For their final production of the year, Theatre NDSU decided to tackle a difficult subject: faith.

“The Christians” is a new play by Lucas Hnath that follows a congregation after their leader, Pastor Paul, announces he will be taking the church in a radically new direction.

While modern, religion-based shows — like “The Book of Mormon” — take a satirical approach to the subject, “The Christians” represents a critical and challenged church.

“‘The Christians’ is a special play in that it is for all audiences — Christian or not, religious or not. It poses a controversial idea without being didactic,” says director Jessica Jung. “In this way, it is a piece meant to create a fruitful community discussion.”

While Christianity has been featured negatively in the news lately, this will not be a political play.

Since its creation in 2014, “The Christians” has been making waves in the theater community. It premiered at the Humana Festival of New American Plays and from there has swept across the nation.

“I saw the original production – and although I wouldn’t describe myself as a religious person, the themes and characters grabbed my attention,” Jung states.

The drama is centered around two main characters: Pastor Paul, the compassionate leader, and Pastor Joshua, who is young and charismatic.

“These two characters wrestle with the core, opposing viewpoints of the play,” Jung says. “At the beginning of the play, Pastor Paul tells his congregation that he would like to the take the church in a radical new direction. As the story unfolds, we see how Pastor Paul deals with the consequences of these actions.”

This is the first showing of “The Christians” in the area — the play won’t debut in Minneapolis or Chicago until next season.

While the central message makes this a show to see, the staging will also entrance its viewers.

“We are transforming our auditorium into a mega church — with a full choir!” Jung says excitedly. “Religious audience members may relate to the atmosphere, while non-religious audience members will relate to the theatricality of the piece.”

Not only will NDSU be hosting this evangelical event, but there will be a special performance at First Lutheran church on Thursday, April 28^th at 7:30 p.m.

As always, tickets are free for NDSU students with their I.D.

“The Christians” will allow the audience a glimpse into the workings of a large faith organization and will experience the difficulty in deciding whose voice is God, and who is just preaching to the choir.

Ticket Info:

When: 7:30 p.m., April 21-23 & 27-30

Where: Askanase Auditorium

Price: Free for NDSU students

More info: Call (701) 231-7969