The Christians
by Lucas Hnath

Name: The Christians
Brand: Lucas Hnath
SKU: 9780822231981
Rating: 4.16 (547 reviews)

Off-Broadway

The Christians Book Cover — The Christians Cover

Highlights

Small Cast

Female

Male

105 minsPresent DayExpandable CastingInterior SetContemporary Costumes/Street ClothesAmerican Religious Christmas

Awards & Recognition

Drama Desk AwardLucille Lortel AwardObie AwardOuter Critics Circle

Winner! 2016 Obie Award for Excellence in Playwriting Winner! 2016 Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New off-Broadway Play Winner! 2015 Kesselring Prize Nominee: 2016 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play Nominee: 2016 Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Play

What readers are saying

Readers appreciate the deep exploration of faith and belief in 'The Christians,' noting its ability to provoke thoughtful discussions. Many commend the innovative writing and the way it tackles complex moral dilemmas without offering easy answers. The play's poignant moments and relatable characters resonate strongly with audiences, making it a valuable experience for both religious and non-religious viewers alike.

Thought-provoking themesInnovative and beautiful writingRelatable charactersEngaging dialogueSome found it too didactic

Synopsis

A big-little play about faith in America―and the trouble with changing your mind.

Pastor Paul does not believe in Hell, and today, he's going to preach a sermon that finally says what he really believes.

He thinks all the people in his church are going be happy to hear what he has to say.

He's wrong.

ThemesFaith--Drama Faith Church buildings Church buildings--Drama Priests--Drama Priests PS3608.N38 C47 2015

Press Reviews

"Raises probing questions about how and why organized religion can be a divisive, if not abusive, social force… consistently combines formal invention with intellectual inquiry. Mr. Hnath is quickly emerging as one of the brightest new voices of his generation."
— The New York Times

"Powerful, riveting… handles a complex and intellectual debate in a relatable way and that, more importantly, shows the human and real consequences of choices based in spirituality."
— National Catholic Reporter

"Plants the audience squarely in the thick of the battle… utterly engrossing… many attendees bowed their heads at each call for prayer before reminding themselves that this is, in fact, just a play."
— Broadway World

Characters

Character	Gender	Age	Description
Elizabeth His wife	female	—	His wife
Associate Pastor Joshua	—	—	Joshua
Church Elder Jay	—	—	Jay
Congregant Named Jenny or Jennifer or Jenn	—	—	Named Jenny or Jennifer or Jenn
Choir As small or as big as you’d like them to be. Represents the congregation and sings four songs over the course of the play.	—	—	As small or as big as you’d like them to be. Represents the congregation and sings four songs over the course of the play.
Pastor Paul	—	—	—