“ …you don’t only find faith in religion. Faith can be in all kinds of movements, whether you’re talking about civil rights or the environment or otherwise.” — KENT THOMPSON, DIRECTOR In Pastor Paul’s case, his changing beliefs are his own. “But this is how he now perceives God’s word to be,” Thompson said, “and he believes profoundly that this is where he must take this community for the next step in its spiritual development.” In doing so, Thompson insists Hnath is not making a playwriting statement about anyone’s religious beliefs. “That isn’t about pointing the finger at these Christians and judging them in any way,” Thompson said. “It’s about watching these dynamics play out that are intensely personal and very human.” Hnath describes his entire play as “a kind of sermon.” Sometimes it’s a literal sermon, he teases, “and sometimes it’s made up of scenes that use the formal elements of a sermon.” In addition to Pastor Paul, the audience will be introduced to his wife, an associate pastor, a church elder and a younger congregant. Every performance includes an on-stage praise band made up of eight singers and three musicians. Hnath admits his play is made up of intentional ambiguities and contradictory arguments. No single argument “wins.” There’s no resolution. “A church is a place where people go to see something that is very difficult to see,” he said in an interview with Playwrights Horizons. “A church is a place where the invisible is — at least for a moment — made visible. The theatre can be that too.” Thompson had an opportunity to speak with Hnath about the commonalities in their upbringings, and what the playwright thought was most important that Thompson get right. “First, that we present every person on stage as a fully developed and complex human being,” Thompson said. “And to really ensure this is dramatic and emotionally engaging and moving, and not only for what we would call a Christian community, but for any community. Whether that’s theatre-lovers who don’t go to church or those who do, or the public at large. Because the journey here is core to the human endeavor. That makes The Christians a story for everyone.”
THE CHRISTIANS
JAN 27 - FEB 26 • STAGE THEATRE ASL & Audio-Described Performance: Feb 12, 1:30pm
Illustrations by Kyle Malone
“The thing I love about this piece is that we are all human beings, and it’s all so very complex,” Thompson said. “All theatre is about conflict — but then you have to figure out the path forward, either as a group or independently. How do you deal with events that challenge your core beliefs? It’s the hero’s journey, and that has really become my obsession.” Thompson said audiences who do not attend megachurches might by unfamiliar with their institutional structure. These churches are essentially independent businesses and are often not affiliated with traditional denominations. “There might be a series of beliefs that these churches share,” Thompson said, “but each church hires its own pastor. It’s not like the Catholic or Episcopal church where you are appointed by an established religious hierarchy.”
COMING UP FROM THEATRE COMPANY:
DISGRACED
Disgraced comes charging into Denver with incredible momentum. This 2013 Pulitzer Prize-winning play is one of the most-produced plays nationwide for the second season in a row and is sparking conversations across the country. Pakistani American playwright Ayad Akhtar’s work has drawn recognition for its piercing portrayal of American Muslim identity. Disgraced touches on the tensions between modern global cultures. “Disgraced is that rare play that we, as a country, must urgently address,” said DCPA Theatre Company Producing Artistic Director Kent Thompson. “It is a powerful drama that speaks to what place Muslims hold in our society during this time of aggressive Islamic fundamentalism, coupled with domestic Islamophobia.” Called “breathtaking, raw and blistering” (Associated Press), it is a powerful reminder of the complexity of identity for all of us. When interviewed by Newsweek about the significant number of productions this play is receiving, Akhtar responded, “It makes a case that is exciting to theatergoers.… When it’s done well, it’s a play that delivers a lot of laughs, and then a gut-punch.” With just a 90-minute run-time and no intermission, Disgraced is a fast-paced, intense drama with a startling twist. Don’t miss this timely production at The Ricketson Theatre March 31 - May 7.
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