Photo Flash: Forum Productions Presents JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James

Forum Productions is pleased to present the world premiere one-man show JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, written by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers and featuring Steven Strafford. A modern drama interwoven with the biblical tale of Jesus of Nazareth and his brother James, JESUS THE JEW will play February 17 - March 26, 2017 at Greenhouse Theater Center (Downstairs Mainstage), 2257 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. Tickets are currently available at greenhousetheater.org, in person at the box office or by calling (773) 404-7336.

Jeremy, a biblical history professor, faced with crippling fear and guilt, is mourning the tragic loss of his brother. Struggling to make sense of the present, he reaches into the ancient past to find answers - and imagines himself as James.

James is given a choice: renounce his brother or be killed. The problem: his brother is Jesus of Nazareth and James is the leader of all of Jesus' followers for 30 years since the resurrection. Based on a wealth of research, JESUS THE JEW takes us back to the birth of Christianity and the transformation of Judaism, with two Jewish brothers and their four siblings growing up in Nazareth. Through memory and storytelling, James reveals his insights into Mary of Magdala, his archrival Apostle Paul and his misunderstood brother, as he faces the ultimate decision and his greatest test of faith. Will James' faith lead to his death?

The JESUS THE JEW production team includes: Milo Bue (scenic design), Hailey Rakowiecki (costume design), David Trudeau (lighting design), Alex Kleiner (sound design), Ron Rude (production manager) and Sarah Knoke (stage manager).

Photos by Emily Schwartz.

(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.
(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.
(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.
(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.
(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.
(pictured) Steven Strafford in Forum Productions' world premiere of JESUS THE JEW As Told By His Brother James, by William Spatz, directed by Will Rogers. Photo by Emily Schwartz.