Anticipating the Promise
Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus with this Easter vigil play. A cast of four readers brings the Bible to life, and into our modern lives. A troupe of players move among the readers, illuminating the text with movement and pantomime. Six individual Bible stories are dramatically portrayed, including Creation, Abraham and Isaac, Noah and the Flood, Crossing the Red Sea, The Promise of an Abundant Life, and The Three Men in the Fiery Furnace. Anticipating the Promise reminds us that these ancient stories still matter to a modern audience. Run time 15 minutes.
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT KEVIN P. KERN TALKS ABOUT HIS PLAY
ANTICIPATING THE PROMISE: STORIES FOR THE EASTER VIGIL
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS PLAY?
A: Reverend Megan Elliott of Abiding Savior Lutheran Church in Alliance, Ohio came to me with a challenge: The readings for the Easter Vigil are extensive, but important. She asked if there might be a way to dramatize the readings to create an interesting and accessible worship service, and I sat down to write the piece.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: "And now, after every rainstorm, we gaze heavenward like children, eager to remind ourselves of God's promise." I like that line because it rings so true, at least for me. It’s one of the first stories I remember from the Bible, and even now, I look for the rainbow after every storm.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS PLAY?
A: I wanted to tell these stories in an interesting and unique way, in hopes that people might hear them with fresh ears.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: I grew up with these ancient stories, and they still have great meaning for me today. I am grateful for all the people that told them to me through the years.