Word to life theater

Author Unknown

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

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UNIT 15. THE WORLD OF ART. CINEMA. THEATRE. PAINTING “The world without art is just eh”.

2. THEATRE

15.2.1. Answer the questions:

1. Have you ever been to the theatre?

2. What play did you go to? Did you like it?

3. Do you have your favourite play?

4. Would you like to act in theatre?

15.2.2. Vocabulary.

People: the cast, actor, ballet dancer, costume designer, director, usher

Inside the theatre: backstage, wing, bar, box-office, cloakroom, curtain, dressing room, foyer, house, row, scenery, stage, stalls, the orchestra stalls, the balcony, the box, the dress circle, the gallery, the pit Performances: matinee, drama, play

Verbs: to applaud/ to clap, to put on/stage a play, to rehearse, to book the tickets, to enjoy the play

Other words and phrases: What’s on at the theatre today?; The house is full today; Who is playing the leading role?; The interval will last…; curtain calls; make-up; rehearsal; the curtain falls/drops/goes down; the curtain goes up/rises, the curtains draw; the lights go up/down; the musicians tune up.

15.2.3. Read the text and answer the questions.

The Theatre

People live a very busy life nowadays, so they have little time to spare. Still they try their best to make use of those rare hours of leisure. Some people find it a pleasure to go to the theatre. The theatre is one of the most ancient kinds of arts. For centuries people have come to the theatre for different aims: to relax, to be amused and entertained, to have a good laugh, to enjoy the acting of their favourite actors and actresses.

Some people like drama, others are fond of musical comedy. The subtlest theatre-lovers prefer ballet and opera. In our country there are a lot of theatres: big and small, new and old, famous and not very well known. The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow is among the most famous theatres in the world. Wonderful operas and ballets are staged in this theatre. The names of Ulanova, Plisetskaya, Maximova, Vasiliev, Arkhipova, Sotkilava and others are known worldwide.

The other most popular Moscow theatres are the Maly Theatre, the Satire Theatre, the Vachtangov Theatre, the Variety Theatre and others. Young spectators attend the Children’s Musical Theatre and the Puppet Theatre more willingly. All these and lots of other theatres present a great variety of shows. That makes a spectator feel somewhat at a loss what theatre to choose. In this case it may turn out useful to consult a billboard and find out what and where is on. Sometimes you may face a difficulty of another kind: that is of getting tickets. If you don’t feel like standing in a queue for tickets at the box-office, you may book them beforehand.

Ticket prices vary according to the seats. The better seats at the theatre are in the stalls and in the dress circle. They are rather expensive seats. Boxes, of course, are the best seats and the most expensive, too. Those people, who are short of money, take seats in the gallery, in the balcony or in the upper balcony. Tickets for afternoon performances are cheaper than those for evening performances.

1. Did people go to the theatre in the ancient time?

1. What are the reasons why people go to the thetare? What about you?

2. What kind of theatre performance do you prefer?

3. What theatres in Russia can you name?

4. Is it always easy to get a ticket to the theatre?

5. What kind of seats in the teatre can you name? Where do you prefer to sit?

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

15.2.4. Match the words and their definitions

__ SETTING

An act of staging or presenting a play, concert, or other form of entertainment.

__ SCENE

The written text of a stage play, screenplay, or broadcast

__ SOUND

A movement of the body or limbs that expresses or emphasizes an idea or a feeling

__ CLIMAX

The making of articulate sounds (as in pronunciation)

__ PLAYWRIGHT

The background (as time and place) of the action of a story or performance

__

A woman or girl who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

ARTICULATION

A particular impression obtained by hearing

__

The point of highest dramatic interest or a major turning point in the action

PERFORMANCE

A person who writes plays

__ DIALOGUE

. A single situation or conversation in a play

__ PART

. Conversation given in a written story or play

__ DIRECTOR

. A group that listens or watches (as at a play or concert)

__ SCRIPT

. The space or area where a performance take place

__ ACTRESS

. A man or boy who acts especially in a play or movie or on television

__ GESTURE

. An actor or actresses role in a play

__ AUDIENCE

. The main story (as of a literary work, play, or movie)

__ STAGE

. A small object such as a book, weapon etc, used by actors in a play

__ ACTOR

. The words of a part in a play

__ PLOT

. A private performance or practice session in preparation for a public appearance such

__

as a play

PROTAGONIST

. The first part of a piece of music or a play in which the theme is presented

__ REHEARSAL

. The painted scenes or hangings and accessories used on a theater stage

__ SCENERY

. One that guides the making of a show (as for stage or screen)

__ PROP

. The chief character in a play, novel, or story

__ LINE

__ EXPOSITION

15.2.5. Good reading.

1. Why is Kate disappointed? K: Phew, we aren’t late.

J: I was afraid of being late too.

