tom became gitlow judson and aunt missy became-- who was aunt jemima and topsy became lutiebelle gussie mae jenkins. and i learned something in the process, that it is only if you allow the characters the freedom to create themselves, if you trust them, if you invite them, if you indeed allow them to take over your own imagination can you then hope to create life upon the stage. many theatergoers find it an intriguing experience to peek behind the scenes. perhaps it is more than curiosity. perhaps it is a secret longing to participate in the powerful atmosphere of the theater. and yet, this closer inspection of a stage can lead to disenchantment. the scenery loses its magic and is seen as painted canvas stretched on a frame, latched to other frames. the actors without makeup or costume appear ordinary. the pretense is gone. make believe no longer exists. nowhere is this situation more readily apparent than behind the scenes of the salzburg marionette theater. the scenery is built from wood and wire. the puppets are only dolls manipulated through their wires or strings from above by a puppeteer. yet