by Carole Anne Scott

A united interfaith effort has been underway over the past few months. It has brought together congregants from different denominations, all working hard to arrange funding, a venue, a collation, and publicity for "Esther: The Feast of Masks" ("Esther"). This musical production will take place on Sunday, April 3, at 3:00 p.m. at West Roxbury's Temple Hillel B'nai Torah.

The performance will feature the popular host of Public Radio International's "Sound and Spirit," Ellen Kushner, "Esther's" author, who will serve as narrator, accompanied by live music. Performers will include music director Michael McLaughlin, piano, accordion, guitar, and vocals; Mary Casey, guitar and vocals; and Joe Kessler, fiddle and vocals.

The brainstorm of Sacred Heart parishioner and Greater Boston Interfaith Organization ("GBIO") activist, Mike Elliott, the project took root about two years ago when his young daughter Lexi e-mailed Ms. Kushner. Kindly, she actually answered her, inviting her to a performance of "The Golden Dreidel" in Concord Center. As a result, Mike subsequently attended a showing of "Esther."

He was truly impressed by this modern adaptation that intersperses four contemporary stories with the tale of the ancient Jewish queen who turned the tables on Haman, thereby saving her people from extermination. As he stated, "...I found it magical that a story written about 2,500 years ago could still be so relevant...and was amazed at how the wisdom of Scripture can be applied today."

Not a show for children under the age of twelve, "Esther" intertwines her tale with those of four contemporary Americans: a wife in her fifties who finally asserts herself with her unreasonable husband, just as Esther, known as Vashti, queen of Persia, must defy hers; a timid teacher who masquerades behind passing for white in our often still racially biased nation, in much the same way that Esther once hid her Jewish identity; a diplomat who must decide what to do in the midst of the genocide going on in Rwanda, just as Esther had to decide what to do about keeping silent or speaking up; and a high-school student dealing with a homophobic friend, presented as a parallel situation to Esther's saving the lives of her people.

Immediately following the 75-minute performance, a collation will take place. The audience will then reconvene with Ms. Kushner who will lead a discussion session and answer questions.

Bringing "Esther" to life in our local area became a personal mission for Mike Elliott. The financial cost was considered too great for any one denomination to go it alone, so an interfaith planning team was organized. Eight different congregations joined in donating the initial funding, offering at least $100 each, and more importantly, supplying volunteers to work on the project. Forming the core of the Planning Committee, along with Mike, were Sr. Virginia Bobrowski, Mary Celeste Brown, Adriana Cillo, Robin Fox, Jane Greer, Rev. Lilli Nye, Rabbi Barbara Penzner, and Joyce Wardle.

Bringing an added interfaith dimension to the effort, the youth groups of Theodore Parker Unitarian Universalist Church and Temple Hillel B'nai Torah will join forces on the day of the performance to help out at the event. They will then meet up again two days later to share their observations on what "Esther" meant to them. Rev. Nye felt this component was essential since she believes that community service should have a deeper dimension and should give those participating in it an opportunity to take away from it a meaningful life and learning experience.

Of the volunteers' efforts, Sacred Heart parishioner and "Esther" planner, Adriana Cillo said, "This is not just about the different religious groups working together, but also about fostering relationships between their members. We are having fun organizing this for everyone to enjoy. I think this will be the beginning of many other common projects."

Mike concurs stating, "This is not a GBIO event, but through it, we are developing bonds and leadership in our congregations. We didn't know we had so much energy. It has had a. snowball effect and we hope to have more of these joint efforts."

A modest $10 donation is all that it takes to occupy one of the 350 or so seats at the "Esther" performance. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness this inspirational and entertaining masterpiece presenting stories of heroism, faith, and freedom.