Berkeley Repertory Theatre has announced that Tony Taccone will step down as artistic director at the conclusion of the company鈥檚 50th anniversary season (2018鈥�19). His departure will follow 33 years at the theatre and 22 years at its helm.
鈥淚t鈥檚 been over thirty years, thirty amazing years,鈥� commented Taccone in a press statement. 鈥淚鈥檝e never been more excited about Berkeley Rep and the work that we鈥檙e doing than I am right now. But I also want to leave the job while I鈥檓 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.鈥�
鈥淭ony has, without question, secured Berkeley Rep鈥檚 reputation as a global leader in theatre,鈥� added Berkeley Rep Board president Stewart Owen. 鈥淲hile this will be an emotional farewell when the time comes in two-and-a-half years, we are very excited to celebrate Tony鈥檚 20th anniversary next season and to have him lead us through the organization鈥檚 upcoming 50th anniversary season in 2018-19.鈥�
During Taccone鈥檚 tenure Berkeley Rep has staged more than 70 world, American, and West Coast premieres. Productions include Carrie Fisher鈥檚 Wishful Drinking; Tony Kushner鈥檚 Tiny Kushner; Sarah Jones鈥� Bridge & Tunnel; Sarah Ruhl鈥檚 In the Next Room (or the vibrator play); David Henry Hwang鈥檚 Chinglish; The Great Game: Afghanistan; No Man鈥檚 Land, starring Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart; Green Day鈥檚 American Idiot; and Am茅lie, 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.
