Episode 14 - Venerio
PHILIP
Hello! I’m Philip, and I’m so excited that we’re back with season 2. Welcome! Just a couple of things before we start. This season starts where the Season 1 finale left off, so for all new listeners; it’s not essential to have listened to Season 1, we do recommend starting at the beginning. We also recommend you stick around beyond the credits of each episode, so you don’t miss the Epilogue… Now, we’re doing something new for Season two which we’re extremely excited about. You may remember that for season 1, we created case files for our patrons. These contained written stories and documents and puzzles, delving deeper into each episode. For season two, we’ve decided instead of written case files, we’re making audio minisodes to follow up on each case. You can listen to these by becoming a patron of the show. More info on that at the very end. But for now, without further ado, let’s get started with The Amelia Project Season 2!
PROLOGUE
(THE FAMILIAR BEEPING)
VOICE
Congratulations. You’ve reached The Amelia Project. This phone call isn’t happening. If you’re not serious about this, hang up. Now.
(PAUSE)
You sure about this? If you hesitated, do not proceed.
(PAUSE)
Still there? If you continue, there’s no way back. The choice is yours.
(PAUSE)
Good choice. A new life awaits. You’ll hear back from us within the hour. If you do not hear back, please consider the whole thing a hoax. Leave your message after the beep.
(BEEP)
VENERIO (WITH A DEEP BUT GENTLE VOICE, TALKING SOFTLY WITH AN ITALIAN ACCENT)
My name is Venerio da Vale. That I am willing to leave the lagoon to meet you, demonstrates how desperate I am. I have a big task and I believe you are the only people who can make this happen. I look forward to hearing from you.
(BEEP)
(AMELIA THEME)
INTRO
The Amelia Project. By Philip Thorne and Øystein Brager, with music and sound design by Fredrik Baden. Episode 14: Venerio da Vale.
THE INTERVIEW
(THE BEAT DISSOLVES INTO THE TINKLING OF ESPRESSO CUPS. JOEY, SALVATORE AND VENERIO ALL SPEAK ITALIAN)
SALVATORE
He’s late. He should get here in about ten minutes or so…
JOEY
More espresso signore da Vale?
VENERIO
Oh, yes please.
SALVATORE
Sugar?
VENERIO
No, thank you.
JOEY
Good. Sugar is for sissies!
SALVATORE
There’s nothing like real Italian coffee.
VENERIO
It’s very good. Just what I need.
SALVATORE
Long trip?
VENERIO
Long and rough. Does it always rain so much here?
JOEY
Britain’s a dump.
SALVATORE
Where are you from?
VENERIO
Venice.
JOEY
Ha! That explains the ridiculous mask!
SALVATORE
Don’t take any notice of Joey. He has no culture.
JOEY
Shut up you bastard!
VENERIO
Your face seems familiar. Do I know you from somewhere?
JOEY
No.
SALVATORE
Impossibile.
VENERIO
Haven’t you been in the papers?
(THE CLICK OF THE STOP-BUTTON AND WE ARE IN THE OFFICE OF COLE AND HAINES)
HAINES
Any idea what they’re saying?
COLE
Hm. “Grazie” and “Bastardo.” That’s about it.
HAINES
“Venezia” is Venice.
COLE
Shall we get a translator?
HAINES
I don’t want anyone else involved. Not yet.
COLE
Right. Well. It’s probably not important.
HAINES
Probably not.
COLE
Let’s hope they switch to English soon.
HAINES
Yeah…
(THEY PRESS PLAY AGAIN AND THE ITALIAN RESUMES)
VENERIO
I remember! I know who you are!
SALVATORE
You’re wrong.
VENERIO
I have an excellent memory.
SALVATORE
If you continue, you’ll regret it.
VENERIO
Angelo Russo and Mario Drago.
JOEY
Shall I get the baseball bat Salvatore?
(WHIRRING OF TAPE AS THE AGENTS FAST FORWARD, THE FOLLOWING IS STILL IN ITALIAN)
JOEY
Yes!
SALVATORE
No… yes… no… yes…
VENERIO
Yes or no?
