'Crossroads' drama highlights domestic violence

Tony and Sherry Patterson enact a scene from "Crossroads," the walk-through drama production which Edgemont Baptist Church will present next week. (Submitted photo) [Click to enlarge]

Edgemont Baptist Church, 150 Fairfield Pike, will present its annual walk-through drama, "Crossroads," beginning Monday and continuing through Oct. 11 from 6 to 8:30 each night. It takes about 30 to 35 minutes to walk through all eight scenes, according to writer-director Carla Martin.

This year's production focuses on the issue of domestic violence, depicting the cycle of violence as an abused child grows up to become an abusive teen and later an abusive husband.

Martin said the focus of the drama is evangelism and the Gospel message but said the emphasis on saving people from the physical effects of violence ties in with Jesus Christ's message.

"He healed their physical needs as well as their spiritual needs," she said.

Representatives of Haven of Hope and the Center for Family Development will be available at the production to answer questions about domestic violence.

Martin said that nearly 100 church members are involved in the production. This is the fifth year for the church to produce this type of walk-through drama. Martin said that while evangelism is the goal, the camaraderie of mounting such an effort helps bring church members closer together.

"I think our church has a loving heart for people," said Martin.

Child care is available at the church; Martin said she does not recommend the production for children under 12 due to its realistic depiction of family strife.

Reservations are being accepted at 684-7676, but walk-in visitors will be welcomed as well.