Woman In The Arena
May 4-5, 2026
7:30 PM
Written and Performed by Jen DiGiacomo
Directed by Tana Sirois
Playwright and Actress Jen DiGiacomo premieres her funny, moving and uplifting one-sided conversation about neurodivergence, trauma, dead bodies, and other lighthearted topics for a limited two-day run, after selling out its wild project preview earlier this year
The critically acclaimed one-woman show, Woman in the Arena, debuted at Edinburgh Fringe in 2025 where it was nominated for Best Show by the Offie Awards and shortlisted for the Best New Writing by the Popcorn Award.
Talkback with writer/performer Jen DiGiacomo and director Tana Sirois on May 4 after the show, moderated by Kelly Bartnik, lead producer of the critically acclaimed The Death of Rasputin and original cast member of the Boston and NY productions of Sleep No More.
“★★★★★ A privilege to witness such a quietly moving performance and to spend an hour in the company of an inspirational woman.”
– Richard Stamp, The Wee Review
“Jen plants an emotional nailbomb inside your chest and packs it with every emotion that makes us human. Simultaneously alienating and the singlemost terrifyingly relatable thing you’ve ever experienced. A masterfully constructed play and Jen is such a likeable performer. I feel like I’ve been given an emotional deep-clean.”
– Ross Galloway, Audience member
“★★★★ Jen’s real gift is structure. She loops anecdotes, interrupts timelines & lands jaw-dropping revelations with surgical timing. Brilliantly staggered storytelling.”
– Fringe Biscuit
“All I can say is that my jaw hit the floor already within the first few minutes. Jen is not only extremely likeable, as her authenticity and genuineness literally shine through her, she also radiates the gratitude and appreciation for life, and all the good and bad things in it, in a way that makes tears run down my face even now, while writing this. I felt what she was giving out in my whole body through the show, just incredible. [Her] show is one of those experiences one doesn’t know they needed until they have it. [She] shifted something massive in me … the humanness of it, the pure intention, the meaning [she] gave to [her] complex life experience through it, the courage, the bravery, all extremely inspiring. Every single one of us have something to learn from this story … kindness, compassion, empathy, respect, not being afraid to own our own stories, the importance of storytelling, courage, authenticity, and most importantly, never giving up!”
– Zuzana Antalikova, Audience member
“★★★★ Gripping, genuine, and importantly revealing, this show opens a door into the depths of Jen’s existence and leaves you with an open heart.”
– Esme Davis, Binge Fringe
“Woman in the Arena is a voice not only heard, but felt like a pulse through the heart, as you experience every emotional beat of the show. Jen DiGiacomo speaks with raw and luminous honesty about her past life in this eloquent debut and evokes empathy and the deepest admiration for her fortitude. Unmissable.”
– Kay Steward, Audience Member