the artist's theology

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Hi everyone, 

Welcome back to the artist’s theology, a quick easy dive into the relationship between the arts and the Christian faith. 

This is part 2 of my conversation with my friend Patrick Bayele - our first ever guest! We continue briefly our discussion on presence over distraction, and then move swiftly into what I consider to be a deeply profound discussion on acting as a theological craft. 

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS: 

- Acting is a craft of stepping into transcendence 

- Art and Theology: (As actors, we are asked to) ‘Practice the impossible in a manner that has tangible, possible effects on someone. Is that not God?’ - Patrick Bayele 

"I think the best thing I can do in a world that is as contentious and as scarred as it is, is to fight for Jesus to at least be at the table." - Patrick Bayele

Note: Dramaturgy is the practice of understanding the structure,  characters, theme, language, intended audience and effects, cultural elements and contexts within a dramatic text or performance. 

ABOUT OUR GUEST 

Patrick Bayele is a British-born Ghanaian performer, writer, theatre-maker and academic, specialising in theology, temporality and African diaspora studies. He trained in acting and theatre-making at the Identity Drama School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT), and at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has also worked professionally in TV and film, notably in 'Soulmates' for Amazon Prime, which aired in 2021.

Check out Patrick's company here: the avieli arthouse.

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In our FIRST EVER GUEST INTERVIEW, director, actor, writer and theatre-maker Patrick Bayele joins me to discuss the sacred rhythms of stillness, silence and solitude that align with grace to sustain him as a created being who creates. 

(Apologies! I had just recovered from a cold, so you may hear my voice be a little off in today's ep! But this conversation is too good not to share!) 

In this episode we discuss: 

- The role of Grace 

- Daily Practices that help steward our artistic gifts and subsequently, how Patrick avoids "opportunities for dysregulation"

- How we can collaborate with Grace in our daily, creative processes. 

Check out Patrick's company The Avieli Arthouse here: https://www.theavieliarthouse.co.uk/sogya

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” - These are the words of Jesus in Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)

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Books/Authors mentioned: 

Practicing the Way – John Mark Comer

The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry -   John Mark Comer  

Slow Productivity - Cal Newport 

Various books by Tyler Staton 

Additional books I recommend on this topic: 

Peace is a Practice – Morgan Harper Nichols 

On Rest – Alabaster&co 

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ABOUT OUR GUEST 

Patrick Bayele is a British-born Ghanaian performer, writer, theatre-maker and academic, specialising in theology, temporality and African diaspora studies. He trained in acting and theatre-making at the Identity Drama School of Acting and the National Youth Theatre of Great Britain (NYT), and at Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. He has also worked professionally in TV and film, notably in 'Soulmates' for Amazon Prime, which aired in 2021.

You can find him making work at his company The Avieli Arthouse: https://www.theavieliarthouse.co.uk/sogya

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I talk about my 4-step (ish) process writing my debut book, read you an extract from the book and talk about how God has drawn me closer to Him in the process of writing this book! 

Buy my book: And the Truth Shall Set You Free: Hope and Healing from Bulimia: Amazon.co.uk: Nhyira, Nikki: 9781399997126: Books

Bramble and Crow Publishing: Bramble & Crow Books

https://www.bramblecrowbooks.com/

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I have, up until now, lived my life with art almost always at the centre; writing has been one of the art forms that has taken centre stage in my life. Almost every decision has been made, strategically to advance me further in my creative career. I love creating. I love it so much. Has it been an idol? In ways. 

In this episode I talk about why the fruit is not really for you, and why art doesn't really matter. (HEAR ME OUT!) 

KEY VERSE: “Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along on the ground.” (Genesis 1:28) 

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'Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,' (Philippians 2:12)

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In John 15:5-8, Jesus says: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing. 6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. 7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.  This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.” 

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 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. (Matthew 6 28-33) 

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welcome to the artist's theology -- a quick easy dive into the relationship between the Christian faith and the arts!

Verse of the Day:
Proverbs 30: 25-28
“Four things on earth are small,
    yet they are extremely wise:
 Ants are creatures of little strength,
 yet they store up their food in the summer;
hyraxes are creatures of little power,
    yet they make their home in the crags;
 locusts have no king,
    yet they advance together in ranks;
 a lizard can be caught with the hand,
yet it is found in kings’ palaces.

We'll be discussing the wisdom in these sayings of Agur (Proverbs 30) and how they can apply to our lives as artists in God's Kingdom. 

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A call to faith, courage & hope

Main verses:
JOHN 11: 5-7
When he heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.”  Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus.  So when he heard that Lazarus was sick, he stayed where he was two more days,  and then he said to his disciples, “Let us go back to Judea.”

JOHN 11:22-23
“Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died.  But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.”

Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Referenced verses:
 PSALM 1:1-3
That person is like a tree planted by streams of water,
     which yields its fruit in season
and whose leaf does not wither—
     whatever they do prospers.

PROVERBS 13:12 

Hope deferred makes the heart sick,
     but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. 

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Have you ever thought about the parallels between artistic commissions and Christ's Great Commission to us as disciples?

We'll unpack it in this episode! 
Thank you for tuning in to the artist's theology podcast! 

Verse of the episode: 
"Then the eleven disciples left for Galilee, going to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshipped him - but some of them doubted!
Jesus came and told the his disciples, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Ftaher and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age." 

Hope you enjoyed today's episode! If so, consider subscribing and leaving a review! 

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Verse of the day:
A man's heart plans his way, but the LORD determines his steps (Proverbs 16:9) 

Have you ever taken part in a research & development process?
Research and Development = work directed towards the innovation and improvement of products and processes
 
If you have taken part in one, you'll know that the aim is to creatively explore and engage different approaches to creating a new piece of work! 

In this episode, we discuss the theology behind a playful and spontaneous attitude towards our plans as artists for the Kingdom of God. 

Thanks for listening! 

Other referenced verses: 

Do you see someone skilled in their work?
They will serve before kings;
they will not serve before obscure men. (Proverbs 22:29)

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Verse of the day: Psalm 23

The Lord is my Shepherd;

I shall not want

He makes me to lie down in green meadows;

He leads me beside peaceful streams

He renews my strength

He guides me along right paths, 

Bringing honour to His name. 

Even when I walk 

Through the darkest valley

I will not be afraid

For You are close beside me

Your rod and your staff

Protect and comfort me

You prepare a feast for me 

In the presence of my enemies

You honor me by anointing my head with oil 

My cup overflows with blessings. 

Surely your goodness and unfailing love 

Will pursue me

All the days of my life, 

And I will live in the house of the Lord forever

 Topic of the episode:
How can we resist burnout as creatives?

How can we allow God to be the One Who refills our creative cups?

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Thanks for listening! If this blessed you, subscribe and don't forget to share with a friend! x

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Verse of the day: Matthew 6:19 

“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

In this episode we discuss the origins of the word passion and some convictions Nikki has had recently about her own passions.