19 October

Jeezus!, performed by Sergio Antonio and Guido García Lueches as part of PAPAYA Fest 2024 at The Wardrobe Theatre, boldly dives into the intersection of faith and queer identity. Directed by Laura Killeen, this high-energy production brings Catholic guilt, divine obsession, and personal liberation into sharp focus through biting satire and playful irreverence.

Set in Lima, Peru, Jeezus! follows Jesús, a young boy grappling with Catholic guilt and queer desire for none other than the Son of God. From the Baz Luhrmann-inspired opening, the production establishes its bold tone, blending dynamic physical comedy with musical numbers and irreverent set pieces. The costume design—sequins, purple robes, and harnesses—juxtaposes sacred and profane, perfectly highlighting the play’s sharp critique of religious dogma.

Antonio and García Lueches’ chemistry crackles throughout. They effortlessly shift between absurd comedy and raw emotional depth, drawing the audience into a surreal yet deeply personal journey. Antonio’s script is razor-sharp, full of self-aware humour, while García Lueches brings precise timing and charm.

At its core, Jeezus! is a deeply personal satire on how organised religion handles queerness. Scenes like The Last Supper expose the terror of growing up queer in a conservative Catholic family while expertly mocking the Church’s fixation on sin.  Antonio masterfully balances humour with vulnerability.  The confession scene, where Jesús confronts his internal conflict, is a standout. The line, “You don’t get to tell me what love is,” becomes a powerful declaration of autonomy, shifting the narrative from guilt to self-acceptance.

Equally striking is the exploration of homo eroticism in The Passion of Christ. The show’s deconstruction of religious iconography reveals the queerness hidden within these depictions of divinity, delivered with just the right balance of provocation and wit.

The production also delves into broader societal critiques. The metaphor of “daddy issues” not only reflects Jesús’ relationship with God but also critiques larger structures of patriarchy and dictatorship. The narrative intertwines these global tensions with personal struggles, exploring how power shapes identity and desire.

By its riotous conclusion, it’s clear Jeezus! is more than just irreverent satire. It’s an innovative reimagining of faith, love, and identity—challenging inherited narratives while injecting them with a fresh queer lens, ultimately celebrating the joyful liberation that comes from reclaiming them.

★★★★☆  Tilly Marshall, 20 October 2024