The Business of God - MICF Review 2021

Post

Subscribe

Tue 06 Apr 2021 - Sun 11 Apr 2021

Things are uncertain, very uncertain – even in Heaven. The single destination Christians are taught to aim for after death is in shambles. But what can St Peta do? There is a staff shortage and resources are tight.


%%
The Business of God %%is a new comedic play written and directed by Brendan Black and Martin Chellew, on now at the La Mama Courthouse Carlton until 11 April as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival . Book your tickets here .

Michelle (Heather Valentine) is a scientist and atheist who enters the Pearly Gates and meets St Peta (Ruth Gilmour). After answering numerous questions, St Peta calculates Michelle's 'naughtiness score' which will decide her eternal fate – to enter Heaven, descend into Hell, or hang around in Purgatory for a while and shed a few sins.



St Peta has been running the show for 2000 years and had several conversations with 'God' (Sarah Bliss) about getting more resources. Alas, the Corporate purse is tight, and God will not budge anytime soon.



The pot-smoking hippy Jesus (Zachay Kazepis) has fallen out with 'God' over dogma and cannot help St Peta. Jesus is lacking direction as to what to do with his life. The charming and classy Lucifer (Max Gettler) provides Jesus with pot and welcomes Michelle into Purgatory, whilst tempting St Peta to stray from her post at the Pearly Gates.



It's a holy mess when Michelle starts getting to know Jesus and then reveals her deepest and darkest secret.

The Business of God is cleverly written and performed with excellent comedic timing. If you are a practising Christian you may take offence - however, if you are a lapsed or curious ex-Christian you will enjoy this show more. The play examines the corporatisation of religion in a contemporary context and exposes the hypocrisy of power and dominion, over love and compassion.

CONTENT WARNING: This production contains references to child sexual abuse and suicide.

#city
#humour
#festivals
#comedy
#carlton
#performing_arts
#theatre
#april
!date 06/04/2021 -- 11/04/2021
%wnmelbourne