Like ‘Watch’-ing Paint Dry: ‘Watch on the Rhine’ at Berkeley Rep
The abundant flaws of Hellman’s script are made all the more apparent in Berkeley Rep’s production.
Wandering All Over: ‘black odyssey’ at Cal Shakes
Marcus Gardley’s play is so close to perfection that it’s enough to drive you crazy that it doesn’t quite get there.
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.
‘Big’ Love in a Small Movie: ‘The Big Sick’
Though hindered by the conventions of its genre, this based-on-a-true-story rom-com has more than enough to make it worth the watch.
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.
Saying what ‘You Mean’: ‘You Mean to Do Me Harm’ world premiere (Sandbox) by SF Playhouse
Racism, sexism, classism, and privilege are given the mature examination they deserve in this SF Playhouse world premiere.
Playground Double-Feature: ‘Hedge’ and ‘Kano + Abe’
I spotlight two shows in Playground’s “Best Of” festival, both of which focus on Bay Area neighborhoods.
One is a hypocritical gentrification drama, the other is a creative (if flawed) crime story.
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.
No Satisfying Answers: ‘The Events’ at Shotgun
Racist direction combines with a confused (and hypocritical) script in pretty-looking production by Shotgun.
Mad ‘House’ at Custom Made
The dark social satire hasn’t lost any of its edge in Custom Made’s take on Wendy MacLeod’s one-act.
The Thinking Man's Idiot (Charles Lewis III) 