The pilot festival was a direct response to the directive of Archbishop Conti that the newly founded Arts Project should produce “an annual event or festival, the first in time for Lent 2007”. This festival was to harness the talent of individuals and groups across the Archdiocese.
Described by many at the time as an “ambitious” first step, Lentfest 2007 introduced the first Schools Art Competition, which was judged by celebrated artist Peter Howson. The theme was “A Reason to Believe” and the winners were presented with their prizes by Archbishop Conti and the then Lord Provost of Glasgow, Liz Cameron.
The programme also included the first AGAP Theatre Production, “Passionate Voices” written and directed by Stephen Callaghan. The play, which featured eight monologues by characters peripheral in the Passion story, gave a vivid, visceral depiction of the events from the Last Supper to the Resurrection from a series of very different human perspectives. It was such a success that the play was subsequently developed into an educational DVD pack by the Scottish Catholic Education Service consisting of a double DVD and a booklet of resources for reflection. Copies can now be ordered from AGAP priced £14.99.
The diversity of Lentfest was highlighted by the participation of people of various ages and religious backgrounds (including Sikhism and Islam as well as other Christian traditions) and the festival also incorporated existing events from across the Archdiocese’ cultural scene. These included the 30th Anniversary Children’s Cantata “David and His Song” led by the Archdiocesan Music and Teachers Committee, the world premiere of James MacMillan’s Tenebrae Responsories by Cappella Nova and a dramatisation of the stations of the cross by children at St Andrew’s Primary, Bearsden.
Our first ever “Film and Faith” event took place at the Andrew Stuart Cinema at Gilmorehill G12 with a screening of Mel Gibson’s controversial film “The Passion of the Christ”, accompanied by a panel discussion with film academics, scripture scholars and cultural researchers.
AGAP also undertook a schools drama workshop programme with S2 pupils at St Mungo’s Academy in Glasgow’s East End, helping the children to devise their own Stations of the Cross and perform for their peers in school. The project was a collaboration with the RE and Drama Departments and concluded with a special service by the school chaplain.
