'BACK
TO BACCHUS'
Scene
– in the Theatre of the Gods
Max: Theatre developed from dithyrambs - choral hymns
in honour of the god Dionysus - each tragedy shaped according to strict
religious structures and…
Thespis: And considerations of man's place in the world,
consequences of actions, etc. I've heard it said many times. Recited
it myself once or twice. Perhaps it's time for me to introduce myself.
I am Thespis.
Sue: The Thespis?
Pantalone: The first actor?
Betty: The father of Theatre?
Thespis: It's Guardian actually. Dionysus plucked me
from the Chorus, he chose me to play the role of gods or tragic heroes
so as the those watching the ceremonies could better understand the
tenets of their faith.
Capitano: Ahh, the tenets of their faith… I don't
get it.
Thespis: Through my characters interacting with the
chorus, the audience was given an example of how to live their lives
as followers of Dionysus. As a reward for my services, I now serve the
gods upon the Eternal Stage.
Betty: That's where we are right? The Eternal Stage.
Pantalone: Where is the Eternal Stage?
Eugene: In the Eternal Theatre I suppose.
Thespis: You could call it that. Imagine, if each individual
person's life is considered as a performance, have you ever thought
where their scenes are enacted?
William: Life's but a walking shadow, a poor player
That struts and frets his hour upon the stage
And then is heard no more.
Thespis: Shakespeare! Very good.
Ophelia: All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.
Thespis: I think you're beginning to understand…
