"Corpus Christi" â€" a homosexual twist on an old story we all know
Terrance McNally's controversial play "Corpus Christi" about homosexuality has made its way to Memphis.
The play stirred so much buzz that bomb threats were made and audiences were forced to go through metal detectors at theaters in New York.
"Corpus Chrisi" premiered in 1998 shortly after the death of Matthew Shepard, a student at The University of Wyoming who was beaten to death for being gay.
The play follows Joshua, who is a modern-day Jesus, from nativity to crucifixion.
It takes place in Corpus Christi, Texas, during the 1950s, and Joshua experiences persecution with the realization that he is homosexual.
When Joshua decides to take control of his life, he gathers a group of followers (we know them as his disciples).
Each disciple plays a variety of characters and helps him spread his message of love and understanding.
They are in occupations ranging from a doctor and a lawyer to a hairdresser and a hustler.
The controversy surrounding the play in other cities has not been a problem here in Memphis.
Dave Landis, associate director for Playhouse on the Square and the director of the Memphis performance, said protesters initially showed up, but the run of the play has been mostly peaceful.
"There hasn't been a lot of controversy among audience members. If someone plans to pay $20 to see a play, they will probably come in with an open mind. It is among close-minded people who have not seen the play or read the script that have a problem with the content.
"We had two protesters for the first three performances. During the third performance, we allowed them to read the script, and they haven't been back since," he said.
One of the disciples is played by Jeff Godsey, administrative secretary of the biology department. He decided to do the performance "just to exercise his right to do it."
"'Corpus Christi' means body of Christ because it belongs to all of us," Godsey said.
Reginald Brown, assistant professor for the theater department, attended the play and was moved by the overall message.
"Some people get sidetracked by the idea about God and an openly gay lifestyle, but God's love is the core message â€" we should love like He loved," Brown said.
Chris Miller, a senior film and video major, hasn't see the play, but said he doesn't know why the play wouldn't be controversial in Memphis because there are many heterosexuals here who feel threatened by homosexuality.
"I would want to go to a play like this, just to see what kind of twist they bring to the story, and being a film major makes me curious," Miller said.
"Corpus Christi" is showing at Theatre Works Thursdays â€" Sundays until Jan. 29. The student ticket price is $20. For ticket information call the Playhouse on the Square box office at 726-4656.
