Bible story gets Bollywood twist

A BIBLE favourite, the love story of Samson and Delilah, was recently given a Bollywood twist for the Christian community of Ferndale, north Johannesburg.

Making history in local theatre, the Excellence International Ministries in Ferndale, Randburg, brought the story of Samson and Delilah to life with traditional Bollywood song and dance in this musical production staged at the church.

The founder of the ministries, senior pastor Dr Vivian Rodgers, was the creative mind behind the project.

He said fusing Bollywood into a biblical storyline was a first for local theatre.

“I have done a few productions over the years that were staged in community halls with a Bollywood theme. However, this was the first time I added a biblical story with a multi-cultural edge to draw a multi-cultural audience to the concert.

“Many Indian Christians lose their culture when they start going to church, but I believe culture should be celebrated and never hidden,” said Rodgers.

The storyline was penned by Sindhi Phiri, a member of the church.

She also played the female lead role of Delilah.

Samson was played by Adrian Chetty. Phiri and Chetty are first-time actors.

Rodgers said the talented Phiri used her skills and imagination to adapt scenes into an energetic Bollywood dance, “painting pictures through song and dance”.

“I was overwhelmed by the response we got from the audience,” said Phiri.

“While performing this show, both Adrian and I discovered we had a talent for acting.”

Chetty said being brought up in a Christian home, he knew the story well and this made playing the part of Samson all the more natural for him.

“I think we captured the multi-cultural society we live in at the same time showing our faith in God,” said Chetty.

Excellence International Ministries was started by Rodgers and his wife, Pastor Charmaine Rodgers, seven years ago.