Welcome to Compton’s Cafeteria
In the summer of 1966, a trans woman and patron of the Tenderloin’s Compton’s Cafeteria threw her cup of hot coffee in the face of a police officer as he made an unwarranted attempted to arrest her. The riot that followed would come to be known as the United States’ first recorded act of militant queer resistance to social oppression and police harassment. Three years before Stonewall, the famous gay riot at New York’s Stonewall Inn, the neighborhood’s trans women and allies banded together to fight back against their ongoing discrimination, beating the cops with their high heels and throwing furniture through the cafeteria windows.
The Tenderloin Museum is proud to announce the reopening of The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot, an original, interactive theater piece directly inspired by the historic riot for Transgender rights. The Compton’s Cafeteria Riot is an integral piece of the Tenderloin’s identity, and this play offers a singular opportunity for audiences to celebrate the individuals whose tenacious spirit spawned a movement against the long history of discrimination and violence. Attendees will convene for a late night breakfast in our functioning replica diner, where a 12 person cast will recreate the neighborhood’s seminal act of resistance and immerse the audience in the tribulations of a marginalized community striving for survival and recognition.
While the Compton’s Cafeteria Riot has immense significance for the LGBTQ+ community at large, it was also a defining moment for the Tenderloin. As such, Compton’s figures prominently in the Tenderloin Museum’s permanent exhibition. Special thanks is due to Susan Stryker and Victor Silverman, whose diligently researched, Emmy Award winning documentary Screaming Queens: The Riot at Compton’s Cafeteria saved Compton’s from historical obscurity.
What People Are Saying
CONTENT WARNING
* "The dialog and subject matter of this play strives for historical realism, even when that reality is objectionable by today's standards.” -Susan Stryker on Compton’s
Director’s Note on Content Warnings
As we bring this work to life, we acknowledge the discomfort and pain that may be triggered by some of the content, and we approach these subjects with the utmost care and responsibility. It is our belief that confronting these difficult realities is vital in understanding the experiences of marginalized communities and the long-lasting effects of societal harm. However, we also recognize that the language and the experiences of our characters reflect a time and context that may be distressing, and we want to make sure you feel equipped to engage with it thoughtfully.
The following warnings are intended to prepare you for some of the challenging content within the play:
Genital-based transphobia & transmisogyny
Transphobic & transmisogynistic microaggressions
Images of bruised/battered faces
Racist language
Explicit description of sexual assault(s)
Off-stage trans bashing
On-stage police officer(s) bullying queers
On-stage choking of a trans woman by a police officer
Outing of trans people
Disparaging language toward sex work
Please take care of yourself and step away if needed. We are creating work that seeks to re-examine old wounds and not create new ones. Please feel free to reach out to us with thoughts and concerns, comptonscafeteriariot@gmail.com.
-Ezra Reaves, Director, Compton’s Cafeteria Riot
Covid-19 Official Policy
While we are no longer in an active public health emergency, we remain mindful of COVID-19 and its ongoing impact.
Here’s how we’re approaching health and safety for this production:
Masking Policy
Masking will not be required for guests, cast, or crew. However is certainly welcomed and encouraged. Complimentary masks will be available at the venue for those who request them.
Transparency About Risk
Due to the "dining experience" nature of our show, we cannot guarantee a contagion-free environment. Shared spaces and dining elements inherently involve some level of risk.
All audience-performer interactions have been designed to minimize physical contact.
We encourage open communication and invite guests to reach out with any specific concerns or accommodations they might need.
Contagion Mitigation Among Cast & Crew
Cast and crew members are required to monitor their health closely and stay home if feeling unwell.
COVID-19 test will be available to all cast and crew members to reduce the risk of transmission.
High-touch props and shared surfaces used in the performance will be sanitized frequently.
All backstage areas are cleaned regularly, and hand hygiene is emphasized for cast and crew throughout the show.
Additional Measures for Guests
High-touch surfaces in public areas will be sanitized regularly.
Hand sanitizing stations will be placed throughout the venue for guest use.
Flexible Attendance Policies: If you feel unwell or test positive for COVID-19, we encourage you to stay home. Tickets can be rescheduled, transferred, or refunded to accommodate health concerns.
Our Commitment
We believe in fostering a culture of care and respect. We ask all attendees to practice kindness and consideration for varying levels of comfort regarding health precautions.
We’re here to make this experience as enjoyable and inclusive as possible while being transparent about the realities of live events in a shared space. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at ComptonsCafeteriaRiot@gmail.com.
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create a safe and welcoming space for all!