IN the year 2011, a production called A Township Christmas Story was put on at the Norwegian Settlers’ Church (NSC) in Marburg.
Although it has not been shown recently, it remains a potent example of the role theatre may have within the community.
According to Jason Price, who conceptualised the production, immense artistic skill was identified within the surrounding communities through the church’s youth talent show as well as more informal gatherings at individual homes.
The keen interest and level of skill was clear and the team at the Genesis Trust at NSC wanted to capture what was already happening but on a larger scale.
They also hoped to do so in a way which conveyed the huge transformation occurring within these communities as a result of growing faith.
In the space of six weeks, a script was written and performers were invited to be a part of the production with youth group attendees bringing their crews as well.
During the two weeks after school exams were finished, those involved came up with 100 percent original works including dances and drum sequences.
The production had no budget and relied on donations and personal ingenuity by making all its own props and lighting with coffee cans. However, through the commitment of those involved, a moving and well-crafted show was produced.
The production also had huge support from the community and families were encouraged to get behind their children.
The opportunity this provided was also hugely beneficial to the performers as they are not often provided with a chance to showcase their talent on such a platform.
The majority of under-resourced schools do not offer many extracurricular programmes which allow for exposure like this. Being in the production had a major impact on the performers in terms of skills like teamwork, responsibility, time-keeping and a boost in their confidence.
In many ways, this production was a catalyst in the midst of ongoing work and dedication. According to Jason, every so often, there will be an event or project which causes sudden and elevated results.
In its second year, they collaborated with the Merlewood Secondary choir, the fruits of which can be seen in the amazing growth of the Genesis Music Academy which is currently building a recording studio and has a growing membership base. Some of the individuals involved in the production are also currently interning at the church while others have gone on to gain success at university.
The church is always searching for inventive ways to engage and induce change within the community by taking the church outside its walls. This production and others like it are one of the many ways in which this is being accomplished.
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