Drama - Year A - Easter Vigil

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Drama - Year A - Easter Vigil

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DRAMA—SERIES A—EASTER VIGIL

Bible reference: Matthew 28:1–10

 

LITURGICAL DANCE—THE FEAST OF VICTORY

 

This movement is done to the hymn of praise, ‘This is the feast of victory’ (in the Service—Alternative Form, p 61 of the Supplement to Lutheran Hymnal), which may be sung or said by the choir or congregation, or by a solo voice. Alternatively, the words may be read as background to the dance.

 

The movement is described line by line as the hymn is printed in the Supplement.

 

The theme and tone of the dance is of triumphant praise and adoration, with the actions acknowledging humble worship through the lifting up of praise to Jesus Christ, the Lamb.

 

The movement is described and illustrated here for 2 people, but it can be adapted for more people, with half of the number adopting the actions either for part A or B.

 

In the space available in the worship area, the dance takes place around a central cross, to represent Christ the Lamb.

 

Beginning positions:  Persons A and B are kneeling opposite one another and at either side of the cross.

 

 

                                      X             X

 

      Line 1

From their kneeling positions, A and B rock forward with arms outstretched, palms upwards toward the cross.

      Alleluias

A and B stay in kneeling positions; arms come upwards, holding their palms outwards and extended to the cross, elevating arms slowly to above head height, palms still facing out.

      Line 3

B remains still, bringing arms in to sides. A rises, first to kneeling upwards onto one bended knee, then to a standing position facing the cross.

      Line 4

A remains still in upright position while B repeats A’s previous actions, so that both finish in upright positions.

      Line 5

A raises hands upwards to the cross, palms outwards. B stays still.

      Alleluias

B raises hands upwards to the cross, palms outwards. A stays still.

(In the next lines, A and B are going to move to one another’s positions by walking a half circle each, around the cross.)

      Line 7

Both lower hands to shoulder height, palms still outwards, and hands slightly cupped; turning body to walk in clockwise direction; direction of cupped hands remains raised central to the cross, which means that for these next steps the hands will be held across the body.

      Line 8

Adopting light walking style. A moves to where B has been standing as B continues in the direction to where A has been standing.

     

      Line 9

A turns in to face the cross, raising hands higher upwards towards the cross, palms outwards. B stays still.

      Alleluias

B turns in to face the cross, raising hands higher towards the cross, palms outwards. A stays still.

      Line 11

A lowers hands to sides and turns outwards to face congregation.

      Line 12

B lowers hands to sides and turns outwards to face congregation.

      Line 13

A and B take step forward towards the congregation and raise hands to shoulder height in encompassing gesture of welcome to the people to join the worship dance.

      Line 14

A and B turn in towards the cross, making deliberate action of keeping the hands raised at shoulder height and circling and directing the action to the ‘Lamb’.

      Line 15

A raises hands even higher upwards to the cross, palms outwards. B stays still.

      Alleluias

B raises hand higher upwards to the cross, palms outwards. A stays still.

      Line 17

A and B lower hands to sides and take step forward, closer to the cross.

      Line 18

A and B with bowed heads and hands to sides, move to bended knee and then to kneeling on both knees in positions on either side of the cross.

(This is the same pose as the opening chorus, except that, in encircling the cross, they are on opposite sides from their original positions.)

      Line 19

From their kneeling positions, A and B rock forward with arms outstretched, palms upwards towards the cross.

      Alleluias

A and B stay in kneeling positions, arms come upwards, holding their palms outwards and extended to the cross; elevating arms slowly to above head height, palms still facing out.

(This position is held triumphantly for an exaggerated moment before the dancers leave.

 

 

© Karen Dymke 1993

 

Permission is given for the owner of this disk to make sufficient copies of this script for their group or congregation, for rehearsal and performance purposes only.