La Pena Cultural Center (Berkeley, CA)
FREE?
by Kristina Sheryl Wong
Lao as a Second Language
by Ova Saopeng
April 2 to 4, 2004
Feature article here.
Ma-Yi Theatre (NYC, NY)
wAve
by Sung Rno
March 14 to April 11, 2004
a wild theatrical ride through the myth that is america, somewhere between media and 
medea, halluciantion and happiness
can you hear the water laughing?
wAve
a new play by sung rno
directed by will pomerantz
with michi barall, deborah s. craig, ron domingo, paul h. juhn, patrick mcnulty, aaron yoo
set marsha ginsberg
costume carole bailey
lighting joel moritz
soung nick borisjuk
at the ohio theater
66 wooster street, new york city
previews begin march 14, 2004
runs through april 11, 2004
for tickets call: 212 352-3101
group rates available
previews: $20 ; regular run $35
wave was originally commissioned by the mark taper forum asian theater project. winner of the 2003 whitfield cook prize.
Review from the NY Times (registration required).
ma-yi theater company's production of wave is supported by the new york state council on the arts, the nyc department of cultural affairs, rockefeller brothers fund, greenwall foundation, dorothy strelsin foundation, the andrew w. mellon foundation, and altria.
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre (NYC)
Kwatz! The Sound of a Hammer Hitting the Head
by Ernest Abuba
March 16 to April 11, 2004
Kwatz! is the exclamatory cry which in Buddhist tradition means an "awakening." Dorje, a Tibetan immigrant, is randomly attacked with a hammer in New York City. In a comatose state, he journeys through his past and present existences where personal dilemmas and certain truths unfolds.
See News story.
Lodestone Theatre Ensemble (LA, CA)
A reading of the classic Greek trilogy
Oedipus Rex,
Oedipus at Colonus and
Antigone
by Sophocles
translated by Dudley Fitts and Robert Fitzgerald
adapted and directed by Stevie Stern
April 15, 2004
Featuring Elizabeth Hong, Yi Lin, Jeff Liu, Ginni Ramos, Leonard Wu, Eve Yeung, Phil Young and Ryun YuThe terrifying prophecy of a son who will kill his father and marry his mother. The difficult fate of their children. The classic Greek tragedy of murder, incest, fratricide, a sister's courage and finally, faith. Also featuring music by The Beatles, The Supremes, Bob Dylan and other classic artists.THURSDAY, APRIL 15th, 8:00 PM. (There Will Be NO Late Seating)The Art Players Rehearsal Studios6567 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
It's on the northeast corner of Santa Monica and Seward, east of Highland, west of Vine and the Hudson Theatres;there's no marquee, but look for a golden check mark; a small parking lot is available (first-come, first-serve parking), as well as street parking.FREE ADMISSION (but donations gladly accepted and encouraged)NO RSVPS required, however, please arrive at least ten minutes before curtain for seating (which is limited and on a first-come basis).For more info. about Lodestone:
(323) 993-7245
SHPLodestone@aol.com
www.lodestonetheatre.orgLodestone Theatre Ensemble is an L.A. based Asian American theatre company founded by Alexandra Bokyun Chun, Philip W. Chung, Chil Kong and Tim Lounibos with a mission to develop, create, promote and present edgy, compelling and impassioned works that bridge communities through truthful and entertaining artistry.The Yellow Box reading/workshop series was created to develop actors, writers and directors through the exploration of original and classic works.
The "Asian American" Label in the Arts
Thursday, April 15th
Japanese Cultural & Community Center of Northern California
1840 Sutter
San Francisco, CA
rsvp now at
http://www.thirdthursdays.org/rsvp.html
"Asian American Film", "Asian American Music", and "Asian American Theater" are just a few of the terms often used to categorize and contextualize the work of Asian American artists, even when that work doesn't explicitly contain Asian American issues.
How do we decide what is or isn't Asian American, and what impact does such a label have on the perceived legitimacy of the work? What happens to the artist when their art doesn't deal with Asian Americans?
This month, Third Thursdays sits down with three artists as they share their stories and experiences, and explore the meaning and relevance of the Asian American arts.
