In Sight

by Jose Leiva

Disciple feels ‘guilty’ playing Jesus

When Shawn DeGraff of Lewiston began practicing three weeks ago for his church’s Easter production, “The Event,” he had no idea of the profound impact it would make, both on him and on those around him.

DeGraff, the father of three, a real estate investor, building contractor and owner of the Maine Motel in Lewiston, plays the part of Jesus. He is one of more than 130 cast members in “The Event,” the story of Christ and His Resurrection. With eight performances at East Auburn Baptist Church and audiences totaling more than 4,000 people, DeGraff calls it “a surreal experience.”

In preparation to play the part, he studied many productions, movies and performances of the life of Christ. He reviewed the way Jesus was filmed as connecting to people, how He interacted. It was a video of the gospel of Matthew that appealed to him the most. Of that particular portrayal, Degraff said, “Jesus seemed more like a folksy guy; I wanted to be able to relate to those who come.” When he interacts with the kids in one of the scenes, he said, “This is who (Jesus) was. He was just one of them.”

It takes about a half hour to get ready for each performance. DeGraff is dressed in layers and the crew applies stage makeup. Prior to the production, he had hair extensions applied, and had his hair and beard dyed.

During the two weeks of performances, DeGraff still goes about his usual life, including going to Home Depot, where he said it is not uncommon to receive second looks. When asked what his family and friends think of what he is doing, he said, “My family has been in it. My son Cody, who is now 18, was one of the thieves on the cross two years ago, and my wife is one of the village people and she dances.” He said his business partners support him and his men in the construction crews all take it in stride. “They know what is going on,” he said.

DeGraff said the cross scene is physically and emotionally strenuous. When he finishes a performance, he said, “Sometimes it is hard to read the audience while (it’s going on). It is dark, and I know they’re there. I just wait for the stories of how they are impacted. That is why I am doing this.”

When asked what it means to him to portray Jesus, DeGraff answers, “It is very emotional because He is my savior. I don’t take it lightly. I actually feel a little guilty because I am following in the footsteps of an awesome man who played Him before (I did). It seems a little strange. But, knowing what it means to be Jesus, knowing what we are doing and reaching out to the community and hearing the stories of the people who come to see it, that is what means the most.”