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Discover what makes Eugène Ionesco's The New Tenant a hallmark of the Theatre of the Absurd
This 1975 dramatization of Eugène Ionesco's one-act play The New Tenant...
Article media libraries that feature this video: Theatre of the Absurd, Eugène Ionesco
WOMAN: La, la, la. Gus! Gus! Gus! Yoo-hoo, George! Go tell Gus to go see Mr. Clarence! George! George! Where is everybody? La! La! La! La! La!
MAN: Pardon me. Are you in charge here?
WOMAN: I'm sorry, it's the hiccups. Did you just come in?
MAN: Yes.
WOMAN: I was trying to see if Gus, or George, or somebody was down in back. Somebody's got to go see Mr. Clarence. Well! You got here didn't you?
WOMAN: I didn't expect you today. I thought you was supposed to come tomorrow. How are you? Did you have a nice trip? Not too tired out? You really gave me a scare, you know, you must of finished up earlier than you thought you would! That's it, isn't it, because I didn't expect you until tomorrow or the day after. Hiccups! Oh, it's the surprise that done it! Well, everything's ready for you, you're lucky the folks that was here before you moved out on time.
They was nice people, used to tell me everything, folks always tell me their secrets, never breathe a word--a sealed tomb, that's me! What about you? In business for yourself? Got a job? Made your own pile, that's it, isn't it? Retired. No. You're too young for that. Of course, some of 'em quit early if they're tired enough. That is, if they can afford it--not all of us can. Ah, good for them, if they can do it. Got any relatives?
MAN: No.
WOMAN: That's right. Put down your suitcase. Don't wear yourself out, put it down anywhere you want. Look! I don't have the hiccups anymore. I'm over the surprise! Take off your hat. That's right, you don't have to take it off if ya don't want to, you're at home now. Last week it wasn't your home yet. It was their home, don't things change? Well, what d'you expect? That's life. It's your home now, me, I'm not gonna say nothing against it, it's none of my business. You won't find any dirt around here, sir, they was clean people. Left everything spic and span, you'll see. Don't you worry, them walls is sturdy. This place wasn't built yesterday, they don't make 'em like this anymore. You're gonna like it here just fine, let me tell you, the neighbors is okay, nothing but harmony around here, always quiet. I never had to call the cops except once, that was for the third floor front, he's a detective, always screaming all the time wanting to have everybody arrested . . .
MAN: The window, please.
WOMAN: Yes, sir! I'll be glad to, I'll be glad to do anything I can for you. I'll do your cleaning for you, sir, it won't cost you much, we'll work out a deal, you and me, I'll take good care of you . . .
WOMAN: Yes, sir! I'm sorry, I forgot! There you are, I closed your window, just the way you want it, closes real easy, too. It looks out on the alley, of course, but there's lots of light, you see, because we're on the sixth floor.
MAN: There was nothing vacant on the first floor.
WOMAN: Oh, don't I know what you're talking about! It's not so easy up here with no elevators, climbing all them stairs.
MAN: That's got nothing to do with it. I'm not tired.
WOMAN: What's the matter, then, don't you like the sun? It can hurt your eyes, when you get older, that's true--you can do without it, can't you? It burns your skin too much . . .
MAN: No, it doesn't.
WOMAN: Well, not too much, then, that's right, not too much. You don't have nothing to sleep on tonight, do you? I can lend you a bed. I'll help you arrange your furniture, don't you worry about that, sir. I got lots of ideas, plenty of 'em. It won't be the first time, either and since I'm going to be doing your cleaning for you . . . But your furniture won't be coming today, that's for sure, there's no chance they're gonna bring it that quick, I know the way they work, the only thing they care about is getting your money, they're all alike, I know everyone of 'em.
MAN: They'll bring it.
WOMAN: You really think they're gonna bring your furniture today, huh? Good for you! Suits me better, I got no bed to lend ya', but I'll be surprised, I've seen 'em all. I know how everyone of 'em works. They're not gonna come today, it's Saturday, no it isn't, it's Wednesday. I got a bed you can use, since I'm cleaning for ya . . .
MAN: Please, don't!
WOMAN: What's the matter? I got to call George to tell Gus to go see Mr. Clarence.
MAN: Please leave the window alone.
