What is Joe Turner's Come and Gone about?

The play is set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911 and follows Herald Loomis, who, after being illegally enslaved for seven years, searches for his wife. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the African American experience after slavery.

Where is Joe Turner's Come and Gone playing?

Joe Turner's Come and Gone is playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, located at 243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.

How long is Joe Turner's Come and Gone?

The runtime for Joe Turner's Come and Gone is 150 minutes.

When did Joe Turner's Come and Gone open on Broadway?

The Broadway revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone opened on April 25, 2026.

Who wrote Joe Turner's Come and Gone?

Joe Turner's Come and Gone was written by August Wilson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright known for his Century Cycle.

Broadway · Show

Joe Turner's Come and Gone

August Wilson's lyrical century-cycle drama in a Broadway revival.

Theatre: Ethel Barrymore Theatre; 243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036
Opened: April 25, 2026
Run time: 2h 30m

Official Site(Ethel Barrymore Theatre)

About Joe Turner's Come and Gone

August Wilson's "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" returns to Broadway in a new revival at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre. This poetic drama is part of Wilson's acclaimed Century Cycle, a series of ten plays chronicling the African American experience in each decade of the 20th century. Set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911, the play delves into the lives of a diverse group of characters, each searching for identity and belonging in a post-slavery America.

The narrative centers on Herald Loomis, a man who, after seven years of forced labor on Joe Turner's chain gang, travels north with his young daughter, Zonia, seeking his long-lost wife. His journey and the stories of the boarding house residents intertwine, revealing themes of freedom, migration, and the enduring spiritual ties to African heritage. Wilson's characteristic dialogue, rich with metaphor and rhythm, paints a vivid picture of a community grappling with its past and striving for a future.

The Ethel Barrymore Theatre, a historic venue located at 243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036, provides an intimate setting for this powerful work. The theater, which opened in 1928, has hosted numerous iconic productions throughout its history, making it a fitting home for a play of "Joe Turner's Come and Gone"'s stature. Audiences attending the revival can anticipate a thought-provoking theatrical experience, immersing them in a pivotal period of American history and a profound exploration of the human spirit.

First staged in 1986, this particular play within the Century Cycle is often lauded for its mystical elements and the compelling way it examines the legacy of slavery and the Great Migration. Wilson’s work frequently explores the complexities of race, class, and identity, and "Joe Turner's Come and Gone" is a poignant example of his mastery. Theatergoers seeking a substantial and historically significant drama will find this revival a compelling choice, offering a window into the challenges and resilience of a community finding its voice.

Frequently asked questions

What is Joe Turner's Come and Gone about?: The play is set in a Pittsburgh boarding house in 1911 and follows Herald Loomis, who, after being illegally enslaved for seven years, searches for his wife. The story explores themes of identity, freedom, and the African American experience after slavery.
Where is Joe Turner's Come and Gone playing?: Joe Turner's Come and Gone is playing at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, located at 243 W 47th St, New York, NY 10036.
How long is Joe Turner's Come and Gone?: The runtime for Joe Turner's Come and Gone is 150 minutes.
When did Joe Turner's Come and Gone open on Broadway?: The Broadway revival of Joe Turner's Come and Gone opened on April 25, 2026.
Who wrote Joe Turner's Come and Gone?: Joe Turner's Come and Gone was written by August Wilson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright known for his Century Cycle.