30 April – 8 May 2021
A revolutionary queer ritual in which bread is shared, wine is drunk and familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus.
Join QUEEN JESUS for a revolutionary queer ritual in which bread is shared, wine is drunk and familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus.
This unique show combines theatre with storytelling and ritual to produce a rare and beautiful reflection on the life of Jesus, a transgender one, and a provocative meditation on a more truthful and generous interpretation of her words. It imagines Christianity’s message of love extending to embrace all those traditionally excluded because of their sexuality or gender.
Jo Clifford’s legendary play makes its Australasian debut with Kristen Smyth in the iconic role.
"Never had I been so viscerally affected by a play to the point it altered my psychology. The Gospel According to Jesus Queen of Heaven made me euphoric, and I felt healed."
TAHNEY ALEXANDRA MAY
"Good theatre has the power to transport and transform– a cliché, but one that held true for this production. The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven deserves every bit of praise it gets, and I cannot recommend it highly enough."
THEATRE TRAVELS
"Leaves us with a sense of hope for future generations to be more inclusive and open with our transgender community... A magnificent production."
WEEKEND NOTES
“Reaffirms everyone’s right to live free of discrimination and prejudice… A humane, mischievous and loving solo show.”
THE GUARDIAN
“One of the most remarkable journeys in recent theatre history.”
THE SCOTSMAN
“An affront to the Christian faith.”
THE ARCHBISHOP OF GLASGOW
“Profound and moving, witty and filthy, a wake-up call to tolerance, love and acceptance with an
intoxicating secular potency.”
THE LIST
"Powerful, provocative and affirming.”
THE WEE REVIEW
DURATION
50 minutes no interval
WARNINGS (15+)
Haze Machine
Written and Created by
JO CLIFFORD
Directed by
KITAN PETKOVSKI
Performed by
KRISTEN SMYTH
Produced by
BEN ANDERSON
Composer
RACHEL LEWINDON
Set and Costumes Design
BETHANY J FELLOWS
Lighting Design
KATIE SFETKIDIS
Choir
WILLOW SIZER, TOM PARRISH, MEL O’BRIEN, SHERRY-LEE WATSON
Lighting Associate
RACHEL LEE
Photo by
SARAH WALKER
