Actor, director and producer Leonardo Defilippis has spent a good part of his career, bringing the story of remarkable saints and spiritual themes to movie screens and theaters including: “Therese,” “Maximilian of Auschwitz,” “John of the Cross” and the “Story of a Soul.” On May 15, he will bring his one-man play, “The Confessions of Saint Augustine” to Orcas.

“Saint Augustine was a remarkable man, Defilippis said. “He wrote the first autobiography in human history in 400 A.D. Noted individuals throughout history have borrowed from it, including Shakespeare.”

The performance is at 7 p.m. at the Eastsound Community Church for a donation ticket price. This is a combined church effort with the Orcas community of the St. Francis Catholic Church of San Juan Island sponsoring the production, space provided by the Community Church and refreshment assistance provided by the Orcas Catholic Church, Community Church and Emmanual Episcopal Church.

“It’s a powerful live drama,” Defilippis said. “There is a big set and an intricate variety of light, sound and costume changes. It is a truly inspiring story for the stage. It makes you realize the spiritual dimension of every human being.”

Defilippis edited the deep rich words of the ancient story to be attractive and understandable to modern audiences.

“Will a child understand everything? Will adults? Not necessarily, but if they enter into it, they will have a rich and inspirational experience,” he said.

If you change the ancient names, you have a modern story according to the actor. He says it’s the story of a man swollen with vanity and sexual addiction. It could be the story of any modern parent dealing with the challenges of a teenager, college, or post college child in the world.

“The world is rather attractive, and what mamma says is rather boring,” Defilippis said. “Most parents and children will understand it, if they have ever made their mother cry, and we have all made our mothers cry at one time or another.”

Augustine of Hippo was a famous 4th Century bishop, original thinker, prolific writer, theologian, and called by many a great sinner before he became a saint. Augustine’s writing have had a profound impact on both Catholicism and Protestantism.

It is also the story of Saint Monica, his mother, who is credited with being a patient, devote woman responsible for converting both her husband, a rage prone pagan at the time of their arranged marriage, and her son. In part of his story, Augustine sneaks out of the house (and the city) to escape to carnal pleasures, and she follows him. She always expects the best of him, is often disappointed, prays through his affairs, and finally is rewarded by his dramatic conversion.

“We need reassuring news,” Event Organizer Velma Doty said. We need to hear there is hope. All we get is bad news. This production is a wake up call and a reminder.”

The production is suitable for ages 12 and older. For additional information, call 376-6847 or e-mail dvdoty@centurytel.net.