Out of the Wings

La chunga (1986), Mario Vargas Llosa

La chunga : Scene Two

La chunga, translated by Gwynne Edwards

Scene Two

Edition

Vargas Llosa, Mario. 2004. The Methuen book of contemporary Latin American plays, trans. Gwynne Edwards. London, Methuen

Context:

This scene introduces the character of Meche

Sample text

Scene Two: Meche

While JOSEFINO is making the toast and the Champions are drinking MECHE enters, with the slow movement and rhythm of someone who belongs to the world of memory. She is young, with a firm and shapely figure. She wears a thin, tight-fitting dress and high-heeled shoes. As she walks, she flaunts herself. LA CHUNGA watches her approach and her eyes become much more alive. But the Champions are not aware of her presence. LA CHUNGA, in contrast, is totally absorbed by this image. It is as if, for her, the present moment has dissolved. The voices of the men become fainter.

EL MONO:: I’ll never forget your face the first time Meche came here, my lovely little Chunga. You were turned to stone.
LITUMA:: You’re the only one in the world who knows where she is, Chunga. Come on, tell us! It doesn’t matter. Put an end to our curiosity.
JOSÉ:: Tell us what happened that night between you and her, Chunguita. Fuck me, it’s costing me my sleep.
EL MONO:: I’ll tell you what happened.

He sings and pulls his usual funny faces.

Chunga with Meche
Meche with Chunga
Cheche with Menga
Menga with Cheche
Chu Chu Chu!
And long live Fumanchu!

LA CHUNGA: (Her voice lacks energy and seems far away, her eyes fixed in fascination on MECHE, who is now close to her.): Hurry up and empty your glasses. It’s closing-time.; JOSEFINO gets up unnoticed and, with a leap from the present into the past, from reality to dream, goes over to MECHE and takes her by the arm, like someone owns her.

JOSEFINO:: Evening, Chunguita. This is Meche.
MECHE: (Holding out her hand to LA CHUNGA.): Pleased to meet you, señora.; The men acknowledge JOSEFINO and MECHE with a wave, but are wholly absorbed in the game of dice. LA CHUNGA’s eyes devour MECHE. She continues to hold her hand. Her voice is full of the emotion that the impact of MECHE has had on her.

LA CHUNGA:: So you are the famous Meche? Welcome. I thought this one would never bring you here. I really wanted to meet you.
MECHE:: Me too, señora. Josefino talks about you a lot. (Pointing to the table.) Them too – all the time. About you and this place. I was dying to come. (Pointing to JOSEFINO) But he wouldn’t bring me.; LA CHUNGA reluctantly releases MECHE’s hand. She makes an effort to control her feelings and seem natural.
LA CHUNGA:: I can’t think why. I haven’t eaten anyone yet. (To JOSEFINO.) Why wouldn’t you bring her?
JOSEFINO: (Laughing lasciviously.): I was scared you might take her from me, Chunguita. (He holds MECHE by the waist and shows her off, proud of himself.) She’s worth her weight in gold, don’t you think?
LA CHUNGA: (Admiring her, agreeing.): Yes. I congratulate you this time, you hen-house Don Juan. She’s worth all your other women put together.
MECHE: (Rather abruptly.): Thank you señora.
LA CHUNGA:: Just call me Chunga. No need to be so formal with me.

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