The Magic Veil

originally posted August 13, 2006

The last time I saw 'The Magic Veil of Anango' was on a dusty trail en route to the coastal town of Brundisium. It is a beloved farce of street theater featuring not only the Pompous Merchant, but a spirited perfomance from both saucy maidens, Brigella and Bina. These characters, of course, figure in many street performances along with such regulars as The Timid Captain, Chino & Lecchio, the desirable heiress, The Wily Peasant and more. It is difficult to find a transcription of 'The Magic Veil' or, indeed, a transcription of any of hundreds of other performances one might see en route to any of a hundred cities. Such a script might not exist. In any case, I have witnessed enough of these performances in my life to make my contribution to the art. I've begun to pen down my recollections of the Merchant's deft manipulation of the all too eager Brigella featured in 'The Magic Veil'. If all goes as planned, I will make a regular showing of this among the wagons of the caravan and, perhaps, in cities that we visit. The good thing about street theater is that it is nearly completely dialogue driven. Costuming, of course, is important, but patrons of street theater are much less concerned with complete accuracy than those who frequent grand song dramas. Most importantly, there is no need for a set, props or even a stage. One may perform such a play with little or no advanced notice. On a whim, as it were. In a few days, we will pass by the city of Vonda. As I understand it, we will remain outside the gates, camping within a few pasangs of her walls. We tarried longer in Port Olni than Vesutto would have liked, I gather. The tarnsmen of the caravan, on loan from the mountain city of Thentis, courtesy of the Slaver Clark, are eager, too, to return home.