Opening Scene
Immanuel
Imagine seeing light beams ping pong around you, as if they are life forms springing past
your body, jumping from one place to another. Then add the sound of speed and hear
sounds whizz so fast that your eyes and ears just can't keep up and you’re full of
excitement wondering what’s going to happen next....
Well, imagine this as the opening scene, an artistic representation of the views from
Heaven when the early works of Creation were being created.
Just as the title reads ‘And There Was War’ highlighted the conflict between Immanuel (played by Thomas Ababio) and Lucifer (played by Lloyd Reid).
I think sometimes as Christians or those who have read the Bible, we are already aware that there was a war in Heaven, but we don't really take it a step further to analyse the thoughts and words
which may have been exchanged between the highest ranking Angel and the Creator. The
dialogue between the two is like a child to its parent, who asks their father if they can be
involved in the things the dad is doing, but in this case to help them create life. The way in
which Lucifer is consistently denied the opportunity can almost lead the viewer to side with
him. There’s an emotional tug to feel empathy towards him, because in his eyes, as he
puts it “I just want to help”. But underneath the emotional ties, you realise his motives are
driven by jealousy and him not wanting to be left out. The way in which he single handedly
tries to bamboozle the Seraphim on the same guilt trip is interesting, eventually taking a
third of the angels with him.
There are four main Bible stories neatly woven between the heavenly scenes, bringing the
characters to life and allowing the audience to really think and consider what they may
have done in those situations. - It truly is food for thought. I felt real emotions and heard
real questions. The way a mother reacts to her young daughter when she tells her that
she's pregnant, of which is no fault of her own. The dispute between two brothers that leads
to a fatal death, which may not have been intentional - but makes us realise what anger
and hate can lead to. The feeling that Adam must have felt when he realised what Eve had
done, yet he still made the decision to walk the path with her. Adam’s character (played by
Romario Simpson) truly expressed the pain in his heart as he cried and moaned in anguish.
“It’s one of those performances which taps into your mind, knocks on your heart and even
makes you laugh out loud!”
An easy to follow storyline for the believer and non believer alike. Surprisingly appropriate
for all ages, with killer choreographed moves (which seemed to get the kids excited) and
those heavenly scenes with it’s musical backdrop of awe and wonder.
Considering there were minimal props used and no visual backdrops, the way in which the
floor space was utilised by the cast, the lighting and music were all just right in setting the
scene for the viewer to allow their minds to be carried on a journey with the characters.
Nothing was over the top, over done or unnecessary.
Mary & Mother
Definitely a performance to watch with family, friends or even if you’re on a date ;-)
I wouldn't say it’s one of those plays that make you ‘feel good’, but one of self evaluation
and aspiration. I can honestly say I came away feeling changed with a mindset of wanting
to be more intentional in my everyday life.
Shamira Scott. FCP Writer