Pushkin and Gogol
by Daniil Kharms
Gogol falls onto the stage from behind the wings and lies quietly.
Pushkin (enters, stumbles over Gogol, and falls): Oh, damn! It seems I've stumbled over Gogol!
Gogol (getting up): What an abomination! They won't even let a person rest. (Walks, stumbles over Pushkin and falls) Again it seems I've stumbled over Gogol.
Pushkin (getting up): Not a minute of peace! (Walks, stumbles over Gogol and falls) Oh, damn! Gogol again !
Gogol (getting up): There's always obstacles in everything! (Walks, stumbles over Pushkin and falls) Now there's abomination! Pushkin again!
Pushkin (getting up): Hooliganism! Sheer hooliganism! (Walks, stumbles over Gogol and falls) Damn! Gogol again!
Gogol (getting up): This is sheer mockery! (Walks, stumbles over Pushkin and falls) Pushkin again!
Pushkin (getting up): Damn, damn, damn! (Walks, stumbles over Gogol and falls) Gogol!
Gogol (getting up): Abomination! (Walks, stumbles over Pushkin and falls) Pushkin!
Pushkin (getting up): Damn! (Walks, stumbles over Gogol and falls behind the scenes) Gogol!
Gogol (getting up): Abomination! (exits)
From behind the scenes the voice of Gogol is heard: "Pushkin!"
Curtain
20 February, 1934