Join in with Drama Kirk’s ‘Passion Play in a Day’

An innovative Hamilton theatre group who are bringing the Easter Story to life are looking for people to take part in their ambitious new project, ‘Passion Play in a day' on Holy Saturday (19 April).

This year's production, which is the ninth that Drama Kirk has staged, allows anyone to come along for rehearsal in the morning and then perform in the afternoon on the day.

You don't need to have any acting experience, and you don't need to have any connection to church.

If you've ever wondered what it feels like to walk in the footsteps of characters from the Bible and portray the events leading up to Easter Sunday, then this is a fantastic opportunity to give it a try.

A few key principals have been rehearsing key scenes such as the last supper and the resurrection, but most of the cast will join on the day.

Liz Blackman, who is the director of Drama Kirk, said:

"We wanted to remove any barriers people might have for getting involved. Often people struggle to find time for regular rehearsal. Or they worry about learning lines. Others wouldn't want to be outdoors for the length of time taken to perform the Easter story.

"So, we asked ourselves what we could do to avoid these things?

"Our answer was ‘Passion Play in a Day'!"

That's not the only novel idea Drama Kirk will explore this year. Mhairi MacLean, who plays Mary Magdalene explains:

"Each year we've worn traditional attire, shawls, tunics, cloaks. We've used traditional props such as prayer shawls. However, this year we are taking a contemporary approach."

This new production allows the team to explore who these characters would be in today's society.

Drama Kirk hope this helps to bring a fresh perspective to the story, which will use modern music throughout and reimagines the characters in terms of the roles they would play in society today.

This will include seeing the priests who condemned Jesus to death not just as the ‘baddies' of the story, but as the clergy of the day.

The cast highlight how exploring it in this way has made them think more deeply about the motivation behind the actions of many of the characters and understand them better.

‘Passion Play in a Day' by Simon MacCallum will take place on Holy Saturday (19 April) in Hamilton Old Parish Church.

Anyone is welcome to join the rehearsal at 10am, whether interested in being part of the cast or crew. The performance takes place at 3pm.

All are welcome to Hamilton Old Parish Church for the free performance.