Synopsis:

In a chillingly plausible future where Christianity has merged with state power, Reverend Isaiah Proffit is imprisoned for preaching that true faith cannot be legislated. As his robotic interrogators test his beliefs, The Cross and the Saber becomes a riveting examination of power, conscience, and what happens when moral conviction meets authoritarian control.

From the director, Owen Robertson, "every once in a while, a show comes a long which holds the mirror up so starkly to us that we must look. We might be afraid of what we see or fear of what the mirror might forecast is to come but see it we must. This is such a show. Graf has always had a voice for seeing what is coming in our society and The Cross and Saber is no different. I encourage actors to come audition if you want to be part of a show that speaks to freedom of speech, separation of church and state, the weaponization of the justice system, and examining what Christianity is in our country today."

Bringing New Works To Life

LAB Theater Project is a non-profit 501(c)3 production company focused on producing new works in the Tampa Bay Community. Our belief in a “playwright first” focus is resolute and a core value of the company. Along with a focus on developing new works, we also focus on training new theater artists to join our growing community.

We only produce works from emerging playwrights and develop, through education, new artists (Actors, Directors, Stage Managers, and Designers) for the continued growth of live theater artistry.

We currently produce four new plays per year, often utilizing students in aspects of the production; thereby, giving students the opportunity to put into practice what they have learned while working side by side with established professionals in the community as well as enriching the collaborative creative process of the playwright.

Our Mandate:

1. Bring the Playwright’s vision to life.
2. Grow as artists.
3. Develop new theater artist: Actors, Directors, Designers, & Stage Managers.
4. Build a core of artists who desire a life-long practice of theatrical artistry.