Portraying Human Side of Jesus
More Contemporary Musical `Jesus Christ Superstar' to Go on Stage
By Chung Ah-young
Staff Reporter
Even for a true believer who grew up in a Christian community in New York, it was a big challenge for Cito to take on the role of Jesus in ``Jesus Christ Superstar.''
``Initially, when I got the role, I was scared of that fact that I had to portray such a revered man ― such a respected and worshiped being because I just am not worthy,'' Cito said in an interview with The Korea Times. Cito visited Korea Nov. 19-22 to promote the troupe's upcoming shows in Seoul and Busan next month, a part of their world tour.
The 33-year-old actor said that he is a Christian. ``But it's just on a personal level between God and me. I don't attend Church. Both my parents are still doing that, especially my mother. As far as Christianity is concerned, I believe in the teachings of Christ,'' he said.
``Jesus Christ Superstar'' is a rock opera by Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Written in 1970, it highlights the political and interpersonal struggles of Judas Iscariot and Jesus. The plot mainly focuses on the character of Judas, who is depicted as a conflicted, tragic figure who is not satisfied with what he views as Jesus's lack of planning, and is alarmed by his relatively recent claims of his divinity.
The musical was controversial when it first came out and traditional Christians either ignored it or didn't want to see the show.
Cito spent his childhood in a Hispanic Christian community in the Big Apple. His family immigrated to South Africa during his high school days for missionary purposes. Cito said that his mother, who is a devout Christian, saw the show and turned his mind toward it.
``I've tried to play the role as best as I can, following honest emotions and feelings wherever possible. We were sensitive to the actual context and then we were able to support the message of what Jesus was really about. Then, she (my mother) came to the show five times after that. She says it's okay,'' he said.
Cito, a member of Wonderboom ― a South African rock band ― said that the musical has a universal theme although it is based on the Bible story of the last seven days before Jesus is crucified.
``But it's told from the eyes of Judas and his perspective is very human and very honest. Judas was the only disciple, according to our references, who actually stood up to Jesus and had questions of all these things.''
Cito with his trademark beard and long hair said that it was hard for him to associate or accept the fact that Jesus was a human being but this piece helps him appreciate and embrace his human side in which he felt love, fear and anger.
``A lot of things you don't see in the Bible and you don't hear at church; besides the message of Christ, I think non-Christians will appreciate the drama and performance, and people will be touched and moved in their own kind of way,'' he said.
Asked about his role on the show, he said that he will show an honest, soulful and vulnerable Jesus.
He said that the musical has stepped up the level of individual performances, from Judas to Mary or Herod ― all these characters have a distinctive quality in their voices and performances.
He explained that the production is contemporary ― such as the impressive set designs and costume designs ― updated from when it was first written in 1970 and when the first production featured Ian Gillan, the lead vocalist, from Deep Purple. But he stressed that the set doesn't distract from the actual story; it supports it more than anything else.
He said that Herod scene used to be very comical and classic sounding but now it has a more rock feel and the music has Israeli musical touches and Middle Eastern and contemporary Western elements as well.
``It's all mixed up so nicely. It gives you the feelings and messages of the story that was written 2,000 years ago and set into the musical theater 35 years ago, but it still relates today and the message is timeless,'' he said.
Cito, who has been the lead singer of his band for almost for 12 years, made his debut in this musical because he always wanted to do something different.
``After much thought and consideration, I decided to audition and go for it. I've gained new things from my voice ― I felt something that I hadn't quite before. I felt it was something I needed to do,'' he said.
The audition was videotaped and sent to London, where composer Webber personally approved his casting last year.
The production ran in South Africa and in Athens, Greece, with Cito singing at every performance.
His rendition brought the bravado of a rock `n' roll front man to the show, and drew an awed response from many spectators in the international musical theatre industry.
He said that he hopes that Korean people will also appreciate the universal piece.
The musical will be staged in the Superstar Dome of Jamsil Stadium, southern Seoul, on Dec. 12-18 and at Busan Citizens' Hall on Dec. 21-23.
For more information, call (02) 3446-9630.