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UNBECOMING TRAGEDY: A RITUAL JOURNEY TOWARD DESTINY

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

Address

Yale Off Broadway Theater

41 Broadway, New Haven, CT 06511

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Accessibility

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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.

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Audio loop

Assisted listening devices are available upon request at our Box Office.

Open Caption

Open caption performance

Saturday, May 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM

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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:

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Duration

0mins

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Intermission

No intermission

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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.

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Age guidance

16+

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Pricing

Buy from $45.00

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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.

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.

More about Creative Arts Workshop

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.

More about EMERGE CT, Inc

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. 

More about Creative Arts Workshop

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.

More about CCT

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