“The Secret Theatre part 3 - The Final Performance” by Claes Reimerthi and
Kari Leppänen, concludes with this issue. This has been a gripping saga
that ranges through a fascinating period historically and draws focus on the
troubled relationship between Phantom father and his star struck Phantom
son. Young Chris, desperate to forge his own path and romantically attached
to fellow actress Rosamunda, is reluctant to take the oath and commit to the
life his father’s planned out for him.
He’s having the time of his life on stage performing in world premier
perfomances of William Shakespeare’s ground breaking epic dramas and
comedies. It’s clear that he has the training and the potential to walk in his famous
father’s footsteps when the time comes... but for now, he just wants to do his
own thing! It’s nothing new! This conflict with parental expecation has been
playing out for years in many families over many generations.
It’s quite normal for a boy to want some independance
and for me as a reader of this story, it’s just another one
of those unique human elements that makes the Phantom
story so endearing and so enduring!