Diarikom : (B) - Not in the Spotlight - A life on the stage was never to be! - A true story

Saturday 18 February 2017

(B) - Not in the Spotlight - A life on the stage was never to be! - A true story - written and read by Nigel A. JAMES

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Not in the Spotlight – A true story by Nigel A JAMES

Theatre had always been one of my dreams. And, you can surely imagine how happy I was when two friends of mine phoned with an offer – a part in their upcoming play. And, being offered a part by Hannes and Gordon was an honour. Their little theatre club was very well known, and,

in those days, put on very good plays. I was very, very proud!

And, it turned out the play wasn't a play, but an opera – or – better put - excerpts from Tosca. And, I was to play the lead role. And, luckily, there was no singing involved – only miming. I had no words to learn. My theatre debut, I felt sure, was going to be a success. I, without any doubt at all, had been the best choice of all for the role! But, when the show came to an end the audience didn't agree! I had not been accepted. The applause had been only lukewarm.

But, not to worry. I wasn't alone. Even Shakespeare's first night had not been a success. Audiences, it seems, are often unable to recognize greatness. And, things haven't changed – poor me and poor Shakespeare. But, I was up at the top! I was flying. And, it wouldn't be long until the phone rang once again.

And, the next offer came. And, back to the theatre I went. But, something had changed. Would I mind pulling the curtain? I said no. I would do it with pleasure. Theatre, after all, was a big part of me. A starring role, I was promised, was waiting for me. It was only a matter of time. But, the next time wasn't much better. I was the doorman checking the tickets!

And, that was the end of my life on the stage. The world wasn't ready for me! I began at the top and worked my way down to the bottom. And, there I still am!

Theatre has always been one of my dreams, but, luckily there are people who can do it much better than me. But, maybe one day? Who knows? There must be a part that's waiting for me! So, until then, I'll just carry on dreaming.

Not in the Spotlight – A true story – written and read by Nigel A JAMES.

PLEASE WAIT - VOCABULARY AND QUESTIONS FOLLOW AUTOMATICALLY (ca 20 secs)

Vocabulary

better put – besser gesagt.

debut – Debüt

excerpts – Ausschnitten

greatness – Große

lukewarm - lauwarm

miming - mimen

recognise - erkennen

turned out – heraus gestellt

upcoming – dem nächst

without any doubt – ohne zweifel

Questions -

Why was being offered a part by Hannes and Gordon a great honour?

What did Hannes and Gordon have?

Was the play a play or an opera?

Which opera was it?

How was the applause at the end of the show?

What is one of the things that the writer has in common with William Shakespeare?

Where is the writer now?