|
This year's outing was different. We were taken to an Open Air Play in three Acts - 10.30.am-4.30.pm - "The Life of Christ". This was performed on the privately owned Wintershall Estate in Surrey, near Godalming. In 1999 Peter Hutley, the owner of the estate wrote and presented the play, adapted from the Holy Bible, in preparation for the Millennium. It was by way of a thanksgiving for the coming of Jesus 2000 years ago. The play was performed in year 2000 and by popular request was repeated again on 6 days in June this year. The play begins with the Annunciation and Nativity. The shepherds are accompanied by sheep and lambs, the Magi arriving on horseback. The first act closes with the discovery, by Mary and Joseph, of the boy Jesus in the temple, where he is engrossed in conversation with the teachers. Unlike most plays, the scenery is not changed. Instead the audience of thousands, gets up and carries their rugs and picnic chairs to a new location. Act II covers the Ministry of Jesus. It opens with Jesus' baptism by John the Baptist (complete with dove). It covers the wedding at Cana - water into wine - the Sermon on the Mount and the feeding of the 5,000 (i.e. the audience). Besides many miracles and teaching, the plotting by the Jewish Priests and Elders is revealed. They had become jealous of Jesus' influence over the people and their growing love and respect for him. During the first half the play is narrated by St Luke. St James, son of Zebedee, takes over the story in the second part. The last act includes the Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem, the Last Supper, Jesus' praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, his capture, false trial before the Jewish priests and finally his appearance before Pontius Pilate, the Roman Governor. Most moving of all was the humiliation and crucifixion of Jesus. The play ends with the triumph of the Resurrection and Jesus appearing to his disciples both on the road to Emmaus and on the shore of the Sea of Galilee - complete with draught of fishes. We, like the disciples, were sent out and instructed "to go and make disciples of all nations". Simon Hemingway was outstanding in the part of Jesus (as a man). A cast of 200 amateur actors included many children. A superb P.A. system ensured that we enjoyed both the spoken word and evocative music. If you missed this multi-sensory unique experience, which evocatively brings to life the remarkable events of the life of Christ, do try to book for the Nativity Play and/or the Passion Play which will continue to be performed at Wintershall in future years. Tel 01483 892167. I'm sure you will not be disappointed. Margaret Symonds We also have a lovely, interesting article from Ruby on the trip to Wintershall, which we shall be publishing next month. |
|
page last updated 31 AUGUST 2001 |
