Religion

Story By PATRICK BUTLER
Religion Editor

Forgiveness in the face of death, faith in dire circumstances and transformation of the soul was the subject of Ballet Magnificat's "The Hiding Place" at Tyler's Caldwell Auditorium on Saturday. America's "First Professional Ballet Company" received a standing ovation and cheers from about 700 who enthusiastically applauded the interpretation of Corrie ten-Boom's dramatic story of spiritual survival in a Nazi concentration camp.

Set to dance by choreographer Jiri Vaborsky, "The Hiding Place" has been written, filmed and produced on stage. Now a definitive and soul-searing presentation of the legacy left by those facing hate and bitterness and winning, has been expertly portrayed by the visionary ballet company from Jackson, Miss.

The international cast of Ballet Magnificat! has rendered Vablosky's vision into pictures unattainable through other mediums. Certainly it is a rarity among professional ballet to embrace spiritual themes similar to those presented in "The Hiding Place." Perhaps rarer still is the sublime experience of seeing such themes exquisitely performed, accurately representing lofty ideals represented by faith in God.

Ms. ten-Boom's entire family, including her soul-mate sister Betsy, died at the hands of the Nazis. They perished for the crime of hiding - in their home - Jews fleeing the European nightmare. Knowing the risks involved in hiding those of another faith, paying the price and then forgiving her captors through her own faith, Ms. ten-Boom traveled the world for years, speaking on the moment one of her Nazi tormentors found her and asked forgiveness for their actions.

Often saying it was the hardest moment of her life - and the most liberating - she embraced the former Ravensbruck guard and forgave. Her book, "The Hiding Place," describes her death-camp experiences and her heartrending and moment-of-truth encounter with the depth of genuine forgiveness.

Ballet Magnificat's portrayal of Betsy's death at the hands of brutal, sadistic Nazis and the critical collision of Corrie's faith and familial feelings brought tears to the eyes of many in the audience. Many also shook their heads, perhaps in disbelief, at Corrie ten-Boom's ability to forgive or recalling their own attempts at forgiving.

Whatever the case, Ballet Magnificat! provided plenty of opportunity - including a prayer at show's end - to consider the example left by the ten-Boom family and survivor Corrie to truly make their faith a reality.

The Ballet Magnificat! will return to Texas on April 4 at Hillcrest Church in Dallas. Call (972) 382-3992 for information. Visit the Web at balletmagnificat.com for information.

Amy Snow, Ivy Canapa and Lydia Spano represent the Christian and Jewish communities working together for a common cause.
((Staff Photo By Herb Nygren Jr.))