Church History, Live Onstage At Westmont

Theater student Zak Landrum presents an interactive performance, “Redemption History III: Ecclesia,” for his senior production Sunday, April 13 at 7:30 p.m. in Westmont’s Murchison Gym. With over a dozen student and faculty actors, the Westmont Gospel Choir, live orchestral music, and video projections, the play tells the story of the Christian church from Pentecost to the Apocalypse. A suggested donation of $10 benefits All Nations Education, a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing higher education to youth in developing nations. Reserve tickets at rh3.ecclesia@gmail.com.

In preparation for the evening performance, guided meditative walks begin at the gym at 4:30 and 5:15 p.m. Faculty and student guides will lead participants through wooded paths to art installations exploring the lives of Francis of Assisi, Joan of Arc, Benedict of Nursia, and other saints. Food will be provided at a picnic behind the gym at 6 p.m.

The evening production personifies the church as the bride of Christ, waiting through a long engagement for his promises to be fulfilled. The unique performance will include liturgical elements enacted by Dr. Bill Nelson, professor of religious studies, in the role of a priest, as well as narration, dance, video, and original music.

“Ecclesia” completes a trilogy of productions Landrum has created in the last three years, each exploring a different period in Christian history. “I have been trying to find a point of connection between good art and the Christian community,” he explains.

For more information, including a trailer of the performance, visit http://web.mac.com/zlandrum/RH/RHIII.html or contact Beth Lemons in the theater department at (805)565-7140 or blemons@westmont.edu.