Stavl Zosimov
Aigul. The girl's fate

CHAPTER 1

August 16, 1958

In the ward of the mother of Aigul are the father and two of their sons. In the crib lies a newborn baby. All are happy and lovingly looking at the newborn.

Cozy kitchen in the house of the family Siconne. Sunday morning, the sun shines outside the window. On the table are fresh buns and cups of coffee. Father Silvio, strict and serious, is preparing for the service, and mother Aigul, with a warm smile, is playing a quiet melody on the piano.

Aiguli's father Luz Ciccono:

Silvio Anthony Ciccono (born June 2, 1931) – design engineer, in retirement he has become a professional winemaker.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(fastening a tie)

Aiguli, have you forgotten that today we have a service? We can't be late.

Aigul's mother Luiz Cicconet: Aigul Luiz Cicconet (1933-1963), maiden name Forten (read as Fortan), in the first marriage from 1955 to 1963 – an X-ray technician

AIGUL'S MOTHER

(continuing to play)

I remember, Silvio. But this melody… It's like it's calling me. I can't just stop.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(seriously)

I understand, but our duties to God are more important than music. You know how important it is for our family.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(looking up from the piano)

I don't argue with you, dear. But isn't music a form of service? It can inspire and bring light, just like faith.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(sighing)

Yes, music is important, but it shouldn't come first. Every time I see you get carried away, I worry that you're forgetting about our faith.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(looks into Silvio's eyes)

I'm not forgetting about faith, Silvio. I just want our children to know that music is a gift. You've said yourself that art can be a way of service.

FATHER AIGULI

(softer)

I understand, but I'm afraid it might distract them from their spiritual path. Our tradition is the foundation that supports our family.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(with tenderness)

I agree, but let's not discourage them from music. I want them to feel that they can express their feelings and emotions. Music is a part of life, not just entertainment.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(considering)

Maybe you're right. We can find time for music, but we must first fulfill our duties at the church.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(smiling)

I agree! I promise that music won't interfere with our commitments. Let's make sure our children see us loving and believing, and that they can be free to pursue their passions.

FATHER AIGUILI

(nods)

Okay. But remember that order and tradition are also important.

MOTHER AIGUILI

(smiles)

I know, dear. Let's just do this together, as a family.

They both smile at each other, and Aigul returns to the piano, playing a melody filled with hope and love.

The doctor's office. A bright but austere room. Aigul's mother is sitting in a patient's chair. She looks tired but tries to remain calm. The doctor, a middle-aged man with a kind but concerned expression, is looking at her with a serious look on his face.

THE DOCTOR

(checking the test results)

Mrs. Ciccone, I want to discuss with you the results of the tests performed as planned. We have serious reasons for concern.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(worried)

What's going on? I'm seven months pregnant, and I need to know what's wrong with my baby.

doctor

(softly)

We found signs of breast cancer. This requires immediate attention, but I understand that you have other priorities right now.

AIGOULI'S MOTHER

(clasping her hands in her lap)

I can't think about myself. I have to take care of the baby. I can't let him get hurt.

DOCTOR

(persistently)

Mrs. Ciccone, your health is also very important. If you don't start treatment, it could affect not only you but also the baby.

AIGOULI'S MOTHER

(looking away, her voice becomes firm)

I can't do this. I have my principles. I can't afford an abortion. It's murder. I can't do this, under any circumstances.

DOCTOR

(sympathetically)

I understand your beliefs, but this is about your health and life. There are alternative treatments that can be used without harming the pregnancy.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

(sighing)

I have decided that I will continue my pregnancy. I believe that everything will be fine. I cannot risk the life of my child.

DOCTOR

(understanding her position)

I respect your decision, but I need you to understand the consequences. We will monitor your condition. If anything changes.

MOTHER AIGULI

(interrupting)

I know that I may face difficulties, but I trust God. Everything I do is for the sake of my child.

DOCTOR

(regretfully)

Okay, but I'm here to help you. If you change your mind, know that you're not alone.

Aiguli's mother nods, but her gaze remains resolute. She stands up from the chair and, slightly unsteady, makes her way to the exit.

