Audition Central: Fiddler on the Roof JR.

Script: Chava

SIDE 1

CHAVA

Is there something you want?
 

FYEDKA

Yes. I'd like to talk to you. I've noticed you at the bookseller's. Not many girls in this village like to read.

(A sudden thought strikes him. He extends book he is holding)

Would you like to borrow this book? It's very good.
 

CHAVA

No, thank you.
 

FYEDKA

Because I'm not Jewish? Do you feel about us the way they feel about you? I didn't think you would.
 

CHAVA

I don't think we should be talking this way.
 

FYEDKA

Go ahead, take the book. And later we can talk about it.

(CHAVA takes the book and places it on a table as MOTEL ENTERS)
 

MOTEL

Oh, Fyedka! Can I do something for you?
 

FYEDKA

No, thank you.
(Starts out)
 

MOTEL

Oh, you forgot your book.
 

CHAVA

No, it's mine.
 

MOTEL

Thank you, Chava.

(CHAVA takes book and leaves the shop with FYEDKA)
 

FYEDKA

Good day, Chava.
 

CHAVA

Good day.
 

FYEDKA

(Pleasantly)
Fyedka.

CHAVA

Good day, Fyedka.

SIDE 2

(MOTEL'S tailor shop. MOTEL and CHAVA are in the shop. CHAVA EXITS from shop and meets FYEDKA outside)

FYEDKA

Chava, let me talk to your father.

CHAVA

No, that would be the worst thing, I'm sure of it.

FYEDKA

Let me try.

CHAVA

No, I'll talk to him. I promise.

(TEVYE ENTERS)

FYEDKA

(Extending hand)
Good afternoon.

(Looks at CHAVA)
Good day.

(EXITS)

TEVYE

Good day. What were you and he talking about?

CHAVA

Nothing, but, Papa, Fyedka and I have known each other for a long time now and -

TEVYE

Chava, you must not forget who you are and who that man is.

CHAVA

He has a name, Papa.

TEVYE

Of course. All creatures on earth have a name.

CHAVA

Fyedka is not a creature, Papa. Fyedka is a man.

TEVYE

Who says that he isn't? It's just that he's a different kind of a man. As the Good Book says, "Each shall seek his own kind." Which means: a bird may love a fish, but where would they build a home together?

(Starts toward the tailor shop, but CHAVA grabs his arm)

CHAVA

The world is changing, Papa.

TEVYE

No. Some things will never change.

CHAVA

We don't feel that way.

TEVYE

We?

CHAVA

Fyedka and I. We want to be married.

TEVYE

Are you out of your mind?

CHAVA

But, Papa -

TEVYE

No! Never talk about this again. Never see him again! Never! Do you understand me?

CHAVA

Yes, Papa. I understand you.