In the Beginning
About
Exactly four hundred years ago, in 1611, a group of scholars gathered together in the Jerusalem Chamber at Westminster Abbey to finalise their translation of the King James Version of the Bible (KJV). Subsequent centuries have seen this book become one of the most significant works of literature in the English language. To celebrate the publication of this remarkable text, Westminster Abbey has teamed up with the Bush Theatre to create a unique, intimate and highly theatrical event.
In The Beginning will see audience members taken, in intimate groups, on an extraordinary journey round the Abbey – accessing areas that are rarely open to the public and at a time when it is usually closed to visitors. Each group will be led on a journey by one of the country’s most exciting established or emerging actors. As you travel round the building, an ensemble of performers will read carefully chosen extracts from the KJV which will cast a fresh and surprising light on the Abbey itself. This one off event will be a uniquely exciting way to experience an historic place and an historic text.
Co-directed by Josie Rourke and Christopher Haydon, in conjunction with the Dean and Chapter of Westminster