AIGULI'S MOTHER

Thank you, doctor. I will do everything in my power to keep my child.

She leaves the room, and the doctor stands there, his expression deepening as he realizes that this decision could have tragic consequences. In the hallway, Aigul's father and her five children are waiting for her. Aigul looks at her mother with a childlike concern, her eyes slightly watery. The mother struggles to smile at her children and husband.

AIGULI'S FATHER

Are you all right? What did the doctor say? How is the baby?

AIGULI'S MOTHER

It's all right… We'll talk at home…

AIGULI'S FATHER

Is something wrong?

AIGULI'S MOTHER

Yes… It's not good…

The whole family is heading out.

The funeral is taking place in the cemetery, with the deceased's loved ones and relatives dressed in black. A priest is standing at the head of the coffin, delivering a eulogy. The Chikkone family is standing at the foot of the coffin. Everyone looks sad. Aiguli's mother is lying in the coffin. Aiguli, who is five years old, is looking at her and crying, as are all the children of the deceased.

Aiguli's mother refused treatment until the end of her pregnancy, and a few months after the birth of her sixth child, she died at the age of 30. A five-year-old Айгуля Jr.'s rejection of the fact that God could have allowed her mother's death became an important aspect of her life and career. Two years later, Aiguli's widowed father remarried a housekeeper named Joan Gustafson. The couple went on to have three more children, but their first child died shortly after birth.

The hallway of a Catholic school. Aigul Jr. is standing at the locker, putting her textbooks away. Her friend Lisa approaches.

LISA

(with a smile)

Hi, Aigul! How are you? Are you ready to play tonight?

AIGUL

(rubbing her hands)

Hi, Lisa! Yes, I'm ready! We've been rehearsing the support for the team. I hope they win!

LISA

(laughing)

I hope so too! You know how much I love it when we all support them. You're such a great dancer!

AIGUL

(modestly)

Thank you! But you're not far behind. Your moves are amazing! Besides, our number wouldn't be so bright without you.

LISA

(winking)

And have you forgotten that today we have a poster competition? We have to do something creative!

AIGUL

(will think)

Yes! I was thinking about making a poster with our motto. "Together we are stronger!" How about it?

LISA

(applauding)

Great! Let's add some sparkles and bright colors. It will attract attention!

AIGUL

(nods)

I agree! Can we do this after class? We need everything to be ready for the start of the game.

LISA

(inspired)

Yes! And don't forget that after the game we're going to a cafe with the team. It's going to be such a great night!

AIGUL

(smiling)

I can't wait! I hope they win so we can celebrate!

LISA

(winking)

They'll win if we support them to the fullest!

Aigul

(laughing)

Exactly! Let's do it!

Both friends go to class full of enthusiasm and anticipation.

The gym is filled with the noise of fans watching the basketball game between two teams of students. The siren sounds, and the basketball players walk wearily to their coaches and enter the locker room with them. Instead, young girls in office-style tennis skirts and pom-poms in their hands cheerfully run onto the court. Among them is the happy Aigul, who openly moves her hips, which involuntarily makes the male teenage and teacher staff pay attention to her.

CHAPTER 2

Classroom in a secular school. Aigul is sitting at a desk, surrounded by books and notes. Her neighbor, BAKHYT, whispers to her.

BAKHYT

(quietly)

Hey, Aigul, did you hear that the guys were talking about you behind your back again? They say you're standing out too much.

AIGUL

(sighing)

Yes, I heard. But did I do something wrong? I'm just trying to study and do what I love.

BAKHYT

(sympathetically)

I understand. But don't you think they're just jealous? You have such a good relationship with your teachers, but they don't.

AIGUL

(smiling softly)

I guess so. Marilyn has always been supportive of me. She's like a second mom. But sometimes I wish they could understand that I'm just the way I am.

BAKHYT

(supporting)

You are talented and smart. And your theater performances are just incredible! Why do you worry about them?

AIGUL

(a little thoughtfully)

You are right. Theater is my passion. When I am on stage, I feel alive. And with these gossip… well, I don't know, just sometimes it becomes sad.

