Readers' theater
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HAMILTON, New Zealand — Honoring the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Prophet Joseph Smith, a five-part reader's theater was presented at the temple visitors center here throughout the year depicting the story of the early Latter-day Saints in America.
A changing cast of 40 "Restoration Actors and Musicians" performed the theater production in the visitors center. Detailed research into each character was evident in the inspired casting of individual members of Joseph Smith's family and friends.
After the production, which ended Dec. 4, cast members testified that they felt close to their pioneer counterparts as they participated in the readers theater.
"Our Christus Room only holds 100 people so the overflow crowds saw it on video in two of the theaters," said Sister Cecile Scribner. She said her husband, Elder Douglas M. Scribner, is director of the visitors center.
"Last night there were 359 people packed in to see the final performance. More people just simply had to be turned away."
The first part, held in April, portrayed the period between 1826-1830 and was set in Pennsylvania. In June, the second part was set in Ohio over the period of 1830-1838. The third was held Aug. 26-28, and was set in the Missouri period of 1838-1839. The fourth was held in October and depicted Nauvoo from 1840-1843. The fifth and final depicted the martyrdom and aftermath, from 1844-46, and was presented Dec. 2-4. Each part was presented for a three-night period.
"Each performance brought alive the characters as all witnessed to the truthfulness and reality of the Restoration of the gospel," she said. "For example, Nifae Fepulea'i, who played the part of John Taylor, was so moved with love and compassion for Joseph Smith that he could hardly get the words out when he sang, 'A Poor Wayfaring Man of Grief.' "
A choir of singers emerged from the audience as they sang songs. "We used a lot of Eliza R. Snow, W. W. Phelps, Edward Partridge, John Taylor, and Parley Pratt music," she said. "It was absolutely thrilling to sing those songs in the context of the Restoration itself. They helped tell the story as much as the words of the script did."
These included such hymns as "An Angel from on High" (Hymns, No. 13) and "Hark, All Ye Nations!" (Hymns, No. 264).
The saints' persecutors, who unexpectedly sprang from seats in the audience, brought further reality and color to the already lively performance.
"We hope that people will see Joseph Smith in a new light — as a man surrounded by faithful family and friends, as well as enemies," said Sister Scribner.
"We tried to stay true to the ages of the real people, but in one performance, for example, Joseph Smith was a Maori, Hyrum was a Maori, Father Smith was Dutch, Sophronia was Fijian, Catherine was Fijian, Mother Smith was Maori, Emma was Maori, William was Dutch, Samuel was American, Samuel's wife was Tongan, Porter Rockwell was Tongan, and William's wife was Chinese, and so forth. No one seemed to notice.
"Our cast connected really well with their characters, and we hope others will also gain a testimony by being a part of this re-enactment," said Sister Scribner.
"I enjoyed being involved in something dramatic based on historical fact — to be a part of what the family experienced and how they were driven on, even through tragedy," said Rachael Paea, who played Sophronia Smith, Joseph's sister. "When I saw the re-dedication in the faces of the audience, I knew the re-enactment had been worthwhile."
