About the Show

Finally, after 2222 years (give or take a century) the Book of Ecclesiastes is now a live fringe show! After struggling to find meaning in the world, the teacher, Qoheleth, reveals his hard-learned answers to life’s big questions. From overwork to overindulgence, he’s here to explain the meaningless existence of everything under the sun. Read more about the show below.

Christian mystic Neville Goddard once called Ecclesiastes “the most controversial book in the Bible,” and its canonical presence has baffled many scholars. They can’t even agree on whether the book is positive or pessimistic! Fortunately for us, that makes for a thought-provoking stage play.

The 1965 international hit song “Turn! Turn! Turn!” famously takes its lyrics from Ecclesiastes, but the pop culture references don’t stop there. Novelists, screenwriters, and poets have all been stirred up by this fascinating volume. See why Ecclesiastes has inspired everyone from Shakespeare to Tolstoy in this word-for-word stage performance of the NLT translation.

BRAVO!! Rodney was fabulous! I absolutely loved his representation of the book of Ecclesiastes. Thoughtful and delightful, bringing words of the Bible to life. He reminded me of plays I have seen about CS Lewis at the Kaufman Center. Thank you Rodney for bringing meaning to an ordinary meaningless night.

Jocelyn C

August 4, 2022.

Such a great hour in the theater that left me with things to think about, ideas to laugh at, and plenty to stew upon.

Thompson P.

June 26, 2022.

One would think that a straightforward presentation of a book of the Bible would be a poor choice for a fringe festival, but this actor brings the book to life in an amazing way. I was totally transfixed. It is possible that once you have seen this show you will never look at the Bible in the same way again.

Stu L.

August 4, 2022.

I got to experience this show at ATL fringe and would highly recommend! Rodney’s performance of the text of Ecclesiastes feels accessible and simultaneously thought provoking!

Ashley

June 28, 2022.

Definitely recommend! Whatever reaction you have to seeing the words “book of the Bible” this show is worth seeing. Bold in concept, thought provoking, and beautifully delivered – its exactly what a fringe show should be!

Brianna

June 8, 2022.

‘Meaningless’ is a masterclass in what it means to be human. The words of one of the more controversial books of the Bible are brought to life by Rodney Brazil in a way that is distinctly universal – daring to ask some of life’s toughest questions in search for truth and meaning. The actor/writer/director triple-threat Brazil is a heart-felt, genuine storyteller, and I would recommend seeing this show more than once, so one may experience the depth of his work. Bravo!

Kristin K

June 7, 2022.

I read a review of Meaningless today, which swept me back to the show again which I saw in OKC in Sept. I sent him this message then and it still applies: You made me laugh. You made me cry. You made me think. You made me smile! Thank you Rodney. That touched me deeply! That, my friend, was theater! Bravo! And congratulations! I’m proud of you!

Joe G

January 26, 2023.

Saw this in a preview before it hit the fringe circuit. Beckett would certainly be proud. This secular look at a religious text highlights how clearly it fits into the traditional tenets of The Theatre of the Absurd. You’ll find laughs, hope, nihilism, and even a little prop-comedy in this existential look at life 2 millenia ago and today.

Kaleb

June 7, 2022.

I really enjoyed watching Meaningless. Rodney’s careful delivery of this old text, coupled with his creative use of props encouraged me to meditate on the exact phrases of this wacky biblical book (and even thousands of years later these words hit home!). This show was humorous, lively, and thought-provoking. It was not at all limited by its sole source text and sole performer—if anything, it was emboldened by it!

Ellie P

June 30, 2022.

My experience watching Meaningless was anything but. I was immediately taken by the charming teacher with his wise tales and kept me wanting more antics and knowledge all the way to the end. The message left a lingering realization about how being Meaningless is not an existential crisis, but rather the thing that sets us free. Don’t miss an opportunity to enjoy this delightful show.

Abby Redmon

June 8, 2022.

Good art should always make one think and/or make a lasting impression and Meaningless delivered for me on both fronts. As a confirmed Atheist, I was hesitant on seeing a piece based on a book from the Old Testament, yet of the 3 Fringe shows I attended this past weekend this was the most rewarding. I have spent the workday asking known Christians at work what they know about the book of Ecclesiastes and the exchange has been a bridge between our beliefs. The wonderfully performed piece did not change my beliefs one iota, in fact reinforced for me that it all is Meaningless, yet took the hard edge off and softened the mystery of life a bit. A great piece of theater that shouldn’t be avoided because of the biblical story line.

Jeff S

August 4, 2022.

Cast & Creative Team

Performed by special arrangement with Tyndale:
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

The show is promoted by Next Stage, a quirky little theatre brand. Next Stage isn’t a venue or production house, but a moniker created by Todd Clark, Rebecca McCauley, and Rodney Brazil, now operating as social media accounts managed by Komalty Content Strategies to promote independently produced live shows.