Posted by member Lisa

Storytelling/Drama Workshop idea on the Exile

I would check out the story of the "exile and return" in the book/curric "Young Children and Worship" by Jerome Berryman and Sonja Stewart (Godly Play).

They tell the story with small wooden people figures. The exile is symbolized with a heavy piece of chain. The people are moved out of the homeland and the chain keeps them from going 'home'. Then God speaks to the Persian king and the people are allowed to return. The telling of the story is very simple--you could add the details you think are necessary.

Beginning with the above idea the story could be reenacted, as noted below.

A large heavy rope or chain (plastic 1 ½" chain can be purchased cheaply by the foot at your local hardware store) could be used.

On one side of the room the children could gather in 'family' groups. They could list or act out the things they like about or are important to them about their 'home'. The adults could be the invaders taking each family group to the other side of the room and then placing the rope or chain to show they cannot go home. The 'exiles wail and cry out. The list of things they will miss from home are read and they respond to each loss. When the word comes that they will be allowed to return they pantomime getting ready to return. You may want to think of a way to demonstrate the passing of time--people growing old new generations growing up in exile.
The rope is removed and the exiles return, singing and dancing and ready to rebuild Jerusalem.
The session could climax with music, dance, expressing the joy of return or with a feast of celebration.