|
|
|
The Sight and Sound
Millennium Theatre's
Using an enormous stage, phenomenally beautiful sets, real animals and a talented cast, "Behold The Lamb" is an imaginative yet faithful retelling of the story of Jesus, from the beginning of his ministry and baptism by John through his death by crucifixion and triumphant resurrection as the Savior of mankind.
Unfortunately, I don't have photos to illustrate all aspects of the story as camers are not allowed inside the theatre. However, the productions was very thorough and effectively brought to life various details that one might not always consider or easily visualize. For example, we see Jesus with his brothers, who at first doubt the truth of his mission and mistake him as a lazy dreamer shirking his responsibility in the family carpentry business. Just after he leaves them and is baptized by John, he goes into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan. And I wish I had pictures of the actor who played him...stereotypical all the way -- right down to a glittery red robe and horns -- and so entertainingly over the top as a performer! He clearly enjoyed his role immensely. However, this much needed comic relief did nothing to undermine the serious performance of the actor playing Jesus nor to detract from the obvious difficulty even the real Jesus surely faced with resisting the devil's temptations.
After this, we see Jesus calling his first disciples, another seemingly unlikely situation when one reads of it -- I mean, how many people are really going to follow this stranger who claims he'll make them "fishers of men"? But in this production the writers have used a little artistic license to paint their community as one too quiet for adventurous young men. They long for something to happen to break up the monotony, making Jesus offer much more enticing than it might otherwise be. Of course, we then witness many of his miracles, and the growing disapproval of the religious leadership...
...who are even more incensed when they cannot answer his question regarding from whence his ministry comes, or stop him from becoming a hero to an increasing number of people...unfortunately, many of these mistake him for a political deliverer rather than a spiritual one, and the joy of his triumphal entry into Jerusalem is very shortlived.
Within days, yet another crowd, this one disappointed at Jesus' failure to "save" Israel, urges his crucifixion. After "washing his hands of the matter", Pontius Pilate, though unconvinced of Jesus' guilt, orders the crowd be granted their wish. Jesus is beaten, a crown of thorns is placed upon his head, and he is crucified...
But that, of course, is not the end of the story. Three days later, it is revealed to several of the women closest to him that his grave is empty; he is no longer dead, but now resurrected -- alive...news they are charged to go share with his disciples...
...who soon see him for themselves. As may we all if we merely choose to...
To see this
production of "Behold the Lamb" yourself, or if you'd like to The Sight and Sound Website, Bible on Stage.com
|
