Teater Innlandet’s play mocks and offends Jesus. That’s what seven women who call themselves “The King’s Daughters” think. They will do everything they can to prevent the play from being performed. It was Hamar Arbeiderblad that first mentioned the case. Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad (73) plays Jesus as a trans person in the performance “Evangeliet eter Jesus, Himmelens Dronning. The play premieres in Hamardomen on 4 September. Bishop Solveig Fiske in Hamar diocese sees no reason to support this protest. She believes that the performance could also have been shown in a church. – This is demonic Annie Schaug is one of the seven who object to the message in the performance. Together they have been to the bishop and discussed the matter. – This is blasphemy and a lie against God’s word. ON A VISIT TO THE BISHOP: “The King’s Daughters” is an independent Christian group with a conservative profile, which was started in the Hamar area two years ago. Behind fv: Inger Johanne Jedida Aanje, Sister Mirofora, Veronica Sandaker, Bishop Solveig Fiske, Annie Schaug, Daniell Aanestad. In front of Randi Lioen and Heidi Gilhus Johansen. Photo: Jorunn Vang – It’s perfectly fine for a theater to provoke. And we can be angry at people. But when it is resented against God’s word and the heavenly and spiritual, it crosses the line. She says that they have not given up the fight, but that they will not show up to demonstrate during the performance. Schaug says they have the highest authority on the spiritual plane. Therefore, they do not need to demonstrate anywhere. – We must pray, and we must tell the Norwegian people that this is demonic, that it is a lie and a deception. – This is not blasphemy Bishop Solveig Fiske believes that this is an important piece. HAD TO MEET OPPONENTS: Bishop Solveig Fiske received the group protesting against the performance. Photo: Halvard Bjørkås – But I listened attentively to what this group of women conveyed to me, and I take their concern seriously. But I see that we have a different approach to the topic. She claims that this performance is not blasphemy, but that Teater Innlandet helps to expand our image of who Christ is. – But how can you, as a bishop, vouch for a show that portrays Jesus as a transgender person? – Throughout history, Jesus has been portrayed in various ways. For example, with us he often has a Nordic appearance, even though he grew up in the Middle East. She believes this tells us that Jesus became a human being with whom we can identify. – My starting point is that transgender people must also be able to identify with Christ. Solveig Fiske believes that it is the theatre’s task to move us, and challenge our perception of where we ourselves stand. – I can vouch for this. The main actor himself is enthusiastic about the role. – This is so nice. I can vouch for this. MAIN ROLE HOLDER: Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad Photo: Ola Bjørlo Strande / news Pirelli Benestad believes that the gospel is thereby added to knowledge about human diversity, sexuality and gender perception. He encourages those who protest to go and see the performance. Will include WAS PREPARED: Theater manager Thorleif Linhave Bamle in Teater Innlandet. Photo: Ola Bjørlo Strande / news Theater manager at Teater Innlandet, Thorleif Linhave Bamle, says they have been prepared for reactions. – We are not naive. We understand that this is a piece that some people allow themselves to be provoked by. He says that they are not setting this up to provoke, but to include. – It is always unpleasant to have one’s world view challenged, he says. The police assess the risk The theater has been in dialogue with the police about security. The intention is that it will be safe to come to the premiere in Hamardomen on 4 September. – It was not many months ago that there was a terrorist attack in Oslo against the queer part of our population, so of course we have taken that into account, says Linhave Bamle. He says that they convey to the police the reactions they get on social media. The police then carry out the risk assessment. He guarantees that it will be safe for the public to attend the performance. – Absolutely, it is completely safe. And I can guarantee that it will be a theater experience that will stand for many, many years to come, says Thorleif Bamle Linhave. NEW ROLE: Esben Esther Pirelli Benestad as Jesus. Photo: Fin Serck-Hanssen
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Christian group tries to stop a play in which Jesus is portrayed as a transgender person – news Innlandet – Local news, TV and radio
