* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Download a PDF of the program
Theater (structure) wikipedia , lookup
Development of musical theatre wikipedia , lookup
Improvisational theatre wikipedia , lookup
History of theatre wikipedia , lookup
Medieval theatre wikipedia , lookup
Theatre of the Oppressed wikipedia , lookup
Augsburger Puppenkiste wikipedia , lookup
the berkeley rep magazine 2006–07 / issue 6 announcing five plays for 07– 08 page 6 voices from the past page 14 blue door program page 19 next at berkeley rep ion with in associat per tory theatre e re an ic er w audienc am e for a ne and theatr production sponsor: kens harles dic lett c y b l e v o the n il bart based on and directed by ne june 24 d 1 may 1 – adapte education sponsor: co-sponsor: season sponsors: PROLOGUE opening a door to illumination It is commonly stated that the goal of art is to illuminate: to provide light and enlightenment so that we may see things in a new way. Whether it be some aspect of our humanity, our history or our experience, the serious artist is always trying to reveal something to him or herself; to bring forth something from the unconscious into the light of consciousness. It is always an unpredictable act, often risky and sometimes even dangerous, for we may not want to see what the artist has chosen to reveal. This season is filled with plays that attempt to fulfill this higher task. From Passing Strange to The Pillowman to Blue Door, we have chosen to present work that insists on exploring ideas that have hitherto remained largely unaddressed. We do this knowing that audience members have different boundaries and different appetites for exploring subjects regarded as taboo. We are one of the few theatres in the country, however, that can make a convincing case that our audience is interested in taking such a journey. In our latest production, Tanya Barfield plunges headlong into the history, mythology and legacy of oppression inherited by African-American men. Employing a vividly theatrical style which seeks to both enlighten and entertain (two actors engaged in an epic depiction of one man’s lineage), Blue Door opens up a window on the present by revealing the past. Rather than presenting a simple, didactic portrait of one man’s suffering, the play attempts to unearth the roots of racial alienation, the price of compromise and the promise of empathy. To direct this play we are very excited to welcome Mr. Delroy Lindo, who for many years has earned extraordinary acclaim as an actor of stage and screen. Delroy has been in dialogue with us for over three years about wanting to be a part of the Berkeley Rep community, and this project felt like a perfect way to deepen the conversation. His passion, his belief in the play and his yearning to work with the actors to explore its nuances, all combine to create the possibility of generating real insights into the subject matter. We hope that your experience will be nothing less than illuminating. IN THIS ISSUE 2006– 07 / number 6 prologue · 3 report · 5 theatre everyone can afford announcing five plays for our 40th birthday season new for 07-08: improved pricing a message for our subscribers... not a subscriber yet? sign up now, and we’ll give you a present performance lab: an incredible experiment in learning expertise and flexibility, right on cue feature · 14 voices from the past: an interview with the playwright playwright’s perspective sankofa program · 19 berkeley rep presents blue door profiles staff · 26 contributors · 27 about berkeley rep · 30 Tony Taccone Artistic Director fyi · 31 the berkeley rep magazine is published seven times per season. editor megan wygant art director cheshire dave writers tanya barfield, lindey coates, sarah hart, elisabeth millican, susie medak, jessica modrall, tony taccone, megan wygant for local advertising inquiries please contact ellen felker at 510.548.0725 or [email protected]. contact berkeley rep box office: 510.647.2949 groups (15+): 510.647.2918 admin: 510.647.2900 school of theatre: 510.647.2972 click berkeleyrep.org email [email protected] 2025 addison street / berkeley, ca 94704 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 3 6ENEZIA"24?0RINT?PDF!- April 2007 Volume 39, No. 6 1 Ê Ê - " , / Ê 7 - / Paul Heppner President & Publisher Mike Hathaway Vice President Ê / " Ê / , Ê / / £ÇÊ1ÛiÀÃÌÞÊVÀiÀÊvÊÀ>Ì®Ên{{Èn£Ê ÜÜÜ°V>vviÛiiâ>°VÊÊ Terry Coe General Manager Jeffrey Hirsch Editorial Director Jody Chatalas Managing Editor, Arts Programs Susan Peterson Managing Editor, Custom Publishing Victoria Culver Art Director Ana Alvira, Kristi Atwood, Robin Kessler, Barbara Levy Associate Designers Bond Huberman Editorial Intern Candace Frankinburger Controller Virginia Wright Systems Administrator %6%27!.4%$4/30%.$4(%%6%.).'7)4( 0,!4/ 3(!+%30%!2%!.$4/.)-/22)3/. %NROLLINTHE'RADUATE,IBERAL3TUDIES0ROGRAMAT3AINT-ARYS #OLLEGEOF#ALIFORNIA%ARNYOUR-ASTEROF!RTSDEGREEWHILEEXPLORING THE'REAT"OOKSANDGRANDIDEAS)TSARICHINTELLECTUALFEASTTHATWILL NOURISHYOURMINDSOULANDSPIRIT sEVENINGSEMINARSTYLECLASSES slNANCIALAIDAVAILABLE sCLASSESMEETONTHE3AINT-ARYSCAMPUSIN-ORAGA &ORMOREINFORMATIONCONTACT .ANCY"REWER GLS STMARYSCAEDU ORVISITHTTPWWWSTMARYSCAEDUGLS Deborah Greer Executive Assistant Christina Buckman Administrative/Accounting Assistant Advertising Sales Susan Latta Northwest Sales Manager Brenda Senderoff Market Development Crevin Ko, Rose Monahan, Craig Ogle, Lenore Waldron Account Executives Denise Wong Sales Assistant Jonathan Shipley Ad Services Coordinator Regional Sales Representatives Seattle/Tacoma Sherri Jarvey San Francisco Kate Ellison, Marilyn Kallins, Terri Reed Los Angeles Southern California Magazine Group David Bronow, Susan Holloway CALIFORNIA T H E AT E R M E D I A ALLIANCE Dallas Betsy Gugick 425 North 85th Street Seattle, Wa 98103 206.443.0445 [email protected] 800.308.2898 x105 www.encoremediagroup.com Encore Arts Programs is published monthly by Encore Media Group to serve musical and theatrical events in Western Washington and the San Francisco Bay Area. All rights reserved. ©2006 Encore Media Group. Reproduction without written permission is prohibited. Printed by Times Litho 4 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 report news around berkeley rep theatre everyone can afford A few of our subscribers have been attending Berkeley Rep ever since we opened our doors in 1968, veteran theatregoers who were delighted to have this feisty company starting up in our community. However, many of the people who now join us for every show were back then in college, newly married or searching for that entry-level job which led to their dreams. In those days, we performed in a storefront on College Avenue. The roof occasionally leaked, the seats didn’t match, the temperature was unreliable—but the work was adventuresome and delivered with missionary zeal. Over the years, the seats have gotten more comfortable, and the temperature is (usually) better. (Knock on wood, we’ll finally retire and replace the 25-year-old air conditioner which ventilates our Thrust Stage this summer!). But one thing has never disappeared: that missionary zeal. Still, the world around us has changed. As costs escalated, our ticket prices increased as well. Tickets to Berkeley Rep are certainly more affordable than seeing a Broadway show, concert or many other cultural events—but the cost of a full-price ticket here is still unfortunately out of reach for many of the people in our community who are themselves in college, just starting families or launching careers. Many of our longtime ticket holders have shared with me their concern that we find ways to open our doors to new audiences. And we’ve been doing just that in recent years. In 2001, when we opened the Roda Theatre, we also established our “under 30” discount. The number of young people taking advantage of that program has steadily grown, and now a full 12% of our audience is composed of students and young people using these tickets. We hope to see continued growth in that audience, but we feel we can do more. We think our 40th birthday is the perfect occasion to launch our next step in creating new opportunities for more diverse participation. So I’m thrilled to say that we’re unveiling a new structure of tiered ticket prices. It divides each of our theatres into three seating sections with different prices for each section, bringing us in line with almost every other theatre in the industry and, for that matter, with just about every other cultural venue out there. Most of our current subscribers will not be impacted by this change, as you have always enjoyed the best seats in the house and the price of those premium seats will not be reduced. However, with this new structure, we’ll be able to offer lower-priced seats for every performance, as well as discounted subscriptions for some seats. Whether you are on a fixed income or on a limited budget, we think you’ll find that we now have a price category that suits your capacity. So if cost is a factor for you in considering next season, I encourage you to take a look at your pricing options. And if you’re ready to join the growing list of families who make a multigenerational commitment to Berkeley Rep, this may be the time to sign up. Warmly, Susie Medak Managing Director 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 5 Richard Hein argonautika announcing five plays for our 40th birthday season Here are five of the plays you’ll see on our stages next season. We still have two shows which we’ll announce shortly. Stay tuned! heartbreak house by george bernard shaw / directed by les waters roda theatre / main season Artist, socialist, feminist, anti-war activist. Vegetarian, freethinker, street-corner orator and all-around raconteur... If there’s one playwright who belongs in Berkeley, it’s George Bernard Shaw. Maybe that’s why Shaw’s words have graced our stage more than any author except Shakespeare. In honor of the zesty classical tradition on which Berkeley Rep was founded, Les Waters stages Heartbreak House for our 40th birthday. In this comedic masterpiece, ridiculous aristocrats, eccentric suitors and iconoclastic women grapple with unlikely romance and ironic wordplay in a world on the brink of war. Shaw’s incisive wit and intellectual pyrotechnics light up the stage as his irascible characters challenge social conventions, sexual mores, moral hypocrisy and keong sim in after the quake political folly. As with The Glass Menagerie, Waters’ sure touch on a classic text makes the script seem newly inked. the steppenwolf theatre company’s production of by haruki murakami translated by jay rubin adapted for the stage and directed by frank galati west coast premiere thrust stage / main season Director Frank Galati earned raves for Ragtime and two Tony Awards for The Grapes of Wrath. Writer Haruki Murakami continued on page 8 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Michael Brosilow after the quake ZAGAT SURVEY - Best rating in Downtown Berkeley ® Noah Alper, AR •r is tor a n te B REPORT & new for 07–08: improved pricing As Managing Director Susie Medak writes on page five, we’re unveiling a new pricing plan for next season that makes Berkeley Rep more affordable. We’re dividing each theatre into three seating sections: Premium, Section A and Section B. Premium seat prices will go up. Section A seats are almost entirely unchanged. Section B seats will cost far less. More than ever, your best value is a subscription. You get the consistently best seats at the lowest prices—wherever you sit. As always, you get a discount when you bring friends. As always, you can exchange your tickets for another performance—for free. Now that ticket prices will vary based on seat location as well as performance day, we can share Berkeley Rep with a whole new audience. Who do you know—friends, relatives or associates—who’ll attend Berkeley Rep more frequently? a message for our subscribers... If you’ve already renewed for next year, thank you. If you haven’t renewed yet, you should have recently received a renewal package in the mail. Please renew by May 20 to keep your same seats for next season. We look forward to having you with us. Chef Domenico Testa of Lazio, Italy O R C RAPHAEL KOSHER founder of Noah’s Bagels Cucina Vegetariana Italiana present . . . The Renaissance in Vegetarian Dining. 