Panelists include:
- Philip Kan Gotanda
Playwright-Filmmaker - Greg Pak
Director, Robot Stories - Golda Sargento
Singer, Songwriter, Poet
Pricing Plan:
recommended donation w/dinner: $10, $15 or $20
recommended donation for program and refreshments only: $5
donation supports refreshments, room rental, and any honoria or fee waivers
*No one turned away for lack of funds.
Questions:
email info@thirdthursdays.org
Schedule:
7:00-7:15PM: Registration
7:15-8:15PM: Panel Discussion & Q and A
8:15-9:15PM: Facilitated Group Discussion &
Dinner at your table.
9:15-9:30PM: Discussion Recap & Shout-outs
Desipina & Co.(NYC)
Lower East Side Tenement Museum
7 Eleven: Franchised
Directed by Gita Reddy
April 1 to 19, 2004
Extended! One Night, April 23, 2004
A convenience store. Seven stories. Eleven minutes each.
Eight South Asian and Asian American writers show you what can happen during an evening of deceptive customers, Ding-Dongs, INS worries and media stunts, plus an original pop musical that illuminates the true meaning of rice.
April 1 – 19, 2004
Thurs - Sat & Mon at 8pm; Sun at 3pm
Tickets: $11 general; $7 Students/Seniors/Museum members
800-965-4827 or ticketweb.com
Do a search for keyword:FRANCHISED
Playwrights: Alexis Camins, Samrat Chakrabarti & Sanjiv Jhaveri, J.P. Chan, Sujit Chawla, Vishakan Jeyakumar, Geeta Malik, Mehnaz Sahibzada
Featuring: Monica Francisco*, Rita Garg, Andrew Guilarte, Tim Kang*, Jackson Loo*, Anar Vilas, Jerold Solomon*
Stage Manager: Michael Stever
Set & Lighting Designer: Vincent Hokia
Sound Design: Ezekiel Kendrick
Costume Design: Jenny Fisher
Musical Director and Original Music: Samrat Chakrabarti
Assistant Director: Shana Solomon
Assistant Stage Manager: Ryan Wong
Postcard Design by Atif Toor
Due to very LIMITED seating, buy tickets in advance. Only a handful of tickets will be available at the door. Due to heavy demand, the run has been extended one night, Friday, April 23.
The Tenement Theatre
97 Orchard St. (betw. Delancey/Broome)
F to Delancey, J/M/Z to Essex
http://www.tenement.org
http://www.desipina.org
* denotes member, Actors’ Equity Association
Pan Asian Repertory Theatre (NYC)
Two Nights Only
April 2004
The next generation of Asian American artists! Solo performers challenging themselves with material on strong social and personal issues!
Bainbridge Island Performing Arts Playhouse
(Bainbridge Island, WA)
Rashomon
by Fay and Michael Kanin
April 16 to 25, 2004
This production is based on the play, Rashomon by Fay and Michael Kanin, which is based on the movie, Rashomon by Kurosawa, Akira, which was based on the stories by Akutagawa, Ryunnosuke.
A good deal of the play, as written by Fay and Michael Kanin, is very similar to the movie, but much of the dialogue is changed to accommodate an English speaking audience and those not very familiar with Japanese culture.
This production will be directed by Bonnie Showers, who was living in Hawaii and working in the University of Hawaii theater production of “Rashomon” several years ago. That production used a variety of Kyogen, Noh, and Kabuki techniques for its presentation.
The play begins in a stark setting with the first scene as the introduction to the play beginning in Noh/Kyogen style with the first character appearing onstage introducing himself and what transpires in the first scene. From there, the play changes in style to a more typical acting style.
All the actors will be in Japanese Heian clothing influenced costumes with all of the sets suggested by 4 pillars and lighting effects. Wigs and masks in addition to the non-specific costumes, allow the audience to let their imaginations create the characters and scenery in as grand or austere manner as they desire.
To augment this ethereal presentation, shamisen, will be played by Yukari Konishi, drums/percussion will be played by Alex Mc Kay, and yokobue will be played by Laurence Cole.
To view the BPA website, please go to www.theplayhouse.org
AATC (SF, CA)
Classroom Drama
by Jarett Chin
Ghosts of Himeyuri
by Alice Shikina
April 22, 2004
Classroom Drama:
Some of the best drama happens in the classroom. What happens when a group of diverse and opinionated people collide in an Asian American studies course? Based on a true story.
