Archive:Photo Gallery
Saint Francis and The Sultan
A two-act play by George Hickenlooper, Sr.
January 12, 14, 15, 19, 21, 22 2006
Directed by Jim Meady
Original Music by Chris Gibson
The play depicts the visit of Saint Francis of Assisi to the Sultan of Egypt in 1219. Traveling with his disciple, Illuminato, Francis is captured and taken to the Sultan, who listens to him, instead of beheading him, despite the advice of those around him. Francis is not tempted by the belongings of the Sultan, but his companion, Illuminato, is not so fortunate. Drawn into a veil of deceit and lies, Illuminato lets himself and his brother Francis down, finding out in the process that his faith wasn’t quite so great as he’d thought.
“The language of Saint Francis and the Sultan was playful, intelligent, and interesting throughout.” - Anne Earny
“It's a good solid script. Playwright Hickenlooper gracefully mixes comedy and romance with two indomitable faiths. In his thoughtful play, there's no question that the issues are complex and the characters realistic.” – Richard Greene - KDHX
CAST
BONAVENTURE
SISTER HELENA
OLD ILLUMINATO
FRANCESCO
ILLUMINATO
SOLDIER 1
SOLDIER 2
SULTAN MELEK-AL-KAMIL
FAKHR AL-FARISI
HALIMA/HELOISE
CARDINAL PELAGIUS |
Archie J. Coleman
LindaJoy Moore
Mark Moloney
Brad Slavik
Steve Karasek
Billy Smith
Jonathan Zepp
Tom Moore
Ralph Murphy
Karen Klaus
Ralph Murphy |
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"Brother Illuminato is the last surviving companion of the man they say was the perfect Christian.." says Bonaventure (Archie Coleman) to Sister Helena (LindaJoy Moore) as Old Brother Illuminato (Mark Moloney) wakes up.
"I'm convinced the Sultan will see us. This is no time to be faint-hearted." says Francesco to Illuminato as they wait in the Sultan's dungeon.
"I am his favorite" says Halima (Karen Klause) the Sultan's and survivor of the Children's Crusade.
"Does pity of neccessity lead to love?" says Francesco as he echos back Illumiato's question to make sense of his feelings for Halima.
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"Domine, dona istis idiotibus mortem sanctam martyrorum, et dona eis requiem aeternam." Cardinal Pelegius (Ralph Murphy) 'blesses' Francesco (Brad Slavik) and Illuminato (Steve Karasek) as two guards (Billy Smith and Jonathan Zepp) look on.
"Even in the depths of your dungeon we are free." replys Francesco to Sultan Al-Kamil (Tom Moore) as Illuminato, cheif adviser Al-Farisi (Ralph Murphy), and two guards look on.
Halima begins the seduction of Brother Illuminato.
"We would be happy to oblige. Who knows - maybe the outcome of your immolation will be to prove the greater truth of Islam" chortles Al-Farisi at Illuminatos declaration of throughing himself in the fire instead of allowing Francesco.
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