Corpus Christi is a passion play by Terrence McNally dramatizing the story of Christ and the Apostles. It is highly controversial due to its depiction of Christ and the Apostles as homosexual men. It received both critical acclaim for its exploration of gay and lesbian themes in Christianity and widespread condemnation for what many view as blasphemy. It was directed in New York City by Joe Mantello, opening October 13, 1998. A Passion play is a dramatic presentation depicting the suffering and death of Jesus. ... Terrence McNally is an openly gay American playwright. ... Christ, is the English representation of the Greek word Χριστός (transliterated as Khristós), which means anointed. ... Alternate meaning: See Apostle (Mormonism) The Christian Apostles were Jewish men chosen from among the disciples, who were sent forth (as indicated by the Greek word απόστολος apostolos= messenger), by Jesus to preach the Gospel to both Jews and Gentiles, across the world. ... Homosexuality is a sexual orientation characterized by esthetic attraction, romantic love, or sexual desire exclusively for another of the same sex. ... Look up gay in Wiktionary, the free dictionary Until several decades ago, the word gay meant something like jolly or mirthful. In contemporary usage, however, that meaning is unusual; the term is usually synonymous with homosexual. ... It has been suggested that Dyke (lesbian) be merged into this article or section. ... Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament writings of his early followers. ... Blasphemy is the defamation of the name of God or the gods, and by extension any display of gross irreverence towards any person or thing deemed worthy of exalted esteem. ... Midtown Manhattan, looking north from the Empire State Building, 2005 New York City (officially named the City of New York) is the most populous city in the United States, and is at the center of international finance, politics, communications, music, fashion, and culture. ... Joe Mantello (born 27 December 1962) in Rockford, Illinois is a Tony Award-winning American actor and director. ... October 13 is the 286th day of the year (287th in leap years). ... 1998 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia /**/ @import /skins-1. ...

Awards

• Drama Desk Award, Best Play
• Outer Critics Circle Award, Best Play
• New York Drama Critics' Circle Award, Best Play

Publication

McNally, Terrence. Corpus Christi. Grove Press, 1999. 82 pp. ISBN 0802136354

See also

• Mystery play for the medieval religious plays, also known as Corpus Christi Plays

Mystery plays are one of the earliest formally developed plays in medieval Europe. ...

External Links

• Amazon.com listing
• A review of the 1998 production from CurtainUp.com