The backdrop of Ghosts of Himeyuri is set in World War II Okinawa when three sisters are forced to leave home to become nurses for the soldiers in caves. They deal with the emotional repurcussions of having to move away from home at a young age and then be subjected to the presence of older guys. These very innocent girls move into the situation with varying attitudes, but the final result is that wartime ravages their young souls and what it does not destroy, it damages beyond repair.
Broken English
UC Davis
April 24, 2004
Saturday April 24 featuring iLL-Literacy, Mango Tribe, Lady Wonders of 8th Wonder, DanDiggity and more! We announced this conference 3 weeks ago and began our mass publicity campaign last week, and 75 people have already registered! Since we are capping the conference at 150 people, the spots are bound to fill up very soon. This is just a note for all y'all procrastinators out there--make sure you get signed up for this monumental event!
For more info and to register, please visit: http://www.brokenenglish2004.com
About Broken English
Be a part of the First Annual Broken English APIA Arts & Activism Conference! As the newest element to UC Davis' annual Asian Pacific Culture Week, Broken English is a monumental gathering of APIA poets, musicians, graphic artists, activists, and students throughout northern California and beyond.
Broken English's mission is to shed light on visual, performance, and literary arts as a key element in the progression of the APIA community. Taking a step further, this year's focus is specifically on APIA arts and activism in the realms of gender and sexuality.
Through a series of interactive workshops and the Bombs and Butterflies showcase featuring APIA womyn collective Mango Tribe, participants of Broken English will be given the opportunity to vibe with a versatile collective of artists and activists. Join us as we make history on Saturday April 24, 2004!
About the Artists
Mango Tribe is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, and multi-disciplinary ensemble comprised of over 20 APIA women from Chicago, New York City, Los Angeles, and Minneapolis. It believes that cross-city collaborations help to broaden access to APIA communities and resources. Its members include established poets, playwrights, dancers, and painters, as well as university students, social workers, community organizers and teachers.
iLL-Literacy is a community based in the University of California, Davis, that works with various high schools, universities, and organizations through poetry workshops and performances, and our artists perform in showcases, concerts, and conferences across the nation. The collective is currently comprised of over 15 poets who have interests ranging from grassroots organizing to graphic design, from working with the youth to engaging in personal writing.
Color Coated People is a hip-hop collective comprised of artists in the iLL-Literacy family. Combining poetic lyricism with a versatile assortment of live music, CCP sets to continue the tradition of quality Davis hip-hop, established by such past legends as Blackalicious and Nostalgic Progression. Composed of emcees, drummers, guitarists, and bassists, CCP is a refreshing new collective that breathes life into every crowd that it encounters.
Lady Wonders flirts, dares, ignites, and conjures word|sound|speech into more than a performance, but a creation, with each member demonstrating a unique craft of discovery, exploration, and manifestation of the wor(ld). Irene "Shortyrocwell" Duller, Lillian "Dirty Dot" Prijoles, Golda "Supanova" Sargento, and Jocelyn "HiFive" de Leon make up the Pinay half of 8th wonder. Together, they meld experience, thought, and strength to empower listening ears with the beautiful lessons of the world's womb.
Leejay "Parmesan" Abucayan Leejay Abucayan is a vocal percussionist from Sacramento. The recent winner of the 2003 Austrian Beatbox Championship in Vienna, Austria, his love for music inspires him to further develop his talent both as a solo artist and as a member of iLL-Literacy.
Lori Abucayan is a Sacramento native who has awed audiences with her stunning voice, personality, and beauty on stages throughout the world. Now a student at UC Davis, Lori continues to develop her craft, delving into songwriting and creating music with her brother Leejay.
Danny (DanDiggity) Thien Le is a twenty two year old Vietnamese American pacifist and a part of the 101 Project Arts Collective in Philadelphia, whose purpose is to build and unite artisans of all colors and skills towards peace. He is the product of two strong willed Vietnamese parents, who still consider their first born child (Danny) to be very bizarre. Thanking God foremost for his salvation and blessings, he hopes to continue writing and reciting poetry and inspire other people in the process.
http://www.brokenenglish2004.com
East West Players (LA, CA)
38th Annual Visonary Awards
April 26, 2004
East West Players' award-winning Visionary Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will be held this year on Monday, April 26. The glamorous Hilton Universal City is the new home for THE event of the Asian American Community, THE place to pay tribute to those who have raised the visibility of Asian Pacific Americans, THE place to mingle with 800 people in their finest and THE place to bid for merchandise from a vast array of fabulous silent auction items. Come celebrate and support East West Players so that we may continue to bring you our exciting productions, quality education programs and provide artistic growth for underserved youth.
