Bob has written 15 full length plays which can be produced with full casts and/or performed himself (portraying each character with a different voice). Each play begins with humor and entertainment, but concludes in a serious vein. Some are designed for unbelievers and others for Christians.
- Plays by Bob – Detailed information and descriptions of each play.
- Collaborations – Works written by Bob along with other writers or organizations.
How do Bob’s plays differ from other Christian Dramas?
A Perspective On Drama
by Bob Siegel
The other side of academic arguments for Christianity is the soft apologetic or the awakening of an emotional truth-an experience which sends out the signal, “We relate. We see where you are at.”
Prior to becoming a Christian I had no interest in religion and no incentive to read the Bible. But God used my interest in theater by communicating to me through plays which dealt with human nature, our selfishness, our darker, evil side. Without using the word “sin” I was indeed challenged about my guilt and my longing for a more complete life.
After becoming a Christian I decided that if God could use unbelieving authors so effectively he could certainly use Christians who write dramas with a more conscious “lighthouse.”
My plays are pre-evangelistic. They do not contain a gospel message, but they are designed in such a way that they can easily be followed up with one. By addressing such issues as romance, divorce, suicide and family relationships, we can celebrate the human pilgrimage with all its beauty, ugliness, hopes and limitations. This is made easier as people see a character they can relate to in the play, one who shares their present views or misconceptions.
We found that by raising issues rather than stepping on a soap box, some unbelievers have shown more respect and more interest in our ministry. One fellow commented that prior to seeing our play, ETERNAL REACH he hated Christianity.
A play which starts out comical and ends up making people cry, running the whole gamut of emotions, can create an atmosphere conducive to the spreading of the gospel. However, such emotional highs can actually be quite manipulative if misused and this is why my plays usually do not entirely conclude the story. I leave a little bit up to the imagination. In short, the emotional experience exists for the purpose of challenging people to think rather than telling them what to think.
So many people turned off to religion would give their lives to Jesus if they only understood what the love of Christ is really all about. Paul’s challenge of being all things to all people should give us an incentive to reach people at their own level and in their own language. I have found drama to be one such tool.