"The Christians" is both dramatically and intellectually provocative. It's a superb and worthy night at the theater, tackling themes that usually make me recoil: God, Heaven, Faith and Organized Religion. Ugh!
But the playwright has cleverly constructed a poignant and thoughtful drama that simultaneously creates a palpable tension in the audience and a non-judgmental blank slate to project your feelings upon. The night I attended, theatergoers seemed to be having a vivid collective group experience as the play unfolded. I could feel myself, and others around me, first responding defensively aloof, before slowly connecting with the conflicts on stage. The real reward of "The Christians" is how it stirs the audience (like any effective religious ritual), and how it leaves you to sort out your own personal beliefs and history from the drama's own revelations as you exit the church/theater.
But the playwright has cleverly constructed a poignant and thoughtful drama that simultaneously creates a palpable tension in the audience and a non-judgmental blank slate to project your feelings upon. The night I attended, theatergoers seemed to be having a vivid collective group experience as the play unfolded. I could feel myself, and others around me, first responding defensively aloof, before slowly connecting with the conflicts on stage. The real reward of "The Christians" is how it stirs the audience (like any effective religious ritual), and how it leaves you to sort out your own personal beliefs and history from the drama's own revelations as you exit the church/theater.
5
I had the pleasure of working with the director, Mr. Waters, at BAM shortly after the Twin Towers fell and found him to be one of the two or three finest directors that I have ever worked with in my 40 year career on the stage.
I am glad to see him getting his due in the NY Times. I urge anyone reading this to do what you have to do to see anything that has been directed by him.
I am glad to see him getting his due in the NY Times. I urge anyone reading this to do what you have to do to see anything that has been directed by him.
2
CI was in the audience the night I saw this play. I loved it and am delighted that he did as well. I wonder, though, why his review places so much more emphasis on Elder Jay's discussion with the Pastor (especially the point about the retirement of the church's' debt) rather than congregant Jenny's statement which is longer, more emotional and affecting and goes into much greater detail on a number of pointed questions. It was Jenny's speech that resonated with me long after the play ended, not Jay's.
Meanwhile I highly recommend this play!!
Meanwhile I highly recommend this play!!
3
Why is the NYT no longer publishing the designer names in the credits? They are notable contributors to the production and a vital part of the artistic team. David Weiner, Lighting Designer
So in other words, it is good deeds that matter, not blind faith. That's pretty much the essence of Judaism. Huh.
2
Jerry,
On Wednesday after 20 hours of fasting Jews around the world will read the Book of Jonah. They will read about the King of Nineveh who by the way is not a Jew. They will read the story that is the essence of Judaism but they will not understand it because it is just way to simple.
You say huh I say alls more the pity.
On Wednesday after 20 hours of fasting Jews around the world will read the Book of Jonah. They will read about the King of Nineveh who by the way is not a Jew. They will read the story that is the essence of Judaism but they will not understand it because it is just way to simple.
You say huh I say alls more the pity.
3
Exactly. After all, Jesus was Jewish and knew nothing of the Christianity that wa invented by men who never actually met or him, but who wrote the New Testament.
4
So your response to a review of a play about people of a religion not your own grappling with their faith is smug (and ignorant) superiority? Now that's something to atone for.
3
I enjoy another movie mocking Christianity as much as the next man but will anyone in Hollywood ever get the courage to illustrate the intolerance and bigotry that is practiced by some members of Islam?
The Christians is neither a movie nor does it mock Christianity. Your polemics are misplaced.
3
This is a play, not a movie.
1
This is a review of an off-Broadway play, not a movie, and it takes Christianity very seriously indeed. Your comment is completely inappropriate.
4
First important play of the new season? Seriously? I mean, really, seriously? So Annie Baker's marvelous, "John," is what? Not serious? I think Mr. Isherwood et. al. could do a little soul-searching about their own received theology, which automatically assumes that the important plays are written by men. Maybe if they all cracked open their own assumptions about what constitutes the important, theatre would not be so lopsided in its veneration of (mostly) white men.
4
John opened in the summer and has closed. Isherwood refers to the "young fall season." He gave John a fine review and made it a Critics' Pick, so your assumptions are unwarranted.
4
Um, look at picture of production. Two men. Only one of whom is white. Cast of five. Black population of USA usually estimated at 10%. Assuming Mr Powell is the only black member of the cast, the black community is overrepresented by 100%.
However, although we no longer give out medals for 'multicultural self-righteous scold', we can print you out a certificate suitable for framing.
However, although we no longer give out medals for 'multicultural self-righteous scold', we can print you out a certificate suitable for framing.
And, John was painful to sit through. Three hours of what??
I saw it last night having grown up in a groovy church that never mentioned Hell in Sunday School, so I was surprised by how closely some Christians hold this place is absolutely real. I attended the play with a friend who is an ex-Catholic who left the church for the very reason mentioned in the play: how can you ever enjoy the idea of going to heaven if some people you love are doomed to hell?
Personally I always found the notion of Heaven & Hell to be forms of social control: follow our rules and you'll be rewarded. But now that the pope says my dogs can go to Heaven, I'm willing to start believing.