←Recommendations of James of Nazareth

This play is so beautifully written and impactful. People have been writing about Jesus for centuries, but very few have been capable of writing a compelling play out of it. Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend is one of those people. The relationships between each of these characters is given fresh life and gives plenty of meat for actors to explore. This play feels reminiscent of Lucas Hnath's "A Doll's House Part 2" in this way. A wonderful and thought-provoking piece to consider for future productions.

I saw this play at Live Arts in Charlottesville, and this play was touchingly bittersweet. It's a big shoe to put on, writing a play about Jesus from a whole new lens. I especially appreciated the attention to detail. Often stories of Jesus derail quickly into satire or remain so close to the cuff that it screams bad megachurch attempt at theater. But this play did neither: it respected the story of Jesus while handling it with beautiful truth. 5 stars.

There are plays that make me want to be a better writer. Then there are those that make me want to quit writing all together. This one is both for me. Genuine genius at work here. Definitely shining a light on paths to be taken as a writer, but also a big sign that I should stop writing because Lisa’s got the writing thing covered. This is a moving, funny, thought provoking play that puts family dynamics and the call to revolution under the lens of one of the best known story in the world.

This play. This piece is so human and beautiful and bittersweet. Just reading it, I could picture the whole thing in my mind. It's just such good writing. By giving us James' point of view, Feriend has given us a glimpse into the family drama surrounding the New Testament's main character. The familial relationships between these characters are so strong. It was sweet and sad and funny and inspiring all at the same time. I want to see this play onstage (or film) so badly. Someone please produce JAMES OF NAZARETH!!!!

You do not need to be a Christian or have any religious affiliation to thoroughly enjoy and be moved by this New Testament story, told from the perspective of Jesus’ brother James. Using casual modern English, Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend combines a sharp wit and warmth to bring even the most saintly characters down to earth to highlight their humanity. I would absolutely love to see this staged!

Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend has achieved a rare feat—a retelling of the Jesus story that is simultaneously utterly familiar and completely fresh. With fast-paced dialogue, this play if filled with great, rich roles for a variety of ages.

In her masterful retelling of the Gospels, “James of Nazareth,” Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend imagines the mundane lives of Jesus’ mother Mary, brother James, and James’ wife Hannah and son, Daniel. The entry point is pitch-perfect comedy, but the play envelops current concerns about violence, resistance, and love and compassion. The plot centers on the conflict between the brothers, one who understands too much and one who understands too little. Neither preachy nor doctrinaire, the play strikes multiple notes and ultimately speaks to the sorrows of not one singular family but many families across time and place. Highly recommended.

I absolutely loved this play. It's fantastic from the end/beginning to the end/end. The entire end (including the verbiage used for the song "Revolution"). Lisa Dellegiarino Feriend has struck gold with this fast-paced comedy. It has everything you want in it without intentionally defaming the original content. Ultimately, there's a lesson in this about life, love, and family. No matter your religious affiliation this is a must see, must be seen, play. Would make a tremendous radio show as well! Brilliant!

Familiar figures from the New Testament come off the stained glass windows and inhabit the real world in this fresh look at a timeless story. Focusing on the journey of James the Just from resentful younger brother of Jesus to the reluctant head of the fledgling church provides a healthy reminder that these people were human beings before they were saints. Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this play and agree: it needs to be produced. I was hooked from the first slap, my attention held by the humor (especially of Mary pushing for more wine!) and entranced by the stringing and re-stringing of the lyre. A lovely retelling from a very human and humble perspective. Favorite line: "It’ll be okay in the end, James." Lovely work.