Meet Ben Moroski (John the Fisherman)
This play takes place in multiple historical eras. If you could choose a specific time in history to be born, when would you choose?
Paris during the 1920’s. Get lost with the Lost Generation for a bit.
Should Christians or non-Christians come see this play?
Both. The play is about people living at the intersection of religion, art, and politics (among other things) and I think we all live somewhere near that intersection – or are touched by it in some way. Ultimately, this play is about people and it’s gracious, heartbreaking, and, often, very funny.
This play shifts from funny to emotion to funny again on a dime. How do you make those shifts?
In a lot ways, the emotional shifts are much like real life, I think. The saddest times often contain moments of undeniable humor. I don’t think that’s irreverent. Or maybe it is. But so is life so much of the time.
This play explores how you are perceived based on your looks versus who you really are. Can you personally relate to this theme?
I think the constant conflict between perception and reality is what can make life so maddening, but also lends it its mystery and intrigue. It keeps me curious, it keeps me exploring, it keeps me asking questions, of the world, of others, and even of myself.
If you met your character on the street, would you have a beer together?
Sure, I would have a beer with John the Fisherman. Or if you mean Jesus – yes, I would definitely have a pint with Jesus. I’d love to hear what he thinks about how people have interpreted his life and teachings through the years.
What do you connect to in this story?
I was raised in an extremely religious setting and have since separated from religion almost completely. I think a lot of the characters in this play are wrestling with that decision – how will the religion/culture I was raised with impact me as I grow older/become independent/make very difficult decisions? To be honest, it’s something I still wrestle with, years after having left the church. This play explores those questions and various answers in interesting, exciting, funny and thought-provoking ways.
What excites you about this story and why should people come see it?
This play is epic and intimate at the same time. It is rich intellectually as well as emotionally. It is accessible and it is diverse, three worlds in three hours, exciting to play and exciting to see, if you ask me.
Passion Play starts performances on April 25.
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