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The Belgrade Theatre continues its
long association with Coventry's
medieval Mystery plays this summer
when its Community & Education
Company celebrates stories from the
Bible and the Qur'an in an exciting
collection of short dramas, readings,
live art, film and dance.
From 27 July to 1 August the
Belgrade will be welcoming around
200 local participants who will be
sharing what these fantastic stories
mean to them in today's world as they
present a range of events that
promise to be funny, thought provok-
ing and hugely entertaining.
Belgrade Associate Director, Justine
Themen, said "In deciding to take on
the Mysteries this summer, we wanted
to restore something of their original
relationship with their community. The
plays were originally performed to
make Bible stories accessible to
ordinary people, many of whom were
unable to read. So there was humour
in them, and references to contempo-
rary events and issues as well as a
retelling of the stories themselves.
"Furthermore, they weren't per-
formed by professional actors, but by
ordinary people. So we wanted to
restore that heritage by giving young
people the opportunity to make their
own retelling of the stories.
"Many people are unaware of the
shared heritage of Judaism, Christian-
ity and Islam � that many Bible stories
are also found in the Qur'an, for
example � and we thought this would
be a good way to emphasise common
ground, whilst exploring differences."
Ashleigh, a participant on the project
commented, "By performing in the
Mysteries we will become part of a
The Street Summer 2009
8
tradition that has taken place in
Coventry since the 1300s; so we will
become part of the city's history."
A mixture of free and paid for events
will be happening in the most unex-
pected of places at the theatre,
offering audiences a wonderful
opportunity to fully explore the
redeveloped Belgrade - indoors and
out.
The event will include contemporary
retellings of stories such as Samson
and Delilah with its wild hairdos, the
spectacular coming of Judgement
Day as well as a miraculous new
Nativity.
Tickets will be available from the
Belgrade Theatre box office soon
priced at �6, concessions �3. For
further information call 024 7655
3055 or visit www.belgrade.co.uk.

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