This week, in Christianity, is known as ‘Holy Week’ heading into the traditional Easter weekend.
The ‘Stations of the Cross’, particularly in Catholic devotion are 14 steps that commemorates Jesus Christ’s last day on Earth as a man. The 14 devotions, or stations, focus on specific events of His last day, beginning with His condemnation. The stations are commonly used as a mini pilgrimage as the individual moves from station to station. At each station, the individual recalls and meditates on a specific event from Christ’s last day.
For larger views, CLICK on IMAGES
At St. Joseph’s Elementary School in Port Elgin (Saugeen Shores), the ‘Stations of the Cross’ was dramatically performed in a unique silhouetted form. In complete darkness, the silhouettes illustrated and performed on-stage by students portrayed a particularly moving method where the focus was a total visual.
Director Lucie Desbiens said that it gave the students not only a more in-depth understanding of the ‘Stations of the Cross’ but also taught them about what goes on behind the scenes and how involved it is to create and perform a production.
“It really felt different to imagine what it was like to follow in Jesus’ footsteps,” said Jordan Sajkunovic. Each of the performers was required to carry an actual 80 lb. cross constructed of 2 x 4 timbers.
Younger students, who might have been anxious about the silhouetted scenes, were taken backstage to view first-hand how the affects were achieved and were “… surprised how simple some of the things were. Really neat!”
In addition to the student narrations, the music of the ‘Planets’ by Gustav Holst was the perfect choice in coordination with the changing scenes.