2132 Center St., Downtown Berkeley 510-644-9500 Validated parking at Oxford lot, Center Street garage and Allston Way garage. www.ristoranteraphael.com Does your investment advisor talk about performance? We do. To start a conversation, call us at 510.433.1066. Bell Investment Advisors, 1111 Broadway, Suite 2130, Oakland, CA 94607 www.bellinvest.com Minimum investment is $250,000 per account. not a subscriber yet? sign up now, and we’ll give you a present Subscribe for the five-play Main Season or the seven-play Full Season by May 20, and we’ll reward you with free tickets to this year’s final show, Oliver Twist. Pick up a subscription package in the lobby, or call the box office at 510.647.2949 to request yours today! 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 7 REPORT continued from page 6 earned Japan’s equivalent of the Pulitzer for such works as Kafka on the Shore, Norwegian Wood, and The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Now the two talents collide in after the quake, a bittersweet tale that measures love on the Richter scale. It’s a play the New York Times calls “an elegant, economic, gently hypnotic piece of theater,” in which a timid man woos an old flame, enchanting her anxious daughter with whimsical stories of a six-foot frog’s fight to save Tokyo. In this poignant West Coast premiere, we see that a storyteller can’t dispel the world’s woes, but he can teach a child—and himself—how to face fear. argonautika conceived and directed by mary zimmerman west coast premiere / roda theatre / main season Tony Award winner Mary Zimmerman returns to Berkeley Rep for the West Coast premiere of Argonautika. This time, the creator of Metamorphoses, Journey to the West, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci and The Secret in the Wings joins Jason on his ancient quest for the Golden Fleece—an epic journey of love and loss, hubris and honor, danger and adventure. Jason confronts giants, kings, sirens, nymphs, centaurs, sea monsters and one heartsick sorceress. In her latest perilous voyage, Zimmerman shows us that love is the bane of all mankind—and yet it’s all that we know of heaven on this earth. The Chicago Tribune raves—it’s “a sizzling theatrical adventure, full of mythical flourish and dramatic excitement... smart, fresh, endlessly imaginative and thoroughly enjoyable.” Don’t miss it! tragedy: a tragedy by will eno / directed by les waters american premiere / thrust stage / limited season ® Foley & Lardner LLP is Proud to Support Artistic Excellence in the Bay Area Foley & Lardner LLP is a highly regarded provider of comprehensive “Will Eno is a Samuel Beckett for the Jon Stewart generation,” proclaims the New York Times, calling his off-Broadway hit Thom Pain (based on nothing), an “acidly funny meditation on the indelible sorrows of life.” Now Berkeley Rep presents the American premiere of Eno’s satire on the media, Tragedy: a tragedy. The sun—despite its shining record—has finally set. Reporters descend in a flurry of absurd questions and incoherent commentary, while the governor hysterically urges calm. As with his sold-out runs of The Glass Menagerie and The Pillowman, director Les Waters wryly mines the humor and heartache of Tragedy. legal services, recognized for the integrity, insight, and innovation we provide to our clients. For further information, please contact Nancy J. Geenen at 415.434.4484 or [email protected]. Foley.com Boston • Brussels • Chicago • Detroit • Jacksonville Los Angeles • Madison • Milwaukee • New York • Orlando Sacramento • San Diego • San Diego/Del Mar • San Francisco Silicon Valley • Tallahassee • Tampa • Tokyo • Washington, D.C. ©2007 Foley & Lardner LLP 8 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 a new play written and performed by danny hoch / directed by tony taccone world premiere / thrust stage / limited season Like Sarah Jones, Anna Deavere Smith and other solo performers who brought stunning shows to our stage, Danny Hoch took Berkeley Rep by storm with Jails, Hospitals & Hip-Hop. He went on to win an Obie Award for that show and to start the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, which wows audiences across America every year. Now Danny returns to unveil his latest work—a one-man tour de force that captures the indelible characters of his neighborhood, where the melting pot is boiling over with ethnic and economic tensions. Danny effortlessly transforms across the boundaries of race, age, and gender, masterfully depicting a city in transition with compassionate and hilarious results. This highly anticipated world premiere is expertly staged by Artistic Director Tony Taccone. calendar april 6 Blue Door previews begin, 8pm 6 –7 Target® Teen One-Act Festival, 8pmÈ 9 Page to Stage, 7pm 10 Blue Door docent presentations begin, every Tue and Thu, 7pm 11 Blue Door opening night, 8pm 12 Blue Door night/OUT, 8pm 13 Target® Teen Night, 6:30pmÈ 20 The Narsai Toast, 5:30pm∑ 26 Blue Door student matinee, 12pmÈ 26 Blue Door post-show discussion, 8pm may 1 Teen Council Meeting, 5pmÈ 6 Target® Family Series, 11amÈ 8 Blue Door post-show discussion, 8pm 9 On the Town, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? ∑ 10 Blue Door student matinee, 12pmÈ 10 Corporate Partner Night, Oliver Twist, 6pm ∑ 11 Blue Door post-show discussion, 8pm 11 Oliver Twist previews begin, 8pm 11 Target® Teen Night, Oliver Twist, 6:30pmÈ 16 Oliver Twist opening night, 8pm 20 Blue Door final performance, 7pm 23 Oliver Twist student matinee, 12pmÈ 31 Oliver Twist post-show discussion, 8pm encore masthead È ∑ Berkeley Rep School of Theatre Berkeley Rep donor event explore imagine create year-round classes for youth, teens and adults begin in april, june, september and january now registering: summer theatre intensive for middleand high-school students jun 18 – jul 13 / jul 16 – aug 10 financial aid available for youth and teen classes berkeley rep school of theatre visit berkeleyrep.org/school, email [email protected] or call 510.647.2972 the mosse foundation for the arts and education berkeley rep is starting a book club! Join us for literary discussions before you see the show. Our first meeting takes place Tue, June 5 at 6pm. We’ll discuss John Waller’s The Real Oliver Twist, with conversation moderated by Berkeley Rep Literary Manager Madeleine Oldham. Make it an entire evening: attend the book club at 6pm, a docent presentation at 7pm and Oliver Twist at 8pm. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org— click on “events.” 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 9 Berkeley High students in a Performance Lab workshop for Culture Clash’s Zorro in Hell report in high school classrooms around the bay area, Berkeley Rep teaching artists have partnered with English, history and drama teachers to help students explore Blue Door—not simply as a piece of dramatic literature, but as a living work of art. The partnership program is called Performance Lab, and this year, in its third incarnation, residencies focus on one of three plays from Berkeley Rep’s season: Mother Courage, Blue Door or Oliver Twist. Students study the play’s historical, social and cultural context, attend a student matinee at Berkeley Rep, participate in a discussion with the cast—and then present a creation of their own: a culminating event which expresses their take on the original play. This season, Performance Lab will reach 34 classrooms in ten public schools. Participants will number just over 800. hands-on experiences performance lab: an incredible experiment in learning BY ELISA BETH M I LLICA N A N D J ESSICA MODR A LL “You really enriched the learning of these students and their high school experience... this whole project at Berkeley Rep and the involvement of high schools throughout the region is a testament to your social responsibility and awareness. This is what a communitybased theatre should be.” —Rick Ayers, former head of Communication Arts and Sciences, Berkeley High School “Performance Lab is a program that not only exposes students to productions on the Berkeley Rep stage, but gives them the tools and opportunity to respond to these plays artistically,” says Dave Maier, Berkeley Rep outreach coordinator. “Our teaching artists are professional actors, dancers, hip-hop artists and fight directors—they bring their expertise to the classroom, and work together with the teacher to create a curriculum that suits the needs of the class.” Culminating events reflect these unique combinations of creativity, interest and skill. This season, Amador Valley High School used Mother Courage as a lens through which to explore their own perceptions of war in an original performance. “They were able to express their feelings of war fast facts In its first three years, Performance Lab has through the music, dance and song that they created; I believe that was very powerful,” an observer says. “The success of the program lies in the creativity of the students, the classroom teacher, the teaching artist and these world-class works of art,” Maier continues. “Students see that the themes of the plays we produce have resonance in their lives. The potential within these works of art is endless: students have written and performed plays, made short films, designed board games and more. It is really exciting to see what they create.” • Held free-of-charge residencies for 12 local public schools: Albany High School Amador Valley High School (Pleasanton) Berkeley High Arts and Humanities Academy Berkeley High Communication Arts and Sciences Berkeley High School Encinal High School (Alameda) Las Lomas High School (Walnut Creek) Lighthouse Community Charter School (Oakland) Miramonte High School (Orinda) Mt. Eden High School (Hayward) San Lorenzo High School Skyline High School (Oakland) • Served nearly 1,000 participating students • Employed 16 professional teaching artists In Fall 2006 • Eight teaching artists clocked over 6,900 contact hours in 15 classrooms • 300 Performance Lab students attended Mother Courage a bridge to more art Performance Lab builds upon our existing programs, including student matinees, teacher training workshops and outreach visits to classrooms, to generate an extended arts experience that provides ongoing contact with students. Performance Lab allows us to make a deeper impact at public schools, expose a greater number of students to more live theatre and introduce teens across the Bay to Berkeley Rep’s programs. Following a Performance Lab experience, participants have increased their involvement in the arts by signing up for classes, joining the Teen Council, attending Target® Teen Night and participating in the Target® Teen One-Act Festival. During Performance Lab workshops, Berkeley Rep identifies and awards talented students with merit-based scholarships for our Summer Theatre Intensive program, helping to remove economic barriers to participation in the arts. enriching lives Performance Lab provides a multifaceted theatrical experience that encourages students to engage intellectually, emotionally and creatively with a piece of art and to think critically about its meaning. The process becomes both academically and personally rewarding. “I funders The generosity of the following funders enables Berkeley Rep to provide Performance Lab residencies to public schools this 2006/07 season: Bank of the West California Arts Council Marion Greene Walter & Elise Haas Fund In Dulci Jubilo Thomas J. Long Foundation Morrison & Foerster Foundation The Mosse Foundation for Education and the Arts Oakland Fund for the Arts The San Francisco Foundation Felicia Woytak and Steve Rasmussen truly came out of my shell a little,” an Amador Valley student says. “It’s something I haven’t been able to do before.” And, as a student from Lighthouse Community Charter School wrote to Teaching Artist Gendell Hernandez following the Mother Courage Performance Lab, “You gave us time to think about how violence may affect our community, and how we, as a community, can change how violence can affect us all. I know you have made a major impact upon my life...and upon my fellow classmates. Your work with us has given us an interesting way to think about our community by putting it into theatre.” Another student wrote, “Thank you so much for coming here. I hope to take all these skills with me the rest of my life.” Our greatest hope is that the students participating in Performance Lab will be touched and inspired by theatre, forging a lifelong connection with the art form. The Berkeley Rep School of Theatre hosts extensive programming for youth, teens and adults both on-site and in area schools. For more information please visit berkeleyrep.org/school. By supporting Berkley Rep’s Annual Fund, you help bring arts education and outreach programs like Performance Lab to Bay Area schools. We thank all of our current donors, and encourage every Berkeley Rep patron to make a gift today. Call 510.647.2907 or donate online at berkeleyrep.org/give. It really does matter. 