The Human Stage

I only perform in live theatre every few years now but there was a time when I would appear in three to four shows a year.  During that time, I would invite anyone and everyone to come and typically groups from my day jobs would attend.  I called it “theatre evangelism.”  Little did I know that my vocation would be Christian evangelism all these years later.  I invited people to the theatre with abandon.  Whether the show was dramatic or comedic, there was real emotion experienced by all of us through the magic of live theatre – a connection that crossed all sorts of lines - and that is truly what I was inviting others to experience.  

As we observe the birthday of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King, Jr. in the US, I am struck by how incredibly relevant his words are today.  I am also reminded of Dr. Brené Brown’s recent book, Braving the Wilderness, where she talks about dehumanization which is the process by which our natural inhibitions against harming others of our species are removed.  Dehumanization starts with language and moves to images, creating an enemy or less-than-human status of others.  This tragically allows entire groups of people to be morally excluded from (or undeserving of) humane treatment.  This happened in the 1850’s, the 1960’s and it’s happening now to immigrants, refugees, the LGTBQ community, the poor, victims of sexual assault.  The list goes on and on.  Dehumanization makes things like discrimination, genocide, human trafficking, and indifference possible.  When you start hearing human beings described in callous language and that language being accepted and defended, dehumanization is in process.

Back to the theatre.  As I get ready to perform, I spend time letting go of my own reality and stepping into the shoes of the Jewish New York art dealer I will portray.  I keep a picture of my onstage husband and me framed on my dressing table to remind me of my new identity, if only an identity that lasts a few hours.  It is an exercise in self-denial like we are called to do every day: step into the shoes of others and focus less on ourselves.  I believe this is what Jesus was talking about when he said those who lose their lives for my sake, will live.  I don’t think he was only talking about literally dying although some have died as they denied themselves for the sake of others, which is really for the sake of Christ. 

How do we change this tide of dehumanization that is sweeping our society?  There is more slavery in the world now than during Civil War times.  In 2016, 80% of districts reflected landslide victories for Trump or Clinton.  That means people are more ideologically segregated in the US than ever before in history.  Dr. Brown tells us to resist insulating ourselves in bunkers of likeminded people.  She cautions that being united by hating the same people is not true connection and it breeds moral exclusion.  We must be united by collective experiences of pain and joy that cross all lines.  It can be as profound as disaster relief or as simple as laughing together at live theatre.  It helps us see the humanity in all people.  

The theatre is a place where I find collective experiences of pain and joy – both from the entertainment itself and the community that is built in the process.  The practice of considering someone else’s motives, thoughts, pains, joys, and experiences is an exercise in self-denial.  There are also very clear boundaries about each person’s role and contribution.  You may have heard the old saying, “there are no small parts, only small actors.”  Everyone has a piece of the production and without their piece, the whole doesn’t work.  No one’s contribution is more important than the other, much like the body of Christ.  All have value.

Can you resist dehumanization and invite others to share experiences of collective joy or be present with others in their collective pain?  You might just end up being an evangelist, too.