The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe is only on for 4 more performances- SEE IT! STREAM IT!! Marga Gomez is utterly astonishing in her talent performing this brilliant & iconic (Lily Tomlin) monologue of the 80s/90s (written by her wife Jane Wagner). It's a MUST SEE in the absolutely charming downtown Berkeley arts district theatre! read more

the SEARCH for SIGNS of INTELLIGENT LIFE in the UNIVERSE is fabulous. Marga Gomez does a fantastic job. It is on until August 10th. Don't miss it. read more

During my college days, I used to see shows all the time with a friend. You could call him my theater buddy. When he invited me to a show at the Aurora, I said yes please! He bought tickets about a month prior for Everything Is Illuminated on Friday, December 14th at 8pm. I believe tix were $35 each. The space is small and intimate. Great for the show we watched. I was in Section South, Row C, Seat 101. Even though it was kind of in a corner, I still had a nice view of everything. I've actually been to several shows in the theatre and they have all been wonderful. It seats a modest amount of people which I prefer as I feel less removed from the action. You can really see the actors and their nuances. Amazing theatre company. read more

Aurora Theatre Company - View from Section South, Row C, Seat 101 - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

Excellent venue and often excellent plays. We went again today for "born with teeth". It was amazingly good. the place is small enough that you really enjoy the play almost as living it in person. The staff is super-nice, easy to get by BART and you are in the middle of Berkeley. Abolutely recommended! read more

We saw Born with Teeth Sunday afternoon and were spellbound. The acting was especially dynamic and convincing, most especially Dean Linnard, who plays Christopher Marlowe. His body language was perfect. Great dialogue, intriguing plot and fascinating relationship between the two men. My husband is blind so we only go to the one- or two-person plays where the play is mostly dialogue and he will be able to follow without my filling in what is going on. He was totally caught up in it as well. Thanks to everyone involved. It's a real winner! read more

We just saw Born With Teeth, what an amazing work! The actors were spectacular, two men on stage for about an hour and a half, I couldn't take my eyes off them for the entire show. It was a fascinating look into the period of time when Marlowe and Shakespeare were living, but also a mirror to our modern world, with similarities that were stunning. Go see it, it is wonderful. read more

Once upon a time, Downtown Berkeley's Aurora Theatre prided itself on its intimate space: a small stage flanked by limited seating on three sides, actors passing back and forth so that with front row seats you often had to draw your feet in to let them pass. The chamber orchestra-like setting was its selling point, and distinguished it from other local theaters, like the much larger Berkeley Repertory Theatre down the street. No longer. Aurora is suffering from Covid-trauma, and fretting over its worrisome, possibly germy, claustrophobic confines, at a time when most cultural venues, like theaters and museums, are having major difficulties getting people back inside their doors, and are cutting back budgets or even closing. Too many former attendees discovered the ease of at-home streaming, at less cost and without having to drive or bus. Aurora management's response to this crisis has been counter-intuitive. Long after other local theaters like Shotgun Players (which staged a widely successful 2022 bacchanalian production of "Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812," serving mixed drinks, food and even constructing a temporary stage to place the actors in the midst of the audience) and Berkeley Rep ended mask mandates, not to mention local museums, even Kaiser Hospital (!), Aurora kept their mask policy firmly in place. Even in the upcoming season, two performances a week will be mask mandatory, despite local, state, and federal governments having long since announced the pandemic was over and Covid becoming an endemic problem like the flu, largely manageable with vaccine and self-isolation of the unwell. Perhaps this outlier rigidity--theater not as entertainment and fun but spinach and liver good for you, like it or not--is a nod to Aurora's decidedly senior audience, or an ingrown management unable to shift gears, and digging in its heels. (This rigidity is reflected in the Yelp posting by Rae S. who found the theater doors locked at 8:02, even thought the performance hadn't yet begun.) Other cultural venues have found innovative ways to grow audiences in these trying times, from discounted tickets to perks like refreshments. The New Parkway movie theater, in Oakland's Temescal neighborhood, is thriving with meals, drinks, and friendly staff, while Berkeley is down to one remaining movie theater. And in the town where the Free Speech Movement was birthed, Aurora kept detailed, critical records on long-time (since 2015) season ticket holders and donors, like yours truly, who dared to question their orthodoxy and complain in emails and in person about Aurora's inability to adjust their protocols with the changing reality, and on the basis of the best science. Too bad for Aurora and the actors and support staff who depend upon robust ticket sales, word of mouth, and the goodwill of patrons. Aurora occupied a unique position in local theater: not as edgy or provocative as Shotgun, with its own small theater, or as commercial and hit-driven as Berkeley Rep, but with a record of good, often excellent, always professional, productions, showcasing local talent. Aurora management is loving their small theater with dwindling attendance to death. read more