SALVATORE
Yes!
VENERIO
Very well. Show me your palm-
(FAST FORWARD AND WHIRR OF TAPE AGAIN)
VENERIO
I am the last true Venetian Mask Maker.
HAINES
Go back!
(REWIND)
(THROUGHOUT THE INTERVIEW WE HERE THE RAIN PELTING DOWN OUTSIDE THE WINDOW. THERE’S A STORM BREWING… THE OCCASIONAL RUMBLE OF THUNDER)
(DOOR OPENS. THE INTERVIEWER BUSTLES IN)
INTERVIEWER
Sorry, sorry, sorry! Lousy weather. Ugh, I’m drenched!
(HE SHAKES HIS UMBRELLA BEFORE COLLAPSING IT)
JOEY
(TREMBLING, AFRAID) Don’t… Don’t speak to him!
INTERVIEWER
What’s gotten into you?
VENERIO
They are in a bit of a shock…
INTERVIEWER
Joey! Salvatore! Pull yourselves together! We pay you to look tough. At the moment you look about as tough as a pair of wilting daisies!
SALVATORE
He’s… he’s the diavolo!
INTERVIEWER
(UPSET) That’s no way to speak to our clients! Out! Both of you! Now! Pronto!
SALVATORE
But-
(JOEY AND SALVATORE STOMP OUT AND THE DOOR IS THROWN SHUT BEHIND THEM. IT’S JUST THE INTERVIEWER AND VENERIO NOW. VENERIO SPEAKS CALM THE ENTIRE TIME)
INTERVIEWER
You obviously got under their skin.
VENERIO
I’m used to people hating me. The curse of the messenger…
INTERVIEWER
(HE SITS DOWN, WE HEAR THE CHAIR) Um… are you going to keep that thing on?
VENERIO
I always wear the mask.
INTERVIEWER
Always?
VENERIO
Sì.
INTERVIEWER
(CURIOUS) Even when you’re having a shower?
VENERIO
I always wear the mask.
(PAUSE)
INTERVIEWER
(SHAKES) It’s creepy.
VENERIO
It’s the mask of death.
INTERVIEWER
It looks like a strange bird…
VENERIO
It was worn by the Venetian plague doctors. They stuffed the beak with spices and rose petals to purify the air.
INTERVIEWER
Are you a doctor?
VENERIO
I’m a mask maker.
INTERVIEWER
Much demand for masks is there?
VENERIO
Oh, these days it’s mostly for tourists and the carnival.
INTERVIEWER
These days?
VENERIO
Before, back when Venice was a republic, masks were an essential part of everyday life. You see, Venice is a small city. Everyone knows each other. That can be stifling. Masks allow us to change our identity, to act more freely.
INTERVIEWER
I’d have thought it was against the law to conceal your identity.
VENERIO
Hahaha! Not at all! It was a legal requirement for participating in democracy!
INTERVIEWER
How so?
VENERIO
Debates, votes and vetoes were all carried out by masked citizens. It put everyone on a level playing field. Men, women, masters and servants.
INTERVIEWER
(INTERESTED) A city of masks…
VENERIO
Of course it also led to crime and sexual experimentation. We became the capital of excess!
INTERVIEWER
Citizens able to hide, change, disappear, reappear and control their identity… (LEANING FORWARD IN HIS CHAIR, INVESTED) Interesting…
VENERIO
I thought that would appeal to you.
INTERVIEWER
I’d be out of a job!
(VENERIO CHUCKLES)
INTERVIEWER
You speak about this time almost as if you knew it.
VENERIO
I love Venice. I love its traditions. That’s why I continue to wear the mask. I am the last true Venetian Mask Maker.
INTERVIEWER
Talking about sensual excess…
VENERIO
(INTERESTED) Oh. I like where this is going…
INTERVIEWER
Do you like cocoa?
VENERIO
(QUICKLY) Cioccolata Calda?
(PAUSE)
Cafe Florian does the best Cioccolata Calda in the world. It’s so thick your spoon stands upright in it.
