A EULOGY FOR ROMAN Returns to New York

What happens when a eulogy goes off-script and the entire audience becomes a part of the tribute? If that question piques your interest, you will be thrilled to discover A EULOGY FOR ROMAN making its much-anticipated return to New York. After an acclaimed run in Edinburgh and an Off-Broadway debut at 59E59 in 2023, this immersive solo piece has found a unique home in churches and community centres across Manhattan and Brooklyn. If you are seeking a theatrical experience that defies easy classification, this could be your ticket to a night of collective storytelling, raw emotion, and an unlikely celebration of life.

A Worldly Beginning

A EULOGY FOR ROMAN made its world premiere at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, a landmark event that has propelled many innovative theatre productions to worldwide acclaim. Receiving positive buzz across the festival circuit, the show eventually found its way to New York, playing at 59E59 Theaters in 2023. During that Off-Broadway debut, it earned a Drama Desk Award nomination for outstanding Unique Theatrical Experience—a telling sign of how powerfully it resonated with audiences and critics alike.

In a city that prides itself on inventive and boundary-pushing theatre, the Drama Desk nomination holds real weight. According to the Drama Desk organisation’s own statistics, more than 600 productions across the city are considered for nominations annually, indicating just how fiercely competitive the field can be. A EULOGY FOR ROMAN stands apart thanks to its blend of audience involvement, intimate storytelling, and emotional honesty—a trifecta of attributes that has kept viewers talking long after the performance ends.

An Immersive Farewell

So, what exactly is A EULOGY FOR ROMAN all about? The show centres on a character named Milo, a nervous young man attempting to deliver a eulogy for his friend, Roman. Although that premise might sound straightforward enough, it quickly becomes apparent that Milo is struggling to find the right words. Rather than watching from a safe distance, audience members are invited—purely on a voluntary basis—to participate in the ceremony, sharing memories, reflections, or simply their presence to help Milo complete his tribute.

The result is an immersive journey that transcends the typical “one-man show” dynamic, evolving into a communal conversation about life, grief, friendship, and hope. Written by Brendan George and conceived by Peter Charney, the piece has drawn praise for its gentle approach to what can often be a weighty topic. In the tradition of devised theatre, no two performances are ever quite the same, as each night’s audience brings something different—an anecdote, a perspective, or simply their energy. If you have ever longed for a theatre experience that leaves you feeling like a true participant rather than a passive observer, this show promises exactly that.

Churches and Community Centres

In an intriguing twist, the 2024/2025 return engagement of A EULOGY FOR ROMAN will not be housed in traditional theatre venues. Instead, performances will unfold in churches and community rooms across Manhattan and Brooklyn from 21 February to 6 April, with an official opening night on 6 March. This unusual choice in location is no accident: each space is chosen to reflect the show’s emphasis on community, compassion, and shared reflection.

Thursdays will see the show at The Center on West 13th Street, Fridays at Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope, Saturdays at Studio Exhibit on Orchard Street, and Sundays at Westbeth Community Room on Bethune Street. Each of these locations offers a distinct atmosphere: the historic charm of a Brooklyn church, the cosy intimacy of a community centre, the creative buzz of an art studio. By stepping outside conventional theatre walls, A EULOGY FOR ROMAN situates audiences in environments that can heighten the rawness of its themes. According to the producers, part of the appeal lies in meeting people “where they live and worship,” underscoring the show’s community-driven ethos.

While the show was originally a solo piece in concept, this iteration features a rotating trio of actors taking on the role of Milo. Blaize Adler-Ivanbrook, Ryan Boloix, and Richard Diamond will alternate, offering audiences varied interpretations of Milo’s anxieties, vulnerabilities, and unspoken grief. Such a casting choice ensures that even returning audience members have a fresh perspective each time they see the production.

Direction is by Ron Lasko, an experienced theatre practitioner known for nurturing offbeat, experimental pieces. Meanwhile, the original co-creators—Brendan George and Peter Charney—remain onboard as creative consultants, ensuring that each performance retains the show’s initial spirit of authenticity. Jake Lemmenes serves as production coordinator, a role often overlooked but critical for ensuring that each makeshift venue transforms into a functional, atmospheric performance space.

The Power of Community in Theatre

The notion of community is woven deeply into A EULOGY FOR ROMAN, both in content and in execution. In an era when theatre can sometimes feel like a passive pastime—where audiences sit in the dark, their applause the only interaction—this show shatters that barrier. Attendees might find themselves offering a comforting hand to Milo, or perhaps being asked to share a brief thought or memory that helps piece together the story of Roman.

