| "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light..." What is this play about? Who are the people involved? When and where does it occur? Why is it important to tell this story? These questions ran frequently through my mind while working on the text, and as divinity was to decide; I was rediscovering the Scriptures. "A voice... calling in the desert..." Approaching this text, and in rehearsal, we continually made references to light and darkness, voices in the wilderness, murmurs of change and prophecy. And, on a personal level, I truly became aware of the de-Christianizing, the commercialization and the political correctness of homogenizing the Christmas season. With all this in mind, I began to look for answers. This became a private journey, and on the way I began to see what my involvement on "Unto Us" was meant to be, and a new question presented itself to me. How can we tell a story that all Christians know, in a genre that reveals, educates, and inspires? "How can I be sure of this?" Relying on two aspects; the text and theatrical conventions we set out to rediscover and retell the Christmas story. Also, on account that the show had to travel; quite literally, in a suitcase, the properties had to be multi-practical and portable. These elements; limited and small out of necessity, evolved in rehearsal and became a series of metaphors and neutral pieces that many characters use, rely on and refer to. The visual presentation and design elements do not denote a distinct era. Instead the earthy, neutral and non-period specific costume and props assist the narration to provide the viewer with creative techniques that help to propel the story forward. "In the beginning was the Word." But we must remember that it is through the words that the play grows, it is through the words that the story was spread, and it is through the Word that we still; over 2000 years later hold fast to our faith and celebrate His birth and our salvation. Rise up Shepherds! |
| Randy Pryce |