Leaving Ruin - The Play

The buzz about the play…

“LEAVING RUIN is an outstanding achievement, beautifully written and performed. Never sentimental or simplistic, always honest and faith-affirming in the deepest sense, LEAVING RUIN is, quite simply, a masterpiece and not to be missed.”

Steve Pederson — Director of Drama
Willow Creek Community Church

 

synopsis of the play…

LEAVING RUIN, a warm, poignant tale of a small West Texas church in the nowhere town of Ruin, centers around Cyrus Manning, preacher for the First Church of Ruin–Church of the Bible. In his eleventh year at First Church, Cyrus has come on difficult times. He and his family–Sara, his wife of almost twenty years, and his two young sons, Wayne and Richard–face an unhappy congregation, with an impending congregational vote on the horizon. Cyrus believes “the nays have it” and he cannot make heads or tails of the situation. A thoughtful, prayerful man, Cyrus grapples for some sense of God’s leading. His once vibrant call seems distant, but he wants to serve. Is his ministry over? Must he face a new life, a new home, a new career? And if so, how?

LEAVING RUIN chronicles the tough, often humorous battle of a man chasing the will of God in a time of what seems to be divine silence. Cyrus rummages through memories and old dreams, but the characters inhabiting his past offer no answers, and his frustration is ever on the verge of spilling into a shouting match with the silence. Through his humor, his lament, and his faith, Cyrus wrestles with God, hoping for a break in the silence, hoping finally to hear that elusive word of blessing and affirmation, a word that sometimes comes only with quiet. Finally, he must speak to the congregation. Should he fight, yield, or be silent? A surprising gift offers no easy solution, but Cyrus may yet find the faith and courage he needs to go on.

LEAVING RUIN is a story-telling adventure calling us to love and faithfulness, even in times of God’s silence, trusting that His call and wisdom will come, though it may be murky, and not necessarily what we had in mind.

LEAVING RUIN is a two-act play with an epilogue. Total running time is 90 minutes.

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The buzz continues…

“When I saw Jeff Berryman perform his play-come-novel, LEAVING RUIN, I laughed till my sides hurt. And I wept out loud. In line after brilliantly crafted line Jeff probed the immeasurable joys and the excruciating agony in a life of ministry. Even with a gesture or a pause, he read my soul and applied healing balm as well. I went back to see LEAVING RUIN a second time and a third. Couldn’t help telling everyone, “This play ought to be required for every elder, and every minister. Don’t miss it. And take the whole family - kids and grand parents will love it as well.” –Lynn Anderson, Hope Network Ministries, San Antonio, TX

“A faith-inspiring experience for the long-time Christian–a hopeful introduction to an approachable God for the seeker . . . Following the performance, conversations broke out across the auditorium as our members begin to examine the many themes in light of their own experiences . . . Leaving Ruin was the perfect outreach event for our church .” — Eric Harrell, Minister for Worship and Creative Arts, Highland Oaks Church of Christ, Dallas, Texas

“Would that you could perform this in every seminary in the land!” –Lin Sexton, Director of Drama, First Baptist Church, Modesto,CA

from audience surveys…

“What an experience.”
“Funny and honest.”
“Awesome, powerful.”
“I’m glad I came!”
“Passionate.”
“Wow.”
“A very enlightening play.”
“An extremely moving performance.”
“Fabulous, very moving and inspirational.”
“I think this is an important piece. Engaging and compelling.”
“Excellent presentation of so many issues.”
“Wonderful . . . great message.”
“Great! A bit too real . . . . “
“Entertaining.” “Insightful, poignant, honest.”
“Refreshing! A breath of fresh air!”
“Insightful, funny, touching, hilarious — it spoke to me!”
“Amazing story. A lot of real life. Thanks!”
“Professionally presented, powerful.”
“Convicting, hit close to home.”