The New Gospel

What if Jesus returned today? Who would follow him, and who would seek to silence him?

In The New Gospel, acclaimed director Milo Rau reimagines the crucifixion story against the backdrop of modern-day Italy, where exploited migrant workers fight for dignity and justice. Filmed in Matera, southern Italy, the setting for landmark Jesus films by Pier Paolo Pasolini and Mel Gibson, the documentary follows political activist Yvan Sagnet and a movement fighting for the rights of migrants facing exploitation and inhumane living conditions.

Blending biblical drama, documentary and real-life activism, this provocative film offers a compelling exploration of power, poverty and inequality.

This special screening of The New Gospel will be followed by a Q&A with director Milo Rau – a rare opportunity to experience Rau's work on the big screen and hear directly from the filmmaker.

Read more about "The New Gospel"

Milo Rau 

“Milo Rau keeps you on your toes,” writes Mark Fisher in The Guardian. Born in Switzerland in 1977, Rau is one of the most influential and provocative figures in contemporary international theatre. Known for his politically engaged work at the intersection of theatre, documentary, film and activism, Rau creates works that confront urgent social and political questions.

His acclaimed works include The Moscow Trials (2013), a mock tribunal examining Russia’s crackdown on dissident artists, notably Pussy Riot's punk prayer; and The Congo Tribunal (2015), which brought together victims, witnesses and perpetrators to investigate conflict and injustice in the DRC. His latest project, The Pelicot Trial, presented by the Young Vic, examines the landmark French trial of Gisèle Pelicot, continuing his exploration of justice, testimony and theatre’s power to confront contemporary realities.

Associated Events

Micro-Ecologies as Institutions of the Future? - an artist talk with Milo Rau will also take place alongside this screening on 18 November.