Stagecraft and Decorum: A Tale of Lessons Learned from ‘The Merchant of Venice’

Decorum on Stage: A Lesson from the Past

Dear friends, I’m here today to share a story from my youth, a tale that taught me the importance of decorum. It’s a lesson that has served me well throughout my life, and I hope it will do the same for you.

The Play’s the Thing

Many moons ago, when I was but a young lad, I found myself cast in a school play. The play was “The Merchant of Venice”, a classic Shakespearean drama. I was to play the role of Antonio, a character of dignity and respect.

Learning the Ropes

As the rehearsals began, I was overwhelmed. The lines were difficult to memorize, the stage directions confusing, and the pressure immense. But amidst all this chaos, our director, a wise old man named Mr. Harrison, taught us a valuable lesson. He said, Remember, the stage is a sacred place. It demands respect and decorum.

The Incident

One day, during a particularly intense rehearsal, I forgot my lines. Instead of maintaining my composure, I let my frustration show. I stomped my foot, threw my script, and let out a string of words that would have made a sailor blush.

The Lesson

Mr. Harrison called for a halt and pulled me aside. He didn’t scold me or raise his voice. Instead, he reminded me of the importance of decorum. Even when things go wrong, especially when things go wrong, you must maintain your composure, he said. That’s what decorum is all about.

Applying the Lesson

From that day forward, I made a conscious effort to maintain my decorum, both on and off the stage. And I can tell you, my friends, it has made all the difference. It has helped me navigate difficult situations, maintain my dignity, and earn the respect of others.

So, the next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember the importance of decorum. Maintain your composure, show respect, and remember that how you react to adversity says a lot about your character.

Until next time, remember to take life’s stage with grace and decorum.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev

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