Today is Because

Get Your Advance Tickets Here via EventBrite

Advance online tickets: $25 (plus fees)

About the Show

Ascending Phoenix Productions presents Today Is Because, an original solo poetry musical production written, directed, and performed by award-winning poet, multidisciplinary artist, and cultural organizer Tamora Israel. The one-night-only performance takes place on Friday, January 29, 2027, at Thacher Hall, located at 266 Main Street (Route 6A), on the Common at Strawberry Lane in Yarmouth Port, MA.

Today Is Because examines depression, emotional resilience, and the journey toward self-love. Driven by high-energy foundational rock music, raw storytelling, and performance poetry. The production captures the weight of life’s heaviest moments while honoring the undeniable power of choosing to stay among the living.

This production serves as a central component of Israel’s broader multimedia initiative, Poetry From My Brain Parts: A Journey to Becoming. The performance features new poems and original works from her upcoming book of the same title.

Immersive Staging

Today Is Because incorporates a dynamic, multi-zone stage design. The stage is divided into distinct zones representing specific stops along the journey, complete with targeted lighting shifts to reflect evolving emotional landscapes.

About Tamora Israel

Tamora Israel is an award-winning poet, multidisciplinary artist, cultural organizer, and Co-CEO of Ascending Phoenix Productions. Her extensive portfolio spans live theatrical productions, musical events, and video projects throughout the region.

Her notable stage credits include a portrayal of the Lady in Red in Ntozake Shange’s For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide / When the Rainbow Is Enuf. She is the creator of Poetry From My Brain Parts: A Journey to Becoming, a 6-part multimedia project that integrates a self-published poetry book, audiobook, short poetry films, stage productions, community writing and performance workshops, and an interactive 3D art exhibit titled Step Out Your Frame; all exploring healing, resilience, self-discovery, and transformation.

A dedicated community advocate, Israel co-founded Cape Cod’s monthly 438 Open Mic in collaboration with Belonging Books and serves on the board of directors for The Cordial Eye and Provincetown Television, as well as the nominating board for Amplify POC Inc. She was honored with the 2024 Black Excellence Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus for creating bold, healing work that transforms communities.

Parking Note:  There is no parking at Thacher Hall. Parking is available just across Route 6A from Thacher Hall around the Common, as well as at the Edward Gorey House, Post Office, and Chapter House Inn. Crossing attendants will be available to assist with crossing Route 6A at the designated crosswalk in front of Thacher Hall. If you need accessible parking information, please email events@thacherhall.org.

Accessibility Note:  This event takes place in the lower level of Thacher Hall which is handicapped accessible. Please contact Thacher Hall for more information and to reserve accessible parking (events@thacherhall.org.)

All ticket revenue goes directly to the artist.

Get Your Advance Tickets Here via EventBrite

Advance online tickets: $25 (plus fees)