Area actor picks up the pen to present pastoral plays without much preaching
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

Local actor and author James Egan created a book of plays to help teach the morals found in the Bible.

"Justus' Lament and Other Short Plays for Church Groups" contains four comedies, two monologues, three holiday productions and two dramas. Each of the 11 works is designed to appeal to young audiences and deals with Christian teachings and biblical principles.

"The plays are a great addition to youth group curricula and a handy companion for sermons," Egan said.

Justus in the title play is a newspaper reporter in heaven who's assigned to interview members of the Heavenly Yacht Club. After discovering that he's lost in a "casting of lots" to become the 12th disciple, Justus interviews Moses, Noah and Paul. He learns that he's not the only person to feel inadequate as a man of God.

Through references to the Bible's scriptures, the plays teach young people important biblical and evangelical doctrines while the youth enjoy the fun of drama and comedy, Egan said.

As an actor and an author, Egan was inspired to create interactive stories so they could be brought to life on stage.

He attends Shepherd of the Hills Church in the San Fernando Valley, which has an active production ministry. Most of the plays were written by Egan at the request of church staff.

The biggest challenge in writing Christianbased materials is trying to be fresh and not very preachy, said Egan.

"But sometimes it is required, especially in a play that is supposed to be a lesson, to be more and intentionally pointed in the message. Then the challenge is to make it interesting and a lesson taught in a new or different way," he said.

Since youth respond well to comedy, Egan inserted humor in most of his plays. But there are two pieces in the book that are pure drama. It all depends on the point the pastor wants to make, the author said.

Egan holds a theater arts degree from Cal State Northridge. He's a founding member of the Santa Susana Repertory Company, the first nonprofit professional theater company in Ventura County, and has participated in all facets of the theater world, having worked as an actor, a director and a playwright.

Egan's plays and librettos have been performed by the Santa Susana Repertory and several churches. He's also working on screenplays and is now completing a rock musical and a novel. He and his family live in the San Fernando Valley.

"Justus' Lament and Other Short Plays for Church Groups" is Egan's first book. It is available through AuthorHouse, which publishes the works of emerging authors and new voices in literature. More information is available at www.justuslament.com.