Play: Romero - Heartbeat of El Salvador

Dangerous confrontation

The production opened and closed with a gunshot ringing through the air-the assassination of Blessed Oscar Romero. The rapid scene changes seemed to emphasise the urgency of help needed by the huge peasant population in El Salvador during the 1960-1980s. Oppressed by the extreme right wing government the poor lived in impossibly harsh conditions, constantly surrounded by extreme violence. The popular bumper sticker of the day was 'Be a Patriot-Kill a Priest.'

The play was beautifully directed - multimedia sound and visuals providing a backdrop to scenes depicting varied moments that shaped Romero's life and revealed more of his inner being.

There were superb performances from the cast of three: Stephen Newbury, Charley Pinfold and John Bosco each slipping in and out of a number of different roles. John Bosco in the title role had an uncanny resemblance to Romero.

The audience was engaged with and followed the impassioned historical journey of a timid priest finding his voice and demanding justice, reconciliation and peace for God's people. The standing ovation was a testament to the Rise Theatre team's professionalism, channelled through the heart!

Romero - Heartbeat of El Salvador is a must see this autumn.

St Stephen's with St John Church, on Rochester Road Victoria London, hosted the performance I attended on Saturday 23 September 2017. There will be performances throughout October and November in London and over the UK.

Check Rise Theatre website for more information: www.risetheatre.co.uk/current-tours

Watch a short clip from Saturday's performance on ICN's Youtube channel: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qll98NIK_h8