Behind The Scenes Poem by Paula Glynn

Working behind the scenes
He got to thinking about the history of the theatre:
Its origins and its magical timeline creating dreams
From the ancient Greeks telling of Gods and Goddesses
To pop culture where the performers display wonderful music
To William Shakespeare who paved the way for plays.

Citizens of Ancient Greece gaining respect
Being in the audience to view
Drama, tragedy, comedy and the satyr play
City Dionysia a world away from modern times
Yet theatre still influenced by that timeline
Theatre performances with zest and being sublime.

According to Aristotle (384-322 BCE)
The origins of theatre in ancient Greece
The theatre capable of seating 10,000-20,000 people
All carrying the social, political and religious duty
To watch performers on stage wearing masks and costumes
Tell a vast variety of stories that does expose and educate.

Traditionally the stage with a dancing floor
The orchestra playing their loud entertaining instruments
The dressing room where actors would paint their faces
And put on outfits, with the public never trading places
For the theatre would last a good three hours
The performers seemingly with creative superpowers.

Theatre shows in places far away:
Roman, Indian and East Asian theatre
All celebrating their own religions and cultures
The Ancient Greek legends living on
The world knowing fun and serious entertainment
The world always knowing how to work properly.

He thinks all this after the theatre show ends
The performers acting the audience's friend
Yet still genuinely their friends: when outside and seen
For as he clears up behind the scenes
The performers have sweet and happy dreams
Knowing they'll have to do it all over again tomorrow night.