Recently I came across a note I wrote for the actor playing Jesus in my production of the Chester Mystery Plays:
The actor must be continually aware of the wider and deeper implications of each of Jesus’s remarks for, like all Gnostic teachers, he sees things sub specie aeternitatis.
It is all too easy to take Jesus’s remarks literally.
‘Lazarus, come forth!’
‘Loose him and let him go!’
‘Go and sin no more!’
‘Take up your cross!’
Always the command is: go and do. You have your freedom, you now know who you are; you know your own unique destiny. Each of us has our task to do.
Jesus does not bind people with rules and regulations, but sets each person free to become the person they are meant to be. To achieve this we have to learn how to be still — and listen!
Thank you James! You always seem to hit just the right note for my soul! I am so grateful. Blessings and love xx
Thanks James, what a blessing this post is. With love and blessings !
I have recently become aware of a Canadian Professor Jordan B Peterson, who has been lecturing large audiences of young people on just such a theme, talk to those who listen, learn and continue to educate yourself, “Go and Do” live your life and love yourself and what you do.
Much Love and Peace
Greetings Mr Roose-Evans,
Sorry to use your comment section as a request form, but I couldn’t find another way to reach out to you; I am doing an archival project about the theatre and have been seeking information about the playwright William Ingram (Rain It Raineth), whom you mention as a friend in your memoir. I have a few biographical questions, as there are many Bill Ingrams and I want to ensure I’m finding the correct one; if you would be able to help, could you please send me an email and I will correspond with you in that manner? Many thanks in advance,
Jennifer
DEARJENNIFER, ALAS, I HAVE LITTLE MEMORY OF BILL INGRAM, ACTOR AND WRITER, WE LOST TOUCH…YOU COULD TRY GOOGLING WILLIAM INGRAM:ACTOR, IN CASE HE IS STILL ALIVE. I AM 90 AND HE MIGHT BE ABOUT THE SAME AGE.SORRY TO BE OF SO LITTLE ASSISTANCE. GREETINGS JAMES
Thank you kindly for your response! I will continue my detective work, and wish you well
Dear James I have just read your latest post. Prior to this I was just speaking to a friend about how you directed me in the role of Christ in Chester Mystery Plays 1973. I am quite shocked by this strange coincidence. Now retired and resurrected from an aggressive and life-threatening cancer I love each day of my life, – walking and writing. Your posts reflect the man I remember, – a man whose spiritual aura was so evident that I
felt almost afraid as I read Dylan Thomas’s POEM IN OCTOBER for my audition . In your presence I was aware of a power and strength I had not witnessed before. Only once since that time – 45 years ago have I met anyone else with a similar quality:
STEPPING HILL HOSPITAL September 2010
This is my dying bed. I am only connected to the world
by tubes, drips and catheters, blue-flesh inserts and
plasters. I am isolated in a white sideward with white
walls, a white ceiling and a grey outlook over a demolished
factory. The morphine left me some days ago. One of my
kidneys has been removed, my bladder , my prostate, my
lymph glands. As I struggle to move in my dirty bed I
catch sight of my unhealed wounds. I resemble an
untidy counter in a butchers shop. It is cemetery-quiet
this Sunday evening in the hospital. There is a knock on
my door. “Come in” I say weakly. Before me stands a man.
He had a look about him that I had only ever seen in one
other human being. That was James Roose-Evans.
The man who had entered my room shone like Jesus.
“You’re a religious man, aren’t you ” I said and although
I was making a statement he answered “I am”.
In the depths of my despair I knew my Saviour had
arrived. He wore no uniform . He came to my bedside and
took my hand. In a quiet warm voice he said;
” I have come to tell you that you are not going to die –
I am going to pray for you and you will get better”.
I thanked him and wept as I am doing now in recalling
this. The ‘Jesus’ man(was it him?) left after about fifteen
minutes. From that moment I did get better, little by little,
day by day. Recovery was a long and difficult road but
now I am fully alive and creative again.
Dear James I haven’t seen you for 36 years but in that time
I have thought about you many times. You are an
inspiration, a shining light. I feel like the Prodigal Son.
Perhaps you can use my story to give hope and strength
to others. Thanks for your posts.
In appreciation and with great affection
from a Christ of 1973 ROGER HINDE