'What would you die for?'
Actors rehearse Wednesday for a scene in Christian Center School's production of "Bridge of Blood," which opens today. From left: Sophomore Jackson Staples, senior David Hubbard, sophomore Kiefer Stark, sophomore Caleb Baker and freshman Seth Chafe.
DEVIN WEEKS/Press
Christian Center School junior Isabelle James at rehearsal Wednesday cries as a newly widowed missionary during a scene from "Bridge of Blood," which opens today. Also pictured, from left: Sierra Arnspiger, sophomore; Emma Marshall, senior; Josie Kelley, junior; and Jaelynn Bunce, sophomore.
COEUR d’ALENE — The final — and only — live theater production of the school year for Christian Center School is "Bridge of Blood."
It's based on the story of five Evangelical Christian missionaries who moved to Ecuador with their wives in the 1950s to share the word of Christ with the indigenous people.
The five men were ultimately killed by the native people, instantly becoming martyrs among Evangelical Christians. Their wives were widowed in an instant as well, and Elisabeth Elliot, the wife of martyred missionary Jim Elliot, wrote a book about these events, which have been turned into a stage play heavy with narration and themes of salvation.
"The thing I want people to take away from this, it kind of depends on where they are in life, but I would say it’s the line, ‘What would you die for?’" senior Emma Marshall, who plays Elisabeth, said during rehearsal Wednesday. "What are you willing to lay down, and what will you lay down to follow the Lord?”
Emma has a special tie to this play because her grandmother knew the real Elisabeth.
“My grandma said she was very fun. She was deep, but she was fun," Emma said. "She didn’t really understand how much of an impact she had. She ultimately just gave her life to the Lord.”
Sophomore Kiefer Stark plays Jim, a character he describes as "all gung-ho for bringing the Gospel to all of these remote tribes."
"In my script it says these people have had no opportunity whatsoever while these stateside young people have had every opportunity to study here and understand," he said. "Just being willing to go out and serve in God's line of work, being a missionary. Give all you have to the Lord."
Emma, as she prepares to graduate at the end of this semester, said this is the "perfect show" to finish the year.
"This year’s been a roller coaster," she said. "I love the show, and the story is so good."
"Bridge of Blood" will take the stage today at 2 p.m. with another performance at 7 p.m. The show will also be held at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday. Tickets are $5.
Christian Center School is at 3639 W. Prairie Ave., Hayden.
Info: arts.christiancenterschool.org
