'Shepherd'

'Shepherd'

needs support

To the Editor:

A group of Rappahannock County citizens is promoting a traditional Nativity pageant, dating from 15th Century Europe. It is called “The Shepherd’s Play,” and was traditionally performed by farmers and their families at Christmas.

To continue the grassroots traditions of “The Shepherd’s Play,” the characters and singers will be drawn from non-professional members of the community. It is hoped that annual performances of “The Shepherd’s Play” will become a community tradition for the Yuletide season. Auditions and rehearsals will be held throughout the fall.

This is a project worthy of wide community support, and I am writing this letter as one Rappahannock County resident who is eager to see it succeed and be enjoyed by large numbers of residents and visitors.

To do a top-quality job of staging this pageant, which will have live music, dialogue, characters, and singing, entails some considerable expense, especially since we would like admission to involve either a nominal sum, or be free. To pay for professional direction, lighting, costumes, and other promotion and production expenses, a goal of raising $5,000 has been set, of which more than half has already been collected.

“The Shepherd’s Play” will be performed at the Colonial Christmas Celebration on the weekend of Dec. 7 and Dec. 8 in Washington. This Colonial Christmas weekend is being sponsored by the Town Council Celebrations Committee, the Business Association of Washington, and the Ki Theatre.

We are especially desirous of broad support and participation by local residents. Contributions of any amount, however minimal, are most welcome. Such donations are tax-deductible, and should be made out to and sent to The Shepherd’s Play Fund, P.O. Box 203, Washington, Va. 22747.

For more information, call either 675-3738 or 987-3167.

SID GOTTLIEB

Boston, Va.