Marilyn Fallowes enters the classroom, and the students immediately become quieter.

Marilyn Fallowes, a teacher of philosophy and history, has taken on the role of a mother in the upbringing of Aigul Luiz Cicconet.

MARILYN

(smiling)

Good morning, class! Today, we will discuss the philosophy of freedom.

Aigul, could you start by reading an excerpt from your essay?

AIGUL

(enthusiastically)

Of course, Marilyn!

Aigul stands up and begins to read.

AIGUL (continued)

(enthusiastically)

Freedom is not just the absence of restrictions, but also the ability to choose your own path…

After reading, the students applaud. Aigul sits back down and BAKHYT whispers.

BAKHYT

You see? You're inspiring people. Don't pay attention to the gossip.

AIGUL

(embarrassed but happy)

Thank you, BAKHYT. I just want to do what I love, and I hope they'll understand one day.

The class continues, and Aigul sees the welcoming faces of her friends and teacher.

At the school's talent show, Aigul, covered in green and pink paint, performs a dance to the famous song "Baba O'Riley" by The Who in a top and shorts. The audience is amazed, their mouths open in surprise.

Aigul is sitting on the couch in the living room of the house, still in shock from her recent performance at the talent show.

Her siblings enter the room, exchanging playful glances.

BROTHER MARTIN

(with a grin)

Well, Aigul, you really were the star of the show! What's it like to be a "slut"?

SISTER MILANI

(laughing)

Yes, yes! You've shocked us!

SISTER PAULA

No one expected you to take the stage in such a shameless outfit.

AIGUL

(sighing)

It was just a performance! I wanted to show that I can dance. Why did everyone immediately think it was something bad?

BROTHER ANTHONY

(seriously)

You know that everyone in our town loves to gossip.

BROTHER CHRISTOPHER

And dad…

(sadly)

he's not thrilled with your performance.

SISTER PAULA

(sympathetically)

Yes, he's put you under house arrest.

SETRA MILANI

It's not fair.

AIGUL

(annoyed)

It's just terrible! I just wanted to be myself.

Why can't I be an artist without being judged?

Aigul's father enters the room, his face stern.

AIGUL'S FATHER

(severe)

Aigul, I don't understand what happened to you. You've always been a good girl. Why shock people like that?

AIGUL

(with pride)

I just wanted to express myself, Dad! There's nothing wrong with that!

AIGUL'S FATHER

(sighing)

I'm just worried about your reputation. You have to understand that people will judge you by what they see.

AIGUL

(with determination)

I can't live by someone else's standards! I want to be an artist, and I will do what I love, regardless of what others think.

BROTHER MARTIN

(supporting)

Yes, Aigul! We're with you!

SISTER POLA

(nodding)

Yes, let them talk! The main thing is you and your dreams.

BROTHER ANTONI

Maybe you'll go outside with me? Homeless people are romantic.

BROTHER MARTIN

And it's always fun with me…

AIGUL

No, bros. I have a bright life.

BROTHER CHRISTOPHER

How's that?

AIGUL

Without drugs.

AIGUL'S FATHER

(sternly inquiring)

What are you talking about?

BROTHER MARTIN

You're a bitch…

BROTHER ANTHONY

Who told you that?

AIGUL

I, in general… Where the street, there is not freedom, but drug addiction under the guise of freedom. And when there is no dose, it is worse than the most terrible prison and suma.

FATHER AIGULI

(with gentleness)

I understand, but please be careful. In our city, not everyone is ready to understand your passion.

AIGUL

(inspired)

I will be myself, regardless of what others think. This is my path, and I am not going to back down.

The father leaves, leaving Айгуля in thought, and the brothers and sisters embrace her.

AIGUL (continued)

I love you all, but our paths in life are different. And forgive me if something is wrong…

BROTHER MARTIN

Come on, little sister.

BROTHER ANTONY

We're proud of you anyway.

SISTER POLA

That was a great dance.

In the ballet rehearsal room, there is a large mirrored screen in the corner. On stage, Aigul, dressed in black leggings and a loose-fitting T-shirt, is dancing under the guidance of Christopher Flynn. He is closely monitoring her movements, adjusting her posture as needed.

