Messenger of Peace, a theatrical portrait of Francis of Assisi, will be performed at Cardinal Mundelein Auditorium at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake on Thursday, October 17 at 7 p.m.
Messenger of Peace is the dream of artists who believe the mission of Francis of Assisi is exactly what our contemporary world desperately needs. The darkness of violence and hatred we see around us is exactly what Francis experienced in the 13th century. Reconciliation, though, is possible as seen in this play; ten stories of lives that were radically changed by the Messenger of Peace come to life. Francis brought dignity to all people and leveled boundaries in unprecedented ways from beginning the Christian-Muslim dialogue to finding joy in poverty. The unwanted found love and acceptance, the wealthy relinquished their status and a Church guided by patriarchal power was shown new hope through compassion and inclusion. Francis drew people into the Mystery of God and into the Franciscan movement by his preaching and simplicity of life.
The show is a 90-minute contemporary portrait of Francis of Assisi through music, imagery and storytelling. Based on a 13th Century chronicles of friars who knew Francis of Assisi, this 10-scene portrait will reveal how this man radically changed significant people by his message of reconciliation and peace.
Actor Luca Tironzelli, of Perugia, Italy, is the storyteller for this 90-minute work. Music will be performed by SatorDuo: Paolo Castellani, violin, and Francesco Di Giandomenico, guitar, also of Perugia. The script and music by Friar Robert Hutmacher, ofm, are enhanced by projected images created for Messenger of Peace by Tim Leeming of Oak Park, IL. Tickets are $25 at Eventbrite.com or cash only at the door.
