UNBECOMING TRAGEDY: A RITUAL JOURNEY TOWARD DESTINY
- May 13 - Jun 1 2025, 7:00pm
- Long Wharf Theatre @ Yale Off Broadway Theater
- Wheelchair accessible, Audio loop available, More accessibility information
Event description
What does it mean to reclaim our own narrative? Stripped of everything but his own imagination, a struggling actor transforms his prison cell into an unexpected stage. In this gripping exploration of resilience and identity, one question lingers—when all that remains is you, how do you rewrite your own fate? Unbecoming Tragedy: A Ritual Journey Toward Destiny is a powerful tale of redemption, identity, and the transformative power of storytelling.
Long Wharf Theatre, in partnership with Collective Consciousness Theatre, presents the world premiere of Unbecoming Tragedy. Be captivated by this awe-inspiring journey into the depths of introspection and resilience.
Getting here
Accessibility
Wheelchair access
If you need a seat closer to the performers for vision or hearing needs, limited mobility, or wheelchair accommodation, please contact our Box Office at boxoffice@longwharf.org or call 203.693.1486.
Audio loop
Assisted listening devices are available upon request at our Box Office.
Open caption performance
Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Signed Performance
Friday, May 30 at 7:00 PM
ASL interpretation provided by Inclusive Communication Services
What to expect at this show
When you arrive at Off-Broadway Theater, you'll check in with the box office in our outside lobby space before entering an intimate black box theatre. Here is more of what to expect:
Duration
0mins
Intermission
No intermission
Latecomer policy
Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of management. Late seating may not be available for all shows. To avoid any issues, please plan to arrive at least fifteen minutes before the expected start of the show.
Age guidance
16+
Pricing
Buy from $45.00
What to wear
At the theatre, we embrace the idea of "come as you are." Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and confident—whether that's casual or dressed up, it's all about enjoying the show in your own style.
National Endowment for the Arts
This project is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Arts. To find out more about how National Endowment for the Arts grants impact individuals and communities, visit www.arts.gov.
Connecticut Office of the Arts
Funding has been provided by the Connecticut State Legislature, and is administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Office of the Arts.
DocuprintNow
Connecticut Public
Content Warnings
This piece contains mature language and themes, including themes of incarceration, grief, suicidal ideation, and substance abuse. Open the drop-downs to explore more in-depth the content warnings.
Unbecoming Tragedy contains mature themes that explore the psychological and emotional toll of a person's isolation and inner turmoil. Themes of despair, mental illness, and existential struggle are central to the character’s journey. These elements may be distressing for some viewers. We encourage those impacted to take care of their emotional well-being and seek support if necessary. Consider reaching out to mental health resources such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or texting "HELLO" to 741741 for immediate support via the Crisis Text Line.
The play depicts the experience of incarceration, including the isolation, loss of freedom, and mental strain that accompany it. This portrayal may be triggering for individuals affected by the criminal justice system or those who have experienced trauma related to imprisonment. For resources or support, we recommend reaching out to organizations like the Prison Fellowship (1-800-206-9764) or the National Prisoner Resource List (NPRL) for individuals seeking information or advocacy on criminal justice and reentry.
Creative Team
Terrence Riggins
Playwright/Performer
Cheyenne Barboza
Director
Omid Akbari
Set Designer
Devario D. Simmons
Costume Designer
Joseph Fonseca
Lighting Designer
Finn Wiggins-Henry
Sound Designer
Hannah Tran
Projections Designer
Geovonni Colon
Production Assistant
Kiki Gordon
Assistant Set Designer
Eric Rey
Percussionist
Theresa Stark
Production Stage Manager
Alexander White
Assistant Lighting Designer
Unbecoming Tragedy: Community Programming
Join us for a robust lineup of events designed to deepen your connection to Unbecoming Tragedy. Through art, dialogue, and shared reflection, this programming invites community members to explore themes of transformation, empathy, and truth.
Dates: April 14 - June 1, 2025
Location: Entrance of Creative Arts Workshop (CAW), 80 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510
Price: Free
Launched on World Art Day (April 14), this large interactive artwork invites you to respond visually to a reflective prompt. Contribute your voice to a living, evolving piece of community expression.
Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 | 5:30–7:30 PM
Location: Stetson Branch Library, 197 Dixwell Ave, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Free
In partnership with: NHFPL Stetson Branch & EMERGE CT, Inc
Join us for a screening of As We EMERGE, followed by a post-film Q&A featuring Terrence Riggins, Sir RA, and Vanessa Soto.
Dates: May 6 – June 1, 2025
Location: Small Gallery at Creative Arts Workshop, 80 Audubon St, New Haven, CT 06510
Price: Free
This gallery exhibit expands on the themes of Unbecoming Tragedy, featuring photos and artifacts that invite reflection on the journey of playwright-performer, Terrence Riggins.
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Following the 2:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Presented by: Collective Consciousness Theatre (CCT)
Join CCT and panelists Erik Clemons & Yari Ijeh for a community discussion following the matinee performance of Unbecoming Tragedy.
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Following the 2:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Panelist: Director, Cheyenne Barboza
Date: Saturday, May 17, 2025 | Following the 7:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Presented by: Next Level Empowerment Program
Panelists: Jacqueline James-Boyd & Ray Boyd
Date: Sunday, May 18, 2025 | Following the 2:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Panelist: Playwright & Performer, Terrence Riggins
Date: Friday, May 23, 2025 | Following the 7:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Presented by: Stop Solitary CT
Panelist: Leighton Johnson
Date: Wednesday, May 28, 2025 | Following the 7:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Presented by: The Narrative Project
Panelist: Mercy Quaye
Talkback Saturday with CCT
Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025 | Following the 2:00 PM performance
Location: Off Broadway Theater, 41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511
Price: Included with show ticket
Presented by: Collective Consciousness Theatre (CCT)
Panelists: Erik Clemons, Yari Ijeh, & Dexter Singleton
Long Wharf in Your Neighborhood
Our Partner Collective Consciousness Theatre
Collective Consciousness Theatre believes theatre is a powerful art form that can inspire others, help them to imagine the possibilities, and push them to ignite social change. They know that theatre changes lives and makes the world a better place when presented in a thought-provoking, engaging, and honest way.
