Dramaturgical Update of the Holy Scripture: A Case Study of the ITP Theater

Abstract

The primary source of inspiration for amateur Christian theaters is the Holy Scripture. These groups often strive to bring content aimed at presenting biblical stories to the stage. The ITP Theater, operating since 2001 at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, frequently utilizes events recorded in the pages of the Holy Scripture in its stage productions. The playwrights writing for this group often make conscious choices of texts, resulting in the creation of universal narratives aimed at proclaiming the kerygma.

For this purpose, specific books were adapted for a contemporary scenic storytelling of ancient stories (Joseph – a biblical musical comedy), references were made to other well-known literary works (David’s Wedding), a compilation of various biblical fragments and events was used (Prophet), the narrative perspective of a given story was altered (Moria), but also the content contained in the Holy Scripture was presented in a manner that is faithful and almost unchanged compared to the original text (Mystery. A Matter of Death and Life). However, despite these numerous dramaturgical interventions, ITP Theater always preserves the essence of the Biblical message, adapting it to the current situation and needs of the contemporary audience.