the binding retreat

The Binding Retreat is a Queer retelling of the parable of Abraham and Isaac. Set at a mega church’s Women’s retreat run by the devout Mary Helen, we follow undercover leftist writer Jude as they gather details about Mary Helen and her husband, the youth leader, whom is facing multiple sexual abuse allegations. Mal and Bethie, stepsisters with a tumultuous past, grapple with resentment and jealousy as they share their testimonies throughout the week. Ruth, a newly cancelled youtuber, is the last member of the discipleship. After a grave mistake on a mission trip, she attempts to make her artificial relationship with Christ well…less artificial. Through these trials, Jude and Mary Helen discover their attraction for each other, and Mal struggles with jealousy over Mary Helen and Ruth’s newfound closeness. As the retreat progresses, the spirit of the lord (or mob mentality) sets Mal into psychosis. She runs away and the disciples are left questioning her demise. All the while, Jude’s partner stops by to check on them after multiple unanswered texts, only to find their Bushwickian dyke partner turn seemingly Centrist. When Mal finally returns to give her testimony, she commits a remarkable act of violence, mirroring the binding of Isaac. While their fates settle, a final visitor arrives at the cabin. The play questions the purpose of faith, the phenomenon of modern evangelical Christianity, divine coincidences, and the weight of queerness in today’s world.

Cast & Crew
Playwright: Olivia Billings*
Director: Neeta Thadani
Stage Manager: Sarah Jack*
Stage Directions/ASM: Amalia Reyes
Jude: Olivia Billings
Mal: Paige Cummings
Ruth: Danyel Geddie
Bethie: Shannon Helene Barnes
The Partner: Sushma Saha
Mary Helen: Lindsay Shiner

*Member of Actors’ Equity Association