Theatre, since the ancient Greeks, has brought together a community of people in order for them to see how characters were put to the test through their sufferings in order to teach and touch with compassion the lives witnessing the unfolding story. We, as 'players'-- we individually, must understand the importance of how we live our lives; it is what is most profound in the enduring and most dramatic performance upon the symbolic stage of our earthly existence---to what degree, and in what manner do we live our life; yes it's the how that matters.
In the context of the words of Jacques' in the play, As You Like It, the emphasis is being made of the various roles we take on throughout a lifetime....in other words, the different 'whats' or hats we wear. However, how we play the parts of our lives makes the difference on how others see us, if, or not, we are lauded with applauded gratitude, and if our story will not only be remembered...but how it will be remembered long after the spotlight has been turned off.
From the beginning, stepping on the proverbial stage is scary. Being aware of how we see our role is often like trying to fit into an exasperating puzzle. Our lives are bantered about by external events, some of which we cannot explain, but are, nonetheless, inevitable, and must be accepted.
What happens within our mind and heart will determine how we react outwardly. These conflicts, specifically, between the forces of good and evil allow the audience to witness the triumph of goodness prevailing through how we speak our words and how we act within the company around us.
As a character on a stage, it is not the what but the how I play my part. When faced with the powers of darkness, do I yield to the grim, the fearful, and the godless? Or, do I manifest for the entire house to see, how I defeat the evil forces lurking in disguise. You cannot, as a player on the stage, show your actions to be merciless, ruthless, and unsympathetic and be considered a hero. That which people see as despicable 'on stage' will be held despicable in real life.
Often, we squander opportunities to demonstrate the admirable human qualities of the ideal. We hedge and do not stand up for what is right and honorable. Instead, we go along and our life is nothing but a "walking shadow, a poor player..." as Macbeth tragically reflects.
We admire and have a special liking for those who are real and present--an example of excellence in moral fortitude even when faced with struggles and challenges. We enjoy watching a play on stage with hero-like characters who overcome after being tried with fire. Yes, at the end, we see a better person for it. We don't like to see evil triumph on the stage, yet, why does it seem then, that it matters on the stage, but then we don't have that same disdain for witnessing how people refuse to fight for a belief in what is good and right in the real world?
How can we, being players, being on stage, and being in a theatre, seek kudos for a dishonest, hopeless, existence---both pathetic and tragic? Is that the type of performance we want to leave on stage? Or, can it, instead, exemplify the how our story unfolds which ultimately, according to our choosing, can be a central synthesis of all that is art, beauty, and justice.
Yes, it's the what that matters, but also the how of our being that stirs the heart to a higher plane and leads with power... bringing together all in a communal service celebrating what is good in the human soul....for that deserves a curtain call.