Berkeley Repertory Theatre announced today that the hole in its 2009-10 season has been filled with the West Coast premiere of Coming Home by Athol Fugard (right) directed by Gordon Edelstein, who also staged the show’s world premiere in New Haven. The drama begins previews on the Thrust Stage Jan. 15, opens Jan. 20 and runs through Feb. 28.

“I cannot think of another writer, certainly not another playwright over the last 75 years, who has had greater influence on the political events of his country than Fugard,” Edelstein said in a statement. “Fugard’s use of his art was a courageous statement against Apartheid. Many people think of Fugard, alongside Mandela, as a symbol of the anti-Apartheid movement. This play, a powerful meditation on earned hope, is sure to resonate with both theatregoers and the community as a whole. I am delighted to be able to revisit this moving play at Berkeley Rep.”

Coming Home is part of a season that also includes:
– The world premiere of American Idiot, a new musical based on Green Day’s Grammy-winning album of the same name directed by Tony-winner Michael Mayer (Spring Awakening)
– The West Coast premiere of Tiny Kushner, the latest collaboration from legendary playwright Tony Kushner and artistic director Tony Taccone.
– Aurélia’s Oratorio, a holiday show starring Aurélia Thieree.
– The world premiere of Concerning Strange Devices from the Distant West written by Naomi Iizuka and directed by Les Waters.
– The world premiere of Girlfriend, a new musical based on Matthew Sweet’s landmark album with a book by Todd Almond.
– The world premiere of Five Questions, which reunites Obie Award-winners Lisa Kron and Leigh Silverman.

Visit www.berkeleyrep.org for information.