NZ first for special show

UPLIFTING: Actors perform in The Mark Drama, a theatre-in-the-round piece focussed on Jesus Christ's life, which will be performed by three Wairarapa churches.

Three Wairarapa churches and an Irish dramatist are teaming up to bring a simple, yet heartfelt theatre event to New Zealand for the first time.

St Mark's in Carterton, St Luke's in Greytown and St Andrew's in Martinborough will be staging The Mark Drama, a dramatic account of Jesus Christ's life, in three live shows this weekend.

Devised by British missionary Andrew Page, The Mark Drama is a theatrical interpretation of the Gospel of Mark from The Bible, presented in a theatre-in-the-round setting.

Regularly staged for the past 15 years in 17 countries, the drama has never been performed in New Zealand until now.

Wairarapa's interpretation will be overseen by Dublin performer Claire Haworth, who was invited by St Andrew's regulars Honor and Stewart Henderson.

"I met them when I was travelling a few years ago, and I must have mentioned The Mark Drama in conversation," Ms Haworth said.

"Next thing, I get a call from Honor asking me to come to New Zealand to direct.

"Hopefully, it becomes a regular thing."

The Mark Drama, commonly featuring 15 actors, is a 90-minute exploration of the major events in Christ's life, such as His baptism, various sermons and miracles, the Last Supper and His crucifixion.

Performances use no props and little costuming, the actors often have limited experience, and there are usually only three 12-hour rehearsals ahead of opening.

Ms Haworth said she was initially skeptical when she first became involved.

"I've grown up in the church, so I've seen so many tacky dramas, with kids wearing tea towels on their heads.

"Plus, all the theatre productions I'd been in before took weeks of rehearsals.

"But it works -- the gospels were written to be read aloud in an ordinary community setting."

Ms Haworth has been directing the drama since 2009, and often sees the actors taken on a 'spiritual journey' -- particularly those playing the starring role of Jesus.

"I've had people come to me and say, 'I really can't act'.

"But, when they inhabit these roles, their doubt falls away.

"A lot of the people playing Jesus picture all the stereotypes, like the meek-and-mild Jesus from Sunday School, holding a lamb.

"But, they realise they don't have to be stiff and formal to play Him -- they can be themselves."

In the Wairarapa version, Carterton GP David Heard will be playing 'Our Lord' -- with another 'healer', paramedic Keith Camden, playing an apostle.

"It's interesting we've got medical professionals involved, as Mark's gospel is full of healing," Rev Andy Eldred of St Luke's said.

"They've never done any acting before, so they're a bit intimidated -- but they're rising to the challenge."

The Mark Drama will be performed on Saturday August 8 at Martinborough Town Hall at 7pm, and on Sunday August 9 at Greytown Town Hall at 2pm, and St Mark's Church Hall, Carterton at 7pm.