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 11 REPORT Berkeley Rep’s stage management and operations department: (top row, l to r) Leslie Radin, Rachel Motz, Michael Suenkel, Cynthia Cahill; (bottom row, l to r) Peter Royston, Alex Marshall, Frank Corso, Megan McClintock, Julia Englehorn expertise and flexibility, right on cue berkeley rep’s stage managers explain what it takes to run a show W W W . V I S I T H A L F M O O N B AY . O R G Discover everything California has to offer – all in one charming seaside village, just 30 minutes from San Francisco Beaches • Giant Redwoods Mountains • Surfing • Hiking Biking • Sport Fishing Whale Watching • Galleries Horseback Riding • Eco-Tourism World-Class Golf • Antiquing Boutiques • Dining Scene Wine Tasting • Tide Pooling Bird Watching • Spas Lovely Inns • Luxury Resorts Affordable Comfy Lodges & Motels 12 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 BY LI N DSEY COAT ES Multi-tasking is a skill that most of us use on a daily basis, but stage managers give the activity a completely new meaning. Each stage manager has his or her own unique style, but all must maintain a thorough knowledge of the rehearsal, production and performance processes so that they can fulfill their duties. Berkeley Rep Production Stage Manager Michael Suenkel describes stage managers as “the go-between for virtually everyone who works on the show—from the artistic director down to the volunteer ushers. Our role allows us to see the “big picture” in a way that I think few others working in a theatre really can. In the rehearsal hall with the actors, we’re the no-nonsense pragmatists; in the production meeting with the technicians, we’re part of the crazy artists.” The responsibilities of a stage manager are countless, but their knowledge and love of theater continue to grow. Michael, who has been with Berkeley Rep for 21 years and served as the production stage manager for 14 seasons, revels in the variety of opportunities that his job provides. “The thing I like most about stage managing in a repertory theatre is the education it affords,” says Michael. “With each new show I immerse myself in a completely different world and learn so much about such a wide variety of topics. I feel like I’ve never left school; like I’m always in a new seminar on something interesting.” Berkeley Rep Stage Manager Cynthia (Cyd) Cahill agrees, adding that clear communication is key to this position, especially when a performance goes awry. During one performance of The Pillowman, an earthquake shook the Thrust Stage and created a stir in the Theatre. Cyd had just taken over the stage management position for the show’s extended run so that Michael could begin rehearsals for Blue Door. “The actor crossed the stage, a light shook and the earthquake happened during a blackout cue. We went to the previous light cue to check the set, the actor joked that this was not part of the show and we went to the next light cue and moved on.” This happened on Cyd’s first night calling the show. “What you get really good at is problem-solving,” she said. “But keep in mind [the show] is a live organism, and it continues to evolve.” Fulfilling all of these roles in the production process may not appeal to most, but Berkeley Rep’s stage management intern, Rachel Motz, revels in having the opportunity to learn more about her craft and to find her own management style. Rachel said, “I really enjoy being in the rehearsal room and seeing a show REALTOR®, mentor and some would say, developer. The way Bonnie Spindler works goes well beyond what you might expect from a REALTOR®. She knows this market inside and out. She studies it, uncovers extraordinary opportunities and shares this knowledge with her clients. Once involved in a transaction, she can mobilize any number of people on your behalf. It’s a remarkably comprehensive approach to real estate. And it’s why 80% of her clients now own multiple properties. REALTOR®. Top Producer. Mentor. And yes, the Victorian Specialist. a detail of the Pillowman script marked up with cues the stage manager calls Bonnie Spindler #1 Company Top Producer 415.474.4445 develop, knowing how it got to be where it is when the rest of the world sees it. Anything can happen in this environment. You think on your toes, deal with challenges and get to know the cast and crew as well.” While stage managers are usually not seen by the audience at a performance, their efforts are visible in so many aspects of the show. “It is said that good stage management is invisible,” says Michael. “If you go see a show and never think about the stage manager—if the curtain goes up on time, if the actors all make their entrances, if the lights go up and down as designed, if the scenery shifts gracefully and quickly—chances are you’re watching a good stage manager at work.” [email protected] www.bonniespindler.com 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 13 BY M A DELEIN E OLDH A M “It is a peculiar sensation, this double-consciousness, this sense of always looking at one’s self through the eyes of others, of measuring one’s soul by the tape of a world that looks on in amused contempt and pity. One ever feels his twoness—an American, a Negro; two warring souls, two thoughts, two unreconciled strivings; two warring ideals in one dark body, whose dogged strength alone keeps it from being torn asunder.” —W.E.B. DuBois voices from the past an interview with the playwright BY SA R A H H A RT Sarah Hart: What was your impulse in writing Blue Door? Did you have a story you wanted to tell? Tanya Barfield: I started with the history. The character of Simon spoke to me first. I was moved by the myriad oral histories that I’d read. I wrote reams of material that never made it into the play. Then I thought, well, in order for this to be a play, Simon must have someone who needs to hear his story. That’s how the character of Lewis was formed—and I find the issues Lewis faces very compelling. How did you start your research? I read a lot of the wpa [Works Progress Administration] interviews. There’s recorded music from the period, the Alan Lomax collection. There are oral histories online. I think I read just about every book on slavery that’s ever been written. Then I became interested in the dilemmas facing blacks during Reconstruction (that in many ways were much more complicated than slavery). I read about chain gangs and early Jim Crow laws. I also read a lot of folktales. You wrote the songs. Do you have a musical background? None. Well, my father was an amateur jazz musician, but I’m not particularly musical. I did a lot of musical research until I felt I could write songs that were authentic to each period. The Yoruba song was tricky, because I don’t speak Yoruba. My dramaturg at Sundance, Chris Sumption, said, “Well, I’ll order you a Yoruba dictionary online and we’ll have it FedExed.” And it came, but it was only Yoruba to English—no English to Yoruba. So I literally read every page of the dictionary to look This interview was first published in the Dec 2006 issue of American Theatre. Reprinted with permission. 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 15 for the words that I wanted. Then when I was at South Coast, the director, Leah Gardiner, had a friend who spoke Yoruba and he was willing to look at it and correct the grammar and stuff like that. Where did you come across the image of the blue door? I wrote the book for a children’s musical about a young boy who escapes from slavery and joins the first black regiment in the Union army. That was my first foray into historical plays. I learned a lot about Gullah beliefs from writing that play, but since it’s a children’s play, you can’t put in everything you’d like to. The Gullah were an isolated culture on the Sea Islands, off the coast of South Carolina and Georgia. There were problems with mosquitoes and other pestilence that the white slave masters didn’t want to expose themselves to. So the isolated slaves were allowed to keep much of their indigenous culture that mainland slaves could not. That culture is still alive today. It’s a link between Africa and America. There’s a belief in Gullah culture that if you paint your door blue, you keep away the evil spirits, which are called haints. I always felt that the haints—which are described like ghosts—were the white slave masters or kkk. Then we started rehearsal. Leigh Silverman, our director at Playwrights Horizons, had visited Israel and had gone to this spiritual city Safed, where kabbalah originated. Many of the doors are painted blue there for a similar reason. When I visited India, in Jodhpur, which they call the blue city, all the doors are painted blue for protective purposes. I’ve heard of another such city in Tunisia. It seems that cultures tend to share certain mythologies. This play is about legacy, and Lewis has no son or daughter. Did you see him as an end point? I saw him as an end point because there’s an immediacy and an urgency for him to have to look back. And if he had a child, there could be the hope that that child would look back. How did you choose the Million Man March as the catalyst for Lewis’s wife leaving him? I was talking to various black men and there were a lot of divergent opinions about the Million Man March. Some were very positive and some weren’t so positive—vast differences in how people felt about it that I didn’t realize at the time. It seemed believable to me that Lewis would feel that way—and also, it seemed like a funny starting point. “Humor and songs have both been major coping mechanisms for oppression. It was important to me that that was represented I never knew that I had a funny bone. My parents have always said, ‘You’re so serious.’ But when I studied with Chris Durang, he would always laugh at what I wrote. I began to bring more comedy into my writing.” Did you give yourself an education in mathematics? I did. That was the most difficult research of all. When I was in high school my mother made me take advanced math and physics, even though I was hopelessly bad at both of them. But I think taking those classes formed a curiosity or an inkling that I didn’t realize at the time. I read a lot about studies of time. And I had different mathematicians look the play over because I really wanted to make sure that what Lewis talks about was accurate, credible. I had Lewis teaching the Philosophy of Mathematics, which I thought I made up, and then I asked one of these mathematicians if there’s really such a thing as philosophy of math and he said, “Absolutely.” 16 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 One of the most striking things about Lewis as a character and about the play is the humor. Humor is so important in the black community. Humor and songs have both been major coping mechanisms for oppression. It was important to me that that was represented. I never knew that I had a funny bone. My parents have always said, “You’re so serious.” But when I studied with Chris Durang [at Juilliard], he would always laugh at what I wrote. I began to bring more comedy into my writing. Did you plan to grow up and be a writer? I started out wanting to be an actor—mostly because I had no idea living playwrights existed. I came from a non-theatrical family and I thought all plays were written by dead people. I was at nyu undergrad for acting, then I did solo performance, which was how I started writing. Leigh Silverman workshopped my first play with me, and she said, “Why don’t you apply to Juilliard?” Who are some of your influences as a playwright? Oh, that’s such a hard question. I think that I am inspired by productions. When thinking about Blue Door, three plays come to mind: Athol Fugard’s Blood Knot, then [Michael Frayn’s] Copenhagen, then the recent production of [Lee Blessing’s] Going to St. Ives at Primary Stages. Though I’d already written Blue Door when I saw St. Ives, I felt encouraged by it. I admire my contemporaries Lynn Nottage and Kia Corthron. I still think about a production of [Maria Irene] Fornes’s Mud directed by Kate Whoriskey when we were at nyu. playwright’s perspective Writing Blue Door was the act of exploring forgotten territory. I began the writing out of frustration over the predominant stereotypes of African Americans in the entertainment industry: endless depictions of ghetto culture. In reality, the majority of African Americans happen to be middle-class—yet this is rarely represented on the stage and screen. A