Drama as walkers join exodus
Chatelherault Country Park will be transformed into the Promised Land this Saturday.
For Hamilton-based Drama Kirk launch their latest project – a guided walk with a difference.
The group comprises a mixture of people from the community and two professional actors.
They have been bringing the Easter story to life in the town centre for the past three years.
Now, a cast and crew are about to showcase the plight of Moses and the Israelites in the desert , and encourage the audience to walk with them.
Walk with the Word: Exodus focuses on the Israelites wandering in the desert in search of the Promised Land, using storytelling and drama along the way.
The story starts as the Israelites are trapped between the Red Sea and the pursuing Egyptians.
God parts the sea and they cross in safety.
This is how the 40 years in the wilderness began – years where God’s people knew hunger, thirst, danger and fear.
Organisers say that those who come along will have the opportunity to be involved and to understand more deeply how it must have felt.
Liz Blackman, who is leading the work, is very excited to be bringing this part of scripture to life.
She says, “This is a part of the bible that has rarely been dramatized.
“Many movies spend a great deal of time on the plagues and then arrive quickly at the Promised Land, so – if you’ll forgive the pun – we are breaking new ground with this project. “
Walkers will see relationships develop between Moses and the people; and between Moses and God.
“It’s a wonderful journey of faith and leadership. Both develop along the way and both face setbacks,” added Liz.
The project has a cast and crew of 22, mainly drawn from the local community and all committed to bringing the story to life in one of Lanarkshire’s most beautiful spots.
The cast also includes two professional actors, Bethany Sam and David Parker, who will work with the community company to ensure there are some laughs and surprises along the way.
Ken Graham, who plays Moses, said: “When Drama Kirk first started I was asked by a member of my congregation if I would be interested in coming along for a nonspeaking part as one of Jesus’ disciples.
“Having been involved in several productions since then, playing Thomas and Peter, it is a great honour to be asked to play the part of Moses.
“Many plays and films on the Exodus have featured around the 10 plagues.
“However, this is innovative and I am excited to be part of this dramatisation bringing the bible stories to our community.
“I would encourage people to come along and join us, and be part of the story. “
The walk route is less than a mile long and the event will last an hour.
Cast will walk at the group’s pace but organisers point out that the planned route includes one steep incline, past Cadzow Castle.
It takes place this Saturday, August 10, at 10am, noon and 3pm.
Tickets are free and are available through event brite at - https://www.eventbrite. co.uk/e/walk-with-the-word-exodustickets-62504971051