Contact: Janice Gonzalez, Media Relations, Saint Luke Productions, 360-487-9979, pr@stlukeproductions.com
PHOENIX, June 26, 2012 /Christian Newswire/ -- In response to the U.S. Bishops' call to "arrange special events to highlight the importance of defending our first freedom," Bishop Thomas Olmsted and the Diocese of Phoenix jumped on the opportunity to bring the live production Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz to Arizona. Supporting the national "FORTNIGHT FOR FREEDOM," and starring well-known actor and producer Leonardo Defilippis, this one-man drama will be presented on July 2 and 3, 2012 at Mt. Claret Retreat Center in Phoenix.
Prior to the presidential election, "Maximilian" will be touring in New Jersey, New York, Illinois, Missouri, South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, Texas, Washington, and Oregon. Additional tours are forming for California and Michigan in 2013.
This professional live production holds a powerful message for our culture, at a time when religious freedom and values are under attack. The drama poignantly illustrates the life of Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish Catholic priest whose courage in the face of attacks against his faith led to his imprisonment in the Auschwitz concentration camp. He was forced into slave labor, tortured and finally came forward to take the place of a married man, who was condemned to death by starvation.
"Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz" is a riveting production, featuring the polished skills of a talented actor who switches characters and costumes with a speed and believability that amazes audiences.
The drama includes technological artistry in the form of a majestic orchestral soundtrack, professional lighting, and a video backdrop that sets the story in a historical yet relevant context.
"We live in an exciting, challenging time, and we need heroes to show us the way we should live in an increasingly secular world," said Defilippis. An audience member after a recent performance agreed. "The compelling images, combined with Leonardo's impressive performance, made me realize this was a real man of our modern age who actually lived and died for another person. It gives me the courage to live my faith no matter what happens."
Leonardo Defilippis is best known for directing and starring in the feature film "Thérèse" which generated a phenomenal grassroots success during its year-long run in theaters. As founder and president of Saint Luke Productions, Defilippis has for 31 years produced numerous one-man and one-woman plays on the lives of the saints and the Gospels, and has created feature films, television and radio/internet programming, including the popular Benedictus Moments which is broadcast daily. His live production "Vianney" on Saint John Vianney, patron of priests, toured the country extensively in celebration of the recent Year for Priests.
"Maximilian: Saint of Auschwitz" is an inspiring dramatic portrayal, filled with all the elements of professional theater, yet striking in its simplicity. The production runs ninety minutes, and is suitable for ages 10 and up. For more information on performance locations, visit www.StMaxDrama.com.
Availability: Leonardo Defilippis, actor, president and founder of Saint Luke Productions, is available for interviews by appointment and by phone.
For more information about Saint Luke Productions, visit www.stlukeproductions.com.