one-sided image of Black People in the Hood is being marketed to America (not to mention people around the globe) as one of the only pictures of blacks in this country. In addition, the long legacy of African-American identity is often suppressed by the predominant feeling that being a descendant of a slave is shameful—yet being a misogynistic rap artist idealizing violence is not. Why? This question swirls around in my head as I look at my own family and personal community and see that we are a bunch of smart people—rarely central characters on the American stage (not to mention TV or the movies). And when we are on TV, it is often as a reactionary puppet regurgitating a conservative political ideology that I personally see as a direct assault on the black community. So, at first, it was frustration that spurred me to write Blue Door. I thought about the myriad issues facing non-ghetto blacks and I eventually honed in on the complicated problem of success and assimilation. At the same time, I felt myself pulled by the histories of our people. I set about researching slave narratives, West African griots (of which many American slaves were cultural descendants) and African-American folktales. I crafted monologues inspired by the long tradition of storytelling in the American black community, dating back to our West African ancestors. Due to the fact that it was illegal to teach a slave to read or write, it was through storytelling and song that our people’s communal identity and history has been preserved. Not that oral history is uniquely African American, of course. The Odyssey, The Iliad and the Scandinavian Sagas are only a few famous examples from other cultures. But today, it seems that the oral histories and magical folktales of African Americans are being forgotten. And this cultural amnesia has not been entirely foisted on us by whites, but by our own shame and internalized racism. It is my hope that many of the themes explored in Blue Door are ones which people of any culture can relate to. After all, we all have ancestors. Every culture has a legacy from which it’s birthed. I think it is part of human nature to be pulled by our ancestors, to feel their watchful spirits, to wish we knew their stories, to both scorn and adore them. In times of crisis (when our own self threatens to fragment), we might wonder if our ancestors could answer the basic question of identity. In this vast and complicated universe: who am I? It is only through memory that the soul of an ancestor is kept alive. If we forget our past, do we in some way forget ourselves? Blue Door is the play that emerged from these questions. It is a very personal exploration, my own theatrical meditation on “blackness,” identity and ancestral heritage. Or, more simply put, the story of a man in the throes of insomnia. This is his night journey. “We all have ancestors. I think it is part of human nature to be pulled by our ancestors, to feel their watchful spirits, to wish we knew their stories, to both scorn and adore them.” Tanya Barfield July 2006 What about audience? Rex asks Lewis about his audience. Lewis’s dilemma—which was really another inspiration for the play—is W.E.B. DuBois’s comment about otherness—always looking at yourself through the eyes of the other. That’s what’s happening to Lewis. He’s always looking at himself through the eyes of white people. There’s the inside joke about most theatres having more white subscribers than black, but that’s just the winkwink. Hopefully if the play were produced a number of years from now, that part of the joke wouldn’t land. The final nudge for his night of reckoning comes from his wife, who is a white woman. The final nudge comes from his wife, but the entry to the journey of this night comes from [his brother] Rex. And the catalyst for his breakdown is both his father and his student Leroy. I guess you could quibble over what triggers it. Lewis has this line, “A constellation of moments.” In the play, all time—and this is where the math comes in—is happening simultaneously. 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 17 the symbolism of the sankofa bird The concept of sankofa is derived from King Adinkera of the Akan people of West Afrika. Sankofa is expressed in the Akan language as “se wo were fin na wosan kofa a yenki.” Sankofa teaches us that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. That is, we should reach back and gather the best of what our past has to teach us, so that we can achieve our full potential as we move forward. Whatever we have lost, forgotten, forgone or been stripped of, can be reclaimed, revived, preserved and perpetuated. Visually and symbolically, sankofa is expressed as a mythic bird that flies forward while looking backward with an egg (symbolizing the future) in its mouth. sankofa (sang-ko-fah) A symbol of wisdom and learning from the past to build for the future (literal meaning: “go back to fetch it”). Sankofa means “go back to the past in order to build for the future,” or that we should not forget the past when moving ahead. We should learn from the past and move forward into the future. Sankofa is a realization of self and spirit. It represents the concepts of self-identity, redefinition and vision. It symbolizes an understanding of one’s destiny and collective identity of the larger cultural group. Sankofa is symbolic of the spiritual mind-set and cultural awakening African people were experiencing in the decades after independence on the African continent. The Sankofa bird is used to represent Sankofa. The symbol is of a bird turning its head backward and its long beak is turned in the direction of its tail. —The Adinkra Dictionary by W. Bruce Willis 18 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 PROGRAM berkeley repertory theatre Tony Taccone, Artistic Director / Susie Medak, Managing Director presents a play with original songs by tanya barfield directed by delroy lindo april 6 – may 20 cast Simon/Rex/Jesse Teagle F. Bougere Lewis David Fonteno Scenic Design Kate Edmunds Costume Design Emilio Sosa Lighting Design Kathy A. Perkins Sound Design & Composition Andre Pluess this production is made possible through the generosity of season producers: Wayne Jordan & Quinn Delaney executive producers: The Strauch Kulhanjian Family producers: The Alafi Family Foundation Mary & Nicholas Graves Sandra & Ross McCandless Pat Rougeau Vocal Coach Lynne Morrow Production Stage Manager Michael Suenkel Casting Janet Foster Amy Potozkin The actors and stage managers in this company are members of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States associate producers: Robin & Rich Edwards Zandra Faye LeDuff student matinee sponsor: season sponsors: “There is a strong belief in the spirit world as an extension to their faith.... Most of their customs were considered paganistic by the planters and were forbidden.... Even today, if one goes to Charleston, Edisto Island or any of the Sea Islands, he can see doors and shutters painted a bright blue to keep out the evil spirits.” —From The Mermaid’s Chair, by Sue Monk Kidd 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 19 PROFILES teagle f. bougere (Simon/Rex/Jesse) is making his debut at Berkley Repertory Theatre. His Broadway credits include the recent revival of A Raisin In The Sun, for which he received an Outer Critics Circle nomination for his portrayal of Joseph Asagai; and Caliban in The Tempest, directed by George C. Wolfe, for which he was honored with a Drama League Award. Teagle’s selected off-Broadway credits include Banquo in Macbeth with Liev Schreiber at the New York Shakespeare Festival and Private Tony Smalls in A Soldier’s Play at Second Stage Theatre. Regionally he played Christopher in Blue/Orange at The Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and was a member of the resident acting company of Arena Stage in Washington DC for five seasons. Teagle’s television credits include NBC’s Law & Order (where he has appeared six times as a guest star), Conviction, Cosby, The Job and Third Watch. His film credits include Night at the Museum, The Imposters, Murder in Black and White, The Pelican Brief and Two Week’s Notice. david fonteno (Lewis) was most recently seen as James in Philip Kan Gotanda’s Yohen at New York’s Pan Asian Repertory Theatre. He was also a company member of the award-winning Public Theater production of Stuff Happens. David’s other productions include Abstract Expressions at Long Wharf Theatre; Amen Corner, Lost Creek Township and The Talented Tenth at Crossroads Theatre Company; Distant Fires and Force Continuum at Atlantic Theater Company; Tom Stoppard’s Hapgood at Lincoln Center; and Wit at George Street Playhouse. His film and television credits include Conviction, Colin Powell in DC 9/11: Time of Crisis, Devil in a Blue Dress, The Interpreter, There are great artists in every field. We invite you to call one of ours! 1495 Shattuck Avenue, CA • 510.486.1495 www.CaliforniaMoves.com RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE KATHIE LONGINOTTI REALTOR® & GRAMMY NOMINEE 510.981.3032 www.AtHomeEastBay.com 20 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Law & Order, Third Watch, The Wire and the network premieres of Kidnapped and The Knights of Prosperity. Known primarily as an actor, David also works as a composer. Recent projects include King Hedley II at Philadelphia Theater Company, Dinner With Friends and various documentaries and presentational videos. David is a life member of The Actors Studio and a member of Actors’ Equity Association. delroy lindo (director) came to prominence with his Broadway performance in Master Harold and the Boys and went on to portray Herald Loomis in Joe Turner’s Come and Gone, earning nominations for the Tony Award and the Drama Desk Award. He has also worked off Broadway and in regional theatres throughout the United States and Canada. He played Walter Lee in A Raisin in the Sun at the Kennedy Center, Yale Repertory Theatre and the Wilshire Theatre in Los Angeles, where he won an NAACP Image Award for his portrayal. Lindo is best known, however, for his extensive screen time in films such as Bright Angel, Broken Arrow, The Cider House Rules, Clockers, The Core, Crooklyn, The Devil’s Advocate, Domino, L’Exil du Roi Behanzin, Feeling Minnesota, Get Shorty, Gone in 60 Seconds, Heist, The Last Castle, A Life Less Ordinary, Malcolm X, Mountains of the Moon, Mr. Jones, The One, Ransom, Romeo Must Die, Sahara and Wondrous Oblivion. He recently starred in the NBC television series Kidnapped, and has also appeared on CourtTV in The Exonerated and on HBO in Lackawanna Blues and First Time Felon. Portraying historical figures, Lindo has been seen as Clarence Thomas in the Peabody Award-winning Strange Justice on Showtime, Arctic explorer Matthew Henson in TNT’s Glory and Honor, Ricardo Thornton in Profoundly Normal on CBS and baseball legend Satchel Paige in HBO’s Soul of the Game. Also for television, he conceived, hosted and produced Delroy Lindo on Spike Lee, Delroy Lindo in Conversation with Charles Burnett and Delroy Lindo and Joan Chen: A Conversation. He resides in Oakland with his family. tanya barfield (Playwright) is the author of 121˚ West, Dent, The Houdini Act and The Quick in addition to Blue Door, which has already played at Playwrights Horizons, South Coast Rep and Seattle Rep. She received the 2003 Helen Merrill Award for Emerging Playwrights, 2005 Honorable Mention for the Kesselring Prize for Drama, a 2006 Lark Play Development/NYSCA grant and has been twice been a finalist for the Princess Grace Award. Recently, Tanya was an invited guest at the Legacy Tribute Dinner to the Civil Rights Generation on Capitol Hill, which was hosted by the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Her new play, Of Equal Measure, will premiere at Center Theatre Group in the 2008 season. Tanya is member of New Dramatists. kate edmunds (Scenic Designer) has designed many productions at Berkeley Rep including Endgame, Heartbreak House, Homebody/Kabul, The Lady From the Sea, Slavs, The Revengers and Twelfth Night, among others. Her designs at A.C.T. include Antigone, The Gamester, Hecuba, The House of Mirth, The Misanthrope, Old Times, The Rose Tattoo and the Tempest. Other local productions include The Persians at Aurora Theatre Company, Triptych at the Magic and The Clean House at TheatreWorks. Regionally, her work has been seen at Alliance Theatre, American Repertory Theatre, Arena Stage in DC, Baltimore’s CenterStage, the Goodman Theatre, Boston’s Huntington Theater Company, Indiana Repertory Theatre, the Mark