tends to the statue to light the candles at exactly six-thirty.
And do you know why? Because that’s when the wedding is! While you’re getting married here,
the candles will be glowing before the Madonna of the Roses over there.
[Rosalia does the sign of the cross.
Domenico. I understand.
Rosalia [shouting]. A saint, you’ve picked up, a saint!
38
SCENE EIGHT
Church bells are heard ringing.
Filumena runs across the street to the church.
Teresina, the outfitter, follows her.
A man calls out to Filumena as she leaves the house.
Man. Congratulations, Lady Filumena!
Filumena. Thank you! Ah...
[Filumena limps slightly then regains her composure.
This dress doesn’t hang properly!
Teresina. Only you think so, my Lady Filumena. I don’t see a defect or I’d tell you. I’ve been
serving you for many years...
Filumena. You say it with a straight face, too. How you deny it right to my face!
Teresina. Oh, very well, do you want me to say that it doesn’t hang properly? Fine, it doesn’t
hang properly! I’ll make you happy: look, there’s a defect!
[Filumena and Teresina enter the church.
Rosalia. Lady Filumè, you’re beautiful! You’re really a bride!
Filumena [hurriedly]. I think everything is ready. I’ve been so out of it, today!
Domenico. Ah, how good you look, Filumè... You’ve become a young girl once more...
[Cameraman jumps in and snaps a picture of Domenico and Filumena.
Cameraman. Thank you!
[Filumena enters the sacristy where her sons are waiting.
She embraces and kisses each of them.
Domenico [to the sons]. I have to speak with all of you... I am a gentleman and I do not wish to
mislead you. Stay with me a moment and listen.
Michele and Umberto and Riccardo. Yes, Don Dummì.
Domenico. Now then... When two people get married, it is always the father that walks the bride
to the altar. There are no parents here... But there are sons. Two of you will accompany the bride,
and one will accompany the groom.
Michele. We’ll accompany mammà.
[Michele and Riccardo stand on either side of Filumena.
Filumena. What time is it?
Riccardo. It’s five minutes to six-thirty.
Filumena. Rosali’...
Rosalia. Don’t give it another second of thought. The candels will be lit precisely 6:30.
Filumena. Let’s go...
39
They sign the documents and take more photos.
During the family photo, Domenico looks at each of the sons,
clearly still trying to figure out which of them is his son.
The church bells ring and everyone exits the church, leaving Alfredo behind.
He can be seen clumsily running after them, dropping his hat as he goes.
Riccardo walks with Filumena, who has Michele on her arm.
Umberto walks behind them, talking with Domenico.
Rosalia, Teresina, and Alfredo exit last.
Riccardo. The owner is a good person... she’s like a wife to me.
Filumena. Ah. [to Michele] And you wish to stay at the gas station?
Michele. Yes, always. I like it there.
Filumena. Ah! These narrow shoes are causing me so much pain!
SCENE NINE
Rosalia opens the doors to Domenico’s study.
Filumena enters limping, followed by Michele, Riccardo, and Umberto.
Domenico, Alfredo, and Teresina enter last.
Filumena. Ah!
Rosalia. Congratulations!
Alfredo. Congratulations!
Filumena. Oh my goodness... these shoes...
Domenico. Then take them off if they hurt you.
[Filumena sits down on the sofa and kicks off the shoes.
Rosalia. Congratulations!
Alfredo. Congratulations!
Rosalia. What a beautiful reception...
Filumena. Mother of God, what fatigue! Rosalì, go get me a glass of water, go on...
[Rosalia goes to get a glass of water,
but Domenico stops her.
Domenico. What need have we for water?
Rosalia. For the lady.
Domenico. Tell the lady that tonight water is bad luck.
[Domenico takes a bottle of wine from the cabinet
and begins pouring it into several glasses.
And call Lucia as well to come and have a glass of wine with the master...
[Rosalia exits the room and returns with Lucia.
Lucia. Here I am.
[Domenico distributes the glasses to everyone.
40
Domenico. Here, Filume’, to long life. [to the others] Drink up.
Alfredo. To good health!
Domenico. Drink, Alfre’...
[Everyone drinks.
Children are children! And they are a gift. And always, always... when, in a family, there are
three or four, it always happens that the father has a particular eye, as I know, a special look for
one of the four. Be it because he is the ugliest, or because he is sick, or because he is more
assertive, more headstrong... And the other sons don’t pay it any mind... they find it fair. Perhaps
they feel that it is the right of the father. Between us this could not have happened, because our
family was reunited too late. Maybe it’s for the better. I mean that such love, which I would have
had the right to want for one of my sons... I can now divide amongst all three! To good health!
[Everyone drinks again. Lucia and Rosalia collect
the glasses and bring them to the kitchen.
Exit Lucia and Rosalia.
Riccardo. Now we’ll leave you alone because it’s getting late and mammà wants to rest. Stay
well, mammà.
[Riccardo kisses Filumena on the cheek.
Filumena. Bye, Riccà.
Domenico. What, you’re going?
Umberto. Goodbye, mammà.
[Umberto kisses Filumena.
Alfredo. We’ll leave too because the mother is tired.
[Riccardo shakes Domenico’s hand.
Riccardo. Goodbye, Don Dummì.
Domenico. This displeases me...
Michele. Stay well, mammà.
Filumena. Michelino...
Domenico. We’ll see each other tomorrow.
[Michele kisses Filumena as well.
Umberto shakes Domenico’s hand.
Umberto. Goodbye, Don Dummì.
Michele. Good day, papà.
[A pause as Domenico and Filumena look at the three sons.
Umberto and Riccardo. Good day, papà.
[Domenico smiles.
Filumena begins to tear up.
41
Domenico. We’ll see each other tomorrow?
Umberto and Riccardo. Yes, of course! We’ll see each other tomorrow.
Alfredo. Let’s go, come on.
[Alfredo claps a hand against Michele’s back.
Alfredo leads the three sons and Teresina to the door.
Exeunt Alfredo, Teresina, Umberto, Riccardo, and Michele.
Filumena cries quietly.
Domenico looks at her uncertainly.
She finally betrays a gasp.
What is it, Filumè?
Filumena [laughing and crying]. I’m crying, Dummì... And how wonderful it is to cry...
[Domenico takes her hand and squeezes it tightly.
Domenico. It’s nothing... it’s nothing. You ran... ran for so long... You were scared... You fell...
but you got up again... You worried, and worrying is exhausting... Now there is no need to run
anymore, no need to worry anymore... Rest! ...Children are children... And they are all the
same... You’re right, Filume’, how right you are!
[Lighting fades the stage to black.
THE END
42