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Good Bones Off-Broadway

Good Bones 2024

Run Time:
1 hour and 45 minutes, no intermission
Opened: October 1, 2024
Closing: October 13, 2024

Good Bones - 2024 Off-Broadway History , Info & More

Joseph Papp Public Theater/Martinson Hall
425 Lafayette Street New York, NY 10003

After winning the 2022 Pulitzer Prize for his play *Fat Ham*, playwright James Ijames' new production explores gentrification and the growing price of the American dream in his sharp and funny play, GOOD BONES. A work opportunity to revitalize the blighted neighborhood she grew up in has led Aisha and her chef husband Travis to buy and renovate a charming old house. But as everyone knows, renovation is expensive and stressful—both for buildings and the communities that surround them. Aisha’s young contractor Earl grew up in the area too, but his memories are of more than just dangerous streets and hollowed-out homes. When their purely professional relationship gives way to heated debate about who gets to stay and who has to go, Aisha is forced to reckon with the choices she’s made to get ahead and the painful, joyful, complicated ghosts that haunt her dreams…and her dream house. The Public’s Associate Artistic Director and Resident Director Saheem Ali directs this world premiere play about community, change, and the soul of our cities.


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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Good Bones

The GOOD BONES of a Great Gentrification Play — Review
8 / 10

But with across-the-board stellar performances; a simple set (by Maruti Evans) that slowly unveils the house-in-progress; lighting (by Barbara Samuels) and sound (by Fan Zhang) that’s naturalistic, until it’s not – as Aisha’s gnawing conscience begins to take shape; and an intelligent script, it’s only a minor stumble.

The Best of All Possible Intentions: Yellow Face and Good Bones
7 / 10

Generosity is also a key ingredient in the mortar that holds together Good Bones, the new play from James Ijames now debuting at the Public after a run last year at Washington, D.C.’s Studio Theatre. Like Hwang, Ijames is concerned with questions not only of race and bias but of how Americans are perhaps more shaped by the idea of Americanness than shapers of it. Good intentions, hero complexes, defensive individuality, susceptibility to certain ideas of progress — on these fronts, DHH and Aisha, Ijames’s protagonist, might have much to discuss. It’s prickly territory, but, in their different ways, Hwang and Ijames both navigate it with humor and humanity. Fundamentally, and despite plenty of reasons to throw in the towel, they like people.

Video: GOOD BONES at The Public Theater
by Stephi Wild - October 4, 2024


Performances are underway for The Public Theater's GOOD BONES by James Ijames and directed by Saheem Ali. Check out all new clips from the show in the video here!

Review Roundup: GOOD BONES Opens At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - October 1, 2024


The Public Theater is presenting GOOD BONES by James Ijames and directed by Saheem Ali. Read the reviews!

Photos: Public Theater Celebrates Opening Night of GOOD BONES
by Jennifer Broski - October 2, 2024


The Public Theater just celebrated opening night of GOOD BONES by James Ijames and directed by Saheem Ali. Check out photos from inside the big night!

Photos: GOOD BONES at The Public Theater
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 24, 2024


The Public Theater is presenting GOOD BONES by James Ijames and directed by Saheem Ali. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright James Ijames explores gentrification and the growing price of the American dream in his sharp, funny new play, GOOD BONES. Get a first look at production photos.

GOOD BONES by James Ijames Extends at The Public Through Late October
by Chloe Rabinowitz - September 12, 2024


The Public Theater will begin performances for the New York premiere of GOOD BONES, written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames. The production has been extended. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets.

Photos: In Rehearsal for GOOD BONES At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - September 9, 2024


James Ijames’ New York premiere of GOOD BONES, directed by Saheem Ali starts previews on Thursday, September 19 at The Public Theater. The company is hard at work in the rehearsal room preparing for the show's debut. Head behind the scenes in new photos!

Cast Announced For James Ijames' GOOD BONES At The Public Theater
by A.A. Cristi - July 23, 2024


The Public Theater has announced casting for the long-anticipated New York premiere of GOOD BONES written by Pulitzer Prize winner James Ijames and directed by Public Theater Associate Artistic Director/Resident Director Saheem Ali.

Good Bones History

Other Productions of Good Bones

2024   Off-Broadway The Public Theater Off-Broadway Premiere Production
Off-Broadway

Videos