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A World Premiere Hip-Hop Musical

Co-Founders

BY
RYAN NICOLE AUSTIN
BEAU LEWIS
ADESHA ADEFELA

Choreographed by Juel D. Lane
DIRECTED BY JAMIL JUDE

MAY 29–JULY 6, 2025

STRAND THEATER

Co-Founders

MAY 29–JULY 6, 2025

Witness the launch of the next great hip-hop musical, born in the heart of the Bay! Co-Founders is the story of an underrated young Oakland coder, Esata, who hacks her way into the most competitive startup accelerator in San Francisco. Determined to save her house as an influx of wealth threatens to push her community out, Esata forms an unlikely partnership with a prep-school dropout. In a field where the privileged make a killing while folks across the bridge grind to survive, can Esata win Silicon Valley’s game without leaving her community behind? Created by three extraordinary Bay Area voices, the piece features a deliciously catchy score that draws from the Bay’s rich hip-hop traditions, as well as soul, gospel, funk, jazz, R&B, and more. Employing visual technology entirely new to theater, Co-Founders is a sharply funny, deeply felt, exuberant celebration of the Bay and the dreamers, hustlers, and innovators that make it magical.

All titles, schedules, and artists are subject to change. No refunds. Tickets are for personal use and not for resale.