There is, perhaps, no piece of theatre that better reflects the present moment than The Designated Mourner, a fiercely political, deeply personal play concerning class, identity, culture, and enemies. This will be Catastrophic’s third production of Shawn’s masterwork, a late addition to our season as was our second in January 2017. The times called for it then, they cry for it now.

Through a series of monologues and short scenes, three characters walk us through a labyrinthine tale spanning the years before, during, and after a populist uprising in an unnamed country, now teetering on the edge of authoritarianism, whose government has targeted the cultural intelligentsia for imprisonment and execution. As the story unwinds, it plumbs the depths of love, contempt, privilege, enemies, beauty, envy, “the self,” and what, if anything, we are willing to sacrifice for the things we believe.

Greg Dean plays Jack, a self-described “former student of English literature who went downhill from there.” Patricia Duran plays Jack’s refined, stolid ex-wife Judy. Charlie Scott plays Judy’s famous father Howard, an esteemed writer whose early expressions of sympathy for his nation’s poor continue to pose a threat to him and his circle. 

“A dangerous writer. A rare species. He tells people things about themselves that they don’t want to know.”
- Joseph Papp on Wallace Shawn 

APRIL 10 - 25, 2026

RUNTIME:
TBD

TICKETS:
GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING 
Pay-What-You-Can

PLEASE NOTE:

Each ticket is subject to a $5 box office support fee at checkout.

This production is recommended for audiences 12 and older.

PLAN YOUR VISIT TO MATCH

🎟️ BOX OFFICE & TICKETING 

• Online sales end 30 minutes prior to curtain. After this time, tickets may be available in person at the MATCH Box Office. 
• The Box Office opens 2 hours before curtain for Will Call and walk-up sales. 
• All sales are final. No refunds or cancellations after purchase. 
• Why is there a Box Office Support fee per ticket? Click here to learn more. 
• **Standby/Waiting List: If the performance that you are hoping to attend is SOLD OUT, please CLICK HERE for information on our Standby/Waiting list.

⏱️ BEFORE THE SHOW 

• MATCH Concessions opens 1 hour prior to the start of each event. 
  Enjoy a cocktail, wine, beer, or snack before the show. 
  View concessions menu. 
• Seating typically opens 30 minutes prior to curtain. 
• Please note: Some shows have a no late seating or re-entry after the performance has begun. Arrive early! 

🚗 LOCATION & PARKING: MATCH is located in Midtown Houston. Click here for directions and parking options, including garages and metered street parking.

🍽️ RESTAURANTS & BARS: Make it a night out! Click here for a curated list of nearby restaurants and bars within walking distance of MATCH.

♿ ACCESSIBILITY: MATCH is a fully accessible facility. For accessible seating or special assistance, please contact the box office in advance so we can help accommodate your needs. Click here to email the box office.