INTERVIEWER
Cafe Florian?
VENERIO
On Piazza San Marco. Come to Venice and I’ll show you.
INTERVIEWER
Tempting. (CHUCKLES) Have you ever been to Paris?
VENERIO
No.
INTERVIEWER
(TAKES A DEEP BREATH) The cocoa from Les Deux Magots is to die for. Would you like to try some?
VENERIO
Sì grazie.
(SOUND OF TWO CUPS BEING POURED, THEN SIPPING, THE CLANK OF CUPS CAN BE HEARD AS THEY SPEAK)
Ah! It’s divine.
INTERVIEWER
It’s angelic.
VENERIO
It’s transcendent.
INTERVIEWER
It’s immaculate.
VENERIO
This must be what they serve in paradise.
(STOP IS CLICKED)
COLE
This Nescafe tastes like shite.
HAINES
I know.
What do you think the chances are of getting a decent hot chocolate around here?
COLE
I mean, I know they have some. At the canteen.
HAINES
Any good?
COLE
Never tried it.
HAINES
Well - I think we should.
COLE
(CHUCKLES) Yes!
(CLICK OF A BUTTON)
HAINES
Nancy? Bring us two hot chocolates would you? And before you come in, knock.
(RUBS HIS HANDS IN ANTICIPATION)
Hot chocolates coming.
(COLE QUIETLY HUMS)
Let’s carry on.
COLE
(QUIETLY) Yeah
(PLAY)
INTERVIEWER
Is Venice still sinking?
VENERIO
Nobody really knows. Probably. And now the sea is rising. One way or another the city will disappear in the next few decades. Cathedrals, churches, towers and palaces built on the sea. It has always been an ephemeral city.
INTERVIEWER
Do you think there is anything you can do to stop Venice sinking?
VENERIO
Do you think there is anything you can do to stop death?
(SILENCE, ONLY THE STORM IN THE BACKGROUND)
Are you going to answer my question?
INTERVIEWER
Hm?
(PAUSE)
What question?
VENERIO
I just asked you a question. About death.
INTERVIEWER
Oh! I thought that was rhetorical.
VENERIO
It wasn’t.
INTERVIEWER
“Is there anything you can do to stop death?” I thought you were implying that just like death, the sinking of Venice is inevitable.
VENERIO
Is that what you think?
INTERVIEWER
You think it isn’t?
VENERIO
No.
INTERVIEWER
I’m sorry, what are we talking about? Death or Venice?
VENERIO
Death.
INTERVIEWER
Well. Death is inevitable.
VENERIO
I don’t want to die.
INTERVIEWER
Well that’s unusual.
VENERIO
Really? Fear of death is quite universal.
INTERVIEWER
I mean our clients usually come here because they want to die.
VENERIO
No. They come here because they want to escape.
INTERVIEWER
Ah! You want to escape?
VENERIO
Yes!
INTERVIEWER
Who’s after you?
VENERIO
Death!
INTERVIEWER
Sorry?
VENERIO
(URGENT) I need to disappear so death can’t find me. Can you arrange that?
(A KNOCK ON THE DOOR, THE TAPE IS STOPPED)
HAINES
Come in Nancy.
NANCY
Two hot chocolates.
(COLE AND HAINES CHUCKLE IN ANTICIPATION)
They didn’t have any at the canteen, so I got some from the machine instead.
(SHE HANDS THE CUPS OUT TO THEM)
HAINES
Thank you Nancy.
COLE
Thank you…
(DOOR CLOSES. SIPPING)
What do you think?
(MORE SIPPING)
COLE
It’s…
HAINES
Be honest.
COLE
Basically just sweet brown water.
HAINES
I think I preferred the Nescafe.
COLE
Do you think if we went to Les Deux Magots we could chalk it up as… research?
HAINES
Have you ever been to Venice?
COLE
Once. In August. It was scorching hot, crammed with tourists and the canals stank like rotting corpses. You?
HAINES
Hm… In the winter. It was flooded. They made walkways from planks to get across the piazzas and everyone was wearing orange wellies. It was so foggy you could barely see more than a few metres ahead…
(COLE SIPS AND AUDIBLY SWALLOWS)
COLE
I’m not going to finish this.
