SCENE 2: BIP, GREAT STAR OF THE TRAVELING CIRCUS

Knife throwing is a feat of precision. How can we gauge our virtuoso’s aim when both the woman and the knives are invisible? Marceau trains our ears. He taps the stage floor with his ballet flat, creating an audible thud for each knife that successfully misses the woman and hits the board. We start with a symphony of thuds, a quick series of successful throws. He’s an expert. But his mood darkens as the challenges mount. He turns around and holds out one hand like a compact mirror, tossing the knife over his shoulder. Again, we hear the reassuring whump of a knife on the board.

Chin high, unmistakable look of pride on his face. He ties a blindfold around his eyes and pulls out a sword half the size of his body. He throws it with a heave. Silence. Still blindfolded, he waves to the crowd and takes a bow. He yanks out the sword and, finally, sound of her body hitting the ground. No matter. He exits stage left.