A. M. Productions (NYC)
Salvaged
by POr PnOI sOn
April 29, 2004
A.M. Productions,A subsidiary of Generation Sackcloth,
Presents...
SALVAGED
(The 3rd installment of The Playground Trilogy)
A special reading of a new play Written by POr PnOI sOn, Directed by Carrie Neal, and Co-Produced by Michael Norlund
Salvaged features a cast that includes Johanna Almiron, Alexis Camins, Erwin Falcon, Jan Michael Gonzales, Christopher Roxas, Cora Roxas, Angelica Yulo and Elisha Zeitler
WHEN: Thursday, April 29th at 7:00pm (Reception to follow Reading)
VENUE: The Philippine Consulate General in New York
556 5th Avenue
New York 10036-5095
Admission: FREE
Co-Sponsored by Alive Productions
OVERVIEW
Inspired by the life of Pilipino poet/activist/martyr, Emmanuel Lacaba, Salvaged follows the precarious events that unfold in the lives of Sundalo (Tagalog for Soldier) and a fiery mestiza, Ulan (Tagalog for Rain): two revolutionaries enraptured. Boldness, resilience, and an indomitable spirit characterize Sundalo, whose love for Ulan and revolution come to a head.
Sugi Productions and
Pork Filled Players (Seattle, WA)
Tina Kim in concert
May 1, 2004
Shows at 7 and 9:30 pm
PFP warms up with the preview of their new show!
Carco Theater
1717 Maple Valley Hwy.
Renton, WA
Near the Renton Community Center, Off I-405, Exit # 4 to Maple Valley Hwy. Turn Right at the first Signal, across from Shari's.
Ticket Window Service
http://www.Ticketwindowonline.com is selling the Tina Kim Show Advance Tickets now!
Charge by Phone Orders: (206) 325-6500
Info Email: mailto:tickets@ticketwindowonline.com
Walk-up Ticket Outlets: Broadway Market, 401 Broadway (2nd level), Pike Place Market (Entrance - 1st & Pike St.) and Meydenbauer Center, 11100 NE 6th St, Ste. 2, Downtown Bellevue (NE 6th& 112th St.).
Prepaid Group Tickets: (12 or More) $13 can also be purchase through Ticket Window.
Lark Theatre (NYC)
Sex in Other People's Houses
by Sonia Pabley
April 23 to May 5, 2004
San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre
Diversionary Theatre
M. Butterfly
by David Henry Hwang
March 20 to May 8, 2004
In association with the Diversionary Theatre, AART presents David Henry Hwang's brilliantly theatrical tour de force. The first play penned by an Asian American to be staged on Broadway, M. Butterfly won the Tony Award for Best Play in 1988. This amazing story, drawn from real life events, involves the strange tale of Rene Gallimard, a French diplomat posted to Beijing who carried on a twenty year relationship with Song Liling, a Chinese opera star. Gallimard did not realize (he contended) that his ?perfect woman? was in reality a man. AART is proud to be the first Asian American theatre company to produce this play.
The New Group (NYC)
Roar
by Betty Shamieh
March 23 to May 8, 2004
Directed by Marion McClinton, this play about love, sex, ambition, and the Arab-American experience, is the story of a Palestinian-American family living in Detroit in the wake of the first Gulf War. The limited engagement runs March 23rd - May 8 at Theatre Row. Featuring Sarita Choudhury (Mississippi Masala, The Flatted Fifth), Joseph Kamal (Dinner at Eight, Homebody/Kabul), Daniel Oreskes (Aida, Henry V), Annabella Sciorra (The Sopranos, Jungle Fever), and Sherri Eldin in her New York debut. Details at www.thenewgroup.org
The Playwrights Group (Southern CA)
Seven Playwrights Exposing Themselves
April 17 to May 9, 2004
Forever Fog
by Felix Racelis
Uncommon Threads
by Felix Racelis
Please join us to see "Seven Playwrights Exposing Themselves," an evening of eight short plays including two one-acts by Felix Racelis, Apr. 17 through May 9, at the Gardner Stages, 1501 N. Gardner St. (Fri. & Sat. at 8pm; Sun at 7pm) Tickets: $15. Reservations: (323) 960-7789.
