Spring Play Explores Faith Under Fire

Cedarville University theatre’s spring production of “The Beams Are Creaking” will run from March 31-April 2 and April 7-10.

Tickets are available online or by visiting the university information desk in the Stevens Student Center. The show is recommended for those over 12 years of age.

The show’s lead roles will be played by Josiah Kareck, senior from Antioch, Tennessee, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and Sam Acosta, junior from Noblesville, Indiana, as Corporal Knobloch, along with a supporting cast who portray friends, family, and co-conspirators.

“It's a story about being ready to not only live your faith but to have faith genuine and strong enough that you are prepared to die for it,” said Dr. Diane Merchant, director, and professor of theatre.

"More than simply a story of historical importance, the play communicates the ethical, spiritual and core value of living one’s faith even in the face of extreme danger.”

The plot follows the life of theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German opposed to Nazi ideologies who participated in an assassination attempt of Adolf Hitler, infamous German dictator.

The production will be held in the university's black box theatre, which promotes a theme of “suggested realism” with black-colored surroundings and with limited audience seating up close on stage with the cast.

“Suggested realism forces the audience to picture things in their imagination,” Merchant noted. “The focus is on actors and the intensity of the emotions of the characters and subtlety of their interactions with each other, allowing for a creative approach to delivering intense emotions in the hearts of our audience.”

“The Beams Are Creaking” is an apt choice for a world burdened by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, reminding its viewers that love and faith can be found in the midst of severe difficulties and persecution.

Click here to purchase tickets.

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is an accredited, Christ-centered, Baptist institution with an enrollment of 4,715 undergraduate, graduate, and online students in more than 150 areas of study. Founded in 1887, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio, recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including the Bachelor of Arts in theatre, strong graduation and retention rates, accredited professional and health science offerings, and high student engagement ranking. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.