Photo Flash: Preview of Mary Zimmerman's Return to Berkeley Rep With ARABIAN NIGHTS

Next month, Tony Award-winning director Mary Zimmerman returns to Berkeley Repertory Theatre with an alluring adaptation of The Arabian Nights. This is Zimmerman’s sixth trip to Berkeley Rep, and for the first time she works her magic on the intimate Thrust Stage. The Arabian Nights runs from November 13 through January 4 with the official press night on November 19. The executive producers of this play are Betty and Jack Schafer and Jean and Michael Strunsky. The production sponsor is the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund, with co-sponsorship from Wealth Management at The Mechanics Bank. BART and Wells Fargo are the season sponsors for Berkeley Rep’s 41st year of fearless theatre. Starring in the lead roles will be Sofia Jean Gomez and Ryan Arztberger. For a complete list of the cast, crew, and more production details please click HERE.

“The first time I ever saw the Thrust Stage, I turned to [Managing Director] Susie Medak and said, ‘This space is perfect for The Arabian Nights,’” Zimmerman remarks. “It is set up beautifully for the show, with that steep rake that lets the audience see to the floor – which is such an important part of this show – and the intimacy that makes the stage space and the theatre space feel so integrated. So it is very exciting to have that first impulse realized now, and to work on the Thrust for the first time.”

Mary Zimmerman made her career by reanimating ancient myths like Argonautika and Metamorphoses… now she breathes new life into the legend of the 1,001 nights. To save her life, a beautiful bride must spin hypnotic tales of genies, jesters, thieves, and kings – winning her freedom by eventually winning her husband’s heart. He falls under Scheherazade’s spell, and Zimmerman enchants the audience as well with her signature style that transforms simplicity into the sublime. Amidst a thousand tales of honor, revenge, and humor, only love emerges victorious. A co-production with Kansas City Repertory Theatre, The Arabian Nights will travel to Missouri and to Chicago’s Lookingglass Theatre Company in 2009.

Sofia Jean Gomez and Ryan Arztberger

Sofia Jean Gomez and Ryan Arztberger

Sofia Jean Gomez and Ryan Arztberger

Photos by Kevin Berne