Harris pens gospel drama

Following on the heels of the breakout theatrical hit Judgement, Dahlia Harris has crafted a gospel drama.

Harris describes Gods Way as a vivid examination of how faith is often tested, and how the decisions we make either bring us closer to God or allow the devil to separate us from his grace. She offers that the production is her attempt to positively develop gospel-theatre ministry in Jamaica.

Our belief is that gospel ministry should be diverse, broadening its reach and appeal to mass audiences. In applying the production qualities of commercial theatre, we can offer content that not only resonates with the tenets of Christianity, but provides accessibility for cross-denominational audiences.

Gods Way centres on Valerie, a devout Christian who has been blessed with a good home, a wonderful husband and an ambitious daughter. When her husbands activities become exposed as everything but legitimate, she must deal with the fallout that sends her life spiralling into chaos.

God has a plan

Through it all, Valerie must determine to resolve things on her own or to trust that God has a plan to make things better.

Harris believes that like Judgement, theatregoers will be drawn to the production because of how much they will be able to relate to its content.

The characters and the challenges they face will all be extremely familiar. Audiences will know someone in that situation, or at least one close to it. How the plot unfolds and eventually comes to a resolution, therefore, becomes a personal investment, making the show much more than just entertaining, it becomes engaging, Harris explained.

Special benefit performances will also be scheduled to assist groups with their fund-raising efforts.

Once again we want to create opportunities for groups and organisations to raise funds for various activities and projects. Given the nature of the show, we are encouraging church groups, in particular, to utilise these benefit performances, said Harris.

Gods Way is set for a limited run and will feature accomplished actors Gracia Thompson, Trudy Campbell, Sabrena McDonald and Ainsley Whyte. Information on bookings for benefit performances may be obtained at 352-6180 or theatrejamaica09@yahoo.com.

The play is scheduled to open on September 30 at Theatre Place on Haining Road.