In the run up to Easter, members of the St Mary’s church family performed the Mark Drama – acting out every incident and speaking nearly every word of Jesus as recorded in Mark’s Gospel.
St Mary’s Mark Drama Cast
The performance in the round involved no props, no costumes, no professionals: just the gospel.
After the performance Adam Curtis suggested to the audience, “Why don’t you ask the performers what most affected them when playing the role(s)?”
Below are answers from some of the performers:
“14 years into my Christian journey, I have been renewed and refreshed in my faith by walking through and speaking Mark’s Gospel. It was a powerful few days.”
Gemma Stephenson
“I had no idea how much of an impact being in this play would have on me. The Lord Jesus is incredible, I’ve been so struck by the way in which he willingly endured the pain and suffering of the cross for us. He is God, he could have stopped the whole thing, he could have destroyed those attacking him with a click of his fingers and gone back to heaven. But he didn’t! This is how much Jesus loves us, and I am so thankful that he said “yet not what I will, but what you will” as he prayed to his Father in the garden. I found the ‘crucify him’ scene extremely difficult to play, as it was horrible to hear my church family, whom I love, shouting “crucify him” at me. How much more did Jesus know and love the ones who shouted that at him and really meant it. These are the people he died to save, sinners like us.”
Nick McDonald
“Seeing the chronology of the gospel end-to-end was quite arresting. I don’t remember sitting down and reading a gospel all the way through in one sitting, and I felt that experiencing it all in one go helped me consider again how Jesus’ time on earth played out. You see the intrigue and excitement around him from the crowds at the start, like he’s a curiosity, then the tension building as he gets into confrontations with the religious leaders and predicts his death before you come to the crescendo of Gethsemane and the crucifixion. Throughout that though, you see that Jesus is clear on his purpose and we can see his single-mindedness to achieve it.
The Mark Drama does not shy away from the viciousness of how Jesus was treated and some of those parts were emotionally difficult to play. It was a stark reminder that Jesus willingly submitted to that for undeserving people and praise him for it!
It was a privilege to work with Andrew (the director) and the other actors. Their commitment to portraying the gospel of Jesus as clearly as possible was so inspiring and everyone was so supportive.
Hearing how the drama has impacted people is really exciting. We pray that the seeds sown landed on good soil and that there will be people looking forward to a life and eternity with Jesus because he met with them as a result of the performances.”
Jon Evans
“Being part of the Mark Drama was undoubtedly one of the most deeply moving experiences I’ve ever had. It was like being fully immersed living in the Bible for three days leading up to the crucifixion. The most impactful moment for me took place during the practice on Saturday as I watched and heard Jesus (powerfully and realistically played by Nick) crying in anguish and fear at the prospect of dying on the cross. It was a profound and heartbreaking moment which brought home to me Jesus’ true humanity and sacrificial love. I could not hold back my tears at that point.”
Robin Aghovia
“Taking part in the Mark Drama was such an intense experience. The team didn’t all know each other beforehand, but there was no time to gel; we were straight into rehearsals and staged the first performance a mere 48 hours after the first practice.
Only the Jesus character had lines to learn before the show. We had learned the structure of the events in Mark’s Gospel, but it was at times a challenge when ‘on stage’ to remember what was coming next. Rather panic inducing! The Lord was so kind that, despite our many weaknesses, we pulled off two performances.
Playing a disciple, I was struck by how much they really didn’t understand who Jesus was, or his teaching, which was so radically different from anything they’d heard before. Also how frightening and awe-inspiring it must have been to witness Jesus’ miracles. The scenes when Jesus calmed the storm and walked on water were very powerful for me. I was astonished at the pure hatred of Jesus by the Jewish leaders and pharisees, and the scenes when we were mocking Jesus were upsetting. These are just some of my take-aways although I have many more.
It was such a powerful production to be a part of and my prayer is that it will be part of someone’s faith journey; that the Lord will use it and much fruit will result from our labours.”
Heather Fielding
“Being part of the drama was very intense physically, emotionally and spiritually – experiencing Mark’s Gospel, walking in Jesus’ and his disciples’ footsteps almost first hand was such a blessing, so powerful and moving, and has deepened my connection with and love for Jesus.”
Grace Tang
“Peter often pledges unwavering devotion to Jesus. Yet, his voice was loudest when denying the Messiah who had become his closest friend. When you act this screenplay out for yourself you realise how much we needed a Saviour.”
Rob Lewis
“Being immersed in Mark’s Gospel for multiple days was refreshing and meaningful. Participating in the Mark Drama really reminded me of just how different, compelling and extraordinary the Lord Jesus is.”
Navin Jacob
And from one of those who came and watched the drama:
“I loved the drama and especially liked the way it illustrated the human weakness of all those involved, not just those who came to be healed/helped, but the disciples and Jesus too. So helpful to be reminded that even those who were present with Jesus when he was physically on earth, had doubts and weakness, and found it difficult to get their heads round who he was, even though they saw the miracles etc. first hand. Also good to be reminded that ultimately they obeyed him and went on to spread the Good News!”
Heather Bateson