Could We Start Again, Please?
Two years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in Jesus Christ Superstar as the Steering Committee. One year ago I had the chance to delve deeper into the musical by substituting/playing as Peter the Apostle. This year, it’s safe to say that I miss Jesus Christ Superstar and all things regarding this odd and eccentric musical. I have to admit, this piece of musical just might be the most impactful form of art I have consumed so far.
This isn’t my first time writing about my experience in this musical, but somehow the stars have aligned, and fate manages to twist that musical back into the back of my head. Quoting myself:
The weird and unique musical that I once thought was odd and some kind of blasphemy has turned into something I enjoy watching.
Holy week is the perfect time for me to reflect upon JCS, especially regarding my faith with God. This piece of writing will dive deeper into symbols, meanings, and my interpretations of Jesus Christ Superstar.
Judas’s Point of View
First we must address the elephant in the room. Yes, this story is telling the story through Judas’s eyes. This point of view enables us to see Judas more deeply as an person, as an apostle. Rather than being a one-dimensional bad guy that betrays Jesus and falls into satan's temptation, here we see Judas as the mirror of our own living faith. Judas represents us, and every person who has ever loved God but has been paralyzed by our own faltering faith. Judas is us: the doubter, the pragmatist, the person you’d hate in a room because he asks every single thing, every details on your whys and hows.
Jesus: Why don’t you go do it?
Judas: You want me to do it?
Jesus: You liar, you Judas!
Judas: You want me to do it! What if I just stayed here and ruined your ambition? Christ, you deserve it!
Jesus: Hurry you fool, hurry, and go! Save me your speeches, I don’t wanna know! Go! — (The Last Supper)
The change between a question mark to an exclamation mark could change the whole meaning and our understanding of Judas’s anger. At first he was hesitant, questioning whether he should fully commit into betraying Jesus or confess his betrayal plan to everyone in the room. The realization that Jesus would not put up a fight and instead tells him to go do it, angers Judas even more, why would Jesus surrender himself willingly? It all culminates perfectly into Judas’ rage, blaming Jesus for his own question that he wasn’t able to answer:
Judas: Every time I look at you, I don’t understand. Why you let the things you did get so out of hand? You’d have managed better if you’d had it planned. — (The Last Supper)
Here, we see Judas’ betrayal not purely as an act of hate. But we could start to understand that Judas was trying to rationalize everything. He was trying to make sense out of Jesus’ Divine plan, and not being able to comprehend the whys, he fell into a pit of despair, and eventually chose to betray Jesus. That’s lesson number one, we should never ever try to rationalize God’s plan. It’s foolish and stupid to do so. Judas was stuck between his faith and his head: Did he truly believes Jesus? Or did he just see Jesus as a fake prophet that will lead the apostles to their deaths?
The Duality of Christ: Truly God and Truly Man
The frequent usage of emotions and expressions that Jesus shows throughout the play sums up one thing: Jesus was truly human. Few people would argue that showing Jesus’ emotions is a form of blasphemy, because how could we ever know what He was feeling? We’re talking about a God, an all-powerful and all-mighty and all-supreme being. How could we as mere mortals, as human beings could ever understand what He was feeling?
I argue that Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice wasn’t trying to insult or mock Jesus’ divinity, but rather showing His divinity by showing his humanity; his capabilities of having emotions and feelings.
But if I die
See the saga through and do the things you ask of me
Let them hate me, hit me, hurt me, nail me to their tree
I’d want to know, I’d want to know my God
I’d want to know, I’d want to know my God
I’d want to see, I’d want to see my God
I’d want to see, I’d want to see my God
Why I should die? — (Gethsemane)
In my opinion, JCS does not diminish Jesus as less Holy or less Divine, rather it leans fully on Jesus’ humanity. Jesus’ divinity lies within his humanity, his capabilities of feeling human emotions. The fact that Jesus was able to be afraid, to doubt, to feel fear shows just how complex and just affirms what Jesus was: truly God and truly Human.
Oh, why should I die?
Can you show me now that I would not be killed in vain?
Show me just a little of your omnipresent brain
Show me there's a reason for your wanting me to die
You're far too keen on where and how but not so hot on why — (Gethsemane)
If you really think about it, Gethsemane feels more like an monologue. Jesus was trying to talk to Himself, his humanity was trying to communicate with his divinity. It is the culmination of Jesus’ humanity. It was His cry for help, in the midst of fear and doubt. How can someone so divine, that knows every outcome still be doubtful and fear? It’s like knowing every right answer for the test but still be worried for your final score. Gethsemane isn’t a heresy, it’s a statement and proof of humanity in Jesus’ divinity.
My Magnum Opus
Just like a weary and annoying teenager unable to move on from his first love, JCS caught and holds me in a similar way. I am always in awe, and always struck by an admiration on this musical. Just like a regretful siner that repents, I must admit that I was once a hater on this odd musical. I remember vividly sitting in class and being forced, yes being forced to watch JCS’ interpretation on Jesus (He was depicted using tank tops and cargo pants)
I mean, who wouldn’t laugh if you see Jesus depicted this way? I thought He was supposed to wear a robe and sandals, not sneakers and cargo pants. I would never be able to guess just how wrong I was about this musical. When I heard that we were going to rent out a whole theatre as our venue I thought it was foolish. I was even more dumbfounded when I surveyed the venue, and realized that the venue we were playing on is used by plays on a international and professional level. I thought it was a waste to even be serious about this play. But I was wrong, completely wrong.
God really strikes and changes your life in a unique way. Who would’ve thought that this odd musical would have such an impact. I surrender, and I admit. Although I didn’t contribute as much as my colleagues, this play was the greatest piece of program kerja that I was able to experience. Two years later, and still here I am unable to move on from this masterpiece. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of you. Happy JCS day.
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JCS, I am honored, touched, and deeply moved by you.
