Summary

Alex and Irene arrive at The Deutsches Theater for the opening night of Brecht’s play and he hands her a drink, whispering that she must remember that she will be feeling sick later on in the night. Ruth Berlau approaches the pair, thanking them for coming. Alex introduces Irene to Ruth as an old friend from before the war. Ruth appears distracted, thinking about Brecht and the significance of the “vision he had. And now everyone will feel the play is about them. A play about war. In Berlin. Who knows better about that?” (283). Elsbeth also comes to greet Alex and Irene, inquiring about Erich’s health. Alex tells her that Erich is feeling better, and Irene lies that he has gone to the West.

When Gustav joins the group, he asks Irene, somewhat derisively, where her Russian friend is, but she...