Taper Forum, Milwaukee Repertory Theatre, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Steppenwolf Theatre Company. Kate was designer-in-residence at the O’Neill Playwrights Conference for three years. Having taught design at UC Berkeley for 13 years, she now teaches at UC Santa Cruz. emilio sosa (Costume Designer) has created costume designs for productions of Adoration of the Old Woman at La Jolla Playhouse, Ain’t Misbehavin’ at Pittsburgh Public Theater, Cuttin’ Up at Arena Stage, Once on this Island at Bay Street Theatre and CenterStage, The Piano Lesson at Madison Repertory Theatre, Pippin at Bay Street and Señor Discretion and Himself at Arena Stage. He designed the Broadway and London productions of Topdog/Underdog, in addition to several regional productions of the work. Emilio’s other New York credits include Caligula with Classical Theater of Harlem; All That I Will Ever Be and The Seven with New York Theatre Workshop; The Story and Radiant Baby for the Public Theater; and Birdie Blue, Crowns (for which he won a 2003 Audelco Award) and Living Out at Second Stage Theatre. His design credits in the dance world include work with Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, Ballet Hispanico, Complexions Contemporary Ballet and New York City Ballet (where he is an artist-in-residence). Emilio is also the image consultant for the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, featuring Wynton Marsalis. In 2006, Emilio was recognized with a TDF/Irene Sharaff Young Master Award. kathy a. perkins (Lighting Designer) has designed productions throughout the United States, as well as in Europe and South Africa. For three seasons she was designer for DanceAfrica at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM). She was resident designer for two years with the Los Angeles Theatre Center and the Los Angeles Contemporary Dance Company. French food for the soul. Walking distance to Berkeley Rep. Full bar, weekend brunch. Private Wine Cellar available for up to 20 guests. Celebrate the season in our Private Dining Room located adjacent to the restaurant. 1849 Shattuck Avenue (corner of Hearst & Shattuck) Berkeley, CA 94709 510-849-2155 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 21 PROFILES Regionally, Kathy has designed for such locales as A Contemporary Theatre (ACT/Seattle), Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Alliance Theatre, Congo Square, Court Theatre, the Goodman, Indiana Rep, Manhattan Theatre Club, the Taper, Missouri Repertory Theatre, New Federal Theatre, the Black Repertory Theatre in St. Louis and Seattle Rep. She has edited four anthologies focusing on women of the African Diaspora. Kathy chairs the lighting design program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She received her B.F.A. from Howard University and M.F.A. from the University of Michigan. andre pluess (Sound Designer & Composition) previously designed sound for Berkeley Rep productions of Honour, Metamorphoses and The Secret in the Wings. Based in Chicago, his design and composition credits include projects as an associate artist for About Face Theatre, a resident artist for Court Theatre, an artistic associate at Lookingglass Theatre and a resident designer at Victory Gardens, as well as work at the Goodman, Steppenwolf and many other Chicago and regional theatres. Andre’s Broadway credits include I Am My Own Wife and Metamorphoses. He has been awarded 11 Joseph Jefferson Awards and Citations, an L.A. Ovation Award, an L.A. Drama Critics Circle Award and a Lucille Lortel nomination for composition and sound design. His recent projects include after the quake for Steppenwolf; The Clean House at the Goodman, Lincoln Center and Yale Repertory Theatre; Lady Windermere’s Fan at the Williamstown Theatre Festival; The Passion Play Trilogy at Arena Stage; Pericles with the Goodman and the Shakespeare Theatre Company in Washington DC; and Silk, also at the Goodman. lynne morrow (Vocal Coach) directs the vocal and opera/music theatre programs at Sonoma State University, and is director of Quantum Opera Theater, an SSU program which seeks to broaden the formal and stylistic links between opera and musical theatre, cultivating new directions for their mutual growth. Lynne is also the music director of the Grammy-nominated Pacific Mozart Ensemble, which made its Carnegie Hall debut in November 2005 as part of Meredith Monk’s 40th Anniversary Celebration. Additionally, she is the music director of the Oakland Symphony Chorus, which is currently preparing a full concert version of George Gershwin’s great operatic work, Porgy and Bess, which it will perform with the Oakland East Bay Symphony this May. Later this year, Lynne will be the assistant conductor for Festival Opera’s production of Carmen, and host pre-concert talks for the Opera’s West Coast premiere of Our Town, a new opera by Ned Rorem. Lynne is also the host of the Stern Grove Music Festival. michael suenkel (Production Stage Manager) is in his 21st season with Berkeley Rep and his 13th as production stage manager. His favorite productions include 36 Views, Endgame, Hydriotaphia and Mad Forest. He has also worked with La Jolla PREMIER SERVICE FOR A PREMIER AUDIENCE Lorri Arazi Erika Celestre Jeffrey Himmel Leslie Avant Leslie Easterday Lori Lombardo Carla Buffington Gini Erck Jack McPhail Kathleen Callahan Jennie A. Flanigan Bob & Carolyn Nelson Serving Berkeley, Albany, Kensington, El Cerrito, Emeryville, Oakland and Piedmont www.pacunion.com • 510.339.6460 22 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Playhouse, the Huntington Theatre Company in Boston, the Pittsburgh Public Theater, New York’s Public Theatre and Yale Rep. For the Magic, he stage-managed Albert Takazauckas’ Breaking the Code and Sam Shepard’s The Late Henry Moss. amy potozkin (Casting Director) is in her 17th season with Berkeley Rep, where she serves as artistic associate and casting director. She has had the pleasure of casting for Aurora Theatre Company, ACT/Seattle, Arizona Theatre Company, B Street Theatre, Bay Area Playwright’s Festival, Dallas Theatre Center, Marin Theatre Company, Traveling Jewish Theatre and San Jose Rep, as well as Charlie Varon’s play Ralph Nader is Missing, The Conversation (Francis Ford Coppola, producer) and Social Impact Productions, Inc. Amy’s film credits include Conceiving Ada, starring Tilda Swinton, and the Josh Kornbluth film Haiku Tunnel. She received her M.F.A. from Brandeis University, where she was also an artist-in-residence. tony taccone (Artistic Director) is in his tenth year as artistic director of Berkeley Rep, where he has staged more than 35 shows, including the world premieres of Continental Divide, The Convict’s Return, Culture Clash in AmeriCCa, The First 100 Years, Geni(us), Ravenshead and Virgin Molly. He commissioned Tony Kushner’s renowned Angels in America, co-directed its world premiere at the Taper and has collaborated with Kushner on six projects. Their latest piece, Brundibar, debuted at Berkeley Rep and then traveled to New Haven and New York City. Tony recently made his Broadway debut with Bridge & Tunnel, which was universally lauded by the critics and earned a Tony Award for its star, Sarah Jones. He also staged the show’s record-breaking off-Broadway run, workshopped it for Broadway at Berkeley Rep and directed Jones’ previous hit, Surface Transit. In 2004, his production of Continental Divide transferred to the Barbican in London after playing the Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Berkeley Rep and England’s Birmingham Rep. His other regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Arizona Rep, La Jolla Playhouse, San Jose Rep, Seattle Rep and San Francisco’s Eureka Theatre, where he served six years as artistic director. susie medak (Managing Director) has served as Berkeley Rep’s managing director since 1990, leading the administration and operations of the Theatre. She is president of the League of Resident Theatres (LORT) and recently completed two terms on the board of Theatre Communications Group (TCG), where she served three years as treasurer. Susie has served extensively with the National Endowment for the Arts’ (NEA) Theatre Program panel, as well as on NEA panels in three other areas: Overview, Prescreening and Creation & Presentation. She has chaired panels for both the Preservation & Heritage and the Education & Access programs, also serving as an onsite reporter for many years. In addition, she led two theatre panels for the Massachusetts Arts Council. Closer to home, Susie is a commissioner of the Downtown Business Improvement District, former vice president of the Downtown Berkeley Association and founding chair of the Berkeley Arts in Education Steering Committee for Berkeley Unified School District and the Berkeley Cultural Trust. A proud member of the Mont Blanc Ladies’ Literary Guild and Trekking Society, Susie lives in Berkeley with her husband and son. les waters (Associate Artistic Director) is in his fourth year as associate artistic director of Berkeley Rep, where he has staged Eurydice, Fêtes de la Nuit, Finn in the Underworld, The Glass Menagerie, The Mystery of Irma Vep, Suddenly Last Summer, To the Lighthouse and Yellowman. He won an Obie Award for Big Love, directing its premiere at the Humana Festival and subsequent runs at Berkeley Rep, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Classic Stage Company, Goodman Theatre and Long Wharf Theater. Elsewhere in America, he has staged work at A.C.T., Connelly Theatre, the Guthrie Theatre, La Jolla Playhouse, Manhattan Theatre Club, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, Steppenwolf and Yale Rep. In his native England, Les has directed for the Bristol Old Vic, Hampstead Theatre TAKE A LOOK INSIDE A RETIREMENT LIVING LANDMARK. St.Paul’s Towers, the East Bay’s only Life Care retirement community, offers comfortable private apartments with spectacular views of San Francisco, Lake Merritt and the East Bay hills. Residents enjoy appetizing meals in a beautiful dining room, weekly housekeeping, scheduled limousine transportation and numerous planned activities in a vibrant and welcoming community. Most important, Life Care provides the assurance of comprehensive lifetime medical care, including hospitalization whenever necessary, at no additional cost. To learn more, or to arrange a visit and tour, contact Karon Sullivan at (510) 891-8543 or [email protected]. 100 Bay Place, Oakland, CA 94610 www.ehf.org/spt EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY A fully accredited, nondenominational, not-for-profit community owned and operated by the Episcopal Homes Foundation License: 011400627 COA #92 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 23 PROFILES Club, Joint Stock Theatre Group, National Theatre, Royal Court Theatre and Traverse Theatre Club. He often works with prominent playwrights like Caryl Churchill and Charles Mee, and champions important new voices, such as Jordan Harrison and Sarah Ruhl. He is also an associate artist of The Civilians. The former head of the M.F.A. directing program at U.C. San Diego, Les’ many honors include a DramaLogue Award, an Edinburgh Fringe First Award, a KPBS Patte and several awards from critics’ circles in the Bay Area, Connecticut and Tokyo wayne jordan & quinn delaney (Season Producers) have enjoyed Berkeley Rep’s performances for a number of years. Wayne is a real estate investor and developer in the Bay Area and serves on Berkeley Rep’s board of trustees. Quinn runs a Bay Area foundation and is involved with a number of progressive institutions, including serving as chair of the ACLU of Northern California. the strauch kulhanjian family (Executive Producers) Roger Strauch is president emeritus of Berkeley Rep’s board of trustees. He is chairman of The Roda Group (www. rodagroup.com), a venture development company based in Berkeley, best known for launching Ask Jeeves. Roger is on the board of directors of GameReady, Sightspeed and Cardstore, all located in the East Bay. Roger is a member of Engineering Dean’s College Advisory Boards of Cornell University and UC Berkeley. He is an executive member of the board of trustees for the Mathemati- cal Sciences Research Institute in Berkeley and co-founded the William Saroyan Chair in Armenian Studies at U.C. Berkeley. His wife, Julie A. Kulhanjian, is an attending physician at Oakland Children’s Hospital. They have three children. the alafi family foundation, margaret alafi, president (Producers) When she was student at the University of Chicago, Margaret (Ginger) Alafi bought tickets for