Corpus Christi at St. John's MCC

St. John’s Metropolitan Community Church presents Corpus Christi, a queer passion play by Terrence McNally, during the first two weekends in June to honor Pride month and the church’s accepting and affirming position regarding all types of people, including those who identify as LGBTQ+. The production is being sponsored in part by the A.J. Fletcher Foundation.

Corpus Christi was workshopped by the author with the theatre department at the UNC School of the Arts before its off-Broadway premiere. It was originally produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club on September 22, 1998. This is the first NC production of the play in more than 20 years and its premier in the Triangle.

The play depicts the story of Jesus and the disciples as queer people living in Texas in the 20th century. Featured scenes include a campy Christmas play, an 80s high school dance between a Black Jesus and Judas, a ghostly encounter with James Dean, and the inevitably painful and shocking ending at Calvary.

"McNally uses the Christ story to tell a contemporary tale of the fight against cruelty, division, hatred, and, above all, hypocrisy.” — BackStage.

Authors

• Terrence McNally