Utterly shocking that in this current wake of significant increase in violence and discrimination against AAPI community, that such a racist and ignorant play is showcased at such a beloved theatre of Aurora. DO NOT recommend wasting time on coming to see 'colonization is terrible but pho is delicious'. The play's satire is so nauseating rude that I'm not even going to give it the proper capitalizations in its title. The play lacks even the most basic elementary research - It is offensively ignorant to the cuisine and history of Vietnam, Pot o feu is not pho or is remotely close to it. Which unsophisticated fool thought this is such an enlightening show that they must eat a bowl of pho after, should really pick up a comic book to read instead of recommending such a racist play. Disgusting. The writer and producer instead of taking the educational awareness of food culture appropriation, they choose the most insulting and childish stereotyping way. They are so tone deaf to the current outcry. read more

My sister and I had a great experience here! I went to Berkeley for college and never even knew this place existed. It's a small theater located literally right around the corner from the downtown Berkeley Bart station on Shattuck. If you're trying to kill time before doors open, there's an interactive chalkboard that you can write on along the wall. I posted a picture. They have a bucket full of colorful chalk you can use. There are also a bunch of chairs along the wall and scattered around near the box office. The theater room is really cozy. The stage is in the middle and the audience surrounds the stage, so even the seats on the very end haves good view. There are four rows of seating. We were in the back row and it had a great view- we are short, and we could still see everything because each row of seats is tiered. It's a very intimate setting. I like! Breakfast with Mugabe is a one hour and forty minute show without an intermission. The ushers are super nice and remind you to go empty your bladder if you need to before the show (the bathrooms are clean. I'm always concerned about the cleanliness of restrooms). The four actors are amazing! We were totally unfamiliar with the subject matter, so I felt like I learned a lot. It was very thought provoking. read more

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If you like intimate, local theatre, then you will like seeing performances at this Berkeley theatre. You have to be prepared to be just a few feet away from the actors! If it's your first time experiencing this, it's quite engaging, as you are drawn right into the play : ) For those who have attended small stagings at San Francisco local theatre companies, this East Bay theatre is worth a visit. Each season is different from the next. They even host special engagements. If you need discounted tickets, there are opportunities for students, teachers, military, and more to receive reasonably priced seating. Just check on their website. They are located on Addison Street within walking distance of Downtown Berkeley BART and right across the street from a public parking garage. There is also street parking available. read more

This community theater is so cozy and inviting you might think it's an amateur affair but on the contrary it is quite impressive. I've attended two productions here and both have demonstrated emotive depictions of real world experiences. To my liking both plays also had a tone of advocacy which clearly presents and represents a treasured Berkeley vibe. Two things I appreciate most is that the theater is dedicated to sharing their artistic talent and venue with local students, and the uncustomary design of the stage which is surrounded by the audience on three sides (providing a small amphitheater effect). A play well done in such an intimate venue helps the audience be slightly more than a spectator, you're more like the proverbial "Fly on the Wall" being privy to every sensational nuance. This is my favorite space within the Berkeley theatre enclave. read more

I recently saw Splendour at the Aurora Theatre Company. I LOVE this venue, it is so small and intimate, there are definitely no bad seats. The only thing is that you must arrive on time, especially if there will be no intermission for the show. If you come late and there is an intermission you can sit in a viewing room then go to your seat at intermission. If not, you're out of luck. Street parking is nearly impossible, so your best bet is a garage. If you get a chance to see a play here I highly recommend that you do, they have some really different/interesting shows and the venue is great, as well as the staff. Top notch service. read more