K: Where are our seats?

J: In the balcony, let’s hurry up.

K: In the balcony? You are kidding! I thought they would be in the stalls.

J: No, our seats are in the balcony, you see, they were the last seats left.

K: You’ve bought the cheapest seats!

J: It was impossible to get other seats; by the way the view of the stage from the balcony is rather good. We’ll see everything excellently.

K: OK, there’s no use to quarrel in the theatre.

J: Don’t worry. The play is modern and very interesting. You’ll enjoy it.

1. Was the performance successful?

1. Did you like the performance?

1. Oh, John, it was great! I have forgotten everything. It was so interesting!

1. How did you like the acting of the young actress?

2. She was charming and witty. Her acting is impressing.

1. The cast was excellent today. They are all stars. I’ve got a lot of positive impressions.

2. You’re right, my dear. Did you notice that the scenery was really beautiful?

1. Yes, I did. It was fantastic! Are you still angry with me?

2. No, my dear. I’m very happy!

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

15.2.6. Act out the dialogues

A tourist is asking a stranger about popular English Theatres.

Tourist: Good morning, Sir! May I ask you a question?

Stranger: Of course!

Tourist: I came to London for two days and would like to visit one of its most famous theatres.

Stranger: Oh, there are very many of them. I think you may visit the National Theatre. It is one of the best.

Tourist: Is it in the South Bank Arts center?

Stranger: Yes, it is. I advise you the Royal Court Theatre. It performs modern plays and is one of my favourite theatres. There is also the National Youth Theatre. Its members are all young people. You will surely like the plays staged there.

Tourist: I am sure there are many other theatres in London. Everyone may find something to their own taste. Stranger: There are 48 theatres in the West End and about 10 in the suburbs! It makes London be one of theatrical cities of the world. I am sure, you will not forget your visit to a British theatre. Tourist: Thank you for the information!

Stranger: Have a nice stay in London!

Visiting London Theatres.

Mary: Hello, Dave! I haven’t seen you for ages!

Dave: Hello, Mary! I have just returned from Great Britain!

Mary: Really? How interesting! How did you spend your time there?

Dave: I visited theatres and cinemas.

Mary: Great! Did you visit London theatres?

Dave: Some of them. There are more than 50 theatres in London!

Mary: Which did you like the most?

Dave: I liked the Mermaid Theatre in London, which performs modern plays, and the National Youth Theatre, whose members are all young people.

Mary: Did you visit the National Opera House as well?

Dave: There is no “National Opera House”, but the Royal Opera House at Convent Garden. The English National Opera performs operas, sung in English, at the London Coliseum. Mary: Did you watch the Royal Ballet?

Dave: Of course, I adore ballet. The Royal Ballet tours all over the world, I was happy to watch one of its performances.

Mary: I am sure you had an interesting stay in Britain.

Dave: Yes, I dream about visiting this country again.

What seats were bought?

1. Have you got any seats for today’s performance?

1. Matinee or evening performance?

1. Evening, please.

1. How many tickets would you like?

1. Two, please.

1. OK, let me see…

1. I’d like the seats in the stall, please.

1. Would you like to sit in the middle of the row or in the aisle?

1. I prefer the seats in the middle of the row.

1. You can have two seats in the middle of row E.

1. Well, that’s great! How much are they?

1. One hundred fifty euros, please.

1. Here are two hundred euros.

1. Thank you. Here are your tickets and fifty euros change.

1. What time does the performance start?

1. At seven p.m. and the doors open at 6.30.

1. Thank you.

1. You’re welcome.

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

15.2.7. What word or phrase is this?

1. A play or a film in which part of the story is sung to music.

1. The total number of actors in a play or in a film.

2. The people who watch the play at the cinema.

3. What these people do with their hands at the end of the play.

4. The person who makes a film.

5. Journalists who write articles about films and plays.

6. The name of the articles they write.

7. The translation of the story of a film across the bottom of the screen.

8. To reserve tickets before the performance.

9. The most important actors or actresses in a film.

15.2.8. Guess the words:

1.

