Tall Doric columns supporting the temple felt so cool and smooth to the touch as they slowly walked down the side of the Parthenon. It all seemed impossible to Novos how such a tall structure could be built by any man, even with the aid of someone as advance and skillful as his master. “There is something else not far from here, which I would like for you to see,” said Atheniodonis, quickening his pace in the deep stillness that surrounded them.
Not far from the Parthenon, down a hill and over to their left was a carved wall. It seemed to be the entrance to yet another mystery of immense physical beauty. Above them as they walked along its perimeter, Novos saw arched porticoes holding elegant statues- the gods and goddesses of the loyal Athenians- their deities Apollo, Athena, Aphrodite and the Muses.
An excitement began to gnaw in the pit of his stomach- a spark of anticipation and wonder as they approached a gate, one of many that covered this wall. It appeared to be locked, but in Atheniodonis’ strong hands, the chain melted as if it were made of wax.
Down the two of them walked, again in total silence. Together to the very edge of a platform which raised up directly before them from the stone floor, eight feet to a wooden stage, open to be viewed by all who would come to witness these “actors.” The enormous stage was built of countless planks of wood, painted black as night.
“This is what I hope you will want to be a part of- something in your future, my Novos. This is the theatre- nothing else quite like it. You can be a young man and act very old- you can be poor and act as if you were a sultan. You can be a man and act the part of a young maiden, or even play a girl in the part of a wild pirate. The magic involved is like nothing else. A total belief by your audience that you are whom you are playing. Suspending their belief, surrendering themselves to your thoughts and feelings. Surrendering their common wisdom and understanding, leaving reason behind. Appealing directly to their hearts- finding that factor of humanity that is in all of you.” Atheniodonis walked the length of the stage, lost in thought. “Novos… you may come to know the magic of taking all those beating hearts, busy minds and panting breaths, and turning them into one single person. One pair of eyes, one single heart that wishes beyond words to adore you. The gifts are there, the ability is yours to make all of them believe anything at all that you wish for them to believe. Even cry for you if you die- and sob out loud for your untimely demise. But then… then after the work come the reward. The ovation! Applause. Listen… they cheer and shout for you- for your creation- for your passion. A reward which I can never experience. The reward of love from a thousand beating hearts. From a thousand total strangers! But this can only be yours my Novos, if… if you have done your work correctly.”