WOMAN: It's because Mr. Clarence wants to know if Mr. Eustace, who's Gus's friend and George's too, since they're kind of related, not exactly, but sort of . . .
WOMAN: Ok, ok, ok, ok! I get ya! You don't want me to open it, I wouldn't of hurt nothin', it's your privilege, it's your window, it's not mine! I don't want it! I get you. You give the orders, it's anything you like! Oh, I won't touch it anymore, it's your place, you paid for it, got it pretty cheap, too, it's none of my business, the window's yours, everything has its price, that's life. Me, I won't say anything, I'm not going to interfere, it's your business, I don't mind, it doesn't bother me none. Look! I'm even happy! I'm gonna do your cleaning for ya! I'm gonna be like your maid? Isn't that right?
MAN: No, it isn't.
WOMAN: What d'ya mean?
MAN: I'm sorry, but I don't need your help.
WOMAN: You don't need my help? After all you been beggin' me? I--I just wish I had a witness, I believed you, too, oh, I've been taken, that's what, a real sucker, that's me.
MAN: Please don't blame me.
WOMAN: What d'ya expect me to do?
MAN: It's the furniture!
WOMAN: No, don't bother, I'll open it. It's my place to wait on you, I'm your maid.
MAN: Please don't.
WOMAN: How ya like that! They beg ya, they promise ya anything and then they go back on their word!
MOVER 1: Good morning.
MAN: Is the furniture here?
MOVER 1: Uh, huh. Should we bring it up?
MAN: Yes, if you're ready.
MOVER 1: Ok, sir.
WOMAN: You're not gonna be able to arrange your furniture all by yourself, sir.
MAN: The movers will help me.
WOMAN: It's no good bringing in strangers, I don't know him! It's not safe, you should of asked my husband, he's got nothing to do, he's out of work. He could of used the money, why give it to somebody else? You see? I don't bear you no grudge, I'll clean for you, I wouldn't mind working for you at all . . .
MAN: I'm sorry, but I don't need your help. I'll take care of things myself.
WOMAN: He's sorry! He's sorry! He's making fun of me, that's what he's doing. I don't like that. I don't like people making fun of me. They're all alike, making you waste your time, I got other things to do, you know, he asks me to come up here . . . Shut up, won't ya! I can't hear myself think! I ain't gonna open your window! Me, I'm an honest woman, nobody ever said I wasn't . . . Making me waste my time, me, with my wash waitin', I never should of listened to you . . .
MOVER 1. This is the first stuff.
WOMAN: Hey, buster, don't you believe him . . .
MOVER 1: Where should I put 'em?
WOMAN: You'll see, he's a liar, he won't even pay ya. Thinks he can buy anything with money . . .
MAN: Put one there, please, and one there.
WOMAN: He'll work you like crazy!
MOVER 1: Yes, sir.
WOMAN: You'll kill yourself for nothing, that's what life's all about for folks like us, huh?
I don't know who you are, but me, I'm somebody. Oh, I know you! Mrs. Matilda, that's me!
MAN: Please take this for your trouble.
WOMAN: Who do you think I am? I'm no beggar, I could of had children, it wasn't my fault, it was my husband's--they'd be grown up by now, I don't want your money. Thank you very much, sir. Ok, ok! That's it! You can cry as much as you like, I'm not going to clean for you! I got no use for men like you--doesn't need nobody, wants to do it all by himself--aren't you ashamed, at your age? Vicious man, vicious man in the house, don't need nobody! Vicious men all over the streets, what's the world coming to? I don't want people like that in my house, I got nothin' but nice people here. Doesn't even know what he wants, doesn't know much about life, that one, complains all the time.
MAN: It's better that way.
WOMAN: Think they're big! Think they're big, God knows what! They're nothin' but a bunch of thieves and perverts and bums!
MAN: Put it there, please.
MOVER 1: Over there? Yes, sir.
WOMAN: Make you all kinds of shameful propositions for money . . .
MAN: No, in the corner. Right in the corner.
WOMAN: But that don't go on with me!
MOVER 1: There?
MAN: Yes, there. That's where it belongs.
WOMAN: Some things can't be bought! Money can't rot everything! Me, I won't take it!
