Zimmerman (Metamorphoses, The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci) returns to the California stage to direct her latest work, which is based on the tale of Jason and the Argonauts. Previews begins Nov. 2, and the show opens Nov. 7 at the company's Roda Theatre for a run through Dec. 16.

"The legend of Jason and the Golden Fleece is primarily a tale of adventure, so it provides unique challenges for a director with its battles and harpies and sailing ships," said Zimmerman in a release. "And, yet, this is also a simple love story, which is how it pulled me in. It has profound things to say to all of us about what it means to be human - insights that have survived through the ages."

Argonautika follows "Jason on his ancient quest for the Golden Fleece – an epic journey of love and loss, hubris and honor, danger and adventure. Jason confronts giants, kings, sirens, nymphs, centaurs, sea monsters, and one treacherously heartsick sorceress," as show notes reveal.

The Berkeley staging is a co-production with Princeton, NJ's McCarter Theatre Center and Washington, D.C.'s Shakespeare Theatre Company. Argonautika made its world premiere at Lookingglass Theatre Company in Chicago.

The Berkeley Rep design team will feature Daniel Ostling (sets), Ana Kuzmanic (costumes), John Culbert (lights), Andre Pluess and Ben Sussman (sound) with Michael Montenegro (puppets). Berkeley Rep has previously presented the Zimmerman's The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci, Metamorphoses, Journey to the West and The Secret in the Wings. Zimmerman earned a Tony Award in 2002 for Metamorphoses.

Tickets to Argonautika at Berkeley Rep's Roda Theatre, 2015 Addison Street in downtown Berkeley, are available by calling (510) 647-2949, toll-free at (888) 4-BRT Tix or online at berkeleyrep.org.