Body + Blood

by Shannon TL Kearns

As whispers become a roar and threats mount, Joshua stands in front of his congregation plagued by doubts. He knows he is called and yet he can’t help but wonder if it makes a difference. If he can make a difference. If he’s enough. Or if maybe he’s too much of too many things-- transgender man, bartender, priest—too fractured to heal the suffering souls of others. But when, in a moment of chaos, he calls out in...

As whispers become a roar and threats mount, Joshua stands in front of his congregation plagued by doubts. He knows he is called and yet he can’t help but wonder if it makes a difference. If he can make a difference. If he’s enough. Or if maybe he’s too much of too many things-- transgender man, bartender, priest—too fractured to heal the suffering souls of others. But when, in a moment of chaos, he calls out in despair the answer is clear: there is more to this story.

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Body + Blood

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Body + Blood by Shannon TL Kearns
    “

    A brilliant character study that looks at how the church can do better to serve people. This play is filled with beautiful imagery and killer dialogue.

    A brilliant character study that looks at how the church can do better to serve people. This play is filled with beautiful imagery and killer dialogue.

    ”
  • Kate Busselle: Body + Blood by Shannon TL Kearns
    “

    This play is pure poetry, and the beautiful questioning of religion that Joshua's character offers are so poignant to what religion is today. Who gets to decide where "church" is? What kind of parishioner is a "good" parishioner? If all are not welcome at the table, is the table worth sitting at? The language and imagery within this play are magical. Dynamic characters and star vehicles for queer and trans actors!

    This play is pure poetry, and the beautiful questioning of religion that Joshua's character offers are so poignant to what religion is today. Who gets to decide where "church" is? What kind of parishioner is a "good" parishioner? If all are not welcome at the table, is the table worth sitting at? The language and imagery within this play are magical. Dynamic characters and star vehicles for queer and trans actors!

    ”
  • Elizabeth A. M. Keel: Body + Blood by Shannon TL Kearns
    “

    I'm so glad I was able to witness a reading at the Great Plains Theatre Commons (2022). BODY + BLOOD is a homily unto itself, and one that will follow you out of the room and back into your community. The play delivers a mellifluous ensemble that yearns to answer: How have any of us maintained our faith - in anything, in any form - in this darkening world? (Read it now and find out! *Contains three excellent roles for trans men, in case anyone is seeking particularly suitable material.*)

    I'm so glad I was able to witness a reading at the Great Plains Theatre Commons (2022). BODY + BLOOD is a homily unto itself, and one that will follow you out of the room and back into your community. The play delivers a mellifluous ensemble that yearns to answer: How have any of us maintained our faith - in anything, in any form - in this darkening world? (Read it now and find out! *Contains three excellent roles for trans men, in case anyone is seeking particularly suitable material.*)

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Development History

Awards

  • O'Neill Playwrights' Festival
    Semi-Finalist
  • Bay Area Playwrights' Festival
    Semi-Finalist
    2021
  • Seven Devils New Play Foundry
    Selection
    2021