Sulfur Bottom
Closing: October 25, 2025Sulfur Bottom - 2025 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Snapple Theater Center [Jerry Orbach Theatre]
210 W. 50th St. New York, NY 10019
Buoyed by the promise of jobs and economic development, a series of factories plague a small town. But with reports of dangerous chemicals leaking from the industrial plants, a young woman must make impossible choices to protect her loved ones. Set over 40 years, Rishi Varma’s new drama SULFUR BOTTOM sees an embattled family forced to confront generations of environmental injustice—and maybe just a few talking animals along the way.
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Sulfur Bottom
Environmental crisis and its impact on one family in ‘Sulfur Bottom’ at NYC’s Jerry Orbach Theater
8 / 10
In addition to the serious and timely themes, Varma injects touches of humor and an overriding sense of absurdism into the play. Set in the interior of the old increasingly deteriorating house, the sometimes confusing story moves back and forth in time and dimension, from living characters in present-day scenes to their memories and revealed secrets of the past, imaginings and post-mortem appearances, as they discuss their dilapidated home, disagree over what to do with it, and ultimately come together as a bonded family, joking over dinner (be it in the mind or in the afterlife) on the site of the no-longer extant house.
Off-Off-Broadway Review: SULFUR BOTTOM (Theater Center)
6 / 10
For all its aspiration, Sulfur Bottom feels more like a workshop draft than a finished play. Its mix of social indictment, family drama, and absurdist allegory never coheres, and its earnest themes collapse under the weight of muddled storytelling. As one theatergoer muttered while leaving: “What was that?!” Which, in truth, was a lot nicer than what my theater companion declared.
by Stephi Wild - September 30, 2025
Sulfur Bottom has announced a two-week extension of its running time. The show will now be performed until October 25th at The Jerry Orbach Theater at The Theater Center.
by Stephi Wild - September 22, 2025
Sulfur Bottom has announced its partnership with We Act for Environmental Justice to host After Show Talk-Backs during Climate Week NYC. Learn more about the events here!
by Nicole Rosky - August 21, 2025
Sulfur Bottom, by Rishi Varma, is the official event of Climate Week NYC, spotlighting the urgent need for environmental justice. Through the lens of art and storytelling, Sulfur Bottom confronts the challenges of environmental collapse and sparks dialogue about its impact on communities. Check out what the critics had to say...
by Stephi Wild - July 9, 2025
Playwright Rishi Varma has announced the cast for his eco-gothic drama, Sulfur Bottom, which is coming to The Jerry Orbach Theater. Learn more about the show here!
Sulfur Bottom History
Other Productions of Sulfur Bottom
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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