About
Vision2020 is a free street-theatre event being presented in The Italian Gardens on Sunday 7 June 2020. It's an updated version of a traditional Miracle Play, with an original script, in modern dress and language, and modern technology. In the traditional plays, the same scene was acted out several times on a wagon that moved around several audiences. In this play, the scenes will take place on the raised grassy areas in the Gardens, and it's the audience who will be encouraged to move around a little in order to follow the action. Another difference is that Vision2020 is called a Miracle Play rather than the more accurate Mystery Play, as a mystery play these days seems to mean Murder!
The storyline is a little different too – instead of the whole Bible, (which took a whole day!) or just the Christmas story, or the Easter one, this play is scenes from the day-to-day life of Jesus and his friends, taking up just a couple of hours on a summer's afternoon. It's being performed mainly by Westonians, the actors ranging from professionals to complete novices, from 87 years old to a mere toddler. It also aims to be as inclusive and diverse as possible as regards ethnicity, and religion. It's not a church event – participants come from all sorts of backgrounds faith-wise, and the religion, faith or philosophy of the audience too is irrelevant. It doesn't matter what you believe (or don't!) as you and your family enjoy this play.
As well as the characters on-stage, there will be people in the audience encouraging everyone to feel part of the crowd. So please feel free to cheer, boo, jeer or shout where appropriate, and clap and laugh too! The actual crowds 2000 years ago were not all the same – there were those who did become disciples, but there were also critics, especially amongst the strict religious groups. Some people were simply interested bystanders, who stayed that way, while others became straightforward enemies. The audience in June will also contain people with varying reactions, and this will all add to the exciting atmosphere of the show.
Lots more information can be found on the website www.vision2020wsm.co.uk so we hope you will read all about it and come along prepared to enjoy a different slant on an age-old story.
