By Gavin Boyle
A new play run by the Museum of the Bible shares the joy of the friendship between legendary Christian writers C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.
“This play captures not only their academic and theological brilliance but also the humanity of two friends wrestling with joy, grief, and reconciliation. Their imagination and worldview were shaped by the transformative power of the Bible,” said Matthais Walther, chief marketing officer at Museum of the Bible. “We are excited to share this inspiring depiction of what their artistic dialogue might have looked like with people from all backgrounds.”
“Lewis and Tolkien are literary giants whose stories from Narnia to The Lord of the Rings are deeply ingrained in culture and our personal lives,” Walther added about the play “Lewis and Tolkien.”
Related: C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien’s Friendship Heads to the Big Screen
While many Lewis and Tolkien fans know about the author’s longtime friendship, many may not realize they had a falling out due to disagreements in writing style. Lewis’s Narnia series was a direct allegory to the story of Christ, while Tolkien believed it was tactless to rewrite the story of Christ so obviously.
“Lewis and Tolkien” makes this part of their story better known as the conversation that the 90 minute play follows is inspired by their reconciliation which took place shortly before Lewis’ death.
“It’s so much about male friendship. And I didn’t even know that’s what I was writing at the time…” explained writer Dean Batali. “Was it my purpose to tell the story of C.S. Lewis’s conversion so the people in the theater would hear a conversion story? No. It came out of the story. And it’s a natural part of the story. Was it my purpose to show two friends reconciling as we’re supposed to, as demonstrated by Jesus? No. That came out of the story too. I’m very excited that it did.”
The creation of this play comes as the worlds created by Lewis and Tolkien are more alive than ever on screen. Netflix is set to release a new NARNIA movie next year directed by Greta Gerwig, while the beloved Peter Jackson adaptations will be revisited in 2027 through a movie that highlights the journey of Gollum/Sméagol.
“We really want to explore his backstory and delve into those parts of his journey we didn’t have time to cover in the earlier films,” Jackson said in 2024 of THE LORD OF THE RINGS: THE HUNT FOR GOLLUM. “It’s too soon to know who will cross his path, but suffice to say we will take our lead from Professor Tolkien.”
For now, fans can enjoy “Lewis and Tolkien” which began its run at the Museum of the Bible on Oct. 30 and will run through Nov. 30.
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