This Fall marks the fiftieth anniversary of Jesus Christ’s Broadway debut. Here’s a link to a Religion News Service article on the topic, in which I am rather liberally quoted. And for extended discussion of Jesus Christ Superstar and other Biblical plays and musicals, check out my book Playing God.
Henry Bial is the author of Acting Jewish and Playing God. He has more than twenty years of experience in theatre and performance studies as a scholar, teacher, and leader.
Appearances
Nov
12
12
“Morning Edition”
National Public Radio
Today’s NPR’s Morning Edition listeners can hear me offer expert commentary on the phenomenon of non-Jewish actors playing Jewish roles.
Oct
4
4
Tsitsit Talks
(United Kingdom and online)
It was my honor to be the (virtual) guest of Tsitsit, The Jewish Fringe Festival, Britain’s first ever Jewish fringe theatre fest. My conversation with Ben Naylor of the Royal Central School was stimulating, touching on everything from the phenomenon of casting gentiles in Jewish roles to the comparative theatrical legacies of Shylock and Tevye. The session *was* recorded, and may be live-streamed as an ‘encore’ presentation at a later date. Watch this space for details.
Dec
5
5
The Leo Baeck Institute of London
(London, UK)
“Jewish on Demand: Representation and Difference in the Streaming Era”
Books
Playing God: The Bible on the Broadway Stage
Playing God: The Bible on the Broadway Stage
How Biblical texts have inspired Broadway plays and musicals, from Ben-Hur to Jesus Christ Superstar.
“Incisive and sophisticated, but also accessible and, frankly, fun.”
–John Fletcher
Louisiana State University
buy it now
