Experimental Theological Drama Debuts The Arlington Connection By Brandt Fletcher November 2002 Drama, theology, and community outreach come together in the first major stage production from the John Leland center for Theo1ogical Studies. Produced and directed by Lisa Hawkins, Douglas Anderson's historical drama, "The Beams Are Creaking," opens Friday; Nov. 1 at the First Baptist Church in Arlington. ? The play tells the true Story of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, an unlikely and tragic, hero of the resistance movement in Nazi Germany. Bonhoeffer initially, like many people of his day, believed he could wait out the Nazi reign and allow the political turmoil to calm on its own.? But as Hitler's ambition and power grew, Bonhoeffer found himself drawn to the opposition, and was involved in two assassination attempts on Adolf Hider, before he was ultimately discovered, arrested, and, executed.?? But the play is not a sweeping historic piece, says Hawkins. Instead, its power lies in its depiction of Bonhoeffer the man, rather than the historical figure. "In this play especially, you see Dietrich as a real person" she said. "He's not out on a cause." ? Bonhoeffer is played by Brett Payne, an actor from Alexandria in his first lead role,"I've?appeared in?live theatre, television, some independent?films and stage reading," he said. "This is my largest part by far."? For Payne, the script's triumph is its ability to depict various sides of Bonhoeffer's character.?"Dietrich's outward demeanor?was casual and humble.? However, the inner man was another personality altogether.? Eventually he?s pulled into events where, towards the end, he feels he has only one path to follow.??Dietrich?becomes caught up in the resistance," said Payne.? The result, he said, is "a wide spectrum of emotion," which is what makes the role particularly appealing for the actor. "He attempts to maintain his outward humility until there's nothing left - no family, no hope.??Dietrich?remains brave until the end." ? HAWKINS' DIRECTION focuses on letting that bravery and range of emotion to come across unobstructed. She called the black-box stage production "an experimental setup"' that places the themes and emotions of the play ahead of stage sets. "It's a very minimal set, very minimal costumes, really focused on the play itse1f," she said.? Randel Everett, president of the Leland Center, said the script is an important work, especially in today's uncertain political and religious climate. The script, he said, "has a lot of religious overtones but is also relevant to the community as a whole," Hawkins agreed that the play addresses both secular and religious issues. "It asks a lot of questions, "she said, about the church and about personal choices. In times of political or social unrest, such as Bonhoeffer faced, questions arise as to "the relevancy of the church" and "what are we willing, to do as individuals, she said. DRAMA SERVES AS OUTREACH for the Leland Center, according to Everett. Students complete four "ministry rotations," experiencing different methods of service, similar to the process used by medical schools to train doctors in various branches of medicine. Hawkins is using her interest and expertise in theater as part of her work at the Center. "This is hopefully the first step in putting together a full-time theater company." she said. Like Payne, this is her largest-scale experience to date. "This is my first time directing with a large cast and full production," she said.