X-mas Cantata countdown begins

For Christians, Christmas has always been the time to celebrate the most mysterious birth in the history of humanity, a story, which has been dramatized in different ways- but not a lot of this story, has been ‘dramatized’ in the country.

Monday, December 07, 2015
The Christmas Cantata extravaganza is free and everyone is encouraged to attend.

For Christians, Christmas has always been the time to celebrate the most mysterious birth in the history of humanity, a story, which has been dramatized in different ways— but not a lot of this story, has been ‘dramatized’ in the country.

Oscar Mucyo, the director of Creative at Christian Life Assembly (CLA), says, "The gospel of Jesus Christ, has been perceived to be one to be preached from a pulpit only, but drama and creative arts are another powerful medium of sharing this great story of the birth of Jesus Christ.”

Participants rehearse their roles in the play.

"The gospel is really a story of impact, a story of life change, an outstanding story. There is no better way to tell a story than by speaking to the human mind through what they can see in Music, Dance and Drama,” he said.

Mucyo was speaking to The New Times, yesterday, about the 2015 Christmas Cantata; a musical theatre production telling the story of Christmas through various artistic means, which will be held at CLA, under the theme "What Child is this?.”

The musical theatre production, dubbed, "Christmas Cantata Production”, will feature a production crew of about 200 people including actors, orchestra, a choir, stage and costume designers, sound and light engineers, among others, coming together to tell the story of Jesus’ birth from the town of Bethlehem.

A band practices ahead of the big event. (All photos by Athan Tashobya)

"We can call the Cantata a modern form of evangelism; through telling a life changing story. The Cantata takes forms of art such as music and dance and uses them to appeal to our imagination, taking us to places we have never dreamed we could ever be and thus immersing us in an impactful tale,” Mucyo added.

The free gospel extravaganza will take place on December 23 – 24, from 4pm and 6pm respectively.

According to the organisers, the production is a tale from the bible that depicts a certain family that owned the Inn, in which Jesus Christ was born—it will be through live music, dance and drama.

editorial@newtimes.co.rw