Welcome

Welcome to the 2024/25 season!

One of the great privileges of my job is the chance to introduce you to artists with whom I think you can fall in love, who will become part of that pantheon of writers, directors, designers, and performers who help shape the way you think about the possibilities of what theatre can be in this moment, and what it can mean to you personally. And I think you are really going to enjoy getting to know Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson! These two extraordinarily talented storytellers bring a breadth of skills to this seldom-told piece of our shared history — they are wordsmiths, composers, multi-instrumental musicians, singers, and actors. It has been such a pleasure to watch Mexodus develop over the last couple of years from a pandemic-initiated reach through virtual space to a fully embodied theatrical event, in collaboration with director David Mendizábal.

Over the last several years, I have often asked myself the question, “What does this audience, this community, want and need from their theatre-going at the moment? What do they need from us as a company?” And, of course, the more tumultuous the world feels at a given moment, the harder it is to answer that question. We know that immigration is one of the most significant issues facing our country in this election. One of the real pleasures of Mexodus is the way Brian and Nygel not only illuminate an aspect of our history in such a beautifully theatrical way, but also invite us to think deeply in this moment about the forces that have shaped our country, and the possibilities for our shared future if we can come together and see each other clearly.

Warmly,

Johanna Pfaelzer | Artistic Director

As a theatre that produces what’s new, next, and fresh, we welcome you to the electrifying hip-hop, live-looping musical Mexodus and the beginning of your 2024/25 season at Berkeley Rep! We are excited to kick off this season of illuminating stories and joyful discoveries. Later this fall, you’ll enjoy the triumphant return of Mary Zimmerman with her new musical adaptation, The Matchbox Magic Flute, and the direct-from-Broadway Jaja’s African Hair Braiding. Simultaneously, if you find yourself in New York City this fall, for the first time ever, you can see two shows that originated at Berkeley Rep running on Broadway — Swept Away and Cult of Love.

This season is more accessible than ever. With the new Theatre Explorer Series, our School of Theatre is offering age-appropriate educational workshops concurrent with select performances so parents can enjoy some grownup time at the theatre. We have also added additional closed-captioned performances and launched an audio described series that provides live narration of the visual elements of the show.

If you are not yet a subscriber to Berkeley Rep, I encourage you to join us to get the best deals, the best perks, and guarantee yourself a year of stellar storytelling featuring some of the best artists from the Bay, Broadway, and beyond. Subscribing is easy, flexible, and affordable — and the most popular way to experience all that Berkeley Rep has to offer.

This is an exciting time to be a part of Berkeley Rep, and we’re so glad you are here.

Enjoy the show!

Tom Parrish | Managing Director