Back Alley Productions kicks off Easter weekend with 'The Life of Christ'

Back Alley Productions will observe Easter weekend with the presentation of "The Life of Christ," which tells the story of Jesus's life from birth through resurrection.

"The Life of Christ" opens Thursday night, April 18, for four productions through Saturday, April 20. The play will be performed in the Mars Theatre in LaFayette, Georgia.

Cody Robinson Steele, left, who plays Judas Iscariot, with Kirt Johnson, cast as a Pharisee. / Back Alley contributed photo

"The Life of Christ" features an ensemble cast of 12 actors who present powerful scenes from the Gospels. They range from Jesus' birth to his early ministry through his final days to his resurrection.

"The production isn't your typical straightforward retelling," says Kaylee Smith, director.

"The focus is on the social and cultural obstacles that Jesus faced during his ministry and what he had to do to overcome those obstacles. Historically, he was presented as a revolutionary. The spiritual leaders at the time held a sense of elitism and even authoritarianism. Christ was a threat to the status quo. He rose to prominence talking about a God who wasn't interested in power structures, but who was open to restoring a relationship with all mankind. This argument for peace, forgiveness and love was especially dangerous to a society propped up by classism, division and power."

Each of the actors will perform several biblical characters: kings, prophets, disciples and followers all rotating around the character of Jesus.

In addition to a biblically accurate story about the Christian message, the production has a timely message about the dangers of religious privilege and legalism that Smith says is relevant to the increasing hostile climate of 2019.

"This production has something direct to say, calling out the division and elitism we're all capable of sliding into. It holds up a mirror to a society that values proving ourselves right, even if that means pushing aside the message of salvation or the principal charge to love and serve your neighbors, your enemies and your God without exception or inconsistency."

Smith notes that the doctrine of Christ's sacrifice and the redemption of mankind remains the cornerstone of the production.

"Even if you're not spiritual or religious, this is an important moment of history," Smith adds. "It's an important message that everyone has to confront, one way or another. To sum it up, the production is ultimately about a God who loves his people and is willing to endure significant pain to reconcile a broken relationship. It's not our story or about us. It's about him and how we can find a small part in the sweeping redemption of supernatural love."

Tickets can be purchased online at www.BAPshows.com or at the box office 30 minutes before show time. Seating is first-come, first-served.