Sun Haven Waldorf School children received the gift of theatre and the Christmas message from the staff from their school Dec. 19. Performing the Oberufer Shepherds' Play is an historical tradition in Waldorf schools.
"Sun Haven Waldorf School is one of hundreds of Waldorf schools around the world that perform this play each year in many different languages," said Janet Lacroix, board member and founding director of the school in Roberts Creek.
The play dates back to the Middle Ages when on the island of Oberufer in Austria amid the Danube River, peasants began performing a cycle of three plays surrounding the Christmas season. The Shepherds' Play is the second and depicts the arrival of baby Jesus.
Lacroix added some historical perspective: "Prep-aration for the play followed a meticulous process.In the autumn after harvest, the peasants who were to take part met together, and rehearsals began.All parts were played by men (as in Elizabethan theatre) and during the rehearsal time all members of the cast had to lead (as far as they could) an upright life, which included abstaining from ale houses and the singing of bawdy songs. It was assumed to be a time of reflection and cleansing."
The play was held at St. Hilda's Anglican Church in Sechelt and the actors, that include men and women today, were accompanied by local musicians. Historically the play is acted with novice participants and few props. "It is presented by the faculty and staff as a gift to the children, parents and community. The play is reverent and beautiful in its musical selections and hilariously funny, bringing cheerful entertainment with a deeper meaning," Lacroix said.
