Mississippi Professor Brings Bible Characters to Modern Stage

Judson College normally has a college or seminary professor do special lectures during its annual Christian Emphasis Week, but this year, students heard from John the Baptist, St. Peter and Joseph, the father of Jesus.

These biblical heroes are among a bevy of characters in the repertoire of John Maxwell, drama professor at Belhaven University in Jackson, Miss.

Maxwell’s St. Peter entered the Judson chapel in a baseball cap and jeans to talk about his friendship with Jesus.

“I believe when you put costumes on performers and they use stilted language, there’s a barrier between them and the audience,” Maxwell said. “Dressing casually and using common language brings empathy from the audience to my characters.”

Judson sophomore Carli Ludlow, of Thomasville, said she was shocked when John the Baptist walked in unannounced Jan. 10.

“I guess I’ve thought of biblical characters as unapproachable,” she said. “But there he was talking to me. It was a new experience and very moving.”