Son of Man (play)

Son of Man is a British television play by playwright Dennis Potter which was first broadcast on BBC1 on 16 April 1969, in The Wednesday Play slot.[1] An alternative depiction of the last days of Jesus, Son of Man was directed by Gareth Davies and starred Northern Irish actor Colin Blakely. The play was shot on videotape over three days on a very limited budget: Potter was later to say that the set "looks as though it's trembling and about to fall down."[2]

Controversy

The treatment of the subject matter led to Potter's being accused of blasphemy by Christian morality campaigner Mary Whitehouse. Jesus was depicted as being tormented by self-doubt, repeatedly crying out, "Is it me?", as he struggles with his own nature as God incarnate whilst being vulnerable to human frailty.[3] Potter's work focuses on Jesus's message of universal love, but eschews any mention of miracles or the resurrection. The character of Judas Iscariot is identified with the rich young man of the synoptic gospels.

Cast and crew

Cast

Crew

  • Written by Dennis Potter
  • Music: Carmel College Choir (Choirmaster: Martin Fogell)
  • Lighting: Robert Wright
  • Sound: Bryan Forgham
  • Costumes: Dinah Collin
  • Makeup: Sandra Hurll
  • Story Editor: Shaun MacLoughlin
  • Designer: Spencer Chapman
  • Producer: Graeme MacDonald
  • Director: Gareth Davies

Stage version

Potter's play was also adapted for the stage and played at the Roundhouse, London, with Frank Finlay in the leading role. The stage version of Son of Man was first produced on 22 October 1969, at the Phoenix Theatre, Leicester.[4]

Phoenix Theatre cast

References
  1. "Radio Times looks at 14 years of distinguished contributions to BBCtv Drama". Radio Times. 27 January – 2 February 1979.
  2. "BFI Screenonline: Son of Man". Screenonline.org.uk. 1969-04-16. Retrieved 2014-08-24.
  3. Lee, Marc (8 March 2008). "Son of Man: Testaments to the power of Christ's story". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 2014-08-24.
  4. "Son of Man A Play". 1970-01-01. ISBN 057316004X. Retrieved 2016-06-03.
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