A picture of a person

7.

A person who performs in a play

2.

A person who writes poems

8.

The action in a theatre happens here

3.

The place where a painter works

9.

This person makes images of people or things

4.

A person who performs in a play

10.

An image of a place or thing

5.

A person who writes poems

11.

A show or a spectacle in a public place

6.

A person who writes books

12.

You can watch a play or a concert here

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

UNIT 15.2. Art. Самостоятельные работы.

Work 1

1. Fill in the sentences with new words.

1. _______________ is a performance that takes place in the morning.

1. The __________________ is a break between two parts of the performance.

2. What is ____ at the theatre tonight?

3. The house is __________ today. All the tickets have been sold out.

4. We had lots of ____________________ before the day of the play.

5. I would like to be a _______________ and to stage a play one day.

6. Two sits in the __________________, please.

7. The _____________________ of this drama is really cool! I like all the actors. They are great!

8. Could I, please, _____________ one ticket for an evening performance on Friday?

9. The actors are in the ________________ room now getting ready for the beginning of the performance.

2. Match the names and definitions.

a)The stage

___ Small roles

b) The boards

___ Noises off (sounds like rain or thunder which produce a dramatic effect)

c) The deck

___ The space under the stage, mainly used for machinery

d) The cellar

___ Various kinds of floodlights that can produce effects such as blackout

e) The props

___ A scene in which a character discovers some important information which

f)The scenery or setting

changes the course of events for him or for her

g) The decor

___ Played by the leading lady or man

h) Sound effects

___ Consists of the backcloth

i) Lighting effects

___ To mispronounce the words or get the lines wrong

j) Main roles

___ Monologue; this device allows us to discover the inner thoughts and motives

k)Minor

roles

(“bit

of a character

parts”)

___ Usually the first scene of a play

l) To overplay

___ To act with too much restraint

m) To underplay

___ Place where the actors play

n) To muff

___ Not just the setting, but also the props and costumes

o) To dry up

___ The person responsible for directing the actors and deciding on interpretation

p) Stage directions

___ Synonym of stage

q) Soliloquy

___ The stage floor

r)An aside

or

stage

___ To forget one’s lines

whisper

___ To act in an exaggerated way

s) Expository scene

___ They give guidelines about stage effects or the character’s costumes,

t)Relief

/

recognition

attitudes and gestures

scene

___ When a character’s thought is expressed for the audience only

u) The producer

___ (Short for stage properties) The objects used by the actors, the furniture or

carpets.

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

Work 2

1. a) Read the text about W. Shakespeare.

W. Shakespeare (1564-1616)

He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon in 1564, probably on April 23^rd. He attended Stratford grammar school, but he did not go on to study at university. At the age of 19 he went to London where he did a series of jobs, but he eventually became an actor and by 1592 he became a well-known dramatist. In 1595 he joined an important company of actors called The Lord Chamberlain’s Men and performed at court. His improved financial standing allowed him to invest in the building of the Globe Theatre

He retired to his hometown in 1611 where he died in 1616.

Works

Shakespeare wrote 37 plays in a period of twenty years, from 1591 to 1611 and 154 Sonnets. He used many sources for his plays: the classical Greek and Latin writings of Plutarch and Plautus, the Italian works of Matteo Bandello and Giraldo Cinzio and the English historian Holinshed’s Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (1577)

The Four Periods

The First Period (1590-1595)

Chronicle plays dealing with the history of England (Richard III, Henry VI); Comedies (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew); Tragedies (Titus Andronicus and Romeo and Juliet)

The 2^nd period (1596-1600)

Shakespeare focused on chronicle plays and comedies and it is generally agreed that it is during these years that he wrote his best comedies: The Merchant of Venice, Much Ado About Nothing, As You Like It, Twelfth Night

Th3rd Period (1600-1608)

Shakespeare wrote his great tragedies: Hamlet, King Lear, Othello, Macbeth

The 4^th Period (1609-1612)

A return to a happier state of mind. The Tempest is set in the ideal world of an enchanted island where an atmosphere of magic, music, romance and harmony prevails.

