A Jesuit Off-Broadway: Center Stage with Jesus, Judas, and Life's Big Questions

Often people are not all that curious as to what makes a heroic character heroic. Perhaps it's because the bold actions of a heroic person can speak for themselves. Take Rosa Parks as an example. It doesn't matter why Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus, an action that spearheaded the Civil Rights Movement. Her action is enough. However, when it comes to traitors, we're more than curious. Why did Brutus betray Julius Caesar, his close friend? Some historians claim Benedict Arnold could have been a great leader in a new nation? Why did he turn sides? Of all traitors/betrayers/turncoats in history, the one who causes the most speculation is Judas Iscariot, the infamous (?) apostle who sold Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. Judas' actions have caused questions, questions that are centuries old, as the recent discovery of the Gospel of Judas demonstrates. We wonder, why did Judas do what he did? Was he jealous of Jesus? Disappointed? Was he trying to cause Jesus to act? Stephen Adley Guirgis pondered the question of Judas and the result was the play THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT. The play is set in a courtroom and Judas is put on trial, giving him the opportunity to either explain his actions or perhaps seek forgiveness. Guirgis wanted accuracy so he sought out a "theological advisor." Jesuit priest James Martin seemed well suited for the task and the book tells the story of his first becoming involved in the project to his follow through when the curtain falls for the last time. Martin weaves a number of different threads together as he shares his experiences as an advisor for the play. Readers see how a play develops from an idea to a finished product, growing and changing numerous times along the way. We also get a glimpse at how a theater company works, in this case the LAByrinth Theater Company in New York City, and the varied personalities that populate the group. We see the frustrations of the company as the play develops ever so slowly, as well as the way it finally takes shape. Martin also introduces readers to current biblical scholarship regarding the New Testament as well as concerns regarding contemporary biblical interpretation. The book's greatest strength is not the information about scripture, nor is it in how a play comes to life, as compelling as both can be. Throughout the book we see relationships develop between Martin and the writers and cast. We learn of their struggles with faith for some and the strong faith of others. We see Martin go from being an advisor, almost an outsider looking in, to an integral member of the production and in a real way we see communal bonds develop. Martin is changed from the encounter, and no doubt the others involved were too. While A JESUIT OFF-BROADWAY tells a number of different stories, James Martin's ministry as a priest is what holds the book together, and for me it's a compelling read. Priests serve God in a myriad of ways, and while it may be a bit cliché, a priest n

While strikingly different from his previous work, both in subject and method, this book about his experience working with the cast and crew of an off-broadway show called the "Last Days of Judas Iscariot," is phenomenal. It has been a while since I last read one of Jim Martin's books - the last major one was "Becoming Who You Are," which was sort of an expansion of some of his thoughts in "My Life With the Saints" - I immediately fell into the rhythm of his writing style. He writes in a very approachable and down-to-earth way that is neither insulting nor overly complicated. It is an intelligent mix of narrative based on his personal experience of growth with this acting troupe and theological insights that arose during the process and afterward by way of theological reflection. Like every other book written by Martin, I highly recommend this one!! Even before I read it, I purchased 3 copies of it for gifts for people, knowing that a book by James Martin will not disappoint. Enjoy this book!

Father Martin has a unique way of getting our attention...discussing the Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Now who hasn't wondered what happened to Judas? I mean, after all, he did what was he was supposed to so that the prophecies about the Messiah would be fulfilled, but he betrayed his close friend. Hero or villian? When Father Martin is asked to be the theological advisor for the off-Broadway production that gives us the trial of Judas to determine how he will spend eternity, discussions turn to all sorts of topics. Father Martin is not heavy-handed about the theological issues, and between his insights and humor, with the modern interpretation of the trial scenes (I REALLY need to start praying to Saint Monica again!), I was riveted! A can't-miss good read, even for non-Catholics or "lapsed Catholics".

Diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, I have been looking at books that help me walk the journey ahead. I had thought a Jesuit author would be a little "heady" for me, but I couldn't have been more wrong. James Martin took my daily life and bridged it beautifully with my need to integrate a great desire to become closer to God and a doctor's advice to slow down. It never ceases to amaze me that God brings people, TV shows, books and stories that become "ah-ha" moments. Not only in his book, A Jesuit Off-Broadway, but also in the earlier one, Becoming Who You Are, Martin enlightened my path. This 80-year-old mother who is a Benedictine Oblate needs this Jesuit's writing!

This is a fine book. Very insightful. It tells the story of the creation Stephen Guirgis' highly regarded play, "The Last Days of Judas Iscariot" and the Jesuit priest who served as technical adviser for the production. I recommend this book to anyone interested in the following: creativity and the creative process; spirituality; Jesuit thought; Buddhism; Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Sam Rockwell, Stephen Guirgis, John Ortiz, Eric Bogosian; living, breathing, present-day cutting-edge New York theater. James Martin writes in fluent, effortless prose and continues to establish himself as author whose writing transcends any genre. A tour-de-force. I can't recommend it enough.