Unity, courage and creativity bring story of early Baha’i to life on the stage

When 56 year old American Baha’i, Keith Ransom-Kehler, died of small pox in Iran in 1933 she believed her tireless efforts to win for the Baha’is of Iran the right to practice their religion and access their literature had been in vain. The Guardian, however, seeing her work through his infallible lens, named her a Hand of the Cause of God – one of those select individuals of the Faith appointed to assist with the advancement of the Faith across the world.  

Nearly 100 after her passing, a group of young people in Aitkenvale, Townsville, brought her qualities and services to life on the stage, through the performance of Sarah Munro’s play, Forget-me-not Iran. 

The process began in October 2024 when Valentine – a participant in the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program – expressed his desire to develop his talent for acting. With support from a facilitator of the program, a small group of actors formed, comprised of young people manifesting the required unity, courage, determination and creativity to bring the project to life. 

The journey from initial read-through to the final performance was long and winding. There were many challenges which at times cast doubt on the achievability of the goal, and much to learn, including many lines. Prayer, perseverance, consultation, mutual support and encouragement proved essential, and the outcome surprised and delighted both the cast and the audience.

The play was performed in two acts in August to an audience in Townsville and the team is now exploring opportunities to present the play to communities in neighbouring localities. 

The Universal House of Justice states in its Ridvan 2023 Message that “In this new series of Plans, increasing attention needs to be given to other processes that seek to enhance the life of a community—for example, … drawing more effectively on the power of the arts.” 

In August 2024, the Townsville junior youth produced a film based on the Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program text Glimmerings of Hope and in December, one of the members of the local spiritual education process received an award for a publication of his art as part of the national Violence Against Women: Let’s Stop it at the Start campaign.