CHRISTOPHER

(seriously)

Aigul, you have to work on your grace more. Try again, imagine you are a bird soaring in the sky.

AIGUL

(inspired)

I know, Christopher. I just want my movements to be as free as Shirley Temple. She was always so vibrant!

CHRISTOPHER

(smiling)

Shirley was great, of course, but you're you. You need to find your own style.

Aigul stops and looks at him, her eyes full of admiration.

AIGUL

(embarrassed)

Do you really think so? I've always felt like you see something special in me.

CHRISTOPHER

(looking away)

You're talented, Aigul. But remember that talent is only part of success. It's important to stay true to yourself.

Aigul nods, but a shadow of doubt appears in her eyes.

AIGUL

(quietly)

I'm trying to be myself, but sometimes I feel lost. Especially when I think about how my father doesn't approve of me.

CHRISTOPHER

(with empathy)

What does he say?

AIGUL

(sighing)

He doesn't understand why I'm so passionate about ballet or why I have such a close friendship with you. It's hard for him to accept that I have feelings for you.

CRISTOPHER

(cautiously)

Aigul, I'm older than you, and we have different paths and understandings about deep love. I appreciate your admiration, but I don't want it to hinder your development as an artist. First and foremost, I'm your teacher and just a friend.

AIGUL

(defiantly)

But you're my muse! You're opening up a world to me that I've never known. Doesn't that matter?

CHRISTOPHER

(Shaking his head)

It's important, but don't forget your goals. And don't let your feelings distract you from what really matters.

At this moment, Aiguli's father enters the room, his face expressing strictness.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(severely)

Aiguli, we need to talk. I've heard that you've been spending a lot of time with Christopher.

AIGULI

(unsure)

Dad, I'm just practicing dance.

AIGULI'S FATHER

(irritated)

It's not just dance! I can see how you're changing. You should focus on your studies, not on your silly hobbies!

CRISTOPHER

(interjecting)

Sir, Aigul is a talented student. She's on the right path to success.

AIGUL'S FATHER

(looking at Christopher)

I'm not sure if you're the right person to guide her along this path.

Aigul feels caught between two men, her heart oscillating between hope and fear.

AIGUL

(with determination)

Dad, I want to dance! This is my life!

AIGUL'S FATHER

(with clenched teeth)

I just want you to be happy, but not at the expense of your reputation.

The father leaves with a stern look, and Aigul looks at Christopher, her eyes full of determination.

AIGUL

(in a whisper)

I will do everything to prove that I can be an artist and myself.

CHRISTOPHER

(with a smile)

That's the way it should be. You are not alone – I will be there to support you. But explain to me, please, your goal? After all, you already have it?

AIGUL

Thank you, Christopher. And I give myself a word that I will never be related to hippies or punks. I like classical music and ballet. Children don't like "black crows." I've already been treated cruelly, but I won't let them walk all over me, and I'll only emphasize my foreignness. Now I'll go around with unshaven legs and hairy arms, without any makeup or pretense.

And the crowd's attacks will confirm my superiority, so what do I care about these commoners who don't even know about Mahler?

CHRISTOPHER

That's a strong statement! Bravo! You'll conquer not only America, but the whole world! Now, let's continue…

Aigul nods and returns to dancing, her movements becoming more confident.

Aigul sits at a cafe table, immersed in her notes and choreography books. BAUZHAN enters, a smile on his face, and sits across from her.

BAUZHAN Pait Bray. (born December 23, 1956, Detroit, Michigan, USA) is an American songwriter, drummer, and music producer. He is best known for his collaborations with Айгуля and for winning the 2017 Grammy Award for Best Album Based on a Motion Picture, Television or Other Visual Media for his work on the Tony Award-winning musical Les Misérables. Bray is the owner and CEO of Saturn Sound Recording Studios and Soultone Records.

BAUZHAN

Hi, Aigul! How are things with your dancing? Have you come across anything new?

AIGUL

Hi, BAUZHAN! Yes, I'm learning new techniques. It's challenging, but so inspiring! I think I've found my style.

