THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF DRAMA

THE TRANSFORMATIONAL POWER OF DRAMA

Drama is a specific mode of action presented in performance. It is a unique tool used to explore and express human feelings. Drama is as old as the entire world, because it is essentially ‘words that are expressed in actions’ and this has been since creation (Genesis 1:3).

Day by day we do act in our own ways to express our emotions by gesticulating, changing facial appearance and making a premeditated movement just to drive home a point. This is a kind of acting which has formed basis of our beliefs, understanding and misunderstanding.

Therefore, drama is a veritable tool in communicating the gospel message in this end time to transform, change or re-orientate an individual so as to review his or her actions and behaviours towards a better kingdom lifestyle.

Jesus will not teach or give a sermon without 'painting pictures' in story to drive home his point and for clear understanding without mincing words. He used parable proficiently so much that, the disciples were dismayed saying, 'Why can't this man speak without parables?' When they could no longer hold it, they challenged Jesus in Matthew 13:10 (KJV) "And the disciples came and said unto him, 'Why speaketh thou unto them in parables'." Jesus replied in verse 13 and said, 'because they seeing see not and hearing hear not, neither do they understand.'

So the only way left to let them to get clear understanding is to use pictoral performance, that is, drama.

Therefore the best available way of reaching out to our generation is reaching out in drama. It is a major end time tool the church can employ to defeat the devil and to bring home lost sons and daughters of Zion.

Drama has been an embattled mode of communicating the gospel simply because of its transformational power that devil withstand; Eighty percent of what you have seen cannot be easily forgotten but the ones heard or read can be easily eroded from the mind.

Christian drama has been in use through the medieval period of churches in Europe frequently performed by retelling the bible stories. This has been developed over time to series of play dealing with major events in the Christian calendar from creation to the Day of Judgement. However by 15th and 16th centuries, the form had developed into morality play. These were plays of various moral attributes and forms of encouragement to live a virtuous life. But about 16th and 17th centuries, drama was practically persecuted and kicked out of the church.

In the 20th century churches, particularly evangelical churches rediscovered the use of theatre as a form of outreach and as a solid form of art: some notable films produced in 1960s includes "Jesus Christ Superstar", "God spell", "Heaven's Gate", "Hell's Flame" and so on.

So, the church of God should wake up in the use of this transformational tool "Drama" in reaching out to all in this end time. Don't be left out in this Rescue Mission Project. Dare to be part or be in support of a Drama Ministry and remain a relevant tool in God's hand. God bless you!

                                                                                                - EMMANUEL FADAIRO