←Recommendations of #GodHatesYou

Dendinger has crafted a thought-provoking play, peeling away the surface of an all too familiar type of character to expose a conflicted and nuanced individual. I admire Dendinger for writing into this conflict and exploring the underbelly of social media and the unfortunate side of religious fundamentalism. I would be really interested in seeing a production of this unique and relevant new play.

Dendinger has written a play that is difficult to read and I imagine more difficult to watch. But in things that are difficult, there can still be insight.

Do I like Laurel, the main character, or have sympathy for her? No. Could I forgive her for the pain she has brought others for the sake of being evocative? No. But Dendinger's play allows insight into this character whose world view is evolving. I understand Laurel better, and sometimes empathy is enough.

I might be a little biased, having acted in a reading of this script earlier this year at the Ashland New Plays Festival, but I love love LOVE this play. Was in tears at the end of my first reading. An incredible exploration of faith and the shortcomings of its institution and the power of social media. The characters' actions are incredulous at times but they are (sometimes surprisingly) sympathetic. I feel like I have been waiting for this play for a very long time. Thank you Emily!