“A Case for the Existence of God” Explores Male Friendship and the Search for Meaning in a Fractured World
Mosaic Theater Company’s production of Samuel D. Hunter’s “A Case for the Existence of God” offers a compelling and deeply resonant exploration of friendship, vulnerability, and the enduring human need for connection. Running through December 14, 2025, at the Atlas Performing Arts Center in Washington, D.C., the play positions itself as a poignant commentary on the challenges facing men in contemporary society.
The play, from a rapidly rising playwright known for giving voice to the blue-collar and often overlooked, centers on Ryan, a man striving to secure a mortgage to build a better life for himself and his daughter, and Keith, the mortgage broker grappling with his own personal struggles as he navigates the adoption process. Their unlikely connection forms the heart of a narrative that is both intensely personal and universally relatable.
A Story Rooted in Personal Struggle
Ryan’s desire to purchase 12 acres of land isn’t simply about acquiring property; it’s about reclaiming a piece of his family history and providing stability for his child. He’s haunted by a past he struggles to define, searching for a legacy worth holding onto. Meanwhile, Keith faces obstacles in his pursuit of adoption, compounded by the societal challenges of being a gay man in Twin Falls, Idaho. These “two very different and, at the same time, emotionally aligned problems” create a fertile ground for an unexpected bond.
Hunter’s script is lauded as a “riveting two-hander” that delves into the complexities of male friendships, a topic increasingly relevant in discussions surrounding men’s mental health and the often-inhibited expression of emotional vulnerability. The play confronts the barriers that traditionally define masculinity, portraying Ryan and Keith as they “unapologetically break the barriers that seemingly make ‘men, men.’”
Powerful Performances Bring the Story to Life
Director Danilo Gambini is praised for his masterful handling of the play’s emotional intensity, skillfully building tension and allowing moments of catharsis to unfold with surprising power. The performances by Lee Osorio as Ryan and Jaysen Wright as Keith are described as exceptional, with both actors delivering nuanced and deeply affecting portrayals.
One reviewer specifically highlighted Wright’s performance, noting how his character’s unraveling in a particularly complex scene left the audience “holding their collective breath.” Wright’s generally subdued portrayal makes this moment all the more impactful. Osorio, meanwhile, embodies the “everyday guy” struggling with a sense of disillusionment, desperately seeking a path toward a more fulfilling life.
Design and Technical Elements Enhance the Emotional Landscape
The set design by Nadir Bey cleverly utilizes a blend of sterile office space and abstract elements to suggest multiple locations, relying on the actors’ emotionality to fully realize the setting. Lighting by Colin K. Bills and sound design by Sarah O’Halloran further enhance the play’s atmosphere, adding depth and nuance to the quiet intensity of the narrative.
A Contemplation on Connection and Meaning
“A Case for the Existence of God” ultimately explores the idea that even fragile friendships can become sources of strength. It’s a “deeply meaningful contemplation on how we live, who we live for, and what it all means in the end.” The play resonates as a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection in a world often characterized by isolation and uncertainty. Highly recommended.
Running Time: One hour and 40 minutes with no intermission.
“A Case for the Existence of God” runs through December 14, 2025 presented by Mosaic Theater Company at Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St NE, Washington, DC 20002. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
