our acts church’s christmas production 2007 is in the news!

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date: december 24, 2007; monday
published in: nst online
url: christmas play with rock songs

Christmas play with rock songs

The play, with its rock tunes and message of forgiveness and reconciliation, was a hit with the crowd.

SUBANG JAYA: Forget carols. One church has taken a bold move to incorporate songs from three local indie rock bands into their Christmas play. The result — sweet rocking success.

Titled The Tailor Made Man, the play by the 350-strong Acts Church is a futuristic twist on the biblical tale of Joseph.

The story tells of Joseph, who despite being betrayed and sold into slavery, persevered through much tribulations until he was made the viceroy of Egypt, thanks partly to his divine gift for interpreting dreams.

Although the play, coupled with its rock tunes, might not be traditional Christmas fare, its message of forgiveness and reconciliation was a hit with the 700 plus crowd who attended the two shows on Sunday.

Young and old could be seen responding tearfully during the play’s finale.
One member of the audience confessed that he was surprised by how much the rock tracks complemented the traditional tale.

And according to the play’s screenwriter, Jason Ding, that was the plan all along.

“I believe in the synergy of creative expression to strengthen the message in the play,” Ding said.

“Songs were carefully selected based on lyrics and the mood it carries.”

Although some traditionalists might argue that rock bands with their wild image might cast a negative light on a Christian play, the thought never crossed Ding’s mind.

“I know the guys in the band and regardless of what the public might think, the important thing is I trust them and know what they are all about.”

The bands — Army of Three, One-ted and Four Letter Story Band — were invited to perform live in certain scenes in the play.

But the audacious production would not have been possible if not for the support and confidence granted by the church leadership.

“It was important for us to have a play that is both externally relevant and internally inclusive. In other words, it’s our responsibility to use them for the purpose of connecting with society,” said Reverend Kenneth Chin, senior minister of the church.

“If that includes using indie bands as well, then why not?” he said.

But rock bands was not the only highlight of the play.

Also noted were the animated sequences, breakdancers and elaborate set pieces, all made possible by the 100-strong cast and crew.

The production of The Tailor Made Man will be playing its last show at 10am at the second floor of Summit Hotel USJ today.