Dallas, September 4, 2025
News Summary
Theatre Three in Dallas announces its upcoming world premiere of ‘The Trade: A Tragedy in Four Quarters,’ a fast-paced unauthorized satire blending Greek tragedy with sports parody. The production showcases the downfall of a professional basketball franchise, emphasizing themes of power and money in sports culture. Running from October 9 to November 2, the play features humorous yet critical portrayals of recognizable sports figures while examining serious institutional issues within the Dallas community.
Dallas — Theatre Three has announced the world premiere of The Trade: A Tragedy in Four Quarters, a new fast-paced, unauthorized satire that blends elements of epic Greek tragedy with irreverent sports parody. The production will run at Theatre Three in Dallas from October 9, 2025 through November 2, 2025.
Key details
- Title: The Trade: A Tragedy in Four Quarters
- Playwrights: Matt Lyle and Matt Coleman
- Opening night: October 9, 2025
- Closing night: November 2, 2025
- Venue: Theatre Three, 2688 Laclede St. #120, Dallas, TX 75201
- Type: Unauthorized satire combining Greek tragedy motifs and sports parody
- Tickets: $10–$40, with $10 rush tickets available for Thursday performances
What the play is about
The play dramatizes the downfall of a professional basketball franchise as an epic, four-quarter tragedy. Central themes include the abuse of power, the consequences of money-driven choices, and the erosion of innocence in a local sports culture. The story uses parody characters and mythic devices to examine decision-making by wealthy owners and executives.
Characters and tone
The production features satirical portrayals of well-known figures from the sports world, including parody versions of a star player, team owner and executives, as well as portrayals of supporting staff. Mythical figures such as Medusa appear alongside representations of Mavericks personnel, creating a hybrid tone that shifts between broad comedy and tragic structure. The play is described by its creators as intentionally comic while interrogating serious local and institutional themes tied to Dallas.
Creative team and context
Playwrights Matt Lyle and Matt Coleman are returning to Theatre Three after a previous hit with local audiences. Their earlier work, Raptured: A Sex Farce at the End of the World, was staged at Theatre Three in spring 2019 and became a patron favorite. Theatre Three’s artistic leadership has framed the new world premiere as a continuation of the playwrights’ comedic approach, presented with the scale and chorus-like elements of classical tragedy.
Production notes
Theatre Three characterizes the show as fast-paced and unauthorized in nature, meaning it takes creative liberties and is not an official production endorsed by the teams or individuals it lampoons. Audiences should expect rapid-fire satire, ensemble-driven chorus sections, and a structure that mirrors the four quarters of a basketball game.
Ticketing and attendance information
Tickets are priced between $10 and $40 and can be purchased through Theatre Three’s box office. A limited number of $10 rush tickets will be made available for Thursday performances, offered on a first-come, first-served basis. For reservations or questions, the Theatre Three Box Office can be reached at 214-871-3300 or by email at BoxOffice@t3dallas.org. Complimentary parking is provided at the adjacent AMLI Parking Garage.
Venue and accessibility
Theatre Three is located at 2688 Laclede St. #120 in Dallas. The venue has provided complimentary adjacent parking for patrons and offers standard box office services to assist with ticketing and accessibility needs. Patrons should contact the box office directly for specific accessibility accommodations or seating requests.
Background and significance
The world premiere marks the third original comedy premiere by the same playwright team at Theatre Three, continuing a relationship between the writers and the theatre. The production’s combination of sports parody and classical tragic structure reflects a growing trend in contemporary theatre that uses popular culture figures to interrogate larger civic and ethical questions. By positioning a local sports franchise at the center of a tragic arc, the play aims to engage both sports fans and general audiences with a humorous yet critical narrative.
FAQ
When and where is The Trade performed?
The play runs at Theatre Three in Dallas from October 9, 2025, through November 2, 2025. The address is 2688 Laclede St. #120, Dallas, TX 75201.
How much do tickets cost and how can I buy them?
Tickets range from $10 to $40. Purchase options and availability are handled by the Theatre Three box office. A limited number of $10 rush tickets will be available for Thursday performances.
Is the play officially affiliated with any sports team?
No. The production is an unauthorized satire that uses parody and fictionalized portrayals rather than official endorsements or partnerships.
Who are the playwrights and have they worked with Theatre Three before?
The show was written by Matt Lyle and Matt Coleman. The pair previously had a popular production at Theatre Three in spring 2019.
Who should I contact for ticket or accessibility questions?
Contact the Theatre Three Box Office at 214-871-3300 or email BoxOffice@t3dallas.org for tickets, seating, or accessibility requests. Complimentary parking is available at the adjacent AMLI Parking Garage.
| Feature | Detail | Visual |
|---|---|---|
| Run dates | Oct 9–Nov 2, 2025 |
|
| Ticket price range | $10–$40 |
|
| Performance type | Unauthorized satire / Greek tragedy elements |
|
| Rush tickets | $10 on Thursdays (limited) |
|
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