The story of Zacchaeus is a beloved one, and lends itself well to the gift of movement and music. It is a perfect way for the older youth of a community to offer a piece in an artfully engaging way for the younger children (and the adults love the beauty of the artistry as well!) This story offers a beautiful embodied example of the radical call to generosity that is the foundation of Christian living.
This Gospel Story Dance includes the text of the Gospel of Luke as foundation for the script, and as such can be used as the proclamation of the scripture for settings where it would be welcome. (For communities who worship with the Revised Common Lectionary, this passage appears every third year on the 31st Sunday of Ordinary Time in Cycle C.)
The piece is designed for a narrator to read the Scripture passage from the ambo or lectern, while the Gospel story unfolds through embodiment and music alongside. The piece needs at least five actor/dancers, but the size of the “crowd” can be expanded as desired. The choreography described is meant to be simple enough for “non-dancers” but still requires a sense of rhythm and dramatic focus so that the story can come to life with dynamic engagement.
The piece is designed for children/youth of 4th – 12th grades, but could certainly include adults as well. You may find it helpful to review the YouTube version of the choreography as a basis for your piece, and feel free to adapt the movements as needed for your own cast.
The musical score is written for piano and voice. If your community has a children’s choir or soloists, it would be delightful to involve them throughout the piece as well. Length: 6 minutes; Cast Size: 5+ persons 19 pages.
Skiturgies is a collection of dramas, pageants and other church programs. The complete collection can be reviewed at www.skiturgies.com. There are pieces for Advent/Christmas, Lent/Easter, After Pentecost, and general times throughout the year. Skiturgies pieces are downloadable. The purchase price includes full right to reproduce material for everyone involved in the presentation.
