Are We Developing Great Theater?

George Barna — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:03:14 +0000

I just returned from a week in England during which I was blessed to attend four plays. One was Les Miserables, marking the fourth time I have seen that stage production. I remember reading the book in high school; it blew me away with its scope and depth. Now, as a Christian, seeing the play wipes me out every time I see it. Has the stage ever provided us with a more amazing contrast between grace and the law? Have you witnessed a more powerful drama addressing faith, family, justice, and redemption? Is there a more compelling character exemplifying integrity and love in action than the lead character, Jean Valjean?

On the plane ride home I wondered why there are not contemporary plays that reach audiences with a similar message and power to that of Les Miz. The book was written by Victor Hugo in 1862. I do not pretend to be an expert on theatrical history, but as I consider the various plays that have succeeded on Broadway and London stages in the past quarter century I am surprised at the paucity of contemporary dramas that have successfully addressed such themes. Has our obsession with movies and television precluded us from producing theatrical works as challenging as Hugo’s? Do our Christian colleges and universities prepare young men and women to create theatrical productions of this nature and quality? Do Christian parents recognize such efforts as a worthy calling for their sons and daughters? Are Christians willing to support such art, in the same way they might turnout for Fireproof or The Passion of the Christ? Are we content to anesthetize ourselves with entertainment that numbs the brain and ignores the soul?

George Barna » Les Miserables

Are We Developing Great Theater?