The DOCTOR stands addressing a group of students. WOYZECK sits on a stool nearby.
DOCTOR … Gentleman, observe! For three months this man has eaten nothing but peas …
WOYZECK Doctor, I’ve got the shakes …
DOCTOR Exactly! (To STUDENTS.) Please note the results. They’re fairly obvious. (Beat.) An irregular pulse. Some uncontrollable movement in the limbs. And the eyes … do notice the eyes.
WOYZECK … it’s all going black, Doctor.
A STUDENT raises his hand. Stands.
DOCTOR Yes, please?
STUDENT What is the patient’s name, Herr Doctor?
DOCTOR He is called “Woyzeck.” The first name escapes me …
Murmuring from the STUDENTS —rising into the sound of many VOICES.
VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!!
WOYZECK looks around, terrified—the DOCTOR notices none of this. WOYZECK covers his ears; the DOCTOR spots this and taps WOYZECK on the head with his cane.
DOCTOR Courage, Woyzeck … this will all be finished in a matter of days. (Beat.) Oh, I’ve been meaning to show them … (Smiling.) Wiggle your ears for the young gentlemen, Woyzeck.
The DOCTOR points to WOYZECK’S ears, grabbing one in each hand and pulling. WOYZECK grimaces.
DOCTOR He uses two independent muscles. It’s quite a trick …
WOYZECK Must I, Doctor?
DOCTOR Will I have to do it for you, man? They want to see it! (To STUDENTS.) Don’t you?
The STUDENTS nod and try to encourage WOYZECK by hitting their fists on their desks and calling out his name.
VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!!
WOYZECK cringes at this, then complies. He stands up on the stool and turns in circles. The DOCTOR points with his cane.
DOCTOR There! See, like a donkey he is! It’s a case of reverse-evolution! The consequence of a female upbringing …
The DOCTOR studies WOYZECK’S head as the STUDENTS watch.
VOICES WOYZECK … WOYZECK … WOYZECK!!!
The DOCTOR indicates that WOYZECK should continue turning up on his stool. The STUDENTS watch from their seats.
DOCTOR You’re losing your hair, Woyzeck. Have you been pulling on it again? Don’t worry, man, it’s only the peas … (To his STUDENTS.) Peas, gentlemen! Observe the creature, sustained by nothing but peas!! A revolutionary diet …
Blackout.