On a rural New England farm in the 19th century, three half-brothers grapple with inheritance, resentment, and longing. While Peter and Simeon dream of escaping to California in search of gold, Eben remains behind, determined to claim the farm he believes is rightfully his. Their fragile plans are disrupted by the sudden return of their father, Ephraim, who reappears after a long absence—with a young new wife in tow. Her arrival upends the family dynamic, igniting a conflict between desire and duty that spirals into tragedy.

This new production of Eugene O’Neill’s classic is directed by Ebenezer Bamgboye (The Lonely Londoners), former Resident Director at the Almeida Theatre. The cast is led by Zackary Momoh (Seven Seconds, Harriet) in a central role that anchors the story’s emotional and moral tension.

First produced in 1924, Desire Under the Elms draws on themes from Greek tragedy to explore family, ownership, and forbidden passion. O’Neill, a four-time Pulitzer Prize winner, crafts a narrative steeped in elemental forces and emotional extremes.