| Director's Notes: Since we announced our plan to mount a fully-staged production of Jesus Christ Superstar for Tasmanian audiences, many people have asked me why we wanted to do this show, and what relevance it still holds in the 21st Century. Why? Because it is one of the all time great theatrical experiences - both to watch and to perform in! It is a show that I, like millions of others, have loved for years. However, I had never seen a fully staged production of it. I saw Trevor White and Doug Parkinson in a concert production in Hobart in the mid 80s, saw the Jon Stevens-John Franham-Kate Ceberano version on television, and saw ExitLeft's Hobart concert production in 1998 in which Colin Dean shone as Judas. But no fully staged productions! Therefore, when Amanda, Ben and I got together to discuss how we could follow up the fun and success of last years Chicago, JCS was immediately on our short list. I found that no matter how many musicals I listened to and considered for production, my hand kept reaching for the JCS CD time after time! After a week in which I listened to five different (very different) recordings of the show and loved all of them, I realised that it was really the only option for me at this time. Fortunately Amanda and Ben were equally enthusiastic! As to its relevance in 2003 - well! One only has to turn on the news or open a newspaper to see that the problems of oppression, religious freedom, race and intolerance still dominate the part of the world in which the story is set, and indeed the whole world. The religion founded on the teachings of our central character is still strong two millenia later, but still it's followers find themselves in occasional conflict with those of differing beliefs. Personally, I am not a religious person. I subscribe to no organised religion but am tolerant of and interested in all religions. I don't know nor do I have strong views on whether Jesus was the son of a God, a canny politician, a militant rebel or freedom fighter, a good man caught up in something he didn't anticipate or understand, a consummate showman or even a visitor from an alien world! What I do believe is that Jesus was a historical figure who lived through an amazing time and had amazing experiences and that is what Rice & Lloyd Webber's show is about - not about Jesus of the scripture - but about a real person with real emotions, challenges and dilemmas to face. Take from the story and the characters what you want, respect what others believe or understand and most importantly, enjoy the show as a tremendous work of art and entertainment. David Walch Director |
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