"Tragedy, then, is a process of imitating an action which has serious implications, is complete, and possesses magnitude; by means of language which has been made sensuously attractive, with each of its varieties found separately in the parts; enacted by the persons themselves and not presented through narrative; through a course of pity and fear completing the purification (catharsis, sometimes translated "purgation") of such emotions."

In "Poetics" by Aristotle (384-322 BC). Translated by Gerald F. Else, Ann Arbor, Univ. of Michigan, 1967.

I find theater to be a unique experience. A theatrical performance is a sharing of ideas, feelings, moods. It is a powerful expression tool and a means of communication. It is an extension of one's self into a constructed universe where the human spirit gains flesh and morphs itself into words, action and shapes. There is total freedom, yet there need to be rules and discipline for this freedom to flourish.

Moreover, I saw that participation in this function can be a fulfilling, creative trip in one's personality. As an amateur collaborator in stage projects I had the pleasant opportunity to learn about some elements of this art, to appreciate the importance of organized team work towards a goal, and to share the excitement of creative interaction with other people.

Going thorough the stages of a play production has been an immensely enjoyable, stressing, but rewarding process. From the early stage of play selection, to initial practice sessions; from getting to know and interact with fellow aspiring thespians, to facing the countless practical issues a small amateur group can come across: Practice and storage space, chase for funding, endless practice from dusk to dawn, mixing of different work schedules, putting together of the stage sets (and often tearing them down after each practice session), PR, promotion, technical duties.

Eventually, it all comes down to the dimming of lights, the ritualistic staging of endless hours of memorizing, discussions, arguments, and blending of ideas, the fine moments and bloopers, and the bow on the stage at the end. Of course, that's not just it. This is a repeating process that culminates to mastering of these ideas and messages every night until the very last of the production shows, thus leading to new syllogistic paths, churning out new ideas and keeping the mind and one’s self in awareness. It feels like the little steps one takes on an uphill until the apex is reached - and then there are new heights to conquer. And more fun to be had, as Thanasis can well testify on the notorious feasts that would follow some of the shows...

And at the end of this effort, after all is said and done, I think that nothing could ever beat the feeling of this interaction with the audience past this imaginary wall between the stage and the seats, and the joy of offering to people that I do not know a good laugh, a tear, or rather the incentive for some creative thinking; these are the seeds to improve ourselves as individuals and as a whole.

And that's why I do theater :-)