Anya Kai, reporting

New York, NY – In the vibrant and competitive landscape of independent theater, a company is making its mark by fearlessly delving into the lives of society’s “weirdos” and those on the fringes. Utopia for Losers, co-founded by Sawyer Barth and Dylan Pitanza, is set to unveil its fifth full production, María Irene Fornés’ acclaimed drama, “MUD,” at the venerable American Theatre of Actors from June 26-29th. This promises to be a compelling and unflinching exploration of aspiration, escape, and the often-messy realities of human relationships.

Sawyer Barth, introducing himself as the co-founder of Utopia for Losers, highlights the company’s unique ethos. He and Dylan Pitanza operate as a dynamic duo, alternating roles as directors, designers, and performers, all while collaborating with a dedicated group of aspiring industry professionals. Their mission is clear: to present plays that resonate with characters often overlooked by mainstream narratives, focusing on individuals who navigate the complexities of life from the margins.

“MUD,” a play structured in 17 scenes, centers on Mae, a woman desperately seeking to transcend her “dirty, base, and unrespectable” existence with Lloyd. A glimmer of hope arrives with Henry, who offers Mae a vision of a more refined life and is welcomed into their home. However, as the three housemates’ lives intertwine, chaos ensues, challenging Mae’s resolve and her fervent desire for freedom. Directed by Dylan Pitanza, the production features a talented cast including Chloe Margot as Mae, Brian Beckerle as Lloyd, and Aiden Castillo as Henry.

The play carries a content warning, advising audiences of mature themes including profanity, discussions and simulations of sexual acts, gun violence, discussions of bestiality, and misogyny. With a runtime of approximately 75-80 minutes and no intermission, “MUD” promises an intense and uninterrupted theatrical experience.

Inescapable Miseries and Absurd Humor

When confronted with the play’s central theme—that life’s miseries might be inescapable—Sawyer Barth offers a candid response. “It does feel like life’s miseries are inescapable a good chunk of the time, yeah,” he admits. He clarifies that “MUD” isn’t designed to offer comfort or easy solutions. Instead, it presents “a raw depiction of emotional and domestic abuse.”

However, Barth also points to a crucial element that distinguishes Fornés’ work: “there is a great amount of absurd humor in the play, which serves to highlight the ways we learn to thrive in our personal Hell.” This duality suggests that while the characters grapple with profound tragedy, the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and even humor in dire circumstances is subtly explored. He emphasizes that the tragic events within the play are not universally destined but rather “can occur when the right ingredients are there,” hinting at the complex interplay of character, circumstance, and societal factors.

The Creative Process: Forgetting Expectations

As co-producer for “MUD,” Sawyer Barth’s creative process involves acting as a crucial “sounding board” for Dylan Pitanza’s direction, ensuring that Pitanza’s vision for the stage is fully realized. This collaborative dynamic is a hallmark of Utopia for Losers, where the co-founders seamlessly support each other’s artistic endeavors.

Perhaps most revealing is Barth’s insight into the casting process for “MUD.” He explains that they had to “largely… forget what great, reliable people our friends and collaborators are when they auditioned for these roles.” The characters in “MUD” are “really questionable and at times gross,” demanding that the actors fully embody these challenging personalities. This required the casting team to look beyond personal relationships and instead focus on who could authentically inhabit Fornés’ complex and often unsettling universe. Barth credits the actors for rising to the occasion, acknowledging that “they did most of it for us with the work they put in.”

The Ugly Truth: What Audiences Will Take Away

When asked about the desired audience takeaway, Barth’s response is succinct and powerful: “Sometimes the truest thing is also the ugliest.” This statement encapsulates the ethos of “MUD” and, indeed, Utopia for Losers. The company is not afraid to present uncomfortable truths, believing that authentic representation, even of life’s darker aspects, holds significant value.

A Cornerstone of NYC Theatre: American Theatre of Actors

The production finds its home at the American Theatre of Actors (ATA), a revered institution founded in 1976 by James Jennings. ATA stands as a cornerstone of the New York theatre scene, operating as a repertory company dedicated to nurturing new playwrights, directors, and actors outside the pressures of commercial theater. Over its rich history, ATA has championed over 1,000 new works and supported the careers of more than 11,000 actors, including celebrated talents like Dennis Quaid, Bruce Willis, Danny Aiello, and Edie Falco. The company’s commitment to presenting dramas and comedies that delve into “the social and ethical complexities of contemporary society” makes it an ideal venue for Utopia for Losers’ provocative presentation of “MUD.”

What’s Next for Utopia for Losers

Looking ahead, Sawyer Barth teases an exciting future for Utopia for Losers. “We will be announcing something very soon for this upcoming Fall 2025,” he reveals, urging interested audiences to follow them at @utopia4losers on Instagram for updates. This indicates a continued commitment to their unique brand of theater that champions untold stories and challenges conventional narratives.

“MUD” promises to be a raw and unflinching exploration of a woman’s desperate fight for a better life. Under the guidance of Sawyer Barth and Dylan Pitanza, Utopia for Losers continues to carve out a vital space in the independent theatre scene, presenting challenging and resonant works that provoke thought and illuminate the often-unseen corners of the human experience.