The Word in the Wings
A behind-the-scenes look at how GPA artists are engaging with Scripture, from study to studio to presenting a Spirit-filled message on stage.
When you read “The Word in the Wings,” you’re invited to learn about the deep, biblical roots of our performance and about how GPA artists make connections between the biblical texts we study and the art you’ll see on stage.
We hope this opens the door for even deeper dialogue between you and God as the story of Scripture presents itself in new, perhaps unexpected ways through the medium of movement.
Without further ado...
Why arts ministry: a brief introduction
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
At Glorify Performing Arts, we endeavor to interact skillfully with aspects of God’s creation, making art as a way of growing in faith and understanding. Over the next month, I’ll be sharing conversations with several company artists where they discuss their perspectives on why dance is a powerful practice for Christian faith and ministry.
From the studio: Melody Stanert on making “A Candy Cane Christmas”
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Starting this weekend, you can see a preview of GPA’s Christmas ballet, A Candy Cane Christmas, as well as reflect with us on Scripture that connects with the story. Listen in on my conversation with Artistic Director Melody Stanert to learn more about her heart behind this fun-filled event!
From the study: receiving the king with joy
Excerpt
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
“When Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea in the days when Herod was king, look! Magi from the east came into Jerusalem, saying, “Where is the one born king of the Judeans? For we saw his star when it rose and came to worship him” (Matthew 2:1). In a few weeks, GPA will share a preview of A Candy Cane Christmas, a ballet reflecting on the range of ways we can respond to Jesus’s coming at Christmas. King Herod and the magi also show different responses to the arrival of God’s kingdom.
From the stage: “Your word is a lamp to my feet”
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
The opening sequence of Casefile: Euangelion takes place in darkness. The dancers take turns traversing the stage, each shining a flashlight on her feet, providing just enough illumination to dance a direct path to the other side. The sequence calls to mind an image from Psalm 119:105. Though this psalmist exhibits exceptional focus on the centrality of God’s word to a life of goodness, Psalm 119 is not the only chapter that suggests what God’s people are to do with God’s word. If we read about how Joshua, Josiah, and Jesus interact with the words of Scripture, we can see how God’s word mediates trusting relationships with Yahweh, thus lighting the path to life.
From the studio: Hannah Long on dancing as “Emilia”
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Casefile: Euangelion premiers this weekend, and the dancers have put a lot of thoughtful reflection into how to portray their characters through movement and storytelling. Join me for a conversation with Hannah Long, who dances as “Emilia,” one of the law enforcement officers who confiscate Izabelle’s Bible. We discuss how Hannah imagine’s Emilia’s backstory and how that affects the story in key moments, as well as how Emilia’s movement expresses her developing relationships with other characters throughout the ballet.
From the study: trusting God’s word for life
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In Casefile: Euangelion, the beautiful promises in God’s word are held up against harsh present realities. Beneath the characters’ motivations when they choose to trust God’s word even in the face of frustration and danger, there is a conviction that God’s word is a more reliable source of truth and life than the alternatives offered by other powers. Examining how Jesus interacts with Scripture when he is tested in Luke 4:1-13 helps to illuminate this.
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