The Julian Drama

In this moving one hour fifteen minute drama, the life and times and writings of Julian come to life and invite viewers to encounter such themes as the:

Prologue by J. Janda

The play, Julian, is a dramatic monologue based on the life and times of Julian of Norwich and her written work, Revelations of Divine Love.

Mystic, writer, spiritual guide, Julian is the first-known English woman whose written work survives. She was born in 1342, two years after Chaucer, and, it is believed, lived well into her seventies.

She was an anchoress, that is, a woman who chose a life of solitude and prayer, and lived in a small two-room apartment adjoining a church. An anchoress was not necessarily a nun.

Julian’s anchorhold (or cell) adjoined Saint Julian and Edward Church in Norwich, England, and there she lived and listened to those who would come for spiritual guidance.

Julian was a survivor. She lived through the Hundred Years’ War, three outbreaks of the Black Plague which reduced the population of England by half, the violence of the Peasants’ Revolt, and the Great Western Schism which brought chaos to all Christendom.

Another interesting woman of that age was Margery Kempe. She also left us a manuscript, her biography, The Book of Margery Kempe. As the play opens, Julian has been listening to Margery Kempe.

Program Notes by Linda Loving

In the midst of great turmoil, Julian spoke words of comfort, of hope, of forgiveness, of revelation. She speaks to our time as well. In the face of the AIDS epidemic, violent wars and terrorism, hunger and homelessness, and a creation scarred by our apathy and abuse—we need to hear that “all is well” and commit ourselves anew to treasuring God’s precious creatures and creation.

About The Playwright

J. Janda was a student of pre-medicine at Marquette University and later entered graduate studies in the arts and theology at St. Louis University. He is a free-lance writer of poetry, plays and fiction including “That Sacred Hunger”, “Voices”, “Planning for Extinction” and the children’s play “The Onliest One.” Janda wrote the drama “Julian” in 1979 and worked with actress Roberta Nobleman and director Bing D. Bills for the first production.

"Julian" scripts may be ordered directly through the playwright.  J. Janda may be reached at:

J. Janda
9757 S 1700 E
Sandy, UT 84092

Production Staff
 

Director

Alan Furlan

Assistant Director......

Kay Knudsen

Tapestry

Lucy Smith

Publicity................

Nancy Enderle

Logo Design

Hank Robertz

Website

Matt Tews


Performance Rights

Performance rights for "Julian" are granted through Pioneer Drama Service.  They may be contacted directly at:

Pioneer Drama Service
Post Office Box 4267
Englewood, CO 80155-4267
 

Click here for a list of previous performances

Click here for information on booking a production of "Julian" at your location