That’s a wrap!
Reflecting on the first Japan performances of The Mark Drama
Mark Drama Japan, a simple yet powerful performance of the story of Jesus, has completed its first two performances.1 In the words of Christ, it is finished, but in another sense, we’ve only just begun.
When we met for our first rehearsal, we were reminded of some of the opening lines in Mark (v. 3): “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord.’” Our producer, Makito, reflected, “I sometimes think of Tokyo as a concrete wilderness. And there are so many here who aren’t yet prepared for the Lord.” With the Word in our hearts and our context in mind, we began rehearsing.
From the start, the energy in the room was dynamic—no one held back. The director remarked on the first night, “I’d been wondering, ‘Can Japanese people really do this?’ But you’re doing it!” The rehearsals were fast-paced, like the scenes and like Mark’s Gospel. Scene by scene, the action comes at you: Jesus performing miracles, the disciples taking two steps forward and one step back, and the Pharisees interjecting and misunderstanding. The humour amongst the disciples had everyone in stitches. The Jesus actor captured Jesus’s gentleness, and the calm delivery of his teaching drew us in.
The final day’s rehearsal came with a warning. We were ready to rehearse Jesus being betrayed and mocked, his grief and his suffering. “For those playing wicked characters here, especially Judas and the Pharisees, it’s difficult. Don’t joke with them outside of the scenes. They’re faithfully portraying characters who hate Jesus because these actors love Jesus. When you’re not acting, be praying for those actors.” Hearing Jesus cry out to God, Peter grieve his betrayal so soon after having proclaimed his own loyalty, and Jesus gasping for air on the cross was heavy for all of us. Some light relief came when we were warned not to drop Jesus as we put him on the cross.
When the time came to perform, we were pumped. The seats filled, and we worried that we wouldn’t be able to move around easily with the room so full! The action happens amongst the audience, and their participation surprised us both nights! Many stayed for supper, and most filled in response cards.
We estimated it would take 90 minutes, but it took about 130 minutes. Things take longer to say in Japanese! But that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm, and the ending was as dramatic and moving as we expected it would be.
The response
Ninety-six percent of respondents found the drama moving. Seventy-five percent would like to see the drama again. Sixty-five percent would like to read Mark’s Gospel. Many have said they would like to act in the drama and others have said they would like to host it in their church. Twenty people took home copies of the New Testament to read Mark’s Gospel themselves. Praise God for a positive response.
Some worried that the pace would make it difficult for those who are unfamiliar with Mark’s Gospel to understand. One respondent wants to see special effects and background music. One audience member thought Jesus cried too much.
An emerging theme is that people have questions about how Jesus responded to his suffering. We portrayed him crying, grieving the separation from his Father and his betrayal, and struggling to breathe on the cross. For some, this was deeply moving while others found it uncomfortable. Others expected him to have been staunch, quiet, trusting. Audience, cast, and reader alike—we’d all benefit from reading Mark’s gospel again and see how Scripture reveals Jesus to us.
Relying on God
For the steering committee, having launched the first production is a huge hallelujah. All the way through, we relied on God in prayer, and all the way through, he answered prayer. Actors stood around the room praying for one another, whether for friends coming to watch, nerves, lines to learn, or courage to welcome people afterwards; the reliance on God was visible throughout.
Because of Mark Drama Japan, one person has said they believed. Others were reminded of their sin again. Pray that convictions developed at the performances would grow into a harvest of righteousness.
This is just the beginning. We’re overjoyed that nearly 300 heard the gospel clearly and vividly through Mark Drama Japan. So many more need to hear it. Do you want to see The Mark Drama happen in your church, your school, or your university? Email us at info@markdramajapan.com. We’ll be in touch about our plans for 2026. We’ll be recruiting actors, producers, and potential directors, as well as finding venues and securing dates. Pray for a harvest that bears fruit one hundred-fold out of the good soil of Japan.
1. See our article in Winter 2026 issue of Japan Harvest p. 28 for more background.
Photo submitted by author