1. Why is everyone calling “Berta, Berta” the most powerful love story you’ll see this year?

Berta, Berta is sweet sorrow, sweat and the sound of chains dragging across the red dirt of Mississippi to the hum of a woman's heart beat who’s lost too much, and the groan of a man who’s seen too far into the eyes of captivity.

Berta, a widow stitched together by grief and grit, stands on the edge of the world, waiting. Leroy, just unshackled from Parchman Farm (a place where Black men were swallowed whole and spat back out as shadows) walks toward her with the weight of silence in his chest.

Between them: a song that holds a cultural love connection. “Berta, Berta,” they called it - sung by the broken, remembered by the living. Collected on tape by Lomax, yes, but born long before that in fields, in cells, in the rusted hollers of the South. August Wilson caught its echo in The Piano Lesson, but it beats here, too in every word, every pause, every aching touch.

This story is love, yes - but love twisted by time, hardened by loss, and holy in its defiance. It does not ask permission. It remembers.

 In just 90 riveting minutes with no intermission, you’ll experience an uninterrupted emotional journey that celebrates Black resilience through the power of love. Critics are calling it “gut-wrenching” and “stunning” - this is passionate storytelling that makes you proud of our history while keeping you on the edge of your seat. Book NOW and save $10 with our exclusive $25 ticket offer! (regularly $34). Use Code: FAQ

2. Is this another heavy “educational” Black history play, or will I actually be entertained?

Angelica Chéri’s “Berta, Berta” is highly entertaining while honoring Black American history, it’s built around compelling characters that anyone will fall in love with! This is a passionate romance that follows the intimate journey of Berta’s determination and Leroy’s survival. This is storytelling in the tradition of our greatest writers, where entertainment and American culture go hand in hand.

Limited 6-week run starting July 16 - secure your seats now at the special FAQ price of $25. Use Code: FAQ

ATWATER VILLAGE THEATRE  3269 Casitas Ave, Los Angeles, California .

3. Wait, there’s really FREE parking in LA? What’s the catch?

No catch! Atwater Village Theater offers free parking in their dedicated lots plus ample free street parking - no meters, no time limits, no validation hassles. This is practically unheard of in LA theater! While other venues charge $15-25 for parking, you can see “Berta, Berta” and park for free, making your total evening cost just $25 with our exclusive FAQ discount. The theater is located in hip Atwater Village (think Silver Lake vibes but more family-friendly) with amazing dining options nearby.

4. How does a 90-minute show with no intermission compare to traditional theater?

It’s actually a premium experience. Instead of getting interrupted just when you’re emotionally invested, “Berta, Berta” moves and takes you on one continuous, powerful journey. 90 Minutes or Less NYC Reviews: “No bathroom breaks disrupting the tension, no time for the spell to break - just pure, concentrated storytelling.” Many patrons tell us they prefer this format because it fits perfectly into their evening (great for date nights!) and creates a more intense connection with the characters. This focused intensity is exactly why critics are calling it “unforgettable.”

5. How does Berta compare to other Black theater options in LA?

“Berta, Berta” offers something unique in LA’s theater landscape: an authentic story performed in an intimate setting that lets you feel every emotion. Our 99-seat theater creates a connection that’s impossible in bigger spaces. Plus, director Andi Chapman has crafted something special - a love story that captures the beauty, pain and courage of loving with your whole soul.  You will be moved.

6. What’s so special about the Alan Lomax connection?

This song was oral tradition passed down by countless Black men who were inmates working on the chain gang, while doing manual labor, especially in Mississippi and Louisiana. Through his research Alan Lomax was inspired to capture the authentic voices of these men in his 1947-1948 recordings at Parchman Farm.  These men used music to survive unimaginable hardship and O Berta (Prison Work Song )- The “Berta, Berta” work song became a legendary legacy -  mudcat.org. “Berta, Berta” is featured in August Wilson’s “The Piano Lesson” representing the power of Black cultural preservation through oral tradition. 

Ms. Chéri’s play isn’t just inspired by this history; it brings those voices to life through Berta and Leroy’s love story. You’re not just watching a play - you’re experiencing a piece of American history that’s been passed down through generations. This is your chance to connect with authentic American artistry that honors the ancestors of enslaved Americans.

