陳豪在北京的ABC美國公司工作,他到辦公室去找美國同事Amy。
(Office ambience)
C:Amy, 今天晚上的表演你去嗎?
A:Yes, I'm looking forward to it. Our new boss, Mr. Brown, is being kind to take us all to celebrate the success on our last project. Are you going?
C:去。可我從來沒去過劇院。你給我講講要注意些什么。我可不想在老板面前丟人。
A:The first thing you should know is to be on time. Mr. Brown is picking up our tickets and will meet us in front of the theater at 7 o'clock.
C:我本來約好了跟朋友吃飯,然后再去。既然老板已經(jīng)買了票,我們?yōu)槭裁催€要提前到呢?
A:First of all, you do as the boss requests. Secondly, it is inconsiderate to arrive just as the curtain goes up.
C:反正已經(jīng)有票了,表演開始前到不就行了嗎?
A:That is exactly the point. If your seat happens to be in the middle of the row, you will have to climb over everyone else.
C:如果我坐在邊上,里面的人后到,我該怎么做呢?
A:You might want to remain standing until those people turn up. Once the lights go down to signal that the show is beginning, take your seat.
C:如果表演開始后,坐在里面的人才到呢?
A:Ushers generally will not seat people after the performance has begun until there is an appropriate break. Be courteous and stand to make it easier for them to get by.
C:謝謝你,Amy, 我們晚上見。
******
晚上表演中場休息。
C:Amy, 你覺得今天的表演怎么樣?
A:The play is excellent, but I am having trouble seeing and hearing.
C:為什么?
A:Well, the woman in front of me has on a big hat. I am having trouble seeing. She wasn't being thoughtful when she decided to wear that monstrosity.
C: 什么叫monstrosity?
A:The word relates to monster. I suppose she wanted to dress up, but she overdid it. And by the way, what were you thinking when you decided to dress casually?
C:去劇院看表演還要穿西裝打領(lǐng)帶嗎?
A:Absolutely, the theater is a special event and people should dress up for the occasion. You should at least have worn a coat and tie.
C:可我去看電影的時候,從來都穿得很隨便的呀!
A:This isn't the movies. It is a sign of respect to the actors and the other theater goers to look your best.
C:其實,我去之前也猶豫了一下。
A:I wish you had asked me. Since you didn't, keep in mind that it is always better to dress up rather than dress down.