Set in the USA’s ‘Deep South’ in the Texan town of Corpus Christi, this play navigates some of the Bible’s most cherished stories, albeit appropriated into a modern context. As an official Mardi Gras event, and in spite its biblical foundation, Corpus Christi also explores contemporary issues, including homosexuality.

Prior to the opening of its Sydney Season, Corpus Christi was subject to protests from church groups, and the play’s organisers claim that the theatre has received abusive emails and telephone calls.  However, this play is no stranger to controversy. After Corpus Christi opened in London in 1999, it has been reported that the Shari’ah Court of the UK issued a death fatwa against its writer, Terrence McNally.

I found it difficult to see why this play has been so controversial. While it did pit Jesus and Judas as homosexual lovers, and it did show Jesus presiding over the civil union of Bartholomew and James, it didn’t question the theological underpinning of the church itself. In fact, it generally remained very true to the Bible in its depiction of stories from the Nativity to the Crucifixion.

One of the strengths of this production was its extremely talented cast. Amongst Jesus and his 12 apostles, it was difficult to pinpoint a weak performer. However, while it was certainly fantastic to see so many talented actors on stage, this also weakened the play’s effect. With so many competent actors, and so many interesting stories to be told, it was difficult for any one character to fully develop, and thus the play seemed to lack focus and continuity.

John the Baptist (Hugh Monroe) was one of the stand-out performers. His hilariously camp baptism of the apostles at the opening of the play set a very high standard, and was well received by the audience. Monroe’s wealth of cabaret experience brings life to this role. However, I was disappointed with the performance of Joshua/Jesus (Harley Connor), which, while competent, seemed to lack intensity.

Another strength of this play was the music. Amongst the cast were some very talented singers – a talent put to good use by director Leigh Rowney, who ensured that the dramatic action was interspersed with music – biblical and otherwise.

While perhaps not worthy of the controversy that has surrounded it, Corpus Christi was quite entertaining. As a Mardi Gras event, its most advertised focus is homosexuality. However, it is more than just your traditional gay-issues play, and is well worth seeing.