John Safran’s Race Relations

SPOILERS: Back in April John Safran created headlines when he was reported as undergoing a crucifixion in The Philippines. AFP reported that an Australian, identified only as John Michael from Melbourne, was nailed to a wooden cross in Kapitangan town, near Manila. The ABC defended his actions within the context of his documentary style. It was described as “a thoughtful and challenging exploration of cultural differences and convictions — the kind of project that you expect from John Safran.”

Australians will get to see for themselves what he endured for the sake of his art, when the final episode airs in early December.

TV Tonight has taken a look, and here’s what you can expect…

The extreme stunt is introduced as part of Safran’s on-going blurring of boundaries and provocative cultural experiments. Across the series he has been reminding us that attraction defies religion, ethnicity and class -many would have presumed this from the get go. Nonetheless there are stigmas and societal outbursts for some who swim against the tide. As a comedian, Safran defiantly swims against the establishment too, usually at his own expense.

The crucifixion is staged as the “ultimate” act of a good Jewish boy looking to renounce his past and burn bridges.

He visits a man in Manila who is to undergo the same fate, which other Filipinos have endured as an expression of faith in Christianity. The act is described to him in all its stark realism. Yes, real nails will be driven through his palms and feet. The length of time he will be on the makeshift cross will vary from anywhere between 5 to 10 minutes, depending on those who are in charge.

He watches a video of previous crucifixions, wincing as a silent Filipino on the TV screen is the centre of a frenzied, religious mob.

His new friend hands him his 6 inch nails in a bottle of liquid, presumably to keep them sterile. He’s instructed how to carry his cross -always on the right shoulder.

Safran is given a wig to try on for size, becoming a makeshift Jesus. It’s a momentary touch of lightness in an otherwise sedate atmosphere. You can’t help but think being heckled on a stand-up stage is a tad easier than this, but then documentary filmmakers like Louis Theroux and Morgan Spurlock have upped the ante lately. What’s a boy to do?

On the day of his crucifixion, Safran is donned in a robe, crown and carrying his cross. Aided by colourful assistants who seem to know the drill, he is dragged through the streets of a village as Filipinos look on from their shops and market stalls. A few say prayers.

Several times Safran is tossed to the ground and whipped by his ‘assistants.’ He whimpers as they strike his (clothed) body with what appears to be a rubber cat-of-nine-tails. Is it real or theatrical? As anyone who witnessed his ‘exorcism’ in John Safran v God, guessing is in the mind of the viewer. Either way, this ain’t no picnic.

On the cross Safran is strapped up by white cloth around his torso and wrists. The crowd is frenzied, some in religious fervour, others seem caught up by an ‘event.’ Cameras jostle for positions. Safran is silent as he stands on a support box awaiting his fate.

One nail is hammered into each palm. Safran is yelling in pain. Two more are driven through his feet. As he squirms, trying to fight his fears, more cameras are trying to capture the moment.

He is released, placed under a white cloth and carried to a church.

There is only minimal blood on his hands.

Safran previously told TV Tonight, “It hurt a bit, but after the nails came out the pain seemed to dissipate fairly quickly.”

A miracle, perhaps….

Did he prove a point? Perhaps to himself, which if we are to be believed, is largely the point of any Safran series. Whether we have been entertained, challenged, outraged or left with questions about our own conventions is really up to us.

Safran’s crucifixion will, fittingly, be his final act in his now-controversial John Safran’s Race Relations. Between now and then he will encounter a Ladyboy, an ‘Elephant Man’ and will ‘marry’ a member of the Bin Laden clan.

Don’t say you weren’t warned.

John Safran’s Race Relations airs 9:30pm Wednesdays on ABC1.