Jesus Christ’s life has been told through many stories,
teachings and parables in the Bible. Many people have told of the
life of Jesus Christ from differnt viewpoints, and Mississippi
writer John Maxwell gives the story of Jesus’ journey to the cross
from the disciple Peter’s perspective in his two-act monologue,
“Fish Tale.”
Maxwell will perform “Fish Tale” at the Episcopal Church of the
Resurrection March 27 at 7 p.m.
Maxwell, a Southern story-telling specialist, will reveal
details of Jesus’ life while presenting questions such as what
Peter’s wife did when Peter came to tell her that he had left the
boat to follow Jesus. Peter, a disciple with whom many of can
relate, was just a simple fisherman that Jesus chose to be one of
his followers.
“John Maxwell portrays Peter in contemporary dress and begins
talking about his friend Jesus. I think it is a profound way of
telling the Gospel story,” the Rev. Bill Livingston of the
Episcopal Church of the Resurrection said.
Maxwell has traveled for over 20 years performing the plays that
exude his passions-Jesus and William Faulkner’s literature. His
passion for Faulkner is displayed in perhaps his most well-known
play, “Oh Mr. Faulkner, Do you Write?”
Maxwell, an Ole Miss graduate, has been greatly inspired by
Faulkner’s work and after reading his letters published by the
Random House, Maxwell wanted to write a one-man show based on his
life.
Maxwell performed “Oh Mr. Faulkner, Do you Write?” at
Mississippi State University for students in the University Honors
Program in November 2001.
Maxwell has also written plays such as “Flower Child,” a play
about the life of John the Baptist, and “The Last Epistle” about
the life of St. Paul. Other plays by Maxwell include “Mississippi
Jewel,” a drama based on the history of the Mississippi University
for Women, “The Salvation of Sunshine Billy,” produced at the
University of Virginia, as well as received the W. Alton Jones
Foundation Grant for new American plays, “The Blood of the Lamb”
and “Buck-Nekkid.”
Maxwell is also the former director of New Stage Theatre in
Jackson, as well as numerous movie and television credits. He has
made on guest appearances on shows such as Northern Exposure and
Medicine Ball.
The Church of the Resurrection has limited seating, so it is
best to purchase tickets before the show, but if there are tickets
left over they will be sold at the door. The tickets are $15 for
adults, $7.50 for students and $35 for families (two adults and
their children).
To order tickets, call the church at 323-3483. The Church of the
Resurrection is located between U.S. Highway 82 and Main Street at
105 North Montgomery Street.