BIO IN BRIEF

Dennis Hassell, author of THE GLORY PLACE, a play about Clarence and Koinonia

"the curious faithful"

Dennis Hassell, playwright, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Alberta, studied further in England, and interned at the Shaw Festval and Canada's largest regional theatre, the Citadel. He founded Brookstone Performing Arts in 1988. SInce then, amid producing, directing and performing, he has written over a dozen produced scripts, including A DIVINE COMEDY, THE BIG PICTURE, and SAINT HILARIA'S. All of his mainstage scripts have a faith dimension, yet none are didactic. His personal mandate: "to tell parables that help people understand the kingdom of God."

His historical adaptations include THE PROSPECTOR and HEART OF AFRICA. He has received grants and awards from the Government of Alberta, the Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council, and the national Canada Council, as well as many private foundations. Brookstone Theatre, Art Within, and Koinonia are all partnering with him to get the play written.

Hassell's research on THE GLORY PLACE (a play inspired by the story of Koinonia and Clarence Jordan) has taken him to Koinonia four times so far. . "I believe that writing in a community setting is often helpful, and in this case,essential to the integrity of the process. Koinonia today is facing the same questions as in 1942, 1956, and 1968 -- though the answers will be different."

Hassell finds dramatic potential in the story of Koinonia because of the amount of concrete conflict and personal courage. "It's the story of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. As Con Browne said, the genius of Koinonia lies in taking huge risks." The raw, unvarnished music of the rural south will be a feature of the play.

Hassell feels that all of his interviewing, reading and other research is creating in his mind a vivid characterization of Clarence Jordan. "He was a natural storyteller, a gifted comedian, and born stubborn. What he became, however, was a prophet."

Hassell will have an early draft ready for an onstage reading in October in Atlanta (tickets via artwithin.org). He says to the curious faithful, "Anyone seeking to serve God will find in this play both a cautionary tale (of the cost of discipleship) and an electrifying story of what God can and will do through just one faithful person and one faithful community.."

You can contact the author about this or any of his plays and touring shows, at h4@ca.inter.net.

For a list of professional faith-based theater companies in North America, visit artwithin.org

Watch Koinonia's schedule of events for updates