Pulp & Prejudice: A Defense of Romance Novels

Bring your sweetheart, crush, or bestie to an unforgettable and heartfelt night of laughter and literary rebellion! Pulp & Prejudice is a hilarious, one-woman show that passionately defends romance—romance novels, that is. Written and performed by local artist Jenny Noa, Pulp & Prejudice has been described as “a tightly corseted solo show about lovers and haters.”

All proceeds from this event will directly support Chapter 510’s free writing programs for Black, brown, and queer youth in Oakland. Tickets are available on a sliding scale.

$25-$75: General Admission
$75-$150: Admission plus a copy of Jenny Noa's new memior.

$150+: Admission, Jenny Noa's memoir, and a copy of Chapter 510's latest release,, a collection of who-done-its by Oakland 4th and 4th graders.

All seats are first-come-first serve. Doors open at 6:30. Free parking is available nearby. Consessions will be available!

In Pulp & Prejudice, Jenny Noa turns a wide-angle lens on romance and the intense emotions the genre inspires. Why are romance novels equally vilified and adored? This comedic deep dive explores the origins of the author’s own obsessions, the role of romance novels as a social barometer, and the bigger question: why do we love what we love?

Jenny Noa moved to the Bay Area five years ago after more than two decades in LA. She recently published her memoir, Bad Dreams: Notes on Life and Los Angeles by a Would-Be Has-Bee. Jenny is thrilled to revive Pulp & Prejudice—a show about lovers and haters—especially in support of Chapter 510’s extraordinary work.

Chapter 510 is a made-in-Oakland youth writing, bookmaking & publishing center. Our teaching artists and mentors work side by side with educators to provide a safe space and supportive community so Black, brown, and queer youth ages 8-19 can bravely write.

Through writing programs at our center and within Oakland public schools, we help young people improve their writing craft, confidence, and competency at every stage.

Our programs include free writing and bookmaking workshops, field trip opportunities for OUSD educators, in-school book projects, youth publishing opportunities, and First Friday literary events.

Chapter 510 currently works with over 1,000 students and publishes over 20 beautifully made books written by Oakland youth each year.

Host or Publisher Chapter 510 & the Dept. of Make Believe