BY JIEHAE PARK
DIRECTED BY KNUD ADAMS
WORLD PREMIERE
PEET’S THEATRE
MAY 2–JUN 8, 2025
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Heady and intoxicating…Visually breathtaking…An expert craftsperson, [Jiehae] Park creates the perfect show about the passage of time…makes you wish you could watch whole scenes all over again.
the aves is a stunningly designed, uniquely theatrical experience that commands — and rewards — attention…a low-key experience for musing on life, death, youth, age, love, loss and, yes, birds.
In the summer, an old man and an old woman sit on a park bench, talk about the birds, and bet on the rain…but things aren’t as simple as they may seem. With humor and tenderness, the singular imagination and innovative style of acclaimed playwright Jiehae Park turn the ordinary into the extraordinary as the seasons shift. A play about memory, forgiveness, and the possibility of becoming at any age.
Production information
Runtime: Approximately 80 minutes; no intermission
Age recommendation: Suitable for ages 12 and up
Stage effects advisory: Fog, haze, strobe effect, and flashing lights
Content advisory: None
Cast
(in order of appearance)
Bill Buell* | Old Man
Mia Katigbak* | Old Woman
Laakan McHardy* | Young Woman
Daniel Croix* | Young Man
Eloise Cheves, Róisín McCarthy | Girl
Understudies
Howard Swain* | Understudy Old Man
Mia Tagano* | Understudy Old Woman
Nemma Adeni* | Understudy Young Woman
Jacob Henrie-Naffaa* | Understudy Young Man
Creative team
Jiehae Park | Playwright
Knud Adams | Director
Marsha Ginsberg | Scenic Design
Haydee Zelideth | Costume Design
Masha Tsimring | Lighting Design
DJ Potts | Sound Design
Erik Sanko, Phantom Limb Company | Puppet Design and Fabrication
Alexander Class | Hair, Wigs, and Makeup Design
Dani O’Dea | Fight Director
tbd casting co. / Stephanie Yankwitt, CSA and Nia Smith | Casting
Leslie M. Radin* | Stage Manager
Sofie Miller* | Assistant Stage Manager
* Indicates a member of Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States
Closed captioning 
Closed captioning on your smartphone is available for every matinee through Jun 5. See all closed captioning performances.
Audio description 
Audio description is available for the matinee on Jun 7. 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 May 24, 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 May 22 or May 27 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 are encouraged but optional for all performances. Visit our health and safety page for full details.
Bill Buell (Old Man) and Mia Katigbak (Old Woman) in the world premiere of Jiehae Park’s the aves.
Photo by Ben Krantz Studio/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Bill Buell (Old Man) and Daniel Croix (Young Man) in the world premiere of Jiehae Park’s the aves.
Photo by Knud Adams/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
(l to r) Mia Katigbak, Laakan McHardy (Young Woman), and Daniel Croix (Young Man) in the world premiere of Jiehae Park’s the aves.
Photo by Knud Adams/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Season presenting sponsor
Season sponsors
Photo by Knud Adams/Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Laakan McHardy (Young Woman) and Daniel Croix (Young Man) in the world premiere of Jiehae Park’s the aves