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KRUK: May I help you?

CHAJA: No thanks. Just looking…

KRUK: Excuse me, but you come here every day and search for hours. Surely I could help you… you must be looking for something.

CHAJA (A little defensive, protecting something): I like to browse.

KRUK: I though you were wonderful in the revue — "Pesche from Resche."

CHAJA: Wonderful?

KRUK: There's no need to be ashamed. It's a fine thing to be an actress.

CHAJA: Is it? I don't think so.

KRUK: No?

CHAJA: What good is theatre in our situation? It's trivial…even insulting.

KRUK: I thought that way once. I was against the theatre company from the beginning.

CHAJA: I know. You were right. You are right.

KRUK (Shakes his head): No. Every form of cultural activity is essential here in the ghetto. It's the battle plan in our fight to remain human beings. The fascists can kill us at will — it's not even a challenge for them. But they can't achieve their real aim: They can't obliterate our humanity — not as long as we cling to a spiritual life, not as long as we reach for the good and the beautiful. They forbid flowers in the ghetto, we give one another leaves. And suddenly, leaves are the most beautiful flowers in the world. Theatre is essential.

Silence.

You must be looking for a book on theatre. Come.

CHAJA: I don't want a book on theatre. I want a book on…explosives.

KRUK (Smiling): Why didn't you say so? I could have saved you precious time.