Summary

The action of the previous scene flows into this new one, which is titled “Introducing Virginia McFadden.” Esther (a senior actor), Dorothee, Rudolph, and Lemml are rehearsing with the young Virginia. Esther is impatient, eager for a break from the work. Virginia has trouble understanding Rudolph’s directions, spoken in broken English. As Dorothee and Virginia rehearse the scene where their characters experience physical intimacy, Virginia becomes more comfortable, and so does Dorothee, leading Rudolph to suggest they go further with their physicality. Eventually, Lemml calls a break, assuring Virginia she is going to be very good.

Dorothee and Virginia talk quietly, their conversation revealing that this is Virginia’s first job as an actor. Dorothee seems worried and anxious, particularly when Virginia says she hopes the show shocks her parents. When she asks about meeting Asch, Dorothee reveals that he has “practically...