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Auditions on for biblical musical
Auditions on for biblical musical
by Lavinia Ngatoko
The director of a Christian performing arts group in Palmerston North wants to encourage more Christians to get involved in musicals and drama because, he believes, they are an effective way to reach out into the community.
To help to achieve this, Peter Day has set up Chavvah Productions, a drama and dance school/workshop under the umbrella of Pure Heartbeat Music Ministries, to train and support people with talent in these areas.
The 48-year-old fulltime student at the Universal College of Learning says he hopes that with ongoing training and support, people who want to use their talents in this way can go on to help others in starting and maintaining a drama ministry.
"Pure Heartbeat Music Ministries, Chavvah Productions, believe that dance, drama and music are a form of evangelism, with its main purpose to share the Gospel," he said.
"Musicals can also empower Christians to recognise the potential value of drama as a tool for worship and wholesome Christian entertainment. It can encourage congregations to be willing to express themselves, and praise God in new and more meaningful ways."
After a four-year lapse since it last put on a show, Chavvah will stage a new musical called In the Shadow of Messiah at the St Albans Presbyterian Church in Palmerston North from August 18 to 20.
Based on the life of King David, the new musical is written, adapted and directed by Mr Day, with the help of Anne Higgins, who is also producer.
Getting this new production off the ground means a lot to Mr Day, who with Robbie Booth formed Pure Heartbeat Music Ministries in 1989, as a distribution agency for Christian music and literature and to support and promote Christian artists.
Disappointment followed when in 1993 because of restrictive new import regulations and distribution rules, it had to be closed.
Then in 1994, Mr Day re-established Pure Heartbeat as a performing arts company, which launched its first major production called Esther – A New Musical that same year.
After taking the musical to Israel in 1997, more productions followed, including The Prisoners in 2001, based on the journey of Paul and Silas to Macedonia, and two children's shows.
After the success of The Prisoners the Chavvah Artz Theatre School was established. A charitable trust was set up under Pure Heartbeat Music Ministries to run all future productions and activities.
Mr Day says it is appropriate that the name Chavvah in Hebrew translates to "A giver of life".
"This says it all," said Mr Day. "We are a non-profit theatre production company and those who are on the production team all live by faith that the Lord will supply all our needs."
With rehearsals scheduled to start soon, the producer knows that although it will be hard going, it will all be worth it on the night.
"We are just so excited about our new production, which will involve 55-plus people from all church backgrounds."
The company is still in urgent need of a choreographer with a passion for creative expression and knowledge of Davidic dance.
Auditions are being held at St Albans on Easter Monday. For those who cannot make it to the auditions and would like to take part, the producers are also taking private auditions. The phone number is 06 358 4643 and the email address is peterday@ clear.net.nz
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