Definition Theatre is proud to present the world premiere of Black Cypress Bayou, a bold darkly comic new play by playwright Kristen Adele Calhoun and directed by Ericka Ratcliff, Black Cypress Bayou will run from February 13 to March 15, 2026 at Definition @ 55th (1160 E. 55th St, Chicago, IL) with a press opening on Thursday, February 19 at 7:30pm. Tickets start at $25 and are on sale now.
On a sweltering Texas night, Vernita Manifold summons her daughters back to the family bayou after the richest man in East Texas turns up dead—his severed head delivered to her back porch. As buried truths rise from the swamp and ancestors hover in the mist, the Manifold women must decide whether this moment is finally theirs. Wickedly funny and razor-sharp, Black Cypress Bayou is a haunting reckoning where justice, legacy, and survival collide.
The cast features Taysha Hunter (Jyreika Guest), LadyBird Manifold (Michelle Renee Bester), RaeMeka Manifold-Baler (Rita Wicks), and Vernita Manifold (RjW Mays).
The production team includes Production Manager Brianna Parry, Stage Manager LJ Littlejohn, Scenic Designer Alyssa Mohn, Costume Designer Janelle Smith, Lighting Designer Conchita Avitia, Sound Designer Willow James, Props Designer Jamie Auer, and Dramaturg Lydia Moss.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS
Black Cypress Bayou
Dates: February 13 – March 15, 2026
Press Opening: February 19, 2026 at 7:30pm
Location: Definition @ 55th | 1160 E. 55th Street, Chicago, IL
Tickets: On sale now at definitiontheatre.org
ABOUT DEFINITION THEATRE
Definition Theatre has been a vibrant force for over a decade, celebrating stories created with, inspired by, and intended for people and communities of color. Through the act of making, Definition expands perspectives, stewards resources, and bridges the possibilities found at the intersection of art, innovation, and education. Known for bold and impactful productions, we’ve brought to life plays by Oscar-winner Tarell Alvin McCraney, Pulitzer Prize-winners James Ijames and Jackie Sibblies Drury, and Tony Award-winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. We strive to promote equity, foster empathy, and enhance the quality of life for our community members by offering opportunities for creative, entrepreneurial, and cultural expression. Our work emphasizes collaboration in theater-making and raises awareness of career paths in the arts. In 2024, Definition leased and equipped a storefront space in Hyde Park, enabling us to engage artists and expand programs as we prepare for our permanent home in Woodlawn on the southside of Chicago. This new theater, community center, and business incubator will amplify and preserve BIPOC voices, promote social justice, and empower the next generation of artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers to drive positive progress through the transformative power of the arts.
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, Julie Jachym, Willow James, Kiki Layne, Kelson Michael McAuliffe, Victor Musoni, Neel McNeill, Sophiyaa Nayar, Karyn Oates, Alexandra 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, actor Jon Michael Hill, 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 definitiontheatre.org and @definitiontheatre on Facebook and Instagram #stayinit