LMU | LA - Loyola Marymount University

Presentation by Kevin Wetmore, Chair, Theatre Arts

Francis Xavier and three other Jesuits reached Japan on 27 July 1549, beginning Japan’s so-called “Christian Century.”  By 1600, 95 Jesuits had served or were serving in Japan.  Confronted by linguistic challenges, the Jesuits in Japan turned to theatre and drama as a means of teaching about Christ and the Church.  By 1614, Christianity was banned and the Jesuits were ordered to leave or face execution, but the legacy of their teachings remained with the kakure Kirishitan, the “hidden Christians” of Japan. By using plays to teach about spirituality, the Jesuits of Japan were both obeying an early order of Ignatius of Loyola but also engaging in a greater Jesuit practice of using theatre to express Ignatian spirituality.  This talk will explore the Jesuit use of theatre to find God in all things, bring greater glory to God and to encourage audiences to embrace elements of Ignatius’ teachings.
For further information, or to register, please call 81806 or send an email to ignacio@lmu.edu.  We will send an email reminder on April 15.