Paulus – A Spiritual Tug of War

Motti Lerner’s PAULUS - A World Premiere, now playing through December 15th

Set between 58 A.D. and 64 A.D., PAULUS imagines the Apostle Paul, who bridged Christianity from a Jewish sect to a global religion. Framed as an intra-Jewish debate, Paul’s quest to universalize monotheism provokes strong opposition from the Jewish Establishment, the Jerusalem Church, the Emperor Nero, and a skeptical 62 year old Jesus.

Tickets are $35 each.  Groups of 10 or more receive 40% discount ($21 per ticket only!).  To purchase tickets and to learn more, visit www.silkroadrising.org or call 312-857-1234 x201.

Performances are Thursdays through Sundays.  All performances held at Silk Road Rising’s permanent theatre venue in Pierce Hall at The Historic Chicago Temple Building, 77 W Washington St, Chicago.

The location is easily accessible by major RTA and CTA routes.  If driving, take advantage of $8 parking arrangement with Self Park, 230 W Washington St (building with Cosi restaurant).

Kerry Reid of Chicago Tribune writes, “Call it The Last Temptation of Paul…a fantasia that combines loose historical context with intense religious debate…the philosophical context of Lerner’s show is fascinating.”

Tom Williams of ChicagoCritic.com concurs and says, PAULUS “is daring, provocative and enticing work…I found it theatrically appealing…it sure challenges us to think, analyze, and consider the nature and essence of our beliefs.”

Hedy Weiss of Chicago Sun-Times adds, PAULUS “is receiving a richly atmospheric production… artfully directed by Jimmy McDermott, the cast is strongly led by Daniel Cantor as the brutally abused Paulus, with Anthony DiNicola as his sweet, Sancho Panza-like attendant.”

Michael J. Roberts of Showbiz Chicago agrees, “Director Jimmy McDermott has brought together a first rate cast to tell the story, especially with this leading man, Daniel Cantor who turns in a complex and emotionally riveting performance as Saul.”

Lauren Whalen of Chicago Theatre Beat appreciates the design of PAULUS: “Rebecca A. Barrett’s lighting is gloriously moody, a perfect match for Peter J. Storms’ original score, an innovative blend of traditional Jewish and Christian musical forms and American shapenote singing.  Dan Stratton’s set and Jesse Gaffney’s props incorporate PVC pipe in incredible ways, and Paulus’ bright red garb speaks well to costume designer Hiltner.”

What does all the praise add up to?  As Bonnie McGrath, ChicagoNow, says, “If you’ve ever wondered what life was like in Judea/Rome after the Resurrection, during the time of Paul’s Apostolic journey, you MUST see Silk Road Rising’s PAULUS asap! You won’t believe how creative and interesting this play is…”