The Televangelist review: a funny but sincere examination of faith
Using layers of serious confrontation is not always the most accessible way to talk about social issues and conflicts. That is why the latest Warwick Rep Theatre Company production, The Televangelist, succeeded in winning over the audience. Written by Katie Stockton, the play is full of witty and memorable lines that stay with you long after the play is done.
Directed by Theo Ioannou, showing a level of control over the scenes and transitions impressive for a first-time director, The Televangelist follows an unsuccessful actor, Earnest (Aaron Chote), who is forced to scrap his theatrical ambitions after being fired from his job as a Televangelist. His life takes a turn when he is offered a humbler job as a Bible Studies teacher, which causes an interesting tension-fuelled encounter with his three students: Charlie (Luca Catena), Harry (Rhys Clarke) and Clarence (Charlotte Dawkins). The lessons, going nowhere in terms of academics, transform into a session of confessions as Earnest gains insight into his students’ problems and lives outside of school. Although unapproachable at first, this contact begins to have a positive effect not only on the students but on Earnest himself as he begins to let down his guard and confronts his past self.
The play draws inspiration from Alan Bennett’s The History Boys
The play draws inspiration from Alan Bennett’s The History Boys, with similarities evident in their classroom themes and humorously critical tone. It touches on various topics and issues, particularly relating to religion and homosexuality, but goes beyond to discuss friendship, loyalty and sacrifice. What is even more valuable, however, is the play’s broader question that asks what it means to be a good person.
Despite the short one-hour run time, Stockton effortlessly establishes the complexity of the main characters, the actors maintaining powerful performances right until the end. Aaron Chote does a fantastic job as Earnest, earning the audience’s compassion despite the character’s questionable behaviour at the beginning. His performance during his appearance as a Televangelist is comically emphatic, creating perfect comedic moments to balance out the fun and the serious. Luca Catena creates a sympathetic portrayal of Charlie, the closeted homosexual teen, faced with the conflicting decision of choosing between himself and God, while Rhys Clarke is brave and confident as Harry, despite this just being a mask for his problems at home. Despite the initial conflict between him and Earnest, the two turn out to be more similar than they initially believed, as Harry opens up about his passion for theatre following a compelling recital of Hamlet’s famous monologue. Charlotte Dawkins as Clarence is very sweet and honest, acting as the break for awkward moments and tension arising between the other members of the Bible Studies class.
The Televangelist explores faith through religion, faith in others and most importantly faith in oneself
However, plays can never live up to their full potential without the supporting cast. Megan Cook playing the conserved Mrs. Creel craftily charts her own development and realisations throughout the story, while Clara Daundre-Vignier plays the tough conservative Principal but will probably be remembered for her role as an arthritic patient on the Televangelist’s show, where she perfectly overplays the part leaving the audience in profuse laughter.
Before being fired from his show, Earnest is unknowingly taught a very important lesson: “Faith is about belief after all”. The Televangelist explores “faith” from its different perspectives – faith through religion, faith in others and most importantly faith in oneself. Even though “belief” will probably not cure a bad knee as Earnest tries to convince us, it is good enough for everything else.
The Televangelist plays at 19:45, Monday 4th June in B2.04/5.
For more information: https://www.facebook.com/events/2003903139682082/
Comments