HAINES
Me neither.
(SOUND OF PLASTIC CUPS BEING CRUMPLED AND CHUCKED IN A BIN, THEN PLAY IS PRESSED AGAIN)
INTERVIEWER
Look here Venerio. If you want to escape death for as long as possible, I suggest you go for a jog every morning, eat nothing but fish and broccoli, avoid crossing the road and don’t finish that cocoa.
VENERIO
Eating broccoli isn’t going to stop a marble cherub detaching itself from Basilica di San Marco’s ceiling and come crashing down on my skull.
INTERVIEWER
(CONFUSED CHUCKLE) Who said anything about a marble cherub?
VENERIO
That’s how I die. Tomorrow at ten past five. And no amount of pushups or beetroot smoothies will change that.
INTERVIEWER
And how do you know this?
VENERIO
Another ancient Venetian skill.
INTERVIEWER
(EXCITED) You can predict death?
VENERIO
To the second.
INTERVIEWER
Wow. Can you predict my death?
VENERIO
If you want me to.
INTERVIEWER
I do!
VENERIO
Lots of people are afraid to know.
INTERVIEWER
Why? Isn’t it better to find out now? Then I can stop worrying about it. A momentary shock is better than years of anxiety. If I know I’ll die when I’m sixty, seventy, eighty or ninety I can just get on with my life. I can plan! Make sure I do the things I want to do and don’t waste time…
VENERIO
You might die next week.
INTERVIEWER
(DEADPAN) In which case I’m on the next plane to Paris to blow my life savings on cocoa.
(STOP IS PRESSED AGAIN, THEN A SHORT PAUSE)
HAINES
Would you wanna know?
COLE (HESITATES FOR A MOMENT)
My best mate had his stag party in Liverpool. It was 4am and we were amongst a handful of people in a strip club.
(HAINES HUMS)
I was feeling tired and drunk and dirty and I just wanted to go home. But I was my mate’s best man and he was trying to make the night last. Eventually it was just the two of us and this other dude I hardly knew when this old lady came over to our table. She was all wrinkled and she had rotting teeth, and we were scared she was going to offer us a lap dance. And luckily she didn’t. She said she was a fortune teller. For twenty quid she could predict our deaths. We were wasted and we thought it was hilarious. The dude that I hardly knew followed her into a corner and we watched her stroke his palm and whisper into his ear. Took a long time. When he came back he was pale. He just grabbed his jacket and left, without saying a word.
HAINES
What happened to him?
COLE
He died of a brain tumour, two months later.
HAINES
(IMPRESSED) Oh… Did you get your own prediction?
COLE
Not after I saw that guy’s reaction, no. It spooked me, to be honest. I was instantly sober.
HAINES
What about your mate?
COLE
He was still in high spirits and I couldn’t dissuade him.
HAINES
What did she say to him?
COLE
I watched her stroke and whisper and this time it took even longer. When he came back, he was in an even better mood than before. He literally hugged and kissed me on the mouth.
(CHUCKLING)
HAINES
Good news then.
COLE
She told him he’d live for a hundred and twenty years.
HAINES
Wow.
COLE
He was high as a kite. He downed a bottle of vodka, he danced on the table, he touched up girls, bought a round for everyone in the bar. There was no stopping him. I managed to drag him out just as the sun started to rise. It was a new day and he felt … invincible. He skipped onto the road without looking left or right and was hit by a bus.
(PAUSE)
HAINES
(DISBELIEVING) No! Did he die?
COLE
(SIGHS) Miraculously no. (TAKES A DEEP BREATH) But he’s completely paralysed.Can’t move anything but his eyelids.
HAINES
(SOFTLY) Oh...
COLE
This was twenty years ago. I still visit him once a month.
HAINES
Shit.
COLE
Yes.
HAINES
I wouldn’t want to know.
COLE
Me neither.
(PAUSE)
HAINES
(DEEP BREATH) Continue?
COLE
Yes.
