In The Chairs, the audience is drawn into a surreal world where an elderly couple prepares to deliver a significant message to invisible guests. The play explores themes of existential anxiety and futility, as the couple interacts with a parade of unseen visitors, culminating in a tragic conclusion. Through a blend of dark humor and absurdity, it highlights the human need for validation and the often elusive nature of meaningful communication.

Opening Scene: A Fragile Beginning

The play begins with an Old Man perched precariously on a stool by the window. His wife, the Old Woman, anxiously watches him, fearing he might fall. After some coaxing, she manages to pull him back inside, leading him over to a pair of chairs, where he ends up sitting on her lap. Their interaction sets the tone for their dynamic, showcasing a blend of concern and dependency.

Stirring Memories and Ambitions

As the Old Woman tries to soothe her husband, she reminds him of an important task at hand: delivering a crucial message. This reminder sparks excitement in the Old Man, prompting him to rise and pace energetically. The Old Woman praises his talents and insists that the world must hear his message, filling him with a sense of purpose and anticipation.

An Evening of Significance

The narrative reveals that the Old Man's message is meant for a distinguished audience, expected to gather that very evening. A ring of the doorbell heralds the arrival of their first guest. However, these guests remain invisible, leaving the couple to interact with imagined presences, starting with The Lady, who is cordially engaged in conversation and seated with care.

Invisible Guests and Unseen Interactions

As more guests, including a Colonel, join the gathering, the old couple continues their charades, welcoming each unseen visitor and finding them a place to sit. The arrival of Belle and her husband adds a layer of complexity, as the Old Woman makes exaggerated, suggestive gestures toward Belle's spouse, while the Old Man hints at a past connection with Belle.

Frantic Preparations and Growing Chaos

The influx of invisible guests soon becomes overwhelming. The Old Woman is tasked with fetching more chairs, a demand that quickly becomes comically frantic. Her patience wears thin, yet the Old Man remains too engrossed in his imagined interactions to clarify her confusion about the identities of the guests. The situation spirals as some guests supposedly arrive with children, further testing the couple's resolve as they attempt to seat everyone.

Desperation and Improvisation

Running out of chairs, the Old Woman resorts to selling programs and refreshments, while those without seats must stand against the walls. The room becomes so crowded that the elderly couple has to shout to communicate across the space. Despite the chaos, they persist in making small talk, reassuring their invisible audience that the message will soon be delivered.

The Arrival of the Emperor

The unexpected entrance of the Emperor sends shockwaves through the old couple. They are taken aback by the presence of such a prestigious figure within their home. The invisible crowd gives their attention to the Emperor, offering him the finest seat available, signaling his importance in the gathering.

The Orator's Entrance

The arrival of the Orator marks a turning point, as he is the only visible person among the guests. Dressed in the attire of a nineteenth-century artist, he commands the stage, ready to convey the Old Man’s significant message. The Old Man directs the invisible crowd to request autographs from the Orator, who obliges, adding to the evening's peculiar display.

A Final Farewell

Grateful for the presence of such...