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the ripple, the wave that carried me home | Goodman Theatre

By Christina Anderson
Directed by Jackson Gay

Jan 13 - Feb 12, 2023 in Goodman's Owen Theatre

Around 1 hour and 45 minutes with no intermission

A family responds to injustice and a daughter reckons with her political inheritance in this new play by “a poet, a playwright to pay attention to” (Variety).

Janice’s parents are prominent activists fighting for the integration of public swimming pools in 1960s Kansas. As injustice penetrates the warm bubble of her childhood, Janice grows apart from her family and starts a new life far away. When she receives a call asking her to speak at a ceremony honoring her father, she must decide whether she’s ready to reckon with her political inheritance—and a past she has tried to forget.

A Co-Production with Berkeley Repertory Theatre

Recommended for ages 14+
Read Full Content Advisory
  • This play contains themes related to and references of racism and violence towards Black people, including police brutality. The play includes descriptions of sexual assault and the usage of profanity. For more information contact the box office at 312.443.3800
 

Please Note: Masks are currently recommended, but not required, while in the theater. Policies may change based on prevailing medical guidance. Learn more about Goodman’s current Health and Safety Protocols at GoodmanTheatre.org/Protocols.

First look: the ripple, the wave that carried me home

Tony Award-nominated playwright Christina Anderson "borders on poetry flowing over you like water." Watch the official trailer for the ripple, the wave that carried me home

Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen), Christiana Clark (Janice) and Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Ronald L. Conner (Edwin) and Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Brianna Buckley (Gayle) and Christiana Clark (Janice) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) and Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Christiana Clark (Janice), Brianna Buckley (Gayle), Ronald L. Conner (Edwin) and Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home.

First look: the ripple, the wave that carried me home

Tony Award-nominated playwright Christina Anderson "borders on poetry flowing over you like water." Watch the official trailer for the ripple, the wave that carried me home

Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen), Christiana Clark (Janice) and Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Ronald L. Conner (Edwin) and Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Brianna Buckley (Gayle) and Christiana Clark (Janice) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) and Brianna Buckley (Gayle) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home. Photo by Liz Lauren

Christiana Clark (Janice), Brianna Buckley (Gayle), Ronald L. Conner (Edwin) and Aneisa J. Hicks (Helen) in Christina Anderson’s the ripple, the wave that carried me home.

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Questions?

Contact the box office at 312.443.3800 (12noon - 5pm, daily).

Critical Praise

  • "An instant classic...guaranteed to stick in memory against the test of time."

    - The Daily Californian

  • "This play itself is beautiful - the way the story is woven together, the language that borders on poetry flowing over you like water"

    - BroadwayWorld

  • "Powerful [and] brilliantly evocative"

    - Bay Area News Group

Artists
Special Events
  • College Night: the ripple, the wave that carried me home

    College Night: the ripple, the wave that carried me home

    Thursday, January 19, 2023

    For just $10, college students are invited to experience the ripple, the wave that carried me home—along with a pre-show reception including all-you-can-eat pizza, soda and a discussion with a featured cast member!

    LEARN MORE

  • Arts in Action: Contested Waters

    Arts in Action: Contested Waters

    Sunday, February 5 at 4:30pm

    Lake Michigan’s beautiful beachfront became the scene of one of the worst race riots in Illinois history on July 27, 1919. Join us as we delve deep into the Red Summer, the history of segregation in Chicago, and how riots serve as the origin story that impact us today.

    LEARN MORE

  • Post-Show Discussions

    Stick around after these performances to discuss the play.

    • Wednesday, January 18 after the 7:30pm performance
    • Thursday, February 9 after the 2pm performance

  • Pre-Show Stories

    Every Thursday in February, 12:30 - 1pm in the Second Floor Lobby

    Separate. Unequal? Arrive early and join Goodman storytellers for true stories of separate races and segregated spaces, inspired by the ripple, the wave that carried me home, and Toni Stone. 

Enhanced Performances

Join us for any of the following accessible & enhanced performances.

Questions? Please contact 312.443.3800 (voice), 312.443.3829 (TTY/TDD) or email Access@GoodmanTheatre.org.

Touch Tour and Audio Described performanceTouch Tour* and Audio-Described Performance
Sunday, February 5
12:30pm Touch Tour & 2pm Performance
Use code AUDIO for $20 tickets

American Sign Language Interpreted PerformanceAmerican Sign Language-Interpreted Performance
Saturday, February 11 at 2pm
Use code SIGN for $20 tickets

Open Caption Performance Open-Captioned Performance
Sunday, February 12 at 2pm
Use code OPEN for $20 tickets

Spanish Caption Spanish Subtitles Performance
Saturday, February 11 at 8pm
Use code SPANISH for $20 tickets

Learn More About Accessible & Enhanced Performances for the ripple, the wave that carried me home

*Touch Tours for the 2022/2023 Season will not have access to the stage due to current health and safety protocols, but will feature alternate pre-show sensory introductions.

Season Overview

Daring. Dynamic. Iconic. The 2022/2023 Season

Bold voices and vivid stories you won’t find anywhere else await you in our 2022/2023 Season. From world premieres to reimagined classics, a direct-from-Broadway smash hit and an epic revival of a Grammy Award-winning rock opera.

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