Much can be told to us in an hour and a half if we bother to bring our cluttered lives to the table and sit to truly listen. This is the typical role of the audience; however, most struggle to perform this task, as the common audience of the modern era is negligent to assume that role. Meanwhile, the task of the performers is to present truth, art and faith. These three simple ideas relate to Christians and their artistic walk with Christ. Therefore, sometimes the artistic simplicity of a show’s design is the best course of action to call on an audience’s imagination.
That is what John Brown University’s production of “Babette’s Feast” offered audiences last Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 17 – 19. The performances of “Babette’s Feast” showcased a stunning display of talent and genius, directed by JBU’s associate professor of speech and theatre, Josiah Wallace.
The play was what could be called a “simplistic scene scope” with basic visual and audio elements of set, props, sound and characterization. Reminiscent of “The Princess and the Goblins” from last year, “Babette’s Feast” is similar in its minimalistic setup—an unexpected, artistic touch to a typically ostentatious entertainment form. Starring in the play were the three leading ladies—Anna Carr (Babette), Karlee Snow (Martine) and Grace Hutchins (Phillipa)—and six supporting roles, known as Players, who dawned many different personas throughout the show.
It was a pleasant surprise to see a thread of Christianity within the story’s two plotlines. For the characters living in the small town of Norway, Christianity was not only prominent in their world but was the sizzling sensation that ignited the flaming action within the story. The great conflict seemed to be the blending of Christianity with personal ambitions
There are some truths which just about anyone can agree with, the most obvious of which is the virtue of the two sisters’ hosting Babette, a foreigner and political refugee. Even the secular features of the story somehow become enveloped within the simple Christian narrative presented: how to make life-altering decisions and how to be gracious and kind. Nevertheless, the main subject is Christian in nature: how to project one’s present talents into eternity and how to do so for God.
Students seeking answers for conflict in their own lives can work through the story in search of truth—that of self and Christ. These elements are what make the story so compelling. The talents of cast and crew are no doubt exquisite delicacies, evident in the onstage production. However, the story of truth, art and faith are what resonate in the hearts of its audience. For Christians seeking to honor God and pursue their God-given gifts, the message through the show is quite on par with their Christ-minded appetites. One small taste of that advice, spoken by one of the Players (the opera singer), could very well conclude the smorgasbord of wisdom: “God is most welcome. I wouldn’t want to leave Him behind.”
The play excellently blended humor into the songs. A five-star meal of entertainment that truly hit the spot, JBU’s theatre department has provided a spirit-lifting performance that has left audience members salivating for the next course.
Photo courtesy of JBU Marketing & Commcations