the relationship between spirituality and drama

8/2/2019 The Relationship Between Spirituality and Drama

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Presented by Effah Kenneth Kwesi


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INTRODUCTION This presentation seeks to illuminate the potential of

drama as a scaffold for spiritual development.

We will try to as much as possible also relate drama toall aspects of our spirituality .

All issues raised and tackled were done with all openmindedness but with strict adherence and reference to

the Holy Scriptures.


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DEFINITIONSWhat is spirituality?

- The quality of being concerned with religion or the

human spirit OR The state of being highly refined inthoughts, feelings etc.

What is Drama?

- Drama is a form of literature that is acted out byperformers on a stage mainly to mirror the society


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EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF DRAMA

IN SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT Drawing on the view that an essential factor in

cultivating spirituality is reflection and learning fromones experiences, then a powerful example of drama isused to explore spiritual development in action

Drama involves making and shaping new worlds andinvestigating issues within them, so it has considerable

potential as a tool in the development of spirituality The following topics will take us through a detailed

expose on this issue:


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1. DRAMA AND WORSHIP Drama in itself was/is not part of the New Testament

worship

Drama can however be used as a tool in the executionof the duties we are to perform; notably Evangelism,Edification and even Visitation and Benevolence.

Drama, practiced in all sincerity can be another hand

that would help propel the Church forward.


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2. EDIFICATION Exploration of feelings and emotions is an integral part of

spiritual development

Drama scenes and dialogues speak to our spirit and even

allow our spirits to explore the emotions the writer wants tosend across

Examples of such scenes or dialogues include thefollowing:

- Ebo in Backsliders Palaver- The mob attack on Mr. Tamoula

- The coming together again of Juba and his wife Zena in theCradle of Innocence


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3. WHY DRAMA CAN BE USED AS A

TOOL FOR EVANGELISMWhiles there are no questions as to drama being a tool

for edification, the practice is always shunned orsidelined when the issue of evangelism is brought up

We often say action speaks louder than words. We areoften admonished to lead exemplary and worthy livesas Christians. Why?

The answer for the above question should certainly layto rest this debate


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4. DRAMA INSTRUCTION IN TRUTH Not only can drama be another form of instruction, it

is my position that sometimes it is the best form. Afterall, if drama is done well, it shows visually as well asaurally how a real historical character reacted to thedramatic supernatural events in which they wereplaced. We see a characters emotions and theirpossible motivations when it is acted out before us.


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5. THE CONTEXT/CONTENT FOR

DRAMA Teaching and learning are more holistically

encountered in the context of drama

Drama seeks to explore societal and moral issues as

well as expand our knowledge and understanding of aparticular subject matter or theme, e.g. consequencesof backsliding discussed in the drama Backslider'sPalaver

Drama does not require a learner or performer to re-enact the known, but involves discovering theunknown and exploring situations, values, motives,thoughts and feelings.


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6. SPIRITUALITY AS COMMUNITY Spirituality seeks to recreate community through

participation in the lives of others

e.g. Mr. Tamoula in the Cradle of Innocence depictedthis notably in his speech to the church, when he said when we sojourned to establish the church in NewJerusalem,


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7. SELF KNOWLEDGE THROUGH

RELATIONSHIPS Through relationships established in our dramas, one

comes to know many things which hitherto whereoblivious or totally unknown to him/her.

Examples include issues raised in the Treasure Hunt ,Jonah at Cape-Coast, etc which talked about theoneness of Christ and His followers and religioustolerance and the true religion respectively.


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8. EXPLORING MEANING AND

PURPOSE Drama gives us the opportunity to explore the

meaning and purpose of many happenings in andabout our environment.

This is clearly in the drama Jonah at Cape-Coast. Thethree roommates led the audience through anexploration of some religious doctrines and whybelievers of those religions hold on dearly to thosedoctrines.


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AREAS OF DRAMA THAT HAS THE TENDENCY

TO NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR SPIRITUALITY Scripturally and morally bad script content

Feud over role play

Misinterpretation of subject matter of drama or script Bad acting


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Major concern raised by Drama critics

concerning Drama and its use in the churchWhile there is little or no question as to whether

drama moments are entertaining, there is the questionin some peoples mind as to the Biblicalappropriateness and spiritual attachments of thesemoments

Why use sounds in drama whiles instrumental musicis forbidden in worship?


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CONCLUSION Contrary to the view of many who have not come to the knowledge of

drama and theatre, drama is neither a sleazy nor a sordid practice thatChristians are forbidden to engage in

In drama, combined learning about religious narration and spiritualawareness may be developed in a fluid and holistic manner. Suchopportunities can encourage us to become spiritually richer by realisingour human potential and recognising our capacity to learn in anintegrated manner.

Within the creative and reflective endeavour of drama, meaning andpurpose are explored and the chance to develop self knowledge andincreased insight abound.

It is clear drama and spirituality can enrich each other.


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REFERENCES Grainger, Teresa and Kendall-Seatter, Sue (2003).

Drama and Spirituality: reflective connections.International Journal of Childrens Spirituality, 8(1),pp. 2532.

Garry Miles, Drama and Worship.

VDT Literary sub-unit, Literary Code, pp 7-8.

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