'Murder in the Cathedral': Two churches stage T.S. Eliot play
Two South Florida churches will celebrate a century of ministry with a play about death.
Not as bizarre as it may sound: The play is "Murder in the Cathedral," based on T.S. Eliot's stylized drama about the assassination of a medieval archbishop.
"It's a beautiful, majestic theatrical piece," says the play's director, Marjory D. Lyons. "The theme is the temptation of a man of God. It's become a classic play with excellent writing, and a challenge for actors."
All Saints Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale is producing the play as part of its yearlong centennial celebration. It will be performed Feb. 24 at All Saints, then Feb. 26 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Delray Beach. Proceeds will benefit charities supported by Episcopal Church Women of All Saints.
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Written in 1935, "Murder in the Cathedral" relates the true story of Thomas Becket, chancellor of England under King Henry II. The king had Becket appointed archbishop of Canterbury, hoping to bring the church in England under his control. Once he donned the archbishop's miter, however, Becket opposed his former friend. After eight years of conflict, four of Henry's knights took it on themselves to kill Thomas, right in the church.
Eliot wrote "Murder" in verse as a dramatic reading, with the actors standing still, but Lyons is recasting it with swords and helmets, robes and chain mail. Under the vaulted roof of All Saints, the cast of 16 will move about the chancel area. Henry's knights will charge up the aisles, accusing Thomas, then slaying him.
"Audiences today are more restless," says Lyons, herself an All Saints member.
St. Paul's, founded in 1904, will not only make for a second venue, but its musicians will contribute incidental music, including a shawm, an English harp and a hurdy-gurdy. Music director Keith Paulson-Thorp says the play fits easily into St. Paul's 24th seasonal concert series.
"It's an interesting story, with very human characters faced with ethical and personal and political dilemmas," Paulson-Thorp says. "That's certainly what drew Eliot to it."
Playing the archbishop is Todd Caster, who had the same role in 2007, the last time All Saints did the play. Like Lyons, he admires the poetic writing, especially when the archbishop says: "The last temptation is the greatest treason / To do the right deed for the wrong reason."
"The Thomas role also led to some soul searching. "To do this role, I look at myself: Would I ever go this far for my faith?"
Peter Hawkins, one of the knightly assassins, notes how the four killers defend themselves. "One says we had a job to do. Another says we were a bit drunk. The last knight says Becket committed suicide; he should have compromised."
With "Murder in the Cathedral" being performed in churches, the play has come home in a way, suggests Gloria Kline, part of the three-member chorus.
"The Mass itself has an element of drama," says Kline, who serves as a lay reader at All Saints. "And plays started as a way of teaching."
JDDavis@Tribune.com or 954-356-4730
If you go
What: "Murder in the Cathedral"
When/where: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 24 at All Saints Episcopal Church, 333 Tarpon Drive, Fort Lauderdale; 3 p.m. Feb. 26 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 188 S. Swinton Ave., Delray Beach
Tickets: $ 20
Info: allsaintsfl.org or 954-561-6382; stpaulsdelray.org, drkeith@stpaulsdelray.org or 561-278-6003
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