April 7, 1999
'Is it I? Is it I?'
By Carol South
Herald contributing writer
"Is it I? Is it I?"
The sanctuary of St. Patrick's Catholic Church reverberated with this anguished question last Thursday evening as members of the church presented A Living Last Supper in honor of Holy Thursday. The play focuses on just a few seconds in time at the Last Supper when Jesus announced that someone would betray him that night. After that shocking pronouncement, each Apostle in turn relives his history with Jesus, reviews his faith and agonizes that he may be the traitor.
"The play captures that moment when they heard that one of them was a betrayer," said Joyce Odell, a city resident who brought the play to her church and directed it. "It is a wonderful piece, very inspirational and moving."
The play is based on Leonardo da Vinci's painting of the Last Supper, which shows the moment of surprise and disbelief among the Apostles when Jesus declares he will be betrayed. During rehearsals, Odell, her crew and the actors frequently referred to a copy of da Vinci's painting to perfect expressions, gestures and props. These checks were crucial because for the majority of the play the actors are frozen in the poses painted by da Vinci, while one after another the Apostles deliver their monologues.
Odell, who has a long career in dance, music and the theater, chose to not hold auditions for A Living Last Supper. Instead she began asking members of the parish who they thought would be good for a part. She then approached each man recommended and asked them to participate, talking to them to get a sense of which Apostle they would best portray.
"I was looking for men of faith who would be able to relate to this and share the experience with others," Odell said. "I wanted them to come from within, to show us what it meant to them when their character would say the Heavens opened up and they saw a miracle."
Rehearsals began in January and the 13 men tapped for parts began immediately growing their beards. All novices to the stage, these busy businessmen carved time out of their schedule to create the play, motivated by the chance to spread a holy message.
"This play is a blessing and another tool to bring people to the Lord," said Pat Cline, a city resident who portrayed Simon the Zealot. "I learned a lot more about the Apostles and studied the scriptures and the Last Supper to prepare. From this play, you understand what Jesus went through; that is what it is all about as Catholics."
Odell was most thoughtful in her choice of the actor to play Judas. She wanted someone believable and likeable, who could convince the audience that he was only betraying Jesus because he thought it was the best thing to do.
"It was hard until we sat down and she told me to sell everyone that I was right," said Greg Robinson of Garfield Township who portrayed Judas. "It wasn't until I said the lines and knew the part that it came together."
Odell first saw A Living Last Supper three years ago in Florida when her mother directed the play for her parish there. Her mother had received a script from a friend in another state and the play's author and origins are unknown. Odell was immediately intrigued and brought a copy of the script back with her, but it was not until this year that she had the time to direct it.
"My faith has been growing and growing and it is wonderful to put it all together," Odell said. "Presenting this play was very moving, very inspiring for everyone involved. The Holy Spirit was in these men during their performance."