BAUZHAN

That's great to hear! You've always been determined. Does your father approve of your choice of choreography?

AIGUL

(sighs)

No, he's not excited. He dreamed that I would become a doctor or a lawyer. For him, dancing is not serious.

BAURZHAN

But you know that this is your calling. You are talented, and everyone can see it.

AIGUL

(smiles)

Thank you. Teachers also wrote in their recommendations that I am determined and persistent. But it doesn't seem to help my father understand.

BAURZHAN

He's just worried about you. Maybe he needs time to accept your choice.

AIGUL

(looks away)

Yes, but sometimes I feel that it creates a crack between us.

BAURZHAN

(gently)

You're not alone. I'm here, and I believe in you. We'll create something great together.

AIGUL

(laughs)

Yes, and we'll add a bit of humor to the process!

BAURZHAN

(winks)

Of course. It's always fun with you.

AIGUL

(thoughtfully)

You know, maybe I should write him a letter. Explain how much dance means to me.

BAURZHAN

That's a great idea. Being honest can help.

AIGUL

(determinedly)

Yes! I'm not going to give up. I'll do everything I can to achieve my dreams.

BAURZHAN

And I will be with you. Together we will overcome any difficulties.

They smile at each other, full of hope and confidence in the future. They have lunch and talk nicely.

CHAPTER 3

Aigul gets off the bus and walks along the sidewalk in the twilight. There are prostitutes working and young guys getting drunk. Three guys: Latino Salvares, African-American Bill, and white Doug, dressed in hipster street clothes, stand in the way of Aigouli and look at the fast-approaching Айгуля, who hugs herself tightly, slightly hunched over from the weight of life, and stares at the pavement.

BILL

Look, Joe. Check it out. What a piece of meat is approaching us.

SALVARES

Wow. I haven't seen her in our neighborhood.

DAG

It's a new girl with the dancers.

SALVÁREZ

A new girl, you say? She's pretty. Why'd she come here? It's a one-way trip to the needle!

Aigul passes by the trio, and an elderly woman with a cart walks towards them.

SALVÁREZ (continued)

Hey, pretty girl! Wanna hang out?

AIGUL

(without stopping or turning around)

отвали… I don't talk to strangers.

BILL

(To Dag)

Look, a cheeky little thing…

SALVAREZ

So let's get to know each other. I'm Salvares, and these are Dag and Bill.

Dag, pushing his fist into the shoulder of Salvares distracted by Aigulya. He turns by inertia and smiling looks from Aigulya to Dag.

DAG

(Bill sternly)

Are you crazy? She doesn't need to know our names.

SALVAREZ

(smiling blissfully)

Why.

JO

Are you stupid? What if she's with the cops? And we're dealing coke. Do you want to go back to the Mexican slums?

SALVAREZ

You should have just said… But I want her.

A small kitchen in Aiguli's apartment. Dance notebooks are scattered on the table, and the sounds of the city can be heard from the window. Aiguli, around 20 years old, is preparing her dinner when the phone rings. She answers.

AIGULI

Hello?

LANG (off-screen)

(heard in the phone)

Aigul, hi! How are you? How's your job at Burger King and Dunkin' Donuts going?

AIGUL

(sighs)

Hi, Lang. To be honest, I'm not there anymore. I got fired. And now they're kicking me out of my apartment because I haven't paid my rent.

LANG (off-screen)

What? Why?

AIGUL

(laughs)

Well, apparently, my outfits didn't quite meet the standards of the establishment. I thought colorful tights and tops were trendy!

LANG(off-screen)

(laughs)

You've always been eccentric. Is that the only reason?

AIGUL

Well, I accidentally burned the stove while dancing behind the counter and poured jam on a rude customer.

LANG (off-screen)

Seriously? I love you! But that's no reason to lose hope. How about my friend? She's looking for a coat check in her restaurant.

AIGUL

(pensive)

That sounds like a good idea. But I'm not sure it's a better idea.

LANG (off-screen)

You can earn some extra money and improve your dancing skills. Don't miss out on the opportunity, Aigul.