The evening features works by members of The Playwrights Group, and includes Racelis's Forever Fog and Uncommon Threads, winner of this year's Fire Rose Ten-Minute Play Festival. Other writers featured include Margit Ahlin, Shirl Hendryx, Harry Singleton, Jim Tavares, Lilly Thomassian and Tim Turner.
On Mother's Day weekend, PV Players in Torrance presents Felix's Forever Fog in their One Act Festival playing May 7 at 8 pm and May 9 at 2 pm. Info & Reservations: (310) 326-2287. For more info, go to www.plays411.com.
DeAnza College (Cupertino, CA)
Free?
Kristina Sheryl Wong
May 12, 2004
Free performance with a reception to follow. Please tell your Bay Area friends! The show is around 5:00 or so at the Conference Room A/B in the Hinson Campus Center at De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Cupertino, CA 95014 for more info email: hernandoherminio@fhda.edu and phone: 408-864-8851
Desipina Theatre (NYC, NY)
The Mixtape Play
by Susan Kim
May 3, 12 and 13, 2004
This one woman show centers on an Asian female Hip Hop DJ who tries to reconnect with her immigrant mother when she moves to NYC to make it BIG. While Kat explores her musical passion through mixing and spinning her journey takes her down a road of rediscovery. The Mixtape play is full of fun characters and thrilling Hip Hop musical mixes composed by the popular female DJ Kuttin Kandi.
Performance Dates: May 3rd, 12th, and 13th at 8PM
Located at the BELT Theatre
336 West 37th St. Between 8/9th Ave.
(A,C,E trains)
FREE ADMISSION
suggested donation $10
RSVP's Strongly Recommended due to Limited Seated
Email: mixtape@desipina.org
Directed by Obie recipient Ernest Abuba
Written by Malcolm Pelles
Performed and Produced by Susan Kim
DJ Consultant and Music Composition By: Kuttin Kandy
Associate produced by Rohi Mirza
and Rehana Mirza
Light designer Hideaki Tsutsu.
Set design by Brian Macinnis and Rachel Gordon
art by clementinegfx.com
EWP Writers Gallery (LA, CA)
Innocent When You Dream
by Ken Narasaki
May 13, 2004
East West Players' David Henry Hwang Writers Institute in association with the Japanese American National Museum presents a staged reading of
INNOCENT WHEN YOU DREAM
By Ken Narasaki
Eighty year-old Nisei Dan Yamada has suffered a catastrophic stroke and his grown children do their best to convince the hospital to help them pull the plug. Meanwhile, back in the 1940s, a young Dan meets a girl whom he comforts, but can never understand. Both time periods move forward as the play progresses, until Dan finally finds forgiveness, and perhaps regains a measure of innocence, when past and present finally connect.
Free Admission
May 13 @ 7:30 pm
Japanese American National Museum
369 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Questions? Contact Judy Soo Hoo at jsoohoo@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 x27.
Alisal High School (Salinas, CA)
Eye of the Coconut
by Jeannie Barroga
May 6 to 15, 2004
Eye of the Coconut by Jeannie Barroga will be presented for two weekends: May 6,7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 2004 at 8 p.m. by Alisal High School Drama Department, 777 Williams Rd. Salinas, CA 93905-1907. This dramatic comedy depicts a Filipino-American family whose musician-father plays Hawaiian music in a Midwestern town. David Chavez will direct:
IRIS CABOGOS (Teora)
CARLOS CALISO, Jr. (Dad)
CHERYL CARORO (Mom)
HEART CASTILLO (Edie)
APRIL ESPARZA (Suzie)
AARON MOORE (Gromski/Owen)
JADE RABANAL (Petey)
JEANA RABANAL (Pammie)
Admission and Ticket Information: (831) 796-7600.
