Berkeley Street Theatre: How Improvisation and Street Theater Emerged as a Christian Outreach to the Culture of the Time (The House of Prisca and Aquila) (in English)
Synopsis "Berkeley Street Theatre: How Improvisation and Street Theater Emerged as a Christian Outreach to the Culture of the Time (The House of Prisca and Aquila) (in English)"
Berkeley Street Theatre chronicles Christian World Liberation Front's 1969-1975 ministry to the counterculture. Founded by Jack Sparks, CWLF was featured in the June 1971 Time Magazine's epic ""Jesus Revolution"" edition. Reverend Billy Graham sponsored the CWLF outreach and referred to CWLF as a highly effective outreach to the counterculture. The book included a foreword by David W. Gill, former CWLF leader, scholar, and author, contributing chapters from BST's members: Gene Burkett, Charlie Lehman, Susan Dockery Andrews, Father James Bernstein, and Jeanne DeFazio, editor of the book. Part Two of this work outlines Christian Guerilla theater following the timeline of BST with contributing chapters from: JMD Myers, Joanne Petronella, Jozy Pollock, Olga Soler, and Sheri Pedigo. William David Spencer's afterword details the cultural contributions of the Jesus movement. This book will appeal to the baby boom generation as well as millennials. It is a resource work for anyone interested in religious history, Christian theater and the arts, and in how baby boomers embraced the Jesus Movement. The photos of BST's Sproul Plaza performances will charm all readers. ""Berkeley Street Theatre is a call for Christians to use theater to attract and convict seekers . . . I highly recommend the reading and use of Berkeley Street Theatre for those interested in history, thoughtful and creative outreach, and practical, hands-on information."" --Aida Besancon Spencer, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; author of God through the Looking Glass: Glimpses from the Arts ""Many people have had negative church experiences but still want to know more about God. If they are reluctant to step back into a church community, Christian theater is the perfect parable to bridge the gap. I wholeheartedly endorse this book because it models theater as Christian outreach."" --Teresa Flowers, author of How to Have an Attitude of Gratitude on the Night Shift ""I recommend this book because it explains how Christian theater brings people to Jesus. This book combines love of Jesus and love of performing arts together. Bravo!"" --Monica ""Happy"" C. Valdivieso, performing artist ""Theatrical production is the perfect opportunity to show Christian truths modeled in everyday life. People don't want to be talked at, but rather want to draw their own conclusions from entertaining productions. This book clearly shows faith in action through a theatrical approach to ministry."" --Gemma Wenger, M. Ed., Beauty for Ashes Television and Radio Ministry, Los Angeles Jeanne C. DeFazio holds an MA in Religion from Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. She is currently an Athanasian Teaching Scholar at Gordon Conwell Center for Urban Ministerial Education in Boston and a co-editor with William David Spencer of Redeeming the Screens (2016), a co-author with Teresa Flowers of How to Have An Attitude of Gratitude on The Night Shift (2014), and a co-editor with John P. Lathrop of Creative Ways to Build Christian Community (2013).
