David Winfield – The Thespian Theologian

DAVID WINFIELD

27 May 2009

What’s “Keeping Good Company” and how are you involved?

It’s a group of people interested in using live performance as part of their worship and as community outreach – using the medium of entertainment to share the gospel.

In March I became assistant priest at St Peter’s Upper Riccarton, and now dedicate half my time to developing this performing arts ministry. We’re drawing on a long history of Christian drama. In medieval times mystery plays would be taken from village to village with actors on the back of wagons. Basically we’re doing what Jesus did with parables; he started it all.

Is it about more than just performing skits in church?

Definitely! It’s about using comedy, music, story-telling, drama, mime – any sort of performance style – that has a Christian content or message to it. There’s a lot you can do to appeal to Christian and non-Christian audiences and create interest. It doesn’t have to be hard line evangelism or just acting out biblical stories.

What ideas and productions do you have in the wings?

I’m planning to start up drama classes for school children, perhaps up to early teens. It will lead to some performances, and possibly involvement in the children’s holiday theatre production in October.

I’ll be contributing to the variety evening planned for June at St Peter’s. I’ve also been approached to perform at the annual conference of the third order of St Francis. I have wanted to write a musical on St Francis, so hopefully that will kick-start it!

“I think he’s really good. It’s exciting. He’s really into it.” – Pupil’s comment about David’s recent Holy Week performance

In what ways can you help parishes develop their own performing arts?

I can help them select a script or story for your production, or write one on a particular theme. I have an extensive library of material.

Props and equipment are available and I have a network of people with production skills.

How can interested people become involved with “Keeping Good Company”?

I’m always on the lookout for people who want to be involved on-stage and backstage… anyone with singing and acting talent, or who can help with administration, costumes, staging, lighting or sound.

We also need permanent storage for our props and equipment - can anyone help?

What about those people who’d rather remain out of the limelight?

Take an interest in us, pray for us, perhaps help us financially as well.

To receive email updates and early-bird invitations to performances, write to me at davenjo@xtra.co.nz or call (03) 3228723.