Such community engagement aligns with a larger trend in immersive theatre. According to a 2022 survey by Theatre Communications Group, an increasing number of small and mid-sized theatre companies are experimenting with interactive shows to deepen audience investment. Whether it is through site-specific performances or audience-led storytelling, this approach can cultivate what experts call “deep engagement,” turning spectators into stakeholders in the narrative. A EULOGY FOR ROMAN might just be one of the most poignant examples of this trend, given the delicate and emotional nature of its subject matter.

Addressing Grief Through Participation

Why does this show resonate so strongly with audiences? One unique feature of A EULOGY FOR ROMAN is its handling of grief and loss in a way that feels cathartic rather than heavy-handed. Theatre has a long history of grappling with mortality and sorrow, from ancient Greek tragedies to modern plays like Rabbit Hole or The Ferryman. What sets this production apart is its emphasis on communal healing. The audience does not simply witness grief; they share in it, offer solace, and become part of a collective memorial.

The show intentionally blurs the line between theatre and therapy, though it never becomes preachy. Instead, it lets the vulnerability of the moment breathe. In a sense, it becomes less about Roman and more about each person’s capacity to offer compassion and empathy, even to a complete stranger. This participatory model has drawn comparisons to “public practice” theatre, a term used by some scholars to describe works that deliberately invite community involvement in the creative process.

With performances dotting Manhattan and Brooklyn, there is a certain “pilgrimage” quality to A EULOGY FOR ROMAN’s structure. Some dedicated fans might even choose to experience it at multiple venues, curious to see how a community room differs from a church setting. That sense of mobility mirrors the show’s own ephemeral nature: each audience is new, each performance ephemeral, every memory shared unique.

If you need more details before booking a seat, you can visit SpinCycleNYC.com for the full performance schedule and additional information. Do note that seating in some of these spaces may be limited, so it pays to plan ahead. The producers have emphasised that they want to keep ticket prices accessible, mirroring the show’s ethos of welcoming all who wish to attend and reflect.

Could This Expand Further?

Given the strong reception both in Edinburgh and New York, fans might wonder if A EULOGY FOR ROMAN could embark on a more extensive tour. Although there have been no official announcements regarding international performances—such as a potential run in Australia or Europe—the show’s flexible format makes it well-suited for travel. It doesn’t require a large set or complicated stage machinery; what matters most is a space conducive to intimate storytelling. That adaptability has historically helped other immersive productions find success beyond their initial locale, so it will be fascinating to see if this eulogy continues its journey globally.

An Invitation to Empathy

A EULOGY FOR ROMAN is, at its heart, an invitation to empathise—a reminder that we all carry stories of love, loss, and the occasional scramble for the right words. In a society where grief is often compartmentalised and hidden away, this show dares to make it collective. Audience feedback from previous runs indicates that many find the experience surprisingly uplifting rather than sombre, largely because it focuses on the warmth and support that can arise in a group of strangers united by shared humanity.

If you are someone who has ever felt the weight of losing a friend, or even simply wrestled with how to honour a loved one’s memory, this production may well strike a chord. It encourages us to view theatre not merely as an escape, but as a communal ritual that can help us process real-life emotions.

A Promise Carried Forward

As the run approaches, it is worth remembering that A EULOGY FOR ROMAN is not just another show returning for an encore. It represents a living, evolving piece of theatre that responds to the spaces and the people who gather there. Each performance extends the same subtle challenge to the audience: will you step out of your comfort zone, open your heart, and help Milo find the words he needs?

In an age when it is all too easy to remain detached, the promise of shared reflection has never felt more timely. Whether you catch the production in the echoing halls of a historic church or the snug intimacy of a community centre, you will be witnessing—and participating in—something rare. And if you find yourself leaving with a renewed sense of how fragile, precious, and ultimately joyful life can be, then perhaps you have helped to continue the show’s mission: making a space for grief, love, and the bonds that hold us together.

Carrying the Memory Forward

In the end, A EULOGY FOR ROMAN serves as a poignant reminder that theatre can be more than entertainment: it can be a gathering place for shared memories, mutual support, and an honest look at our vulnerabilities. If you are ready to be both moved and inspired, this might be just the experience for you. Bring your curiosity, bring your compassion, and don’t be afraid to leave with a piece of someone else’s story in your heart. After all, that’s the promise of every eulogy worth giving—and of every life worth honouring.