The Christ Cathedral Drama Series, through a partnership with the Diocese of Orange and St. Luke Productions, will debut in the Christ Cathedral Cultural Center’s Freed Theater beginning in August.
The vision of the partnership is to answer Pope Francis’ call to evangelize to all by bringing the Gospel to life through live theater. The 2015-2016 drama series kicks off August 21 with “Faustina” and continues through March 2016 with “Therese,” “Tolton” and “The Passion.”
“Last year Bishop Vann was instrumental in bringing the productions of “Faustina” and “Vianney” to the Christ Cathedral campus,” said Ryan Lilyengren, director of communications for the Diocese of Orange. “The response to these productions was incredible. They showed us how on the Cathedral campus we can join entertainment, art and culture with our mission to build understanding and engagement with the history and teachings of the Catholic Church.”
The unique collaboration between the diocese and Saint Luke Productions (SLP) came about when Leonardo Defilippis, president of SLP reconnected with Bishop Vann at last year’s Napa Institute, at which a production of “Faustina” was presented.
“I had known him [Bishop Vann] from his earlier days in the 90s as a pastor in the Springfield diocese,” Defilippis said. “He was very engaged and interested in what we were doing and invited me to explore the idea of coming to the Christ Cathedral campus.”
Bishop Kevin Vann said of the partnership: “The Christ Cathedral Drama Series is a creative and dynamic means of engaging and inspiring the faithful, and another important avenue for welcoming people into a life with faith in God at its center. This series represents an important way that we are using creative programing on the Christ Cathedral campus to support the journey of faith of Catholics in our diocese and beyond.”
The drama series supports the vision of the diocese to share the cathedral with all faiths.
“The history and location of the Christ Cathedral campus allow the Diocese of Orange to create a true center of art and culture for all, said Lilyengren. “This inspiring 34 acre campus is situated at the center point of most of our major freeways and just 10 minutes from Disneyland. It is our hope that families make the Christ Cathedral a must-visit spot on their itinerary when visiting Southern California. We also hope that they will take the time to experience these wonderful productions.”
Tickets are available online now. Click here to purchase.
