San Francisco was once the hub for all things hippie, its collective energy driven by color, freedom, and rebellion. But what was once flower power has shifted into an epicenter of technology, fueled by a drive that is profoundly new. But there’s one space that defies the rumbling tide of change: the Brava Theater Center, a stunning time capsule that’s still the engine for that same collective freedom.
The Brava Theater Center is an almost century-old Vaudeville cinema right in the heart of the Mission District. In 1986, playwright Ellen Gavin and 75 incredible women artists officially launched Brava! for Women in the Arts, turning that historic space into a fierce, vibrant hub where the unspoken realities of women could finally be heard. The Center hosts everything from immersive jury experiences, film, theater, poetry, ballet, and more.
Why Brava and what should I see?
With its origins in mind, unsurprisingly, Brava works differently. The program is totally dedicated to Brava’s mission: showcasing the artistic expression of women, LGBTQIA, people of color, and other underrepresented voices. The diversity of performance is as big as it is brilliant. Below we have rounded up some featured shows not to be missed.
San Francisco Dance Film Festival
Yes, it’s one of San Francisco’s many festivals, but it stands totally apart. This is non-profit festival dedicated to dance-based films and media. The festival showcases both international and independent artists offering film screenings, Q&As, and workshops!
📅When? November 7th-November 9th
The Jury Experience
The Jury Experience is an immersive courtroom drama where audience members become part of the jury and decide the outcome of a high-stakes trial. At Brava at the moment there are two cases to choose from, case 1 concerns self-driving car accident and the culpability question of AI, whilst case 2 concerns a cold-blooded murder at sea. The choice is yours, and so is the verdict.
📅When? Subject to change depending on which you pick
Brava is Home: Benefit Concert
This is an evening hosted to recognize all that Brava is and continues to strive to be. With all the profits going straight back to Brava’s mission, there is an eclectic mix of DJs, theater, local food vendors, and live music.
📅When? November 14th
The 44th Annual Encuentro Del Canto Popular Featuring Alex Cuba
Acción Latina is hosting their annual evening of music and culture to raise funds for Acción Latina and El Tecolote Newspaper. This year the headline act is Grammy award-winning Cuban-Canadian singer-songwriter and composer Alex Cuba, who will be sharing the stage alongside Warango (AfroPeru), Diabbla (Chicana rap) and DJ Lizzy al Toque (Chulita Vinyl Club).
📅When? December 6th
Ballet of Lights: Sleeping Beauty in a Sparkling Show
Ballet of Lights is a beautiful ballet show with a modern twist. At Brava the story of the classic fairytale ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is brought to life with glowing, fiber-optic costumes and jaw-dropping choreography. Talented local dancers light up the stage (literally) as every pirouette and leap turns into a swirl of sparkling colors.
📅When? Hosted on a series of different dates