Definition Theatre is pleased to announce its 2026 season lineup, featuring three bold productions that explore identity, love, justice, and the power of artistic expression. The season kicks off with the Chicago premiere of Black Cypress Bayou by Kristen Adele Calhoun, directed by Ericka Ratcliff, running February 13 - March 15, 2026, followed by the Amplify World Premiere of Keerah by Netta Walker, directed by McKenzie Chinn, running May 29 - June 28 and concludes with How We Got On by Idris Goodwin, directed by Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips, running September 11-27, 2026. All productions will be performed at Definition at 55th, the company's storefront theater located at 1160 E 55th Street in Hyde Park.
“This season brings together an electrifying collection of fresh, original voices—stories we are honored to share with our community for the very first time,” says Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips, “I couldn’t be more excited to bring them to life on the South Side of Chicago, and we invite you to join us in experiencing a season that promises to inspire, challenge, uplift, and celebrate our culture.”
Additionally, the company announces the return of its Amplify New Play Festival in July 2026, showcasing the next generation of Chicago playwrights. The call for new play submissions is out now and focuses on stories of everyday people.
Top row: Playwrights: Kristen Adele Calhoun, Netta Walker, Idris Goodwin Bottom row: Directors: Ericka Ratcliff, McKenzie Chinn, Tyrone Phillips
ABOUT THE SEASON
The Chicago premiere of
Black Cypress Bayou
by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff
February 13 - March 15, 2026
Press Opening: February 19, 2026
Tickets: Starting at $30
On a sweltering Texas night, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou after the richest man in East Texas turns up dead. The Manifold women know more than they're willing to confess. As buried truths rise and the mysterious Taysha arrives, what begins as wickedly funny chaos becomes a reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where history refuses to stay buried.
The Amplify World Premiere of
Keerah
by Netta Walker
directed by McKenzie Chinn
May 29 - June 28, 2026
Press Opening: June 4, 2026
Tickets: Starting at $30
A reunion years in the making—live on camera. Two aspiring writers meet in a Chicago restaurant and fall into an intense summer romance built on literature, banter, and bad timing. Seven years later, she's a successful TV writer in London who's turned their relationship into a hit series. He's the journalist who shows up to interview her about it. Inspired by Orpheus and Eurydice, this dramedy explores love, art, and the stories we tell about each other.
Two-Week Limited Engagement
How We Got On
by Idris Goodwin
directed by Artistic Director Tyrone Phillips
September 11-27, 2026
Press Opening: September 13, 2026
Tickets: Starting at $30
It's the 1980s, and three suburban teens—Hank, Julian, and Luann—are determined to make their mark on the explosive new world of hip-hop. Armed with turntables, notebooks, and raw talent, they navigate family struggles, cultural isolation, and ruthless rivalries as they chase their dreams. Guided by a sultry DJ, this electrifying production celebrates the generation that helped build hip-hop from the ground up.
AMPLIFY NEW PLAY FESTIVAL - July 2026
Definition Theatre's annual Amplify New Play Festival returns in July 2026, featuring staged readings and workshops of new works by Chicago playwrights. The festival culminates with the Amplify Series Six Film Screening, included with all Definition+ Memberships.
TICKETS AND MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION
All offerings named above will be available for a single price using the Definition+ Membership, its all-access pass for 2026. A Definition+ Individual Membership, priced at $75, includes tickets to all three mainstage productions, the How We Got On Gallery Exhibit, and the Amplify Series Six Film Screening (total value: $95).
The new Dual Membership at $120 offers almost 50% off a second pass and can be registered to one person to bring different guests to each show. Additional perks include a complimentary beverage at each show, easy ticket reservation and other perks to be announced. The 2026 Definition+ Membership is available for purchase until February 1, 2026.
More information about Definition+ Membership can be found at definitiontheatre.org/plus
ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE
Definition Theatre is a culturally diverse theatre dedicated to telling language-driven, relationship-oriented, socially relevant stories about and created with underrepresented communities in Chicago. Our ensemble is a collective of artists, art administrators, educators, and designers who prioritize working towards and representing a more equitable theater industry
Definition Theatre has built its reputation on bold, distinctive work, bringing powerful voices to Chicago stages. The company has produced Tarell Alvin McCraney's The Brothers Size, Amiri Baraka's Dutchman, and partnered with Goodman Theatre on ensemble member James Ijames’ Fat Ham and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins' An Octoroon. Recent productions include James Ijames's Moon Man Walk and White, the choreopoem Alaiyo, and the Pulitzer Prize-winning, Fairview. Last year, Definition transformed a Hyde Park storefront theater, launching it with world premieres Judy's Life's Work and An Educated Guess, followed by Splash Hatch on the E Going Down and the Amplify World Premiere of Black Bone.
Definition Ensemble members include: Adia Alli, Owais Ahmed, Ariel Beller, Jared Bellot, Carley Cornelius, Ari Craven, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Martasia Jones, Slick Jorgensen, Yeaji Kim, Kristy Hall, James Ijames, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Victor Musoni, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Karyn Oates, Alex Oparka, Julian Parker, Maya Vinice Prentiss, Tyrone Phillips, Ireon Roach, Jacqueline Rosas, Christopher Sheard, and Dujon Smith.
Definition Artistic Advisory Board members include: director May Adrales, Steppenwolf ensemble member Alana Arenas, actress Shannon Cochran, actor Brandon Dirden, actor Jason Dirden, director Pam Mackinnon, Equity Quotient CEO Keryl McCord, professor JW Morrissette, director Ron OJ Parson, professor/lighting designer Kathy Perkins, media producer and host Troy Osborne Pryor, Tony Award-winning actress and stage director Phylicia Rashad, and Goodman Theatre director in residence Chuck Smith. Tyrone Phillips is the Artistic Director, Neel McNeill is the Executive Director, Willow James is the Civic Engagement Director. For additional information, visit www.definitiontheatre.org and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit