Snapshots MRS FITZGERALD: It’s your only chance. Give me your hands an’ keep quiet a minute. Just don’t think about anything. [Taking her hands] Now look at me.
[They stare at each other. Muttering] Arshtatta dum—arshtatta lam—arshtatta lamdumbona... [This little scene should be acted very carefully. We are to assume that the personalities change bodies.
After the spell has been spoken, both women, still grasping hands, go lax, as if the life were out of them. Then both come to life, but with the personality of the other. Each must try to adopt the voice and mannerisms of the other. So now Mrs Pearson is bold and dominating and Mrs Fitzgerald is nervous and fluttering.] MRS PEARSON: [now with Mrs Fitzgerald’s personality] See what I mean, dear?
[She notices the cigarette] Here — you don’t want that. [She snatches it and puts it in her own mouth, puffing contentedly.] [Mrs Fitzgerald, now with Mrs Pearson’s personality, looks down at herself and sees that her body has changed and gives a scream of fright.] MRS FITZGERALD: [with Mrs Pearson’s personality] Oh — it’s happened. MRS PEARSON: [complacently] Of course it’s happened. Very neat.
Didn’t know I had it in me. MRS FITZGERALD: [alarmed] But whatever shall I do, Mrs Fitzgerald? George and the children can’t see me like this. MRS PEARSON: [grimly] They aren’t going to — that’s the point.
They’ll have me to deal with —only they won’t know it. MRS FITZGERALD: [still alarmed] But what if we can’t change back? It’ud be terrible. MRS PEARSON: Here — steady, Mrs Pearson — if you had to live my life it wouldn’t be so bad.
You’d have more fun as me than you’ve had as you. MRS FITZGERALD: Yes — but I don’t want to be anybody else... MRS PEARSON: Now — stop worrying. It’s easier changing back — I can do it any time we want...
MRS FITZGERALD: Well— do it now... -