Faith, history and community come together in the York Millennium Mystery Plays. Those ideas are encapsulated in the 15th century Face of God stained glass window at the Minster, being used as the central image to promote the event.

This remarkable work of art is now being sent around the world on the Internet and in media briefings to spread word of the Mystery Plays.

There can be no doubt that the plays, to be staged in York Minster for the first time, will be one of the major international events marking the Millennium. It will focus all eyes on York, and as such is both a tremendous opportunity and a daunting challenge.

We should feel confident that the Millennium Mystery Plays are in good hands. Sponsorship is in place, the director has been appointed and the promotional campaign is well under way. It has taken a huge backroom effort to get to this stage and that work deserves to be publicly recognised today.

Much of the attention so far has been taken up with the global significance of next year's event. It is bound to attract pilgrims and visitors from across the country and abroad, which can only be good for the city as a whole.

But the magic of the Mystery Plays comes with the community effort. Hundreds of local people will be involved, many of them school children, as the city unites behind the production.

There is a chance that a local actor could take a starring role. In our interview with the director last week, Gregory Doran dropped a broad hint that the role of Jesus might be filled by a talented amateur, rather than a big name from television or cinema.

Mr Doran, associate director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, has revealed some very promising initial thoughts about his interpretation of the Mystery Plays.

The length and the language of the plays has combined to deter much of the potential audience. But he recognises that this is essentially street theatre, by the people, for the people, and he wants to make it accessible to a contemporary audience without losing its historical resonance. That means "modern language but still with the old flavour", and a production that lasts no more than three hours.

It is a fascinating prospect, and one which we will follow closely as the Millennium Mystery Plays take shape over the coming year.

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