Back in Molokov’s hotel suite he gathers his cronies around him in a bid to boost morale within the Russian camp. He explains how he has manipulated the situation to his advantage and that no matter what happens Russia will be the victor in this war. He tells them how he has just left Svetlana in Anatoly’s hotel room and how she will be sure to convince him that he must stay loyal to Russia. He then goes on to explain that he has located Miss Vassy’s father, in Russia and that if all else fails this old man will be sure to prove the winning pawn in any game their champion is unable to win on his own.
HE KNEW BETTER
(But preferably a new song, such as a new lyric to the tune of Glöm Mig Om Du Kan)
Svetlana is sitting in Anatoly’s room waiting for him to come back. When he does, Florence is with him! Florence makes an excuse and leaves them alone. Svetlana tries to convince Anatoly that he should forget this English woman who is destroying his game, and that he must give their marriage and her the respect they deserve. Anatoly is not willing to listen to these pleas and before long he walks out. Svetlana is left to reflect on how their life together has changed since Anatoly became a chess champion and how the Russian chess system has destroyed their love.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER
Molokov has decided that he should enlist Walter’s help - just in case he can’t rely on his other ‘pieces’ to play in quite the way he hopes. He has sent Walter a letter asking him to meet him just before the Sponsors Black Tie Gala. He offers Walter the chance to stage a “Great human rights victory.” He tells him that if he helps to convince Florence that her father is alive then it may be possible to get some other people released from Russia – instead of Florence’s father! Walter is interested and they agree to collaborate. They seal their working relationship with a handshake and Molokov hands Walter a large brown envelope.
Walter has managed to pull off a major marketing coup and with the assistance of the Chess Federation has been able to arrange a huge sponsorship event. It’s basically a drinks party with various important media and marketing people in attendance. The press has been invited too and of course everybody involved with the tournament will also be there – including the champions and their women!
The staging will be similar to ‘Chess’ but with all sub scenes taking place in or around the banquet hall. It will be similar to London in that everybody will be in black or white eveningwear.
During the intro music we would see photographers taking pictures of various guests as they arrive. Florence, Anatoly, Freddie etc would all be seen arriving. Freddie and Florence are seen arriving separately and this of course is of great interest to the press. I would like there to be the occasional question asked by the press, with probably none of them being answered.
Sub Scene 1 (Walter and Florence)
Walter is the first to make his move. He tells Florence about her father being alive and how, if she gets Freddie to throw the game he will be able to get him released from his Russian prison. She is amazed that anybody would expect her to believe that her father is still alive and moreover that Freddie would ever throw a match for anybody let alone her! Walter gives her the envelope and tells her that once she reads the evidence she WILL believe him. But in the meantime, there is no deal!