Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: EXPRESSION (11/12/20)
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TITLE: The Joyous Broken Heart | Previous Challenge Entry
By Sue Botte
11/19/20 -
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Fully Bijou-in-navel upholstered twin seats, and a thick plush deep red velvety carpet, begging for naked feet, complete the Victorian feel of the intimate theatre.
Aristotle, the keeper of the Mime theatre stepped on to the stage at precisely eight o’clock. Silence in the theatre became loud.
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. A short note; the name of the main character is Cassius. Enjoy the play.
As the music started, mustard yellow velvet curtains opened the old-fashioned way. I recognized the tune as the theme song from The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.
Cassius, the mime actor was in ‘mid-air’ imitating what seemed to be a first arabesque position against a snow white background. His arms stretched out in opposite directions, his body slightly twisted. One arm stretching out in front of him, the other towards the heavy weight at his ankles.
Cassius’s face is contorted, troubled…, bright red tears glinting on his cheeks.
The heavy weight at his feet started to move, one by one. Different shades of dark grey, black and red emerging. The words greed and lust on two hats became apparent. A clear display of anger, arrogance and hatred was evident as they pranced around, making sure to be noticed, taking a stand. They were glaring, growling and snarling at each other, looking for trouble.
Ah, the Seven Capital Vices; thought I recognized some.
There is Vainglory, or Pride. Wearing a hat, Covetousness aka Greed. Also wearing a hat is Lust. Envies’ eyes are darting from person to person. Gluttony stands out like a gangrenous thumb. Twins, Anger and Wrath are ready to devour anything and everything in their path. Swaggering behind is Sloth.
Cassius is walking slowly, his heart heavy. Sadness streaming from his soundless lips; he is beating his chest with clenched fists. He is gulping for air as he struggled to keep abreast. Greed, Lust, and Anger are not letting up. Cassius’s face turned upwards, his arms stretched out. Reaching and grasping forward and upward into the air. At times, he falls back; he keeps reaching upwards.
Spanish Train fills the theatre.
His arms flop around his body, now hanging limp next to him. His head and upper body bent forward. The Seven Capital Vices have a ball and chain effect on him. Clinging to their host to what is to them ‘dear life.’
No..., he is losing heart.
Cassius’s hands were folded together in front of his tear stricken contorted face.
His Prayer, (Matthew 6 v 10-13) fills the theatre.
The front part of his dark grey costume is painted black in the shape of a heart with tear shaped red crystals dangling from his chest.
I was captivated.
An air of expectation was palpable in the theatre.
Thud…, I was jolted back to the scene in front of me.
The Seven Capital Vices were all over him.
I moved to the edge of my seat. Where is that dark chocolate when I need it most?!
The overhead crystal chandeliers became brighter. A ten-minute break, was announced.
“This is rather intense,” I said to Luke, my husband as he handed me refreshment.
“Quite”, he agreed.
The lobby lights dimmed on and off a few times. The message received, we went back inside.
The curtains opened, Have Mercy, filled the theatre.
Cassius is on his knees. The Seven Capital Vices are weighing heavily on him.
Movement in the background draws attention. I spotted the Seven Virtues who were eager, anxious, ready and waiting.
Cassius is not giving up. He keeps on keeping on. His hands and arms stretched upwards, seems to be grasping at something…, then…, his upper body is free.
I Surrender filled the theatre.
Cassius is looking toward the sky, smiling, laughing; red tears turning to white. He arises. Free, at last!
The Seven Capital Vices, realised they have lost their strong hold on their host, they scatter, bewildered. Knowing they were being cast aside, they start to quibble. Recognizing defeat, they disappear.
Came dancing in the Seven Virtues entered the stage amidst the chaos, beaming. Dressed in different shades of white, ivory, purple and silvery-grey they resembled Charity, Chastity, Diligence, Gratitude, Humility, Patience, and Temperance. Amongst them was an Angel.
Thud…
My Father’s Arms filled the theatre.
The crystal chandeliers were no longer dim.
________________ .
The Good The Bad And The Ugly by Ennio Morricone.
Spanish Train by Chris De Burgh.
His Prayer by Pieter Coffee and Friends.
Have Mercy by Pieter Coffee and Friends.
I Surrender by Pieter Coffee and friends.
My Father’s Arms by Jeremy Camp.
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Two tiny notes: Be careful to keep tense consistent (you shifted from past to present) and Envyies' should be Envy's. Other than those two minor things though, you were absolutely brilliant. I'm in awe of your skills. Congratulations on first in your level and 4th overall! Happy Dance!