By STAFF WRITER, Religion Desk

monique@nasguard.com

Could you imagine what it means to be a faithful servant of the Most High God, and for this same God to command that you take for a wife - of all women - a prostitute? Such an uncommon command was given to one such biblical prophet of renown, and that was Prophet Hosea.

Virtue Dance Academy will be telling this timeless story in its original theatrical dance production entitled "The Prophet's Wife". This show, which was written, choreographed and produced by Founder and Director, Professor Marilyn T. Deveaux, is being presented by popular demand in three encore performances at Holy Trinity Activity Center in Stapledon Gardens on Thursday March 1st.

Says Profesor Deveaux: "The story of Prophet Hosea and his wife, Gomer the Harlot, has many parallels that are lessons for us in modern times; for it mirrors these important relationships - Israel to Jehovah God, the Church to Jesus Christ, our nation to God, and more personally, us as individuals to Father God.

Gomer is reflected in each of our lives - sinners and believers - when we willfully neglect the Redeeming love and ways of God and seek after selfish and ungodly pleasures. As believers we must employ the ministry of Hosea, which is to be patient and loving to those Gomers in our lives - such as our loved ones or friends for whom we are praying - and in whom God is doing a work to bring them to repentance. This story is an encouragement for those who find themselves in the deep trenches of standing in the gap for the salvation and deliverance of loved ones. Come and you will be blessed!"

Told through music, dance and drama this production does not have one dull moment. Attendees of the debut in May 2006 talk about being at the edge of their seat, "can't wait to see what comes next". Nothing about this presentation was boring. Whatever type of musical style you like, you will find it in this production. Christian music of varying styles is featured - such as praise, worship, traditional and contemporary gospel, Bahamian, Caribbean, African, Rock-n-roll, jazz, latin, reggae, love ballad, and classical. Just as varied are the styles of dance technique you will see the dancers perform; including Latin ethnic, Afro-Bahamian ethnic, jazz, Charleston, pas de deux, exotic, Broadway caberet, salon, praise and worship, liturgical and ballet.

Here's a note from the Producer: "In order to be true and authentic to this provocative story, we have employed what we call "theatrical license" - much like "poetic license" in literature - to bring this story to life. We had to "keep it real" but be as clean about it as possible; because as our name denotes, ours is a Christian dance school that is all about Virtue. Some pastors and ministers attended last year's shows and they were not at all offended, but their comments were very complimentary to the production and the overall message that was conveyed to the audiences. Bahamas, you won't want anyone to tell you about this production, nor see it second-hand on a video, you will want to experience this one for yourself.

"The Prophet's Wife takes its audiences through a whole range of emotions; such as laughter, anger, exasperation, frustration, shame, sadness, compassion, joy, and celebration. Like we said before, there is not one dull moment in this whole presentation."

According to Professor Deveaux the purpose for the three shows on March 1st and 3rd is to raise funds for the school's upcoming London Tour. She stated that VIRTUE Dance Academy is preparing a contingent of 15 persons to travel to London on July 10th through 17th.

Says Dr. Deveaux: "While in London, we will represent our country by performing (i) our original theatrical production entitled "The Prophet's Wife" before the British community, plus (ii) at Bahamian gatherings commemorating our 34th Independence celebrations. We will also partake of such theatrical highlights as Ballet workshops, a Shakespeare play and a Ballet performance. The total trip is costing our contingent approximately $45,000 - being $3000 per person; and to this end we are raising funds by presenting "The Prophet's Wife" to the Bahamian public, and would like the public to support us in this venture by filling every seat for all three shows at the Holy Trinity Activity Center, Stapledon Gardens.

Tia Johnson, VIRTUE's principal dancer, stars as Gomer in this production. Tia is VIRTUE's Administrative Assistant and Junior Instructor. A student since 1998, Tia grew up in VIRTUE's training and has performed in four of VIRTUE's five previous productions. Having obtained Gold Medals with Distinction in all - but one - of her ballet exams with the American Academy of Ballet (AAB) from levels 5 thru 9, Tia is presently enrolled in the Certificate 1 VIRTUE Christian Dance Studies (VCDS) program, and will perform for Level 10 AAB exam this coming June. A member of Agape FGB Church where she has been ministering in the dance ministry for nine years and presently serves as an assistant leader, Tia usually brings a graceful, anointed and elegant quality to the stage. But in this portrayal of Gomer she will display a sassy side, which is foreign to her usual quiet, unassuming personality.

Elton Kemp, has been featured in all of VIRTUE's previous productions taking head roles in the last four. He played an angel in "The Seed of The Woman" in 1998, Haman in "Beauty and the King" in 2000, Satan in "The Seed of The Woman" in 2002, Elijah in "The Showdown at Mount Carmel" in 2004 and Hosea in "The Prophet's Wife" in 2006. Elton is a very good and reliable actor, having the natural ability to perform characters convincingly. He is in high demand for leading and support roles in the drama ministry which he currently leads at his church, Mr. Tabor FGB Church, and other local performances, including those be Dynamite Daisy. In this demanding role of Hosea, Elton will show a full range of emotions - not an easy task, but he is one to draw audiences into his character. And he has a special surprise for those who think that his artistic capabilities area limited to just acting.

Final words from producer, Professor Deveaux: "To everyone who reads this article, it is our hope that we have convinced you to come and partake of this exciting and anointed theatrical event. May you glorify our Lord, Jesus the Christ, for His handiwork in us, the staff, students, parents and friends of VIRTUE Dance Academy. See you at 'The Prophet's Wife'".