The choir at Koloa Union Church will be performing the cantata, “Behold the Darkness,” by Benjamin Harlan, on Maundy (Holy) Thursday at 7 p.m., at the church on Po’ipu Road, as the centerpiece of its Tenebrae. “It’s a beautiful work,
The choir at Koloa Union Church will be performing the cantata, “Behold the Darkness,” by Benjamin Harlan, on Maundy (Holy) Thursday at 7 p.m., at the church on Po’ipu Road, as the centerpiece of its Tenebrae.
“It’s a beautiful work, so I wanted to do it,” said the church’s music director, Joyce Anglemyer.
“It tells the story of Christ, and it’s acted out. The readers act out the verses of the Bible.” As each reader speaks his or her lines, that candle goes out, explained Anglemyer.
Then everyone eventually leaves in the darkness, and the only candle burning is the candle for Christ.
The darkness symbolizes the flight of the disciples, the arrival of Jesus’s enemies and His ultimate suffering.
Total darkness reminds us of Christ’s death and his burial in the tomb. Only the Christ Candle will remain lit as a sign of hope, explained Anglemyer.
The church members started preparing for this performance in mid-December, but rehearsed more strenuously beginning in January.
The choir will be assisted by the Rev. Nani Hill, pastor.
Participants for the performance include Braxton Parongao as the narrator, Albert Moe as Jesus, Mike Johnshoy as Judas, Larry Chaffin as Pontius Pilate, and Peter Baldwin as Peter.
The anonymous voices will be Fran Johnshoy, Dollie Brierley and Penny Sugawa.
The newly-re-formed Handbell Choir will be performing with the church choir at Easter Sunday services at 10:30 a.m.
The Youth Group will also be sponsoring an Easter breakfast before the Easter Sunday service, beginning at 7:30 a.m.
There will be an Easter egg hunt for the children at 9 a.m.
For more information, call the church at 742-6622.
• Lanaly Cabalo, lifestyle writer, may be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 237) or lcabalo@kauaipubco.com.
