Inspired by the 1978 scientific investigation of the Shroud of Turin -- the alleged burial cloth of Christ -- The Shroud will have its world premiere at West Coast Ensemble Oct. 29. Michael Kassin's play is directed by Claudia Jaffee.
The Shroud dramatizes modern society's clash between science and faith -- with science intent on proving the Shroud a fraud, and faith intent on proving there are miracles even science can't explain. Set in Los Alamos in 1978, The Shroud depicts a faith healer and a physicist who duel over the authenticity of the shroud.
Barrie Schwartz, the official documenting photographer for the Shroud of Turin investigation, serves as consultant on this technically-demanding production. In addition, he will provide authentic photography and video from the investigation.
Playwright Kassin made a personal and spiritual odyssey to Turin where he became fascinated by the Shroud and the controversy surrounding it.
Featured in the cast are Paul Carr, Angela DeCicco, David Grammar, David Kaufman, Julie Nunis, Edmund Shaff, Emily Somers and Steven Robert Woolenberg.Through Dec. 19 at West Coast Ensemble, 522 N. LaBrea Ave. For tickets and information call (323) 525-0022.
-- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent
