Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced that Tony Taccone will step down as artistic director at the conclusion of the company’s 50th anniversary season (2018–19). His departure will follow 33 years at the theatre and 22 years at its helm.
“It’s been over thirty years, thirty amazing years,” commented Taccone in a press statement. “I’ve never been more excited about Berkeley Rep and the work that we’re doing than I am right now. But I also want to leave the job while I’m still ambulatory and give someone else the opportunity to provide artistic leadership. Announcing my departure this far in advance allows for a smooth transition that will take the theatre boldly into the future.”
“Tony has, without question, secured Berkeley Rep’s reputation as a global leader in theatre,” added Berkeley Rep Board president Stewart Owen. “While this will be an emotional farewell when the time comes in two-and-a-half years, we are very excited to celebrate Tony’s 20th anniversary next season and to have him lead us through the organization’s upcoming 50th anniversary season in 2018-19.”
During Taccone’s tenure Berkeley Rep has staged more than 70 world, American, and West Coast premieres. Productions include Carrie Fisher’s Wishful Drinking; Tony Kushner’s Tiny Kushner; Sarah Jones’ Bridge & Tunnel; Sarah Ruhl’s In the Next Room (or the vibrator play); David Henry Hwang’s Chinglish; The Great Game: Afghanistan; No Man’s Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart; Green Day’s American Idiot; and Amélie, A New Musical, which is transferring to Broadway and will begin previews this spring.
The theatre has not yet announced its plans for replacing Taccone.
