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Iris admired the ruins of the ancient stage. The narrow surface was raised on massive stone blocks,

beautifully decorated with creamy white sculptures.

Not surprisingly, most sculptures represented Dau Nysis, the Greek god of wine and theatre.

The theatre was named in his honour, after all. Iris smiled. She loved mythology,

and for a few moments she pictured a time when plays honoured the entertainment loving god.

She imagined warm summer nights when people attended the first performances.

The lively acts that unfolded on this very stage and the louder applause from an appreciative audience.

Thousands of years later, the world's first theatre was quiet.

Now, Iris was its only guest. She planned to wander through the stage and seating areas to see

what stories the old ruins may tell. The space between the stage and the seats was circular

and had been paved with marble. Some of the tiles were cracked and some were missing.

And some had a few fresh blades of grass growing along their edges.

In ancient times, this space belonged to the chorus, a group of people who helped the audience

follow the performance. Sometimes they commented on the play while other times they sang and danced.

The rose closest to the stage also caught her attention.

These were seats of privilege reserved for priests and other guests of honour.

Made of white marble, the massive thrones reminded Iris of giant chess pieces.

...