Aurora Theatre Company - Right side of the stage from Splendour - Performing Arts Near Me - Berkeley, California

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I am a season ticket holder because I walked up 10 minutes before a show a few years ago and bought a ticket. "$20.00 please". "This ticket is only $20.00". "No but we hate to see seats go unused so you get a discount for showing up tonight." I saw a great play and ordered season tickets the next day. In other words this is a truly small theater company that is engaging the community. And since you are never more than 4 rows from the stage at Aurora Theatre you will have an intimate experience. And what does this theatre company get from it's patrons...we're locked in and ready to see hard hitting performances. read more

If you've ever tried to enjoy live theatre from a balcony seat you may think that you're not a fan. You might be wrong. It's not that you hate on live theatre but rather that you can't engage in a story when you can't even make out the actor's facial features or expressions. To you, I present the Aurora, where every seat in the house is within 8 steps of the stage. Sometimes going to an uber-tiny theatre is a recipe for disaster. The kind of shows normally staged in a space so intimate are often those that can't attract an audience to fill a larger space. The quality of the acting and directing may suffer as well. Not so at the Aurora. Judging from the show I saw (Gidion's Knot) and the write-ups of others, it seems accurate to say that the Aurora stages sharp, first-class, and thought-provoking yet relatable plays. You can't help but get into the drama when the storyline is accessible and the actors are so close at hand. I sat in what some might consider the worst seat in the house but that's a misnomer: there are zero bad seats at the Aurora. And then there's this: The day of the show I gained a surprise weekend houseguest. I phoned the Aurora to check on ticket availability and price and was told that tickets were available, and priced at $50 plus a $6 service charge. I was then told about "Rush". Rush begins thirty minutes before showtime, when unsold tickets are sold at a cost of $20 per ticket. Rush was once available only to students and seniors; it's now open for all takers. I was told that it was likely there'd be available rush tickets as long as we were there 30 minutes ahead of time (we were and there were). $20 is an amazing price for excellent seats at live theatre. Additional info about this great theatre: * Clean, well-run space also includes a snack bar. * Parking at Allston Way Garage is validated by the theatre and will run you $3. * Full-time college students can purchase tickets for $15; high school students for $10. * 20 minute post-show facilitated discussion with audience members who choose to stay is interesting. It's amazing to see how people have watched and heard the same thing yet arrive at such differing conclusions. * The web site lists many nearby (and excellent) restaurants which offer discounts to season ticket holders. Many will offer the same discount to holders of single tickets. Check before you go. read more

I've passed by the Aurora Theatre Company on my way to performances at the Berkeley Rep down the block, but never had the opportunity to take in a performance at the Aurora so that I could check out the venue. I RSVP'd for Yelp Elite tickets to the performance of Wittenberg and was able to score tickets for myself and +1. Thank you East Bay CM, Nique F! After checking-in at will-call in the lobby to pick up our tickets, we headed in to take our seats in the theater. First thing you notice is the theater's size giving it an intimate feel to the place. The stage is surrounded by seating for about 150 people on three sides consisting of four rows in each section. Though we were seated in the back row, we had no complaints as we felt so close to the actors. How close? Close enough to see the occasional spit from the actors as they spoke their lines. Wittenberg was about Prince Hamlet and his senior year at Wittenberg U. and his need to declare a major. He gets contrary advice from his mentors Martin Luther, a professor of theology, and Doctor Faustus, a professor of philosophy, as the two intellectuals go head-to-head in comic combat for the conflicted undergrad's allegiance. The performance was over 2 hours in length with an intermission. The four players in the performance gave a powerful, top-notch performance. With the smallness of the theater, you do feel immersed in the performance. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aurora-theatre-company-berkeley?select=vVciXuQuwQnRkm7c6Fs23g#t9jYT_3kyqNDYbD_0sRvbA) Aurora is conveniently located, as it is located down the block from BART and there are many dining choices in the area. Overall, a great intimate theater that fits the bill for smaller productions. Thanks to Aurora Theatre Company, Yelp, and Nique F. for the opportunity to experience this great theater! (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aurora-theatre-company-berkeley?select=vVciXuQuwQnRkm7c6Fs23g#vVciXuQuwQnRkm7c6Fs23g) (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/aurora-theatre-company-berkeley?select=vVciXuQuwQnRkm7c6Fs23g#Wp-T6IrZUeQ3HaekBIrgDQ) read more

