Gospel, theatre mix on stage

By Maria Miranda
The Collegian

With an electrifying cast whose voices reverberate through the rafters, “The Gospel at Colonus” combines the passion of gospel music with the tragedy of Greek theatre.

“The Gospel at Colonus,” which opens today, is based on Sophocles’ classic play “Oedipus Rex.” The musical is set in a black Pentecostal church in ancient Colonus. It is essentially a sermon that chronicles the life of Oedipus Rex, king of Thebes.

Oedipus, who murdered his father and married his mother, blinded himself after finding out his daughters were actually his sisters. After wandering in exile for many years, Oedipus finds his way to Colonus in the hopes of finding peace and forgiveness.

The tragedy of the tale is translated through the gospel music. The music demonstrates the pain Oedipus has endured as well as his desire to make peace with God and those around him.

In many ways the gospel music gives the classic story a modern twist. The powerful nature of the songs animates the tragedy, giving it a soulful and uplifting quality that the original play did not have.

Stage director and theatre professor Thomas-Whit Ellis described the musical as energetic and dynamic.

“The audience is pulled into an atmosphere they are not used to,” Ellis said. “For non-blacks, it’s like walking into a black church.”

For Ellis, his main objective is to not only introduce gospel to an audience unfamiliar with the music but to introduce classic theatre to those who would not typically know it.

Ellis is particularly excited about the play since it would be the first African-American musical at Fresno State.

“I’ve never had the opportunity to do this type of play,” said Ellis, who usually directs dramatic productions. “Our objective is to do a show that has never been done before.”

Bryttani McGhee, a sophomore and biology major who plays a preacher, said the musical will make history.

“I hope it sets an example that black theatre is a big thing and can go somewhere if we pursue it,” McGhee said. “I’m glad to be part of the example.”

That example includes a cast of approximately 50, many of whom are not Fresno State students. In order to bring the musical to life, Ellis had to recruit members of a church community to participate.

Doing so gave the musical a depth it may not have had. The pure, natural talent of those community members is undeniable. They sang with a zeal and passion that could only be found at a Sunday sermon.

But despite the amazing music, many of the actors were drawn to “The Gospel at Colonus” because of the story.

Christopher St. James, who plays Oedipus and is the musical director of the play, found the storyline shocking but meaningful.

“I wasn’t familiar with the story before reading the script,” said St. James, who is also the musical director for his church. “I was shocked.”

St. James soon learned to embrace the story.

“It really opens you up to acceptance for someone you would not normally accept,” St. James said. “It’s about reconciliation with family and forgiving.”

Ultimately, “The Gospel at Colonus” is a story about the trials of life and the grace of forgiveness. If Oedipus, who sinned in every sense of the word, can find peace and still maintain the love of his daughters, then there is cause for celebration. The musical demonstrates this idea through vibrant and spiritually uplifting songs.

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