Mumbai: Born in 2015, the Theatre Ministry of Our Lady of Mercy Church, Thane has grown from strength to strength – performing plays within the parish initially to now staging theatre performances. Year on year, the group has come together to perform a Lenten musical special on stage and help audiences relive the Passion of Christ.
This year, in the absence of theatres or road shows, marks the team’s first digital film Barabbas which recreates the journey of Jesus, His condemnation, and death on the Cross. What’s even more interesting is that it draws a parallel to the new age we live in, especially the role of the seven deadly sins – pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth – in our lives.
Written and directed by Charles Chettiar, the show has been produced by Gerard Coutinho. The music has been set by by Jason Immanuel with DOP handled by Tushar Mathkar, the show was released exclusively this lent on its channel: The Theatre Ministry of Our Lady of Mercy Church.
Earlier this year, the Ministry produced a first music video in collaboration with the Examiner Newsweekly, Mumbai to spotlight the silent heroes who are working tirelessly with and for COVID-19 patients. Some of the past success stories also include plays such as the Passion of Christ, The Child, Beautiful Child, and The Beggar.
Through Barabbas, a two-part series, the members ranging from 10 to 50 years of age hope to share the Word of God and Gospel values with audiences in India and everywhere. It’s important to note that this movie was filmed with all precautionary measures in place and limited people on set. Watch the Part 1 on YouTube below.