Thespian Hall | Mischievous spirit Performance blunder Ghostly intervention |
A ctors throughout western history have been referred to as thespians, in honor of Thespis of Icaria who is claimed to be the first known actor of written plays.
In theatrical superstition, Thespis is frequently considered a roguish spirit, responsible for inducing troubles with performance related issues through his ethereal intrusion. Like many superstitions, this belief ranges in magnitude and direction. Sometimes he is considered an amusing interloper providing comic relief under stressful conditions. In other cases, his intervention is taken very seriously, with various symbolic objects and rituals required to either encourage his approval or overpower him.
This photograph of the Thespian Hall was taken in Boonville, Missouri in September. It was late in the day, after a 20 mile bike ride on the Katy Trail. The weather was great, and this old structure looked splendid in the warm low sunlight. An outstanding attribute that grabbed my attention is the massive brick columns -- a noble “Greek Revival” architectural style, worthy of the ghost of Thespis.
“No matter how slow the film, spirit always stands still long enough for the photographer it has chosen.” - Minor White
