response 1

As I fidgeted impatiently in my seat, I craned my neck in hopes of glimpsing one of the actors. After months of saving up for a desirable seat at the Globe Theatre, I was waiting with anticipation for my favorite play,”A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, to begin. I had worked odd jobs and helped a local seamstress to save up, and had even saved a little extra to buy a golden hairpin for the occasion. I had spent the hours leading up to this play getting ready, feeling as though I needed to look lavish and deserving of my seat. I had heard rumors that William Shakespeare himself might attend the performance, making all the hard work worthwhile. I loved “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” for its irony and elaborate scenery, which would no doubt be beautifully portrayed by the King’s Company. While I hardly admired the trouble-making fairies and foolish lovers, I couldn’t help but enjoy the dramatic and magical tale.

Although my family was fairly well-off in the middle class and I had attended numerous performances, I had only ever had a view from standing admission. My parents were a practical pair, and felt that spending money on the arts was unnecessary. On the other hand, I was enamored with music, paintings, sculptures, and the theatre. I gladly took in the chaotic sounds of laughter and chatter bouncing off the worn walls, and let my eyes wander around the diverse audience. Down below, I took in the swarms of people fighting for positions, and felt thankful for my comfortable view. I looked across to the glamorous gentle men and women, flaunting elaborate fabrics in colorful arrays and patterns.

Finally, the crowd got as quiet as it ever would as the first actor came on stage. Although I had seen the play on many occasions and understood every twist and turn of the plot, nothing compared to seeing it from a balcony seat. Not once did I have to stand on my tippy-toes, jump up on a box, or squirm past someone to see the action. I had a full view of everything going on, and noticed so many details I never had before. I left my bag of nuts untouched; nothing could distract me from the wonderful scene down below. When the play ended, I remained in place, hoping to absorb all that I could from the experience. Unfortunately I knew I had to return to work at the seamstress shop, and I eventually left my seat. I walked out feeling awed and light, knowing I had experienced something magnificent.