"A Merry Christmas" - Page 16

No gentlemen were admitted; so Jo played male parts to her heart’s content, and took immense satisfaction in a pair of russet-leather boots given her by a friend, who knew a lady who knew an actor ¹. These boots, an old foil, and a slashed doublet once used by an artist for some picture, were Jo’s chief treasures, and appeared on all occasions.

The smallness of the company made it necessary for the two principal actors to take several parts apiece; and they certainly deserved some credit for the hard work they did in learning three or four different parts, whisking in and out of various costumes, and managing the stage besides. It was excellent drill for their memories, a harmless amusement, and employed many hours which otherwise would have been idle, lonely, or spent in less profitable society. ²

On Christmas night, a dozen girls piled on to the bed, which was the dress circle, and sat before the blue and yellow chintz curtains, in a most flattering state of expectancy. There was a good deal of rustling and whispering behind the curtain, a trifle of lamp-smoke, and an occasional giggle from Amy, who was apt to get hysterical in the excitement of the moment. Presently a bell sounded, the curtains flew apart, and the Operatic Tragedy began. 

“A gloomy wood,” according to the one play-bill, was represented by a few shrubs in pots, a green baize ³ on the floor, and a cave in the distance. This cave was made with a clothes-horse for a roof, bureaus for walls; and in it was a small furnace in full blast, with a black pot on it, and an old witch bending over it. 

The stage was dark, and the glow of the furnace had a fine effect, especially as real steam issued from the kettle when the witch took off the cover. A moment was allowed for the first thrill to subside; then Hugo, the villain, stalked in with a clanking sword at his side, a slouched hat, black beard, mysterious cloak, and the boots. 

After pacing to and fro in much agitation, he struck his forehead, and burst out in a wild strain, singing of his hatred for Roderigo, his love for Zara, and his pleasing resolution to kill the one and win the other.⁴ The gruff tones of Hugo’s voice, with an occasional shout when his feelings overcame him, were very impressive, and the audience applauded the moment he paused for breath. 

Bowing with the air of one accustomed to public praise, he stole to the cavern and ordered Hagar to come forth with a commanding “What ho! Minion! I need thee!”

¹ _{Wish I knew a lady who know an actor who would let me slay hunty boots down in these:}

² _{I’ve always said that theater could do with more Protestant Work Ethic. (As an aside, Louisa and I do share a sentiment here that a lot of societal ills can be addressed by giving young people the opportunity to be onstage. The worlds worst people are often looking to be the star of their own lives, to feel the center of attention at all times. If they got that attention (or at least ATTEMPTED to get that attention) while they were still young, I feel like the stakes of needing approval would go down because that need had already been sated, in a way? Best case they learn and grow and have great social skills, worst case, acting is already a useful silo for psychopathy. tl;dr Theater Camp Fixes This)}

³ _{It’s the green fabric on pool tables!}

⁴ _{It won’t be terribly important for you to keep track of who’s who or what’s going on in the play going forward. All you need to know here is that the girls are doing their version of a classical melodrama, which clashes with the context of them being children.}

Hello, new readers! I’m delighted to have each and every one of you on this journey. If the above domestic scene frightens and confuses you, take a moment to enjoy our catch-up guide to the story so far.

Even though none of them will be names, I went ahead and added the gaggle of girls that came to watch the girls’ play as Christmas Play Attendees to the Death Poll. Am I trying to Green Party split the vote to keep you goblins from killing off my mains? Maybe!! See you Monday!!