1. Say if the statements are TRUE or FALSE. Underline sentences in the text to prove your answers.

1. Stratford –upon-Avon was Shakespeare’s hometown.

2. W. Shakespeare graduated from the university.

3. He became famous in 1592.

4. He didn’t invest his money in the building of the Globe Theatre.

5. During 20 years Shakespeare wrote a great number of plays.

6. Shakespeare wrote tragedies, comedies and historical plays.

1. Answer the questions:

1. Have you ever visited Shakespeare’s places? Have you been to the Globe?

2. Which of his plays did you see staged? Have you screened versions of his works?

3. What Shakespeare’s works did you read or would like to read?

4. What his work do you like more?

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

Work 3

a) Read the text.

Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre.

The original Globe Theatre stood in Southwark, London, on the south bank of the River Thames. Today, an accurate replica stands on the site of the original building.

The Globe was built in 1559 by the acting company of which William Shakespeare was a member. It burnt down in 1613, was rebuilt the following year and then demolished in 1644.

The Globe was an open-air theatre, with three floors and could seat about 3,000 people. The stage measured about 27 by 43 feet and was raised off the ground to allow access by a trapdoor.

The Globe Theatre regularly showed up to 10 different plays in just two weeks. The plays often incorporated special effects, such as acrobatics, fireworks and even a real cannon firing.

Shakespeare was a part owner of the Globe Theatre, and several of his plays were performed there, including Hamlet, As You Like It and Macbeth. Many of William Shakespeare’s plays were first produced in the Globe Theatre in the reign of Elizabeth I. The theatre was burnt down during a performance of King Henry VIII. The fire was started by an ember fired from a cannon used as a prop in the play into the thatched roof of the theatre.

A visit to the Globe Theatre was a big event. As well as the play, there would be music, food and drink and many businesses complained that their employees were going to the theatre rather than to work.

Advertising was also important in Shakespeare’s day and the Globe would fly colour-coded flags to indicate what was playing. A black flag meant a tragedy, while a red flag indicated a historical play.

The new Globe Theatre was built in 1997, following a 20 year campaign by the film maker Sam Wanamaker.

Wanamaker’s vision was to build a replica of the Globe as it would have looked in Elizabethan times.

The authentic replica was made from wood and has London’s only thatched roof. There are no microphones or speakers and the music is played live on period instruments.

Today the Globe Theatre offers guided tours of the facility, as well as an exhibition of life in Shakespeare’s London. The theatre attracts over 200,000 visitors every year.

b) Choose the right variant.

1. The original Globe Theatre was built ………

a) by the River Thames b) far from the River Thames c) not near the River Thames.

2. The original Globe Theatre was built …………

a) in the 15th century b) in the 16th century c) in the 17th century

1. William Shakespeare was a famous ………….. in England.

a) king b) actor c) writer

4. There was a …… in England when Shakespeare’s plays were first performed.

a) king b) queen c) emperor

5. …. caused the fire in the theatre.

a) a man b) an actor c) a prop

Unit 15. The World of Art. Cinema. THEATRE. Painting.

Work 4

a) Put each of the following words in its correct place in the text below.

actors audience theatre seats performance

entertainments perform box-office tickets

1. __________ is a place where you can see a play staged. It is also one of 2) _________. A theatre consists of two parts: the stage and the hall. They are separated by a curtain and the orchestra. 3) __________ and actresses

1. __________ on the stage and public occupies the pit, the dress-circles, the boxes and the gallery.

If we made up our mind to go to the theatre, we should go to the 5) __________ to buy 6) __________. 7)

__________ can be reserved beforehand.

The last __________ I saw was “The Nut Cracker” by Tchaikovsky. How great it was! The main parts were performed by Vadym Pisarev and Inna Dorofeeva. Everyone knows that they are talented dancers. But I also was impressed by a very young ballet-dancer who was performing the part of Masha girl. I think she deserves respect of the 9) __________ because she did her best and looked great for her young age. I had a great time that night.

b) Write the words into the crossword.

1

2

3

B

4

c) What is this?

1. The part of a theatre where actors, dancers, etc. stand and move.

1. A short time between two parts of a play or concert.

2. A person who acts in plays, films or television programmes.

3. All the people who are watching or listening to a film, play, concert or the television.

The word «theatre»
comes from a Greek word meaning a place for seeing. In this sense,
the word refers to the space where performances are staged. However
in a broad sense, theatre includes everything that is involved in
production, such as the script, the stage, the performing com­pany,
and the audience. In addition, theatre refers to a part of human
culture that began in ancient times.

