PRESS Press Release

THE PLAY
brings the life of one of the great heroes of the twentieth century to the stage. The audience is brought into the prison cell where Bonhoeffer awaits execution and listens to his struggles with evil, injustice, and God.

In the play, Bonhoeffer tells of the profound influence of fellow Union Theological student, Frank Fisher, an African-American friend who introduced Dietrich to the blight of racism in America.

Prisoner Bonhoeffer expresses moral outrage against the Nazi treatment of Jews and explains how that outrage led him to become involved in the German resistance movement, a commitment that would result in his being executed by hanging on April 9, 1945.

THE REVIEWS
"I was deeply moved by Al Staggs' one-man show on Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  Its serious grappling with the profound moral issues raised by Bonhoeffer's life and death provides an especially effective way of placing these elemental moral and religious issues before the public.  I recommend it to others with enthusiasm and without reservation."

Professor Steven T. Katz, Director, The Eli Wiesel Center for Judaic Studies, Boston University

"Rarely has our congregation given a standing ovation at a presentation in our Temple.  You received an enthusiastic one and merited it greatly.  Thank you for your significant role in advancing interreligious understanding."

Rabbi Samuel M. Stahl, Temple Beth El, San Antonio, Texas

"Al Staggs powerful and stirring portrayal of Dietrich Bonhoeffer is important towards increasing our knowledge and understanding of the Shoah (Holocaust), especially its religious and theological implications.  It must be seen-nay, experienced!-by all persons of good will...."

Rabbi Steven L. Jacobs, Temple BNai Shalom, Huntsville, Alabama

"I...thank you for your excellent presentation and congratulate you for your understanding of what Bonhoeffer stood for.  Your performance...was truly memorable."

Professor Harry James Cargas
Webster University, St. Louis, Missouri

"You were true to his life and thought throughout the portrayal.... I found your presentation deeply moving."

Franklin H. Littell, Professor
Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Thank you...for the outstanding presentation at our joint pre-Holocaust commemoration.  Your acting was superb and your message was meaningful to both Christians and Jews."

Rabbi Richard J. Birnholz
Congregation Schaarai Zedek, Tampa, Florida

"Staggs' riveting enactment breathes new vitality into one of the most inspiring lives of the twentieth century, a story that grows in importance with every passing year - not to be missed."

Harvey Cox

"My wife and I were much honored to be with you and to experience your Legacy of Dietrich Bonhoeffer presentation.  We found your character-drama of the final hours and moments of Bonhoeffers life very moving and most appropriate for these times...."

Rabbi Lewis E. Bogage
Beth Israel Temple, Hazelton, Pennsylvania

"Al Staggs brings the story of the Bonhoeffer struggle alive in his dramatic presentation.  His sensitive performance focuses the audience on the importance of making choices based on moral and religious conviction.  The message is universal and we recommend it strongly."

Maxine Cohen, Director
Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of San Antonio, Texas

"I was deeply moved by your portrayal of Bonhoeffer...."

Rabbi Wolfgang Hamburger
St. Joseph, Missouri

"Your presentation of Bonhoeffer was wonderful.  It certainly attracted a diverse audience, and it was a wonderful piece for ecumenical conversation."

Rabbi Barton G. Lee
Hillel Jewish Student Center, Arizona State University

"I would keenly recommend, on behalf of a national organization committed to opposing bigotry and discrimination through education, that Rev. Staggs intense but serene monologue serve as a focal point for programs involving interfaith bridge-building...."

Gershon M. Weisbenberg, Regional Director,
The National Conference of Christians and Jews Worcester, Massachusetts

AL STAGGS
Al discovered his performing abilities when he began to impersonate famous comedians for his high school classmates and teachers. Following a stint in the U.S. Army as a draftee he turned his attention to obtaining the necessary education for service as a minister.  

During the period of his post graduate studies he was increasingly drawn to those individuals in recent history who had devoted their lives to justice and peace concerns. After two decades of working as a parish minister he came to terms with the fact that his real passions related to performing and to working for peace and justice.  

Twenty years ago Al combined those two passions by writing and performing a one-person play that takes his audience into the prison cell of the German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer. A few years later he took the step of leaving the pastoral ministry and began a career as a full-time performing artist, adding characterizations of Clarence Jordan, Archbishop Oscar Romero, Thomas Merton and Walter Rauschenbusch to his repertoire of programs. He finds great satisfaction in bringing these notable figures to life and sharing their relevant messages with audiences throughout the world.  

Al Staggs holds a B.A. from Hardin-Simmons University, an M.R.E. from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Th.M. from Harvard Divinity School and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. He also completed a year internship in Clinical Pastoral Education at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas,Texas.  

In the spring of 1983 he was honored as a Charles E. Merrill Fellow at Harvard with major emphasis in Applied Theology under the direction of Harvey Cox.  

Al served as a minister and hospital chaplain prior to becoming a full-time performing artist

PRODUCTION STAFF