Berkeley Repertory Theatre kicks off the new year with two plays re-examining classic works: the world premiere of Jacob Ming-Trent’s “How Shakespeare Saved My Life” and a poignant, fresh take on Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons.” These productions prove there’s always more to glean from the theatrical canon each time we revisit works with new perspectives, new contexts, stellar casting and masterful direction. 

“How Shakespeare Saved My Life,” directed by Tony Taccone, Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre, 2025 Addison St., Jan. 23-March 1. A revival of Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons,” reimagined by director David Mendizábal, Feb. 20-March 29, Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre. Tickets: Berkeley Rep online or 510-647-2949, Tue.-Sun., noon-7 p.m.

Beginning on Jan. 23, award-winning performer Ming-Trent takes to the stage in his profound semi-autobiographical solo show. Under the direction of Tony Taccone, Berkeley Rep’s former artistic director, Ming-Trent lays bare the tribulations of his youth as a gifted performer who was initially rejected as unfit for the stage. Drawing poetic inspiration in equal measure from the Bard as from hip-hop virtuosos Biggie Smalls and Tupac Shakur, Ming-Trent transforms his music-filled memoir of deliverance into a communal ritual of salvation. 

The acclaimed writer and performer previously appeared on the Berkeley Rep stage in a highly acclaimed 2003 production of “Continental Divide,” also directed by Taccone. 

Ming-Trent jumpstarted his career in the Bay Area as the youngest artist ever admitted to American Conservatory Theater’s MFA acting program. He has since played prominent roles in several off-Broadway Shakespearean revivals, including as Sir John Falstaff in “Merry Wives” and Sir Toby Belch in “Twelfth Night.” He has also appeared in multiple Broadway productions, including “Gypsy,” “Shrek the Musical” and “Hands on a Hard Body.” 

Taccone makes his directorial return to Berkeley Rep after directing the 2023 critically acclaimed world premiere of Ari’el Stachel’s “Out of Character” (now called “Other”), which went on to have a successful run off-Broadway last fall. 

“How Shakespeare Saved My Life,” which runs in the Peet’s Theatre through March 1, marks Berkeley Rep’s 90th world premiere. The show will then move to the East Coast for runs at the Folger Theatre in Washington, D.C. and the Red Bull Theater in New York.

Arthur Miller’s “All My Sons”

Jimmy Smits plays in “All My Sons” at Berkeley Rep, opening Feb. 20. Courtesy of Berkeley Rep

Up next, beginning on Feb. 20, Berkeley Rep presents a fresh revival of Miller’s seminal American play “All My Sons,” a searing indictment of moral compromise. Under the direction of Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal, it is re-examined through the lens of race, ethnicity and class.  Audiences might remember Mendizábal’s inspiring direction from last season’s live-looped hip-hop musical Mexodus, which captivated audiences here and off-Broadway with its electrifying exploration of enslaved people who fled south to Mexico. 

Mendizábal’s new production features Emmy- and Golden Globe-winner Jimmy Smits (“The West Wing,” “Star Wars”) and acclaimed actress Wanda De Jesús (“CSI: Miami”). The real-life romantic partners return to Berkeley Rep to play Joe and Kate Keller, among a cast largely composed of Bay Area actors. “All My Sons” plays in the Roda Theatre through March 29.

Wanda De Jesús plays in “All My Sons” at Berkeley Rep, opening Feb. 20. Courtesy of Berkeley Rep

Regardless of whether you’re a fan of the tried and true or a supporter of the next new success, Berkeley Rep has you covered. As an incubator of new theatrical works, we understand the importance of drawing inspiration from the classics while addressing the present world we live in with new works of bold, innovative theater. Don’t miss your chance to experience these two new extraordinary productions spotlighting fresh perspectives and urgent relevance. 

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