The Nacirema Society

Requests the Honor of Your Presence at a Celebration of Their First One Hundred Years

by PEARL CLEAGE
directed by VALERIE CURTIS-NEWTON

Wurtele Thrust Stage

A clever Southern comedy

Grande dames Grace Dunbar and Catherine Green prepare for the Nacirema Society’s 1964 centennial cotillion — the event of the season in Montgomery, Alabama. The elegant African American debutantes include Grace’s granddaughter Gracie, escorted by Catherine’s grandson Bobby, and the two grandmothers hope the young couple will soon be engaged. But Gracie and Bobby have other ideas. As the young ladies prepare for their debuts, a blackmail scheme brews behind the scenes and subterfuges unfold, all under the nose of a skeptical reporter covering the ballFeaturing clever storytelling and scandalous plots, this lighthearted comedy winds its way to an ending as charming as its characters.

Three things to know

  • With vivid Southern characters and plot mechanics as complex as Shakespeare’s comedies, The Nacirema Society brings the audience along as secrets and plots unfold.
  • The play’s humor is built on the construction — and inevitable collapse — of its clever house of cards, resolving into a charming and deeply satisfying ending.
  • Pearl Cleage is an award-winning, Atlanta-based writer whose plays include Blues for an Alabama Sky, which captivated Guthrie audiences during our 2022–2023 Season.

Venue info

This production will take place on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Ticket prices

Ticket prices range from $32 to $92, including handling fees. Read about our ticket handling fees and policies

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Group sales

All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.

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Age recommendation

We recommend this production for ages 12 and up.

Run time

Approximately 2 hours, 40 minutes (including intermission)

Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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Post-play discussions

Patrons are invited to stay in the theater following select performances for a 20-minute conversation about the production facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.

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Digital program and play guide

Want to dig deeper into the story? Download the digital program and play guide.

In Conversation With Pearl Cleage


Tuesday, April 29 at 4 p.m.

This is a free virtual event. A link will be emailed to registrants within 24 hours of the conversation.

Dive deeper into The Nacirema Society, onstage at the Guthrie April 19 through May 25. Listen in as Guthrie Artistic Director Joseph Haj and Director Valerie Curtis-Newton join esteemed playwright Pearl Cleage to discuss the play, her process and the inspirations behind her work. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of the great playwrights in the American theater from the comfort of your home or office. 

Register

An Evening for Black Women in Health Care 

Thursday, May 1, 5:30–7 p.m. 

Black women working in the health care industry are invited to a mixer in the Dowling Studio featuring a DJ and light bites and refreshments by Soul Bowl, followed by the 7:30 performance of The Nacirema Society. Tickets start at $23 (handling fees included). Metro Transit will provide free rides to this event.

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Free Metro Transit Pass

BIPOC Community Night

Friday, May 16 at 5:30 p.m.

BIPOC professionals and community members are invited to join us for a night of networking and theater. The evening includes a pre-show reception with complimentary refreshments by Pimento Jamaican Kitchen, plus a ticket to the 7:30 p.m. performance of The Nacirema Society. Metro Transit will provide free rides to this event. Tickets start at $23 (handling fees included). To purchase, use code BIPOC or call the Box Office at 612.377.2224.

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Free Metro Transit Pass

Black Artists Pop-Up Market

Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m.  4 p.m.
Level One

Shop a curated collection of jewelry, art, photography and crafts designed by Black artists and creators from the Twin Cities community. This event is open to the public, and Metro Transit will provide free rides. We hope to see you there!

Free Metro Transit Pass

Artists

Cast

Charla Marie Bailey

Jessie

Aimee K. Bryant

Alpha Campbell Jackson

Joy Dolo

Janet Logan

Nubia Monks

Gracie Dunbar

Darrick Mosley

Bobby Green

Greta Oglesby

Grace Dubose Dunbar

Essence Renae

Lillie Campbell Jackson

Regina Marie Williams

Catherine Adams Green

Dedra D. Woods

Marie Dunbar

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Creative

Pearl Cleage

Playwright

Valerie Curtis-Newton

Director

Takeshi Kata

Scenic Designer

Trevor Bowen

Costume Designer

Mary Louise Geiger

Lighting Designer

Larry D Fowler

Sound Designer/Composer

Carla Steen

Resident Dramaturg

Keely Wolter

Vocal Coach

Lori Lundquist

Stage Manager

Kathryn Sam Houkom

Assistant Stage Manager

Annie Enneking

Intimacy

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

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