The till trilogy

By ifa bayeza | Directed by talvin wilks

OCT 4 – NOV 20, 2022

The Till Trilogy is a series of plays by noted playwright Ifa Bayeza that reflect on the life, death, and legacy of Emmett Till, whose murder in 1955 remains one of the most pivotal moments in American history. Under the direction of the acclaimed Talvin Wilks, the three plays — The Ballad of Emmett Till, Benevolence, and the world premiere That Summer in Sumner — will star 10 actors performing in rotating repertory for the first time. Filled with music, poetry, and imagination, this rare theatrical event will honor the ongoing fight for racial justice in our country and offer audiences of all ages an opportunity for collective reckoning, reflection, and response. 

The Till Trilogy is made possible by extraordinary support from the Roy Cockrum Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the CrossCurrents Foundation, and John H. Ashley, Dana Brewington & Bill Tompkins, and Sheila Johnson. Additional support provided by Muriel D. Wolf, MD, and Jeffrey Banks & Stacie Lee Banks, and Juanita & Melvin Hardy, and Millennium Arts Salon and Busboys and Poets and Lee’s Flowers and Gift Shop.

ABOUT THE PLAYS

THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL

With music and magic, Ifa Bayeza’s Edgar Award-winning drama recounts the last two weeks of Emmett Till's life on his journey from Chicago to Money, Mississippi in 1955. We meet a young man with boisterous energy and boundless charm whose fateful encounter with Caroline Bryant changes his life and our country forever.

Original songs by Ifa Bayeza.

THAT SUMMER IN SUMNER

Drawn from courtroom transcripts, news accounts, and government records, That Summer in Sumner simulates the 1955 trial for the murder of Emmett Till with palpable energy and profound theatricality. Told from the perspective of three African-American journalists covering the event, this world premiere play takes audiences on a journey from 1955 to today and calls upon us to reimagine our tomorrow, together.

BENEVOLENCE

A poignant and powerful look into the ripple effects of Emmett Till’s murder, Benevolence follows two couples - one Black and one White - as they process the role of violence and loss in their relationships and communities following his death. With rich language and harrowing honesty, Benevolence invites audiences to reflect upon how our collective history resonates in our personal lives today.

CAST AND CREATIVE TEAM

(To view bios, click a photo and move your cursor over the image)

* Indicates a member of Actor’s Equity Association
**Indicates a member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Union
(++) Indicates a member of United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 of the IATSE

 

A pioneering series of citywide events about the plays’ themes in The Till Trilogy Reflection Series. Produced in partnership with over 20 cultural organizations, this series of concerts, readings and panels will offer DMV audiences in every ward and beyond opportunities to creatively engage with the plays’ timely themes of justice and activism.

TICKET PRICES

WED & THUR $50 · FRI $60 · SAT & SUN $64

TICKET DISCOUNTS

In the spirit of welcome, Mosaic is proud to remove financial barriers to our work via senior, student, military, and need-based discounts, plus a limited number of rush tickets for every show.

RUSH TICKETS
A limited number of rush tickets are available via walk-up cash purchase at the box office beginning one hour before the start of each performance.

SENIOR RATE (65+)
Save 5% with discount code: SENIOR

STUDENT RATE
$20 tickets with discount code: STUDENT

MILITARY AND FIRST RESPONDER RATE
Save 5% with discount code: HERO

Type your discount code into the box where prompted during the checkout process.

TICKET TURNBACK

Apply the value of your Till Trilogy ticket/s towards the purchase of a Mosaic season subscription or Till Trilogy mini-subscription!
Visit the Box Office or call 202.399.7993 x501.

 

MEDIA

THE BALLAD OF EMMETT TILL

THAT SUMMER IN SUMNER

BENEVOLENCE

TILL TRILOGY PRODUCTION PHOTOS BY TERESA CASTRACANE.

PODCAST/ Radio INTERVIEWS

In this episode, renowned playwright Ifa Bayeza offers insight and background on her "Till Trilogy" at Mosaic Theater.

In this episode, director Talvin Wilks expounds on the critical importance of the Emmett Till Trilogy of plays and why audience members should see the shows.