Copeland's 'Black Man' examines recent racist past
The solo performance of Not a Genuine Black Man performed by standup comic, commentator, writer, and radio and television host Brian Copeland has been extended a record fourth time and is scheduled to run at The Marsh Theatre (1062 Valencia) through August 28. The catalyst for the biggest solo performance to come out of San Francisco in over a decade? A piece of advice Copeland recalls Rob Reiner once giving him: "Find a piece of ground that you alone stand from." Copeland's ground, what he speaks of better than anyone, is growing up in the 1970s as a black man in the suburbs of San Leandro (at the time one of the most racist suburbs in America) and going on to achieve public acclaim. In a small and intimate theater, which seats about 120, Copeland tells the tale of escaping an abusive father, encountering racism, and after achieving success being told that he was "not a genuine black man" by one of his radio listeners. With the wit and impeccable timing of a seasoned stand-up comic, Copeland is able to examine cultural designation and how surroundings make us who we are during an engaging and funny two-hour monologue that includes his portrayal of several family members, himself as a child, and other influential characters in his life. The show deals with adult themes and uses some obscenity so The Marsh Theatre kindly requests that patrons be over the age of 15. For tickets, call 826-5750.
