What Sin?

Director notes: What Sin? is an entire Easter program. It uses sign language, mime, acting, dowel rods and more to delight the audience. It takes a character from the first song and follows his thoughts and revelations. By the end of the drama this character realizes what Christ came to do – take our sins away. This should be the same conclusion reached by the audience. You could produce this drama with only 12 people, but if you have more, then you will be splitting the time and energies between more people.

Staging. The platform should be as empty as possible, leaving room for the dowel rods, signers and actors. Two boxes need to be made. They should be made of sturdy plywood, strong enough to stand on and just the right height to sit on. Paint them black for neutrality.

You will want a platform at the back of the performing space about 6 to seven feet tall. On the platform will be the cross. It stays there for the entire program. Steps will be needed to get to the platform. Only Jesus uses it so it doesn’t have to be very big.

Below the platform is the tomb area. Mask off the sides and create a stone out of Styrofoam as it needs to be moved quickly.

In the original production the set was also decorated with many reproductions of the Ten Commandments. They were made of Styrofoam and varied from 3 to 8 feet tall. They were scattered around the back walls of the performance area and arranged in collage fashion. Some were broken some in perfect condition. The actual commandments were written on the stones and readable by the congregation.

As there is little in the way of set to take on and off stage the transitions between songs sound be very rapid. The monologues by Sinner will not only continue the story, but assist in the transition. Black outs between scenes will be most effective, but the entire production can be accomplished with lights full up all the time!

Costuming is minimal. Modern dress most of the time. Neutral black or white for the signers and dowel rod performers. Sinner should be in nice, but casual wear. For the crucifixion song – “Glory of the Blood” -- biblical costuming would be best for all. There are two Roman soldiers, Jesus and various others. In “Mercy Said No” special costumes will help identify Mercy and Judgement. Judgement is in black and Mercy in red. Ideally we see no flesh. A covering veil or mask is needed as well as gloves, shoes or socks, etc in the color. (A simplified version is having both dressed in black, but use a red and black mask to give character)

Props: