The Pillowman

Act One

Katurian is blindfolded in an interrogation room when Tupolski and Ariel enter with a large file. They introduce themselves as detectives and remove Katurian’s blindfold. Katurian is polite and apologetic, informing the men that he has never been in trouble in his life. Ariel, clearly the “bad cop,” responds, “... You have never been in trouble with the police until now. You mean.” Katurian is surprised to realize that Ariel is eager to begin torturing him, but the “good cop,” Tupolski, shuts him down. As the lead detective, Tupolski shows Katurian files which contain stories that he has written. Tupolksi intimates that Katurian’s stories are politically radical. Katurian claims that they are just stories, and he meant nothing by them. Tupolski then confirms Katurian’s name, Katurian Katurian Katurian (first, middle, and last names all the same: “My parents were funny people”), his address, and that he rooms with his brother, Michal.

Tupolski pulls out Katurian’s first story,