Director. Dramaturg. Producer.
The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven
By Jo Clifford
Directed by Kitan Petkovski
GREEN ROOM AWARD WINNER 2021
Best Independent Production
Best Composition & Sound Design
GREEN ROOM AWARD NOMINATION 2021
Best Direction
A revolutionary queer ritual in which bread is shared, wine is drunk and familiar stories are reimagined by a transgender Jesus.
This unique show combines theatre with storytelling, a gospel choir and ritual to produce a rare and beautiful reflection on the life of Jesus, a transgender one, and a provocative meditation on a more truthful and generous interpretation of her words. It imagines Christianity’s message of love extending to embrace all those traditionally excluded because of their sexuality or gender.
Jo Clifford’s legendary play returns to Midsumma Festival 2023 with Kristen Smyth in the iconic role.
Past seasons:
18-29 January 2023
Midsumma Festival, FortyFiveDownstairs
Melbourne
30 April - 8 May 2021
Midsumma Festival, Theatre Works
Melbourne
The Age's Top 15 shows of 2023
My Melbourne Arts Top 10 Shows of 2021
“A remarkably perfect work of theatre"
AUSTRALIAN ARTS REVIEW
★★★★1/2
"As Jesus is recast as a trans woman, and stories from the New Testament are retold, queered – this production is salvation, wrought in theatrical form – a balm for the ritual-starved, a ceremony of absolution, a celebration of humanity in all its dirty and messy beauty." ARTS HUB
★★★★1/2
"A deeply affecting piece of theatre beautifully executed... This team of creatives have created something that transcends the church-like and instead represents a coming together - a holier communion, perhaps of queer community." THEATRE MATTERS
"Never had I been so viscerally affected by a play to the point it altered my psychology. The Gospel According to Jesus, Queen of Heaven made me euphoric, and I felt healed."
TAHNEY ALEXANDRA MAY
"Jesus, Queen of Heaven deserves every bit of praise it gets, and I cannot recommend it highly enough." THEATRE TRAVELS
"An inspiring antidote to the legacy of shame left by many a church upbringing." THE AGE
"Leaves us with a sense of hope for future generations to be more inclusive and open with our transgender community... a magnificent production." WEEKEND NOTES
"A piece of theatre that is accessible, moving and deeply relatable... a valuable and beautiful addition to Naarm's cultural landscape." THEATRE PEOPLE
"An amazing fusion of theatre, storytelling and ritual."
STAGE WHISPERS
"Unmissable for any theatregoer and will leave you thinking long after you leave the theatre." RMITV
CREATIVE TEAM
Performer: Kristen Smyth
Choir: Willow Sizer, Tomas Parrish, Mel O'Brien & Sherry-Lee Watson
Producer: Ben Anderson
Composer: Rachel Lewindon
Set and Costume Designer: Bethany J Fellows
Lighting Designer: Katie Sfetkidis
Lighting Associate: Rachel Lee
Sound and Lighting operator: Nathan Santamaria
Directing Intern: Ibrihim Halacoglu
Promo Photography: Sarah Walker
Production Stills: Cameron Grant
A special thanks to Queen Jesus Productions (Jo Clifford, Annabel Cooper and Susan Worsfold) for granting us permission to stage this work in Australia.
Supported by Australia Council for the Arts, Theatre Works and Midsumma Festival.
