May 25, 2026 | Theatre,

Meet the Artists Behind In Old Age

This June, ArtsEmerson and Front Porch Arts Collective will bring In Old Age to the Jackie Liebergott Black Box Theatre as the final show in the 2025-2026 Season from June 13-28. Written by playwright Mfoniso Udofia and directed by Dawn M. Simmons, the production is part of Udofia’s larger Ufot Family Cycle, a nine-play series following several generations of a Nigerian-American family.

The Ufot Family Cycle has become a major collaboration across Boston’s theater community, with multiple organizations working together to produce each play throughout the city over the last two years. Through these productions, audiences are able to experience different moments in the lives of the Ufot family while exploring themes of identity, migration, memory, family, and belonging. In Old Age is the eighth play in the cycle and focuses on Abasiama Ufot later in life as she reflects on grief, love, and the emotional weight of the past.

At the center of the production is playwright Mfoniso Udofia, whose work has become widely recognized for its emotional depth and exploration of Nigerian-American experiences. The Ufot Family Cycle began as a long-term storytelling project inspired by questions about heritage, family history, and the complexities of home. Rather than telling one story in a traditional linear format, the cycle moves across generations and perspectives, allowing each play to stand on its own while also contributing to a much larger narrative.

In Old Age is directed by Dawn M. Simmons, a longtime Boston theater artist and the Co-Producing Artistic Director of Front Porch Arts Collective. Simmons has played a major role in shaping theater in Boston through both directing and leadership work, particularly in creating opportunities for artists and stories that have historically been underrepresented on local stages. Her work often centers collaboration, community, and emotionally grounded storytelling, all of which connect closely to the themes of In Old Age.

The production is presented in partnership with Front Porch Arts Collective, Boston’s first Black theater company dedicated to Black voices, artists, and audiences. The collaboration between Front Porch Arts Collective and ArtsEmerson reflects a shared commitment to bringing powerful contemporary stories to Boston while creating meaningful artistic partnerships across the city.

As ArtsEmerson celebrates its 15th anniversary season, In Old Age serves as a fitting final production. Like many shows throughout the season, the play focuses on human connection, cultural identity, and storytelling that brings communities together. Through the work of Mfoniso Udofia, Dawn M. Simmons, Front Porch Arts Collective, and the larger creative team, In Old Age continues ArtsEmerson’s mission of presenting stories from around the world that inspire reflection, conversation, and empathy.

Whether you are familiar with all current installments of the Ufot Family Cycle or haven’t yet experienced a performance, In Old Age is the perfect show to attend – tickets are still on sale so be sure to secure yours now!