Every year the churches in Wokingham mark Good Friday by holding an event in the Town Centre. For the last two years, I have had the joy to be a part of implementing this, in the form of a community passion play.

Through this I have learnt that community plays are hard work. Especially when they involve trying to bring together lots of different groups who aren’t used to working together. Getting commitment from people is a challenge in itself and then implementing the plan with people who all have their own idea’s is an even bigger challenge. Don’t get me wrong the creativity and idea’s that they have are inspiring and I wouldn’t want to stifle them for a second, but they require good facilitating skills!

I feel like I have no illusions anymore when it comes to community drama. It’s not an easy option; it’s not a safe option or a romantic option. It’s the option that keeps you awake, it’s the option that sucks every ounce of creativity and energy from your bones. It’s the option that until the cast are on stage taking their final bow you’re never sure what’s going to happen.

But, it’s a fantastic option! Meeting new people and giving them permission and space to be creative. Seeing young and old, experience and novice standing side by side taking in the applause: Grinning from ear to ear! I love that!

In my next couple of blogs I’m going to be thinking more about Wokingham’s Good Friday Community Play… stay tuned!