Play@YSDC

"Are you the only troupe to perform it? For a play that seems to have this mythos about it, there only seems to be sporadic tales about its performance, a handful of sightings here and there. Surely it would be more profitable to perform such works as 'La Farce nouvelle du pâté et de la tarte' or a 'Sermon Joyeux'. With soo many plays out there what made you devoted soo much of your time to this?" Jean Luc enquired as he delicately tasted his soup, inhaling the aroma but his eyes never leaving Galliano's.

"Le Roi en Jaune is an ancient play," said Enrico, "but one that had been lost to the ages. When I discovered an old copy of it, and I read it, I knew I had to put it on the stage. It begged for an audience. It is far deeper than shallow modern comedies, it penetrates further into the heart than the latest tragedies, and it is far more authentic than any new histories, given its age. Everything old is new again, and this antiquity is a breath of fresh air in today's world, due to its having been lost so long. It is not about the profit, it is about the art. Surely an artist such as yourself would understand that."

Sitting back and dabbing the corners of his mouth, Jean Luc stroking his beard as he considers the old masters words. Oh I do I do, i completely agree with you, to live for the joy of your art, the need to spread that love, to touch as many people, to enlighten their poor lives with a new joie de vivre" , he says with flourish of his hands, " However that does not put food in your bellies, does not give you sustenace to carry on the good work."

"Doesn't it?" asked Enrico, lifting a roasted chicken leg and taking a bite out of it. "Generous patrons of the arts such as the Duc here keep my family well fed, for which I thank him."

"You are most welcome," said the Duc, with a slight nod. "I look forward to your performance tomorrow night."

Jean Luc raises his goblet in appreciation of a point well made. "Will you be rehearsing tommorow? If so is it possible to avoir un pic sournois?"

"We are having a dress rehearsal tomorrow morning," said Enrico, "but I'm afraid it is private. There will be no audience. We don't want anyone to see any imperfections in our performance."

”Why spoil the surprise?” murmured Gui sotto voce, while using his napkin to hide the grin on his face.

“We look forward to your performance,” he said more loudly, with all apparent sincerity.

"Thank you, Monsieur," said Enrico. "We look forward to entertaining you."

"What time is the performance?" JeanLuc turns his head to the son and daughter. " How longbhave you two been performing? Do you have any favourite works?"

"The performance starts at nine o'clock tomorrow evening," said Enrico.

"We've been performing since we could walk," said Charles. "We learned from our parents. My favorite play is Oedipus Rex. You should see Father play Oedipus sometime."

"I like Antigone," said Giulia. "She's my favorite part to play. But I do like the role of Camilla in Le Roi en Jaune too."

Supper went by quickly, with course after course of delicious food and plenty of small talk. Finally, dessert was eaten and everyone was satiated.

"Good night, everyone," said the Duc. "On the morrow breakfast will be served in your guest chambers. You are free to roam the grounds in the morning, and at noon we shall have luncheon here."

Gui bowed as the Duc retired. Turning to the others, he said quietly, ”Do you think attendance at the play is mandatory tomorrow? It sounds infernally dull…”

Jacques politely bows to the Duc and Duchesse.

Standing and making polite good evenings to Bianca and the others, he casts a sideways glance at Gui. Quietly, he growls, "Hush, you will offend people. You must learn some manners, not to mention a basic appreciation for culture beyond its thievable value, if you wish to join the Hospitallers as a sergeant."

Jacques looks towards the apartments. "I wonder how the others are?" He heads towards his room.

Hiding a smile at Gui's comment, "I wonder how the ladies are doing?" Jean Luc says as he rises from.the table. "Maybe we should pay a visit, non?"

”Why on earth would I want to join your tedious, stick-up-your-arse legion of do-gooders?” sniped Gui. ”On balance, I think I’d rather watch the infernally dull play… …”

"An astute choice of words," said the inquisitor, regarding Gui. "I fully expect this play to be infernal, and quite possibly dull as well. I'm sure there are more wholesome activities we can pursue."

Jean Luc raises an eyebrow at the inquisitors words, "To what 'activities' do have in mind?"

"The time would be better spent in prayer and devotion," said Ignacio.

Lowering his head to hide a smile, placing a hand on Gui's shoulder, "Ah oui, Mon ami, I think that your time would be better suited in quiet contemplation."

”We could as the good Lord to deliver us from the evil of tawdry playwrights and their dullwitted outpourings,” suggested Gui.