In a world where the Clowns have all the power, and everybody else is charged with terrorism, meet Mario Garfias: recent high school graduate, restaurant prep cook, and, a wielder of a weapon of mass destruction: a bucket of rotten beans. Step right up to Mario’s trial, where logic dissolves, language is weaponized, and the young defendant confronts not only the absurdity of the charges against him, but learns that his secret criminal intentions, unknown even to him, must be punished by a bunch of clowns. Drawing on absurdist theatrical traditions while speaking directly to contemporary immigration policies, THE BEAN TRIAL CIRCUS reenacts clown systems of clown power. It’s disturbingly comic and darkly familiar—a carnival of justice where truth takes a back seat to spectacle.

April 24 - May 10, 2026
1350 San Pablo St
Los Angeles, CA 90033


The Clowns
Melanie Reese
Jonathan C.K. Williams
Sophie Goldstein
Raul Vega Martinez

The Accused
José Cervantes

Understudy: Brandon Valdez

cast


playwright

Tamadhur Al-Aqeel

director

Tanya Kane-Parry



Sophia Hernández
Sound & Video Design

Luis J. Cortes
Lighting Design

Chloe Belle Marquez
Costume Design

creative team