Mother of Exiles

BY JESSICA HUANG
DIRECTED BY JAKI BRADLEY
WORLD PREMIERE
PEET’S THEATRE

NOV 14–DEC 21, 2025
TICKETS NOW ON SALE

In 1898, on Angel Island, a pregnant Eddie Loi faces deportation amid America’s tightening immigration laws. A century later, her great-grandson Braulio, through his role in the Miami border patrol, inadvertently conjures her spirit — unleashing a witty, opinionated ancestor. By 2063, their descendants, beset by climate catastrophe, embark on a perilous oceanic journey seeking sanctuary. From detention to diaspora, Mother of Exiles follows a single family’s century-and-a-half odyssey — tracing their flight, fight, and the futures they dare imagine. Jessica Huang’s multigenerational triptych blends historical drama with supernatural encounters, weaving moments of surprising humor into a powerful portrait of belonging and resilience.

Mother of Exiles received a Venturous Playwright Fellowship at the Playwrights’ Center in St. Paul, MN, supported by Venturous Theater Fund of the Tides Foundation.

Mother of Exiles was developed in The Ground Floor: Berkeley Rep’s Center for the Creation and Development of New Work.

Closed captioning
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for the following performances: evenings Nov 20, 21, 23, 25, and 26; and every matinee through Dec 18. See all closed captioning performances.

Audio description
Audio description is available for the matinee on Dec 20. 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
While you enjoy the Dec 6 matinee, your K–5 student can dive into an exciting, age-appropriate workshop just next door at our School of Theatre! Led by professional teaching artists, these sessions include theatre games and hands-on art projects designed to spark imagination. Registration is $35 per child; advance reservation required.

Postshow discussions
Join us after the show on Dec 4, Dec 9, and Dec 12 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 select Sunday and Tuesday performances: Nov 16, Nov 23 (matinee and evening), Nov 25, and Nov 30 (matinee). See all masks required performances. Masks are encouraged but will be optional for all other performances.

Visit our health and safety page for full details

Season presenting sponsor

Season sponsor