บท 39: After Performance
Viona's radiant smile beamed across the stage as she flawlessly completed her performance, leaving no room for error. The sense of accomplishment that swelled within her heart was undeniable, even though she didn't identify as a perfectionist. Life had taught her the value of a relaxed approach, yet the allure of excellence, and the joy it brought to both performers and their captivated audiences, remained undeniable.
The theater, once a quiet sanctuary of anticipation, now buzzed with a palpable energy as the final curtain fell. A symphony of applause filled the air, a testament to weeks of relentless dedication, hard work, and countless late-night rehearsals. The cast and crew had poured their souls into this production, and the euphoria of a triumphant performance was a reward they would cherish forever.
As the audience's ovation reached its crescendo, they were beckoned back to the stage, a place that had become their second home during the rigorous preparations. Viona, still adorned in her character's attire, exuded an infectious enthusiasm that seemed to emanate from deep within. The spotlight was her natural habitat, and she embraced it with graceful ease.
With a graceful wave, she invited her fellow classmates to join her, and together they walked hand in hand to the center of the stage. Their bond, forged through the journey of bringing Romeo and Juliet to life, was evident in the way they moved as one. Their steps were synchronized, and their smiles spoke volumes about the camaraderie cultivated during their intensive rehearsals.
In that sacred space of the theater, they paid homage to the audience, acknowledging their pivotal role in breathing life into their performance. The applause continued, a harmonious chorus of appreciation that resonated deeply with each member of the cast.
With a final flourish, they turned to face their spectators, their expressions a blend of elation and a hint of pride. This moment would forever be etched in their hearts, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the art of theater.
The evening continued as the MCs took the stage, explaining the unusual delay to the curious audience members. This marked the first time the Arsalan Festival had extended an invitation to students from Artemis school, and there were exciting stories to share.
"Wow! This is our first time witnessing a rendition of Romeo and Juliet with such a unique twist. I've heard that all the male roles were portrayed by females, and vice versa! But before we delve into that, let's have some introductions!" exclaimed the enthusiastic female MC.
Coach Putra, the guiding force behind the production, introduced each student by name and the roles they had portrayed. They also acknowledged the production crew responsible for lighting, sound, timing, and more.
The female MC's curiosity couldn't be contained. "Viona Amethyst, are you the mastermind behind the crossdressing concept?" she asked, admiration gleaming in her eyes.
"And are you THE Amethyst? Rumor has it you were eyeing the entertainment industry, but it's a pleasant surprise to see you aiming for the limelight rather than the backstage," commented the other MC without reservation.
Viona smiled graciously. "Yes, I'm the youngest Amethyst. While I do have aspirations to establish my own entertainment company someday, that's a long-term goal. Right now, I'm young, and I intend to savor every moment of my youth," she diplomatically replied.
The female MC gazed at her with starry eyes, leaving no doubt about her status as a Viona fan.
"I chose the crossdressing theme because it's unique and different. Moreover, it's an integral part of acting, and we are students from an acting school. If we can't excel at this, how can we aspire to become artists in the future?" Viona explained with a sweet smile.
The MCs and the audience nodded in enthusiastic agreement, fully acknowledging the profound wisdom in Viona's words. It was a principle that transcended the boundaries of the stage and resonated deeply with every individual present. The theater had transformed into a classroom, and the lesson was clear: embracing challenges was the pathway to greatness, not only in the world of acting but in the broader tapestry of life itself.
The resonating applause that had once signified the culmination of their performance now served as a resounding endorsement of this philosophy. It was as if the audience had collectively realized the profound implications of Viona's statement. The theater was not just a space for entertainment; it was a crucible where life lessons were forged.
In the quiet moments that followed, as the audience absorbed the profound message, the performers exchanged knowing glances. Their journey in bringing Romeo and Juliet to life had been about much more than memorizing lines and perfecting choreography. It had been a transformative experience, one that had pushed them to their limits, tested their perseverance, and ultimately, enriched their understanding of what it meant to strive for excellence.
As the MCs continued their engaging dialogue with the performers, the audience's curiosity seemed insatiable. The questions ranged from technical aspects of the production to personal insights into the actors' journeys.
One eager audience member, holding up a sign with the number "42," caught the MCs' attention. With a friendly smile, they introduced the questioner as "Ms. Evelyn from the Theater Enthusiasts Guild."
"I must say, this crossdressing concept has truly added a fascinating layer to the classic tale of Romeo and Juliet. Could you share some of the challenges and rewards you faced in bringing this unique vision to life?" Ms. Evelyn inquired, her curiosity mirrored by many others in the room.
Viona stepped forward, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "Certainly," she began, "The challenges were multifaceted. First and foremost, we needed to ensure that the essence of the characters remained intact while adapting them to the crossdressing concept. It required a deep understanding of both the original characters and the nuances of gender portrayal."
She continued, "Moreover, there were logistical challenges, such as costume design and ensuring that every aspect of the production, from lighting to choreography, supported our vision. But these challenges, as daunting as they were, were dwarfed by the rewards."
Viona's voice grew more animated as she recounted their journey. "The rewards came in the form of personal growth and a deeper connection with the characters we portrayed. It was a journey of self-discovery, as we explored and challenged our own preconceived notions of gender roles and identity. And the audience's reception has been overwhelmingly positive, which is the greatest reward of all."
The audience nodded in appreciation, recognizing the depth of thought and dedication that had gone into this unique adaptation. It was clear that this production had transcended mere entertainment; it had become a thought-provoking and transformative experience for both the performers and their spectators.
The MCs continued with their questions, engaging both the performers and the audience for the next 20 minutes. As the session opened up to audience inquiries, one festival-goer raised their numbered sign, displaying "86."
"Mr. Alouis from Lertaka Entertainment, please," the MC introduced the eager questioner.
"How did you master the art of sword fighting with such finesse? I know those were prop swords, but your movements were incredibly smooth. As a mentor to an idol group, I feel outdone!" Mr. Alouis asked with palpable excitement.
"Viona is the kind of instructor who demands perfection. If you don't get it right after ten takes, she'll have you do it ten more times, and then some, until you're satisfied with the result," Keeva responded, taking the microphone from Viona with a playful grin.
Laughter rippled through both the performers and the audience, envisioning Viona's unwavering dedication during their dance rehearsals.
Viona blushed but quickly chimed in, "That's not entirely true. Our proficiency is also a result of having an incredibly skilled instructor guiding us. Plus, since this performance was for the school's benefit, we received ample support and guidance from the institution."
For the next few minutes, they engaged in lively conversation before the audience was encouraged to enjoy the festival at their own pace. The spectators dispersed, and Viona and her fellow performers retreated backstage, ready to change costumes and embrace the rest of the evening.
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