Taking three stories from the Bible and placing them in modern day America, Testament is a filmed production of Tristan Bernays’ play, first seen at the Vaults in 2017.
Lucy Jane Atkinson directs the stories as told by their lesser-known characters: Isaac, in therapy after his father nearly sacrificed him to God, Lot’s daughters who fled the city of Sodom, and the thief crucified alongside Jesus. The audience are asked to bear witness to these uncomfortable tales, told against a haunting score of gospel and blues. An international collaboration between Via Brooklyn and British writer Tristan Bernays (Boudica at The Globe, The War of the Worlds: The Immersive Experience) and Lucy Jane Atkinson (A Hundred Words for Snow), the show was filmed on location in New York.
Writer Tristan Bernays says “When the Pandemic hit and our production was set to be cancelled, we had two options: (a) pack up and go home or (b) be brave and try something different. I’m delighted we went for the latter because we’ve managed to make something really special. At its heart, Testament is a deeply intimate show between the audience and these four tragic characters. It’s ideal for streaming on a TV, a laptop, even a phone since you can experience their stories up close and personal – like overhearing a confessional. We never dreamed Testament would hit the screen, but I think it works brilliantly – and until theatres reopen and we can get back to doing what we love best, streaming gives us a chance to share our story. Which is something of a miracle.”
Director Lucy Jane Atkinson says “At its heart, Testament is a show about communion. A coming together of people to tell their stories. A sharing of space, of time, and of experience. Whether in a church, a support group, or a theatre, that opportunity to come together has been taken from us this past year, along with so much else. I am excited to be sharing this filmed version of Testament now, as we enter our second year of the pandemic. I hope it serves as a reminder of the healing power of being around people who understand you and hear you as you want to be heard.”
Via Brooklyn Theatre Co. is a not-for-profit theatre company that develops theatrical productions, coupled with interactive programming, to engage audiences around the world. Their mission is to foster enthusiasm, contemplation, and community by blurring the traditional lines between stage, canvas, camera, music, page, and everything in between. They believe the synergy of artistic media can create visionary live theatre experiences. Their work has been found at venues such as 59E59, the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, The Wallace Collection, and the Southampton Cultural Center.
Testament launches in the UK on 26th March. Tickets are on sale here.
