According to those good folk at Wikipedia Aristotle and I think some other ancient worthies claim it was on this day in 534 before our common era that Thespis of Icaria introduced a new theatrical style he called a tragedy, and in which, for the first time we are aware of in the historical record, someone played the part of a character on a stage. (Not long after he would take it on the road, and with that inventing the touring company…)
Now, we know this can’t be precisely the first time such a thing happened, people in various contexts have taken on the roles of deities in sacred rites in cultures around the globe, for instance. But as a matter of stage craft, as an entertainment, the first known mention.
Kind of cool.
And, it makes me think of the way our personalities have all their different facets. So vividly so that it can be appropriate to speak of our many different faces, or, if you will, masks. The catch with that term is we can endlessly remove these masks, we don’t find our true face, only more faces, more masks. Often, when or if we notice them, they are surprising, and on occasion, shocking. No doubt that’s why there are even psychological models like voice dialogue where people personify their various aspects and enter into dialogue with them. An opportunity to see our own complexity and mysteriousness. Something that can be very important.
So. One thing to do is celebrate the birthday of theatre and thank an actor, or better yet, take in a show somewhere.
Or. and.
Perhaps this can be a moment for a little sympathy for each of us as we try so hard to put on the right costume and the right mask for the scene in which we have been called to play. And, usually, don’t quite pull it off. After all we’re constantly jiggling those masks.
Makes me think of the bard and his notice of the end of the day…
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