The Balcony

Scene 6 takes place in a shadowy square. Chantal and Roger are embracing. From their position they can see the balcony of Irma’s brothel. Three men with guns and black sweaters seem to be guarding them. Chantal and Roger talk about how much they love each other, although Chantal also insists that she belongs to no one. One of the men in black asks Roger if he has decided yet. He proposes to give Roger 100 women in exchange for Chantal. He says that Chantal is the embodiment of the rebellion, and if he can have her to use in service of their cause, they will win. He says that he intends for Chantal to sing from a nearby balcony, and that this will be enough to end the fighting. Chantal tells Roger that she wants to do it. She insists that she has played enough roles in her life that she will know how to play a singer when it is time. As the scene ends, she leaves with the men in black.