The Grand Play of Life

“I was given a script at birth. I read through most of it, but didn’t skip to the end.” – Mercedes Tucker

We all have scripts. We each play a unique role in the “Play of Life.” Each person’s script was handcrafted for him or her, including their characters, scenes, cast mates, etc. We each have a unique role that only we are perfectly cast for. Through each scene in the “Play of Life”, we share the stage with our cast mates. Our cast mates could be our parents, friends, loved ones, perfect strangers, teachers, among others. Our cast mates could be any random person at any random time. The scene that we are acting in has already been written and cast by the Grand Director. The cool thing about this play is that each role is vital to its plot. Each character has to play their role effectively for the play to be a success. In this play, there are good guys, bad guys, and people in between. There are many different roles at many different times. Another cool thing about this play is that we aren’t always forced to play the same role twice. In one scene we may be cast as a student while in another scene, we become the teacher. Each role that we play allows each person’s role to develop. Moreover, our roles can allow another person to develop into the roles that they are ultimately destined to play. An example of this is a child who is destined to be a great leader in foreign relations. His destined role will then be supported and cultivated by the cast mates that he encounters along his journey. His cast mates in varying scenes could be: his parents, his teachers, and a perfect stranger that intrigues or piques his interest in foreign relations. Essentially, what I am saying is, that each role is crucial in this grand production.

However, problems arise when we are given a script that we are asked to act out and we choose to ad-lib or alter the script based on our own desires. An example is when a person who is cast as a Humanitarian decides to ignore their heart/calling because they feel that Humanitarian work does not pay enough. So, they skip their role and recast themselves as a corporate businessperson. At some point or another, this said person, if true to themselves, would have an awakening. They will realize that they are playing the wrong role in this production. They will then have to refer back to their inner script and adjust accordingly. If all goes well, they will cast themselves as the Humanitarian that they were destined to be. Another problem is when people choose to opt out of the play entirely. This happens when the scenes of life take their toll on a person resulting in them choosing to opt out of their role entirely. The result of this is that the play has to be re-casted, and redesigned, and maybe some roles will have to be reassigned. However, the play will still go on but it won’t be as good as the original script.

This play is ever-evolving due to the ebb and flow of free will and destiny. There are so many twists in the plot. It is best to let it unfold in front of our eyes. Some suggestions that would greatly enhance the play experience are as follows: One, don’t peak ahead to the ending. Two, play the roles that you are cast for. After all, the role was made specifically for you. Your role is vital to the outcome of the play. Additionally, your role is vital to the development of all of the characters that you will encounter in each scene. Three, don’t look at someone else’s role with envy and decide to re-cast yourself. Re-casting yourself throws off the fluidity of the play. It causes delays, unneeded distractions, and prompt improvises. Re-casting yourself may result in another cast member having to juggle several different roles or even having them stand in for you completely. Playing more than one role may be too taxing on any actor, let alone, your cast mate! Fourth, try your best to practice your role. I understand that you were uniquely made for it, but it is best to study your role so that you can play it to your best ability. Studying your role will also allow you to be the best possible actor you can be. Five, be patient with this play. It is still developing. There will be delays, plot twists, and surprises along the way. You also have to be patient with your cast mates because they are still learning their roles. Some of your cast mates may require a little coaching to play their role effectively. Six, enjoy acting! Your role will have its ups and downs, but be happy that you were cast specifically for it. Therefore, you were predestined to be able to handle your role effectively. Seven, don’t try to change the scenes or characters to your liking. This play is not about you. Although you’re crucial to this production, you are a mere piece to this puzzle. Eight, try not to overanalyze other people’s roles and actions for they are only playing their part. You also have to remember that you were not allowed to read their scripts. You only read your own. Nine, sit back and relax! This play is going on every second, minute, hour, day, week, and month, of the year. This play is in constant motion. There is always something happening! There will always be new developments, plot twists, scenes, and characters!