Here are some helpful guidelines to enliven Scripture readings and thus communicate the Word of God more clearly. Six ways of rendering Scripture dramatically are presented, along with a variety of practical suggestions for preparing dramatic readings for use in worship services.
The Case for Drama in Worship
As an instructor, I taught that drama, from its earliest beginnings in Greece, had three functions: to exalt, to edify, and to entertain. The Greeks used drama to praise their gods, teach history and religion, and not bore everyone to death in the process. Isn’t that exactly what we should be doing in worship?
As a student of educational methodology, I learned that drama was the most basic tool of communication. Edgar Dale promoted a theory that justifies the old adage, “Experience is the best teacher.” Indeed, lessons are learned most readily and most vividly by experience.
According to Dale, the next best teacher is dramatization. If you can put people in a contrived situation so that they can experience the event, the process, or the feelings firsthand they can gain new insight, expand their perceptions, and gain new perspectives. In addition, through empathy, they can relate to situations they see dramatized before them.
Of course, theater in general and actors in particular, have often enjoyed a distinct lack of trust by the church. The Catholic church banned both after Rome fell, but brought drama back to the liturgy when attendance waned. Priests donned costumes to perform the mass in an effort to win back the people with the Quem Queritas. Indeed, there are strong historical precedents for the use of drama as a tool of communication in worship.
So, if we use drama to communicate the Scriptures, won’t they be more exciting, more relevant, and more meaningful? I think the answer to all those questions is a resounding “Yes!”—if we keep in mind that drama is only a means of communicating. It is not an end in itself, i.e. the play is not the thing, nor is the performance. The purpose is the message.
The Dramatic Options
1. Use a Different Translation. Sometimes the answer to a boring presentation is simply to read the lesson from another translation. Just hearing the same thoughts expressed in slightly different words will provide some listeners with new perspectives. Familiar, especially literary passages such as those found in Handel’s Messiah may be read best from the King James. The Good News Bible (Today’s English Version) may provide more contemporary language; The Jerusalem Bible may be less stilted, but not too “modern.”
I’d like to insert a word here about inviting the congregation to “read along in their pew Bibles.” Why do it? Really. It’s not a reading test. “Let those who have ears hear.” By asking them to read along, you stifle their ability to hear new interpretations and perspectives. Allow them the freedom of visualization and imagination. Read it to them with the expression and care you would use to read a story to a child.
2. Rewrite the Lesson. Perhaps, after reading the various translations, you determine none of them are exactly what you want. Rewrite it—with the blessing of the pastor, of course. Make it relate to the sermon or another part of the worship service. Make it relevant, not just to contemporary life, but to the events and selections of that specific worship service.
This is especially helpful to the youth who are always asking what the events of 2,000 years ago have to do with life today. Also, it’s refreshing to those who have heard it so often they could recite it from memory and are inclined to “tune you out.”
3. Adapt the Reading for Multiple Voices. Many of the biblical passages are stories that readily lend themselves to division for multiple readers. For example, Genesis 3:8 begins a conversation among God, Adam, and Eve. Why not employ different voices for each? Sometimes it may be helpful to add a narrator to provide the transitions: “Then God said to Adam.” Often, there is no need for any rewriting or additional material; just divide up the verses. For example:
Narrator: That evening, Adam and Eve heard God walking in the garden, and they hid among the trees.
God: Adam? Where are you?
Adam: I heard you in the garden; I was afraid and hid from you because I was naked.
God: Who told you that you were naked? Did you eat the fruit that I told you not to eat?
Adam: The woman you put here with me gave me the fruit, and I ate it.
God: Eve, why did you do this?
Eve: The snake tricked me into eating it. (Gen. 3:8–13 [New English Bible])
4. Choral Reading or Readers’ Theater. Numerous passages lend themselves to group reading, especially the more poetic and literary selections. Alternate voices and groups of voices using different parts of the sanctuary, if possible. The prophetic Isaiah passages also used by Handel were especially well-suited to this adaptation.
Reader 1: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light; and they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined. For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and he shall be called:
Reader 2: Wonderful Counselor!
Reader 3: Mighty God!
Reader 4: Everlasting Father!
Reader 5: Prince of Peace! (Isa. 9:2, 6 [kjv])
Choir members could read this passage from the rear gallery, calling out from various places. Especially long passages, such as the Passion reading, are actually interesting and tolerable when presented as readers’ theater. Handbook of the Christian Year, published by Abingdon Press, carries all three gospel passages in this effective format. We have placed speakers on stools and scripts on music stands for the reading.
5. Rewrite the Passage as a Scene. For Pentecost, I wanted to bring the event into contemporary terms and got the idea to present it as a press conference from Short Dramas for the Church by Dorcas Diaz Shaner. We created a woman as a witness to the event, and a press secretary introduced her. She told the story in a brief statement before answering direct questions from our press corps. We startled a number of congregation members at first, but they really liked it!
6. Rewrite the Passage as a Dramatic Monologue. Many readings can be recounted from the perspective of one character. Such first-person adaptations promote involvement by the congregation. The story of the Magi is easily adapted as such.
Excuse me. Could you spare me a moment or two? I am sorry to impose on you like this, but I’ve just had the most wonderful experience … and if I don’t tell someone I fear I might explode!
Do you remember the promises of Isaiah, that a child would be born in Bethlehem who would become a leader to guide Israel? Yes, that’s right—from Jesse’s family. Well … he is here! I have seen him. Such a beautiful baby, and his mother, so young—still a child herself. What? How did I know where to find him? All right, let me go back to the beginning.… (Matt. 2:1–12)
It is generally more effective to memorize monologues, but a good speaker can carry it off with quick references to the script. If you don’t feel confident doing the writing yourself, Mary E. Jensen’s Women of the Bible Tell Their Stories and Monologues for Church by Everett Robertson offer great resources. Other valuable books include: Acting Out Faith by Gordon C. Bennett, a good basic text with practical guidelines for use of drama throughout the programs of the church; Shaner’s Short Dramas for the Church, which provides a wealth of material for use in worship, church school, or other church programs; and Introduction to Church Drama by Everett Robertson.
Practical Hints and Helps
Casting can make or break any dramatic endeavor. In worship don’t look for acting or actors—just people willing to share their voices with others. Practically speaking, you do need people who will speak clearly and can be heard since your object is to communicate.
Look first among friends in the choir. As singers, they have had some training in articulation, vocal production, and projection and will feel fairly comfortable in front of people.
Naturally, regular worship leaders are fair game, but it’s important to encourage others to participate in this leadership. Individuals who use oral communication skills in their occupations or professions, such as teachers, coaches, lawyers, and salespersons, generally make good speakers.
We find it beneficial to use a variety of people, especially those with no acting background. Some “actors” will not be appropriate because they can’t sublimate the performance to the message. God will provide all the inspiration needed for use in worship. Almost anyone with the willingness to participate can bring it off. We like the congregation to know that regular people, like themselves and their neighbors, can serve as leaders.
As far as rehearsals are concerned, use material that allows people to read rather than memorize, then allow them to get familiar with it. Make it easy for people to participate by not asking for much of their time.
Remember the three purposes of drama: to exalt, to edify, and—to entertain. Make it fun as well as meaningful. Be flexible and adaptive; capitalize on spontaneity. Just set up the opportunity to communicate and put your faith in the Lord.
There are no new ideas, just new twists on old ideas. I’m sure there are others using drama to breathe new life into the Scriptures, and I hope this will encourage them to share their experience, thoughts, and resources.