Godspell cast its Spell on Rockhurst Student
Mike Madakasira
Issue date: 4/16/06 Section: Entertainment
There are times in life where everyone experiences transformation, whether it's physical, emotional, or spiritual. We hope that these profound changes will make us better people, beacons to humanity. One such transformation occurred recently here at our own Rockhurst University, within Mabee theater and on the campus grounds. The subject of transformation is Justin Johnson, a senior thespian with plenty of stage experience. His change arose from the constraints of last month's production, Godspell. Specifically, Justin had to fill the role of Jesus Christ. But he soon found out that he must come to terms with who Jesus was, and with his own religion.
Justin Johnson, who sported a rough beard and long hair only two weeks ago, is now clean shaven for his normal activities, which consist of being a Rockhurst student and working for the Kansas City Chiefs. Limiting his self-grooming was only one of the physical changes that Justin had to undertake. In many ways, Justin's outside life had to be carefully monitored. Because Godspell contains intricate dancing and singing numbers, Justin expressed caution when playing friendly basketball games or even walking to class, for fear of injury. Also, when not at practice, Justin refined his part. "I had to be in shape", Justin states, "so I spent time dancing and singing in my off-time."
But what about an internal transformation? Justin believes that such a thing did occur. It first began when Justin came to a conclusion about himself: "I'm definitely not Jesus." To him, Jesus was the ultimate teacher, leading the thoughts of his 12 disciples. Additionally, Jesus was a foundation of love, who built a community that loved one another. While Justin felt that he contained the love and patience of a good human, there was nothing he could do to measure up to a glimpse of Jesus Christ.
Justin's dilemma took a turn for the better from outside forces rather than from within. As he spent long hours wondering "If I were Jesus, how would I do this?" (a.k.a. WWJD), news had spread about the school that Justin had earned the role of Jesus Christ. Students and friends began calling him by another name. "I became identified as Jesus", Justin admits. And this was the spark that fashioned his transformation. The more he was associated with Jesus, the more he felt he had to prove. "I tried to portray myself of being worthy to play Jesus." What's more, is that Justin wanted to be comfortable in his own skin.
Justin Johnson, who sported a rough beard and long hair only two weeks ago, is now clean shaven for his normal activities, which consist of being a Rockhurst student and working for the Kansas City Chiefs. Limiting his self-grooming was only one of the physical changes that Justin had to undertake. In many ways, Justin's outside life had to be carefully monitored. Because Godspell contains intricate dancing and singing numbers, Justin expressed caution when playing friendly basketball games or even walking to class, for fear of injury. Also, when not at practice, Justin refined his part. "I had to be in shape", Justin states, "so I spent time dancing and singing in my off-time."
But what about an internal transformation? Justin believes that such a thing did occur. It first began when Justin came to a conclusion about himself: "I'm definitely not Jesus." To him, Jesus was the ultimate teacher, leading the thoughts of his 12 disciples. Additionally, Jesus was a foundation of love, who built a community that loved one another. While Justin felt that he contained the love and patience of a good human, there was nothing he could do to measure up to a glimpse of Jesus Christ.
Justin's dilemma took a turn for the better from outside forces rather than from within. As he spent long hours wondering "If I were Jesus, how would I do this?" (a.k.a. WWJD), news had spread about the school that Justin had earned the role of Jesus Christ. Students and friends began calling him by another name. "I became identified as Jesus", Justin admits. And this was the spark that fashioned his transformation. The more he was associated with Jesus, the more he felt he had to prove. "I tried to portray myself of being worthy to play Jesus." What's more, is that Justin wanted to be comfortable in his own skin.