“Jesus Christ Superstar” looks at the context of mass culture in terms of both religion and popular culture, and the allegorical representation of writings from The Bible in the context of a 21st century Anglo-Saxon environment. The musical provides elements that modernize the theology making it more relatable to today’s context.

 

This rendition of JCS takes place "in media res" or in the middle of the action of manifestations of the 99% against the 1%. Taking a look at the environment of inequality in the masses and the facist regimes that control the majority of the population.

 

The personnage of Jesus Christ develops as the saviour and voice of the people in this war against the 1%, but not as a self-elected leader. Spoken for by the people, it is the belief of the masses that propels Jesus into the forefront. 

 

As Jesus accepts his place as the voice of the masses against "the establishment" those among him begin to question his intent. 

 

Reaching the final moments of the story, Jesus accepts his fate as martyr and sacrafice, accepting that if he gives himself up, his followers will remain unharmed for their participation.

 

Acting as an adaptation of the story of Jesus Christ and his actions pursuant to the Bible, JCS modernizes his miraculous acts, and his sacrifice tying it to modern and recently occured events. The result is an adaptation that demonstrates the power of the people, and the mob mentatilty. 

 

Especially importatnt to this adaptation is the use of social media platforms. Acting as the beacon, spreadign news and "spreading the word" of the proclamed saviour, social media acts as the modern day catalyst that shows how viral campaigning can propel rumor and suspect into reality. The creation of a celebrity shows how due to popular culture, and mass media hyperphoria, reality can be skewed, and persumption can become reality.

 

Demonstrated by "King Herods Song" we see the assumption of doubt that occurs in mass consumption of "biblical thinking". This again establishes a link with the modern consumption of theology. As time progresses and modern culture becomes more questioning of historial methods of thinking, JCS acts as a modern sermon, bringing theology to new generations in a modernized format.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"It is a persuasive vision, expressed with some magnificent back-projections of urban poverty and corporate comfort."

 

-The Telegraph

(22/09/12)