What I both love — and abhor — about my show is I just never know how people are going to react.
I am, shall we say, always surprised.
After one show, a nice Unitarian Universalist contacted me to say he enjoyed my show: “Outstanding! Please let me know when you will be back in town; we are a group of Unitarians that love theater and really love satirical looks at the traditional religions.”
At the very next show, a group of Unitarian Universalists walked out because my show was “too critical of religion.”
At another show, an atheist criticized my portrayal of Christ’s birth and said I set up my fake altar incorrectly.
At that very same show, a minister hugged me in the lobby and invited me to perform at his church.
Which is exactly what we are doing Nov. 1 and 2, 2013!
An Unlikely Partnership
It’s an unlikely partnership — a gay minister and an atheist comedian. But when a mutual friend introduced us, Rev. Brian Henderson and I discovered a shared desire to see religion evolve. I’m pushing from outside Christianity while he pushes from inside. Rev. Brian has been remarkably supportive, and I’m proud to be working with him and First Baptist Church of Denver.
“Thea’s show is amazing, stunning and sharp,” he says. “Her articulation of what it means to be human and to love couldn’t have come across more clearly.”
We’ll be in Miller Hall, the church’s public performance venue. We’ve invited the secular community, the progressive spiritual community, college students, and the general public. We’ll have some adult imbibements, and we’re trying something a little different this time — something I’ve always wanted to do.
After each performance, audience members will have a chance to talk about their reactions in small facilitated groups, and share their own stories and experiences with religion.
Rev. Brian says my experience with religion is all too common, and he’s committed to “breaking down barriers and changing stereotypes” for his church.
Beware: Allies are Everywhere
Who would have thought a MINISTER would like my show?
I have learned it’s best to not judge people based on their labels — or ours, for that matter. We just never know who might be an ally.
Which makes life rather sweet, don’t you think?
P.S. Read Rev. Brian’s article in Out Front Colorado.
P.P.S. If you’re in the Denver Metro area, buy your tickets to the show. And stick around afterward to tell me if you’re an ally or not. 😉