Creation

Discussion Questions

Pre-Production

1. Traditional Christian thought contained the notion of "original sin" – a reference to Adam and Eve's decision to disobey God and eat the forbidden fruit. Do you think that people are innately good? Or is there something to the notion of original sin?

2. One of the biggest debates raging now in North America is about creationism vs evolution. Where do you stand on this issue? Why? Is the Bible the literal word of God? Should creationism be taught in science class in school? What about evolution? http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/evolution/intelligent-design-trial.html

3. What do you think about using inclusive language to refer to God (this means referring to God as both male and female, or as a genderless being)?

4. Do you think that humans have the right to exploit the Earth for their own benefit? Or does the Earth have rights? Ask students to read the following news article:   http://www.ottawacitizen.com/technology/document+seeks+rights+Mother+Earth/4599114/story.html  

5. In the play, Adam gives birth to an Ass. He refuses, at first, to give it a name. He says: "You're a thing sold and bought. You won't exist when they write history." People name their children, but we also name pets, and sometimes even inanimate objects. Why is having a name so important? Adam finally decides to name the Ass "Working Class". Why do you think that choice of name is significant?

Post-Production

1. When Eve and Adam eat the forbidden fruit, they gained knowledge of their own death. Would you want to know the time and date of your death? Would it be a relief to know that nothing you do until then will harm you? Or would you be able to think of nothing but that? What do you think about genetic testing for inherited conditions (such as the breast cancer gene) which can help predict potentially fatal diseases? 

2. Peter Anderson writes in verse and uses alliterations (the repetition of the first letter of a word) throughout the play. Do you like this? What does it add to the play? Or why would you prefer a play written in prose?

3. Naomi, Noah's daughter, is an ardent environmentalist, warning the townspeople of impending doom if they don't change their ways. But people think she is nuts (including members of her own family). What power does one individual have to bring about change? As a class, make a list of actions you can take to bring about change in an area that you care about (environment, animal/human/GLBT/women's/children's rights, etc.). How do you stay motivated when (as in Naomi's case) it seems like no one cares?

4. Read section on mystery plays. How did Anderson make the play relevant to today's audience and the issues that concern us today?

5. When the Ark is finally built and the flood waters begin to rise, Noah and his family are unable to take some children aboard, and have to watch them drown. Do we have a responsibility exclusively to our own families, or is every human life equal?