Reaction paper (5%)

“When the Curtain Opens: A Christian Response to Theatre”
Dale Savidge, in Sights & Sounds
Write out your answers to FIVE QUESTIONS (minimum).
We will be discussing this article during class time on May 4, 2009 (the first week of class) Answering these questions will help you prepare for the discussion. You can post your answers on the blog, or submit your written answers in class.

1. Informed by your reading of this chapter, explain why theatre is a powerful communication tool.
2. How is a play not like a sermon?
3. Francis Schaffer’s understanding of a Christian worldview explains that there is a minor theme of the Bible (man is a sinner and we live in a fallen world) and the major theme of the Bible (Christ’s death provides redemption from our sin). What is your opinion on what Dr. Savidge believes that plays that present only the minor theme of the Bible can be powerful?
4. What is your opinion of the plays you have seen presenting the major theme of the Bible (redemption of sin through Christ)?
5. Why theatre “is the most directly human of all the arts”?
6. Why is it important to “engage culture”?
7. After reading Dr. Savidge’s suggestion for how Christians should respond to the offensive nature of many theatre productions or the lifestyle of theatre practitioners, what is your stand on this?
8. How can Christians discern to what extent they should experience theatre (as audiences and as artists)?
9. What did you learn about the difference between entertainment and amusement? Does that have any effect on how you see the use of “entertainment” in a worship setting?
10. Dr. Savidge wrote about playwright playing to our sympathies. Do you think this affects us? If so, how?
11. What are your thoughts after reading about the objectionable elements you might find in theatre?
12. Why is working in theatre a frustrating occupation? Why would it be dangerous for a Christian?
13. Have you ever had an opportunity to “come alongside” a theatre practitioner? How did you respond to them and they to you?