Oh wow, Aurora, I mean really, wow. Thanks to Yelp East Bay's magnificent CM, Nique F., I scored a couple tickets to "A Bright New Boise" at the Aurora. The theater that the girlfriend & I were ushered into for the show was smaller than any other I'd ever been in. & that was the magic of it. We were nearly sitting on the stage, at the level of the stage. It was almost as if we were in the show. Oh, & the show, "A Bright New Boise" was smart, funny & deeply thought-provoking. Between the highly immersive nature of the venue & the intensely engaging execution of the story, watching "A Bright New Boise" at the Aurora was a brilliant & memorable night out at the theater. Thanks Nique F. & Aurora Theatre Company for tickets to such a grand performance. read more

This small and intimate theater-in-the-round is another five star venue in Berkeley. Why they deserve 5 stars: Talented actors No bad seats Interesting mix of plays Have applied for their liquor licenses Often have two-for-one tickets read more

If you're looking for an intimate theatre experience, look no further than the Aurora Theatre Company. There are approximately 120 seats and you're often included in on the action. I've been here twice and I've been pleasantly surprised by the plays here. The Elaborate Entrance of Chad Deity was chock full of humour, satire and social commentary. I was surprised that I enjoyed a play about wrestling. If you're looking for something different and a crowd that really enjoys live theatre, stop in the Aurora Theatre. The BART stop is just a hop, skip away. read more

I loved Aurora's intimate theater setting. It was the perfect venue for breakfast with Mugabe. The play was full of complex emotions and intense story. It felt like I was in the living room with the characters, listening in on their private conversations. The actors were great. They were very believable and drew us into the drama. They also kept us on the edge, unsure of who to trust. What I appreciated most was that they were able to portray Robert Mugabe as a man with his own demons and fears. I walked away with questions and reflections on race relations, the path for justice, and the humans behind powerful figures. read more

I really love seeing plays at smaller venues as they tend to be up close and personal without putting a huge dent in your wallet. I was fortunate enough to get a chance to experience the American Buffalo at the Aurora Theater thanks to Yelp last night and was rushing to get there by 7:30 to pick up the tickets as I wasn't sure if they would start selling any tix not picked up by then. But we ended up being one of the first arrivals at the theater and it looked like they were pretty flexible on letting you pick up after 7:30. They had put out chairs in the lobby area for early arrivals while you're waiting for the theater itself to be open. It is better to get there early rather than late as they do not allow admittance once the play has started. Once you walk in, you know there is no bad seat in the house as there is about 4 rows on 3 sides of the stage so you definitely do get up close and personal that you almost feel like you are part of the play itself. There was a talk after the show with the props director but unfortunately since it was a Wednesday night, we had to head out after the play was over. read more

Oooweee talk about intimate. It is a small theatre and no matter what seat you end up in you'll have a good view of the show! Due to its small size the sound of the music seems to surround you as the acoustics bounce off the walls effectively. And you know what this means - hard for you to miss a word of the play! I came to see "A Soldier's Tale", a puppet-type of play - my first! While the story was interesting, I don't think I am a huge fan of puppeteering... especially when the person controlling the puppet isn't the same voice of the main character, which happened to be the puppet (there is only one in this show). The narrator did an excellent job telling the story but I think I would've liked it more if he was also the same one who was holding and controlling the Soldier. Regardless, many people enjoyed this play and it is worth seeing at the Aurora Theatre. This theatre is located in Downtown Berkeley so street parking may be a challenge but there's a garage within walking distance. Best of all, you don't even have to drive because Bart is right around the corner! read more

