Henri Nouwen (1932-1996) was a Dutch Catholic priest, psychologist and professor who reached the heights of academic success at Yale and Harvard, before abandoning everything to join the community of L’Arche Daybreak in Toronto. He became part of a life-sharing movement, seeking to make known the gifts of people with intellectual disabilities, exploring their unique talents and creating a welcoming home of friendship and belonging.

To some, Henri Nouwen put his brilliant career into reverse, risking the loss of reputation, to others his life was a prophetic challenge to church and society. The Beloved Son is a moving solo performance exploring hope and longing, family dynamics, sexual and emotional crisis and the profound insights of a man who became one of the greatest spiritual writers of the Twentieth Century.

“This is a compelling portrait of a human in all his fulness, grappling with the difficulties of life and his Christian faith, but ultimately coming to the sure and deep knowledge that he is the beloved son of his father, God. It is a play that explores faith, uncertainty, celibacy, relationships, forgiveness and acceptance. Andrew Harrison gives a tour-de-force performance. On an empty stage with no props or costume changes, he brings together multiple characters without missing a beat.” Daniel Carlson, RADIUS Christian drama magazine