by Vaclav Havel, translated and adapted by Vera Blackwell

Ferdinand Vanek is a dissident playwright In Czechoslovakia - he has just come out of prison and is awaiting trial for his political activities. Stanek is a successful writer who has remained in favour with the authorities.

STANEK: "Forgive me, Ferdinand, but you don't happen to live in a normal environment. You only mix with people who are making a stand. You give each other hope and encouragement. You've no idea the sort of environment I've got to put up with! It turns your stomach!"

The National Theatre version, originally directed by Michael Kustow, produced for radio by Bernard Krichefski

(John Normington is a National Theatre Player)
(The companion piece to this play, Pavel Kohout's The Licence: tomorrow at
10.0 pm)