Ensemble Theatre Cincinnati
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Post-Apocalyptic Drama
In a secluded cottage on the British coast, retired nuclear physicists Hazel and Robin live quietly, tending their garden, practicing yoga, and savoring the peace they’ve carved out for themselves. Outside, the world is in utter chaos following a devastating disaster. Their fragile calm is shattered when an old colleague arrives with a shocking and morally urgent request, forcing the three friends to confront their shared culpability in this searing eco-thriller about accountability and guilt, reparation and redemption. Darkly funny, chilling, and deeply human, The Children is an urgent and haunting exploration of environmental responsibility, legacy, and the price of survival.
Run time: 1 hr 30 min, with no intermission
CONTENT ADVISORY
The Children is a tense, thought-provoking drama exploring environmental collapse, ethical responsibility, and the human cost of survival. The play includes discussions of nuclear disaster, illness, aging, mortality, and sacrifice. Audiences should be aware of themes including climate anxiety, survivor’s guilt, isolation, and strained relationships, as well as references to sex and infidelity. Strong language is used throughout. While moments of dark humor appear, the overall tone is serious and reflective. Recommended for mature audiences.
The Children
This show is for you if . . .
- You appreciate intimate, actor-driven dramas that linger and spark meaningful moral conversations.
- You enjoy slow burning, psychological storytelling that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
- You’re drawn to stories that explore big ethical questions without easy answers.
- You’re captivated by complex characters navigating guilt, survival, and impossible choices.
- You love shows like Black Mirror, Chernobyl, The Last of Us, and Station Eleven.
- You enjoy plays like Copenhagen, Constellations, The Sound Inside, and Snowpiercer.
Reviews
“A savvy and deeply uncomfortable look at the world of modern media.”
—The Evening Standard
“A richly suggestive and beautifully written piece of work.”
—The Independent
“Devastatingly compelling drama.”
—The West Australian
“Sly, gripping, darkly funny . . . This is sci-fi kitted out with real people, real dilemmas, real scope.”
—The Times
Creative team
Talks & Events
MEET THE ARTISTS
Thu, February 11, post-show
Join us after the performance for an engaging discussion with members of the cast/artistic team.
ETC ESSENTIALS
Sun, February 14 at 1:00 pm
Join us before the matinee performance for a discussion with local panelists about themes in The Children.
Accessibility
 ASL InterpretationWed, Feb. 17, 7:30 pm |
 Audio DescriptionSat, Feb. 20, 2:00 pm |
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Assistive listening device
Accessible seating
Large print programs
Braille programs
1127 Vine Street