Reverend Jonathan Swenson of Paraphrase Theatre – one actor, eight characters
The Christian theater dramatic production of Witnesses features one actor on stage, bringing fourth eight characters – one at a time – is defined as “a fresh look at Jesus.”
Characters portrayed at various times include a stingy innkeeper with a Bronx accent, an Italian Lazaraus who likes pasta and a joyful Simon Peter on Easter morning.
All of these characters – plus five more – will spring to life on the Center Point Church of Mountain Lake dais on Sunday, April 2, with a “curtain time” of 6 p.m. The church is located at 801 3rd Avenue.
Witnesses, written by Curt Cloninger, features the one-man, multiple character performance of Christian actor and speaker, Reverend Jonathan Swenson.
In this innovative and inspiring re-telling of the Gospel, Swenson performs as all eight different characters, bringing forward how each responds to Jesus. Through these eye-witness accounts – both comedic and serious – the audience is encouraged to see Jesus from fresh perspectives; not cold and distant, but as one who was intimately involved in the “nitty-gritty” of life.
Swenson is a 1988 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Theater and Music. He received his Master’s of Divinity from Luther Seminary in St. Paul in 1994. He served as an ordained minister for over 15 years, and is currently the Founding Director of Paraphrase Theatre, as well as the Director of Programming for Mount Carmel Ministries in Alexandria.
As a part of Paraphrse Theatre, Swenson travels throughout the country sharing a unique blend of drama, teaching, music and story-telling.
The event is free, but a time for donations will be made available at the end of the eent.
Lynn Stoneking of Delft will be providing music as an additional part of the evening.
Childcare will be provided.
For more information on Swenson, visit www.paraphrasetheatre.com.
For more information about the event, visit Center Point Church at www.centerpointml.org. or go to www.facebook.com/centerpointml.
