Pilgrim’s Progress gives fresh insight to a well-known story
Posted by The Skyliner on March 17th, 2010Angela Sims
Staff Writer
Cast members of Pilgrim’s Progress strike a pose. They include Jessica Berryhill, Jamie Costa, Will Daniel, Lindsay Furrow, Addi Musen and Thomas Sieberhagen. The actors all had multiple roles and also acted as crew for this production, moving pieces of the set for each scene. Photo by Jenny Farnham / The Skyliner
Written by John Bunyan, Pilgrim’s Progress tells the story of a man called Pilgrim who seeks salvation and relief from his burden while on a journey to heaven. The play was presented Wednesday, Feb. 24, Friday, Feb. 26 and Saturday, Feb. 27 at North Greenville University’s Turner Chapel.
The NGU theatre department presented a contemporary rendition of Pilgrim’s Progress adapted by Tom Key that adds some comedic flair to the story. The play is simply a dream in which Pilgrim battles many obstacles and characters that test his relationship and new faith along the way to the Celestial City.
Jamie Costa, sophomore outdoor leadership, played six characters: Porter, Judge Pick-Thank, Apollyon, Obstinate, Demas and a narration part.
One interesting aspect about this play in particular is the fact that Costa is new to the theater.
Costa said, “I’ve learned a lot just about the theater world. I’ve never been in a big production on a college campus, so that’s pretty neat.”
“Possibly my favorite character would have to be Apollyon, because he probably confronts Pilgrim with the most opposing force,” said Costa. “He’s basically Satan.”
After the performance, Olivia Sanders, sophomore clinical biology, said, “I loved it. I thought it was really creative and very unique. It was lighthearted.”
For each scene, the cast members would switch around the props to resemble different places in Pilgrim’s journey.
Melissa Smith, freshman elementary education, said, “I really liked how they use the props over and over in so many ways.”
Joseph Foy, freshman intercultural studies, said, “My favorite part of the play was when Faithful was taken captive and executed. It really shows how the world treats Christians and how we should never back down from our faith, even in the face of death.”
Pilgrim’s Progress has helped Christians to come to a better understanding of how they can fully exalt God through even the toughest trials in life.
For more information about the storyline or actors, visit this link. Visit this link for more information about Pilgrim’s Progress.
Tags: Spring 2010, Vol. 110 - Issue 7