Brian Copeland's Off-Broadway Smash Not a Genuine Black Man
Off-Market Theater (San Francisco, CA)
Rated 3.8 by 66 members who went.
Brian Copeland presents his hit show, Not a Genuine Black Man. The longest running solo show in San Francisco history, logging over 500 performances over five years, Not a Genuine Black Man also had a successful Off-Broadway run. It's a hilarious and poignant autobiographical story about Copeland's childhood in one of the most racist suburbs in America.
Event summary prepared by the Goldstar Editorial Team.
* Additional fees apply.
Currently at Off-Market Theater:
- Full Price:
- $20.00
- Our Price:
- $10.00
This original female-driven variety show, Monday Night ForePlays, is written, directed, produced and starring an all-star cast of ladies. The show includes a titillating collection of comedic sketches touching on performance anxiety, bodily functions, relationships, robots, office politics, writer's block and sex. The show will also feature original dance numbers and a rotating line-up of musical acts, as well as special additions ranging from burlesque acts to comedians. Learn More
45 Member Reviews
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Annie
Member since 2006
10 Reviews
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Brian Copeland was amazing. My eyes welled up on several occasions. Definitely worth going to see at least once. He will be back in September, so hopefully there will be tickets on here, because I will be going again, and this time after I read his autobiography.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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This is a MUST SEE for all! I want to see it again, but this time bring my teenage children. We've come a long, long way as evidenced by Brian's experiences, but it's obvious the road ahead is still a long one. He blends humor, outrage, and sadness into his show. Sometimes it is only because of our painful experiences that we learn. He shares this with us and it is a gift to all.
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Barbara Rockman
Member since 2009
3 Reviews
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This is a moving, touching, deeply affecting piece of theater that traces one man's journey first as a black child and then as a man in a predominantly white world. It is beautifully written and acted by Brian Copeland. Highly recommended.
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VIRGINIA MURPHEY
Member since 2007
5 Reviews
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Don't miss this show. Brian tells his story with humor, sorrow, anger. He's incredible and it's an awesome show. I told him I felt privileged to have attended.
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oneabogado
Member since 2009
9 Reviews
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This is THE best show I've seen in some time. And it's based on a true story. I saw the show that was supposed to be the last show, but it was extended until the end of this month. You definitely must see it.
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squgee27
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Funny, emotional and thought provoking. Was one of the best one man shows I have ever seen.
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SiliconValleyShoeGirl
Member since 2008
26 Reviews
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This was my 2nd time seeing the show - and I still love it! Brian is an amazing storyteller. The voices of him as a boy, as well as his baby sister, are totally spot on. His show eloquently speaks for a period in history that we sometimes forget. If you want to buy his book, bring $25 in cash and he'll sign it for you after (or bring your copy from home).
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MarissaP
Member since 2009
11 Reviews
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An amazing production! Brian Copeland does an amazing job of engaging the audience and making them laugh and want to cry right along with him! A very heartfelt story. I would definately see this production again and reccommend it to friends.
Brian stayed after the production to sign his book so if you have a copy bring it along with you.
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AndreasSF
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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This show was a mix out of everything! Tragic, humorous, just gorgeous!!!
Final review : A defintetly must have seen show !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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robin
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Brian is amazing! I was literally crying one moment then bursting out belly-laughing in the next. The performance is brilliant and I recommend it to everyone adolescent and older-- a valuable story for us all.
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Nina
Member since 2005
4 Reviews
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The performance was excellent, with Brian beautifully playing many characters--it was informative, touching, sad, inspiring, provocative, etc.
I would like Brian to think about something that disturbed me. One theme of his show is how a child may have to cope with some really horrible things at an age of tender vulnerability, and how the fallout lasts throughout the years, culminating in his emotional breakdown decades later. The premise of making a show about this is that the audience will identify with the child and what happened to him.
Yet Brian made cavalier jokes about priests molesting altar boys and even said "Why not me? Wasn't I cute?" Yeah, it was funny is a superficial way, but it horrified me when I thought about it.
It was so insensitive to the pain that those little boys experienced, many of whom have recently come forward to report years of suffering. What does it really mean to say "I wish a priest had forced himself on me too." It was a cheap laugh, but if you want members of the audience to open their hearts to your child-self as represented in the show, perhaps you should open your heart to the children whose life-altering victimization you were joking about. Please do better on this in the future.
