Park One Act Play for 2009

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January 26, 2009

    Denise Atkinson and Steve Estenson have chosen the 1958 Pulitzer Prize-winning play J. B., by Archibald MacLeish.  The plot is based on one of the best-known stories in the Old Testament of the Bible, the story told in the book of Job.  Those familiar with the story will remember that God is having a “discussion” one day with Satan when He asks what Satan thinks of the pious and highly successful Job, “a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God and escheweth evil.”  Satan says that Job is pious only because he is prosperous.  On what amounts to a dare or a bet, God gives Satan permission to test Job’s faith by destroying all that he has—possessions, servants, wealth, and children—and even inflicting his body with boils and sores.  Through all the losses and suffering, Job holds steadfastly to his faith.  Nevertheless, an element of doubt arises when he visited by three friends, his “comforters.”  This doubt is quelled as God makes Job mindful of his place in the Creation.  So, did MacLeish write a play just to recount the story of Job?  No, he searches for something deeper and broader in meaning.  Even when one has faith, it can be difficult to see the answers to those questions of anguish during times of personal and community disaster.  Why me?  Why us?  Why now?  Why so much calamity?  And what if someone is not religious?  Where does that person look for answers when bad things happen to good people, especially when the wicked seem to prosper?  Is there something else universally understood to which all might appeal for understanding and comfort?  It is the answer to this question for which MacLeish seems to be searching.  Park’s one-act play will enter its first competition on Wednesday, 28 January at Eastview H. S.  Section Finals will be hosted by Park on Wednesday, 04 February.  There will be a public performance at the Park H. S. Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 03 February.  Tickets for the public performance will be $4.00 and may be purchased at the door. 

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