Courtesy of Stageworks Theatre, producer of world premiere. 

WHEN THE RIGHTEOUS TRIUMPH

is a powerful new play by Tampa playwright and University of South Florida professor Mark E. Leib that brings to life one of the most significant moments in Tampa's civil rights history. Set on February 29, 1960, the drama chronicles the courageous lunch counter sit-in at downtown Tampa's Woolworth's, where 40 African American students from Blake and Middleton high schools working with the Mayor and City leaders employed what became known as the “Tampa Technique”, a disciplined approach to nonviolent protest to serve as an inspiring model for civil rights actions across the nation. The Tampa sit ins are believed to be the only 1960 sit ins where the police protected peaceful protestors.

Commissioned and premiered by Tampa’s Stageworks Theatre in 2023, the production returned for a larger-scale engagement at the Straz Center for the Performing Arts Jaeb Theater in March 2025 with 16 sold out performances.

Critics have celebrated the work, with Broadway World Tampa calling it a ‘thrill ride through Tampa history’ that is ‘marvelously acted,’ while Creative Loafing awarded it ‘Best of the Bay.’

With performances that have reached thousands of students and attracted attention from The New York Times, When the Righteous Triumph has proven to be a vital celebration of Tampa's legacy and a reminder of the power of peaceful resistance.

  • "...This play felt very real, almost as if we had travelled back in time to view the events unfolding. I would happily watch this play again."

    -Nadia, 11th grade

  • “It was an emotional and engaging experience. It felt like we were living in the timeframe of the actual sit-in.”

    -Fay Noil, School Counselor

  • “The play was an incredible experience. The history was fascinating and the message was so inspiring. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to learn about such an important event that is very personal to all of us who live in Tampa.”

    -Lilly, 10th Grade

  • “The play, When the Righteous Triumph, was an outstanding performance, and I personally liked how the actors would sometimes talk to the audience as if we were the other half of the diner, and as if we were part of the play as well. Everything definitely felt as it was meant to be set in the 1960’s, and it accurately represented that time period and how blacks fought for their rights, no matter what happened.”

    -Annalise, 9th Grade

  • "While watching the play, I was deeply moved by how each of the actors portrayed the fight and desire for equality. It was disturbing to know just how accurate many of the depictions of racism and discrimination were. The actors' dedication is truly admirable."

    -Madison, Grade 9

  • "It was such an amazing play; the story was captivating and the characters felt so real. Every action had a consequence, and every setback had an opportunity. I really enjoyed the show. Thank you for putting on a great performance."

    -Tucker, Grade 9