Helen Gwozdz Miller

The Christmas Miracle in Kolendy Helen Gwozdz Miller

This is a nativity play written in English with Kolendy/hymns sung in Polish. Basically, a tabloid is created with actors/carolers still and statuesque, except when they are singing or acting. In the words of the two interpreters, it highlights the deep meaning and significance of the Polish Kolendy/hymns. It was inspired by a Polish-American club, whose membership was interested in singing the Kolendy of its founders. Most of the members did not know Polish, but they remembered the melodies and struggled with the lyrics. Lyrics were syllabicated and were successfully taught to the members in rote fashion. Scripture readings from the New Jerusalem Bible were used to set the scene and to highlight the deep religious meanings of the Kolendy.