Community Corner
Play Relates Bible Story to Life in DC
Ecce, a play by a George Washington University student, is in the Capital Fringe Festival. It explores the crucifixion of Jesus Christ through the eyes of Pontius Pilate and is set in the modern day.
When trying to make a just decision, few people ask WWPPD — what would Pontius Pilate do? Ecce, a play debuting Thursday, July 19th at the Capital Fringe Festival, lets the audience examine the crucifiction of Jesus Christ through the eyes of the man who sentenced him to death.
The play set in modern-day related the classic story as a political thriller wherein Pilate is an ambitious politician who must choose between protecting his hard-earned career and saving an innocent man — the "right" choice.
The audience of course knows how the story ends, but getting to Pilate's decision is a journey with which DC residents can relate, especially in election season, according to Producer Amanda Jones.
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"If you're a Washingtonian, you'll want to see this," said Jones, a recent George Washington University graduate. "Be prepared to be surprised and to be really called on to take this journey with Pontius Pilate."
In addition to political language, the costumes also invoke the atmosphere of an on-the-edge-of-your-seat political thriller. For inspiration, the team looked to modern politicians such as Barack and Michelle Obama. Rhodes compared the style to the television show Mad Men, with the men wearing tailored business suits.
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Rhodes first learned of the script at a college party at GW from then-student AP Carroll who wrote the play. She said she immediately knew the play had great potential and after graduating started A.J. Rhodes Entertainment to produce it. She now hopes to continue producing one to two shows a year out of her company.
"He took a story that was so well known and really flipped it on its head and made it new again," Rhodes said.
Many of the actors and production team are also GW alumni. Some, such as ED Churchill, the director, are current students.
The group will perform Ecce at the Warehouse Theater inside Passenger Bar at 1021 7th St.,NW. The show times are 8 p.m. on July 19, noon on July 21, 6 p.m. on July 22, 9:45 p.m. on July 27 and 3 p.m. on July 28. Tickets can be purchased here .
