When parents of the St. John’s Drama Club members considered a production of “Back from the Dead” four years ago, some were hesitant. “Like a lot of teen drama groups, we do comedy,” said Producer Regina Schmiedicke. “Some of the adults were skeptical whether the kids could portray saints believably and effectively, and wow — I’m continually blown away by the performances that the teenagers give.”
“Back from the Dead Cemetery Walk” was created by Father Brian Nolan as an alternative to secular Halloween activities and to inform people on the lives of the saints. The cemetery walk is performed typically leading up to All Saints’ Day. With no Catholic cemetery in Front Royal, pilgrims were guided through the grounds of St. John the Baptist Church Oct. 27, where they met St. Teresa of Avila, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Blessed Jerzy Popieluszko, and 11 other martyrs and saints who shared their life stories and advice.
St. Teresa of Avila described her vision of hell: “The worst part is when I realized that the pains of hell never let up. They never end. There’s no relief, ever.” But assurance came from Blessed Miguel Pro: “Do not be afraid. Even if you lose everything, they can take nothing from you.”
The powerful performances elicited strong reactions. “It really hit close to heart,” said Tim Wagner. “It brought tears to my eyes many times. It did make me stop and pause and think about eternity.”
The performance was especially meaningful to Job Terranella, who’s in the process of becoming a Catholic. “It gives me a huge wave of comfort because before if I was alone and by myself, I had no one to turn to. Knowing that I have many saints who are praying for me is very comforting.”
The topic of evil is confronted throughout the presentations. Blessed Jerzy described his torturous murder in detail when the Polish priest was dragged from a car by secret police in communist Poland, savagely beaten, tied-up and thrown into a river with stones around his legs.
“Children become aware very early that there are evil things in the world,” said Director Laura Clark. “The most archetypal way we understand that in a healthy way is through understanding the great heroes in the world who have stood against that evil, and that would be the saints. From the time these kids are infants they are looking at a crucifix. These are images that are not unhealthy for us to contemplate.”
Understanding eternity through dramatic performance is profoundly Catholic, according to Schmiedicke. “The roots of Western theater are in our liturgy,” she said. “The Catholic Church pretty much started Western theater as we know it. So, I think it’s absolutely brilliant for Father Nolan to do this play. Not only is this theater, but it’s almost more personal because the person is not on a stage. They are right in front of you, explaining how they held on to their faith, how they would not deny Christ.”
At the end of the performance, guide Gia Grajeda told visitors, “Remember the words that the dead have said to you tonight. Live your life in light of your death. It’s the most important thing you’ll ever do.”
Hale is a freelancer in Front Royal.
