39. A Villa
The living room is very modern, with large window bays overlooking the town and a magnificent sunset. Inanna, 62, is sitting on a couch and watches the news on a big screen built into the wall. In front of her, with her back to the screen, Asherah, 64, is lost in her thoughts.
THE JOURNALIST
… a holiday that celebrates the fifty-seventh anniversary of the historic decision made by the Bolivian government to prohibit men who have committed violence on women or children to access a public function.
Although these laws seem outdated today, the celebrations remind us of the importance of this early attempt to regulate male aggressiveness, a feature that has dominated the relationships between men and women for thousands of years. Fifty years later, it is good to remind younger generations that it is thanks to the courage of all the women and men who have refused the yoke of patriarchal domination that we are, today…
ASHERAH, irritated
All this feminist propaganda gets on my nerves.
INANNA
You forget that it’s my job to maintain this propaganda —
ASHERAH
Yes, I know, but it’s nevertheless pure and simple brainwashing.
INANNA
It’s true that my work is much less glamorous than yours.
She mutes the sound of the television. They remain silent for a while, lost in their thoughts.
INANNA
It’s such a pity that you want to preserve your anonymity at all costs. The people of Orem would be so proud to know that a laureate of the Nobel Prize for peace lives among them.
ASHERAH
Please, Inanna, let’s not start again. I’m not so sure the world has become a better place because of me.
INANNA
I often wondered what would have become of the world if you had not been there. You have not only proved the redundancy of the masculine, but you have primarily established the viability of the feminine. You might not be so proud of that, but thanks to you, millions of women have become aware of the scope of their abilities and of their powers.
But for me, the most remarkable thing is that the world is experiencing its longest era of peace thanks to you. No matter how you look at it, it’s an extraordinary feat, and I’m proud to have contributed to it.
Asherah does not answer. Inanna looks at her for a while, sighs and focuses her attention on the screen. She increases the volume.
THE JOURNALIST
… Despite the ban, the SPERM has organized a new demonstration in front of the maternity units of the Family Planning to protest the systematic emasculation of men which violates the most fundamental of human rights, the right to procreate. In an exclusive interview…
INANNA, cutting the sound again
History has shown how they have abused this right.
On the screen, we see demonstrators carrying placards with drawings and slogans such as “No to sperm manipulation,” “In the beginning was semen,” “Stop violence against men,” “No to domestication: we are humans too,” “Stop! Demographic Disaster Ahead!”
ASHERAH, as if thinking out loud
This destiny that Nahid and Marianna saw in me, has it made a monster of me?
INANNA
My god, have you forgotten what you have suffered? And your sister? And all the women that you have helped? Who were the monsters that made a hell out of our lives?
Think of all the women who are able to live a normal life today. Think of all the testimonies of gratitude that you have received over the years. Think of the women who worship you as a goddess. Think of me who is so proud to have shared your life.
They remain silent a moment.
INANNA
Speaking of worship, everyone wants you to come to the party tonight. Even colleagues from Paris, you know, Marion and a few others, they come especially for you.
ASHERAH
Please, don’t ask me that!
Inanna stands up, kneels before Asherah, and lays her head on Asherah’s knees. Asherah gently caresses the blond hair of her partner.
INANNA
How can someone transform society as you have done and be so wild? That’s one of the mysteries I love in you.
ASHERAH
Go ahead. I’ll stay at home.
Inanna stands up and kisses Asherah.
INANNA
I’ll make sure not to wake you up.
ASHERAH
Have fun. Give my love to everyone.
Inanna leaves the room. Asherah remains in silence. On the muted screen, we see police with laser weapons arresting hooded protesters carrying wooden sticks.
