Saltmine Theatre company delivered interactive performances to pupils at five schools in diocese of Worcester last week to help bring the bible to life and make it fun, memorable and accessible to the primary aged children.
The cast of the show were very skilled at engaging the children, helped by the fantastic narrative that weaves together bible stories and the key messages of God’s love with enough comedy, audience participation and different styles of performance including songs and raps, to keep their young audience captivated.
A lot of ground and stories are covered as the audience are transported to different parts of the bible. Starting with Daniel and the Lion’s den, the story also features Zacchaeus the tax collector, The Garden of Eden, Moses, Jonah, and Queen Esther as well as Jesus crucifixion and resurrection, amongst other stories. Repeated symbolism around ‘the tree of life’ links the stories and themes together, emphasising the bible as one unified story, from ‘the fall’ in the Garden of Eden to the new life believers can experience following Jesus’ death and resurrection.
Co-artistic Director Ben Kessell said:
“Our heart with this was that children get excited about the Bible so that it's not just a dusty old book that sits on the shelf. We want them to know it’s got amazing living stories that they’ll want to go away and read for themselves at home. We want them to get caught up in the invention and the excitement of it and see that God has a story and a place for them in that story as well.”
The cast take it in turns to switch between playing characters and taking up the narration of the show using modern language to be more relatable such
as: ‘Jesus is a pretty big deal, and he’s the most important part of the story… you could give him a high-five if you want. He wants to be friends.”
The shows were able to go ahead thanks to funding from Abberton Spire Fund, with organisational support from the diocesan office Finance and
Education teams. The schools included St Barnabas First and Middle School and Pinvin CE Academy in Pershore, St Andrew’s CE First School and St Richards CE First School in Evesham and Bengeworth CE First School.
Sharon Mathers from St Andrews CE school said:
“The visit from The Saltmine Theatre Company to St Andrew’s CE School was truly phenomenal! The performance was engaging from start to finish, bringing Bible stories to life in a way that really captured the children’s attention.
Through a combination of acting, storytelling and lively songs, the team created an interactive and memorable experience for all. The pupils were fully involved and clearly inspired by the energy and creativity of the performers.
It was a fantastic way to deepen the children’s understanding of key messages from the Bible, and we are incredibly grateful for such a high-quality and uplifting experience.”
After the production the cast hosted a further 40-minute workshop at each school with a smaller group of KS2 children. They organised games with the group, explained some of the main takeaways from the show in more detail, and answered any questions. It was here through sharing their own experiences that the cast emphasised how God can be trusted to keep his promises, that he is loving and forgiving, and is always with his children.
Actor Yasmin Taylor who leads the cast said:
“Rhyming Bible: Halos, Heroes, and the Tree of Life aims to be an enjoyable and accessible show that brings key Bible stories to life for children. The show is done in musical fashion and gets children involved through actions and other interactive elements, making it highly engaging.”
“The best part about it is that it takes Bible stories we all may be familiar with off the page and dumps us right in the middle of the action! Through stories such as Daniel and the Lion's Den, Queen Esther, and Moses and the Burning Bush, the narrative follows God’s undying faithfulness to His people and his ultimate forgiveness. Through meeting Jesus we also see these qualities brought to life in human form. By the end we want children to know all of life - Jesus’ life, and the life he can bring us!”
