“Children of Eden” is said to have been inspired by The Book of Genesis. The musical takes names from religious passages, and creates a story surrounding aspects of personal identity and family dynamics. This exploration looks at how musicals can take religious theology and apply them to the daily conundrums of life, and the most basic building block of any society, the family unit.

 

This musical adaptation is the most close to being a direct representation of the Bible, versus its allegorical counterparts. In addition, Children of Eden stayes closer to it's roots and is the least modernized version of a theatrical presentation. 

 

Focusing on the brotherhood of Cain and Abel we see how religion can be a point of division and unification within a familial structure, and also that the questioning of theology is a reoccuring matter.

 

Children of Eden uses a biblical cast that includes members spanning from Adam and Eve, to Noah, and "Father". The plotline commences with the creation in "Let there be", and explores events such as the garden of eden - "The Expulsion", "The Flood" and Noah's arc, as well as the creation of humankind - "Children of Eden". 

 

Being that this musical is the most direct in it's presentation of The Bible, it can easily be said that it demonstrates the use of musicals as a modern day sermon to spread the message of religion, and theological concepts.

 

At it's foundation, Children of Eden tells the story of the creation of the world, and the development of humankind, the additional levels that are presented look at the questioning of God (or Father) and his decisions that affect his creations. Through the musical we get to explore the ideological "loss of paradise", and the seed of doubt that develops from Cain and Abel's discoveries. 

 

An additional representation that is developped in the musical is the development of "war" and fighting that develops from the interpretation and difference of opinion in relation to religion or preconceived ideologies that are passed down through generations. We frist see this in the relationship between Cain and Abel, and furthermore in the fighting and death that is begot from the brotherhood. 

 

A final theme that is carried throughout is the creation of lineage, inheritance, and division: The Creation of Adam and Eve as the stepping point, continuing through the creation of their sons and daughters and the eventual seperation of Cain's lineage.

 

Overall, this piece acts as a brief testament of the The Book of Genesis and as a modern presentation of theological ideology.

 

 

 

God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth." (NRSV 9:1) 

 

 

In the course of time Cain brought to the Lord an offering of the fruit of the ground, and Abel for his part brought of the firstlings of his flock, their fat portions. And the Lord had regard for Abel and his offering, but for Cain and his offering he had no regard. So Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. (NRSV 4:3-5)