By Pearl Cleage
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown
“Bursting at its seams with intrigue, romance and comedy.”
–Chicago Sun-Times
The Nacirema Society
Sep 16 – Oct 22, 2023 in Goodman's Albert Theatre
Around 2 hours and 50 minutes including one intermission.
Extended by Popular Demand
A “laugh-out-loud” (Broadway World) “hilarious comedy” (Arts ATL) from nationally renowned playwright, poet and NY Times best-selling author Pearl Cleage.
It’s 1964 Montgomery, Alabama, and the Nacirema Society prepares for its annual introduction of six elegant African-American debutantes to a world of prosperity, privilege and social responsibility. This centennial year, the Society’s grande dame, Grace Dunbar, will have nothing less than perfection for her granddaughter Gracie’s debut. And with young love brewing, old family skeletons rattling, national media attention abounding and a blackmail plot bubbling…what would dare go awry?
Recommended for ages 11 and up.
The Nacirema Society contains mentions of the Civil Rights Movement and racial discrimination.
Celebrate playwright/poet Pearl Cleage in a citywide festival with American Writers Museum, Black Ensemble Theater, Congo Square Theatre, Definition Theatre, eta Creative Arts Foundation, MPAACT, Remy Bumppo Theatre Company and more. Learn more at GoodmanTheatre.org/Pearl.
“It fits perfectly.” Enjoy an exclusive scene from Pearl Cleage’s The Nacirema Society featuring all-star Chicago actors, E. Faye Butler, Ora Jones and Demetra Dee.
The Nacirema Society production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
The Nacirema Society production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
The Nacirema Society production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
The Nacirema Society production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
The Nacirema Society production photo. Photo: Liz Lauren
ICYMI, The Nacirema Society has been extended by popular demand through October 22! See why audiences are calling it “amazing all the way through.”
Get a glimpse of this “all-star cast” (Chicago Tribune) in action!
“This is a romantic comedy.” Fall in love with The Nacirema Society as Playwright Pearl Cleage explores the various themes within her heartwarming play that invites us to “laugh together.”
People should come see this play because it’s hilarious.” Director Lili-Anne Brown talks about the “joy” in Pearl Cleage’s comedy The Nacirema Society.
Watch the trailer for The Nacirema Society and prepare to have a ball!
Critical Praise
⭐⭐⭐⭐ (out of 4)
Chicago Sun-Times
“Laughter is the best medicine in glorious ‘Nacirema Society.”
Chicago Sun-Times
“An all-star cast.”
Chicago Tribune
“As formidable a collection of experienced performers as any show here in a long time.”
Chicago Tribune
“This ensemble offers a master class in the school of farce.”
Broadway World
“E. Faye Butler positively commands the stage.”
Broadway World
“A raucously good time.”
Splash magazine
“Lili-Anne Brown’s direction is impeccable.”
Splash magazine
Creative Artists
Choose someone to see their bio and past Goodman productions.
From Artistic Director Susan V. Booth
“Pearl Cleage is one of my all-time favorite American writers (and a dear friend). What August Wilson contributed to the canon of roles for Black actors, Pearl has added to the canon for Black actresses. And she has done it with plays that are expansively welcoming to all comers. The Nacirema Society is, at once, a comedy, a romance, and a history lesson—though you’d never know it. I’m thrilled to open my first Goodman season with Pearl’s joyful, beautiful play.” – SVB
Special Events
Play on Words: Poetry
In an unprecedented collaboration, the Poetry Foundation is partnering with Goodman Theatre to commission a different local poet to respond to each play in the 23/24 season – Susan Booth’s first curated season as Artistic Director.
Audience Feedback
“Such an incredible production. You will not be disappointed. ❤️”
Nick G. via Facebook
“…the actors have great comedic timing.”
@faithfullyyourz via Instagram
“Highly entertaining!!!”
Elliot H. via Facebook
“WONDERFUL!!!!!! Don’t miss it!”
@annvogl via Instagram
“Fun show, great set, fantastic actors.”
Barbara J. H. via Facebook
“Saw it yesterday! Absolutely amazing!!”
@mister_p2k19 via Instagram
Accessible & Enhanced Performances
Questions? Please contact (312) 443-3800 for voice or (312) 443-3829 for TTY/TDD, or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org. Visit our Accessibility Overview page for full details.
American Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Friday, October 13 at 7:30pm
Use code SIGN for $30 tickets
Touch Tour and Audio-Described Performance
Saturday, October 14
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2:00pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $30 tickets
Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, October 14 at 7:30pm
Use code SPANISH for $30 tickets
Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, October 15 at 2:00pm
Use code OPEN for $30 tickets
The Rest of the 2023/2024 Season
Experience heart-pounding spectacle next door to a laugh-out-loud debutante ball. A fresh take on a centuries-old tale and a modern true story with a thrilling twist. From a hilarious new musical to a major revival, you’ll find familiar and new voices in Artistic Director Susan V. Booth’s first Goodman season—plays that celebrate the mess and magic of us all.
Sponsors
