The Thing About Jellyfish

BASED ON THE NOVEL BY ALI BENJAMIN
ADAPTED FOR THE STAGE BY KEITH BUNIN
DIRECTED BY TYNE RAFAELI
IN ASSOCIATION WITH MADISON WELLS LIVE AND EMERALD DRIVE
WORLD PREMIERE
RODA THEATRE

JAN 31–MAR 9, 2025
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

During the last week of summer vacation, 12-year-old Suzy Swanson learns that her best friend Franny has drowned. Desperate to make sense of Franny’s death, Suzy immerses herself in her own imagination, where she can circumnavigate the globe, plunge into the terrifying depths of the ocean, explore the collapsed stars of the most distant galaxies, and perhaps even solve the mysteries of the universe. Adapted from the best-selling novel, The Thing About Jellyfish is a visually stunning and deeply emotional coming-of-age tale about love, loss, friendship, and the profound expansiveness of the human spirit.

Closed captioning
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for the following performances: evenings Feb 6, 7, 9, 11, and 12; and every matinee through Mar 6. See all closed captioning performances.

Audio description
Audio description is available for the matinee on Mar 8. Through individual headphones provided by our partner, Gravity Access Services, you’ll hear detailed narration of the onstage visual elements of the show. Advance reservation required.

Learn more about our accessibility programs

Events and extras

Theatre Explorers
Families are invited to bring their children (grades K–5) to the matinee on Feb 22, when Berkeley Rep’s School of Theatre will offer age-appropriate educational workshops concurrent with the performance so parents can enjoy grownup time at the theatre. This add-on is $35 per child. Advance registration required.

Postshow discussions
Join us after the show on Feb 20, Feb 25, or Feb 28 for a postshow discussion, expertly guided by members of Berkeley Rep’s artistic team.

Docent-led postshow discussions
Join your fellow audience members after all matinees for a thought-provoking postshow discussion led by our knowledgeable docents.

Health and safety

Masks will be required in our theatres on Sunday and Tuesday performances for the first three weeks of a show’s run. Masks are encouraged but optional on all Wednesday through Saturday performances, as well as Sundays and Tuesdays after the first three weeks of performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.