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 * Sandbox for the article on Corpus Christi (play)

Corpus Christi is a passion play by Terrence McNally that dramatizes the story of Jesus and the Apostles. It depicts them as gay men living in modern-day Texas. The Jesus character is renamed "Joshua" while the Apostles retain their biblical names. The play utilizes modern devices (for example, the use of television) with anachronisms (such as Roman occupation). In this version, Judas betrays Joshua because of sexual jealousy, while Joshua is condemned to death for having presided over the marriage of two of his disciples. The play shows "the self-righteous people who are quick to judge others to be the real blasphemers against religion and life, and the marginalized and seemingly unorthodox to be the genuinely blessed."

The play received both critical acclaim for its exploration of gay themes in Christianity and condemnation for what some religious people viewed as blasphemy. The playwright received death threats when it was played in the United States. It was directed in New York City by Joe Mantello, opening on the 13 October 1998 at the Manhattan Theatre Club. It received its British premiere in 2000, produced by Theatre 28 and directed by Stephen Henry. This production received a fatwa, issued by the Islamist militant Omar Bakri Muhammad.

Reception
Without having seen the play, religious groups (such as the Catholic League) condemned it for the connection it made between contemporary gay lives and the life of Jesus.

When it was produced as part of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, Anglican bishop Robert Forsyth considered the play to be offensive and historically incorrect.

In March 2010, a student workshop performance of the play was canceled at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. The university had received some complaints about the play's scheduled performance, but its president, F. Dominic Dottavio, citing freedom of speech, declared that the play would be performed.

However, after Texas's Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst weighed in saying, "No one should have the right to use government funds or institutions to portray acts that are morally reprehensible to the vast majority of Americans," the performance was cancelled citing safety concerns. It was to have been a single performance for a student directing class.