NATIVITY PLAY

Press, Volume C, Issue 29699, 18 December 1961, Page 17

NATIVITY PLAY

4000 Persons At Jellie Park “The greatest true story ever told”—a moving tableau of the Nativity—was presented at Jellie Park last evening befbre about 4000 persons. The presentation was the largest organised in Canterbury by combined churches since the passion play last Easter. A cast of more than 70 youths and children participated in the play, which was enacted on the brow and incline of the amphitheatre which rises to a height of about 40ft behind the lagoon. On the small isthmus projecting into the lake a choir a 50 sang. Those attending were grouped in front of tl.e lagoon facing the amphitheatre an arrangement similar to that used for the passion play. The function began with the choir leading massed singing of carols by candlelight, hymn sheets and tapers having been distributed to persons as they arrived. With a clear sky and no wind the park was an ideal setting. The first three scenes of the annunciation, the nativity, and the angelic proclamation to the shepherds on the hillside, were lit in sequence at intervals along the bank and the remaining scenes were centred on the stable built about the middle of the amphitheatre. The presentation was a result of the combined resources of the Roman Catholic. Presbyterian, Baptist, Anglican, and Methodist Churches in the north-west of Christchurch. Various drama organisations also helped with the provision of costumes, and sound and lighting systems were supplied by city firms at a nominal fee. No charge was made and a subscription of £1 from each of the churches involved is expected to cover the cost of the presentation. The producer and narrator was Mr M. Hopewell. The project, he said, in his com mentary, was designed to produce something of the true spirit of Christmas. The usual Sunday services of almost all the churches involved were cancelled so that the congregations could attend the tableau.