AMDG
The Jesuit community here in Edinburgh is full to bursting this August as many guests come to stay. Yesterday we had a very interesting arrival. Jake Martin is a Jesuit scholastic from the Chicago province, and has a week long stand up show at the Edinburgh Fringe called ‘Learning to Pray in front of the Television‘. It has been interesting seeing the very healthy congregations here swell a little bit during the start of the festival, at communion time I have noticed a few actors, comedians and got to know a couple of producers who are all clamouring for attention during the festival. However I didn’t expect to see a Jesuit performing at the fringe – hats off to him, brave ! So I asked him to answer questions about his show – if you like the sound of it – come and support him! Or let your friends know about it (links below).
Anyway he has kindly answered three questions for us…
Why is the show called ‘learning to pray in front of the television’ ?
The title fit for the book because it was a memoir (now titled What’s So Funny About Faith: A Memoir at the Intersection of Holy and Hilarious, Loyola Press) and I felt it summed up my childhood and the influence the media had on my faith development. The show, on the other hand is part fiction, with some autobiographical parts, but television and the media still play a strong role in it. As a matter of fact, the format of the show is set-up like a reality show, American Idol to be precise, (I know the UK had Pop Idol and The X Factor before it, but I’m a dumb American so American Idol is all I know) and the audience will vote at the end of the show as to whether or not I should be ordained a priest.
Maybe you are the first ‘religious’ or Jesuit standup on the fringe what would you like to achieve?
I didn’t know I was the first Jesuit at the Fringe (and if I’m the first Jesuit, then I’m probably the first ‘religious’ period, since we always seem to be the first to move outside of the boundaries of the conventional religious. I don’t have huge goals for the Fringe other than to hopefully perform for more than two people a night. The important thing for me has already been done: I wrote a piece that I’m proud of and has a very particular point of view on faith and culture.
I did comedy back in Chicago for years and I always heard about the Fringe, it’s a huge deal to go in the States, but, of course, it costs a lot of money and it’s not exactly convenient time wise. Two years ago I was finally able to attend with a group of high school students who were performing as a part of the American High School Theatre Fest which coincides with the Fringe and I just fell in love with the event. It’s truly like nothing I’ve ever experienced before. For an artist–especially a performing artist–it’s nirvana (I’m aware of the irony of that statement) and the sense of community and expression are remarkably life affirming. It was an incredibly spiritual experience for me. I vowed (yes very religious-y phrasing I know) that I would someday come back and do my own show. This year just happened to be the year that I got my act together and was able to get here.
Find out more about him in this Huffington Post article – click here
To book tickets for Jakes show – click here
Good luck to Jake! I will not have the opportunity to see his show, however my vote is that he SHOULD be ordained as a Priest. Hew has a valuable gift to use as a Priest and, let us face it, while our faith is not something to be laughed at, we should be happy about it. A Priest using a bit of comedy might just help spread the word in a different and appealing way:)
I quite agree with the above comment, how fab to see a stand-up comedian who is a Jesuit! I think the more friendly and accesible the faith is, the easier it is to spread it. I wasn’t either a Christian or a Catholic until I went to university age 29 and met a nun who introduced me to the faith and I think Jake could do the same. The more enjoyable faith is the better, it can also be serious at times when it needs to be.
I wish I could go to Edinburgh but I live miles away. Maybe parts will be on the internet though?
spabbygirl,
I’m hoping your theory is correct and my show does open up a new avenue by which believers can be reached. While I know you can’t be there, prayers are always appreciated!
Jake
Simon, thanks so much for the kind words and support I do greatly appreciate them!
It is a pleasure Jake. Be assured of my best wishes for the Fringe and my prayers for you during the remainder of your discernment and Formation as a Jesuit.
Good luck Jake – it takes a lot of bottle to do stand up comedy anywhere, and also a lot of courage to answer God’s call – but don’t forget if you are generous in both you will inspire many.
Sandesh, thank you for the encouragement!
Go Bro!
God Bless you Jake