After seeing the show at QPAC, I realised how much this ancient story mirrors our modern world.
Last night, my son and I went to see Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC — and I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. We both absolutely loved the show. The music was electric, the cast incredibly talented, and the staging gave the whole production a gritty, modern intensity that made the story feel fresh and urgent.
But what struck me most — and what has stayed with me into today — is how relevant this 2,000-year-old story still is. Jesus Christ Superstar isn’t just a retelling of Jesus’ final days. It’s a powerful, confronting commentary on how society reacts to truth-tellers, disruptors, and people who gather influence outside the expected systems. Watching the drama unfold on stage at QPAC, I couldn’t help but think about everything happening in the world right now — especially in places like the United States, but also here at home.
The show’s key themes — power, popularity, fear, injustice, and the cost of standing up for what’s right — still ring painfully true today.
A Man Who Spoke Truth to Power
The production opens with Jesus already at the height of his popularity. People are following him everywhere. They hang on his words. They believe he’s someone special — maybe even the Messiah. But it’s clear from the outset that his growing influence is deeply unsettling to those in power.
This was true in history too. Jesus gained traction because he spoke directly to the people — especially the poor, the sick, and the outcast. Jesus healed on the Sabbath. He forgave sinners. He challenged long-standing religious rules and exposed hypocrisy. And He didn’t flatter the rich or powerful; instead, he said things like, “The first will be last, and the last will be first.”
Watching this play out on stage, I found myself reflecting on how people today — particularly activists, whistleblowers, or politicians outside the establishment — often face similar scrutiny. When someone speaks truth in a way that disrupts the current order, they quickly become a target.
Fear of the Crowd
One of the most powerful parts of the show is how quickly public opinion changes. Early on, Jesus is adored — “Hosanna, hey sanna, sanna sanna ho!” But by the end, the same crowd is screaming for his crucifixion. The musical highlights how easily crowds can be manipulated — how fear, suggestion, and power dynamics can twist a movement.
In today’s world, that same dynamic plays out across social media and political landscapes. A person or movement can go from being celebrated to vilified overnight. We see it when media outlets — or online mobs — turn on someone who was once admired. And we see how powerful people behind the scenes often push the buttons to make it happen.
The religious leaders in Jesus Christ Superstar fear that if they don’t act, Jesus’ popularity will lead to unrest — and then Roman intervention. In other words, they’re not just worried about blasphemy or theology. They’re worried about control, reputation, and consequences from above. That tension between doing what’s morally right versus what’s politically safe still plays out in governments today.
Pontius Pilate: The Politics of Compromise
Pilate is a fascinating figure — especially in this version of the story. He doesn’t really want to kill Jesus. He’s conflicted. He knows Jesus isn’t dangerous in the traditional sense. But he also knows the crowd is restless, and the priests are pressuring him. In the end, he gives in to protect his position and maintain the peace.
This part of the story resonates so strongly with our own time. How often do we see leaders make decisions that go against their conscience or better judgment, just to avoid controversy or protect their image? Pilate’s moral failure — even though he literally “washes his hands” of responsibility — is a mirror to political compromise we still see today.
Watching it unfold on stage, I couldn’t help but think of modern events where justice is sacrificed for political convenience.
Jesus as a Symbol of Radical Love
What stood out most to me was that Jesus wasn’t just a rule-breaker — he was a radical force of love, inclusion, and grace. In the musical, you see how much he cares for people. “Everything’s alright, yes, everything’s fine,” Mary Magdalene sings to him, trying to soothe his growing sense of dread. His compassion is a threat because it empowers those usually ignored by society.
Today, people who promote love, inclusion, and justice — especially for marginalised groups — are often met with resistance too. When someone challenges the accepted narrative, or shines a light on systemic inequality, powerful systems push back. That’s the very tension at the heart of Jesus Christ Superstar.
It’s not just about religion. It’s about what happens when someone tries to change the world using empathy instead of dominance.
The Message Still Matters
I left QPAC last night thinking: this show wasn’t written for the past. It was written for the present.
Whether you’re religious or not, the story of Jesus forces us to look at how we treat people who challenge the norm. It asks us whether we’re listening to voices of justice, or trying to silence them. It reminds us how easily public opinion can be manipulated — and how quickly those in power will act when they feel threatened.
The themes of the show — justice, sacrifice, betrayal, resistance — are playing out across our modern world in real time. From protests and political trials in the U.S., to debates around inclusion, media influence, and institutional power here in Australia, Jesus Christ Superstar feels less like a retelling of ancient history and more like a mirror held up to our society.
Why You Should See It
If you haven’t seen Jesus Christ Superstar at QPAC, I highly recommend going. It’s not just a musical — it’s an experience. The music, lyrics, and emotional power of the story are unforgettable.
But beyond that, it’s a timely reminder that the struggles of the past are not so different from the ones we face today. It invites us to reflect on what kind of society we want to be: one that protects the status quo, or one that has the courage to change.
For me and my son, it wasn’t just a night at the theatre. It was a deeply moving, thought-provoking reflection on truth, courage, and what it means to follow your convictions — no matter the cost
Jesus Christ Superstar
Stories like this endure because they keep asking the same timeless questions: Who do we listen to? Who do we silence? What price are we willing to pay for peace, and at what cost to our integrity?
In a world still struggling with inequality, corruption, and misinformation, Jesus Christ Superstar reminds us that those who dare to speak truth to power often pay the highest price. But it also reminds us that their stories — like Jesus’ — can change the world.
Going to See the Show?
🎟️ Jesus Christ Superstar is now playing at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre from June 29 to August 10. 2025 — and it’s a must-see. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the story, this powerful production will move you, challenge you, and stay with you long after the curtain falls. Book your tickets now at QPAC and experience it for yourself.
Jesus Christ Superstar Stay & Show Package at Rydges South Bank
Make a night of it with Rydges South Bank’s exclusive Jesus Christ Superstar package. Available for select Thursday and Friday evenings during the Brisbane season (10 July–9 August 2025), the deal includes overnight accommodation, A-reserve tickets to the show at QPAC, parking, buffet breakfast, a themed welcome treat, and a 1pm late check-out. Bookings are open now until 2 August 2025.
