Near Millbrook Ontario there is an outdoor theatre called 4th Line Theater. It exists on a farm and has since 1992.They put on original performances that reflect the history of the region. These performance developed scripts are based on local stories. It really is an eclectic setting where the stage is the ground between barn and the drive shed with the bleachers facing one of the barns. There are entrances and exits from many, many different directions. Sometimes they will cross the field. Other times it will be on the second story of the barn. It really keeps you on your toes as a theater goer. And sometimes, when thunderstorms threaten they continue until the rain prevents them from being heard.
Here are two poems about the same event. It’s funny how different they are, yet the same as they describe the same event..
An Electric Performance
Opening night and the play had started
Outside, natural setting,
Air fresh and blowing
Lightning strikes in the distance
While thunder rumbled on and on
Droning over the dialogue
Yet not muting
The vocal ruminations
That were delivered with eloquence
The winds whip trees
And calm just as quickly
Accenting the plot rather deliciously
Adding punctuation to the turmoil
And then the rain came
Gently falling
While the actors carried on
Giving electric performances
Not disturbed by nature’s tantrum
Near the end the skies opened fully
Drenching all who still sat
Gripped with rapture at the depth
Of the acting
Until lightening cracked right over head
Sending all for cover
And finally ending a brilliant performance
Short of the true ending
In truth the evening was truly special
Copyright 2023
by Bill Ferguson
All Rights Reserved
The Show Always Goes On
An opening night performance is special
It is a treat for watching eyes
Tonight the audience hopes the play goes on
Under threatening skies
The warning passes lightly
As the storm clouds fill the air
Somehow it doesn’t seem real
Somehow it doesn’t seem fair
So many people sitting in the rain
Watching the wind blow the trees away
Arguing for it to go on
Arguing for it to be postponed
Still the actors stay within their roles
Voices growing louder to be heard
The clouds billow and bluster
Filling up with water and spitting it out
At first a gentle mist, then avenging downpour
Thunder provides it’s curious applause
Lightning makes us remember
That nature has all its own laws
In the end it almost ended
But also the storm did not allow it to be so
Copyright 2023
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