"[Playwright Jiréh Breon] Holder is very talented, and his future is bright indeed. Too Heavy for Your Pocket is powerful stuff and merits your attention." —Manning Harris for Atlanta INtown

In rural Tennessee at the height of the Civil Rights Movement two young couples struggle to understand justice, love, and their own responsibilities. When Bowzie gets a scholarship to attend Fisk University, he has the opportunity to improve his family’s life. His education goes beyond the classroom, as he becomes a Freedom Rider and joins the fight against racism in the Deep South, leaving his obligations as a husband and friend behind. A beautifully written look at the personal cost and private struggles behind public events, Too Heavy for Your Pocket speaks powerfully about the bonds of friendship and what defines true family. The 2017 winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, the Alliance is thrilled to celebrate one of its own—playwright and former Kenny Leon Fellow Jiréh Breon Holder.


Kendeda Winner
World Premiere

Hertz Stage

This production is closed.

Membership Packages for the Alliance Theatre

Enjoy everything the Alliance Theatre has to offer by becoming a member. Memberships at any level come with a variety of benefits, including:
  • 25% discounts on additional tickets beyond those included in your membership (so you can bring a friend or see it again!)
  • Discounts on parking & acting classes
  • Early access to seats and performance dates before they are available to the public
  • Savings over purchasing tickets separately (Save between 20-40% off single tickets prices)
  • Exclusive behind-the-scenes events
  • Community Night/Day - Community Night/Day
  • Sensory-friendly - Sensory-friendly
  • Readings - Readings
  • Behind the Musical/Play - Behind the Musical/Play
  • Pay What You Can - Pay What You Can
  • Interpreted (Sign, Shadow, Open Captioning) - Interpreted (Sign, Shadow, Open Captioning)
  • Teacher Discount Tickets - Teacher Discount Tickets
  • Teen Discount Tickets - Teen Discount Tickets
  • Veterans Discount Tickets - Veterans Discount Tickets

Group Discounts

Group Tickets available now for 10+. Visit our Group Discounts page for more information.

Too Heavy for Your Pocket

A beautifully written look at the personal cost and private struggles behind the public events of Civil Rights Movement.

Feb 4 – Feb 26, 2017

“[Playwright Jiréh Breon] Holder is very talented, and his future is bright indeed. Too Heavy for Your Pocket is powerful stuff and merits your attention.” —Manning Harris for Atlanta INtown

In rural Tennessee at the height of the Civil Rights Movement two young couples struggle to understand justice, love, and their own responsibilities. When Bowzie gets a scholarship to attend Fisk University, he has the opportunity to improve his family’s life. His education goes beyond the classroom, as he becomes a Freedom Rider and joins the fight against racism in the Deep South, leaving his obligations as a husband and friend behind. A beautifully written look at the personal cost and private struggles behind public events, Too Heavy for Your Pocket speaks powerfully about the bonds of friendship and what defines true family. The 2017 winner of the Alliance/Kendeda National Graduate Playwriting Competition, the Alliance is thrilled to celebrate one of its own—playwright and former Kenny Leon Fellow Jiréh Breon Holder.

Person dressed in a costume with a brown hat and scarf, holding a vintage telephone and appearing surprised or shocked.

Come Curious. Leave Changed.

Join us for transformative theater that speaks to the heart of Atlanta.