About the project
Book of Job
Dramatic Reading of The Book of Job, by Translated by Stephen Mitchell
Directed and Adapted by Bryan Doerries
The Book of Job Project presents dramatic readings by acclaimed actors of The Book of Job as a catalyst for powerful, guided conversations about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic upon individuals, families, and communities. The Book of Job is an ancient Hebrew poem that timelessly explores how humans behave when faced with disaster, pestilence and injustice.
Developed in collaboration with PopTech, The Book of Job was created to promote healing dialogue within the community of Joplin, which was devastated by a tornado in May 2011. The project has since been presented all over the country and the world, from New York City (Hurricane Sandy), to Pascagoula, MS (10-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina), to Japan (Fukushima).
I talked to a lady after the tornado—she said she wished she had died instead of a friend. I think she was in so much pain. I listened, but I wish I could have known what to say. She had lost hope. She definitely was wanting to curse God. All I could do was pray and I cried. I now wish I had said nothing and just held her. Words aren’t always helpful.
About the play
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The Book of Job by Translated by Stephen Mitchell
The Book of Job is an ancient Hebrew poem that timelessly explores how humans behave when bad things happen to good people. At the beginning of the poem, Job, a righteous and prosperous man, is tested by God. In the span of one day, he loses everything—his children, his crops, his livestock, his house, and his health. Convinced of his own innocence, Job sits silently in the dirt behind what's left of his home and asks God for an explanation. But God doesn't answer. Job is visited by a group of friends who, at first, sympathize with his suffering, but when Job begins to question why he has been singled out and made to suffer, they condemn his behavior and accuse him of having done something to deserve his terrible fate. In spite of these accusations, Job clings to the belief that he has done nothing wrong and continues to shake his fists at the sky in righteous indignation. At the very end of the poem, God reveals himself to Job as a disembodied voice within a whirlwind and rebukes him for presuming to understand His will. Job covers his mouth and falls silent, and—in an enigmatic ending—God restores his health and prosperity, doubling his children, his livestock, and his crops.
Book of Job Highlights
Book of Job: Knox County, Ohio
On Zoom / 2020
On December 6th, we presented the Book of Job Project, focused on the Knox County, Ohio community, as part of Theater of War Productions’ year-long virtual residency at Kenyon College. We were pleased to open this program up to the public to create the conditions for dialogue and connection during this time of isolation and division. Featuring performances by Bill Murray, Frankie Faison, David Strathairn, Marjolaine Goldsmtih, Kathryn Erbe, Nyasha Hatendi, and Mayor of Knox County, OH, Matt Starr.
Bill Murray plays Job
On Zoom / 2020
Bill Murray played Job on December 6th 2020 for The Book of Job Project, focused in Knox County, OH. Read about the event in AP News.
Frankie Faison plays God
On Zoom / 2020
Kathryn Erbe Plays the Narrator
On Zoom / 2020
David Strathairn plays Bildad
On Zoom / 2020
Marjolaine Goldsmith plays Eliphaz
On Zoom / 2020
Nyasha Hatendi plays Zophar
On Zoom / 2020
Jeffrey Wright plays Job
On Zoom with Exodus Transitional Community / 2020
This special event was a collaboration with Exodus Transitional Community aimed at engaging a socially distanced audience of adults and youth affected by the justice system. We were proud to open this innovative program to the public, to bear witness to the insights of the Exodus Transitional Community.
Ato Essandoh Plays Job
On Zoom / 2020
A short documentary on the Book of Job in Joplin, MO
Joplin, MO / 2012
Book of Job was first presented in Joplin, MO in 2012, on the anniversary of the the tornado that devastated the Joplin community.
Telling Story of Job at Sandy-Ravaged Synagogue in Rockaways
Queens, NY / 2013
Theater of War Productions presented Book of Job in West End Temple in the Rockaways, marking the first time congregants stepped foot in the sanctuary after it was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy. See article in The Forward.
Actors bring Book of Job to life for Joplin audiences
The Joplin Globe / 2012
The Book of Job as Community Theater Readings after Superstorm Sandy and other disasters
Public Seminar / 2014
You Are Not Alone Across Time: Using Sophocles to treat PTSD
Harpers Magazine / 2014
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