The Marsh Berkeley Will Present PASS THE NAILS AND SHAME THE DEVIL by Pearl Louise
The autobiographical solo show traces a family’s move from Louisiana to Oakland in the 1980s.
The Marsh Berkeley will present PASS THE NAILS AND SHAME THE DEVIL, written and performed by Pearl Louise and directed by David Ford, from March 7 through April 18, 2026. Performances will take place Saturdays at 5:00 p.m., with a press opening scheduled for March 21. There will be no performance on March 28.
The solo work follows Louise’s childhood move from Louisiana to Oakland, where her parents set out to build a duplex in a neighborhood impacted by the crack epidemic. Through the perspective of young Pearl, the play explores how her family sought to create stability and belonging amid economic and social challenges. The story centers on her parents’ determination and the community members who helped transform a construction site into a home.
Stephanie Weisman, Founder and Artistic Director of The Marsh, said the production continues the theater’s tradition of presenting personal narratives that illuminate broader social themes.
Pearl Louise is a Bay Area performance artist whose previous work has been presented at Fresno Fringe, Stage Werx Theatre, and The Marsh. She has also performed with The Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project, with appearances at Berkeley Repertory Theatre.
Director David Ford has developed and directed solo performance for more than three decades and has been closely associated with The Marsh throughout that time.
Tickets range from $25–$35 general admission, with $50 and $100 reserved seating options, plus a $3 convenience fee per ticket.
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