MOVER 1. Where're ya gonna put all the rest?
MAN: Don't worry. I've worked it out. You'll see. There'll be room.
WOMAN: I've been expecting it. You bet. I know these guys, these fancy dressers, you can pick them up by the dozen . . . I know your game, me, I don't take nothin' from nobody--chasin' after women . . . you won't take no advantage of me, I'm not so stupid. It's a lucky thing we've got a cop right here in the house. I'll make a complaint! I'll have you arrested, I got my husband to defend me, too. Don't need nobody, we'll just wait and see!
MAN: Please don't get excited. I advise you not to, if you don't mind. It will only hurt you.
WOMAN: How dare you talk to me like that, a mother with five kids! You can't make a fool out of me, I don't let anybody push me around. You just get here and what d'ya do? You make me come up to your room, you beg me to work for ya, and then, for no reason at all, you try to kick me out . . .
MAN: Go back downstairs, please, there may be some mail.
WOMAN: What d'ya want a vase for, anyhow? A mother with six kids! You can't push me around! I'll go see the cop! Hey you! Watch where you're going! You can't push me around! You can't push me around!
MOVER 2: Good morning, sir. I'm here about your furniture.
MAN: Yes. Thank you. Good morning. Your partner's already come.
MOVER 2: Ok. I'll go help him. I see he's started bringing it up already.
MAN: Yes, he's started bringing it up already.
MOVER 2: He's been here long?
MAN: No, only a few minutes.
MOVER 2: Is there much more?
MAN: Still quite a few things. He's coming up now.
MOVER 1: Hey! You're here? Come on and give me a hand.
MAN: One, two, three, four, one . . .
MOVER 1: Ok, one more time, let's go!
MOVER 1: What about this one, where does it go?
MOVER 2: Uh, man! If everything's gone to be like that one! Oh boy!
MAN: Are you tired, gentlemen?
MOVER 1: Nah, it's nothing. We're used to it. Don't waste time. Let's go.
MAN: One, two, three, four, one, two, three, there. This will go here, that there! That's it! One, two, three, five, one, two, seven, there we are. It'll work.
MOVER 1: Is this where it goes, sir?
MAN: Yes, thank you. That's fine. Put it over there, please.
MOVER 2: Yeah, sure!
MOVER 1: Where do these go, sir?
MAN: One there, please, and one there, of course. They'll match the other two.
MOVER 1: Oh yeah, I should have thought of that. Is there any room left?
MAN: Everything's going to be alright. Don't worry, I've worked everything out. Over there, please. No, I'm sorry. Not there. There.
MOVER 2: Ok, sir, but I wish you'd make up your mind.
MAN: Yes, of course.
MOVER 2: That way we don't have to knock ourselves out for nothing.
MAN: I understand.
MOVER 1: What about this one? Where's it go?
MAN: Yes . . . it's not so easy to find a place for that one.
MOVER 1: How about there, sir?
MAN: Exactly the spot! It's absolutely perfect.
MOVER 2: What about this one?
MAN: Over there, please.
MOVER 2: You won't have any room left for your dishes!
MAN: I've worked everything out. Everything's worked out.
MOVER 2: I don't really see how.
MAN: I do.
MOVER 2: Ok. You're the boss.
MAN: Next to the other one. There, against the wall, next to the other one. That'll be fine. There, all around. Next to the other one. All around, all around. There, next to the other one. All around, all around, all around, all around. Next to the other one. Over there. There.
You can bring a ladder now. A ladder. Now it's beginning to look like something. It'll be very liveable. Won't be bad at all.
MOVER 2: Ok.
MAN: You can leave the ladders. Bring up the pictures. Watch out! Don't mess up my circles!
MOVER 2: Ok. I'll try not to.
MAN: Be careful! Watch out, watch out for my circles!
MOVER 1: I'll try. It's not so easy when you're carrying this big a load.
MAN: Hang it up.
MAN: My ancestors. Climb up and hang it.
MOVER 1: It's not so easy with your circles. Especially when we start bringing up the heavier stuff. We can't watch everything.
MAN: Yes, you can, if you try.
MOVER 1: Are they alright?
MAN: Are they alright?
MOVER 2: They look alright to me.
MAN: They're alright. Now you can bring up the heavy furniture.
