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, deprogramming and the supernatural—and asks the timely question, “What drives us to keep moving through despair?”

The Big Bad is written by Ren Dara Santiago, developed with and directed by Mack Brown and stars Mahalet Dejene as Alma, Felipe Jorge* as Izzy, Marissa Ghavami* as Sandra, Cassidy Layton* as Ash, and Lauren Sowa* as Addie, with Leo Delgado*, Phoebe Dunn*, and Lizzie Milanovich serving as understudies for Izzy, Alma/Addie and Ash/Sandra, respectively.

Please note, understudies will be performing for select performances. Phoebe Dunn* will be performing the role of Addie on Saturday, May 9 at 2pm. Lizzie Milanovich will be performing the role of Ash on Thursday, May 14 at 7pm. Leo Delgado* will be performing the role of Izzy on Saturday, May 16 at 2pm.

Equity Approved Showcase. Actors with asterisks after their names designate members of Equity.

We will be having talkbacks after select performances of The Big Bad:

• Saturday, May 9th 7pm: post-show discussion with Janja Lalich, Ph.D., of the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion
• Thursday, May 14th 7pm: post-show talkback with Director Mack Brown and Writer Ren Dara Santiago
• Friday, May 15th 7pm: post-show discussion with psychotherapist and contemplative guide Kirat Randhawa
• Saturday, May 16th 2pm: post-show talkback with Cast


The Big Bad is appropriate for ages 13+.

Content Notes: themes of suicide, cultic abuse, implied sexual abuse, flashing lights and special effects.

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 Big Bad is made possible in part with funds from Creative Engagement, a regrant program supported by the funding agencies The New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) in partnership with the City Council and the Howard Gilman Foundation and administered by LMCC. Janja Lalich, PhD, of the Lalich Center on Cults and Coercion is associate producing this workshop production.

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

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