Drama as Transformation
FROM THE DESK OF DEACON JUDY
A priest once commented that our Eucharistic Liturgy is a drama with two acts, the Liturgy of the Word and the Liturgy of the Table. The Liturgy of the Word enriches us with scripture, an inspired message, and prayers. The Liturgy of the Table reminds us of Jesus’ gift to us. His very presence in the bread and the wine brings us a transformed life for our earthly pilgrimage and hope for life eternal. Refreshed and renewed, we are then sent out into the world to be Jesus’ light and love.
Charles Dickens was an active participant in the Church of England during the Victorian Era. At that time, Christmas was gaining popularity with the emergence of Christmas cards and Christmas trees. Dickens wrote several stories about Christmas, but his novella, A Christmas Carol. In Prose. Being a Ghost Story of Christmas became instantly popular the minute it appeared in 1843. Over these 180 years, A Christmas Carol has been adapted often for the theatre and for film. The very first film (a very short film) of A Christmas Carol was made in 1901.
Dickens loved his Church of England, but thought the Church could do more to serve the needs of the poor and the marginalized. As a boy, he had worked in a factory and understood the hard life of the working poor during the Industrial Revolution. Dickens also understood the complexity of our lives, how our early experiences can influence our life decisions. Difficult experiences hardened Ebenezer Scrooge. The appearance of spirits led him to a deeper understanding of himself, of his world, and of his potential. Transformation was now possible.
Over the years, I have enjoyed a number of stage performances of A Christmas Carol. For me, the story never gets old. Last weekend I attended the recent production of A Christmas Carol at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival, one which I highly recommended for all ages. A string ensemble leads Christmas Carols throughout the performance, with opportunities to sing along! The set, the costumes, and the acting are all superb. Performances continue on a variety of days and times, ending on December 24. Group rates are available. (www.asf.net )
ACT II, the Alexander City Theatre group is performing A Christmas Carol, A Live Radio Play, December 1 and 2 (7pm) and December 3 (2pm).( https://actheatre2.com/a-christmas-carol/ )
How can we not love this story of transformation? How can we not also be transformed and reminded of our call to share our abundance with all?
Enjoy these dramas. Allow them to touch your heart. Who knows, transformation just may happen!
Blessings, Judy Q+
