Students and teachers from Gospel High School celebrated the culmination of their term with a poignant gospel concert on May 1, 1996, as reported by the Fiji Times. The event not only showcased the talents of the students but also revived a significant piece of Fiji’s history through a dramatization that depicted a critical turning point during the post-European contact era.
The concert featured a powerful performance by a 10-member cast, reenacting the pivotal moment when a village chief abolished the brutal ancient custom of sacrificing female virgins to the gods of war following a victorious battle. This custom, prevalent during the initial arrival of missionaries, was often performed in gratitude for military success and as a plea for future divine favor.
As the drama unfolded, the audience witnessed the grim reality of these sacrifices, beginning with a village caller demanding the community’s attention in silence. The scene intensified as two wives of Christian missionaries, present to spread their faith, entered the temple just as two virgins had already fallen victim to the ritual, with three more awaiting a similar fate. The women’s condemnation of the practice, described as “evil,” was rooted in biblical teachings, which ultimately swayed the chief to abolish the custom in his village.
Gospel High School principal Arthur Craine expressed his pride in the students’ performances and gratitude towards the teachers for their efforts in organizing such a meaningful event. He noted that the drama not only reflected the arrival of Christianity in Fiji but also resonated with the concert’s theme, ‘Gospel Sounds the Trumpet.’ Mr. Craine mentioned the possibility of hosting another concert the following year, aiming for an even grander production, highlighting the enthusiasm generated by this successful event. The proceeds from the concert were directed towards supporting the school’s student council, furthering the positive impact of the performance. This historical theatrical presentation not only entertained but also educated the audience on the cultural transformations that have shaped Fijian society.
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