Bill T. Jones uses a deconstructed image of The Last Supper in Last Supper at Uncle Tom’s Cabin/The Promised Land (1990).This image was significant to his household and to many low income households. Owning a version of the painting is a testimony to one’s faith. Jones uses this image in his production to connect to his life and to communicate many of his themes. The Last Supper was painted by Leonardo da Vinci and depicts Jesus Christ with his apostles, moments before Judas’s betrayal. It showcases the complexity of human emotions and is a reminder of the betrayal that led to Jesus’s sacrifice.
This image contributes to the performance’s discussion of faith and chaos. The dancers begin in a formation similar to the painting but quickly erupt into chaos. They argue with each other and have heated conversations. Jones uses the supper to demonstrate “the battle between all sides of the brain.” This scene showcases how one’s brain can be in a constant battle by using a united group and showing how members can turn on each other. During the Supper one performer, Justice, raps about his journey with heroin and the prison system. Jones asserts that his own faith stems from the fact that despite his past Justice is still able to go on stage and perform. He contrasts religion with a real life example of a miracle. He uses Justice’s success story to showcase his hope for humanity. This portion connects to the performance’s theme of connecting to real life and acknowledging the performers as people. By using Justice’s story and juxtaposing it with The Last Supper, Jones demonstrates that good things can still be achieved despite chaos. In the Christian faith the tragedy of Jesus’s death led to everlasting life, just as Justice’s past gives him faith that people can benefit from telling their stories and acknowledging tragedy. This portion of the play is heavy but also gives the audience hope for the future, by using The Last Supper and connecting it to Justice’s life story.