Berkeley Rep To Honor Eisa Davis At 2025 Ovation Gala

BERKELEY, CA — Berkeley Repertory Theatre will honor award-winning playwright, actress, and singer-songwriter Eisa Davis at its 2025 Ovation Gala on March 29 at The Ritz-Carlton in San Francisco.

Proceeds from the annual event will support Berkeley Rep’s artistic and education programs. The gala will be co-hosted by Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson, the creators and stars of the West Coast premiere of Mexodus.

“Making world-class theatre, promoting lifelong learning, and building community—particularly in turbulent and economically challenging times like these—takes a village on-stage and off,” said Berkeley Rep Managing Director Tom Parrish. “This year, we are thrilled to honor Eisa Davis, whose journey from working in the Berkeley Rep box office to becoming a Pulitzer Prize finalist highlights the theatre’s role in developing and supporting today’s leading artists.”

The evening will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m., followed by a seated dinner, live entertainment, and a live auction featuring one-of-a-kind experiences. The night will conclude with an awards ceremony and a champagne reception.

Standard tickets are available for $850, with premium tickets at $1,500 and sponsorship opportunities starting at $8,500 for up to 10 guests. More information or purchase tickets online.

Davis, a Berkeley native, is a Pulitzer Prize finalist for her play Bulrusher and is known for Angela’s Mixtape and her work on Broadway’s Passing Strange, which originated at Berkeley Rep.

She has also released two albums of original music and collaborated with Lin-Manuel Miranda on the concept album Warriors.

The Gala Committee, led by Anna Bellomo and Christopher Doane, includes Robin and Rich Edwards, Sandra Eggers, Jill Fugaro, Sudha Pennathur, and Gail Wagner. Hospitality partners include Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant and Felicia Woytak & Steven Rasmussen.

Quijada, an Emmy-nominated playwright and composer, is known for Where Did We Sit on the Bus? and Somewhere Over the Border. Robinson is a Chicago-based singer, actor, and music producer with credits in The Amen Corner and Lady Day.

For more details on the event, visit Berkeley Rep.