Mark your calendars.  Boston audiences will have the unique opportunity to experience the US premiere of “Wake,” an electrifying Irish variety phenomenon that remixes traditions in a high-energy, heart-thumping theatrical celebration of life and connection.   

“Wake” will be presented by the acclaimed Irish theatre company THISISPOPBABY as part of the ArtsEmerson 2026-2027 season.  After acclaimed runs in Dublin, London, Manchester, and Sydney, this riotous entertainment phenomenon will play Boston’s Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre Feb. 11-14, 2027.

Best known as an ancient funeral rite, the Irish wake is traditionally a celebration of transformation, of moving from one realm to another. “Wake” provides a stunning and timeless reminder to live life fully. Expect the spirit of an epic traditional music session combined with an outrageous night of aerial artistry, Irish tap, cabaret, burlesque, slam poetry, pole-dancing and, perhaps, a little glitter. 

THISISPOPBABY has been igniting stages around the world for almost two decades with an exhilarating mix of theatre, night club, festiva,l and activism.   The company has been described as “redefining modern Irish theatre” by The Irish Times and “creators of a whole new edge of its own” by The Sunday Tribune. 

After “Wake” crossed the Irish sea to make its UK debut, the THISISPOPBABY team commented: “After two sold-out, award-winning runs at home, we knew ‘Wake’ had something powerful to offer. But to see it land so boldly in the UK -- to feel audiences embrace it with open arms, open hearts, and standing ovations -- was beyond anything we could have imagined.

“There’s a saying in Ireland; You have to be invited to a wedding, but anyone can show up to a wake…” 

ArtsEmerson

ArtsEmerson is the professional presenting and producing organization at Emerson College, with a mission to bring people together to experience powerful, diverse performances that delight, provoke, and inspire, celebrating both our differences and common humanity. 

Showcasing extraordinary live stage events from around the globe, the new season will 

also feature the theatrical presentations: “Taylor Mac and Matt Ray: Songs from Bark of Millions” (a co-presentation with The Huntington); “All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain;” “2021;” “Scott Silven: Wonders;” “Dream Feed;” “Kunene and the King;” and “The Carlisle Project.”

Season subscriptions are available now.  Tickets for individual shows, including “Wake,” will be placed on sale soon.  For information, visit ArtsEmerson.org or call 617-824-8400.

Touring for “Wake” is generously supported by Culture Ireland.