Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption (2012)

Inspired by Terrence McNally's "controversial" play about a young gay Jesus, Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption follows a group of actors who began production on the play seven years ... See full summary »

Directors:

Nic Arnzen, James Brandon

Writers:

Nic Arnzen, James Brandon,

Stars:

Jeanene Ambler, Nic Arnzen, James Brandon

Cast

Credited cast:
Jeanene Ambler	...	Andrew / Herself
Nic Arnzen
James Brandon	...	Joshua / Himself
Sheilagh Brooks	...	James the Less / Herself
Steve Callahan	...	Judas / Himself
Melissa Caulfield	...	John the Baptist / Herself
Elizabeth Cava	...	Matthew / Herself
Mark Colbert	...	James / Himself
Paul Denniston	...	Peter / Himself
Larry Kramer	...	Himself
Norman Lear	...	Himself
Terrence McNally	...	Himself
Matthew Montgomery	...	Bartholomew / Himself
Anson Mount	...	Himself
Molly O'Leary	...	Thomas / Herself

Storyline

Inspired by Terrence McNally's "controversial" play about a young gay Jesus, Corpus Christi: Playing with Redemption follows a group of actors who began production on the play seven years ago in a small church. Within months they suddenly found themselves thrust in the world spotlight touring to international acclaim. The documentary follows the troupe and the playwright sharing their stories with supporters and protesters as they continue their tour across the world to communities where hate and bigotry are much more prevalent. Mirroring the reflections of dialogue in society today, especially in regards to civil rights, marriage equality, HIV/AIDS, and separation of church and state, this production has become a vehicle of change for a community struggling to find its voice. Meanwhile, the company of actors find themselves on a journey that would forever change their lives.

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Taglines:

Challenge Everything You Believe.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

29 April 2012 (USA)

Filming Locations:

California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

108 Productions (II)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.78 : 1

User Reviews

The Church of the Future

Playing with Redemption is a documentary about the cast members who came to perform Terrence McNally's play, Corpus Christi, that was threatened religious fundamentalists when it came to Broadway a decade or so ago because of its religious content. The documentary traces how unchurched cast found spirituality and transformation in a story about homophobic violence and religious intolerance. Corpus Christi was written after the hate crime/murder of Matthew Shepard in Wyoming. McNally pens in the Preface to the play, "Jesus Christ did not die in vain because his disciples lived to spread the story. It is this generation's duty to make certain Matthew Shepard did not die in vain. We forgot the story at the peril of our very lives." And I would add "our souls." The documentary affirms a deeply profound and spiritual truth that love conquers hatred, even homohatred. This is a story for people spiritually and humanely who are committed to end hatred, violence, and children bullied for being LGBT.