Esther performed in concert, May 2010
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Esther
is a musical drama enriched by humor and satire. The musical score blends captivating, lyrical melodies with the rhythmic heartbeat of global sounds. The vibrant choreography, from fierce sword dance to fabulous belly dancing and beyond, sets the stage for this compelling story to unfold...
Esther is an ancient story with contemporary themes. It is timeless tale, and a story for our times. It tells of politics and prejudice, love and redemption, and the powerful influence of the Divine Feminine which flows through both the Hebrew and the Persian cultures. It is a powerful testimony to love, an impassioned plea for tolerance, and an indictment of the insidious undercurrent of politics that can knowingly or unknowingly destroy lives. It is a story of courage and faith in the face of the forces of power, and how the power of love can alter lives.
Based on the Biblical book of the same name, Esther tells the story of a young Jewish woman who becomes the wife and queen of King Ahasuarus of Persia. This King has unwisely empowered his chief advisor, Haman, who reveals his true nature with a plot to have all the Jews of Persia annihilated. Esther, bolstered by the wise council of her Uncle Mordecai, risks her own life, exposes Haman and his plot, and ultimately saves her people from certain destruction.
This musical retelling of the story has a few additional characters and some additional themes, as well as a change of story line to reflect a deeper understanding of those historical times and our contemporary world. Ultimately, it offers a message of potential peace and reconciliation between cultures of external differences but a shared humanity.
The Setting
Set in Ancient Persia, "Esther" features historical aspects of both the Judeans and the Persians, who share a common historical origin. The story unfolds in the city of Sushan, in the ancient area of Sumer, which flourished for thousands of years in the Fertile Crescent, and is now part of the Southern half of modern Iran. The time period is about 465 B.C.E. in the time of Babylonia, during the reign of Ahasuarus, who many believe to be the historical King Xerxes.
And She Shall Be Called Woman, George Frederic Watts
2010 Performances
May 21, 2010 The Friday Center, Chapel Hill NC
May 22 2010 PSI Theatre, Durham Arts Council
May 23 2010 Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Raleigh
