Synopsis Harlequin is dying, but his friend Pierrot doesn t want to see it, has summoned the Doctor. Doctor lies to Harlequin while telling Pierrot that Harlequin will die at any moment. Harlequin lectures the Doctor on the need to enjoy life to the fullest before death comes. During the play and after the apparent final curtain, Pierrot addresses the audience, denouncing the playwright and society in general. Comment Death appears either a non-speaking fifth character, or an imaginary one to whom others react.
Doctor can wear academic gown and cap and carry an sbsurdly-large syringe.
Few short songs, one with original Evreinov score. A piano would help but is not necessary. Since 1908 in Russia,, this play has had hundreds of productions in many languages. D.C. Often offered in France on a program The Paradoxes of Philandering, including other Evreinov one-act plays Styopik and Manya, and Theater of the Soul. Themes adultery, Columbine, commedia dell arte , death, Harlequin, Pierrot, Russia, stock character.