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Hector
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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This is an amazing one man show--full of dignity, pain, laughter and redemption of the goodness of human beings. Everyone who lives in a diverse community should see it.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
3 Reviews
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Anna L.
Member since 2005
8 Reviews
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Bravo!! A 2 hour solo performance with 1 intermission. Very captivating. Brought tears to my eyes when I pictured how an 8-year old boy had to endure racism and family violence.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
2 Reviews
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I can only repeat what all the others who have rated this performance 4 stars have said. Brain Copeland gave a not-to-be-missed monumental performance.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
2 Reviews
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Brian is an intelligent and talented actor who presents a variety of poignant and painful issues (racism and abuse stand out) in a way that makes you feel a little of the fear and pain that he felt. His own success and well-timed sense of humor lightens what might otherwise be a very depressing story.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
3 Reviews
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Hats off and bravo to
Brian Copeland for providing us with a wonderful evening of theatre!
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Saeeda Hafiz
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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This is my second time seeing this play 3+ years apart and the first time was much more emotional.
Brian is still excellent. It is a must see.
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Sherry
Member since 2003
9 Reviews
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We thorougly enjoyed the show. It was a journey of laughter and tears which inspired much thought and conversation. A unique way to view race relationshs and experiences in the Bay Area.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
1 Reviews
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The play was a very moving and funny slice of life and Brian Copeland was wonderful in the portrayal of his and his family's life in 70's San Leandro, hopefully stimulating empathy for a "black" experience in the Bay Area.
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Matt Go
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed the performance. During the period that Brian described, I attended high school in Oakland. I lived and grew up in Oakland and worked in San Leandro. His descriptions are accurate and bring back a lot of memories both good and not so good.
My friend and I independently commented that Brian appears to be a lovely human being. Although he may not be a genuine Black man; to us, he came off as a genuine nice guy.
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Denise
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Brian Copeland shared a piece of himself and history. Very well done. We are all still talking about it. His performance and presentation of the material is outstanding.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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At a time when we think racism is past, and in a place (Bay Area) where we think we are the most liberal around, this performance is a reminder how close we are to the ugly truth. It is deeply moving and tragic, but delivered with surprising humor. This is my second time seeing it, but I took my sister because I so liked it the first time, and the second didn't disappoint. We laughed and cried. Remarkable. Don't miss it.
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LLL
Member since 2007
2 Reviews
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Very moving as Brian is truly telling his story. His is a standard for being true to oneself and never letting the huge elephant in the room (racism) prevail. HIghly recommend seeing it, as it is closing at the end of the month and will go on tour. You'll be glad you went!
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Sunrise
Member since 2007
8 Reviews
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Brian Copeland is a likeable guy. The show was written and delivered well. I wish him luck and continued success.
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Mikayla
Member since 2009
4 Reviews
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Brian Copeland is an excellent orator and can weave a story that makes you feel like you were there experiencing it for yourself, firsthand. We had a very good time.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
1 Reviews
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Great show. Small, intimate theater, and excellent presentation. Leads you to deep reflection and thought, and while the content itself is uncomfortable, the message is one of hope and possibility. Everyone who has experienced childhood should see this show.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2007
4 Reviews
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This was a great one-man show and very entertaining. I have recommended it to many friends.
It was more than worth it.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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Brian Copeland puts on a very poignant, well presented portrait of his difficult youth living in San Leandro CA. I had thought the play would be very humorous, but instead, although there are certainly moments of humor, it is serious in nature and easily holds the audience's full attention for the nearly 2 1/2 hour presentation.
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Maria F.
Member since 2007
7 Reviews
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A must see! Humor and sadness, sociology and Bay Area history. Brian's emotional honesty is courageous.
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John Mifsud
Member since 2008
6 Reviews
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What an excellent and poignant performance! Mr. Copeland deserves all of the acclaim he is receiving. He works hard for it every time he performs this historical piece that sadly still holds so much relevence today. I applaud this pioneer and his mother and grandmother for ensuring justice for their family when many either turned a blind eye or perniciously benefited from the subjugation of others. BRAVO!!!!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
1 Reviews
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everything everyone has said here about the show is right.
i came with high expectations, and it was one of the best sunday afternoons i've ever spent. i learned more about the trials and tribulations of race and identity in those few hours than i've ever learned in my college classes.
and i had a blast.
