|
It finally came to the end of my 6-month learning in Stage Performing Arts in early March. After a full month of nearly seventy hours of intensive rehearsal, our class stepped on the Black Box stage with trepidation.
In order to challenge myself, I broke through my limitations. In addition to working with a group of young people to prepare for the show, I chose to play a character which was totally different from my background and experience. As a desperate Chicago real estate salesman, I had to engage in unethical and illegal acts—from lies and flattery to bribery, threats and intimidation. Foul languages interspersed in the lines of the story. For me as an ordained pastor, this is really a great breakthrough.
The selection of different repertoires in this 2-hour final performance of our class presented various contradictions and conflicts in real life to the audience. Stories about upholding marriage relations, love and hatred among family members, helplessness in life choices and the pressure of caring others, pressed the audience to reflect on these life issues beyond the enjoyment of watching.
Because my character was such a breakthrough, I didn’t invite any church members to the show. On the other hand, the coming of almost all my family members as well as old colleagues brought me unforgettable encouragement. In the face of gradual decline in physical health in recent years, I keep to make new attempts to regain interest, which means walking out of the comfort zone and brings vitality. This can be considered as a kind of happiness.
Before the performance was on stage, I was grateful to be invited to lead a prayer by my fellow classmates who were mostly non-Christians with some even disgusted with Christianity. This was probably because my father role among them, giving care and advice to some of them in private. I shared with them why I, formerly a school principal, became a pastor and also my value of faith. I think this might be an example of down-to-earth incarnation in practice.
In this course, I had pulled up the average age of my classmates who in return lowered my mental age. Young people are eager to create. Their sincere acceptance with laughter and tears, embracing each other with real listening, speaking and feeling, generates true friendship and support. I learnt a good lesson in pastoring young generation and I hope this window can be kept open.
Servant pastor
Rev. Benedict Shum
|
