At Canada’s National Arts Centre arts education is a core priority. We believe strongly in the positive experience that students gain when exposed to live theatre
These NAC English Theatre Study Guides are written with several intentions in mind: firstly, to aid teachers in their preparation prior to taking their students to a matinee performance at the NAC; secondly, to encourage teachers across Canada to use the guides as a teaching tool in their classrooms; for students themselves who wish to explore deeper in the world of the play ; and finally, as interesting adjuncts for our general audience who might wish to learn more about the creation and background of our productions.
Synopsis
There are many scene shifts in the play, which are indicated here with a ♦.
Joe and Mare have a misunderstanding with the usher about their seats for the Nativity play. Mare is quite pregnant. They leave the theatre and the play begins.
♦ Three shepherds are approached by Mak, who puts them under a spell and steals a sheep. Coyotes attack the flock and wake the shepherds, who realize they were tricked. They go to Mak's house to get their sheep and find that his wife has just given birth to a baby (the stolen sheep in disguise). An angel appears to the shepherds and tells them a Saviour is born in Bethlehem. The shepherds decide to follow the star to see the baby.
♦ King Herod's Councillor announces three magi from the East who bear gifts for a king. After much confusion, Herod realizes that the gifts are not for him, but for the newborn king. Herod has the magi followed so he can kill Jesus and keep his power.
♦ The three shepherds reach the manger and present their gifts to baby Jesus and Mary.
♦ Mare and Joe make a quick appearance onstage, lost and confused.
♦ King Herod's soldiers return. They have lost the magi and can't find the baby. Herod orders them to go kill every child under the age of two.
♦ Song of the Angels.
♦ An angel tells Mary and Joseph that King Herod wants to kill the baby and that they must flee to Egypt where they will be safe.
♦ Two soldiers enter and brag about their killing. Three mothers sing about the death of their children.
♦ King Herod hosts a feast, which is interrupted by angry mothers protesting the slaughter of their children. Herod claims ignorance and orders his soldiers and Councillor put to death. Herod continues with his feast, chokes on some food and dies.
♦ Mare and Joe rush across the stage. Mare is in labour.
♦ Three coyotes concoct a plan to dress as shepherds and steal a lamb. An angel appears, mistakes them for shepherds and announces the birth of the "Lamb of God". The coyotes set off to find the lamb.
♦ The coyotes (disguised as shepherds) catch up with Mary and Joseph. They steal baby Jesus (the "lamb") and Mary and Joseph set off in hot pursuit.
♦ The coyotes are caught, and realize that the "lamb" is a human baby. They save baby Jesus from a Roman soldier, and Mary and Joseph think that was all part of the plan. The coyotes are forgiven. An angel appears to say that King Herod is dead and Mary and Joseph may return home. Mary and Joseph thank the coyotes, offer them gifts, including a ham* and they all join together in song.
Background
The Bible
The Christian Bible is the world's most widely read and translated book. It has been translated into hundreds of languages and forms including, most recently, Cockney Rhyming slang, Manga and Lego brick form. But who wrote the Bible? Some people believe that the Bible is the direct word of God, and others believe that it is a collection of historic documents written by a number of different authors. Archaeological research has shown that much of what is in the Bible is historically accurate, such as the names of government officials, kings, cities and festivals. The Bible has two parts: the Old Testament that takes place before the birth of Jesus and the New Testament that was written after his life and ministry.
