SOUTHWOLD ARTS FESTIVAL ~ The Beloved Son – Performed by Andrew Harrison

Henri Nouwen (1932 - 1996) was a Dutch, Catholic priest, psychologist, and professor who reached the heights of academic success at Yale and Harvard before abandoning everything to join the community of L’Arche, Daybreak in Toronto. He became part of a life-sharing movement, seeking to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities. To some Henri Nouwen put his brilliant career into reverse, risking the loss of reputation, to others his life was a prophetic challenge to church and society. The Beloved Son is a moving solo performance, exploring hope and longing, family dynamics, sexual and emotional crisis, and the profound insights of a man who became one of the greatest spiritual writers of the 20th century.

“This is performance as pastoral care, and theatre as spiritual discipline. Harrison has accomplished a feat akin to artistic transcendence—a theatrical masterpiece that delves into the most profound enquiries of human purpose.” - Yorkshire Times.

Audience responses:

I loved it. Deeply moving and thought provoking. Loved the various accents throughout. it was a real privilege to be there
TR

Simply outstanding - an 80-minute tour de force. Leaves you breathless, and weeping. And yet with joy. Five stars”
DD

Wonderfully written and conceived and so simply but effectively staged. A wonderful, wonderful evening.
AH

So many layers to performance and text. Very touching, thought provoking and funny. Hurrah!
OP