A very intimate theater with great actors. I was lucky to land some tickets for Salomania though Yelp! It was my first time in the theater, and I was surprised to see how small it was. The stage is surrounded by the audience on three sides, and you sit so closely you can clearly see the actors' spit. Salomania was a very interesting play about libel and indecency in Britain set in the backdrop of WWI. The play started a bit slow, but I was very impressed with the acting. The transitions between scenes were impressive and quick, with actors having to switch outfits and roles on the fly. The concessions stand offers wine and affordable homemade cookies to snack on during intermission. I recommend both the play and the venue. I will definitely try to return to Aurora Theater. read more

A really fun and awesome place where every seat is the best seat. I was fortunate to attend the "New Boise" play and had a lot of fun. There were a mix of students to older patrons that filled the audience. It is certainly an intimate environment and offers a great way to be more engaged and up close to the actors. I felt like I was almost a part of the play myself! They offer some snacks and drinks that are typical theater prices. (a lot) The workers there are pleasant and there were plenty of seating in the waiting area. If it weren't for the difficult parking situation around the area- I would come here often! read more

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Today's ROTD was of the Aurora Theatre and it reminded me that I hadn't reviewed it, primarily because I haven't attended a performance here since I've been Yelping. It's a marvelous, intimate theatre. We first attended their performances at the Berkeley City Club before they built this theatre on Addison. We saw "Dear Master", an epistolary play about the relationship between Gustave Flaubert and Georges Sand at least once, maybe twice. There were 3 or 4 rows of seats surrounding the performance space. I had seen a lot of theatre, but this was the most intimate experience I had ever had. When I cried I felt as if the actors could see me. When they built this theatre we had season tickets for a few seasons and then we stopped going, probably because we saw a couple of plays we didn't like and stopped subscribing. Our loss, because their play selections and reviews have been good. read more

I was the PR guy for this company for several years, and watched this company grow from tiny and good to not so tiny and great. Under the brilliant tutelage of Barbara Oliver (then) and Tom Ross (now), the Aurora is putting out some of the best theatre to be found anywhere in the Bay Area. Tom has given the company a little more edge and contemporary feel in its play selection. The acting has always been first rate. I'm proud to have been associated with this place, and even prouder to see how beautifully it has grown read more

I totally enjoyed my first visit to Aurora Theatre Company. The production of The Lyons was terrific - great acting, funny and sad, great script. The facility is comfortable and pleasant, the staff is super nice. If you have a choice of seats, it's probably best to go for those that directly face the stage, although in this play the actors did a good job of playing to the side seating as well. I'm sure they try to stage all productions to do so. I'll probably look at getting a season to the Aurora, I think it will be a good complement to our mini-season at Berkeley Rep and the season we have at the Magic Theatre. Yeah for great live theater! read more

We recently saw "Breakfast with Mugabe" thanks to our Elite tickets from Yelp. It was our first time at the Aurora. The theatre is small and intimate. It is a U shape with every seat giving you a close up view of the stage. We sat in the 2nd row and if we sat any closer we'd be on the stage with the actors! I certainly didn't need to use the binoculars I brought with me. The play was superb! The actors really gave it their all. I don't know the complete story of Mugabe's "reign" in Zimbabwe for over 30 years. It has been a cruel and controversial time for his countrymen. Thanks Yelp for providing us with a night to remember. read more

If there is anything at Aurora Theatre that even mildly strikes your fancy, go see it. Acting and performances are consistently good. Ticket prices are quite reasonable (and less than Berkeley Rep.) And there is not a bad seat in this small intimate house! Really - do NOT get hung up on getting "good" seats; they're all great. You feel close to the performance without having to turn away for fear of being splattered by the performers' "annunciation". read more

