ABOUT THE SHOW - The 3 Vignettes

One of the most important observations for me about the Book of Job is its tripartite structure. Proportionately, the outer sections are rather small compared to the monstrous middle. Chapter-wise, the first part is 2 chapters, the second is 39 chapters, and the third part is 1 chapter. However, this all makes sense in terms of the Book of Job's main focus. On another level, this book is a proportional inversion of Job's actual life: before the tragedy, Job was pretty old. The tragedy lasted for some time ... probably not more than a couple of months or years. Then, after the tragedy, Job lives 140 years. In the end, I inferred from the text that there were three parts of Job's life: Prostration, Isolation, and Reunification. And this is how my piece is divided.

PART ONE: Prostration - "A Perfect and Upright Man: Summation of Job"
This Vignette is also divided into three parts entitled Prostration, Isolation, Reunification. Because it is the first exposed scene of the show, it is a recreation/summary of the Book. Of course, the middle 39 chapters are greatly reduced for practical purposes. The instrumental forces have yet to be determined. As of yet, they are trumpet, cello, piano, electronics, narrator/singer, 5 actors, video, and off stage voices. The three movements of this first part all run into each other continuously, even though the music implies the separations.

PART TWO: Isolation - "Oh, that my words were written!: Scrutiny of Job"
This Vignette explores the Book of Job both artistically, abstractly, and academically. It is here that the audience is exposed to creative writing inspired by Job, some theories of its origins and development, philosophical and theological musings, quotes of praise and criticism, interviews, and other reactions. This movement will be a bit overwhelming all at once, however, piece by piece, it is highly calculated. For this movement, I am incorporating some visual art by Kym Finkle.

PART THREE: Reunification - "He weakeneth the strength of the mighty: Similars of Job"
This Vignette is divided into two parts. The first will feature Mr. Fred Peterbark performing an arrangement of the beloved hymn, "It is Well With My Soul", with an added verse by me. The second part is a video accompanied by a 6 part chorale meditation. Towards the end, the video settles into one scene, and dancers end the show. The video will contain text revealing characters in relatively recent history who have gone through Job-like experiences, one of whom is Horation Spafford, the composer of "It is Well With My Soul." This Vignette, along with the rest of the work, concludes that suffering - no matter how great or small - is part of life. In essence, the whole of 3 Vignettes of Job is simply a celebration of life.