Old friends are sometimes the true friends you need when times are rough.

In this world premier new play by Adam Hahn, Naomi (Brooke Goergen) is at a life crossroad. She’s newly divorced, facing a devastating health crisis, and is thinking twice about her strong faith. She’s also reconnected with an old high school chum, Jacob, (Brandon Williamson), and they’re sitting in a hotel room, dancing around that inevitable first move.

This is what a I like about First Look Buffalo: it takes chances on very new plays from emerging playwrights gives provides the latitude for artists to explore the possibilities.

Aptly named Deconstruction, this is a story of marital contrasts. While one marriage is crumbling, Jacob’s marriage – so very different from Naomi’s – is over as Jacob is finding his footing again.

Director Lara D. Haberberger keeps things simple in this two-hander to let the words shine and the story weave about. Sarah Waechter’s set is simple: the impression is that this is a modest hotel on the outskirts of town, not shabby and far from chic. Sage Becker makes some nice choices with tone and period setting music.

It’s the responsibility and power of the actor to make the playwright’s words ring out. Williamson does that admirably as Jacob, the old friend who is ready to embrace (literally and figuratively) a new relationship. Goergen’s Naomi is scattered and fidgety and while she’s the one who is exploring new ways of living her life, it’s a challenge to get a real ‘read’ on her. In this way, the actors feel a bit mismatched and while their characters are supposed to be vastly different, I couldn’t find the chemistry in the actors that would have created even a common thread of connection.

The story itself raises some interesting questions about beliefs and letting go and how to explore what holds meaning to a person and a couple. Hahn is really tapping into some curious ground here.

Deconstruction runs just under two hours with a 15-minute intermission until April 6 in the lovely and comfortable Canterbury Woods Performing Arts Center in Williamsville. Find details at http://www.firstlookbuffalo.com.