12/07/11 -- A Soldier's Tale -- Y.E.E. that brought down the house; no puppet strings attached, cross my heart {insert heart photo} How best to describe "A Soldier's Tale", but to post a quick link to their trailer. http://www.auroratheatre.org/?q=the-soldiers-tale#Soldier_VidTrailer This small intimate stage (seats 150) captivated this guy into the fairy tale of theatre and showcase. Every dance stepped, musical beats', and theatrical twist of the performers resonates the heart string of old time Shakespearian theatre. Abstain from the Hollywood box office and treat yourself plus your partner to a night out of disobedience and tomfoolery. The rhythmic rhyme and witty display of the English language makes this play worth the ticket price. 5 red stars!! Public transportation is very accessible just a meager 3 blocks away or $5 parking on Center Street, brings the thespian to the door steps of Aurora. To all the Elites that made it to this event: I sincerely hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did. @ Nique as always; you open mindful doors that were once closed. Many thanks for setting up this special event, the shiny lights of New York City are within our community doorsteps. Clapping until my hands fall off: L. Peter Callender - Narrator/Voice of The Soldier Muriel Maffre - Puppeteer/Daughter of the King Joan Mankin - The Devil in Various Disguises read more

Thanks to Yelp, we had the opportunity to see David Mamet's American Buffalo at the Aurora Theater Company in Berkeley. This theater is an intimate affair, with a small stage floor surrounded on three sides by theater seats. In my opinion, this is the best way to see a play, within spitting distance of the actors. Not that I would spit on an actor. That would be uncouth! There's just so much more emotion and power that can be conveyed when you are within mere feet of the action, rather than sitting in a balcony or sitting forty rows back. I thought the production value and acting corp were all top notch. Mamet's play, set in the mid-70s was well represented by stage props and wardrobe. The actors appeared to nail the Chicago accent, with few deviations. This show ends on July 20, but their 23rd season begins with another play on August 29! Standing ovations for the Aurora Theater Company!! read more

The best thing about Aurora, in my opinion, is that the stage is in the middle of the theatre, so the audience is essentially gathered all around the play. What a great concept! And, the venue is intimate, so every seat in the house offers a great and unique view of the stage and actors. We saw American Buffalo here, and in addition to the wonderful acting, the stage was dressed interestingly and with so much detail. Also, the employees/volunteers were very friendly. read more

The thing I like about Yelp is the ability to discover hidden treasures in the community. Given how much I like small theaters like the Marsh, I am not sure why I didn't know about the Aurora Theatre Company sooner... I enjoyed a standard evening performance of "A Soldier's Tale" with a handful of Yelpers. Sitting in the back corner, I had a really good view of the devil, who like the other characters kept me captivated the entire time. Muriel Maffre's dancing experience shone not only in her solo but in the way that she moved the puppet. And the music throughout was just phenomenal. I loved the absolute simplicity of most of the costuming and set. And of course, the contrasting colorful costuming of the devil. If this is the standard caliber of production, I have noted to remember the upcoming 2012 shows - "Body Awareness" (Fri, 01/27/2012 - Sun, 03/04/2012), "Anatol" (Fri, 04/06/2012 - Sun, 05/13/2012), and "Salomania" (Fri, 06/15/2012 - Sun, 07/22/2012). I felt very privileged to get a free seat to "A Soldier's Tale" but would of happily paid ticket price. read more

Love this place! So grateful to Yelp and the Aurora for giving me the tickets to Gideon's Knot. Loved the play. Loved the theater. There's not a bad seat in the place. It's so small and intimate- can't wait to go back and see something else. Parking is easy- there's a garage across the street (5 dollar flat price for the evening). And Comal is around the corner- eat there! read more

We came here to see the Lyons and we loved the play. The thespians were talented and Nicky Silver's writing is witty and funny. I'm definitely looking forward to many more future plays. As far as theaters are concerned, Aurora has the most intimate setting and every seat is a good one. I loved every moment of it! read more

Nice little venue, very intimate setting. Aurora seems to have a great line up of shows every season. They're a great addition to the Berkeley Theater District. If you can, become a member. There are great perks, and the service is spot on. One small tip, be aware of your seating. If you are on the floor level, you may be more or less a feature of the show. The upside is, you see a very, very close and impressive view of the production, but on the downside, your reactions and motions are very visible to the rest of the audience! I did enjoy my experience at the Aurora, however, and I hope to return soon for their next season of shows. read more