AIGUL

(laughs)

Okay. I'll try! Maybe it will work.

MANAGER

(points to her clothes)

This is not appropriate for our establishment. We have a dress code.

AIGUL

(shrugs)

But isn't it creative? I wanted to add some life to the atmosphere!

MANAGER

(sighs)

We strive for a certain style. Unfortunately, I must dismiss you.

AIGUL

(surprised)

Fired? But I.

Айгуля is approached by the third cleaner Ket.

KET

Yes, don't be upset. Young, smart and beautiful. You will definitely find something.

AIGUL

Oh, Ket… In the heart of cats scratch… The landlord said that if I do not pay the debt at the end of the week, then he will simply evict me with the police.

KET

So you're dancing with Lang, you said so.

AIGUL

But not in the first line. There's not enough money to pay the rent. So I decided to work part-time.

KET

Well, don't get upset. I have a place in mind, but you'll have to undress.

AIGUL

What do you mean? Sleep with the boss?

KET

No, Aigul… No one will touch you without your consent. You'll just be a part-time model in an art studio and a nude model for photographers.

KET smiles and shrugs.

KET (continued)

Better than nothing?!

AIGUL

Art requires sacrifice… Give me the phone…

In the studio room, Aigul lies naked on the couch, surrounded by bouquets of orchids and a large palm leaf covering her modesty. Her breasts are completely exposed. In front of her, an artist stands at an easel with a brush and palette in hand, staring intently at the measuring Айгуля and adding lines. Aigul, exhausted, lowers her shoulder.

ARTIST

Don't move. And the shoulder is a little higher.

AIGUL

(offended)

I'm tired.

ARTIST

Be patient… In a moment there will be a break.

There is a doorbell and the artist flinches.

ARTIST

What is it?! Who else did the devils bring?!

AIGUL

It's probably pizza. You ordered it?

ARTIST

Ah, yes, exactly… You can relax your muscles.

The artist puts down his palette and brush and walks to the front door, passing the dressing table where Aigul is lying naked on the couch. The artist opens the door and is greeted by the pizza delivery man, who happens to be Salvares holding a pizza box in his hand.

SALVARES

Did you order two pizzas?

ARTIST

Yes.

SALVÁREZ

Here you go… That's five dollars and thirty cents.

ARTIST

Thank you… I'll be right back.

The artist takes the pizza and walks down the hallway, revealing a view of the dressing table where Aigul lies on it, looking away. Salvárez opens his mouth in surprise.

SALVÁREZ (off-screen)

Nuts. That's a thing.

On the street stand Dag and Bill. To them a car pulls up. From the salon stretches a hand with a bill. Dag takes the money and departs, and Bill immediately passes by that window and throws a suspicious bag on the seat. The glass is closed and the car pulls away. To Dag and Bill approaches Salvares.

SALVARES

Boys, check it out… I just brought the artist a pizza, and there's this naked meat on the couch.

BILL

Come on, don't be ridiculous…

SALVAREZ

I'm telling you, she's posing for him.

DUG

Seriously?

SALVÁREZ

More seriously than ever.

BILL

Interesting… She's turning us down, but she's giving it to the artist?!

DUG

Have you fallen off a palm tree? The artist is gay.

BILL

What's the difference? Why be so picky.

SALVÁREZ

So let's go around in circles. Or does she think she's in a fairy tale?

DAG

In the hallway.

BILL

Today.

SALVAREZ

After the artist.

CHAPTER 4

There's an old chair in the corner, and dance shoes and clothes are scattered on the floor. Aigul, a young dancer, is sitting on the floor, hugging her knees. Her friend Sarah appears at the door.

SARA

(carefully looking into the room)

Hi, Aigul! Are you home?

AIGUL

(sighing, without raising her head)

Hi, Sarah. Yes, I'm here.

Sarah enters and closes the door.

SARAH

You don't look very good. What's wrong? Don't be silent!

AIGUL

I don't want to talk about it. I feel so bad.

SARAH

So what happened?

AIGUL

I was walking home from work late, and in the entrance I…

SARA

Who? Do you know them?

AIGUL

Saw them from the side a couple of times. They hang out in a group near the club.