herself and a date to see the Broadway cast in Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire. From then on, she was hooked on the theatre. Ginger and her husband Moshe have been devoted subscribers to Berkeley Rep since 1968, when the Theatre was located on College Avenue. They have circled the globe three times, and always attended local theatre. They subscribe to opening night at the Geffen Playhouse in Santa Monica, the San Francisco Playhouse, the Magic Theatre, and the Aurora Theatre. Ginger sits on the boards of both the Aurora and the Magic. Her present wish is to discover ways for Berkeley Rep to partner with other artistic organizations with which she is involved. mary & nicholas graves (Producers) relocated to San Francisco nine years ago, and are now happily settled in the Bay Area, enjoying many days and evenings a year in Berkeley and at Berkeley Rep. Nick is a past president of the Theatre’s board of trustees and has served on several other non-profit boards in the Bay Area. He is a partner in the San Francisco-based asset management firm, Osterweis Capital Management. Mary was awarded her Doctor of Education by Rutgers University. in 2005 She is a past voting member of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. sandra and ross mccandless (Producers) Sandra McCandless, a long-standing Berkeley Rep board member, chaired the Narsai Toast in 1998, 1999 and 2000, and presently serves as co-chair of the Corporate Council committee and on the trustees and audit committees. Sandra is a partner in the law firm Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal and the head of its California employment practice. Sandra is also the immediate past chair of the 35,000 member tort trial and insurance practice section of the American Bar Association, the largest professional services organization in the world. Ross teaches mathematics to middle school students. The McCandless’ love of theatre dates back to Sandra and Ross’ joint performance at Harvard College in William Saroyan’s Hello Out There. pat rougeau (Producer) has been in executive management of several technology enterprises throughout her career. Even before moving to the East Bay 12 years ago, Pat had enjoyed Berkeley Rep productions when visiting the area. On the board of trustees since 1998, Pat has traveled extensively and has had the opportunity to attend theatre in major capitals. Nowhere has she enjoyed world-class theatre more than at the Berkeley Rep, which she considers “a jewel in our own backyard.” She has two grown sons who also appreciate wonderful theatre. citigroup (Student Matinee Sponsor) Citigroup and the Citigroup Foundation believe that arts education encourages children to express themselves creatively and think critically; it can also instill an appreciation for different cultures and communities. Citigroup supports programs that train teachers to integrate visual and performing arts into their curricula. These programs also increase student access to cultural institutions, helping build a future audience for the arts. Citigroup is proud to support Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s student matinee program, which serves 24 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Bay Area high school students and offers youth a challenging and in-depth arts education program which brings their core curriculum to life through the magic of theatre. The program provides over 4,000 young people with their first opportunity to see live theatre in a professional setting. energy-efficient means of transportation. Since opening in September 1972, BART has safely carried more than 1.5 billion passengers more than 18 billion passenger-miles. BART stations are fully accessible to disabled persons. BART’s current weekday ridership is approximately 320,000. bart wells fargo (Season Sponsor) Voted America’s number one transit system in 2005, the Bay Area Rapid Transit District is a 104-mile, automated rapid transit system serving over three million people. Forty-three BART stations are located in Alameda, Contra Costa, San Francisco and San Mateo Counties. Trains traveling up to 80 mph now connect San Francisco to SFO, as well as other San Mateo County destinations. The East Bay communities that BART serves stretch north to Richmond, east to Pittsburg/Bay Point, west to Dublin/Pleasanton and south to Fremont. BART’s mission is to provide safe, reliable, economical and (Season Sponsor) has been the top corporate giver to Bay Area nonprofits for five consecutive years. On behalf of our 16,000 Bay Area team members, Wells Fargo recognizes Berkeley Repertory Theatre for its leadership in supporting the performing arts and its programs. More than 140 years ago, Wells Fargo stagecoaches brought actors, musicians and other performing artists to the West. As the oldest and largest financial services company headquartered in California, Wells Fargo has top financial professionals providing business banking, investments, brokerage, trust, mortgage, insurance, commercial and consumer finance and much more. For more than 154 years, Wells Fargo has helped generations of families build, manage, preserve and transfer wealth with personalized advice and services. Talk to a Wells Fargo banker today to see how we can help you become more financially successful. additional thanks Ewa Muszynska, Scenic Artist Gabrielle Wolodarski, Scenic Artist Sarah Lowe, Properties Artisan Brian Fugelsang, Load-in Carpenter Latisha Leung, Load-in Carpenter Sam McKnight, Load-in Carpenter Lara Shimasaki, Load-in Carpenter Alex Marshall, Stage Carpenter JoAnna Ben-Yisrael, Electrician Victoria Hendrix, Electrician Aron Jacobson, Electrician Mercel Meyers, Electrician Ray Oppenheimer, Electrician Kathleen Parsons, Electrician Andrea J. Schwartz, Electrician Sarah Szewczyk, Electrician Audrey Wright, Electrician 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 25 STAFF artistic director tony taccone / managing director susie medak / general manager karen racanelli artistic Associate Artistic Director Les Waters Artistic Associate & Casting Director Amy Potozkin Literary Manager/Dramaturg Madeleine Oldham Shop Foreman Ryan O’Steen Carpenters & Welders Bryce Berggren Russell Facente E.T. Hazzard Shop Intern Kristen Gilmore marketing & communications Director of Marketing & Communications Robert Sweibel Director of Public Relations Terence Keane Art Director Cheshire Dave Bret C. Harte Directing Intern Marissa Wolf scenic art Literary/Dramaturgy Intern Kimberly Weisberg Charge Scenic Artist Lisa Lázár Artists under Commission Glen Berger Paul Dresher Rinne Groff Naomi Iizuka Ellen McLaughlin Rita Moreno Itamar Moses Sharon Ott Sarah Ruhl Scenic Art Intern Sheri Earnhart costumes Costume Shop Manager Maggi Yule Draper Kitty Muntzel Marketing Associate Adrienne Mansard Communications Associate Megan Wygant Audience Development Associate Elissa Dunn Web Master Christina Cone Graphics/Communications Intern Alli Nash Marketing/Communications Intern Lindsey Coates production Tailor Kathy Kellner Griffith Production Manager Tom Aberger First Hand Janet Conery Associate Production Manager Madelyn Mackie Wardrobe Supervisor Barbara Blair Production Management Intern Harumi Ikeda Costume Intern Hannah Reich patron services Company Manager Christopher Jenkins electrics House Manager Paul Coddington Company & General Management Intern Miranda Hixson Master Electrician Frederick C. Geffken stage management Production Stage Manager Michael Suenkel Production Electricians Christine Cochrane Zoltan DeWitt Electrics Intern Stephanie Buchner Stage Manager Cynthia Cahill sound Production Assistants Megan McClintock Leslie M. Radin Sound Supervisor Heather Bradley Stage Management Intern Rachel Motz stage operations Stage Supervisor Julia Englehorn prop shop Properties Manager Ashley Dawn Assistant Properties Manager Jillian A. Green Properties Artisan Gretta Grazier scene shop Technical Director Jim Smith Associate Technical Director Amanda Williams O’Steen Sound Engineers James Ballen Robyn Bykofsky Sound Intern Matt O’Hare administrative Controller Suzanne Pettigrew Director of Technology Gustav Davila Executive Assistant Joanna Spencer Bookkeeper Eric Ipsen Human Resources Manager Valerie St. Louis Human Resources Consultant Laurel Leichter Database Manager Diana Amezquita Receptionist Barbra Ritchison 26 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Program Advertising Ellen Felker Patron Services Manager Emily Fleisher Sub House Managers Aleta George Harumi Ikeda Tara Marchant Concessionaires Michelle R. Baron Dina Beigelman Nick Boll Lindsey Coates Christopher Fan Aaron Gleason Miranda Hixson Charlotte McIvor Jessica Modrall Alli Nash Alisha Pyle Hannah Reich box office Ticket Services Director Christine Bond Subscription Manager & Associate Sales Manager Laurie Barnes Box Office Supervisor Andrew Susskind Sales Agents Destiny Askin Dianne Baka Amelia Bird Mary Close Christina Cone Leah Kaplan development Director of Development, Campaign & Corporate Sara Fousekis Director of Development, Annual Fund Lynn Eve Komaromi Institutional Grants Manager Elisabeth Millican Special Events Manager Kirsten Berzon Corporate Associate Lauren Elaine Davidson Individual Gifts Manager Laura Fichtenberg Development Database Coordinator Rachel Dickey Campaign Assistant Margo B. Chilless school of theatre faculty Scene Study (Intermediate/ Advanced level) Jeffrey Bihr Improv Sketch Comedy (Grades 6-8) Jon Burnett Full Body Express Ron Campbell Musical Theatre (Grades 6–9) Rebecca Castelli Teen Performance Lab: As You Like It (Grades 9-12) MaryBeth Cavanaugh Building a Character for Stage and Film (Advanced level) Roni Dengel Development Intern Dina Beigelman Playwriting I: An Introduction to Playwriting Playwriting II: Writers’ Group for Playwrights Gary Graves operations Acting (Intermediate level) Marvin Greene Director of Operations Bruce Veenstra Improv Sketch Comedy (Grades 6-8) Gendell Hernandez Facilities Manager Christopher Dawe Facilities Assistants Freeman Duncan, Jr. Juan Mendoza Eric Smith Johnny Van Chang Emerging Artist Series (Beginning/Intermediate level) Callback Audition Intensive Greg Hubbard Imagine Me and You: A Dance Exploration for Parent and Child (Ages 2–4) Freesia Paclebar Huth berkeley rep school of theatre Physical Theatre: What’s So Funny Joan Mankin Associate General Manager & Director of the School of Theatre Rachel L. Fink Stage Combat (Single rapier) (Ages 16 to adult) Acting (Beginning level) Dave Maier Associate Director MaryBeth Cavanaugh Acting Adventures (Grades 2–4) Performance Workshop: Stories from around the World (Grades 3–5) Teen Performance Lab: As You Like It (Grades 9–12) Elena Mulroney Outreach Coordinator Dave Maier Education Associate Elena Mulroney Administrator Jessica Modrall Education Intern Sylvia Hathaway Teen Council Chairs Genevieve Michel–Co-Director Leslie Ribovich–Co-Director Kacey Berry Mia Divecha Amalia Mesa-Gustin Hallie Sekoff Elena Wagoner Acting Shakespeare (Grades 8–12) Acting Shakespeare (All levels) Andy Murray Emerging Artist Series (Beginning/Intermediate level) Rebecca Stockley Action-Packed Scene Study (Grades 6–8) Michael Storm contributors We acknowledge the following donors whose contributions from January 2006 through January 2007 helped to make possible the Theatre’s artistic and community outreach programs. Supporters noted with ™ made gifts in-kind. Funders whose names are noted with Ñ have used a matching gift to double or triple their initial contribution. season sponsors foundation, corporate and government sponsors leadership council investors gifts of $100,000 or more Doris Duke Charitable Foundation The William Randolph Hearst Foundation The Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund The William & Flora Hewlett Foundation The James Irvine Foundation Koret Foundation Funds The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation The Mosse Foundation for the Arts and Education The Bernard Osher Foundation The Shubert Foundation The Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust gifts of $2,500 or more gifts of $50,000 or more Walter & Elise Haas Fund The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation gifts of $25,000 or more Alexander M. and June L. Maisin Foundation National Endowment for the Arts The San Francisco Foundation Steven Spielberg’s Righteous Persons Foundation Wallis Foundation Woodlawn Foundation lead corporate sponsors gifts of $10,000 or more Anonymous 24 Hour Fitness™ Bank of the West Bar • Ristorante Raphael™ California Arts Council The Citigroup Private