The Word in the Wings
The Word in the Wings gives 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.
Throughout the year, Jessica Noonan, GPA’s Ministry & Worship Leader, along with guest artists, will share articles connected to GPA productions. 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...
From the study: God’s word transforms a tender heart
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
During temple-maintenance, a priest finds Moses’s law book, and a scribe brings it to King Josiah. Josiah hears the book read and laments; the people have not kept the laws. He sends servants to inquire of Yahweh, and they speak with the prophetess Huldah, who describes how Yahweh will act. But Yahweh’s response is attuned to the human heart and how impressionable it is to God’s word.
From the studio: Audrey Hammitt on dancing as “Izabelle” (Part II)
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In this second part of my conversation with GPA dancer Audrey Hammitt, she shares about how she sees a story–and how she sees herself–reflected in the poetry of Psalm 119. We also discuss how dance tells a story in Casefile: Euangelion and how that connects to the stories of Scripture and our own lives.
From the studio: Audrey Hammitt on dancing as “Izabelle” (Part I)
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Audrey Hammitt dances in GPA’s new ballet Casefile: Euangelion as the character Izabelle. Izabelle is a Christian young woman living in a country where access to the Bible is restricted. She wants to grow in her faith, but it becomes so difficult that she questions whether staying in her home country is worth facing the trials and persecution. Join me for a conversation with Audrey about what it’s like to portray this character’s wrestling and growth through movement.
From the study: God’s word to be with you
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
As Joshua prepares to succeed Moses and lead God’s people into the land promised to Abraham, God repeatedly instructs Joshua to “be strong and be bold.” Between repetitions of this refrain, Yahweh reminds Joshua of the motivation, the method, and the basis for this command and underscores the continuity of God’s committed relationship to Israel. In GPA’s new ballet Casefile: Euangelion, the character Izabelle faces frightening circumstances, living in a location where it isn’t safe to practice her faith openly. But other Christians remind Izabelle that God is with her even in her dangerous situation, giving her a basis to remain strong and bold and continue to act in accordance with God’s word.
From the study: God’s word is very near
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
The story of GPA’s ballet Casefile: Euangelion invites its audience to appreciate how accessible and powerful God’s word is for us. Moses’s exhortation to Israel in Deuteronomy 30 puts forth a similar message, highlighting the wonderful gift of God’s word to guide the people of Israel to life and peace as they establish themselves as a nation in their own land. Deuteronomy 30:11-20 describes the significance of God’s commands in mediating Israel’s return, not just physically to the geographical space that God promised to give Israel’s ancestors, but also relationally to the boundaries established in creation to govern fruitful interactions among God, humanity, and the earth.
From the study: to great lengths for God’s word
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In GPA’s ballet Casefile: Euangelion, faithful characters go to great lengths to ensure that others can read and meditate on God’s word. The psalmist in Psalm 119 also goes to great lengths to meditate on the value of God’s word; at 176 verses, Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the Bible, and it uses at least eight different synonyms for God’s word. The poetic use of this vocabulary in Psalm 119 shows why God’s word is so important.
From the study: What is greatness in God’s kingdom?
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
In Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus tells a parable about a shepherd with a flock of a hundred sheep. Leading up to this parable, Jesus is responding to his disciples’ question about who has the highest status in God’s kingdom. Jesus’s answer applies multiple layers of imagery to the disciples’ question and suggests a different framework for understanding how people relate to one another under God’s reign.
From the studio: introducing company artist Gabrielle Byrnes
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Weaver
Glorify Dance Theatre is welcoming a few new company artists for the 2022-23 season, which is just around the corner! Keep reading to meet dancer Gabrielle Byrnes.
From the studio: introducing company artist Hannah Long
The Word in the Wings
By: Kaya Prasad
Glorify Dance Theatre is welcoming a few new company artists for the 2022-23 season, which is just around the corner! Keep reading to meet dancer Hannah Long.
We encourage you to dig into the Word in the Wings archives to learn about the theology in previous GPA productions. From 2021-2024, Kaya Weaver worked as the Biblical Research and Ministry specialist at Glorify Performing Arts, and her articles provide amazing theological connections to our productions. Check out posts from Kaya as well as other guest artists, and enjoy time growing deeper in your faith.
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