About Magic:Oakland

The audience waiting to enter the Laney Theater for Magic's Oakland performance of The Brothers Size.

The idea for the series came about in 2010 when people filled the Laney Theatre to see Magic’s free performance of Tarell Alvin Mc Craney’s The Brothers Size. “We knew we were on to something and wanted to share more,” said Loretta Greco, Magic Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director. “It was such a big hit and an incredibly rich experience for everyone involved that we decided it was something we should continue. We are thrilled to be working in collaboration with Laney College Theater Arts Department and Oakland Community Producer, Awele Makeba, to present this full season of Magic plays. Last year we had some of the most fruitful dialogue from our Oakland audiences and we look forward to more.”

Michael Torres, Chair of the Laney College Theater Department, said, “Bringing the Magic to Oakland is just that – magic. The magical power of storytelling and how it informs an audience can actually aid in the healing of a community. Oakland is not often exposed to quality professional theatre. We believe our partnership with Magic Theatre will do just that.”

Community Producer for the Magic Oakland series is Awele Makeba, an award winning, internationally recognized recording artist, storyteller, educator and community activist. She was instrumental in the success of Magic’s Oakland performance of McCraney’s The Brothers Size. “Our hope is to bring quality professional theatre to Oakland that can transform Laney College Theater into a cultural center for community engagement. This is a good start,” she said.