Bad Books: A Timely World Premiere About Censorship at Dairy Arts Center

Local Theater Company Tackles Book Banning in Explosive New Play

February 5-14, 2026 | Dairy Arts Center, Boulder

Local Theater Company presents the world premiere of Bad Books by Sharyn Rothstein, directed by Nick Chase—a provocative exploration of censorship, parenting, and community conflict that transforms a quiet library into a fierce battleground.

What It’s About

A concerned mother. A dedicated librarian. What begins as a conversation about appropriate reading material escalates into a fiery debate that sparks unexpected consequences no one anticipated. In the quietest place in America, voices rise and divisions deepen.

Bad Books examines the real-world tensions surrounding book challenges, parental rights, and intellectual freedom—issues dominating headlines across the nation.

World Premiere Production

This production is co-produced by Curious Theatre Company and Local Theater Company as part of a National New Play Network Rolling World Premiere—meaning multiple theaters across the country will produce this important new work, creating a national conversation about censorship.

Curious Theatre Company has built its reputation engaging communities in contemporary issues through provocative modern theater, making them the perfect partner for this timely piece.

Performance Schedule

Dates: February 5-14, 2026
Venue: Dairy Arts Center, 2590 Walnut St (26th & Walnut), Boulder
Showtimes:

• Thursday-Saturday: 7:30 PM
• Sunday: 2:00 PM & 7:30 PM
• Wednesday: 7:30 PM

Tickets: $11.50-$50.85

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