Panel of Human Rights Experts Visit Berkeley Rep's RUINED, 4/4

Lynn Nottage won the Pulitzer Prize for Ruined, a powerful play about the harrowing lives of women in Africa - and now that show's on stage at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. To facilitate further conversation about this thought-provoking script and the important issues it raises, Berkeley Rep is hosting a free event in the Roda Theatre at 7:00 PM on Monday, April 4. Page to Stage will feature four experts in social justice from nonprofit organizations working to promote women's rights in Africa.

The panelists include Heidi Lehmann from the Women's Empowerment and Protection Unit of International Rescue Committee, Muadi Mukenge from the Global Fund for Women, Rachel Niehuus from the Cal Human Rights Center, and Anneke Van Woudenberg from the Africa Division of Human Rights Watch. Madeleine Oldham, Berkeley Rep's literary manager and dramaturg, will moderate the conversation.

Theatres are usually dark on Mondays, but Berkeley Rep makes those evenings glow with Page to Stage, a series of talks about important plays. Past programs have featured luminaries such as David Edgar, Sarah Jones, Tony Kushner, Michael Mayer, Terrence McNally, Rita Moreno, Salman Rushdie, Lemony Snicket, and Mary Zimmerman. No tickets are necessary for these free events, but seating is limited. Each talk begins at 7:00 PM. The lobby and café open at 6:00 PM, and the theatre opens at 6:30 PM for general-admission seating. Donors to Berkeley Rep get an opportunity to meet the guests of honor at an exclusive reception catered by Etc Catering, Peet's Coffee & Tea, and Raymond Vineyards.

Berkeley Rep proudly presents Ruined, winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. This powerful new play provides a bleak yet beautiful look at the lives of women in a land ruled by whiskey and bayonets. As civil war ravages the Congo, the lucky ones find a home - and a regular meal - in a ramshackle building that serves as both brothel and refuge. Whether merchant, miner, or soldier, the man you meet in the morning may be your enemy by sundown. Yet all of them come through Mama's door for booze and a bit of comfort. Mama Nadi protects her girls with rough compassion, even as she profits from their bodies. This timely script tells an intense and important tale filled with humanity, hope, and unexpected humor. When Mama talks, you'd better listen.

Ruined runs through April 10. For more information about Page to Stage or tickets to the show, call (510) 647-2949 or (888) 4-BRT-tix (toll-free) - or simply click berkeleyrep.org.

 

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