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On opening night of Royal MTC’s production of The Three Musketeers, the cast took to the stage with swords — and COVD-era face masks.
The swords were to be expected given the swashbuckling nature of the iconic tale set in Paris circa 1628. The masks, on the other hand, were a bit of a surprise given public health restrictions in Manitoba circa 2022 no longer mandate such face coverings.
After a moment in the spotlight, the masks were doffed and it was on with the show.
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The masks were clearly not a case of ad-libbing, but that deliberate act was also one true to the “all for one, and one for all” spirit of the historical romance.
“Essentially, it’s a pledge of allegiance to each other; that each individual should act for the benefit of the group and that the group should act for the benefit of the individual,” artistic director Kelly Thornton wrote of the timeless phrase in her message in the play’s program. “Or in more specific terms, if one person is facing problems, then it is a problem for the whole community.”
We didn’t take a pledge as we entered the pandemic, but “all for one, and one for all” would have served us well. It certainly offers more inspiration than the oft-repeated public health mantra, “we need to flatten the curve.”
I enjoyed Thursday night’s show, perhaps even more so because it landed when it did and not when Thornton initially wanted to stage it. Thornton’s initial plan was to have it as the centerpiece of her first season as artistic director. Little did Thornton know COVID was waiting in the wings and she would be forced to wait two years to get to The Three Musketeers.
If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that collective responsibility to one another matters. Another lesson learned is we can’t rely on heroes such as Athos, Porthos and Aramis to sword-fight us to safety. A duel with a foe like COVID requires everyone to summon up their own D’Artagnan, to find courage and a willingness to sacrifice as need be.
The audience greeted the end of The Three Musketeers with a standing ovation. I’m not sure what will greet the end of the pandemic. Maybe a sigh of relief. But I’m convinced the power of allegiance will get us to that long-awaited day sooner than if we remain divided.
All for one and one for all!
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