Based on the book by Debbie Webb and Mary Owen, “Witness” is a stage adaptation of the story of Jesus’ ministry, death, resurrection and ascension as told from Mary Magdalene’s point of view. Raised an orphan and abused by her caretakers, Mary of Magdala lived a life encumbered by anger, loneliness, and self-destruction. It was only when a religious leader dragged her from the house of prostitution to be stoned and judged did Mary meet Jesus of Nazareth face-to-face and see a glimpse of heaven she never dreamed possible.
Hear and see the incredible account of how one man changed history the week before Easter. Admission is free at three shows performed on Saturday, April 16th, 6:00 pm, at Sunset Terrace Community Center; Sunday, April 17th, 6:00 pm, at Southside Church in Brownwood; and Friday, April 22nd, 7:00 pm, at First Baptist Church Bangs.
The Witness project began when Terri Tidwell, a theater teacher and resident of Brownwood, received the book as a Christmas present. “When I read the story, I was moved by the simple message that Jesus came to heal our broken hearts,” Tidwell said. Several weeks later, after contacting the publisher and authors, she had their permission to adapt the story into a stage play and began contacting friends and relatives about translating the story from paper to people. “When I read this story, I did not read it with Mary Magdalene as the heroine,” Tidwell said.
“I saw past her life and into my students’ lives. I saw those who had been abused and rejected and abandoned. I saw students who were so angry and fearful that they spewed these emotions on others. I saw students who cowered in the corner, and I saw students who attacked and bullied others. They all had one thing in common: their little hearts had been broken. Only Jesus can heal a broken heart.”
The cast and crew consist of a collaboration of people across Brown County with various degrees of stage experience. “We want this show to be excellent, but even more we want people to know the truth – the real truth, the truth that has nothing to do with political correctness or condemnation,” Tidwell said. “Our goal is for people to meet the savior of the universe, the one who came and lived and died so that they can have peace that has nothing to do with circumstances and true freedom that no one can take away.”
For more information regarding performances, directions or questions, please see www.witnessHimnow.com. “I want people to have what Mary had – hope and a future,” Tidwell said. “My goal, the goal of my whole life, is that people come to know Jesus. It is my fervent prayer that this play will lead many people straight into His arms.”