Theatre is not the same as
drama, though the words are frequently used interchangeably. Drama
refers to the literary part of a performance that is the play. There
are different forms of drama, such as tragedy, seri­ous drama,
melodrama, and comedy.

Theatre is one of the most
complex arts. It requires many kinds of artists for its creation.
These specialists include a playwright, perform­ers, a director,
a scene designer, a costumier, a lighting designer, and var­ious
technicians. For many productions composers, musicians, and a
choreographer (a creator of dances) are needed. A director of the
the­atre integrates all aspects of production including scenery,
costumes, makeup, lighting, sound effects, music, and dancing.

There
are many people who love and visit different kinds of theatres: drama
theatres, musical theatres, puppet theatres, opera and ballet
hous­es. A successful theatrical event is an exciting and
stimulating experience.

There
are a lot of theatres around the world. The theatrical centre the
United Kingdom is London. There are more than 40 theatres in West End
of London, such as the Royal National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare
Theatre, which operate a repertory system and use a regular company.
The best-known centre of professional theatre in the United State is
New York City, though Chicago and Los Angeles have become major
centers as well. Moscow and St. Petersburg are the two major theatre
centers in Russia. The Maly and Bolshoi Theatre are known all over
the world.

EXERCISE
11. Read
and give a summary of the text.

Music in our life

Music
is one of the oldest arts. People probably started singing as soon as
language developed. Many ancient peoples, including the Egyptians,
Chinese, Babylonians, and the people of India, used music in
religious ceremonies. The first written music dates from about 2500
В.
С

Nowadays,
music takes many forms around the world. There are two chief kinds of
music: classical and popular. Classical music includes symphonies,
operas, and ballets. Popular music includes country music, folk
music, jazz, rock music, etc.

Music
plays a major role in other arts. Opera combines singing orchestral
music with drama. Ballet and other forms of dancing n. music to help
the dancers. Film and TV dramas use music to help mood and emphasize
the action.

Music
plays an important part in all cultures and social activities.
Nearly all peoples use music in their religious services to create a
state of mystery and awe, a feeling of distance from the daily world.
Many. people perform music for their own satisfaction. Singing in a
choir, playing a musical instrument in a band can be very enjoyable.
Music provides people with a way to express their feelings.

EXERCISE
12. Find
in the texts English equivalents for these words and word
combinations:

место
для просмотра, в этом смысле, однако, в
широком смысле слова, где осуществляется
постановка спектаклей, театральная
труппа, публика, человеческая культура,
в древние времена, хотя, взаимозаменяемо,
то есть, такие как, один из самых сложных
видов искусства, различные технические
работники, для многих спектаклей,
объединяет, грим, освещение, кукольные
театры, театры оперы и балета, успешное
театральное событие, по всему миру,
постоянная труппа, также, главные
театральные центры, как только, в
религиозных церемониях, относится к,
до нашей эры, в наши дни, принимает многие
формы, музыка в стиле «кантри»,
фольклорная музыка, создать настроение,
усилить действие, в об­щественной
деятельности, почти все народы, состояние
тайны и благоговейного страха, повседневная
жизнь, выражение чувств.

EXERCISE
13.
a)
Find in the texts the words, which have the similar meanings as the
following words:

watching, comprises, started,
old, often, various, complicated, com­bines, many, main, also,
perhaps, to assist, almost, wide;

b) Find in the texts the
words, which have the opposite meanings to the following words:

narrow, finished, simple, the
youngest, the last, without, rest.

EXERCISE
14.
Fill
in the blanks with the missing words in the fol­lowing sentences;
the first letter of each word has been given to help you:

1.
The
performances are staged in the t… 2. The words «theatre»
and «d…» are used interchangeably. 3. Theatre requires
many kinds of art­ists, such as performers, a
lighting
designer, a s… designer, etc. 4. There are different kinds of
theatres, such as drama theatres, opera and ballet houses, p…
theatres, etc. 5. A successful performance is always an e…
experience. 6. The Royal Shakespeare Theatre operates ar… system.
7. Chicago and Los Angeles are m… theatrical centers as well. 8.
Many peoples use m… in religious ceremonies. 9. Opera combines
singing and o… music with drama. 10. Films use music to set the
m….

