Has anyone been to see – experience – the punchdrunk retelling of the aftermath of the Trojan war?
This post is a reflection on their use of art, based on watching the trailers and listening to the opinions expressed in then.
Their aim is to retell an ancient story, immerse the audience in it, and give them the opportunity to go away changed. Can you see any similarities with what Christians do when they gather for a service? There are also significant differences though.
I’ve listed some of the similarities and differences below, what could you add?
This is an immersive experience. There is use of a variety of arts – visual arts in the setting and clothing, music, dance, spoken word.
Not better than traditional theatre, but different.
Led by a team of skilled professionals
Those who come are presented with multiple options that give/require them to make choices. To become participants rather than a passive audience.
An authoritative retelling by approved leaders to an audience.
An enhanced experience of #SensingOtherness through the use of special clothing, or normal clothing used differently.
Choose to follow the narrative, or simply enjoy one special moment then time to share personal experiences of the whole event with a group of trusted friends.
Familiar themes and phrases repeated week after week, that participants can join in with.
Emphasis on people discovering their own experience of the story, finding or even creating, personal meaning within the collective experience.
Eating and drinking together.
Six years in preparation, high quality
What appeals to you, makes you feel excited, when you think about both settings (the play and say, an 11 O’Clock service at St Johns)
There are deeper questions to ask;
Where the meaning lies in a story (author, reader, the process of telling?)
What does each approach to the story tell us about the underlying approach to historical, emotional or literary truth?
What prior experience, and follow up, does each telling require in order for participants to benefit fully from the experience?
There are examples of services which use similar approach to celebrating as “Burnt City” does elsewhere on this blog. – but what are your thoughts?