From the Artistic Director

A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO, I dragged my son Jasper with me on a weekend afternoon to see a show in a basement downtown, in New York City. These things happen to you when your parents work in theatre. It’s hardly the worst thing, but it can be a bore if you’re 7 years old and would rather be on a soccer field. But that afternoon, Jasper and I were equally captivated by this ridiculously talented ensemble of young men, and a story told with music and puppets full of rough magic, ease and charm, humor, and vast imagination. It was The Old Man and The Old Moon, and my first introduction to PigPen Theatre Co.

So I was thrilled to learn last year that PigPen was working with Universal and the director Marc Bruni, bringing their unique perspective and rangy set of skills to the creation of a theatrical version of The Tale of Despereaux. The combination of this delightful piece of literature with the inherent cool of an indie band—sounds like Berkeley to me!

In addition to the delight of having a piece of theatre that we can share with our families over the holidays, in these times I especially love the fact that Despereaux tells the story of an individual who discovers their strength. Of someone (somemouse?) who comes to understand that the very qualities that separate them from the norm are the traits that will ultimately allow them to realize their own heroism, and help to save their community.

These days I often feel that I, like Despereaux, long to be a knight, setting out to slay a dragon—there are so many that could benefit from some slaying at the moment! I think that’s above my paygrade, but together with the fantastic writer/performers of PigPen, their wonderful castmates, the brilliant Marc Bruni, the amazing design team, and the extraordinary staff here at Berkeley Rep, we can help to create a world in which people are brought together as a community, in the presence of a story that will inspire them to marshal their resources, embrace the things that make them different, and make their kingdoms safe.

Happy holidays from all of us at Berkeley Rep. And a wish that, even as the days grow shorter, we may help each other to find the light.

Warmly,

Johanna Pfaelzer