Desi Arnaz Giles says he’s starring in the role of his life, but the black actor’s portrayal of Jesus Christ comes at the expense of ticket cancellations and death threats.
“I’ve led a complete life,” Giles said Tuesday. “Should somebody clip me during a performance, don’t cry for me, just rejoice because I’m ready to go home.”
The controversy began Sunday after his first performance in the Park Theater Performing Arts Center’s annual production of the “Passion Play,” focusing on Jesus’ last days.
The play attracts many bus groups, and word spread fast that a black man was sharing the role with a white actor.
“I was expecting calls but not that kind of blatant racism,” said artistic director Eric Hafen.
Officials have not taken the death threats seriously but are troubled the casting has evoked such a response.
As it happens, Giles is portraying the devil this weekend in a musical in Plainfield.
“We’ll see how many people object to a black man playing him,” he said.