MOVER 2: Boy, I'm thirsty.
MAN: Bring up the sideboard. One . . .
MOVERS: Where?
MAN: There, of course!
MOVER 1: It'll block out your light.
MAN: There's electricity. No, thank you. I don't use it. It's better that way.
MOVER 1: Uh, huh.
MOVER 2: Uh huh.
MAN: . . . but not perfect. I don't like it. Turn it around! That's better.
MOVER 1: It's prettier.
MAN: It's prettier. More discreet.
MOVER 2: It's prettier, more discreet.
MAN: That's right. It's prettier, more discreet.
MOVER 1: Yes, it is.
MAN: That way, you can't see anything at all.
MOVER 1: That's for sure.
MOVER 2: It's all gone.
MOVER 1: Last drop?
MOVER 2: There's nothing left.
MAN: Nothing. The neighbors won't be a nuisance anymore.
MOVER 1: It's better for everybody.
MOVER 2: Everybody'll be happier.
MAN: Everybody happy.
Well, back to work. Let's go. Bring up my armchair.
MOVERS: Where's it go?
MAN: In the circles. It's a beautiful pink, isn't it.
MOVER 1: Good chair.
MAN: It's soft. Well-upholstered. Bring it in, please. Bring it in. There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! There! Oh, no. Certainly not.
MOVER 1: It's broken.
MAN: All right, then. Put it here. Yes, of course. Here.
No, wait. Why not? What difference does it make?
MOVER 1: You're not gonna have any room left.
MAN: Yes, I will. Like this.
MOVER 2: Ok. Are you comfortable?
MOVER 1: No place like home, eh?
MOVER 2: You were tired out. Relax.
MAN: Don't stop. Is there much left?
MOVERS: What are we gonna do?
MAN: Is there very much left? You're not finished, are you?
MOVER 1: Well, we have a little problem, sir.
MAN: What is it?
MOVER 1: The furniture's too big and the doors are too small.
MOVER 2: Won't go through.
MAN: What kind of furniture is it?
MOVER 2: Big wardrobes.
MAN: The green one and the violet one?
MOVER 2: That's right.
MOVER 1: But that's not all. There's more.
MOVER 2: The stairs are jammed full of it. Nobody can get up or down.
MAN: And what about the alley and the streets, are they filled up, too?
MOVER 1: There's not a car moving anywhere in the whole city. Furniture everywhere! You shouldn't complain, sir. At least you've got a place to sit.
MOVER 2: Maybe the subway's running.
MOVER 1: No, it isn't.
MAN: No, the tunnels are all blocked.
MOVER 2: Boy, do you have furniture! You've jammed up the whole country!
MAN: The rivers have stopped flowing. There's no more water.
MOVER 1: What do you want us to do?
MAN: We can't leave everything outside.
MOVER 1: We could always bring it in through the attic. But then we'd have to break a hole in the roof.
MOVER 2: No, we wouldn't. This is a modern building. It's got a removeable roof. Did you know that?
MOVER 2: It does. It's simple. Just clap your hands . . . and the roof opens.
MAN: No, I'm afraid the rain would ruin my furniture. It's new and valuable.
MOVER 2: There's no danger of that, sir. I know the system. The roof opens, closes, opens, closes, whatever you want.
MOVER 1: It might work.
MAN: Alright. On the one condition that you close it back immediately. No carelessness.
MOVER 1: We won't forget. I'm here. Ready?
MOVER 2: Yes.
MOVER 1: Ok?
MOVER 1: Go! That's it, sir! Everything's in. Are you comfortable, satisfied with the move?
MAN: Ceiling! Close the ceiling please!
MOVER 1: He asked you to close the ceiling! You forgot!
MOVER 2: Oh yeah. There ya are.
MAN: Thank you.
MOVER 1: That way the rain won't come in and you won't be cold. Are you alright, now?
MAN: I'm alright.
MOVER 1: Better give me your hat, sir. It might get in your way. There you go. You'll be more comfortable, now. Here's some flowers. That's it?
MOVER 2: That's it.
MOVER 1: We've brought everything in, sir. You're home. We're going now. Come on. Do you need anything?
MOVER 2: Do you need anything?
MAN: Turn out the lights. Thank you.