EXERCISE
15.
Find
in the texts, translate, and analyze:

a)
grammar forms with the ending -ing:

a Greek word meaning a place
for seeing

the performing company

a lighting designer

all aspects of production
including scenery, dancing, etc.

an exciting and stimulating
experience

many ancient people including
the Egyptians, Chinese

people started singing

opera combines singing and
orchestral music

other forms of dancing

singing in a choir

playing a musical instrument

b)
grammar forms with the ending -ed:

are
staged
people
started singing

is
involved
language
developed

are
used
they
used music

are needed the United States

c)
grammar
forms with the ending -s:

the word comes from the word refers to theatre includes the words drama refers different forms it requires many kinds these specialists various technicians social activities

a lot of theatres the Egyptians religious ceremonies the music dates from music takes many forms music includes symphonies music plays a major role opera combines in all cultures

EXERCISE
16. Complete
the following sentences in a logical way:

1.
The word «theatre» comes from a Greek word meaning …

2.
Theatre includes everything that is involved in production, such as
…

3.
Theatre refers to a part of human culture that…

4.
Theatre is not the same as drama though …

5.
Theatre requires many kinds of artists for …

6.
A director of the theatre integrates all aspects of …

7.
Many people love and visit different kinds of theatres:…

8.
In the UK, there are more than …

9.
In the USA, the best-known theatre centre is …

10.
In Russia, the two major theatre centers are …

11.
Music plays a major role in …

12.
Opera combines singing and …

13.
Ballet needs music …

14.
Film and TV dramas use music to help …

15.
Music provides people with a way …

EXERCISE
17: Answer
the questions about the theatre:

1)
What does the word «theatre» come from?

2)
What does theatre include?

3)
Is theatre the same as drama?

4)
What does drama refer to?

5)
What forms of drama do you know?

6)
What does theatre require?

7)
Who integrates all aspects of productions in the theatre?

What kinds of theatres do you know?

9)
Where is the theatrical centre in the UK?

10)
How many theatres are there in West End of London?

11)
Where are the theatre centers in the USA?

12)
What theatre centers in Russia do you know?

13)
Have you ever been to Bolshoi Theatre?

14)
Do you often visit theatres?

15)
What kind of theatre do you prefer?

16)
What kind of music do you like?

17)
What kind of classical music do you know?

18)
What kind of popular music do you know?

19)
Why does music play a major role in other arts?

20)
What does music provide people with?

EXERCISE
18. Agree
or disagree with the following statements; add some more-information:

1.
Theatre is the same as drama. 2. Theatre is one of the most com­plex
arts. 3. There are different kinds of theatres. 4. There are not many
theatres in West End of London. 5. There are many theatres in Moscow.

EXERCISE
19.
a)
Read and translate the following dialogue; b) mem­orize and
dramatize the dialogue; c) act out a similar dialogue.

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“Life Theater is an intriguing place.” Smiling Mask looked to Life Theater to his side, he sighed deeply. “It has always been here, but not many people will notice it. Only those with despair and paranoia, those who are unresigned to their fates and have delusions of changing their fates can find it.”

He turned back and smiled at Shi Zhong Tang and Ning Ning. “It will also only open its doors to these types of people.”

After a moment of shock and anger, Shi Zhong Tang quickly calmed down and searched for a way to save himself.

“…It didn’t find me, the one who found me was you.” He had to clarify one thing first, thus he said coldly, “You lied to me. A person could only change the fate of a main character twice, but not thrice, right?”

Ning Ning was stunned, she looked at him helplessly.

Shi Zhong Tang had no concept of how many times one could change the fate of the main character, the source of his concept came from her—it was when she told him about the candle analogy! It was her who told him he could only change the fate of a main character twice!

If that was not the case.

Then the one who had lied to him…was her.

She was the accomplice of Smiling Mask!

“It’s thrice.” Smiling Mask said, then he smiled at the two of them, “Did both of you breathe a sigh of relief? Haha, don’t worry. She is not my accomplice.”

Both of them were stunned for a while, then their faces turned pale.

Smiling Mask was obviously experienced, Shi Zhong Tang attempted to probe him with words, he saw through it immediately, then used words to make fun of them.

“I admit defeat.” Shi Zhong Tang gave in a little first, then flattered him thoroughly, “You’re good. I still don’t understand what I did wrong. I only took two tickets from you, I only entered Life Theater twice, and I ended up like this. Good for you…not only did you get your wish, you even got a free facelift…”

Smiling Mask started sniggering, he seemed to have felt flattered.

