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Not a Genuine Black Man

  • 02/07/2019
  • 07:00:00 PM
Not a Genuine Black Man

Brian Copeland's performance of Not a Genuine Black Man

  • FREE, thanks to a generous grant from the LPC Foundation
  • Mertes Center for the Arts (building 4000), main theater
  • Sponsored by the LPC psychology department, psychology club, and the LPC Foundation

The longest running solo show in San Francisco theatrical history comes to LPC for a very special engagement! FREE, thanks to a generous grant from the LPC Foundation.

NOT A GENUINE BLACK MAN

Written and Performed by Brian Copeland

Developed by David Ford and Brian Copeland

Directed by David Ford

“In 1972, the National Committee Against Discrimination in Housing Called San Leandro, California ‘a racist bastion of white supremacy’. It was named one of the most racist suburbs in America. CBS News and Newsweek covered the story. The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights conducted hearings. And then, we moved to town.”

So writes Brian Copeland in his first solo show, Not A Genuine Black Man, revealing a little-known chapter of Bay Area history. In a monologue that's both funny and poignant, Copeland explores how surroundings make us who we are.

The critics rave:

“A beautiful mix of wry humor and heartbreak, indignation and inspiration, a singular story of extreme isolation that speaks to anyone who’s ever felt out of place.” –SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"Copeland's ability to captivate an audience rivals many a celebrated solo predecessor from Ruth Draper to Spalding Gray to Whoopi Goldberg."
-LOS ANGELES TIMES

“This is a jewel of a show!”
-EAST BAY TIMES

“Engaging...Copeland knows how to weave a dramatic yarn.”
-NEW YORK TIMES