Abrons Arts Center

A

The Big Bad

May 7–16, 2026

The Big Bad begins after Ash, the youngest of three adult foster siblings, has a mental health crisis and their family reunites in the Queens row house that shaped them all. As Ash uses their background in video game building to mire through layers of memory and myth, a battle ensues to overcome their soul-family’s unresolved wounds. The Big Bad explores intergenerational trauma and the supernatural - and asks the timely question, “What drives us to keep moving through despair?”

Showtimes

  • May 7 May 7

  • May 8 May 8

  • May 9 May 9

  • May 14 May 14

  • May 15 May 15

  • May 16 May 16

Producers

Divine Riot is a collective of actors dedicated to using theater, film, and community outreach to empower the artist within us all. (www.divineriot.org | @adivineriot)

Healing TREE (Trauma Resources, Education & Entertainment) advocates healing from abuse and trauma rather than coping with the symptoms, in order to transform lives and, ultimately, society. We achieve this by providing trauma-focused resources and education and by producing and partnering with relevant film, television, and theatre, empowering the social change necessary to create a healing movement. (www.healingtreenonprofit.org | @healingtreeorg)

Funding

The debut workshop production of The Big Bad is co-produced by Divine Riot and Healing TREE. Janja Lalich, PhD, of the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion is associate producing. This production is also supported by The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and the Howard Gilman Foundation and administered by LMCC.

The Big Bad is presented as part of Abrons Arts Center's Rentals program.

Learn More