Manisha Cornelius writes:
The Christ Church Jebel Ali community came together to present a heartfelt and moving play, “A Day Before Easter”, exploring the thoughts, fears and hopes of Mary, the disciples, and other followers of Christ as they grappled with the pain of His crucifixion and the mystery of what was to come. (Watch the performance here)
The production, directed by Samer Najm, aimed to capture the anticipation, emotions and reflections of those closest to Jesus in the final hours leading up to His resurrection—a fictional interpretation of what could have been.
Through powerful performances, stirring dialogue and soul-touching music, the audience was invited to witness the raw humanity of that moment — the sorrow, the silence, and the unwavering faith in the promise of resurrection.
The cast of Christ Church parishioners poured their hearts into every scene, creating an atmosphere that was both intimate and deeply spiritual. The set design and lighting added to the emotional gravity of the story, bringing to life the shadows of the tomb and the glimmers of hope that broke through the darkness.
A Day Before Easter was not just a performance, but a reminder—that even in the waiting, even in uncertainty, God’s plan is at work. It touched every soul present and renewed our understanding of the depth of Christ’s love and the true meaning of Easter.
We are truly grateful to everyone who contributed to this beautiful production and made it a memorable part of our Holy Week celebrations.
Director : Samer Najm
Cast:
- Peter: Alastair Holland
- James: Anup Quraishi
- Mark: Clarence Patrick
- John: Jabez Benjamin
- Nicodemus: Andrew Muir
- Joseph: Joshua Dumpala
- Mary Mother of Mark: Edna Jaycinth
- Mary Clopas: Sony Francis
- Mary Magdalene: Manisha Cornelius
- Mary Mother of Jesus: Lucy Holland
- Mary Salome: Nilofar Benjamin
(Click on images below to enlarge photo)