Bank David B. Gold Foundation East Bay Community Foundation Eldorado Foundation Genstar Capital, LLC Ann & Gordon Getty Foundation Liaison Bistro™ The Thomas J. Long Foundation McKesson Foundation The Mechanics Bank The Morrison & Foerster Foundation Peet’s Coffee & Tea Pixar Animation Studios Seagate Properties, Inc. Shorenstein Hays—Nederlander Theatres LLC Venus Restaurant™ Zellerbach Family Foundation partners gifts of $5,000 or more Anonymous AutoDesk™ Armanino McKenna LLP Bank of America Bayer HealthCare S.D. Bechtel, Jr. Foundation Berkeley Civic Arts Program and Commission Clif Bar Inc. Deloitte Financial Advisory Services Farella Braun + Martell LLP Foley & Lardner LLP Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. MBV Law LLP McKinsey & Company Oakland Fund for the Arts Panoramic Interests Ramsay Family Foundation Ruegg & Ellsworth The Safeway Foundation Semifreddi’s The Shenandoah Foundation in Honor of Roger Hoag Solstice Press™ Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthel LLP STG Asset Management Inc. UBS Financial Services Inc. van Löben Sels/RembeRock Foundation Caffè Venezia™ Bingham McCutchen, LLC Civic Foundation In Dulci Jublio La Note Restaurant Provencal™ Rich Edwards Imagery™ The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco™ Smith Companies Dental Products sustainers gifts of $1,000 or more AMB Property Corporation Alameda County Arts Commission Bogatin, Corman & Gold™ Berkeley Historical Society™ Darling Flowers™ Joyce & William Brantman Foundation Jazzcaffè™ Kochis Fitz Maxcomm Associates Meet the Composers Creative Connections Victor & Esther Rozen Foundation Scharffen Berger Chocolate Maker™ Sybase Inc. Bernard & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation matching gifts The following companies have matched their employees’ contributions to Berkeley Rep. Please call the Development Department at 510.647.2907 to find out if your company matches gifts. 3 Com · Adobe Systems · AMD · American Continental Insurance Co. · American Express · Argonaut Group · AT&T · Baker & McKenzie · Bank of America Corp. · Charles Schwab Co. · Chase Manhattan Corp. · ChevronTexaco · Citigroup Foundation · Compaq Computer Corp. · DFS Group Limited · First Quadrant, LP · Fremont Group Foundation · Gannett Co. Inc · Gap, Inc · General Re Corporation · GlaxoSmithKline · Google · Gordon & Rees, LLP · Grove Foundation · Guidant · Hewlett Foundation · IBM · Janus · John Wiley & Sons, Inc. · Johnson & Johnson · Kemper Insurance Company · Lucent Technologies · Macy’s/ Federated Department Stores Inc. · May Company · McGraw-Hill Cos. · Mellon Financial Corp. · Merrill Lynch Co. · Microsoft · Monsanto Fund · Morrison & Foerster, LLP · Northern Trust · Packard Foundation · Pitney Bowes · Pohlad Family Charities · Providian Financial · Prudential Insurance Co. of America · Ralston Purina · SBC Communications, Inc. · Sun Microsystems · Transmeta · TRW Foundation · Union Bank of California · West Group · Xerox · YCI (Shaklee) 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 27 CONTRIBUTORS donor circle and associate’s club season producers / $50,000 & up producers / $10,000 – 24,999 Anonymous (2) Wayne Jordan & Quinn Delaney Anonymous Anonymous, on behalf of Karen Grove The Alafi Family Foundation David & Vicki Cox Bill Falik & Diana Cohen Diana Farrell & Scott Pearson Thalia Dorwick Virginia & Timothy Foo Mary & Nicholas Graves Marion E. Greene Roger & Silvija Hoag Ms. Wendy E. Jordan Carole & Ted Krumland Suzanne Lafetra Sarah McArthur & Michael LeValley Sandra & Ross McCandless executive producers / $25,000 – 49,999 Anonymous Rena Bransten Rick Hoskins & Lynne Frame John & Helen Meyer Rita Moreno & Leonard Gordon Eddie & Amy Orton Marjorie Randolph The Strauch Kulhanjian Family Jean & Michael Strunsky Roselyn Chroman Swig Felicia Woytak & Steve Rasmussen associate producers $5,000–9,999 Anonymous (2) Aldar Investments / Avi Nevo Barbara & Gerson Baker, in honor of Jean & Michael Strunsky Neil & Gene Barth Elwyn & Jennifer Berlekamp Becky & Jeff Bleich Bruce Carlton & Richard G. McCall Stephen K. Cassidy Chiles Family Fund Narsai & Venus David Lois M. De Domenico The Board of the East Bay College Fund Robin & Rich Edwards William Espey & Margaret Edwards Delia Fleishhacker EhrlichÑ John & Carol Field Kerry Francis & John Jimerson Marcia & Richard Grand The Howard Grothe & Robert James Philanthropic Fund of Horizons Foundation Scott & Sherry Haber Migsy & Jim HamasakiÑ Kanbar Charitable Trust, Jewish Community Endowment Fund Jean & Jack Knox Wanda Kownacki Anatoli Lapushner™ Zandra Faye LeDuff Neil & Leah MacNeil Rebecca Martinez & Peter Sloss Martin & Janis McNair Stephanie Mendel Michelle Mercer & Bruce Golden Patrick & Holly O’Dea Virginia Patterson Paul Rosenblum & Beth Springer™ Kaye & Randy Rosso Beth & David Sawi Sheila Wishek Saul Zaentz presidents / $2,500–4,999 Anonymous (2) Ken & Joni Avery Drs. Don & Carol Anne Brown Tracy Brown & Greg Holland Kathleen Evans & Bruce Bagnell Roger Fee Steven, Jill, & Kevin Fugaro Gifts of Tamsin Bonnie & Earl Hamlin Bob & Linda Harris Richard N. Hill & Nancy Lundeen Tom & Mary Anne Jorde Robert Kelling Susan Kinloch™ Leonard Merrill Kurz Nancy & George Leitmann Nashormeh Lindo John & Karen Levy Jennifer Lindsay Steven Maginnis Dale & Don Marshall Jan & Howard Oringer Sandi & Dick Pantages David & Marilyn Pratt Ivy & Leigh Robinson David S. H. Rosenthal Ms. Riva Rubnitz Deborah & Leo Ruth Jodi Schiller & Ben Douglas Joyce & Jim Schnobrich James Shachoy & Laura Ryan Kae Skeels Marjorie Ginsburg & Howard Slyter Susan & David Terris Mr. & Mrs. J. Stephen Thornborrow Gail & Arne Wagner Holly & Barry Walter Kimberly Ware™ Julie Weinstein Laura & Ernest Winslow Steven & Linda Wolan directors / $1,500–2,499 Anonymous (10) Shirley & Lew Albright Nina Auerbach Bryan Balazs Helen C. Barber Bell Investment Advisors, Inc. Jane & Bill Bardin Stephen Belford Linden & Carl Berry Thomas & Tecoah Bruce Jennifer Chaiken & Sam Hamilton Melvin & Hella Cheitlin Earl T. Cohen & Heidi M. Shale Robert Council & Ann Parks-Council Edward Cullen & Ann O’Connor John & Stephanie Dains Merle & Michael Fajans Nancy & Jerry Falk Kristina Flanagan Mort & Frannie Fleishhacker Donald Fillman Rebecca Follo & Tom Bentley Herb & Marianne Friedman Ralph & Laurie Garrow Karen Grove Dennis & Susan Johann Gilardi Daniel & Hilary B. Goldstine Mary Hamilton David & Vera Hartford Mr. & Mrs. Harlan Heydon Gail & Bob Hetler Gareth & Ruth Hill Beverly Phillips Kivel John Kouns & Anne Baele Kouns Helen E. Land Randy LaRoche & David Loudon 28 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 Dugan Moore Mary Ann & Lou Peoples Peter Pervere & Georgia Cassel Pat Rougeau Richard A. Rubin & H. Marcia Smolens Patricia Sakai & Richard Shapiro Lisa Sardegna Joan Sarnat & David Hoffman Jack & Betty Schafer Cynthia & William SchaffÑ Dr. & Mrs. Philip D. Schild Stephen & Cindy Snow Michael & Sue Steinberg Jinee Tao & Charles Baxter Martin & Margaret Zankel Jennifer Lindsay Dixon Long Louise Laufersweiler & Warren Sharp Lois & Gary Marcus Sumner & Hermine Marshall Suzanne Mellard & Lon O’Neil Doug & Jill McCoy Andrea & Michael McGill Miles & Mary Ellen McKay Susie Medak & Greg Murphy Toby Mickelson & Donald Brody Roger Miles Mr. David Mish Andy & June Monach Tom & Kathy Pendleton Paul & Suzanne Peterson Bonnie Raitt Len & Barbara Rand Jonathan & Hillary Reinis Bill Reuter & Ruth Major James & Maxine Risley John & Jody Roberts Tom Roberts Boyard & Anne Rowe Prentice & Paul Sack Lisa A. Salomon Jackie & Paul Schaeffer Mr. & Mrs. Robert Schiller Monica Salusky & John K. Sutherland Nat Simons & Laura Baxter-Simons Alison Teal & Sam Brown Tides Foundation, on the recommendation of an anonymous donor advised fund Guy Tiphane John & Pamela Walker Bob & Sheila Weisblatt Katharine & Daniel Whalen Wayne P. Wilson Charles & Nancy Wolfram Evie & Gordon Wozniak playwrights / $1,000–1,499 Anonymous (5) Anonymous in memory of Donna Roberts Maria Adair Roy & Judith Alper Gene & Pat Angell Mr. & Mrs. Jack Argabright Fred & Elizabeth Balderston Barbara M. Balison Edith Barschi Patricia Berger, Charles Drucker & Laura Drucker Patti Bittenbender Linda Brandenburger Broitman Basri Family Lisa Buchanan Marie Calderilla James K. Campbell Susan Chamberlin Ken & Betsy Cheitlin Dennis Cohen & Deborah Robison Florence Cohen Anita & Richard Davis Harry & Susan Dennis Maria & Peter Eberle David & Monika Eisenbud Cynthia Farner Martin & Barbara Fishman James Gala Phyllis & Eugene Gottfried Dick & Lois Halliday Ann & Shawn Fischer Hecht Frances Hellman Eric, Justin & Gavin Hughes & Priscilla Wanerus Harold & Lyn Isbell Eugena Kharitonov & Jeremy Rosenblatt Robert & Joan Kroll Andrew M. Leavitt & Catherine C. Lewis Ellen & Barry Levine Tom Lockard Judith & Kim Maxwell Pamela Mead & Wolf Larson Janet Miller Steven Mills John & Katrina Miottel Bert Mittler Scott Montgomery & Marc Rand Margo Murray Robert S. Newton Richard & Lenore Niles Judith & Richard Oken John & Barbara Osterweis Nick Peay Chris & Karen Pohl Gordon & Grete Ringenberg John & Judy Roberts Mitzi Sales & John Argue Jeane & Roger Samuelsen Liliane & Ed Schneider Linda & Nathan Schultz Barbara & Irving Schwartz Seavey Family Fund Sherry & David Smith Edie Silber & Steve Bomse Annie Stenzel Tim Stevenson & David Lincoln King Pate & Judy Thomson Mr. & Mrs. Gary J. Torre Chris Walker™ Len Weiler Jonathan & Kiyo Weiss Grace Williams & Bernice Strube designers / $750–999 Anonymous (4) Madeleine Babin Sandra Barkdull & Richard Cleveland Bonnie Bogue Ellen Buchen Katherine & George Couch Andrew Daly & Jody Taylor The Margot Fraser Fund of the Marin Community Foundation Nancy Hair & Barry Sacks Robert & Helga Grabske Geoffrey & Marin-Shawn Haynes Albert H. Heller, Jr. Dr. Christina Herdell Jeffrey Himmel Rosalind & Sung-Hou Kim Pearl T. Kimura Presley Lancaster & John Axton John E. Matthews Mr. Brian D. Parsons Wil & Joyce Pinney Chris & Karen Pohl Jim & Ruth Reynolds Wesley Richert Mark Schoenrock Ms. Joelle Steefel Anne Stentzel Gary & Carolyn Torre George & Kathleen Wolf Moe & Becky Wright Margaret L. Wu actors / $500–749 Anonymous (10) · Marcia & George Argyris · Ross E. Armstrong · Ms. Nancy Axelrod · Susan & Bill Bagnell · Peter Ballinger & Leslie Gold · Barbara Jones Bambara & Massey J. Bambara · Valerie Barth & Peter Wiley · Kathy Barry & Bob Burnett · Susan Berger & John Gertz · Stephen Bicknese · Laura Blair & Mitchell Zeemont · Caroline Booth · Rike Burmeister · John E. Caner & George J. Beier · Frederick Cannon & Jean Mitchell · Carolle Carter & Jess Kitchens · Elmore & Elizabeth Chilton · Sue Cook & Mark Solle · Michael & Sheila Cooper · George & Katherine Couch · Constance Crawford · Brian Cromwell · George Dales · Barbara & Tim Daniels · Drs. Michael Darby & Toni Martin · Pat & Steve Davis · Ilana Debare & Sam Schuchat · Adrienne Edens · Sue Elkind · Gini Erck & David Petta · Roger & Jane Emanuel · Don Erickson · Marjorie Farrell · Ms. Betty I. Feinstein · Brigitte & Louis · Rick Fitzgerald & Marin MacGregor · Kirk & Suanne Flatow · Tom & Ann French · Leigh & Nancy Forsberg · Henry & Myrna Fourcade · Ms. Georgina Franco · Mr. & Mrs. Stan Friedman · Dorothy & Chuck Garber · Joseph Garrett · Gregory Giska · Judith & Alex Glass · Deborah Golden · Nat & Marilyn Goldhaber · Gail Gordon · Bonnie & Sy Grossman · Hatti Hamlin · Alan Harper & Carol Baird · Joe Hartzog · Paula Hawthorn & Michael Ubell · Richard L. Hay · Geoffery & MarinShawn Haynes · Elaine Hitchcock · Joe Houska & Judy Gruber · Rebecca Hull · Lynda & Dr. J. Pearce Hurley · Harold & Lyn Isbell · Jacqueline Jackson · Arthur & Kay James · Navdeep Jassal · Mr. & Mrs. Delbert L. Johnson · Ms. Miriam John · Jean K. Jones · Richard & Shirley Jones · Ken Katen · Pat & Chris Kenber · Mary Kimball · Yvonne Klitsner · Anthony Kosky · Angelos Kottas & Phyra McCandless · Nancy J. Lee · Allen Leggett · Bonnie Levinson & Dr. Donald Kay · Tom Lockard · Jane Long · Bertram Lubin · Mary A. Mackey · Charlotte & Adolph Martinelli · Avalon Master · John E. Matthews · Robert McDowell · Karen & John McGuinn · Ruth Medak, In Honor of Vivian and Herman Medak · Suzanne Mellard & Lon O’Neil · Don & Mara Melandry · Caryl & Peter Mezey · Carol Mimura & Jeremy Thorner · Philip Moody · Ron Nakayama · Helmut H. Kapczynski and Colleen Neff · Mr. Terry Neil · Lane & Ed Nemeth · Jim Newman · Claire Noonan & Peter Landsberger · David & Robin Owen · Gerane Wharton Park · Lewis B. Perry, Jr. · Edward Pike · Charles Pollack & Joanna Cooper · Susan Poncelet · Chuck & Kati Quibell · Stanley Rabinowitz · Katherine Randolph · Jens Rasmussen · Ms. Rose M. Ray · Authur Reingold & Gail Bolan · Jim & Ruth Reynolds · Paul & Phyllis Robbins · Tom Roberts · Paul Rosenblum & Beth Springer · Dr. Jirayr Roubinian · Dorothy & George Saxe · Teddy & Bruce Schwab · Randee & Joseph Seiger · Theodore Shank · David Sherertz & Roz Hardy · Anne Shortall · Steve & Susan Shortell · Mr. William M. Siegel · Joel Skidmore · Jerry & Dick Smallwood · Louis & Bonnie Spiesberger · Robert & Naomi Stamper · Lynn M. & A. Justin Sterling · Carl & Joan Strand · Rocky & Gretchen Stone · Georgia P. Swanson · Tricia Swift · Clyde Taylor · Alison Teeman & Michael Yovino-Young · Karen Tiedemann & Geoff Piller · Mr. & Mrs. Robert Van Nest · Dr. Jon Wack · Louise & Larry Walker · Emily & Bob Warden · Buddy & Jody Warner · Gary Wayne & Frances Dinkelspiel · Jonathan & Kiyo Weiss · Dana A. Welch · Gregory Wetzel · Mary Ann Wight · Paul & Nina Winans · Fred Winslow · Moe & Becky Wright · Mrs. Glea G. Wylie · Dr. & Mrs. L.A. Zadeh · Sam & Joyce Zanze We thank all of our donors for their support of Berkeley Rep and appreciate their contributions even if they are not listed here due to program deadlines or space considerations. michael leibert society endowment funds The following individuals have generously provided for Berkeley Rep in their estate plans: Retaining the core values upon which this company was founded nearly 40 years ago requires the long-term commitment of our supporters. The following acknowledges Berkeley Repertory Theatre’s active endowment funds. We are grateful for the generous support that these individuals and institutions have provided in ensuring the long-term vitality of our artistic programming and helping to build the next generation of theatre talent and audiences. As we approach our 40th season, look for more updates on our endowments. Ken & Joni Avery Nancy Axelrod Carol B. Berg Bruce Carlton & Richard G. McCall Diane Cash Stephen K. Cassidy Andrew Daly & Jodi Taylor Carol & John Field Mary & Nicholas Graves Fred Hartwick Hoskins/Frame Family Trust Sumner & Hermine Marshall Rebecca Martinez & Peter Sloss Suzanne & Charles McCulloch Susie Medak & Greg Murphy Amy Pearl Parodi Margaret Phillips Marjorie Randolph Betty & Jack Schafer Stephen & Cindy Snow Dr. Douglas & Anne Stewart Michael & Sue Steinberg Phillip & Melody Trapp Dorothy Walker Karen & Henry Work Named in honor of Founding Director Michael W. Leibert, Society members have designated Berkeley Rep in their estate plans. Planned gifts sustain Berkeley Rep’s Endowment Fund unless the donor specifies otherwise. The Endowment Fund provides financial stability that enables Berkeley Rep to maintain the highest standards of artistic excellence, support new work and serve the community with innovative education and outreach programs. For more information on becoming a member, visit our website at berkeleyrep.org or contact Lynn Eve Komaromi, Director of Development, Annual Fund, at 510.647.2903 or email [email protected]. the mosse foundation artistic development fund bret c. harte young directors fund Created with a grant from the Mosse Foundation for the Arts and Education; benefits artistic risk-taking and new play development. the dale elliott fund Created in honor of Dale Elliott, a past Berkeley Rep actor; benefits artistic initiatives. Created in honor of Bret C. Harte, a passionate young theatre director and Berkeley Rep employee; benefits the artistic administration/directing internship. The following acknowledges donors whose contributions were recieved January–February 2007. Find out more at bretchartefund.org. Elizabeth & Noel Ballecer · Thomas Donahue · Sandra Dunlop · General Equipment Maintenance LLC · Patrick & Nicole Genzale · Edward & Joanne Gold · Dennis & Juanita Harte · Nancy Kurpinsky · Leo Lynch & Donna Sloan · Peggy Magilen · Timothy & Marilyn Masters · John McGinnis & Darlene Gambonini-McGinnis · Yolanda Pazos · Ashwin Kaur Saephan · Joan Webb · Paige Bahloul · Melissa Bressette & Gregory Walker · Ricardo & Patricia Chavez · Larry & Judy Clark · Jeffrey & Francesca Clubs · Willie, Hillary & Ellen Coley · David B. Bruzzone Construction Co. · Sara & John Dehaven · Shelley & C. Peter Dutton · Benjamin & Kristie Forrest · Woody & Polly Gill · Sherri Koyama · Shelley Ruhman & Gary Ledbetter · Candy & P. McCorkell · Natalia Raysberg · Kim & Michael Rega · John & Helen Wedlock To learn more about these funds or make a donation towards these funds, please contact Sara Fousekis, Director of Development, Campaign at (510) 647-2902 or email [email protected]. 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 29 about berkeley rep Berkeley Repertory Theatre, now in its 39th season, is the recipient of the 1997 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre. Founded in 1968 as the East Bay’s first resident professional theatre, Berkeley Rep has established a national reputation for the quality of its productions and the innovation of its programming. Berkeley Rep’s bold choice of material and vivid style of production reflect a commitment to diversity, excitement and quality. The company is especially well known for its fresh adaptations of seldom-seen classics, as well as its presentation of important new dramatic voices. Berkeley Rep has attracted internationally acclaimed theatre artists such as Moisés Kaufman, Tony Kushner, Rita Moreno, Maurice Sendak, Anna Deavere Smith, Tadashi Suzuki, George C. Wolfe and Mary Zimmerman, and has produced numerous world premieres of plays by renowned playwrights. what does it mean to be a not-for-profit theatre? At the most fundamental level, it means that 100% of the dollars Berkeley Rep receives are directed back into supporting the work. It also means that the Theatre is “owned” by the community, governed by a board of trustees and exists to serve that community through its plays, educational programs and outreach initiatives. Roughly 55% of Berkeley Rep’s costs are covered by ticket sales, while the remaining 45% must be raised through contributions from individuals, corporations, foundations and grants from government agencies. Berkeley Rep belongs to you, and needs your involvement. Volunteer. Donate what time you can. Contribute what you can afford. Continue to attend performances. Berkeley Rep is your theatre. Your participation and support are needed to create an outstanding theatre experience for all audiences. board of directors president vice president treasurer secretary vp, 40th anniversary campaign vp, annual fund chair, trustees committee president emeritus Kenneth P. Avery Becky Bleich Stephen K. Cassidy David Cox Thalia Dorwick William T. Espey William Falik John Field Kerry L. Francis Scott R. Haber David Hoffman Wayne Jordan Carole S. Krumland Nashormeh N. R. Lindo Sarah McArthur Rick Hoskins Richard A. Rubin Peter Pervere Marjorie Randolph Felicia Woytak Pat Sakai Dale Rogers Marshall Roger A. Strauch Sandra McCandless Susie Medak Helen Meyer Dugan Moore Patrick O’Dea Laura Onopchenko Mary Ann Peoples Pat Rougeau Jack Schafer Stephen Snow Jean Z. Strunsky Tony Taccone Phillip Trapp Alexis Wong past presidents Helen C. Barber Shih-Tso Chen Narsai M. David Nicholas M. Graves Robert M. Oliver Edwin C. Shiver Harlan M. Richter Jean Knox Robert W. Burt Carole B. Berg A. George Battle Martin Zankel founding director Michael W. Leibert, Producing Director, 1968–1983 affiliations The director and choreographer are members of the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union. The Scenic, Costume, Lighting and Sound Designers in LORT Theatres are represented by United Scenic Artists Local USA-829, IATSE. 30 · the berkeley rep magazine · 2006 – 07 / number 6 latecomers Latecomers will be seated at the discretion of the house manager. fyi visit our website! theatre info Check out Berkeley Rep’s website at berkeleyrep.org. We’ve just redesigned the site to make it even easier to buy tickets and track down the information you need, including performance times, box office information, School of Theatre schedules, program articles and more. emergency exits Please note the nearest exit. In an emergency, walk—do not run—to the nearest exit. accessibility Both theatres offer wheelchair seating and special services for those with vision- or hearing-impairment. Infrared listening devices are available at no charge in both theatre lobbies. Audio descriptions are available in the box office and require an advance reservation of two business days. mailing/e-mail list To request season information or to change your address, send your complete mailing address to Berkeley Repertory Theatre, 2025 Addison Street, Berkeley, CA 94704; call 510.647.2949; email [email protected]; or click berkeleyrep.org/joinourlist. Patrons who use Hotmail, Yahoo and other online mail accounts, please authorize the berkeleyrep.org domain. Berkeley Rep does not sell or rent its mailing list. tickets/box office Box office hours: noon–7pm, Tue–Sun Call 510.647.2949 click berkeleyrep.org anytime Call toll free: 888.4BRTtix Fax: 510.647.2975 Groups (15+) call 510.647.2918 Previews $33 Tue 8pm / Wed 7pm 45 Thu 8pm 47 Thu/Sat matinees,* 2pm 47 Sun matinees, 2pm 49 Sun 7pm 49 Fri 8pm 55 Sat 8pm 61 Opening night 8pm 61 ticket exchange Only subscribers may exchange their tickets for the same production. Exchanges must be made by 7pm the day preceding the scheduled performance. Exchanges are made on a seat-available basis. under 30 discount Half-price advance tickets for anyone under the age of 30 for all shows except Sat 8pm and Sun 2pm. Proof of age required. Some restrictions apply. Limited availability. student group weekday matinee Tickets are just $10 each. Call the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre at 510.647.2972. senior/student rush tickets Half off the ticket price for full-time students and seniors 65+ with proper ID. One ticket per ID, 30 minutes before show time. Subject to availability. Cash only. half-price “HotTix” Limited half-price tickets for weeknight performances go on sale at noon at the Berkeley Rep box office. Cash only. Tue – Fri. Call 510.647.2949 for details. “Like hearing a lecture by your favorite professor while drinking beer in a comfortable lounge chair.”— Village Voice “Engaging and funny, Mike Daisey’s monologues brim with subtle messages.”—Time Out New York FROM THE CREATOR OF 21 DOG YEARS AND THE UGLY AMERICAN MIKE DAISEY ON BRECHT BARNUM HUBBARD TESLA GREAT MEN OF GENIUS created and performed by mike daisey directed by jean-michele gregory educators Call 510.647.2972 for information about $10 student matinee tickets, classroom visits and teaching artist residencies, teacher training workshops, post-show discussions, teacher study guides, backstage tours and more. theatre store Our store, located in the Roda lobby, is open one hour before curtain, during intermission and after the show. *No Thursday matinees for Limited Engagement shows special discount tickets this summer at berkeley rep considerations please keep perfume to a minimum Many patrons are sensitive to the use of perfumes and other scents. beepers / phones / recordings Please make sure your pager, cell phone or watch alarm will not beep. Doctors may check pagers with the house manager and give seat location for messages. Use of recording equipment or taking of photographs in the theatre is strictly prohibited. please do not touch the set or props You are welcome to take a closer look at the set, but please don’t step onto the stage. Some of the props can be fragile, and are placed in exact positions for the actors. no children under seven Many Berkeley Rep productions are unsuitable for children. Please inquire before bringing children to the Theatre. four genuises. four performances—meet one genius or meet them all! june 6–july 1 1 genius $30 2 geniuses $50 super genius pass 3 for $75, 4th for FREE! substantial discounts for berkeley rep subscribers and those under 30 call 510.647.2949 click berkeleyrep.org 2006 – 07 / number 6 · the berkeley rep magazine · 31 ©2006 starwood hotels & resorts worldwide, inc. all rights reserved. elegance redefined St. Regis Hotel, San Francisco. Open. And Unforgettable. ® Award-winning Ame Restaurant. Luxurious Remède Spa. And introducing the stunning new Museum of the African Diaspora. stregis.com / sanfrancisco 125 third street, san francisco, california 94103 tel: 415.284.4000 fax: 415.284.4100 aspen beijing houston london monarch beach, ca new york rome san francisco shanghai washington, d.c. future openings: bora bora 2006 fort lauderdale 2006 bali 2007 mexico city 2007 punta mita 2007 singapore 2007 anguilla 2008 atlanta 2008 deer valley ® 2008 bal harbour 2009