I have been blessed by a positive and lovely review on my anthology of plays by Mr. John Ballard. It has been published in the current issue of Pneuma Reveiw.
Here is what he wrote:
Those who only know Bill DeArteaga from
his scholarly work will find this little book, less than 150 pages, to be a
delightful romp. Unlike his columns in Pneuma
Review or previously published books These two scripts are a breath of
fresh air.
Here are two unrelated plays suitable
for parish wannabe actors. Both, in the church drama tradition, are
entertaining and didactic, in that order. Following each script are comprehensive
endnotes in which Bill takes the reader deep into historic and theological
weeds explaining material which many will find new, even surprising.
“One Day at St. John’s” consists of three
acts with three scenes each. The cast includes a conemporary parish priest and
an old friend, the church secretary and half a dozen members of the laity. In a
variety of natural settings, we in the audience are treated to a banquet of
spiritual gifts -- including but not limited to speaking in tongues, miraculous
healings and an exorcism -- all moving along as naturally as the waitress bringing
food in the restaurant scene.
Nearly twenty pages of serious endnotes
document the significance and validity of these and other spiritual events with
solid theological references. These notes would furnish more than enough
material for program notes as well as
resources for a study group.
The other play, “Joseph ben Jacob, the
Dreamer”,
is much shorter and takes place prior to the birth of Jesus. This is a two-act
play with a larger cast, and most of the action takes place over the course of
a month. Joseph (yes, “that” Joseph) is a widower about 32 years old,
preparing to wed Mary (who will be the mother of Jesus) not yet eighteen. He is
a man of deep spiritual sensitivity, dedicated to serving the Lord, but the
shock of discovering that his new bride-to-be has turned up pregnant has an
unimaginable impact on his faith. The denouement is too poignant to describe in
this review, but you can be sure it is nothing like the reader can imagine.
Most of the action takes place during the days leading up to their wedding. But
the final scene, which is quite short, takes place 33 years later. No spoilers
from me, but know it ends prior to the crucifixion so the reader/audience
member is spared that terrible ending.
Again there are extensive endnotes, rich
with historical references. De Arteaga’s principal expertise is early church history
and many readers will discover historic details that give new energy to old
familiar biblical themes. Incidental New Testament details let us know that
Joseph and Mary were a typical Jewish couple with several children in addition
to Jesus, and Joseph probably died some time before Jesus’ earthly ministry.
This little play gives new energy to one of the oldest and most beloved stories
of biblical origin. Together with the first play this little book is a breath
of fresh air in a sometimes stuffy old place.
Mr. John Ballard
The link to the Pneuma Review review is HERE.
This work can be purchased on Amazon as a paperback or in an inexpensive Kindle edition HERE
