The sequel to “Happenstance.” Coming Spring 2026.
By Ben Schiller
First production: October 2024
Kraine Theater, New York City
“Happenstance,” the first play to bring the world of Bitcoin to the stage, opened at the Kraine Theater, New York City, in October 2024.
Written by veteran crypto journalist Ben Schiller, the drama explores the human impact of cryptocurrency through the story of a man facing prison for his role in Bitcoin’s early development.
Based on several real-life crypto figures, “Happenstance” offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of Bitcoin, weaving themes of freedom, morality, and love into a funny, charming and thoughtful experience.
“It’s a play, it’s a musical, it’s a satire, it’s a comedy — it’s Bitcoin’s first time on the small stage,” said Molly Jane Zuckerman in Blockworks, who called the play a “commentary on crypto, effective altruism, wealth, finance, free speech and yoga.”
It “was genuinely heartwarming to see the crypto journos and builders all come together in one tiny theater on the lower East Side to support cryptocurrency’s theatrical debut.”
“I was very very happy to see Happenstance,” said Nick Gillespie, Reason Magazine Editor in Chief. “It is a very funny, sad, weird, utopian, kind of disturbing, yet totally wonderful play. Look for Happenstance, wherever it happens next. It’s a wonderful commentary on Bitcoin.”
David Morris, author of “Stealing the Future,” wrote in his newsletter: “The play is solid in this first iteration, and has a clear standout in Olivia Hardin’s portrayal of ‘Barbara Schwagg,’ a clear stand-in for Sam Bankman-Fried’s mother Barbara Fried…”
“Hardin brings the precise aura of fragile, manic aggression exuded by the real Barbara. I’m told there are discussions underway to have the play produced in conjunction with future crypto events, so fingers crossed there will be more chances to see this.”
WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE SUPPORT OF TRIBE CAPITAL, BENNY GIANG, JESUS RODRIGUEZ, AND BORDERLESS CAPITAL, AND TO THOSE WHO CONTRIBUTED VIA GOFUNDME. THEY MADE THIS PRODUCTION POSSIBLE.
“Bitcoin has become this force that touches on so many aspects of modern life – politics, culture, finance, religion,” said Schiller, explaining why he wrote the play. “I wanted to explore those complexities through the lens of a personal drama and give audiences a fresh perspective on this revolutionary technology.”
Schiller began writing plays as a teen but this was his first full production as both the writer and producer on a professional stage. Theater is a part of his family heritage. “My Dad’s family is from Czechoslovakia and before the war we had a big theater company. My granddad actually died on stage giving a Shakespeare soliloquy, and then my Dad was very involved in theater in London. So I’ve kind of had it in the blood, so to speak.”
Happenstance was directed by Roman Albear Primitivo, an East Village dramatist and artist. Albear is co-founder of the Lungs Theater Festival. In 2024, he directed the American production of “My Dad Is In Atlantis” by the Mexican playwright Javier Malpica with performances at Theater For a New City and Under St Mark’s. Ben met Roman in the East Village and their friendship bolstered Schiller’s conviction to bring his play to the public.