This was my second time to the beautiful Aurora Theatre (or as I like to call it, the theater you never knew was there but is and you should really make a point to go to). There is a snack bar that serves laganitas IPA, red and white wine, and few other goodies. The red wine we had was really tasty. The theater room itself is very cozy (real estate word for smaller and closer) which is great because it is almost like everyone is in the front row. The stage is in the middle and the audience wraps around the stage. I think this is one of the great draws of the place. Breakfast with Mugabe was the show we watched. It is a one hour and forty minute show without an intermission so go to the bathroom! The ushers are very helpful and friendly. This is a four actor show, it has great dialogue and gives you a lot of history between Zimbabwe and the British colony at the time. The one thing that kind of bugged us was the actor that plays the president was spitting on all the words he enunciated, which I am not sure if it was intentional or not but it was very distracting and a little gross. The show was very entertaining, good story arc, and you learned a thing or two..Recommend. read more

I had the good fortune to receive complimentary tickets (thank you Yelp!!) to the production of Salomania. I hadn't been to Aurora before but I love smaller theaters so I'm so glad I now know of it. I LOVED Salomania!! The dialog was AMAZING and I felt like the writer respected the audience to keep up, something not found in many (any??) movies or TV these days. There were several poignant scenes about which I'm still thinking. They worked wonders with a small set and 7 actors - those who switched roles made it all the more interesting. There was a forum after the show and we also really enjoyed staying for that. It made it all the better to be able to hear people's insights and get an inside look at all the work that went into the production. If you're somewhat tall, I wouldn't recommend the seats that face into the aisle where the actors come in and out (like D117). It was a minor inconvenience to not be able to stretch out but I was more nervous about tripping one of the actors on accident - nobody wants to be that person. That said, it is definitely one of those theaters were you can see perfectly from any seat. Thanks Aurora, I look forward to future productions, especially with the great student discounts! read more

I had the opportunity to watch a free showing of "Salomania" in the Aurora Theatre Company and was thoroughly entertained. The theatre was three blocks away from the Berkeley Bart station and surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it a easy place to get a bite to eat before or after. I went with a friend and we were seated 10 minutes before the show. The stage was really small, perhaps only 15 x 15 square feet - making it a very intimate setting. We got front row seats, so I could literally touch the actors if I stuck my arms out! The stage simple, but it allowed you to concentrate on the actors and story more. Now Salomania is a complicated play. Having only seen it yesterday, the material is still setting in my mind. In part, it's a comedy, but overall it's a tragedy. The story revolves around a trial created by two journalists to rouse national fervor in England in 1918. They believe that the Germans have a secret society hidden in England, and to reveal them and their secret black book of names, they posted a libelous story in the paper. The publishing dragged down the famed German dancer, Maud Allen, and treated her as a spy working for the Germans to corrupt British morals. The story jumps between scenes from British soldiers to Maud's memories, and even an imaginary conversation with the great Oscar Wilde. While this play deals with material from 1918, I found the themes very relevant to the issues of today. It addressed how we certain liberties are taken by the press and politicians in the name of "crisis". It looked at how gay and lesbian rights were still pushed back, and that there was a certain fear about them living opening amongst the populace. Lastly, the play looked at how in a time of war, we sterilize the language to brush away the horrors of it, i.e. instead of blood we say "vital fluids" and instead of battle, we say "conflicts" or "engagements". I really liked the play and its many mini stories in between. From the Tarantano-like conversations between the soldiers when they were discussing chocolate bars to the painfully truthful dialogue between the returning soldier and the widow in the bar. The players handled the material very skillfully (switching from American English to British English at times), and switched between characters with ease. My favorite turned out to be the actor who played Maud Allen. Her dancing and defensive smile in court will linger in my mind for a long time to come. TL:DR = Great show with great acting, the play has material that's relevant to today's world. read more

Possibly the best small-mid size theater company in the Bay Area, the Aurora Theater company presents consistently strong work in every show. The best actors of the bay area have mostly all worked here, as have the best directors from here and around the country. It's also great that they kept their City Club format - intimate theater, with the audience participating in the show by virtue of their proximity to the action. read more

Went to my first show, "Salomania," at this small theatre the other night and thoroughly enjoyed the production. I was quite impressed with the quality of acting, the set, and use of sound and lighting. I'll definitely return for future shows. read more