Jesus Christ Superstar is resurrected for modern audiences with a non-binary actor playing the lead role of Jesus and Judas played by a woman
- The show is produced by the Edinburgh University Savoy Opera Group
- They were allowed to do so as long as the lyrics and pronouns were unchanged
The show has stirred up controversy and filled theaters since it was written by Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber and Sir Tim Rice over half a century ago.
Now, a new musical version of Jesus Christ Superstar features a non-binary actor as Jesus – while Judas Iscariot is played by a woman.
Last night, students from the University of Edinburgh’s Savoy Opera Group launched what is believed to be the world’s first gender-neutral production of rock opera.
In the adaptation, Roza Stevenson plays Jesus, while the 12 apostles are portrayed by female or non-binary performers – meaning they don’t identify exclusively as male or female.
Roza Stevenson, who plays a non-binary Jesus Christ, said: “The band took a well-known story and made it into something new and special”
Joey Lawson plays King Herod in the show, which takes place at the Church Hill Theater in Edinburgh
Creative director Lew Forman said the production adopted a “gender-neutral cast” to reimagine the story of Jesus’ last days for modern audiences.
He said, “Jesus is remembered as a man, but who are we to decide?
“It’s the same story and the same songs, but the audience will see them from a different perspective.”
Lloyd Webber Licensing granted permission for the production but insisted that the lyrics and pronouns should not be altered.
This means that Marie-Madeleine, played by Sofia Pricolo, will sing I Don’t Know How to Love Him, rather than I Don’t Know How to Love Them.
Mr Forman said the ‘equal opportunity’ production had ‘certainly been a bit controversial’, with several posters vandalized, but he was unaware of any objections raised by religious organisations.
Lloyd Webber Licensing granted permission for the production but insisted that the lyrics and pronouns should not be altered. Pictured: Show creator Andrew Lloyd Webber
The production producer said it was “certainly a bit controversial”, with several posters vandalized
He said: “Jesus Christ Superstar was never particularly loved by the Christian community. It does not end with the resurrection. It ends with Jesus on the cross.
Stevenson said, “The band took a well-known story and made it into something new and special. Being a non-binary actor is a strange line to walk. Being able to audition for a show where my gender presentation made no difference broke down barriers.
She told The Tab: “By releasing the whole series gender-blind, it really helps us focus on the core aspects of the characters and, with the help of the fabulous production team, bring them to life.”
Izzy Ponsford, the director, said: ‘The aim was to deliver the spectacle demanded by this epic spectacle while retaining the delicate emotional core of the show and making the production as relevant to our audience as it was to audiences. 50 years ago.
“Through precise use of set, costume and lighting, I think we managed to carefully modernize this play, bringing the emotions of the story to the fore while fully enjoying the spectacle.”
The production will run at the Church Hill Theater in Edinburgh until Saturday.
