The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot
Written by Colette LeGrande, Mark Nassar, and Donna Personna | Directed by Ezra Reaves
Produced by Tenderloin Museum
Ongoing performances at our dedicated venue located at 835 Larkin Street. Shows every Friday and Saturday at 7:00 PM.
The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is an immersive, interactive play directly inspired by the 1966 uprising in San Francisco’s Tenderloin that marked a seminal act of collective resistance in the ongoing fight for transgender rights. The Tenderloin Museum is honored to present a new production of the play as an ongoing production in the heart of the neighborhood that holds the riot’s legacy in its reputation.
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Don’t just take our word for it! Hear from attendees why YOU should attend The Comtpon’s Cafeteria Riot!
PRESS
“The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot play...isn’t just theater. It’s a time machine, a history lesson, and a punch to the gut in equal measure. [It] isn’t just a show you should see. It’s a space you need to sit in, feel, and carry with you. Because this history isn’t behind us. It’s right here in the room.” — TJ Payne, Broke-Ass Stuart
“One of 2025’s must-see theatrical productions.” — SF Chronicle Datebook
“At a time when queer and trans rights are under siege, The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is not just relevant, it’s revolutionary” — Joshua Rotter, 48hills
“To younger generations, the ’60s may seem like ancient history. But...[w]e’re lucky that some of the people who lived through [the riot] are still here to tell the tale. With trans rights under attack once again, these elders and their perspectives are precious. We can all learn from them, and Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is the perfect place to start.” — Nastia Voynovskaya, KQED
“The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is not simply a piece of immersive theatre. It’s a defiant, full-bodied act of historical restoration, and it is a living, breathing act of resistance.” — No Proscenium
AS SEEN IN
Sign up for the Tenderloin Museum email newsletter for updates on previews and the premiere. Also, visit comptonscafeteriariot.com to find and follow the creative team behind the play! Take a peek at the latest news via @comptonscafeteriariot on IG below:
