In His Hands

by Benjamin Benne

CHICAGO PREMIERE: First Floor Theater (Chicago IL), 2024
WORLD PREMIERE: Mosaic Theater Company (Washington DC), 2022

Selection, Roundabout Underground Reading Series
Selection, New Harmony Project Residency
Winner, Kennedy Center/KCACTF Latinx Playwriting Award
Gold Prize, Portland Stage's Clauder Competition
Finalist, Kitchen Dog Theater's New Play Festival
Finalist, Playwrights Foundation's Bay Area...

CHICAGO PREMIERE: First Floor Theater (Chicago IL), 2024
WORLD PREMIERE: Mosaic Theater Company (Washington DC), 2022

Selection, Roundabout Underground Reading Series
Selection, New Harmony Project Residency
Winner, Kennedy Center/KCACTF Latinx Playwriting Award
Gold Prize, Portland Stage's Clauder Competition
Finalist, Kitchen Dog Theater's New Play Festival
Finalist, Playwrights Foundation's Bay Area Playwrights Festival

This is a list of things Christian believes in: logic, banana Laffy Taffy, video games, and Daniel. This is a list of things Christian doesn't believe in: caffeine, alcohol, monogamy, and God. Daniel, a Mario Kart wizard and aspiring Lutheran pastor, is falling for Christian. But as these men explore the potential of their new relationship, voices from Christian's past threaten to overpower the connection they share -- with one another, and something bigger than themselves. [synopsis by dramaturg Sarah Lunnie]

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In His Hands

Recommended by

  • Brad Goren-Wilson: In His Hands by Benjamin Benne
    “

    The 2019 production is still one of the most impactful theatre experiences I've had. This play is absolutely beautiful and cathartic. I think of it very often. It's hard to believe it's available here in full!

    The 2019 production is still one of the most impactful theatre experiences I've had. This play is absolutely beautiful and cathartic. I think of it very often. It's hard to believe it's available here in full!

    ”
  • Peter Fenton: In His Hands by Benjamin Benne
    “

    If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and have any connection to Christianity (positive, negative, or complicated) (bonus points if you've played Mario Kart 64), please drop everything and read this play. Specificity matters even in an abstract piece, and Benne knows this. He anchors the audience in this story through very real imagery and well-drawn human beings, but allows it to play like a feverdream. I'd be excited to play Chris or perhaps direct this piece someday.

    If you are a member of the LGBTQ community and have any connection to Christianity (positive, negative, or complicated) (bonus points if you've played Mario Kart 64), please drop everything and read this play. Specificity matters even in an abstract piece, and Benne knows this. He anchors the audience in this story through very real imagery and well-drawn human beings, but allows it to play like a feverdream. I'd be excited to play Chris or perhaps direct this piece someday.

    ”
  • Julie Zaffarano: In His Hands by Benjamin Benne
    “

    A devastatingly beautiful play that journeys through lost faith — dryness, suffering, and rebirth. We care for these characters and hold them tightly and, no matter what our personal beliefs, rejoice in what they find.

    A devastatingly beautiful play that journeys through lost faith — dryness, suffering, and rebirth. We care for these characters and hold them tightly and, no matter what our personal beliefs, rejoice in what they find.

    ”
View all 16 recommendations

Development History

  • Reading, Mirrorbox Theatre, 2021
  • Workshop, Portland Stage, 2021
  • Reading, Roundabout Theatre Company, 2020
  • Reading, IAMA Theatre Company, 2020
  • Workshop, WildWind Performance Lab/Texas Tech University, 2019
  • Workshop, The Playwrights' Center, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, First Floor Theater, 2024
  • Professional, Mosaic Theater Company (World Premiere), 2022
  • University, Northwestern University, 2022
  • University, Yale School of Drama, 2019

Awards