Only a Fraction of an Idea: ‘An Octoroon’ at Berkeley Rep
Fine acting and great Berkeley Rep production values can’t save Branden Jabobs-Jenkins’ God-awful script.
Same ‘song’: ‘brownsville song (b-side for tray)’ at Shotgun
A strong director and able cast elevate a clichéd story in this Shotgun show.
The ‘How’ and Why: ‘How to Be a White Man’ World Premiere by Faultline Theater
A Black woman aims for biting social commentary, but winds up giving herself the “All Lives Matter” treatment in this uneven new satire by Luna Malbroux and Faultine Theater.
Delusion of ‘Grandeur’: Han Ong’s world premiere Gil Scott-Heron play at The Magic
Not even amazing set design and two-out-of-three great performers can save an unforgivably terrible script in this Magic Theatre world premiere.
Where the Heart is: ‘Home’ at Lorraine Hansberry Theatre
The San Francisco theatre institution marks its return with this stripped-down revival of Samm-Art Williams’ critically-acclaimed play.
Ever So ‘Sleight’-ly Better
Though it has its flaws, a great deal of imagination makes this the best “real” superhero film since M. Night Shyamalan’s UNBREAKABLE.
Ticket to Ride: ‘Jitney’ at Af-Am Shakes
The stage may be new for Af-Am Shakes, but August Wilson’s script is as timely as ever.
‘Get’ It!
No joke: comedian Jordan Peele made the best American horror film in decades.
Swinging for the ‘Fences’
August Wilson’s Pulitzer-winning classic finally gets the excellent film adaptation it deserves.
Cop. Out.
Want to know why Black people don’t trust police? Ask a Black person… like me.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 