The following was first performed as part of Amateur Love Machine in May, 2024

ROSE, calm, measured demeanour. She is comfortable with each AUDIENCE MEMBER (AM), speaks with them as though entirely familiar and their presence expected. Emotion of script and delivery notably misaligned. ROSE will be visible to the AM from the back on entry, and once they are seated, only in the reflection of the mirror. ROSE is dressed in demure black nightware, silk pyjamas with a lace trim, and a silk robe. Hair secured casually with a silver clip. 

Setting

The Liv Ullmann Suite, Britannia Hotel. The suite looks lived in but clean, a distinct smell of perfume is present. The room is decadent and feminine with ornate furnishings. Curtains are closed and lighting is low save for the vanity mirror in the dressing room, illuminating the audience once seated. Flowers adorn the room, includng a single rose in a vase directly before where the audience sits. 

At Rise

ROSE seated on couch with back to entry. Room is silent. 

Attendent rings the doorbell. AM is directed to enter the hotel room. They are told to sit on the bench in front of the mirror.

AMs are informed that they must leave when the performance is over, though they are welcome to leave at any time prior. 

AM enters room and sits on the bench so they can see both themselves and Rose in the mirror. 

ROSE

Coolly, and without waiting for a response

I’m going to tell you something I’ve never told anyone before.

ROSE 

Calm, distinct, remote voice. Steady in rhythm, slower than natural conversation

Long pauses between lines

We met at a hotel, not unlike this one. 

He opened the door of the suite and outstretched his arm to direct me inside. 

I walked ahead of him, conscious of his gaze upon me as I crossed the plush carpet.

I passed by the bed and took a seat at the desk beyond it, placing my wine glass from the hotel bar on its polished surface.

I was facing him. He had closed the door but remained standing by it. 

My fingers nervously traced the stem of the wine glass, watching him watching me.

He raised his chin towards me and for the first time, spoke. 

When quoting, voice lower than usual

“What do you think you’re doing sitting down?” he asked coarsely. 

It was part reprimand, part command. It took me by surprise.

Without hesitation, I stood and walked in front of the desk so he could see me in my entirety. We maintained eye contact. 

He began walking towards me. 

Stopping a few metres short of where I was standing...

he twirled his right hand in the air. 

I understood he wanted me to turn in a circle.

With small footsteps, I turned my body slowly; my eyes cast down at the floor. 

As I returned to be facing him, he stood with his hands on his hips.

He walked closer to me, and without saying a word, picked me up.

Dutifully, my legs wrapped around his waist and my arms around his shoulders. 

My left cheek rested gently on his.

He moved across the room with me in his arms slowly, calmly; before stopping in front of a  full-length mirror.

Here, he gently lowered me until my feet touched the plush carpet once more.

I had been placed facing the reflection of us both. 

Standing behind me, he asked me to look at myself.

I wonder what it is that I saw.

Long pause

ROSE calmly stands and returns to the bedroom. She closes the door behind her. 

AM stands and leaves the hotel room. 

END

Performance resets