By Liz Eichler
Know Theatre’s production of A Case for the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter (The Whale) is a deeply moving exploration of friendship, fatherhood, and vulnerability. Running through February 22, the show stars Rupert Spraul and Montez Jenkins Copeland under the direction of Piper N. Davis. This intimate play follows two single fathers, Ryan and Keith, who bond over daily daycare drop-offs and an increasingly complex financial situation. As Ryan seeks a loan to buy a plot of land with deep family ties, the two men gradually open up, sharing their struggles and fears about fatherhood in their unstable worlds they share with toddler daughters.
Powerful Performances
Both performers bring incredible depth to their performances, imbuing their characters with layers of raw emotion. Their portrayals offer a tender look at how vulnerable and precarious their roles are as fathers, and what keeps propelling them forward. It is also a look at how many people have a problem understanding money, and eventually realize how “convoluted” the system can be.
Montez Jenkins Copeland effectively conveys Keith’s mix of anxiety and small victories—particularly in parenting an “easy baby.” Their six-foot frame seemingly grows and shrinks on stage, as Keith finds moments of confidence amid the “harrowing” circumstances. Keith has a heart wrenching monologue which fully conveys his fears.
Rupert Spraul masterfully captures Ryan’s mounting stress as he navigates the complexities of securing a mortgage, and reveals the passion that drives him to try to acquire 12 acres. His moves are sharp, and he jumps from personal to business goals quickly. His journey digs deep and at times we see his eyes glistening with tears. As their understanding of each other grows, so does our connection to them.
Thoughtful Direction & Design
The story unfolds through a series of vignettes, with Keith helping Ryan explore his loan options. The show begins with “fish out of water” comedy. It is easy to laugh with the guy in a trucker hat and plaid shirt (costumes by Noelle Wedig-Johnson) trying to digest the interest rates, A.R.M.s and mortgage terms shot out in rapid fire succession by zipped-up Williams. But the humor changes as the show progresses. The sweater comes off and the brim of the trucker hat doesn’t separate them anymore. Each transition is quick and seamless, except for the final one—a breathtakingly poignant moment that unfurls like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon.
The set is a nondescript mall office, in Idaho. Danielle Robison has elevated it, from the hand-painted hint of carpet squares on the floor to the greenery peeking around most corners. Director Davis says the greenery is to convey the “vastness” of the space and story–that it is not set in a specific office space, but could be everywhere. Lighting (Morgan Abercrombie) and Sound (Doug Borntrager) underline and emphasize moments appropriately. The slow glow of the final scene is highly effective.
Overall
At its core, A Case for the Existence of God is about empathy—the recognition that we rarely know the full depth of another person’s struggles. But when we take the time to listen, when we allow masks and defenses to fall away, real human connections can form. This is not a play about race or gender; it is about the moments that bridge the gaps between us now, and in time and space. It is a story of hope for the future. It is a story about dads’ love.
Tickets to A Case for the Existence of God
Know Theatre’s A Case for the Existence of God runs through February 22. Tickets are selling quickly—secure yours HERE!
Be sure to check out Know’s website for special events, including their Welcome Wednesdays, where you can pay what you wish. The Monday night Serials series, where audiences vote on which 15-minute original plays should continue development the following week, continues on Mondays through March 24.
A Special Event: D.A.A.M. Poetry Jam
Before Saturday’s performance, the theatre hosted a D.A.A.M. Poetry Jam led by Curtis Shepard of Dads Against Angry Moms. This warm, supportive event featured spoken word and heartfelt stories from Calvin Williams, Norman Riggs, Just Dave, Sol, Demonte, Sherman Bradley, David Levy, and musical guest Kortney Jackson.
D.A.A.M.’s motto: “We encourage absent dads to be present dads, present dads to be good dads, good dads to be great dads, and great dads to reach out and share their experience and strength.” The packed house listened and uplifted stories of fatherhood, offering space for men to express their emotions and challenges through poetry and personal testimony.
Well-placed before A Case for the Existence of God, both are invitations to truly see one another.
