Have you ever stopped to think about Patsy Cline's legendary music in terms of how it relates to faith? "Lord of the Flies" doesn't seem like a particularly religious piece. Or does it?
In 2005, a unique partnership emerged between two seemingly unrelated groups — the faith community and local theater companies.
Members of Second Presbyterian Church founded the Acts of Faith Theatre Festival with the goal of opening a dialogue about religion through dramatic arts.
According to those involved, it's a partnership that grows stronger each year.
The 2012 Acts of Faith Theatre Festival kicks off Friday with a preview event at the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre, formerly the Empire Theatre, at 7 p.m. The night will feature a brief scene or reading by each of the 15 participating theater companies. Throughout the festival, which runs through March 18, the companies will put on a range of performances, from Shakespeare to off-Broadway pieces. While some have clear religious themes, others require a little more thought and introspection.
Members of nearly 20 Christian, Jewish and Islamic congregations are on board to attend the performances and then use them as a catalyst for community-wide discussions.
"Dramatic productions encourage us to draw on our hearts and minds, and they relate to our lives," said Second Presbyterian Pastor Alex Evans. "When we can intersect the two, it's really rich."
The theater companies choose the pieces for the festival. They're also asked to have a "talk-back" after at least one of their performances, which is the discussion period between church members and theater directors, producers and actors.
Brad Reynolds is production manager and a member of the board of directors and the play-reading committee of Chamberlayne Actors Theater. He said the theater community looks forward to the festival because it often draws people to theater and church who might not otherwise attend.
Reynolds said the company is performing a play called "Almighty Bob," which centers on a feisty older man who's been put into an assisted living facility and begins to experience strange happenings.
Reynolds said the play touches on issues of faith and humanity. "It's a comedy, but it also raises end-of-life issues," he said.
Barksdale Theatre's artistic director, Bruce Miller, said "Always...Patsy Cline" examines connections between country music and the Southern Baptist faith. Cline's faith was strong, he said, particularly after a near-fatal car accident in 1961, when she rededicated her life to Christ.
Relating the plays to real life and faith is the point, said festival coordinator Susan Davenport, which means some performances might include subject matter that make the audience uncomfortable.
Davenport said there's a new element to the festival this year — Acts of Faith Fringe. It highlights shorter-run productions or staged readings by local churches and other groups.
Second Presbyterian's Evans called the festival a "win-win" for both sides. "It's drama, it's real life and then it leads to real, significant discussions," he said. "It really builds a community that encourages people to live faithfully."
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