The spring Mainstage play, "Parable: A Reflection on Waiting and Story," was presented the evenings of March 27-29 in Ashley Auditorium. On the afternoon of March 28, students in LIT 380: World Theater performed "The Creation of the Heavenly Beings" and "The Creation of Man" on the Hiebert Library Green.
Based on the biblical parables, "Parable" focused on six disciples of Jesus--not THE disciples--between the Ascension and Pentecost. Told to wait, they act out stories they remember Jesus telling and try to figure who he was, what he was about and what it is they are waiting for. The "Creation" plays were done in the style of Medieval mystery plays as seen in places such as York, England, in the 15th century.
The productions were the inspiration of Drama Professor Julia Reimer, who directed all the plays and wrote "Parable" with some contributions from the cast. "I have always liked the spring semester for the way it invites us to reflect on the life and death and resurrection of Jesus. We can do that at a Christian university!" Reimer said.
"In my World Theater classes, we produce a mystery play on an outdoor pageant wagon every other year around Easter time, in keeping with the Medieval tradition of the Corpus Christi festival plays," she continued. "The 'Parable' production just happened to coincide this year. So we were fortunate enough to have two chances at FPU, just after celebrating the resurrection, to think about this great story and its message of truth that Christians continue to be a part of."