Berkeley Rep Announces 'Page to Stage' Conversations Line-Up

Every year, Bay Area audiences see guests engaged in conversation at Berkeley Repertory Theatre - and the tradition continues in 2008 with Page to Stage. Today, the Tony Award-winning theatre announced the speakers for this year's free events:

On Monday, January 28, Artistic Director Tony Taccone turns the tables on renowned journalist Michael Krasny, PhD... Instead of asking questions, Dr. Krasny answers them in a candid dialogue about his new book, Off Mike: A Memoir of Talk Radio and Literary Life. Dr. Krasny is the award-winning host of Forum, KQED's popular public affairs program.

On Monday, February 4, hip-hop theatre artist Aya de Léon interviews Obie Award-winner Danny Hoch about his pivotal role in the hip-hop theatre movement and the world premiere of his latest piece, Taking Over. A stunning solo show about the ethnic and economic transformation of his urban neighborhood, Taking Over plays at Berkeley Rep from January 11 through February 10.

On Friday, March 7, respected theatre reporter Chad Jones quizzes prominent playwright Will Eno about his work, including two off-Broadway hits that earned rave reviews in the New York Times: Oh the Humanity! and Thom Pain (based on nothing), which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize. Berkeley Rep presents the American premiere of Eno's latest play, TRAGEDY: a tragedy, from March 14 to April 13.

On Monday, May 19, David Gockley of the San Francisco Opera moderates a conversation with the leading lights of Theatre de la Jeune Lune. Steven Epp and Dominique Serrand discuss the West Coast premiere of Figaro - which plays at Berkeley Rep from April 25 through June 8 - as well as past triumphs such as The Miser.

Every year, hundreds of people enjoy Page to Stage, a series of discussions sponsored by Peet's Coffee and Tea. Past programs have featured luminaries such as David Edgar, Francesca Faridnay, Leigh Fondakowski, Sarah Jones, Tony Kushner, Delroy Lindo, Donald Margulies, Terrence McNally, Charles Mee, Rita Moreno, Salman Rushdie, Adele Edling Shank, Stephen Wadsworth, and Les Waters. At every event, donors in Berkeley Rep's Supporter Circle get an opportunity to meet the guest at an exclusive reception catered by a top local restaurant.

No tickets are necessary for these free events, but seating is limited. Each talk begins at 7:00 PM, and doors open at 6:45 PM for general-admission seating. Berkeley Rep is located on Addison Street, just off Shattuck Avenue in downtown Berkeley. For more information, call 510.647.2949 or 888-4-BRT-tix (toll-free) - or just click www.berkeleyrep.org.