About the The Gospel According To John Performance

The most beautiful of all the Gospels, John's account is also the most mystical. In Leonardo Defilippis's dramatic interpretation of THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN, the written Word becomes imagery - light and sound transform the inexplicable into flesh. Realism has often been used for Gospel interpretations, but somehow it is impossible to recognize the mystical reality of Christ through a simple reenactment of the events found in the Bible. Instead, this production has taken a more symbolic approach, based on the artistic theology of the Byzantine icon. An icon is not just a painting - it is understood by Christians to be a window into the reality of the supernatural. By contemplating an icon, "written," as they say, by an artist who has spent hours in prayer, one is drawn into a stillness and consciousness that is outside day to day existence.

THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO JOHN is presented as a meditation on the mystery of the Trinity. Leonardo has not approached it in a literal way, but has tried to capture this mystery of the Word made Flesh in symbolic imagery, intended to draw us all into an experience of prayer. This is a rare opportunity to slow down, listen, and allow the Word of God to enter into our hearts.

120 minutes + intermission. Suitable for ages 7 and up.