Play it for Real

Christian ways of doing drama

by Roger Grainger

Before we start to look at the business of acting plays in church we have to look more closely at what plays really are so that we can be quite sure that church is the right place to do them. ‘Do’ is the right word to use, because it is what drama actually means. It comes from drao, Greek for ‘I do’. However drama isn’t just doing things, it’s doing them in a certain kind of way. The Oxford Dictionary says it means “a set of events having the unity and progress of a play and leading to catastrophe or consummation.” ‘Catastrophe’ and ‘consummation’ refer to the two main kinds of drama, tragedy and comedy; plays designed to make you cry or laugh — or perhaps laugh until you cry. The dictionary doesn’t actually say what a play is, however; instead it refers us back to the definition of drama, so we shall have to find our own way of making sense of what makes plays different from other kinds of doing.

The simplest plays are the ones we act by ourselves. For her play about the child in a concentration camp, Ann only needed one person — herself. One thing about herself was particularly important, and that was her imagination. Without Ann's imagination there wouldn't have been a play at all. The other thing she needed, to make it a play and not simply a game, was an audience — in other words, us, the people watching. These two things meant that Ann could do more than simply play, as you do when you play a game, she could do a play. She could present what she was imagining to an audience. We call this performing a play. It’s a way of making our imagination more vivid by sharing it with others. Plays always involve other people by latching onto their imaginations to create a special kind of imagined situation, what we call ‘the world of play’.

“I can heartily commend both the content and the presentation. It is balanced, positive, full of good ideas and well written: an excellent treatment of the subject.”

Donald Smith, Director, The Netherbow Theatre, Edinburgh

“In this short book of only six chapters there is a combination of a wealth of experience with the ability to express this simply and effectively. If the whole idea of drama – let alone Christian drama – frightens you then this book is just the thing to allay those fears. The author makes it all seem a possibility well within the reach of the mixture of people to be found in many congregations. The content and the presentation of the subject matter is straightforward and well-balanced, the language easily understood with a flow of words that makes the reader want to discover what comes next. Throughout the book there is a strong emphasis on the fact that drama is worship not just in worship and we are led to discover how plays and stories demonstrate invisible truths which govern human lives and which can be seen at work in the world.

“There are several facets of ‘doing’ drama revealed in the book through practical examples as well as through the theory expressed. The author gives the feeling that drama, even when acted in church, should be enjoyed; it should be a group experience drawing together not only the players but also the audience; it should have a definite beginning, middle and end with a clear focal point; the actors should be dedicated to the presentation yet subservient to the drama, letting the word speak for itself; and all people, even the most unlikely and diffident, can be encouraged to develop an ability to take part in drama.

“The book begins by an examination of what a play is and how it can begin to be put into action. Some very important basics for all acting are dealt with and ways in which a drama can be put together. Suggestions for some general drama and drama for special occasions are given but this is a book that should not be ‘dipped into’ for specific ideas but one which should be read throughout to gain the most benefit from it.

“I can whole-heartedly recommend ‘Play it for Real’ to anyone who is attracted to the thought of Christian ways of doing drama.”

Joan Hudspeth in the ‘Lambeth Journal’

“As an experienced actor, I was very pleased to be sent this book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I agree with the comments of Donald Smith that it is ‘balanced, positive, full of good ideas and well written.’ However, Donald Smith is Director of a theatre and Roger Grainger’s book should certainly be studied by budding actors, but as it is intended for clergy and church members interested in presenting drama in church, I wonder whether it might be too detailed in places.

“The sub-headings are helpful but I felt that in some cases, the sections could have been broken down even more to make it extra ‘reader-friendly’. Clergy and those who direct drama in church are busy people and need, I believe, to be able to ‘dip into’ a book of this type.

“The contents table is fairly detailed although not specific about acting and directing techniques and I felt an index would have been helpful. The examples are useful though sometimes vague and perhaps more specific ideas could have been used.

“Drama is a marvellous medium and in this visual age, a wonderful way of portraying the Christian message. I am sure that this book will be useful for those who wish to understand more fully how drama can be used effectively in church.”

Marion Field in ‘Candle and Keyboard’ November 2004