Over spring break, many Northwestern students scattered across the continent. While some students served on Spring Service Partnerships, the theatre department’s Drama Ministries Ensemble (DME) took their show, “Heroes of the Faith,” on the road. This group of nine students and director Molly Wiebe Faber traveled to Nebraska, Colorado and Kansas.
This story uses Hebrews 11 as a framework to pop into the different Genesis stories of Noah, Abraham, Moses and Rahab. The group told the story of Noah and the flood, the covenant between God and Abraham, how Rahab helped the Israelites and Moses and the 10 Commandments.
Throughout DME’s performance, all the members are constantly onstage while they use props, puppets and costumes in creative ways. For example, at different points in the show, the stage manager, Marissa Leraas, uses a projector to display various shadow puppets that go with the story. These creative elements are used to help audiences more clearly comprehend these stories. DME member AJ Zinn said, “I hope that people can see these Bible stories that are pretty well known in a new and interesting way to make them more understandable.”
While DME was excited to explore new areas, see mountains in Colorado and meet new people, DME was simply excited to perform what they have been working on. Many were excited to share some of God’s history and connect with people from different communities. The group wanted their audiences to leave their performance with different takeaways about God and his word. Freshman Ruthie Zimmerman, another member said she “hopes audiences can learn something new about who God is and the grace and love He has for us.” Performing “Heroes of the Faith” excited everyone in the group. Zimmerman was thrilled to show God’s history, and Zinn was happy to be a part of a group that connects well with one another.
Not only did the group grow closer together and make memories, but they also make connections with people in the communities they visited. “My favorite part of tour was the people,” Leraas said. “The people who were so kind to welcome us into their homes, gave their time to make homemade meals, and who made us feel so loved throughout the entirety of our trip.”
DME not only brings the Bible to life in a theatrical way, but it also shows how drama belongs in the church. Leraas said, “We worship a creative God! I love this show’s ability to portray scripture in such a fresh light that draws the eye – young and old – back to the tales we grew up on.”
Even though their tour is over, there is still another opportunity to see this show. DME will be having a showcase on Sunday, March 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Black Box Theatre, and they encourage you to attend.
