"Explosive, darkly comic drama" on the Brighton stage

Appropriate offers an explosive, darkly comic drama by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, making its way to Brighton this July in a new production at New Venture Theatre.

Spokeswoman Elysa Hyde said: “When three siblings reunite at their late father’s decaying Arkansas plantation home to settle the estate, old rivalries quickly reignite. But among the clutter and chaos of the house, the family uncover disturbing artefacts that force them to confront a far more uncomfortable inheritance.

“Funny, shocking and painfully recognisable, Appropriate blends biting humour with a tense family reckoning that keeps audiences laughing one moment and gasping the next.”

Director Claire Lewis said: “I’ve always loved dark comedies because humour lets audiences lean into difficult conversations. Branden Jacobs-Jenkins writes with such pace, wit and humanity. I believe audiences will recognise and relate to these characters. It’s provocative theatre and hugely entertaining.

“The production features an exceptional ensemble cast including Greg Donaldson, following his acclaimed recent performance as Rooster in Jerusalem.

“Bold, funny and brilliantly unsettling, Appropriate is one of the most talked-about American plays of recent years and a thrilling addition to Brighton’s summer theatre season.

“Please note this production contains strong language, distressing themes and references to racism.”

The audience is requested to arrive at least 15 minutes before curtain-up. Performances are July 17-25.

Tickets can be bought online at https://www.ticketsource.com/newventuretheatre/appropriate/e-arpprl

The production takes place in the Upstairs Theatre, which is accessible by three flights of stairs. This amateur production of Appropriate is by arrangement with Broadway Licensing.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ play Appropriate marked his Broadway debut as a playwright in 2023 and earned him his first Tony Award; he won a second in 2025 for Purpose. His other plays include An Octoroon and The Comeuppance. He was named a MacArthur Fellow in 2016.