By Pearl Cleage
Directed by Lili-Anne Brown

“Bursting at its seams with intrigue, romance and comedy.”
–Chicago Sun-Times

September 16 – October 22, 2023 in Goodman's Albert Theatre

Around 2 hours and 50 minutes including one intermission.

The Nacirema Society

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!

“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.