Fr. George Drance, SJ

A Jesuit Priest on the intersection of sanctity and art; theater as ministry and professional life; a marvelous story featuring his native Long Island accent; the discovery of his religious journey; and his daily effort to live in the fullness of the present moment. 

 

George Drance (Artist in Residence at Fordham University, Artistic Director of Magis Theatre Company in New York City, Resident Artist in La Mama's Great Jones Repertory Company) is a member of the Society of Jesus, a Roman Catholic order of priests most often referred to as Jesuits, founded by St. Ignatius de Loyola in 1540.  Jesuits are renowned for their educational and charitable works, in which Fr. Drance takes part, but his ministry and professional life have been defined by his work in the theatre.  Based in NYC, Fr. Drance has traveled the nation and the globe inspiring communities, fellow artists and students to think more deeply about the world they inhabit, and the possibilities that await us if we can orient ourselves to a greater sense of service to others.  I met Fr. Drance when he returned to Marquette University (where we are both alumni) and directed my classmates and myself in a world-premiere production of Calderón de la Barca's auto-sacramental play "Life Is A Dream", which Fr. Drance translated from the original Spanish.  As he did then, George left me with a deep impression of his artistic integrity, his rich faith in God, and his good sense of humor and charm (of particular fun is a reenactment of a conversation that features his native Long Island accent).   

 

Here is a link to the scene which George references from Babette's Feast: The General's Toast

Here is a link to the bio of one of George's great mentors: Ellen Stewart

... And a link to the memorial tribute of another: Elizabeth Swados

Finally, here is a link to an article regarding: The different rites of the Catholic Church

George's Instagram: @georgedrancesj

George's Facebook: George Drance

Magis Theatre Instagram: @magistheatre

 

Official Website: nicholasdagosto.com

Instagram: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow

Twitter: @nicholasdagosto #GodsDelicateShow  

Music by Sean Whalen, Art by Alexandra Delano