The Holy O is a one-woman show centering around the theme of humans as embodied spirits and the connection between sexuality, the body, and the spirit. I will be writing and performing the show. This project is part of my thesis project for my MAT in Theology, Arts, and Culture at Fuller Theological Seminary, though this component is secondary to the creation of the play.

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Vera, the main character, is contemplating becoming a Catholic nun but has never considered celibacy one of her virtues. Her situation is complicated by the onset of visions and rapturous like prayers, something like those of St. Teresa of Avila, who had physical reactions and trance-like episodes while in prayer. (Have I been known to describe Vera as an orgasming nun? Sure, but that's not really what's happening.... or is it?)  As Vera's story and sordid past unfold, she shares stories of other women's experiences of the connection between the body and the spirit, particularly in the realm of sexuality. She also interacts with the audience, as they become characters from her past and saints in her preset.

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The format will be a bit like a choose your own adventure, as I will have access to multiple stories and only a few will be shared during each performance, making each performance unique. The audience becomes involved in the play as they become characters in the stories Vera tells. The brave audience members who choose to become a larger part of the show will select a story. They then briefly "become" the character the story is about as they read from a "script" and interact with Vera. After a brief scripted dialogue, Vera will finish the story for the audience. The brave audience volunteers will be thanked and given a special blessing or encouraging word during the show to express Vera's thanks for their participation and vulnerability.

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My hope is that this show creates space for people to think, experience, and feel. I hope space is created for people with differences to find common ground and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Above all, I hope the show opens space for the Spirit to move towards comfort and healing for those who have ever felt shame, guilt, or condemnation concerning their sexuality, bodies, or personhood. 

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The inspiration for this show comes from my own experiences and wrestling with my sexuality, what the church has to say about it, what culture has to say about it, and ultimately what God has to say about it (hint: it's way better than the 3 yahoos just referenced). Additionally, I have garnered creative inspiration from St. Teresa of Avila, Eve Ensler's The Vagina Monologues, Siobhan O'Loughlin's Broken Bone Bathtub, and "Confessions" from Donald Miller's Blue Like Jazz.