Welcome

We are, collectively, in the presence of truly extraordinary artists.

Sometimes, when an artist makes a splash, as Billy Crudup, Leigh Silverman, and David Cale each did when they first arrived on the scene, we think first of talent. Of a gift. Something that is intrinsic, granted by some external force of genetics or good fortune. And, of course, there is some truth to that there are people whose inherent presence, wit, physical beauty, or melodious singing voice makes an immediate impact. But I think we do a disservice to artists of all kinds not to speak more about craft the ability through rigorous practice, education, or acquisition of specific skills to hone one’s abilities, to develop an approach, a set of techniques in the creation and exploration of art. Billy, Leigh, and David have throughout their careers, together and separately, on stages small and large, been unrelenting in their pursuit of betterment.

Theatre itself is the wedding of impulse and labor. As you watch Harry Clarke, consider the fact that the elements that seem effortless, whether it be performance, costume, sound, or text, are each the result of an initial moment of inspiration and imagination, realized through intense collaboration, experimentation, iteration. Harry Clarke is a great reminder that something thrillingly theatrical need not be dependent on pyrotechnics, but can be built solely out of meticulously constructed words, stagecraft, and performance. It only truly comes alive in your presence. Lean in. Enjoy!

Warmly,
Johanna Pfaelzer
Artistic Director

Welcome to your Berkeley Rep and David Cale’s wickedly funny thriller, Harry Clarke. As you experience Billy Crudup’s tour-de-force performance, we are also excited for a newly added special event in January, direct from Broadway, Alex Edelman's Just for Us. Expertly crafted by one of comedy’s most distinctive voices, this singular theatrical experience is an exploration of identity and our collective capacity for empathy.

Your support makes Berkeley Rep a home for the leading artists of our time, who craft ambitious theatre in our intimate venues to provoke civic engagement and inspire us to experience the world in new and surprising ways. As the year draws to a close, I hope you will join in sustaining our nonprofit mission, productions, education programs, and community engagement initiatives that improve the lives of so many. Your tax-deductible gift, no matter the size, makes a huge difference. Donation reply envelopes are available throughout the theatre. You may also contribute online at BerkeleyRep.org. Thank you in advance for helping to spread the joy of live theatre.

Theatre also makes a great gift, providing an opportunity to share precious time with friends or loved ones. With four fabulous mainstage productions still ahead this season — including the highly anticipated Broadway-bound musical, Galileo — we offer several great gift options from gift certificates to specially priced ticket packages.

From all of us at Berkeley Rep, may you and yours have a very happy and healthy holiday season and New Year.

With deep appreciation,
Tom Parrish
Managing Director