Black Cypress Bayou
by Kristen Adele Calhoun
directed by Ericka Ratcliff
February 2026
at Definition Theatre, 1160 E. 55th St
Single tickets for Black Cypress Bayou will be onsale Tuesday, January 6 2026.
About
On a sweltering Texas night in the middle of a pandemic, Vernita Manifold calls her daughters home to the bayou—and to a secret that's about to explode. The richest man in East Texas has turned up dead on their property, and the Manifold women know better than to call the police. As LadyBird and RaeMeka clash over what to do, the mysterious Taysha arrives, and buried truths begin to rise from the swamp.
What starts as wickedly funny family chaos transforms into a powerful reckoning with history itself. Step into this razor-sharp Chicago premiere where loyalty is tested, souls refuse to stay silent, and reparations come knocking from beyond the grave.
Attend our entire 2026 Season
DEFINITION+ MEMBERSHIPS ON SALE NOW
Membership provides a ticket to each event of our 2026 season at the lowest rate, serving as your all-access pass to all Definition experiences. With either an Individual or Dual Membership, receive tickets to each of our mainstage productions and an Amplify New Play Festival film screening.
Artists
Info
Run time
90 minutes
Additional Discounts
Learn more about $15 student tickets
Accommodations
Let us know you have any requests or needed accommodations for a performance. Email us
Large Groups
For groups exceeding 10 people, connect with us for select discounted rates + perks. Email us
Questions?
The quickest way to get a hold of staff is via email. We do our best to reply within a timely occurrence, but that may take a few business days. Email us
Events
Additional production programming for Black Cypress Bayou will be announced at a later date.
