While looking for something to do over the weekend, I found a listing online for a theatrical presentation called, Prophets. It was being presented at a church on the other side of town nearly an hour away, but it was free and it was biblical, so my family and I went.
Prophets is presented by Brad Sherrill in one 93-minute act. The majority of Prophets is taken from the texts of Jeremiah and Isaiah, with shorter segments excerpted from Ezekiel, Amos, Micah and Lamentations.
I know that Jewish scribes memorize the entire Torah, but I have never actually witnessed a person recite so much of the word of God without so much as a stutter or pregnant pause, until Brad Sherrill took the stage at Sandy Valley Christian Church in Georgia. His performance was both riveting and compelling. This show proved that the word of God is still heart-wrenching, uplifting, convicting, comforting, and attention-grabbing all by itself. There was no comedy, no anecdotes, no self in this presentation. The star of the show was almighty God and in humility, Dan Sherrill delivered the word of God with passion and power. Every word penetrated my soul, pounded my mind and wrenched my heart, breaking me down and holding me close at the same time. I found myself mesmerized by the Word that was alive speaking life to me.
The show includes a multimedia video element that displays vivid images depicting visions and spiritual revelations that evoke emotions and interweaves the storyline. The multimedia presentation is a very powerful and important part of this performing arts presentation. The synergy between speaker, multimedia and audience form a cohesive production that speaks prophetically to those who have ears to hear and a heart to receive what the Lord is saying.
In the spirit, I could see repentance, revivals, and thousands of lost souls being led to Christ by this performance. Brad allows God’s light to shine brightly in this present darkness. What a message! What a mandate! What obedience! Please keep Brad in your prayers as he travels the world delivering the Word of God’s prophets to people all over the world.
Since 2001 Brian Sherrill has performed The Gospel of John over 600 times in churches, cathedrals and theaters across the U.S., Canada and the U.K., including a six-week run off-broadway at New York City’s historic lamb’s Theatre and at professional theaters in Chicago, Washington D.C., Toronto and Atlanta. International performances have included many large, historic cathedrals in Europe such as Westminster Cathedral (London, 2007), Christ Church Cathedral (Dublin, 2008) and St. Peter’s Cathedral (Belfast, 2008). Prophets is Brad’s first performance to bring Biblical texts into modern times through the assistance of multimedia. Prophets had its theatrical premiere at the Conant Performing Arts Center (produced by Georgia Shakespeare) in Atlanta during March 2010 and began a U.S. tour later that year. Brad spent much of 2009 memorizing large portions of texts from Isaiah and Jeremiah for the 2010 premier of Prophets.
The man responsible for the multimedia aspect of the show is Mark Hickman. Mark spent much of 2009/2010 creating the multimedia and sound design for Prophets. He has served as Brad’s tour manager since 2003 and is the program technician at each performance. Mark also oversees promotion, maintains the performance website as well as develops the annual touring schedule.
Additional Credits: Staging by Vincent Murphy; Production Adviser, Rev. Elizabeth D. McLean
View samples of Brad’s work HERE or visit the performance website at www.gospelofjohn.com.
Reviewed by Arletia Mayfield (January 15, 2011)
