This was the first time that SMASH has chosen to repeat a work but it seemed important to celebrate the year 2000 with a Christian work.

For many people, Christmas may simply be a festival to brighten the cold, dull days of winter. Others may be looking for something to give their lives more meaning, and the celebration of the birth of Jesus is just that.  This is one of the messages of Born For Us All. 

2000 years ago, the people of Bethlehem needed hope. They lived in an occupied country where the Romans were controlling their lives.  They may have longed for a Messiah to come and bring them hope for the future.  Perhaps today we can still see the relevance of Christ's message for us. 

We may not be like the shepherds, visited by voices from God.  We may not have anything as clear as a shining star to guide our way.  We may be like Jacob who gradually comes to see that Jesus' birth has some meaning for him.

Alison Faulkner

The situation in which the people of Palestine found themselves two thousand years ago, holds many parallels for people today.  The country had been invaded and was ruled by foreigners, there was a feeling that individuals had no power to shape events, and that whatever happened was governed by fate.  Into this dark world came one baby, giving hope for the future, who later suggested that individuals mattered and had free will.

In revising the music for the production, it became clear that we should add some songs which explored how the situation affected the thoughts and actions of ordinary people.  So those who saw the original production will find some new emphases and new music -but don't worry, 'Counting Sheep' is still there.

Peter Farndon

The synopsis of the story is detailed in the entry for the first time the musical was performed (1992).  The script, score and a video are available.

Photographs - please click on a photograph for a larger image

		Bfua9901 Jacob, the innkeeper, and his family
Bfua9902 The town’s people	Bfua9903 Preparing for the census	Bfua9904 Jacob and Levi discuss daughters!
Bfua9905 What shall we do about our children?	Bfua9906 Deciding to visit the stable	Bfua9907 Sarah wants to become a shepherd
Bfua9908 The shepherds see the light	Bfua9909 Andrew asks Jacob to visit the baby in the stable	Bfua9910 The books were right!

Text and photographs © SMASH 2004