Nana

On the night of The Blond Venus’ 34th performance, the actors discuss the Prince of Scotland, who is in the audience for the third time. It is common knowledge that the prince is having an affair with Nana, who has become something of a diva, not caring about missing her cues and asking Bordenave to find a role for her friend Satin.

Meanwhile, other members of the cast have relationship dramas of their own: Clarisse plans to dump La Faloise as he cannot decide between herself and Gaga. Her friend, Simonne, acts as the messenger, delivering the break-up news. To Clarisse’s irritation, La Faloise does not take the hint and stays to wait for her. At the end of the night, she has to sneak out of the theater to avoid him.

The prince decides to explore the backstage area, accompanied by Muffat and Chouard. In the labyrinthine dressing room area, it is dark and dingy, and Muffat finds himself overwhelmed by the smothering atmosphere of women’s perfume and clothing. At the same time, however, he is thrilled—he is not used to being in intimate proximity to women; at home, he does not even watch his wife dress or undress.