Berkeley Rep Presents Fran Lebowitz in Conversation

Berkeley Repertory Theatre is proud to announce a special presentation of Fran Lebowitz in Conversation. In three separate events, the cultural icon will hold court for unique off-the-cuff conversations sharing her insights and experiences on literature, politics & money, and nostalgia (Warhol, New York, and arts & culture in the '70s and '80s).

On Friday, February 2 at 8pm, Lebowitz will discuss a wide range of topics surrounding literature with author and playwright Daniel Handler; on Saturday, February 3 at 8pm she'll talk about politics & money with a yet to be named interviewer; and on Sunday, February 4 at 2pm Lebowitz will reminisce about nostalgia (Warhol, New York, and arts & culture) with a yet to be named interviewer.

"Fran Lebowitz's trademark is the sneer; she disapproves of virtually everything except sleep, cigarette smoking, and good furniture. Her essays and topical interviews on subjects ranging from the difficulty of finding an acceptable apartment to the art of freeloading at weekend houses have come to be regarded as classics of literary humor and social observation."

- The Paris Review

Starting Friday, January 5, tickets for each of the events will be on sale for $50 online at berkeleyrep.org or by phone, 510 647-2949. Patrons can also purchase a limited number of $75 tickets that include an exclusive pre-show reception with Lebowitz that takes place one hour before each event.

At a glance:

- FEB 2, 2018 at 8pm - ON LITERATURE: Fran Lebowitz in conversation with Daniel Handler

- FEB 3, 2018 at 8pm - ON POLITICS & MONEY: Fran Lebowitz in conversation with Host (TBD)

- FEB 4, 2018 at 2pm - ON NOSTALGIA: Fran Lebowitz in conversation with Host (TBD).

ABOUT Fran Lebowitz

Fran Lebowitz has worked odd jobs, such as taxi driving, belt peddling, and apartment cleaning ("with a small specialty in Venetian blinds"), before being hired by Andy Warhol as a columnist for Interview. That was followed by a stint at Mademoiselle. Her first book, a collection of essays titled Metropolitan Life, was a bestseller, as was a second collection, Social Studies. By turns ironic, facetious, deadpan, sarcastic, wry, wisecracking, and waggish, Lebowitz's prose is wickedly entertaining. Her two books are collected in the Fran Lebowitz Reader, with a new preface by the author. Lebowitz is also the author of the children's book, Mr. Chas and Lisa Sue Meet the Pandas. Between 2001 to 2007, Lebowitz had a recurring role as Judge Janice Goldberg on the television drama Law & Order. She also had a part in the Martin Scorsese-directed film, The Wolf of Wall Street (2013). A raconteur if ever there was one, Lebowitz has long been a regular on various talk shows including those hosted by Jimmy Fallon, Conan O'Brien, and Bill Maher. In an interview with the Paris Review, Lebowitz said "I'm not a nervous person. I'm not afraid to be on TV. I'm only afraid when I write. When I'm at my desk I feel like most people would feel if they went on TV." She can also be seen in various documentary films including the American Experience series on New York City, as well as Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures (2016), Regarding Susan Sontag (2014), and Superstar: The Life and Times of Andy Warhol (1990), among others. A documentary about Lebowitz, Public Speaking, directed by Martin Scorsese, premiered on HBO in November 2010. Lebowitz was once named one of the year's most stylish women by Vanity Fair. She remains a style icon. Lebowitz lives in New York City, as she does not believe that she would be allowed to live anywhere else. Visit http://www.facebook.com/franlebowitz.

ABOUT BERKELEY REP

Berkeley Repertory Theatre has grown from a storefront stage to an international leader in innovative theatre. Known for its core values of imagination and excellence, as well as its educated and adventurous audience, the nonprofit has provided a welcoming home for emerging and established artists since 1968. In four decades, four million people have enjoyed nearly 400 shows at Berkeley Rep. These shows have gone on to win five Tony Awards, seven Obie Awards, nine Drama Desk Awards, one Grammy Award, and many other honors. In recognition of its place on the national stage, Berkeley Rep received the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre in 1997. Its bustling facilities - which include the 400-seat Peet's Theatre, the 600-seat Roda Theatre, the Berkeley Rep School of Theatre, and a spacious campus in West Berkeley - are helping revitalize a renowned city. Learn more at berkeleyrep.org

Photo via: https://www.facebook.com/franlebowitz