(THEY PRESS PLAY AGAIN)
INTERVIEWER
Venerio, why do you need us? If you know how you’ll die, you can escape your death on your own.
VENERIO
Death by marble cherub plummeting forty three metres is a pretty hard thing to fake.
INTERVIEWER
Well don’t go to the basilica! Go to Cafe Florian instead. Or, even better, stay here for a few days.
VENERIO
Here?
INTERVIEWER
Blighty’s not so bad.
VENERIO
I can’t do that.
INTERVIEWER
Why not?
VENERIO
Do you know the story ‘Appointment in Samarra?’
INTERVIEWER
I don’t.
VENERIO
It’s an ancient Mesopotamian tale.
INTERVIEWER
Will you tell it to me? I love stories!
VENERIO
Can I have some more cocoa first?
INTERVIEWER
Certainly!
(SOUND OF POURING AND CLANKING CUPS. VENERIO SIPS)
Okay. Hit me.
VENERIO
Once there was a merchant in Bagdad who sent his servant to the market to buy provisions. A little while later the servant came back, white and trembling, and said, master, just now when I was at the marketplace I was jostled by a woman in the crowd and when I turned I saw it was Death that jostled me. She looked straight at me and made a threatening gesture. Lend me your horse, and I will ride away from this city and avoid my fate. I will go to Samarra and there Death will not find me. The merchant lent the servant his horse, and the servant mounted it and dug his spurs in its flanks and went as fast as a horse could gallop. The merchant went down to the marketplace and there he saw Death standing in the crowd. He went up to Death and said, “Why did you make a threatening gesture to my servant when you saw him this morning?”
“That was not a threatening gesture”, said Death, “it was only a start of surprise. I was astonished to see him here in Bagdad, for I have an appointment with him tonight… (THUNDER OUTSIDE) in Samarra.”
INTERVIEWER
(NOT IMPRESSED) It’s a nice story. But the message is depressing. It’s saying death can’t be cheated.
VENERIO
Oh but it can!
INTERVIEWER
Not according to the story.
VENERIO
I was trying to make the point that you can’t cheat death through geographical distance. If death wants me at Basilica di San Marco tomorrow at ten past five, it will find a way to get me there.
INTERVIEWER
Oh! Here’s a thought Venerio. Strip naked, stand outside Downing Street wearing only your mask, and lob fireworks at number ten.
VENERIO
What? How will that solve anything?
INTERVIEWER
I’d like to see fate try and drag you out of Pentonville Prison.
VENERIO
No! I mustn’t put up any resistance.
INTERVIEWER
Why not? Make death work for it! Put up a fight!
VENERIO
I don’t want to aggregate death.
INTERVIEWER
Death doesn’t give a tinker’s toss about our feelings!
VENERIO
I mustn’t behave as though I know…
INTERVIEWER
So, what, you just wander into Saint Marc’s Basilica, in the full knowledge a cherub will come crashing down on your head?
VENERIO
Yes. I play along until the last minute.
INTERVIEWER
(EXCITED INTAKE OF BREATH) What happens in the last minute?
VENERIO
That’s where you come in.
INTERVIEWER
We do?
VENERIO
I need you to fulfil the demands of fate… but in a way that doesn’t actually bludgeon me to death. Can you do that?
INTERVIEWER
You want us to detach a statue from the basilica ceiling?
VENERIO
If it’s going to happen anyway, you might as well control it.
INTERVIEWER
You seriously believe death can be duped with a paper-mache cherub?
VENERIO
If you make it authentic enough, a big crash, destruction to the floor, a crushed corpse, screaming tourists, then yes, I think death will be convinced I’m gone.
INTERVIEWER
I think you underestimate death.
VENERIO
Do you know how busy death is? 153,424 people die every day. That’s one person every second. Do you think death can hang around to check every pulse? As long as my demise seems routine, death will simply tick me off the list and move on.
INTERVIEWER
You sound very sure of yourself.
VENERIO
I’m not. I’ve never attempted anything on this scale before.
