‘Genuine’ Great Show:

“Not a Genuine Black Man”, Brian Copeland’s one man show is one terrific piece of theatre. It’s been playing at The Marsh in San Francisco for nearly a year now and I finally got to see it on Friday night. Wow and double Wow.

Copeland, a comedian and radio host on KGO 810 AM here in the Bay, grew up in San Leandro, California in the 1970s, when it was considered one of the most racist towns in America. Though it bordered Oakland (which at the time was 50% black), San Leandro was 99% white and practised police harrasment and housing descrimination to keep it that way. Through a series of federal investigations, media inquiries and court cases (including one filed by Copeland’s mother), the city’s system of institutionalized racism was dismantled. But Brian Copeland, who was 8 when his family movd there, grew up right in the middle of it.

Copeland plays every character in his story, including his grandmother, the racist building manager, and the anonymous letter writer who complained that the radio host was “not a geniune black man.” Copeland’s retort is both hilarious and devastating.

“I’m sorry if having children in wedlock makes me not a geniune black man. I’m sorry that I have a job that I go to on time every day. I’m sorry that living in a neighborhood where my family is safe instead of one filled with shootings and screams. I’m sorry!”

I’d like to say that monologue (my favorite) held the room. But Brian Copeland grabs the room in the first 3 minutes and never lets go. Two hours later, you you’ve laughed like hell but also been moved. Way moved. You’re glad you came. You want to tell friends to do the same.

So I’m telling you. Please see Brian Copeland’s “Not a Geniune Black Man.” It runs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday until March 26th. Tickets are $15-$22 sliding scale.

• Category: Art & Culture, City by the Bay