Dallas Theatre Center "In the Beginning"

"In the Beginning" is a Dallas Theatre production whose subject matter is the first 10 chapters of the book of Genesis. Vignettes of selected stories are interspersed with commentary representing views of a variety of theological leaders in the Dallas area.

The program starts with a preview of what is to come with the entire cast. Spread across the width of the stage, each cast member speaks a line or two or three that explains the background and intent of the production. Throughout the show, cast members appear in various roles, with the role of God being shared across at least half a dozen actors including men and women.

Starting with the Garden of Eden, the presentation is that of literal biblical interpretation (with the addition of a couple of strategically placed g-strings) mixed with the commentary that expresses a variety of theological perspectives on the particular scene just enacted.

Some of the commentary is traditional and predictable, while some of it is credible questioning of the mainstream party line. Very little of it is particularly original or indicative of a broader cosmological perspective. However, this is acceptable, given the stated boundary of bible stories and Judeo-Christian perspective.

The second part of the show is intended to be an audience participation where members of the audience comment on questions asked by some of the actors. This seemed very shallow the night I was there. The Q&A only lasted about 10 minutes(instead of the planned 20) and seemed to die due to lack of original thought. Pat answers were offered by a few audience members who did not try to say anything provocative or hint at any scope beyond the level of a child Sunday school class.

All in all, the show was interesting and stimulated some individual introspection and questioning. However, given our current 21st century understanding of science, evolution, and world religions, the level of breadth and abstraction in the professional commentary and audience participation seemed to be timid and landlocked.