What is the meaning of the anachronistic symbols in the musical Jesus Christ Superstar?

Answer 1

I would say first, that as with any symbolism, you the viewer take from it what you will.

So on the surface, to make it something a modern audience can connect to. At that time even in the original Broadway version there were anachronisms present as well, most notably the music. Also, it was the begining of the 70's, a disenfranchised youth movement that was weaning itself off of the peace and love of the 60's.

So let's take something old and respected and give it a punch. It did raise a lot of ire and eyebrows.

But go back watch it, read it again. It has a very Jeffersonion spin in that all the "miracles" are taken out.

It has a few errors by biblical standards but nothing overtly "wrong" Sure Pilate's wife had the dream, so they beefed up Pilate's role by making it his dream. Mary was not a prostitute nor was she readily identified as the woman who washes his feet, but go read the book of John, the main source as well as the other gosples.

they were not that far off track.

The tanks chasing Judas have been reported to represent the authoritative forces, Rome, the Priests (please note at that time Jesus was barely making a splash in the entirety of Rome reign) and so he is escaping that pressure.

But look at the song he sings. He realizes that he has set up his dearest friend and teacher. He sees no way out, his guilt is overwhelming. He's seen this innocent man arrested, beaten and put on trial.

In that crucial moment he gives in to despair, he is over run with guilt and fear. And so he chased by massive tanks.

It is my humble opinion, also put forth by scholars smarter then I, that it wasn't the betrayal that damned Judas (Jesus had to go through what he went through in order to fulfill prophesy) He failed to seek Gods forgiveness and took his life.

bibliclly we only have an aullsion to this, though Judas is not names:

John 17:12 king James

While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.

One major change is the title song. Where in we see a post death Judas. Interestingly he seems to appeare in heaven surrounded by angels and seeing it all clearly finally. His new vantage point is suggestive that while talking to the still alive Christ he seems to have understanding of what it was all about.

In the film he is modern dress. In most stage presentations Jesus is wearing a coat (usually leather) which he then Gives Judas in the Garden. (Offering protection or comfort?) It usually isn't seen again till Judas wearing it as he sings Superstar at the end.

An interesting note, in the film, the cast all arrive in a bus, they prepare during the Ovation and Jesus isn't seen exiting the bus (nor is the actor Ted Neely)

When they all leave Ted is not seen getting on the bus either. There is a shepherd seen walking a flock past the empty crosses, some say the directors didn't see him in the frame at shooting but decided to keep it when they saw it. others claim that is ted Neely (Jesus) implying a resurrection.