At a time when many people are searching for hope, connection and purpose, an extraordinary story is emerging from Western Sydney.
What started as a local parish initiative at St Patrick’s Church, Blacktown has become a major community movement involving more than 130 volunteers who will bring Be The Witness: The Musical to Riverside Theatres Parramatta from 10-13 September 2026.
Participants travel from across Greater Sydney, the Central Coast and beyond to rehearse, pray and prepare for a production that combines professional-quality theatre with a powerful message of hope, courage and human connection.
The volunteer-led production includes a chorus of more than 60 voices, principal cast members, musicians, dancers, creative teams, production crews and administrators. Adding an international dimension, renowned director Joe Cordo has travelled from Mumbai, India, while members of the creative team have joined the production from the United Kingdom.
More than entertainment
The story centres on the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as viewed through the eyes of the apostle Peter. Featuring 20 unforgettable songs, along with dynamic action scenes and spellbinding dance, the musical has captivated audiences and touched countless lives since its first staging in 1978.
But Parish Priest of Mary Queen of the Family Parish, Fr Wim Hoekstra, believes the project represents something much bigger than a stage production.
“What has emerged is a movement of faith, friendship and community. People from different ages, cultures and backgrounds have come together with a common purpose: to share a message of hope that is deeply relevant in today’s world.”
While grounded in the Gospel story, Be The Witness explores universal themes of courage, sacrifice, forgiveness, resilience and the search for meaning.
Producer Minette Mendens says those themes are what make the production accessible to everyone. “You do not need to be Catholic – or even religious – to connect with this story. At its heart, it is about hope, belonging, compassion and the ability of ordinary people to achieve extraordinary things when they come together.”
An important work of hope and evangelisation
The production recently received strong encouragement from Bishop Vincent Long OFM Conv, Bishop of Parramatta.
Having previously witnessed the chorus perform at a diocesan ecumenical gathering, Bishop Vincent described the initiative as an experience that extends far beyond the stage.
“This is not simply entertainment. It is a spiritual production and an act of evangelisation.”
Speaking with the production team, Bishop Vincenet challenged organisers to look beyond traditional measures of success.
“Success should not be measured only by ticket sales or financial outcomes, but by the spiritual impact of the production and its ability to share the Gospel and make disciples.”
His message has become a source of encouragement for the production’s volunteers at a time when many theatre and community productions are facing increasing financial and operational pressures.
Member for Blacktown Stephen Bali has also offered enthusiastic support for the initiative.
A mission 40 years in the making
For director Joe Cordo, Be The Witness continues a mission that has shaped much of his creative life over the past four decades.
“People are searching for hope, truth and meaning,” he says. “This production seeks to bring that message to life in a way that is immediate, personal and deeply human.”
Cordo’s creative vision presents the Gospel story in a contemporary and engaging way while remaining faithful to its message, inviting audiences to not simply watch the story unfold but to experience it.
To anchor this experience, an exhibition featuring the latest compelling forensic evidence for the burial cloth of Christ (known as the Shroud of Turin) will run concurrently from 6-16 Sept at St Patrick’s Chapel (old Cathedral precinct) Parramatta, a short stroll from the theatre.
A story for Sydney
As opening night approaches, organisers hope the production will become more than a theatre event. Built by volunteers and strengthened by community, Be The Witness is a powerful example of people from different generations, cultures and backgrounds uniting around a shared purpose. In a world searching for hope, the production offers a timely reminder that ordinary people can still achieve extraordinary things together.
Tickets to the Be The Witness musical at the Riverside Theatre in Parramatta are on sale now.
