Berkeley Repertory Theatre is presenting the solo voice opera, Ravenshead, Mar. 5-Apr. 4 at the Florence Schwimley Little Theatre. The show officially opens Mar. 10.

Based on the true story of Donald Crowhurst (renamed Richard Ravenshead in the piece), Ravenshead follows the slow unraveling of the man's mind as he sails in the 1968 Golden Globe, non-stop solo race around the world. Crowhurst, who wandered off-course, planned to hide out in the Atlantic and sprint ahead of his competitors, winning the race. Instead, his boat was found completely sound, but abandoned. What happened to Crowhurst is still a mystery, although it is believed he simply stepped off into the sea.

Steve Mackey composed the opera with a libretto by Rinde Eckert. A classically trained singer, Eckert also performs the piece, backed by the Paul Dresher Ensemble Electro-Acoustic Band. Berkeley Rep Artistic Director Tony Taccone directs.

Tickets ($35-$19.50) are available by calling the box office at (510) 845 4700. The Florence Schwimley Little Theatre is located on the Berkeley High School campus at Allston Way and Martin Luther King, Jr. Way.

-- By Christine Ehren