Mormons used a risque and bawdy musical to raise awareness.
The Book of Mormon is currently playing at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal. It satirises The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints as well as religion in general.
According to theatregoers, church members who approached them after the performance looked exactly like the characters and they “thought it was still part” of the show.
John Gill, a church elder, said that protesting is not something we do.
He stated that the intention was to inform rather than recruit.
Amy from Newcastle said that the “elderly” name badges, “pristine shirt and tie, and hair” convinced her they must be cast members.
She said, “They gave us a big smile and asked if we enjoyed the show.”
“But I saw the leaflet and realized they were real.
The multi-award winning South Park series is written by Trey Parker and Matt Stone. It follows two mismatched missionaries who are sent to convert people in a village in Uganda.
North East elder Mr Gill said that his church did not support or oppose the show.
He said, “Sometimes opposing methods create divisions, and as a church globally and locally, we don’t want to create divisions.”
“If people wish to see a musical at a theatre, regardless of whether they agree with its content, then that’s their right. It’s not our job to tell them what they can or can’t do.
Amy stated that she didn’t expect such a forward-thinking approach from the church.
She said, “It made my believe they have a sense for humor and are open to laugh, that they’re jumping at the chance to connect as if no publicity is bad publicity.”
Karen, a Newcastle resident, also saw the show and thought it was clever to have a conversation with people instead of protesting it.
She said, “It got my thinking and talking to other people about the religion.”
“But I won’t be joining it anytime soon.
He said that Mr Gill will not be going to the entire show, even though some members of his church have.
To gain “a bit of insight to have conversations like these”, he has watched clips online. However, he says that theatre tickets are “pricey these days” and “it’s not a priority for him”.
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