7. Is Atwater Village safe, and what’s there to do before/after the show?

Atwater Village is one of LA’s safest, most walkable neighborhoods - think of it as the family-friendly spillover from Silver Lake and Los Feliz. The area hosts annual street festivals and farmers markets, with a close-knit community feel that’s rare in. For dining, you have everything from casual spots to upscale options within walking distance: Holy Basil for exceptional Thai, Bar Sinizki for European bistro vibes, or Club Tee Gee for live music after the show. Make “Berta, Berta” part of a complete evening out—all with free parking and easy access.

8. How do I know this production meets high artistic standards?

These accomplished artists work at the highest level. From Director - Andi Chapman to cast members - Kacie Rogers and DeJuan Christopher, LA’s top designers, producers and crew they all work professionally in theatre, film and television.  Atwater Village Theater houses five resident companies known for award-winning work, Atwater Village Theatre - Los Angeles and “Berta, Berta” represents the highest level of theatrical craft. Theatre Critics have used words like “riveting,” “stunning,” and “unforgettable” to describe the production. When you want theater that challenges and moves you, not just entertainment that passes time, this is your choice.

9. What if my friends haven’t heard of this play? Will they “get it”?

The humanity and love in this story is so rich and palpable that they will get it and be swept up in the beauty of the experience.  The universal themes of loyalty, survival, and connection speak to everyone. Bring friends who love intimate theater, powerful storytelling, or just want to experience something they’ve never seen before.  

10. Why is this more relevant now than ever?

Stories about fighting for connection across impossible circumstances? About maintaining dignity and love in the face of systemic oppression? About the power of cultural preservation through music and storytelling? These themes couldn’t be more current. “Berta, Berta” offers a way to process contemporary struggles through the lens of historical resilience and the strength of the ancestors’ of enslaved Americans and how it echoes in today’s challenges across all cultures. It’s not about living in the past - it’s about understanding how the past informs our present strength in the face of what America is currently growing through..

11. What’s included in my ticket price, and are there any hidden fees?

Your ticket includes the complete 90-minute performance, free parking (worth $15-25 at other venues), and access to post-show discussions with cast members when available. With our exclusive FAQ discount, your $25 ticket gives you a premium theater experience, free parking, and the convenience of Atwater Village’s dining scene—everything you need for a perfect night out. Use Code: FAQ

12. How intimate is “intimate theater”? Will I feel uncomfortable?

The 99-seat configuration creates connection, not discomfort. You’re close enough to see every emotion but not so close that you feel like you’re onstage. Many patrons say this intimacy makes them feel more emotionally connected to the story - like they’re trusted with something special rather than being kept at a distance. It’s the difference between witnessing a story and experiencing it. 

13. Can I really get tickets for $25, and how long does this discount last?

Yes! Our exclusive FAQ visitors get tickets for $25 (regularly $34) when you book with the code: FAQ. This special offer reflects our commitment to making quality Black theater accessible to our community. The discount applies to all performance dates, but with only 6 weeks of shows and growing word-of-mouth, we recommend booking soon. Some weekend performances are already showing strong sales. Additionally, all our Monday night shows are Pay-What-You-Will! Use Code: FAQ

14. What should I expect from the music in the show?

The prison work songs that inspire the play were functional music that helped men survive brutal conditions while maintaining their humanity. In “Berta, Berta,” these songs become the language of love and endurance, connecting past and present. You’ll hear authentic vocal traditions that have been passed down through generations. It’s not a musical in the traditional sense - it’s storytelling through the musical traditions that kept our culture alive.

15. If I only see one play this year, why should it be “Berta, Berta”?

Because this is the kind of theatrical experience that stays with you long after the curtain comes down “Berta, Berta” offers something increasingly rare: authentic storytelling that celebrates Black American strength without exploitation, performed at the highest artistic level in an intimate setting that creates genuine connection. You’ll leave moved by a love story that transcends time. Plus, with free parking, the $25 FAQ special, and the convenience of Atwater Village, there’s never been a better time to treat yourself to premium theater! Shows start July 16.  Don’t let this limited run close without experiencing it. Use Code: FAQ