SPRINGFIELD, Missouri – Evangel University’s Humanities Department and Theatre program proudly present the premiere of “The Shepherd’s Son,” an original play by 2022 Evangel graduate Christopher Sieh.
The one-night-only performance will take place on Saturday, December 3 at 7 p.m. in Evangel’s Barnett Fine Arts Center. General admission is free, and seats will be available on a first-come, first serve basis. The community is invited to attend.
Production and performers
“The Shepherd’s Son” is a dramatic retelling of the story of Absalom, son of the Hebrew King David, based on the biblical account found in 2 Samuel. Absalom was praised as the most handsome man in Israel, but his arrogance and hunger for power led to a battle against his own father and an untimely death.
Sieh wrote the script over the course of two years with guidance and input from Evangel professors.
“It’s different than anything we’ve ever done here,” said Lori Lawley, instructor of humanities and the play’s co-director. “It’s retelling the story from Absalom’s perspective and casting David as a broken king because of his relationship with Bathsheba.”
The cast features the following Evangel students:
- Absalom – Yaya Liké, senior
- Joab – Ben Paris, senior
- David – Jonathan Falconer, senior
- Tamar – Jolie Smallwood, freshman
- Presley – Lane Buckingham, junior
- Amnon – Christian Redding, freshman
- Caleb – Michael Feltman, freshman
- Jonadab – TJ Slagle, senior
- Maid Servant – Lily Hendershot, freshman
- Wise Woman – Annaliese Marsiglio, senior
- Commoner – Harmony Husbands, sophomore
- Brother 1 – Clayton Wester, freshman
- Brother 2 – Connor Campbell, freshman
- Brother 3 – Brady Rosenthal, senior
- Maiden – Meghan Galindo, freshman
- Peasant – Lauren Medrano, junior
- Hushai – Stone Peterson, senior
- General/Brother – Jonny Mares, junior
“Through this play, readers feel the tensions, not only inside Jerusalem but within the hearts of those who lament a torn kingdom and long for healing, forgiveness, reconciliation between a father and his children, and restoration,” said Ladonna Friesen, EU Humanities Department chair.
About the Humanities Department
Evangel University’s Humanities Department includes majors in art, literature, foreign languages, and theatre.
Students gain hands-on experience including theatre productions, student art gallery, the “Epiphany” fine-arts magazine, coffeehouse poetry readings, The Write Place lab, and a variety of Artist Series events.
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Evangel University, with its embedded Assemblies of God Theological Seminary (AGTS), is a comprehensive Spirit-led Christian university located in Springfield, Missouri. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. Under the leadership of Dr. Mike Rakes, EU is committed to excellence in educating and equipping students to serve the Church and society globally and becoming compassionate innovators in their chosen vocations. EU offers more than 70 degree programs, including cutting-edge majors, pre-professional programs, and affordable and flexible online degree options.
EU is highly regarded and has been ranked:
- US News & World Report Best Colleges Top Performer in Social Mobility
- Colleges of Distinction Best Christian University
- Top 10 Best Universities by AcademicInfluence.com
- Third Most Beautiful Campus in the Midwest by Christian Colleges & Universities
- Top 10 Best Colleges in Missouri by BestColleges.com
With additional accreditations in business, counseling, music, social work, and theology and certification as an Excellence in Giving university, EU is focused on providing students with hands-on experience and real-world training for today’s professional careers. Learn more about the university at evangel.edu.