Transvestia

summers' Night's Dream", and any member of the school who was interested should attend in the hall after the lessons that afternoon. Still being rather shy, as well ss having a bus to catch, I did not go, but some of my class attended the next morning many questions were asked but very few answers received. It seemed the school dramatic society was almost a secret society and once one was admitted you were expected to keep quiet about their future plans. After a few weeks, those who had not shown any interest completely forgot about the play, or at least laughed derisively when those chosen for the cast disap- peared for rehearsals, and the rest of us wondered off to play football, cricket or go swimming. One morning several of my class were missing from lessons and inqui- ries revealed it was dress rehearsal day. When recess came we crowded the approaches to the school hall in an attempt to find out what was happening, but the doors were quickly fastened and a master told us to clear out. The woodwork classroom was being used as an additional dressing room and I decided to peep through one of the windows. Unfortunately all the blinds were drawn but I still hung around hoping to see something. After a few minutes the door opened and several members of the cast passed by on their way to the hall. This was my first ex- perience with amateur theatricals and I was disappointed to discover I was unable to recognize anyone in their cos- tumes and make-up. Since It was a boys-only school, all parts in the play were taken by boys and I had heard a rumor that one of my classmates, Colin Cooper had been chosen for the part of "Titania". For some reason I could not explain even to myself I was most anxious to find out if this was true, and, if so, just how he looked in his costume and make-up. The dressing room door opened again and more of the cast appeared. Suddenly I recog- nized Colin's voice. For a moment I could not pick him out from the others, but when he spoke again I could and was absolutely astonished, the change was remarkable. He was fully dressed for his part, wearing heavy make-up, wig, and full Elizabethan costume, the dress being of white silk and reaching almost to the ground and with his upright posture it's panniers gave him a stately almost regal appearance. I am unable to recall any other details of his costume but I do remember catching a glimpse of red high heeled shoes as he walked towards me, I know I was spellbound, and felt rooted to the spot, being so

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