Overview
We often see stories of people who go from non-believer to believer. We seldom see the opposite journey. The Unbelieving takes a penetrating look into the lives of practicing clergy members—Mormons, Catholics, Jews, Episcopalians, Muslims, Fundamentalists—who have stopped believing in God. Using their actual words, obtained during a groundbreaking study by philosopher Daniel C. Dennett and qualitative researcher Linda LaScola, the play explores the struggles, courage, and great humor of these “unbelievers” as they face the hardest decision of their lives—whether to continue living in secret or to risk everything by telling the truth.
Casting & Production
Casting
LINDA — 50s-60s, the interviewer, a qualitative researcher
ADAM — 40s, white Church of Christ worship minister
JOHNNY — Early 40s, white Pentecostal pastor / ALBERT MOHLER
SHERM — 30s, white Orthodox rabbi / JIM — 50s, white, believing Episcopal priest / ABC NEWS REPORTER (recorded)
JOE — 40s, Mormon bishop / MICHAEL — 50s, Seventh-day Adventist / RADIO ANNOUNCER (recorded)
ELIZABETH — 50s-60s, Episcopal priest / CAROLYN — 80, former Catholic nun
DENNIS — 50s, Black, Former Charismatic Evangelical Preacher / MOHAMED — 40, Black, former Muslim Imam from Ivory Coast
Casting Note:
The ages are for reference for the real people the characters are based on, not casting requirements.
Setting
Anonymous hotel meeting rooms in various U.S. towns and cities.
Reviews
“Smart… listens to its characters without judgment. Not trying to hit its audience over the head with lessons, it is conducive to empathy… inquisitive and welcoming. A lot of anguish… a lot of courage, too.
—The New York Times, Critic’s Pick
“Superb, thought-provoking play. Just the right touches of humor and heart.”
—Broadway World