INTERVIEWER
(SLOWLY REALIZING) But you’ve done it haven’t you? You’ve escaped death!
VENERIO
Yes.
INTERVIEWER
(INVESTED, EXCITED AND SPEAKING QUIETLY) How many times?
(SILENCE)
How many times?
VENERIO
I’ve lost count.
INTERVIEWER
And when you reappear…
VENERIO
I wear a new mask.
INTERVIEWER
(EXCITED INTAKE OF BREATH) Do you ever intend to die for real?
VENERIO
Yes. I do. I’ve lived in Venice for centuries. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. When Venice drowns, I go with it.
(ONLY SOUNDS OF RAIN FOR A MOMENT, THEN STOP)
COLE
I think we need to add ‘Destruction of Cultural Heritage’ to the list of Amelia offences.
HAINES
They prevented a real cherub from shattering.
COLE
They destroyed 20 square metres of mosaic floor and saved one cherub!
HAINES
They also saved a life.
COLE
I wonder if that clown is still alive.
HAINES
If he’s not it means we can’t change fate after all…
COLE
What do you think? Do you believe in free will?
HAINES
(MATTER OF FACT) I have no choice.
(PLAY)
INTERVIEWER
We’re going to have to make up with Joey and Salvatore. They’ll pose as restoration specialists from Rome brought in to inspect the Basilica ceiling.
VENERIO
Joey and Salvatore? Ah, you mean Mario Drago and Angelo Russo.
INTERVIEWER
(QUICKLY SHUSHING HIM) Pssshshsht! Is that what spooked them? You know who they really are?
VENERIO
No. I predicted their deaths.
INTERVIEWER
(UNIMPRESSED) Oh. I see. Well, a trip to Italy should cheer them up. A few shots of Grappa and they’ll be right as rain.
VENERIO
We don’t have much time. Death is expecting me.
INTERVIEWER
Ahahah! First, we need to seal the deal with a bottle of bubbly!
VENERIO
But-
INTERVIEWER
It’s tradition!
VENERIO
The next plane to Marco Polo airport is in under two hours.
INTERVIEWER
I see.
(A DRAWER IS PULLED OPEN, HE THROWS THE ITEMS ON THE TABLE)
Passport, check, toothbrush, check, Maltesers, (THE BAG CRINKLES) check! I’m good to go! Do they serve champagne on the plane?
VENERIO
They do, but it tastes like piss.
INTERVIEWER
In that case, we’ll buy a bottle of Veuve Clicquot at duty free.
VENERIO
And when it’s done I’ll take you to Cafe Florian and predict your death over a Cioccolata Calda.
(THEY PUT ON THEIR COATS)
INTERVIEWER
(SIGHS IN ANTICIPATION) Sounds wonderful!
VENERIO
Venezia arriviamo!
INTERVIEWER
Venezia arriviamo!
(THE DOOR FALLS SHUT, A BANG OF THUNDER, THEN THE THEME MUSIC SETS IN)
CREDITS
The Amelia Project is made possible by our wonderful patrons. Becoming a patron is quick and easy, and by pledging just 5$ per episode, you get access to audio minisodes that go deeper into each case. To kick off this new season, we’ve decided to make the minisode for this first episode available to all our patrons, regardless of how much you pledge. So even by pledging just 1$ per episode, you’ll be able to enjoy the minisode and every contribution really makes a difference. To become a patron, go to patreon.com/ameliapodcast. Watch the video and make your pledge. This episode was written and edited by Philip Thorne, it was directed by Philip Thorne and Øystein Brager with music and sound design by Fredrik Baden. It featured Alan Burgon as the Interviewer, Mario Vernazza as Venerio, Benjamin Noble as Agent Haines, Torgny G. Aanderaa as Agent Cole, Gemma Arrowsmith as Nancy, Gianluca Iumiento as Joey, Ravdeep Singh Bajwa as Salvatore, Julia Morizawa on the Answerphone, and coming up, the voice of Chiara Fumanti. The Episode was produced by Imploding Fictions, it was recorded at The Bridge Writing Studio in London, and Spike City Studio in Oslo. And engineered by Sam Harper, and Robert Rustad Amundsen. All graphic design for the Amelia Project is by Anders Pedersen. A special Thank You to Kathi Sindelar for your generous support. Follow us on Twitter, where we’re @amelia_podcast, and check out our webpage ameliapodcast.com for release schedule, merchandise, fanart, and more. All links also in the Show Notes of this Episode. The next episode will come out next week and after that, there’ll be new episodes every two weeks. It’s good to be back - see you soon!
