When the Personal Becomes Fictional: Playwright Jake Brasch in Conversation

Writing a play is always an act of emotional vulnerability. But in a semi-autobiographical piece like The Reservoir, the personal, spiritual, and brutally honest material asks even more from playwright Jake Brasch. Berkeley Rep sat down with Jake to discuss the mechanics of turning life into art, how Jewish tradition can help us contend with uncertainty, and the importance of laughter in theatre — and in life. 

On Fictionalizing the Personal: 

Whenever people ask if the play is autobiographical, I say, “Uh-oh! You got me! I’m Shrimpy!” The play is semi-autobiographical. There’s a lot of me in Josh, but there’s also a whole lot of fiction. There’s a George Saunders quote I love: he says a story isn’t real life, it’s “like a table with just a few things on it, carefully chosen.” I wanted to focus foremost on telling a compelling story. I also wanted to put some distance between Josh’s family and mine. I take comfort in knowing that the audience can’t tell what’s true. 

Also, I found that a degree of artifice was actually helpful in sharing the gunkiest parts of myself. Paradoxically, I found that fictionalizing gave me the permission to tell the truth. 

On the Stage

Kim’s Convenience

Theatre | American Conservatory Theater
Now – October 19 | Tickets

This hilarious and heartwarming award-winning comedy drama about a Korean family-run corner store is a feel-good ode to generations of immigrants who have made Canada the country that it is today.

Korean Community Day: September 20

View the Program

More Events

• Gaffigan Conducts Gershwin and Ellington | San Francisco Symphony | Now – September 20 | View the Program
• The Two Gentlemen of Verona | San Francisco Shakespeare Festival | Now – September 21
• Rigoletto | San Francisco Opera | Now – September 27 | View the Print Program
  • Open Captioned: All performances
• The Reservoir | Berkeley Repertory Theatre | Now – October 12 | View the Program
  • Closed Captioned: Every matinee through October 9

Next Line

• Stanford Live’s 2025/26 season is growing. They are adding nine new shows—spotlighting bold voices, global talents, and beloved favorites. Tickets open to the public Friday, September 26 at noon. Don’t miss your chance to grab the best seats early.
• Opera night, no travel required. Tomorrow at 7:30 p.m., stream San Francisco Opera’s Dead Man Walking—the most performed new American opera—live from the War Memorial Opera House straight to your home. All you need is Wi-Fi, and you’re in the front row. Missed it live? The recording will be on-demand September 21–23.