Extra Help!

This website is an agenda proposal to the City of York Council asking for funding to produce the York Cycle plays in the year 2012. It was approved! But if you want to see this production, you'll have to get to the other side of the pond.

York Cycle 2012

This is an interesting website that allows us to look at the set up of the York Cycle when it was being done as wagon plays. The simulator lets us track the wagons and provides us with small tidbits of information that I am positive would prove useful in the creation of our production of the Nativity. Have fun exploring the website.

Ready...? GO!

Costumes

There are only two characters in this production: Mary and Joseph. Technically you could have a baby onstage for Jesus, but directors should be cautious about working with children that young. An easy remedy for not having a real baby for Jesus is to have a prop baby wrapped in cloth. Unless the production has been set in a more modern time period, costumes should be quite simple. Something like the following would be more than acceptable:

Ideas of Interpretation?

This article takes a look at the interpretation of the script and words in the gospels of the Bible. It is just one opinion and is not necessarily right, but it's something that would be interesting to consider during the production of the Nativity. It might help the director make bolder choices, or it might answer a question or help clarify something of confusion.

Link to Article

Lights!!

A common theme that can be found in almost any story of Jesus Christ is that of light. He is often called the Light of the World, or witnesses see him with an aura of light surrounding Him. Keep this in mind as a theme for the production.


The Tile Thatcher's Play: The Nativity provides a few opportunities for incredible lighting effects. First off, it starts at night, "Lord, grant us good harbour this night" implying that the stage be flooded with a cool wash. 

JOSEPH:
Then I wish we had some light,
Whatever befall.
It grows full dark within my sight
And cold withal.

I will go get us light to see
And try some fuel with me to bring.

This section allows an oil lamp to be used as a prop. Or even stage candles!

JOSEPH:
Ah, Lord God, what light is this,
That comes shining thus suddenly?

I marvel much at this, His light
That shines so brightly in this place.
In truth, it is a wondrous sight.

MARY:
This has he ordained of grace,
My son so young:
A star to be shining out a space
At his birthing.

This would be a GREAT opportunity to have an AWESOME light special. Something that would have to represent not only the birth, but the holiness of Jesus on Earth.

Wait... so WAS Jesus white?

Every year the Intiman theatre in Seattle, WA puts on an annual production of The Black Nativity. The story is told through gospel music, dance, and acting. It would be interesting research for the director to look through previous productions and versions of the Nativity Play. He may find something inspiring or it might help him be more open to gender and ethnic blind casting.

The Modern Church

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Why does the church nowadays have small children "act" out the nativity scene? Do they assume that everyone knows the story? So why not have a 4 year old in a sweat suit be a donkey? It's important for the director to familiarize himself with local churches that surround the area where he is doing his production of the Nativity Play. Not only should he be cautious of offending the church, but the churches would most likely donate help and supplies to the production if asked. It's not a bad connection to have!

Mary and Joseph: Rejected at the Inn.

"The Tile Thatcher's Play: The Nativity" is the story of Joseph and (the very pregnant) Mary's quest to find shelter on the night of the birth of Jesus Christ, saviour of the world. After being rejected by the Inn Keeper of Bethlehem, the couple seek refuge in the humble stables outside the inn during the winter. This story demonstrates, from the beginning, the humbleness of Jesus. Though Mary and Joseph knew of this baby's future because of angelic prophecies, they birthed him in a stable and laid him in a manger cradle!