Brian Copeland’s
Not a Genuine Black Man
Returns for One Night Only!
In Person at the Berkeley Mainstage
Written & Performed by Brian Copeland
Directed by David Ford
Online ticket sales close 2 hours before each performance,
and additional tickets may be available for purchase at the door.
September 13, 2024
Friday at 7pm
Ticket Information
Tickets: $25 – $35 General Seating sliding scale | $50 and $100 Reserved Seating
Online ticket sales close 2 hours before each performance,
and additional tickets may be available for purchase at the door.
2 hours | 1 Intermission | Ages 14+
Please do not bring infants to the show
Content Advisories
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Health, Safety and COVID-19 Information
Our commitment to our patrons
About the Show
SPECIAL LIMITED ENGAGEMENT
The Longest Running Solo Show in San Francisco History returns for 4 special performances in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of
Not A Genuine Black Man!
including the 1000th performance on April 20th
“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.”
In an evening of laughter, tears and sociology, Brian Copeland explores how our surroundings make us who we are.
About the Performer
Brian Copeland has been in show business since he first stepped on the comedy stage at the tender age of 18. Soon he was headlining clubs and concerts across the country and opening for such artists as Smokey Robinson, The Temptations, Ringo Starr, and the Queen of soul Aretha Franklin, in venues from The Universal Amphitheater to Constitution Hall in Washington DC. Soon, Copeland 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 talker 7Live.
In 1995, ABC affiliate KGO Radio premiered “The Brian Copeland Show”.
It’s unique mix of talk and entertainment soon made it the most listened to program in its time slot. Copeland branched out into theater in 2004 with his first solo play, NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN. This critically acclaimed exploration of race and identity created an audience pleasing blend of laughter, tears and sociology that led to the show becoming the longest running solo play in San Francisco theatrical history. Successful runs in Los Angeles and Off Broadway and a bestselling book adaptation followed. GENUINE has been performed in over 30 cities across America. The play is currently in development with Rob Reiner’s Castlerock Entertainment for television.
Copeland’s other theatrical work includes THE WAITING PERIOD, a solo play about his lifelong struggle with depression and the Christmas play THE JEWELRY BOX, THE SCION, and THE GREAT AMERICAN SH*T SHOW with Charlie Varon.
He has also appeared in the films THE BUCKET LIST and the Marvel’s VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE.
Brian’s latest work, GRANDMA & ME won the 2023 SF Bay Area Broadway World Award for Solo Performance. His first crime novel, OUTRAGED, about the police shootings of unarmed African Americans, will be released nationwide on April 23.
The book version of GENUINE is available on Amazon and is taught in high schools and colleges across the country.