SARA

And reported to the police?

AIGUL

No.

SARA

Why?

AIGUL

To avoid further humiliation.

SARA

Poor thing… And now what?

AIGUL

(slowly)

Nothing. It's just… everything feels wrong. I can't focus on my studies. It's like there's a fog in my head.

SARA

(sits down next to her)

Is it because of what happened? You should talk about it. It's important.

AIGUL

(turns away)

To talk? And to whom? I don't want anyone to know. I don't want to feel humiliated again. As soon as I came to New York, everything fell on me. At home, I knew and felt that I had a family behind me. And here I am alone, and everyone just humiliates me even more.

SARA

(takes her hand)

But silence won't help. You need to talk to someone. Otherwise, you'll lose your spirit. You've already been traumatized.

AIGUL

Lang says I've become distracted in class and I've lost faith in my dance future with his company.

SARA

What does he know about the female psyche? Doesn't he see that you're trying your best? Due to a lack of funds for rent, you even started auditioning for Broadway musicals and dance shows.

AIGUL

It was the first "genre downgrade" after the modern dance ballet.

SARA

Why?

AIGUL

Because filming dancers in the nude is almost the norm nowadays. And here is the result. Apparently, this will be my star ceiling in my career.

SARA

What are you talking about? My beloved Aigul! You are not alone, I am here. You know that I will always support you. And everyone can see that you are the best! It's just that you have not yet revealed yourself in all its glory!

AIGUL

(tears in the eyes)

I just don't understand how to go on. All these auditions for musicals… This is not what I dreamed of. I danced in the ballet, and now…

SARA

(sympathetically)

It's not a downgrade. It's just a different path. You're talented anyway.

AIGUL

(laughs bitterly)

Talented? If it only mattered. I've lost faith in myself.

SARA

(hugs her tightly)

You shouldn't think that. You're stronger than you think. It's hard right now, but it won't be forever.

AIGUL

(pauses, then quietly)

What if I never get back to the dancing I love?

SARAH

(looking into her eyes)

You'll come back. It just takes time. You know you have support.

AIGUL

(offended)

Support won't pay the rent. I don't have the money to stay here.

SARAH

(standing up, determined)

Then let's do this together. We can look for jobs, try out for different roles. The important thing is not to give up. We'll go home together.

AIGUL

(with doubt)

Do you really think this will help?

SARA

(smiles)

Yes, I'm sure of it. Let's do this together. You're not alone in this fight. This is just adult life, and we need to learn from each other's mistakes. One man can't do it alone, but together we are a force to be reckoned with.

Aigul slowly gets up and a small smile appears on her face. She starts to collect her scattered things and put them in the shelf, and Sarah helps her.

AIGUL

(inspirational)

What a mess is this?! Indeed, I'm feeling a bit down. And fuck it all! Okay, let's try! Maybe this is my chance to start anew. A new chapter in my life!

SARA

(enthusiastically)

That's it! And remember, every new beginning is an opportunity. We can do this.

Bright lights, noise, laughter, and a circle of dancers. At the table are the producers, Er Mek and Madame Gauhar. On stage is a young dancer, Aigul, dressed in a colorful costume, preparing for her performance.

Er Mek is a Belgian producer.

ER MEK

(whispers to Madame Gauhar)

Look at this beauty, what energy! I'm sure she will attract attention.

Madame Gauhar is a Belgian producer.

MADAME GAUHAR

(laughs)

Yes… I also noticed her. She is a very unusual dancer.

ER MEK

Most importantly, she is not afraid of the stage, as if she was born on it.

MADAM GAUHAR

But can we turn this energy into something more?

Aigul involuntarily looks at the jury members sitting in the audience, Er Mek and Madam Gauhar. Er Mek catches Aigul's gaze and beckons her with a gesture of her hand. Aigul approaches the edge of the stage.

AIGUL

(approaching the edge of the stage)

Hello!

MADAM GAUHAR

What's your name?

AIGUL

Aigul Luiz Cicconet.

MADAM GAUHAR

Can you do anything other than dance?

ER MEK

Like singing…

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