Dear Friends,
In 2020, I had the privilege of co-authoring "The Odyssey of King David: God's Broken Vessel," with Dr. Sam Mayhugh. Subsequently, in 2023, I wrote a rough draft for a one-person play drawn from the material in the book along with additional sources, including the Bible--what a concept--"If it's good enough for Shakespeare, then it's good enough...."
Doing a show on David--the iconic King of Israel--has been a dream of mine for years. With your help, I would like to finish a final draft of the play, mount it as a one-man show for touring, then do a professional, studio recording of it. You can still find my work as a voice-over artist on the History Channel, etc.
And I've been "around the barn" a few times doing one-person, "two-hander" (two people), and larger ensemble plays, ranging from "Bonhoeffer 1945" (a "Best Pick" of the London Times) to directing Tony-Award-Winning actor, Ron Silver, in "and," written by Roger Rosenblatt (former Senior Writer at Time magazine). Although I've had some creative disappointments along the way (it comes with the territory!), positive reviews have encouraged me when needed: “A compelling and chilling account.” London Times; “A little gem, sparkling with big talent,” The Herald; “A two-handed play...played brilliantly,” The Scotsman; “His writing is human, funny, exquisitely witty,” Backstage; “An endearing comedy,” Los Angeles Times; “A heart-wrenching drama,” the Hollywood Reporter.
I dislike tooting my own horn, but resources for plays falling in the "religious genre" are meagre. With your help and God's blessing, I'm confident we can produce a stirring drama on the life of King David, moving from his adulterous affair with Bathsheba to the death of his beloved son, Absalom, culminating in those final words of hope: "...and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever." Though referenced heavily from the book of 2 Samuel and the Psalms, of this you can be certain: The Odyssey of King David--the play--will not be a sanitized, Sunday school version of a shepherd-boy-turned-king, but a transparent portrait of David in his broken humanity, with his doubts, fears, anger, and shame, coupled with an undying faith in a "...love that endures forever," encouraging us, in our own brokenness, to discover David's source of healing, peace, and wholeness.
Won't you join me in The Odyssey of King David. While Gofundme recommends specific amounts, no gift is too small or large, be it $5 or $15,000. If 300 supporters gave $50, our goal of $15,000 would be met, allowing me to finish a polished script, commit the thirty-pages of script to memory (pray for me!), and produce an audio-play version as a financial and promotional resource for a major production.
In advance, a huge "Thank You!" for anything you feel prompted to do. I'll be sending periodic updates as the Gofundme campaign proceeds. Your support is appreciated more than I can say. Stay safe and strong, dear friends!
Pressing On!
D. Paul