'Jesus was a dramaturg' | Interview with artist Patrick Bayele | part 2

Hi everyone, 

Welcome back to the artist’s theology, a quick easy dive into the relationship between the arts and the Christian faith. 

This is part 2 of my conversation with my friend Patrick Bayele - our first ever guest! We continue briefly our discussion on presence over distraction, and then move swiftly into what I consider to be a deeply profound discussion on acting as a theological craft. 

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 

- Acting is a craft of stepping into transcendence 

- Art and Theology: (As actors, we are asked to) ‘Practice the impossible in a manner that has tangible, possible effects on someone. Is that not God?’ - Patrick Bayele 

"I think the best thing I can do in a world that is as contentious and as scarred as it is, is to fight for Jesus to at least be at the table." - Patrick Bayele

Note: Dramaturgy is the practice of understanding the structure,  characters, theme, language, intended audience and effects, cultural elements and contexts within a dramatic text or performance. 

ABOUT OUR GUEST 

Patrick Bayele is a British-born Ghanaian performer, writer, theatre-maker and academic, specialising in theology, temporality and African diaspora studies. He trained in acting and theatre-making at the Identity Drama School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT), and at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has also worked professionally in TV and film, notably in 'Soulmates' for Amazon Prime, which aired in 2021.

Check out Patrick's company here: the avieli arthouse.