Activity 1 (Turn in Report Requested)
Klym9
Activity1_Example2.docxExample 2
EXAMPLE STUDENT
Professor Stacy Pendergraft
Intro to Theatre – Dance (991)
7 February 2019
The Catholic Mass – A Theatrical Experience
It is Sunday morning and I begin to get ready to attend church as I try to do every week, something that is not always possible. I begin to think about the “production” that I am about to witness. I run around my room looking for the best “costume” that will make me look “the part” as the perfect “spectator.” Growing up as a cradle Catholic, I know that attending mass must be respectful to the church, the preceding priest, and the parishioners, so no casual wear can be worn.
I have selected an outfit that matches what is expected when attending this event, something not to casual and not to formal, just enough to present myself as a conservative Catholic, --just like someone would prepare his or herself to go to a rock concert by wearing a colorful shirt, punky hair and ripped jeans. Suddenly, I look at my watch and I rushed to get out and get in the car, I am prepared to discover something new this time. I am ready to observe all aspects of the church architecture, as well as the ceremony from a new perspective, --in a way that I never questioned, nor imagined before. I will look at all the “actors” and will immerse myself in all rituals to understand how the production of the event that we call mass relates to live theatre. I am ready! I have my keys and leave the house early enough because I also know that parking will be an issue; just like those times when we try to make it to the movies or other theatrical events, and we know that if not arriving early enough, we will have to park far away and walk a long distance towards the venue.
I arrived at Christ the King Catholic Church, and just like I thought, getting there ten minutes early is hardly enough time to find a decent parking spot closest to the main entrance. I managed to find one, right across from the side left door. As I get out of my car, I approach the church building. I look up and I discovered its magnitude. I begin imagining myself entering an old Roman Catholic Church in Italy, thinking about its design and how many Catholic churches are so similar regardless of the country. Growing up in Mexico where almost ninety percent of the population is Catholic, I have visited hundreds of churches, and this one is no different, the difference now is that I am looking at this structure as a theatre, a coliseum, a place where something theatrical is about to happen.
As I walk towards the main entrance, I also look carefully at all the soon to be “spectators.” They are rushing just as I am because they do not want to miss the beginning of the “performance.” A performance that I know will be full of rituals, live music and lessons that our “main actor,” our priest, is about to teach.
I found a seat in the back, also on the left side of the building. I want a full view of the event. If I seat in the front, I might miss something; so, I sit on one end of the large wooden bench that seats about ten people at a time. I paid attention to the bench, and I see how similar it is to the seats at the theatres, it has a long cushion that provides just enough comfort for the duration of the performance. I look up and I see that more spectators continue to arrive, packing the church just like in a theatre; they are finding their places like if they have tickets purchased and assigned seats.
The music also begins to play. The musicians and cantor have begun their performance, chanting a calming hymn that welcomes us right before the “first act.” They are strategically position on top of the main entrance in a sort of balcony, so they can be seeing and heard at their best just like orchestras or bands on stage. There is a female pianist, a male violinist and a solo singer, just enough choir for this less attended performance time. I should have attended the 10:30a.m. production, it has a much larger choir and more musicians. That okay I think; this trio gives me enough to describe my experience.
I look around and I see that all spectators take their “programs” (the Bibles), including myself. I cannot help to think that this Bible is more than a program, it is the playwright or the blue print of every single performance that varies a bit week by week as our religious calendar changes as the seasons do. This marvelous text will guide us through all the acts, the prayers, the music and the sing-alongs, it will also encourage our participation, engaging us through every act of the “play” and others every week.
The music continues as our priest, “the main actor” enters the “theatre” in the company of other actors, like the Deacon and three Altar boys. I proceed to pay very close attention to what they are wearing, “their costumes.” Our priest is wearing a long green robe with gold tones around his neck, so is the Deacon, but his “costume” is not as decorated, clearly stating that he is not our main actor. The costumes of the altar boys are white; they are carrying the Crucifix, the Wine and the Body of Christ. The ritual of their entrance begins at the main entrance, all the way to the Altar as the music continues playing, and we continue singing. I raised my eyes towards them, I want to get a glimpse of who they are, just like if they were famous actors in a live important play.
The music goes silent. The audience carefully pays attention to the welcoming from our main actor as we listen to his first words. After a few prayers he invites the audience to sit, ready to enjoy the hour performance. Throughout this time, songs are sung, prays are said until is time to give peace to one another, so we do. We carefully shake hands without racing our voices, as we continue to be respectful to our actors and one another. Then after a few more songs we the spectators sat down to listen to the Gospel of the day, we are ready for the monologue from our main actor, our priest.
His monologue is deep, sincere and touches my heart. His examples placed me in various scenarios, so I become a bit emotional; I can relate to everything he says. Suddenly, I also get this feeling that I have experienced in the past with other performances where I vicariously felt every single emotion, as if I were the character he is referring to. It is just like in a play, where emotions flow and I either cry, laugh or get angry. He has managed to transfer his message to my core.
It is time for communion. Suddenly, I am not just the spectator, but an active participant that approaches the altar getting so close to all the actors to receive communion directly from the main character. The audience also, in the most organized way gets up row by row and make the line to receive the Body of Christ. Once again, I see another way where actor-audience engage. No conversation is needed, the feeling of the act is mutual, it is intense, we all feel it.
I get to my sit and after a very strong feeling of peace, I composed myself, so I decide to concentrate on the interior of the building, its design, its lighting, its decorations and “the stage” where the main actors are. I look around and I see that the light is just bright enough that gives a calm atmosphere. The building is like a theatre that curves from one end to another, so every spectator can have the best view of the stage, our Altar. The design and decorations are a pure representation of the old Roman Catholic Church with images of Jesus, the Cross and images of saints. The main stage is simple but elegant, built with pieces of marble. I noticed that the entire theatre is painted in a soft beige color with golden details. And the windows go from one side to the other, illustrating biblical representations that take me to back to the beginnings of this wonderful production that has been passed through hundreds of years since the beginning of Christianity.
It is almost the end of the “play.” Actors and spectators pray the final prayers and prepare to parade back to the exits. The priest, our main actor gives us his final blessing as the music plays one final hymn. They leave the theatre as they entered, and the satisfied spectators get up of their seats and proceed to exit as well. They take with them the church bulletin, a sort of program that contains future performance times and other important information, letting us know who the actors will be, as well as other productions available to the Christ the King audience.
Spectators lined towards the main entrance to say hello to the actors, they want to shake hands and tell the priest what a great performance that was. I see them smile and converse just enough to give time to the next person. The line is too big, so I go around, just making a gesture with my head and right hand without stopping by.
Photo of Christ The King Catholic Church, Little Rock, taken on February 3, 2019 at 1:15p.m.
Photo of Christ The King Catholic Church, Altar
Photo of Christ The King Catholic Church, Bulletin
