PRIMARY TRUST
By Eboni Booth
Directed by Amina Robinson
September 19 – October 5, 2025
“As tenderhearted as it is spryly comic and as poignant as it is ultimately uplifting.”
— Los Angeles Times
“It will restore your faith in the theatre’s elemental storytelling powers.”
— The Observer
Directed by Philadelphia’s own Amina Robinson and winner of the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Primary Trust is a tender, quietly powerful new play about rediscovery, resilience, and the invisible forces that carry us forward.
Kenneth lives a simple life in the small town of Cranberry, New York—working at a used bookstore by day and sharing Mai Tais at the local tiki bar with his best friend, Bert, by night. But when the bookstore suddenly closes, he’s forced to navigate the world anew.
Playwright Eboni Booth brings a delicate blend of humor and heart to this acclaimed character study, inviting us to believe in the possibility of starting over, no matter how long it takes.
Three Things to Know: 2025/26 Season
Primary Trust debuted Off-Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre Company in 2023 and received widespread critical acclaim, including the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Over the past year, it has become one of the most produced plays in America.
Director Amina Robinson is making her Philadelphia Theatre Company directorial debut, but has worked at a number of Philadelphia theaters, including the Arden, the Wilma, InterAct, and more. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Amina is the first Black woman to win a Barrymore Award for Best Direction of a Musical, which she has won twice.
This is PTC’s first production of playwright Eboni Booth’s work. In conversation with American Theatre, Booth emphasized the play’s theme of community: “We need each other, and I think that’s important. To be able to let people in is crucial.”
Thursday, September 25 at 7PM with special programming beginning one hour prior to the performance
Join us for a Black Theatre Night centered on Black mental health. The evening will feature poetry, a short film, and a community discussion focused on mental health, workforce development, and how to support Black men as they navigate both.
Saturday, September 27 at 2PM
This performance offers live audio description for patrons who are blind or have low vision. Through a wireless headset, audience members receive a spoken account of the visual elements of the production, including actions, costumes, and scenery.
Sunday, September 28 at 3PM
This performance includes open captioning, displaying the spoken dialogue, sound effects, and other audio elements in real time on a screen visible from select seating areas.
Sunday, September 28 at 3PM following the performance
Join us for a post-show discussion exploring the unique challenges young people face as they transition out of the foster care system and into adulthood and the workforce.
Wednesday, October 1 at 1PM
This performance features live American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation by certified interpreters. Reserved seating is available to ensure optimal sightlines to the interpreters.
Wednesday, October 1 at 1PM, beginning one hour prior the performance
This interactive page-to-stage presentation explores the creative process behind bringing Primary Trust to life at PTC. The conversation will highlight the show’s themes, the plays that influenced its creation, and offer a sneak peek at the design choices featured onstage.
Thursday, October 2 at 7PM , beginning one hour prior to the performance
Join us for a salon-style performance featuring literary works by local authors that explore the themes found within Primary Trust.
Running Time
1 hour and 40 minutes, with no intermission
Age Recommendation
Ages 12+