This was good, this was good, the more he felt good about himself, the more he would let his guard down, the more questions he would be willing to answer.

“Boy, you were still playing with mud when I was using this trick.” Smiling Mask ruthlessly destroyed his fantasy. “You don’t have to play these tricks on me, you can ask whatever you want…before you completely become a masked person. Haha.”

Shi Zhong Tang pursed his lips.

He originally only had a small piece of a mask on his right cheek, now the right side of his face was almost covered. The speed was not too fast nor too slow, it was like the torment experienced by a person at the execution ground with a noose around his neck, waiting for his turn.

“…Since everyone can change the fate of the main character twice.” He touched his face, “Why did I end up like this? Why am I the exception?”

“You are no exception.” Smiling Mask waved his fingers at Shi Zhong Tang. “Three. You’ve changed the fate of three masked people.”

Shi Zhong Tang furrowed his brows, he suspected Smiling Mask’s math was taught by a language teacher. He had to remind Smiling Mask again, “…I only took two tickets, I only entered Life Theater twice.”

Smiling Mask glanced towards the direction of Life Theater.

A group of staff members had gathered at the entrance when no one was looking. They looked as if they were watching an outdoor movie, they silently watched the three of them while in high spirits.

“Every masked person has a ticket. You can watch what happened to them with that ticket, you can even change their fate.” Smiling Mask laughed. “But there is one person who is the exception. Not only does the person not have their own ticket, their fate is also not allowed to be changed.”

“…That person is me.” He raised his right hand up to his chest and bowed gracefully to the two of them. “The Doorman of Life Theater.”

“Former Doorman.” A cold voice rang out from behind him.

Clop, clop, clop. The sounds of footsteps slowly emerged from the darkness. A mask full of flame patterns appeared behind him, he was wearing a white Chinese-style unlined upper garment¹ with a black waistband, it was the Doorman.

…So he was not the Doorman yet at this time.

“Congratulations.” Smiling Mask turned and looked at him, the mask on his face slowly peeled off along with his movement. “You have been promoted. You will be able to replace me soon enough and become the official doorman.”

A big hand reached out from in front of him and viciously pressed down on his face.

“…It’s useless.” Smiling Mask’s voice came from behind the hand. “Based on the rules of the theater, I am already free. You have no power to punish me. You should actually thank me. I would have left long ago if not for the fact that I wanted to leave a few words for you.”

The Doorman did not care. Crunch, crunch, crunch. If he could not use the powers Life Theater bestowed him to punish Smiling Mask, he would use his own power to punish him. The grip from his hand was getting stronger, he wanted to squish Smiling Mask’s head!

Smiling Mask was unable to bear it any longer.

Smiling Mask knew the Doorman well. The latter would not listen no matter how glib you were with him, he would only laugh if you were to beg, so Smiling Mask might as well laugh first.

“Hah, I would never have thought that someone would want this position.” He said mockingly, “Watching the entrance forever without being able to leave it a single step no matter rain or shine, just like a guard dog, what do you seek?”

The Doorman ignored him.

“Oh, you seek revenge.” Smiling Mask suddenly started laughing, ruthlessly and craftily. “But who would you seek revenge upon? So many years have passed by, your enemy would have already died of old age…”

“He has sons! Grandsons!” The Doorman interrupted him coldly, “I will wait here endlessly, until the day his descendant walks in!”

“So what if that happens? Can you exact your revenge then?” Smiling Mask’s words were like knives stabbing his heart. “Would your daughter come back to life after you have your revenge? She will never come back to life, you will also never leave this place, unless you defect like me. But with me as a precedent, would the theater even give you a chance? Hahahaha!!”

His laughter and the Doorman’s angry shouts echoed behind Ning Ning. She took a glance at them before she continued to help Shi Zhong Tang escape.

The streets were long and dark, streetlights lined both sides of them.

The streetlights did not illuminate a large area, they only shone in a white circle underneath it, like a spotlight on a stage. Ning Ning helped Shi Zhong Tang along the lights, their figures were swallowed by darkness for a moment before appearing under the light.

