Written by Samuel D. Hunter, the writer of “The Whale,” which was later adapted into a screenplay, “A Case for the Existence of God” premiered off-Broadway at Signature Theater on April 12, 2022.
“A Case for the Existence of God” follows the story of two men: Keith (Jon Hudson Odom,) a mortgage broker, and Ryan (Lee Oriso,) who is trying to get a mortgage so he can buy land that used to belong to his grandparents. As the two continue to talk, they realize that they have similar conflicts. Both are single fathers, both grew up in the same town and both feel as though their lives are crumbling around them.
Acting At Its Finest
From the cheeky and witty banter at the start to the soul-wrenching monologues at the end, “A Case for the Existence of God” is a beautiful tragedy to watch unfold. The writing is superb, and the performances are even better. Both actors elevate the play, letting the audience feel the weight of the character’s emotions. Not that they have to try too hard either. The drama of the play comes from real-world stressors: money problems, feelings of inadequacy and the struggle of being a single parent. It’s very easy to feel a sense of empathy towards these characters. Like the rest of us, they have no choice but to go along with life.
Hope and Sorrow
The play places emphasis on the feeling of things crumbling and how the world is not as put together as it used to be. Ryan constantly questions the systems that are in place that keep the world running. Keith also finds himself disillusioned with the powers that be. The play supports this as forces beyond the character’s control push them further and further to the brink. In between those moments of despair are friendship, love, empathy and a mutual compassion for humankind that, at times, feel enough to beat back the imbalance. Then, time and time again, the characters are reminded that the world does not care about them.
Ryan is a man who truly only wants to secure a future for his daughter. However, he is drained of hope for his future due to things like credit scores and debt. Keith, on the other hand, spends the play desperately trying to hold onto the one good thing left in his life knowing that a single phone call could take it away. Something oppressive hangs over the play, making every moment of hope sting.
One Question Left Unanswered
Never once in the play is the subject of theology brought up. The entire play, every moment and every line is the case towards the existence of God. Therefore, it is up to the audience to determine if God does or does not exist in the play, or perhaps in life. Given the tragic nature of the story, one would be inclined to believe that God is not real. However, if one sits down and immerses oneself in the tragedy, one might be led to an answer far more profound than what the title of the play suggests.
“A Case for the Existence of God” is being performed by the Pioneer Theater Company until April 12. University of Utah students can get a discount on tickets via Arts Pass.