|
Corpus Christi is a passion play by Terrence McNally dramatizing the story of Jesus and the Apostles. It is widely considered controversial due to its depiction of Jesus and the Apostles as gay men living in modern day Texas. It contrasts modern devices like television with anachronisms like Roman occupation. In this version, Judas betrays Jesus because of sexual jealousy.
It received both critical acclaim for its exploration of gay themes in Christianity and condemnation for what some religious people view as blasphemy. It was directed in New York City by Joe Mantello, opening 13 October, 1998. It received its British premiere in 2000, produced by Theatre 28 and directed by Stephen Henry. This production received a fatwa.[1]
On 19 January, 2008, Robert Forsyth, an Anglican bishop from South Sydney condemned the play which was being produced as part of the following month's Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras. The play also showed Jesus' administration of gay marriage between two apostles. Director Leigh Rowney accepted that it would generate discussion on homosexuality and Christianity stating: "I wanted this play in the hands of a Christian person like myself to give it dignity but still open it up to answering questions about Christianity as a faith system." Playwright Terrence McNally, a gay man, received death threats when it was played in the United States.[2]
At the University of California, Santa Cruz, Corpus Christi was produced as a part of the 2007-2008 season in the Spring quarter. Directed by graduate student James A. Martin, the cast - while originally intended to be all male - included five female disciples, and was generally well-received. Ann Bennett, of the Santa Cruz Sentinel, described the production "powerful... -- it is savage but simultaneously beautiful and often unexpectedly funny."
Awards
Publication
See also
- Mystery play for the medieval religious plays, also known as Corpus Christi Plays
Notes
Works cited
- Eyre, Richard and Nicholas Wright. 2000. Changing Stages: A View of British Theatre in the Twentieth Century. London: Bloomsbury. ISBN 0747547890.
External links
| |
