“A beautiful mix of wry humor and heartbreak, indignation and inspiration, a singular story of extreme isolation that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt out of place.”
– SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
“Relentlessly introspective and disarmingly honest, Copeland takes apart the false notion that black masculinity is some monolithic concept, in a way that has continued, unfortunately, to be relevant long after the show’s 2004 premiere.”
– Lily Janiak, SF CHRONICLE
February 8 | The Berkeley Marsh
Saturday at 5pm
Written by Brian Copeland
Directed by David Ford
Sound/Lightboard Operator: Erich Blazeski
Show Description
“In 1972, the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing called San Leandro, CA “a racist bastion of white supremacy. It was considered one of the most racist suburbs in America. CBS News and Newsweek covered the story. The US Commission on Civil Rights conducted hearings.
And then, we moved to town.”
Based on Copeland’s childhood. This funny, honest piece recounts the struggles he faced growing up in San Leandro in the 1970s when it was known as one of the most racist suburbs in the country. Copeland and his family faced harassment and isolation in their efforts to carve out their identities in a racially hostile environment. This critically acclaimed exploration of race and identity is a unique blend of laughter, tears, and social commentary and debuted at the Marsh 10 years ago, going on to become the longest-running solo play in San Francisco theatrical history. Successful runs in Los Angeles and Off-Broadway and a bestselling book adaptation followed. In an evening of laughter, tears, and sociology, Brian Copeland explores how our surroundings make us who we are.
Artist Biography
Brian Copeland has been in show business since he first stepped on the comedy stage at age 18. Soon, he was headlining clubs and concerts across the country and opening for such artists as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Ringo Starr, and Aretha Franklin, in venues from The Universal Amphitheater to Constitution Hall in Washington DC. Copeland then branched off into television, appearing on comedy programs on NBC, A&E and MTV. He spent five years as co-host of San Francisco FOX affiliate KTVU breakfast program Mornings on 2 and two years hosting San Francisco ABC affiliate KGO’s Emmy Award winning afternoon talk show 7Live. In 1995, KGO Radio premiered “The Brian Copeland Show.” With his unique blend of humor and riveting talk, the program remains the most listened to program in its time slot, reaching more than 100,000 listeners.
Press & Media
Photo Gallery | Press Release
Show Info
Tickets: $20 – $35 sliding scale | $55 & $100 Reserved Seating
Berkeley Main Stage
2 hours | 1 Intermission | Ages 14+ | Please do not bring infants to the show
For more information on the sliding scale ticketing policy, late seating and reserved seating please click here.
Buy Tix by phone:
Monday – Friday 1 – 4pm, 415.282.3055
(Additional service fees apply)