(MUSIC FADES OUT)
EPILOGUE
(WE’RE AT CAFE FLORIAN)
WAITRESS (ITALIAN ACCENT)
Your cioccolata calda.
(SHE SETS A CUP DOWN)
INTERVIEWER
Ooh. Thank you. Very quiet today.
WAITRESS
Well, you know what happened, no? At the Basilica?
INTERVIEWER
Yes. Cherub crashed down from the ceiling. Terrible.
WAITRESS
Everyone has gone back to their homes and hotels.
INTERVIEWER
Of course…
WAITRESS
I’ve never seen Piazza San Marco so empty. It’s like… (PAUSE) like a ghost town.
(SILENCE)
They’re saying only one person was killed. Just one person! A miracle! The basilica was full of tourists. I saw them, running over the Piazza, screaming. You know what I thought?
(PAUSE)
I thought: this is it! The day has come. Venice sinking.
INTERVIEWER
I don’t know how you do it.
WAITRESS
Do what?
INTERVIEWER
Live in the constant knowledge that one day your streets, schools and churches and houses will all be swallowed up.
WAITRESS
“Oggi in figura, domani in sepoltura”
INTERVIEWER
(CHUCKLES) Now what does that mean?
WAITRESS
Oh, it’s an expression. It means ‘today in person, tomorrow in the grave’. That man in the Basilical. He walked in without a care in the world and after a few minutes he’s crushed by a statue.
(PAUSE)
You never know which cup of cioccolata calda will be your last.
(FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING)
Ah! Oh, excuse me. Another customer.
VENERIO
Salve. (Hello)
WAITRESS
Salve. Cosa posso fare per lei. (Hello. What can I do for you?)
VENERIO
Sono venuto per parlare con questo signore. (I’ve come to speak to this gentleman)
WAITRESS
He says he knows you…?
INTERVIEWER
Really? I… Oh! Yes. Yes, that’s right. Why don’t you bring us another one of these cocoas?
WAITRESS
Of course!
(SHE WALKS AWAY)
INTERVIEWER
Venerio? Is it you?
VENERIO
Yes.
INTERVIEWER
I like the new mask. Much jollier.
VENERIO
Until my next death I shall be Arlecchino.
INTERVIEWER
Arlecchino?
VENERIO
A harlequin. How’s the cioccolata calda?
INTERVIEWER (SIPS, THEN LONG, SATISFIED SIGH)
(CLIPPED) Good.
(PAUSE)
Alright. Time for you to keep your part of the bargain.
VENERIO
You really want to know?
INTERVIEWER
Yes.
VENERIO
You’re sure?
INTERVIEWER
(DETERMINED) Yes!
VENERIO
Show me your palm.
INTERVIEWER
Here we go
VENERIO
Oh...
INTERVIEWER
What?
(VENERIO HUMS, EITHER DISTRAUGHT OR CONFUSED)
Something wrong?
(SILENCE)
…Venerio?
VENERIO
I… Let me see again.
INTERVIEWER
Sure!
(STEPS)
WAITRESS
Two cioccolata caldas (SHE SETS THE CUPS DOWN AND THEN WALKS AWAY)
VENERIO
(WHISPERING) We need to talk in private.
INTERVIEWER
Where do you want to go?
VENERIO
We’ll go to my mask workshop at Ponte Storto.
INTERVIEWER
Can we go in a gondola?
VENERIO
How else? You want to drink cocoa?
INTERVIEWER (SLURPS UP THE REST, SATISFIED SIGH)
Ah. Right. Let’s go.
VENERIO
Let’s go.
END OF EPISODE