Summary

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The Memorandum is a satirical exploration of bureaucracy and the struggle for power within a corporate setting. The play begins with Josef Gross encountering a memo in a baffling new language, Ptydepe, and follows his efforts to navigate the ensuing chaos. As Gross grapples with his diminishing authority, the absurdity of office politics is laid bare.

Scene I: The Incomprehensible Memo

The drama kicks off in Josef Gross's office, where he, as the managing director, is confronted with a puzzling document written in an unfamiliar language. His secretary, Hana, clarifies that the memo is penned in Ptydepe—a newly introduced language supposedly designed for clearer communication. Gross discovers that his deputy, Jan Ballas, has implemented this change without consulting him. Although Gross initially demands the language's removal, Ballas persuades him that Ptydepe's adoption is for the greater good. This marks the beginning of a power tussle as Gross, a proponent of humanist values, finds himself at odds with Ballas, who is prepared for conflict and confident of his support within the organization.

Scene II: Ptydepe Lessons

The setting shifts to a classroom environment where Lear, the instructor, introduces four clerks to Ptydepe. He explains the language's theoretical advantage—its intentional redundancy, which purportedly enhances reliability.

Scene III: The Translation Dilemma

Gross heads to the Ptydepe Translation Center, hoping for a translation of the memo. Otto Stroll, the section head, informs him that authorization is required, and the staff are not fluent in Ptydepe. Gross is instructed to seek approval from Alex Savant, the Graduate Ptydepist. While waiting for Savant during their lunch break, Gross converses with others, including the secretary Maria. Upon return, Savant denies him the authorization, redirecting him to Helena, the chairman.

As a birthday celebration unfolds nearby, Gross is left alone amidst classified documents. Helena assures him of surveillance by George, the vigilant staff watcher who monitors activities through wall crevices. Maria returns, but is reluctant to help Gross translate the memo for fear of losing her job. George reprimands Gross for asking for a cigarette, and he retreats to his office.

Scene IV: Power Dynamics in the Office

Back in his office, Gross encounters Ballas and his silent associate, Ferdinand Pillar. Gross persists in his demand to eliminate Ptydepe, but Ballas attempts to manipulate him into compliance. Cornered, Gross concedes, signing off on the language's introduction. Ballas then pushes for a managerial swap, with Gross becoming deputy director. Recognizing the inevitability, Gross steps down.

Scene V: Disrupting the Lesson

Interrupting a Ptydepe class, Gross pleads with Lear to translate the memo. Lear consents, on the condition that Gross engages sincerely with the lesson. Frustrated by the details of the language, Gross eventually leaves the classroom.

Scene VI: Authorizations and Outbursts

Returning to the translation center, Gross finds most employees still celebrating. He approaches Helena for authorization, but she imposes a condition—Gross must not have received any memo in Ptydepe. Denied again, Gross's frustration peaks when Ballas and Pillar, lurking nearby, overhear his outburst. Ballas seizes the moment to fire Gross and appoints George as his new deputy. Gross is instructed to finalize his departure the following day.

Scene VII: Discontent and New Roles

The next morning, Ballas expresses disappointment in Pillar for neglecting Ptydepe studies. Hana reveals her own struggle with the language, having dropped the classes due to difficulty. It emerges that even Ballas has abandoned his lessons, claiming excessive job demands. Only Lear and the translation staff seem proficient in Ptydepe. Ballas is irked by Pillar's frequent absences with translation staff members. Upon Gross's arrival, Ballas offers him the staff watcher role, which he accepts. Hana...

(This entire section contains 993 words.)

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reports widespread dissatisfaction with Ptydepe, except from Ballas, who dismisses the concerns.

Scene VIII: Lear's Discontent

In the classroom, Lear is now focused on a single student, Thumb, whom he admonishes for his slow progress. Lear eventually expels Thumb for impeding the class.

Scene IX: Behind the Wall

Maria arrives at work in the translation center and is startled by Gross complimenting her attire through a wall crack. She shares her plans to secure a theater job for him. After her exit, Ballas confronts Gross about his observations on Ptydepe's reception among the staff. The translation process drags, and Ptydepe begins to convey unintended emotional nuances. Helena verifies the language's inefficacy to Ballas, prompting him to reinstate Gross as deputy director while demoting George. Ballas hopes for Gross's support in reviving enthusiasm for Ptydepe. However, further inquiries reveal a bureaucratic loop complicating document translations. Accused of orchestrating this cycle, Ballas issues directives to resolve the matter, but they backfire, exacerbating his frustration. In the office once more, Gross is introspective about his past actions, moving Maria to offer translating his memo, which commends his leadership and denounces Ptydepe. George, overhearing the exchange, informs Maria.

Scene X: Reclaiming Leadership

Gross returns to his post as managing director, informing Ballas that his era has ended and that Ptydepe is to be scrapped. Ballas concedes and steps aside gracefully. Gross initially wants Ballas removed, but after a brief negotiation involving subtle blackmail, Ballas stays on as deputy director. Gross contemplates a mutual resignation but ultimately lets Ballas remain. The translation center staff demands accountability for their work with Ptydepe. As Pillar faces accusations, he finally voices support for natural communication and exits. A newcomer, Column, takes his place.

Scene XI: A New Language

In Lear's classroom, he addresses the original students, revealing that the office will adopt a new artificial language, Chorukor, which focuses on word similarity.

Scene XII: A New Beginning

Most staff members are at yet another festivity as Gross storms into the translation center, vexed by the introduction of another artificial language. Ballas critiques Gross for resisting the system. After Ballas departs, Maria confides in Gross about her dismissal for translating The Memorandum. She implores Gross to reverse the decision, but he encourages her to pursue the theater job she secured for him. Encouraged by his words, Maria departs invigorated.

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Themes

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