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Elly09
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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After seeing the play now I want to read the book!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Excellent show! Every American should experience this story!!
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lipton mah
Member since 2007
6 Reviews
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I have read several reviews of Copeland's show in the past two years of so, but had never had the chance to see it until now. I don't quite remember any of the reviews mentioning how visceral so many of Copeland's "stories" were in glowing up young and African-American in the Bay Area. He does not just relate anecdotes about growing up, in the way that Bill Cosby did in the Sixties.
Copeland's "stories" are hard-edged, sometimes brutal, several times spine-tingling because he acts out the emotional states of his family and the people around him, as well as of himself as an 8 year old, and as an adult whose past haunts his present.
The Off-Market Theatre is almost a black box, with no backdrops, nothing to detract from us just being captivated by Copeland as he opens up his wounds and terrors to us. The lighting and sound design was integral to the performance, allowing Copeland to transition easily from memory to memory, making the two hour experience as memorable a "drama" as a traditional play.
Allow yourself to experience it and be thankful to Copeland for bringing it to you.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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This venue was very insightful and poignant. I not only laughed, but cried and was very moved. Brian and his siblings could have failed but they triumphed with the help of a loving mother and grandmother and the help of community - it truly takes a village and how wonderful that he celebrates it daily with wife, children and the community he still calls "home."
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
2 Reviews
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Brian Copeland is a very charismatic performer in complete command of his material. He brings to life the segregated (yes, even in the Bay Area) days of the early 70s. Part of the performance is to remind viewers that racial prejudice is a soul-sucking phenomena and has long-lasting effects in life. We know this, but need reminding especially in this post-Obama world. Not for sissies, but not a bummer, either.
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M. Taylor
Member since 2009
1 Reviews
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
5 Reviews
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2006
5 Reviews
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Jennifer H.
Member since 2007
4 Reviews
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Great performance. Perfect for teens and up. Give time to find parking at the Mission theater.
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
2 Reviews
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Outstanding, heart wrenching, funny and highly recommended. What a gifted actor!!!!
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Goldstar Member
Member since 2005
2 Reviews
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engaging, thought-provoking - very worthwhile
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rachstei
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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Excellent performance! Moving and funny.
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Larry the O
Member since 2008
2 Reviews
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An excellent show, with great moments of comedy, moving drama, and even profundity. Copeland's onstage presence is commanding, yet gracious. He clearly expresses his anger at the injustices he's had to live through, but just as clearly has come through it as a well-adjusted human being (as well-adjusted as any of us are).
Seeing it at Off-Market Theatre was a great experience because of the intimacy. We went on a Sunday afternoon, and that turned out well because it was very relaxed and I think Copeland was genuinely grateful to have a full house at that time.
Go see this show while he's still doing it, because he has more great things in his future.
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Top Useful Tips
Tips are provided by Goldstar members and CaroLena Productions. Goldstar is not responsible for their content or accuracy.
Dress
- Casual
- Theater gets a bit chilly
Parking And Transportation
- Best way...take muni, exit powell and walk over (4mins)
- 5th and Mission is close, or the flat fee lots are reasonable too (cash only)
- Anywhere on Mission, or in the garage near by
Food And Drinks
- Drinks available (coke, water etc)
- Healthier drinks would be great.
- Why not serve good coffee at the Theatre itself?
Other
- He will come to the audiuence and signs his book, wich you can also buy ther
- Bring your own copy of the book and he'll sign it after the show
- Take 25$ with you, you can buy his book
More Details About Not a Genuine Black Man
Quotes & Highlights
- “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
- "Engaging... Copeland knows how to spin a dramatic yarn.” --The New York Times
- “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
- Read Goldstar member reviews of Not a Genuine Black Man's recent run at The Marsh.
More Information
“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, Brian explores how surroundings make us who we are.
Brian's memoir based on the show is now available nationwide. It received high critical acclaim from, among others, Publisher's Weekly, People, Ebony and The Boston Globe while reader reviewers on Amazon.com are calling it "The best book I've ever read." It has recently been chosen as the 2009 selection for Silicon Valley Reads, a library sponsored program which encourages all Silicon Valley residents to read one book at the same time and engage in community wide discussions on its relevance.
