Members of the benefice of East Vale and Avon Villages aretouring their local schools this week telling the Easter story through the eyesof some of the lesser known characters. The team, including Calling YoungDisciples Mission Enabler, Emily DSilva, are visiting five different churchand community schools in their parish to act out the story for Key Stage 2pupils. They have picked five characters who would have been around aseye-witnesses, but who werent necessarily directly mentioned in the bible.
The Revd Philip Morton said: I had seen the idea of livingstatues telling the story during my curacy and it seemed like a good way toengage with the schools. We gathered a group of volunteers from across thedifferent churches with various people helping with props or doing the acting. Itsbeen a great chance to work together and be creative. Today is the secondschool weve visited and the feedback has already been very positive withyesterdays school wanting to show it to Key Stage 1 next year!
The team picked five different characters through which totell the story a housekeeper at Caiaphas, the High Priests house whorecognises Peter, a servant at Pilates palace who is asked to bring a bowl ofwater, Veronica who wiped Jesus face, a Roman soldier on guard at the tomb anda gardener who witnesses the encounter between Mary and Jesus. Each actor puttogether their own script for their character and the team have been rehearsingfor a couple of months. Philip acts as a tour guide for the children.
Helen Brambani, head at The Littletons CE School said: Itsgreat to do something a little bit different. The children will have heard thestory before, but this is another way of presenting it. Its also lovely thatthe community are involved. I hope it brings the story alive and helps thechildren remember it better.
Year 5 student Emily said: It was really good. I enjoyedhaving the different stages to move around and theyd all learnt their linesand had different props!
Ben, also from year 5 said: It was a really good reminderof the Easter story. I particularly enjoyed the first lady we came across inthe courtyard, but all the actors had very clear voices!
