By Zora Howard
Directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz

 

“Wildly funny.”
–Chicago Sun-Times

April 20 - May 18, 2025 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours including one 15 minute intermission

Bust

It’s not only hell that breaks loose in this ground-breaking, form-defying, laugh-out-loud new drama from Pulitzer-Prize finalist playwright Zora Howard.

Retta and Reggie are enjoying a quiet evening on the porch when their neighbor is pulled over by the police. Everything goes as you might expect—until the unexpected happens. A recording of the event goes viral, sending everyone into a frenzy in this riotous, “daring and experimental” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) new play that explores where we can go when pushed to the limits of our rage.

Produced in association with Alliance Theatre

Produced in association with Sonia Friedman Productions, Khaliah Neal and Thomas Swayne

Recommended for ages 14+

BUST deals with systemic racism and police brutality; contains profanity and the N-word spoken by White and Black characters; and depicts alcohol and marijuana use. Strobe lights are used during the performance.

Two classmates do a handshake.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Three people sitting on a porch looking surprised while one is on the phone and another is recording an incident on the street.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Two cops standing looking to their left, one is pointing a finger.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Schoolteacher with arms crossed and a surprised expression.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Two people looking surprised with a light orb and fog behind them,

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

“Laughter can create a way of opening our hearts in unexpected ways.” BUST playwright Zora Howard and director Lileana Blain-Cruz discuss their collaboration and how this new play will inspire audiences.

Get a glimpse at Zora Howard’s BUST—a Riotous “Daring and Experimental New Play” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) on stage at the Goodman starting April 19.

Two classmates do a handshake.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Three people sitting on a porch looking surprised while one is on the phone and another is recording an incident on the street.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Two cops standing looking to their left, one is pointing a finger.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Schoolteacher with arms crossed and a surprised expression.

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

Two people looking surprised with a light orb and fog behind them,

BUST production. Photo by Hugo Hentoff.

“Laughter can create a way of opening our hearts in unexpected ways.” BUST playwright Zora Howard and director Lileana Blain-Cruz discuss their collaboration and how this new play will inspire audiences.

Get a glimpse at Zora Howard’s BUST—a Riotous “Daring and Experimental New Play” (Atlanta Journal-Constitution) on stage at the Goodman starting April 19.

Buy Tickets

Select a performance to purchase tickets.

Loading...

THERE ARE NO TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR THIS PRODUCTION.

Have a Code?

Apply
X - Remove Code

Group Tickets available now for 10+. Email Groups@GoodmanTheatre.org for information on select discounted rates and perks.

Questions?

Contact the box office at 312.443.3800 (12noon – 5pm, daily).