This has been a passion project since 2015 when Dan Dennett and Linda LaScola commissioned me to write a play based on their book Caught in the Pulpit - which was a study of clergy who no longer believed in God. I had to pass rigorous screening by Tufts to be able to access the interview transcripts of those in the study. After poring through thousands of pages of interview transcripts and interviewing Dan and Linda about their experience the play began to take shape, with the help of many wonderful actors who gave of their time and talents to help bring it to life at readings and workshops over the years. Eventually we teamed up with Megan Kingery who served as executive producer for Dan and Linda to help get the play to the stage and she connected us with the groundbreaking investigative theater company The Civilians and their artistic director Steve Cosson to further develop the play. Then Covid hit… and I took that time to do some additional interviews of former clergy, incorporating that material into the play. I’m thrilled that we are finally getting a world premiere at 59E59th, with Steve directing. We open October 27th, 2022!
Here’s the official season announcement from 59E59th:
Marin Gazzaniga's The Unbelieving, based on the book Caught in the Pulpit: Leaving Belief Behind by Daniel C. Dennett and Linda LaScola, tells the stories of faith leaders who have stopped believing in God. Dennett, LaScola, and The Civilians will present the play, directed by Steve Cosson, in Theater B October 20–November 20.