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Jesus Christ Superstar

 

I've missed the theatre more than anything these past months. It's my heaven on earth. So being able to go and see Jesus Christ Superstar at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre was a dream come true. With masks on, temperatures checked and social distanced seating was taken, the show began.
 
Overall, the production was fantastic and placed its emphasis on the individuality of the characters and their choices. With social distancing in place, certain difficulties arise in theatre, yet they were barely noticeable in this production. Two standouts for me were Judas and Pontius Pilate. Each filled their moments with emotion and drew the audience along in their indecisiveness. 
 
During the Trial Before Pilate (Including the 39 lashes) each lash was accompanied by a fistful of glitter. Which was unexpected. The use of colour in the production was fascinating as Jesus was defined through a golden microphone holder, gold glitter and a white costume. Whereas Judas had a silver microphone holder, grey and black costume, which highlighted his struggle between Jesus and Caiaphas. His betrayal of Jesus is shown when he covers his hands and arms in silver paint, making it clear for all to see his deed. This act reminded me off Lady Macbeth's bloody hands as Judas goes on to regret his actions. While the musical leaves it up to debate as to his fate, this production ends with Judas and Jesus sat side by side, equal. 
 
Pontius Pilate was a highlight in both costume and performance, portraying the difficult position that the Roman is in. The laurel reef marked around his head, and pure black costume set him up as a separate entity. As the actors had to social distance this enhanced his identity as a separate entity and reinforcing the divisions that lead to the trial. Judas' separation from the other characters was enhanced by social distancing. With the miscommunication exacerbated by an inability to physically reach one another. 
 
The musical that shows us both Jesus' and Judas' side of the story, the actor's socially distanced without sacrificing any off the drama. I'll have the soundtrack on repeat for a while.
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