“…I should have expected it.” The process of forming the mask seemed to be very painful, the pain seemed to be increasing as more parts of the mask formed. Shi Zhong Tang put a hand on Ning Ning’s shoulder and placed his other hand on the mask. He breathed heavily. “Changing a person would affect the people around him. What would the remaining swindler think if the two other swindlers manage to escape? What would he do? He would definitely become vigilant…”

He suddenly turned and looked at Ning Ning. The mask had already covered more than half his face. It was a very good looking mask, the texture was that of a jade.

“Do you still remember the news I showed you before? Three years ago, three swindlers, a huge amount of money, all of them died in the end. I transmigrated as two of them and changed their fates. In the end, all three of them survived, but the last person went missing.” He told her, “If I’m not wrong, the person in the smiling mask is the third swindler, who is also the mastermind. His name is… Pei Xuan.”

After he said those two words, he suddenly wailed mournfully. He knelt on the ground and shivered non-stop.

Ning Ning looked at him from the side, her heart was extremely conflicted. She did not know if she should help him, she also did not know how to help him.

Shi Zhong Tang shouted in pain for a very long time before his shivers slowly stopped. He took very deep breaths while holding his face with both hands.

“…Dad always nags at me, telling me not to be rash, to consider the worst case scenario first.” He let out a laugh. “But I’m afraid if I take too long, you would already have left.”

He slowly put both his hands down and turned his face over.

A complete mask had covered his face.

With the texture of jade, smooth and shiny, it looked like someone had used a brush and dipped it on a peach flower which was growing on a branch, acquiring the brightest of red and gently brushing the tops of his eyes.

Thus the jade mask which originally made him look like a straight-laced gentleman had a burst of glamour added to it.

“That is why I don’t regret it.” He got up and walked towards Ning Ning, but stopped short in front of her.

Ning Ning was enveloped under a beam of white light which was shining down from the street light, she was standing in the light as he was standing outside of it.

“Because if you were to let me choose again, I would definitely have made the same choice.” Shi Zhong Tang laughed out. “Did you know? <<The Person Within the Painting>> was the happiest movie shooting for me. At the end, I even felt that I was Li Lang in my past life and you were Princess Ling Shan in your past life. We could meet in this lifetime because we could not be together in our previous lives.”

Ning Ning looked at him sadly, her heart felt a wave of irrepressible desolation. It would be nice if a person didn’t know what love was. If you didn’t know love, you wouldn’t know hate. If you didn’t know love, you wouldn’t know loneliness. And you wouldn’t make a mistake and ended up in the state you are today.

“I am Shi Zhong Tang in this lifetime, you are You Ling. We could not be together yet again, so we would meet in another lifetime.” Shi Zhong Tang asked with a smile, “At that time…what would your name be?”

“…Ning Ning.” Ning Ning told him softly after remaining silent for a moment, “My name is Ning Ning.”

He looked at her with surprise. He seemed to have not expected to actually get anything in return.

“Ning Ning…” He softly called out her name a few times. Suddenly he started laughing out loud, “Don’t tell me you believe in my nonsense? I lied to you.”

“I don’t like you.”

“I only like a thrilling and adventurous life.”

“I would have gone to the theater without you, is there a place that is more thrilling than it?”

“I would have eventually ended up as a masked person without you…” Shi Zhong Tang reached out and touched her face. His expression had an unprecedented gentleness and pain. “…so don’t cry, it’s not your fault.”

Am I crying? Ning Ning touched her face, it was wet.

She looked at her fingers with surprise. She abruptly pulled his arm. “Let’s go, we are escaping.”

The moment she decided to burn her life for the second time, a ball of flames lit up behind Shi Zhong Tang. An arm then reached out from behind him and grabbed the mask on his face, forcefully pulling it to the side—

The Doorman tore Shi Zhong Tang’s mask off his face right in front of Ning Ning.

The moment the mask was torn, the whole world seemed to have frozen. The moths fluttering underneath the lamps froze, the broken bottles rolling in the wind froze, the woman who was bringing in her clothes on the balcony froze. The whole world fell silent, as if doomsday had come.

Only the Doorman could move. He slowly turned around with the mask in hand. He was full of resentment and hate, but those feelings seemed to disappear the moment he saw Ning Ning.

He had officially become the doorman of the theater and had attained the power the doorman should have. He blinked, then he blinked again. Finally, he stared at Ning Ning without moving his eyes. “You are…”

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¹Example photo of the clothes