Covenant

by John Minigan

How do we become entrenched in the beliefs we hold? What can get us to walk away when those beliefs lead to chaos and destruction?
Federal agent Jordan’s mission to infiltrate and report on an apocalyptic religious community has ended in disaster. Questions from an unseen interrogator trigger memories of Jordan's time undercover, trace the roots of her choices to a family tragedy, and force her to decide whether...

How do we become entrenched in the beliefs we hold? What can get us to walk away when those beliefs lead to chaos and destruction?
Federal agent Jordan’s mission to infiltrate and report on an apocalyptic religious community has ended in disaster. Questions from an unseen interrogator trigger memories of Jordan's time undercover, trace the roots of her choices to a family tragedy, and force her to decide whether the beliefs that have guided her life are any less dangerous than the beliefs of those in the group.

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Covenant

Recommended by

  • Nick Malakhow: Covenant

    An unsettling and tautly written exploration of a cult, and the multitudinous factors (desire to belong, ostracization, falling out of the bounds of "normal" society, and more) that might spur one to be vulnerable to manipulation. Structurally effective with enough surprising reveals to keep the audience on their toes even while giving them big, ponderous questions to think and talk about for many days. I'm excited to see how this piece develops!

    An unsettling and tautly written exploration of a cult, and the multitudinous factors (desire to belong, ostracization, falling out of the bounds of "normal" society, and more) that might spur one to be vulnerable to manipulation. Structurally effective with enough surprising reveals to keep the audience on their toes even while giving them big, ponderous questions to think and talk about for many days. I'm excited to see how this piece develops!

  • The Depot for New Play Readings: Covenant

    In John Minigan’s unsettling “Covenant,” the leader Creed avers bones grow back stronger after a break. This play aims to break some bones. Why do we believe? Why do we trust? Why do we obey? “Covenant” begins with an interrogation, and through flashbacks, reveals parallel systems of belief and hierarchy. Surprises come almost moment-by-moment and keep the audience on edge with a claustrophobic study of the psychology of manipulation. Ultimately, we are left to ponder who the believers are and what tragedies result when loss of faith results in violent intervention. Strongly recommended.

    In John Minigan’s unsettling “Covenant,” the leader Creed avers bones grow back stronger after a break. This play aims to break some bones. Why do we believe? Why do we trust? Why do we obey? “Covenant” begins with an interrogation, and through flashbacks, reveals parallel systems of belief and hierarchy. Surprises come almost moment-by-moment and keep the audience on edge with a claustrophobic study of the psychology of manipulation. Ultimately, we are left to ponder who the believers are and what tragedies result when loss of faith results in violent intervention. Strongly recommended.

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: Covenant

    We had the great pleasure of reading this play as part of one of our Sunday night play readings and its a fascinatingly intrieguing piece! A look at the complex life of being inside a cult is explored amazingly well by the writer. The tense and dark back and forth dialogue that explores the darkness that exists within the Covenant is brilliantly re-enforced by the wonderfully constructed characters. Its a fascinating piece that I believe could leave audience in fascinated conversation!

    We had the great pleasure of reading this play as part of one of our Sunday night play readings and its a fascinatingly intrieguing piece! A look at the complex life of being inside a cult is explored amazingly well by the writer. The tense and dark back and forth dialogue that explores the darkness that exists within the Covenant is brilliantly re-enforced by the wonderfully constructed characters. Its a fascinating piece that I believe could leave audience in fascinated conversation!

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Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization ATC Studios, Year 2022
  • Type Reading, Organization North Shore Readers Theatre, Year 2021

Production History