Saturday, December 3, 2011

Merton - Tonight!

"Merton of Gesthemani: Hermits, Hippies and Poets"
First Presbyterian Church - 8 p.m., tonight and tomorrow

Jason Sine is Thomas Merton

The playwright: Actor, director, educator, author, Brad Wallace, is a pioneer in the American Resident Theatre movement, performing in major venues across the nation: The Alabama, Colorado and Utah Shakespeare Festivals, Barter Theatre, Geva Theatre and American Stage. After appearing in over 160 roles at the ASOLO Theatre in Sarasota, his most recent publication is ASOLO, the History of the State Theatre of Florida. He has performed the piece you see tonight.

The man: Thomas Merton (1915-1968), Trappist Monk, one of the most significant spiritual influences of the 20th Century, was a prolific writer of social, political and religious commentaries. An outspoken peace activist and supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, he arrived to international prominence with his classic autobiography, The Seven Story Mountain. He was unique among peers for his view that Eastern Mysticism and Western Religious Tradition might be symbiotic.

The actor: Jason Sine has appeared in numerous local theatrical productions. Most recently, he portrayed the man-in-black in Carol Allin's "Mothman Musings" at the 10-Minute Play Festival. Come see Sine bring Merton to life in "Merton of Gesthemani: Hermits, Hippies and Poets," a one-man show at the Presbyterian Church on Saturday, December 3 and Sunday, December 4 at 8:00 p.m. Admission is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Photo by Virgil Hervey

2 comments:

Kay Reimers said...

Gary and I saw it last night it was excellent. Good production values, loved the wardrobe. Jason "lived" the role, as we say in the theater. Thanks to all involved who reminded us that theater is not a pale version of TV or movies.

Virgil Hervey said...

Glad to hear it was excellent. There is still one last chance to see it, tonight (Sunday). I plan on being there.