KINGSTON, Jamaica — After a four-year hiatus from the stage, playwright and actor David Tulloch is back with the production “Pit to Pulpit”.

A faith-based play, Pit to Pulpit tells the story of Henry Jackson, the son of a late pastor, on the verge of taking on pastoral duties while grappling with a haunting past.

Tulloch, who plays the role of Deacon Baton, gives the audience a fly-on-the-wall perspective into the life of Jackson during moments of great despair, striking a resemblance to Gethsemane, but in a most unusual way.

Yanique (Karla Tulloch) collars Henry Jackson ( Phillip Clarke).

The play boasts a diverse group of characters, each giving voice and shape to Christian themes, forcing the audience to evaluate and think deeply about values such as compassion and judgment.

Speaking with Observer Online following a staging of the production last Friday, Tulloch, shared that he hopes that the production will force audiences to consider matters of forgiveness and reconciliation, noting that it will help to contribute to a more progressive Jamaica.

“Being a prisoner to the past only holds us back from blossoming,” said Tulloch, who noted that Jamaicans, including himself, tend to hold on to the past too much.

Yvonne Jackson ( Margureite Anderson) being comforted by step daughter Heaven Jackson (Alanna Leslie).

“I would like everyone who sees it to believe that no matter what was done… they deserve a chance at forgiveness and reconciliation where necessary,” he added.

Patrons in attendance at the event shared rave reviews for the production, noting that the play was not only entertaining but had a message that rang true to Christian values that are not championed enough.

“It was awesome, I really enjoyed it, it touched my heart because many times, we open doors to certain things and we allow the enemy to steal what God has placed in our life and this is because of how we judge a situation, often with eyes of the flesh. That’s why it is important to keep our spiritual eyes open,” said patron Shadaebia Wright.

Deacon Baton (David Tulloch) lays hands on, in prayer, for soon to be head pastor Henry Jackson ( Phillip Clarke).

“Initially, the first half I was judgmental because I am a Christian. I didn’t really understand some of the things that I was seeing on stage but when I got to the second half, I realised, and it all made sense. I also learned a lesson about judgment — that’s why we are not supposed to be judging,” added patron Cecile Wedderburn.

The production’s next showing is on June 30 at the Courtleigh Auditorium, with cast Henry Jackson (Phillip Clarke), his spouse Yvonne (Margureite Anderson), daughters Heaven (Alanna Leslie) and Jesrene (Danah Lawson Chisolm).

Gospel songbird Carlene Davis and husband Tommy Cowan enjoying the production.