By AJ Jaffari

What happens when loneliness becomes routine—and courage feels just out of reach? Primary Trust at TheatreWorks Silicon Valley is a quiet, tender meditation on isolation, friendship, and the small acts of bravery that change a life. Eboni Booth’s Pulitzer Prize–winning play doesn’t rely on spectacle; instead, it gently unfolds, inviting us into the inner world of a man whose carefully constructed solitude is slowly, and unexpectedly, disrupted.

Centered on Kenneth, a bookstore worker whose days are shaped by ritual and imagination, the story explores what it means to step beyond comfort and risk genuine connection. TheatreWorks leans into the play’s intimacy, crafting a production that feels deeply human—subtle, poignant, and quietly transformative.

The ending left me reflecting on how a “happy” ending doesn’t always look the same in every world—and yet, hope can still quietly remain. I’ll admit, I kept bracing myself for something tragic, expecting the story to take a darker turn. Instead, it closed on a note of cautious optimism, one that felt deeply real. It reminded me that for many people, hope isn’t loud or grand—it’s subtle, hard-won, and incredibly meaningful.

I may be in the minority of people who have only been subtly exposed to the brilliance of William Thomas Hodgson, but I can say without hesitation that he impressed me immensely. His portrayal of Kenneth felt almost cinematic in its intimacy—so natural and grounded that it hardly felt like acting at all. I experienced every small victory and every quiet loss alongside him. Leaving that much of yourself on stage night after night is no easy task, yet Hodgson made it appear effortless.

Rolanda D. Bell was equally remarkable, seamlessly shifting between what felt like twenty characters at times, each one distinct and fully realized. While the heart of Corrina was my personal favorite, Bell brought a vitality to every role she touched. I even found myself wishing for more scenes between Corrina and Kenneth, wanting to watch their dynamic unfold further—but that’s more a testament to how invested I was in the story than any critique of her performance. Every time Bell stepped on stage, I couldn’t help but smile.

I was immediately drawn to the set—a sweeping map that curved upstage and downstage, dotted with small markers that lit up each time the location shifted. It almost reminded me of the car mats I used to play with as a kid, full of winding roads and tiny destinations waiting to be explored. The transitions were just as beautifully executed, with music underscoring the movement of set pieces that glided on and off with impressive precision. Hats off to Christopher Fitzer, who somehow transformed the Lucie Stern stage into something that felt like stepping inside a living board game.

I found myself debating whether to classify this piece as a drama or a comedy, because it so effortlessly walks the line between both. Ultimately, I’d recommend this show to anyone who has ever felt different or alone. It gently reminds us that those feelings are valid—that it’s okay to break down without the world actually collapsing around you. You can still accomplish meaningful things, even while navigating social anxiety and uncertainty. It’s a story that feels especially important right now.

Primary Trust runs through March 29 and tickets are available here.