Philadelphia-based Arden Theatre Company proudly announces the upcoming Philadelphia premiere of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames’ Good Bones will begin with previews at the end of the month through mid-March.
Good Bones, the newest play by Ijames, is about gentrification and the consequences of change in a neighborhood and in a family. Directed by Philadelphia-based award-winning actor Akeem Davis, Good Bones begins performances January 22, opens January 28, and runs through March 15 at 40 N. 2nd Street in Philadelphia.
Good Bones offers a candid, human perspective on gentrification, redevelopment, and the ripple effects these changes have on neighborhoods, families, and long-standing community ties. The production follows Aisha as she returns to the neighborhood where she grew up. This time, working alongside developers tasked with “revitalizing” the area. When residents learn that Aisha is connected to a controversial plan to bring a major sports arena to the community, tensions rise, exposing fears of displacement, erasure, and the loss of a neighborhood’s history and identity.
The story resonates deeply in Philadelphia, echoing past and present conversations about large-scale redevelopment, including the proposed 76ers arena, while also tapping into the broader national housing crisis and the increasing trend of gentrification. Through theater, Good Bones turns these real-world issues into urgent, thought-provoking storytelling that’s already sparking meaningful dialogue.
Special events and performances for Good Bones include:
Pay-What-You-Choose Night with Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia | Wednesday, Jan. 21, at 7 p.m.
Join us for the final dress rehearsal performance with a pre-show reception including food and refreshments. All proceeds benefit Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s mission to partner with families to build or improve a place to call home.
Click here to learn more.
Post-Show Talkback | Sunday, February 15, at 2 p.m., and Thursday, March 5, at 7 p.m.
Join a member of Arden’s artist team for post-show talkbacks.
Teen Night | Saturday, February 7, at 7 p.m.
$15 tickets and a post-show talkback for Teens 13 – 18 years old. Click here to purchase tickets.
Young Friends Night! | Thursday, February 12, at 7 p.m.
Networking and pre-show talkback event for professionals 40 and under
Smart Caption Glasses | Starting Tuesday, February 3
Wearable, customizable Closed Captioning Glasses are available to reserve for performances. Click here to learn more.
The Arden is fully accessible to people with special needs and is named a Keystone of Accessibility by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Resources available for families include assistive listening devices, sensory processing tools, smart caption glasses, large print programs, and more. Check out all of our offerings here.
Click here for more information and ticket purchases.
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