At Berkeley Rep, a cast of accomplished actors star in Ruined, a powerful new play by Lynn Nottage that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Photo courtesy of kevinberne.com
At Berkeley Rep, a cast of accomplished actors star in Ruined, a powerful new play by Lynn Nottage that won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Photo courtesy of kevinberne.com

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.

Ruined is a powerful new play that 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.

BERKELEY REP HOSTS PANEL OF HUMAN RIGHTS EXPERTS FOR RUINED

Panelists discuss women’s rights in Africa as depicted in Pulitzer Prize-winning play

WHO: Representatives of major nonprofits working to promote women’s rights in Africa

WHAT: Page to Stage, a series of conversations about important plays

WHERE: Berkeley Rep’s Roda Theatre / 2015 Addison St @ Shattuck / Downtown Berkeley

WHEN: Monday 4/4 @ 7:00 PM

HOW MUCH: Free

Monica Turner
Contributor to Stark Insider for tech, the arts and All Things West Coast for over 10 years.