Yang Tze Repertory Theatre (NYC)
Variations in a Foreign Land V
at Theatre for the New City
May 13 to 16, 2004
Lodestone Theatre Ensemble (LA, CA)
in collaboration with GALLERY ROW READINGS:
Forbidden City Blues
by Alexander Woo
directed by Alberto Isaac
May 15, 2004
featuring Barbara Bragg, Meg Brogan, Melody Butiu, Jon Ecklund, Kennedy Kabasares, Elaine Kao, Michael Krawic, Scotch Ellis Loring, Eddie Shin and Kelvin Han Yee
It's a travel nightmare which tells the story of a Chinese-American man who fancies himself "in-touch with his Asian identity". On vacation in Beijing, he is abducted by the Chinese government and surgically "enhanced" for the purposes of espionage. In his efforts to find someone, anyone, to "unenhance" him, he encounters a Communist operative who has learned all her English from film noir movies, an American Ambassador/circus clown with a very big secret, and a pet beaver named Yuri.
SATURDAY, MAY 15th, 7:00 PM.
Los Angeles Theatre Center
514 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
FREE ADMISSION (but donations gladly accepted and encouraged). Paid parking lots are available around the theatre (cost $3-$5).
NO RSVPS required, however, please arrive at least ten minutes before curtain for seating (which is limited and on a first-come basis).
FireRose Productions (LA, CA)
A Name That Troupe joint
Zero Net Carbs
An Atkins friendly sketch comedy show
May 15, 2004
With
Paul Lirette, Erika Woo, Kaz Mata-Mura, Warren Hall, Michael Vacarro, Rollence Patugan, and Grace.
Secret Rose Theatre
11246 Magnolia Blvd
North Hollywood, CA 91601
Saturday May 15th @2:00pm
Tickets are FREE (donations are welcome)!!!
Due to a great response by attending audiences, they're back by popular demand! You have another chance to catch the hysteria. A FREE show as part of the NoHo Theatre & Arts Festival on Saturday May 15th.
Strange Company (LA, CA)
A reading of the play
TEN THOUSAND YEARS
by John Ridley
May 15, 2004
directed by Chay Yew
featuring Jennifer Aquino, Charlie Chun, Art Chudabala, Oliver Fox, Reggie Lee, Sab Shimono, Robert Shinso, Kipp Shiotani, and Ron Yuan
John Ridley - A former standup comedian that went on to write for sitcoms like Martin and the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air broke the mold when he wrote his first novel, Stray Dogs, which was turned into the film U-Turn directed by Oliver Stone and starring Sean Penn and Jennifer Lopez. He is the author of six published novels, the most recent, Those Who Walk in Darkness from Warner Books and The Drift from Knopf. Additionally, Ridley wrote the screenplays for the films UNDERCOVER BROTHER, COLD AROUND THE HEART, and THREE KINGS. He was executive producer, writer, and director for the UPN television series Platinum. Currently, he is a producer of the NBC television series Third Watch.
Ten Thousand Years follows a group of pilots that voluntarily train to fly specially designed airplane bombs on suicide missions for the Japanese government near the closing of World War II. As their training progresses, and defeat becomes more imminent, the physical and psychological toll begins to make them question their reasons, their honor, and their hearts.
SATURDAY, MAY 15th
4:00 PM
Los Angeles Theatre Center (in downtown LA)
514 S. Spring St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
REDCAT (CA)
Green
by Kristina Sheryl Wong
May 16, 2004
Post-apocalyptic projections of bloodshed layered in a sugary green tint satisfy like the candy US soldiers disperse to hungry displaced children of war. Kristina Wong’s saccharine but eerie narration of all things “green” juxtaposed against these images reveal what is camouflaged under all things sweet.
The performance will take place at REDCAT, located in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex, on Sunday, May 16 at 8:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for the general public, $6 for students. Seating is general admission. Tickets may be purchased at the REDCAT box office located at the corner of 2nd and Hope streets, calling 213-237-2800, or at www.redcat.org
REDCAT is an interdisciplinary arts center that introduces diverse audiences, students and artists to the most influential developments in the performing, visual and media arts from around the world, and gives artists and future artists in this region the production opportunities and creative support they need to achieve national and international stature.
The Studio series is a curated evening of short works and performances that span the diverse disciplines regularly represented at REDCAT. Works are presented in an informal environment that allows both the artists and audience to experience and explore the creative process.
The second edition of Studio is curated by Ginger Holguin, Technical Director and Producer of the Japan America Theatre, and Denise Uyehara, performance artist, writer, and playwright.
New York Shakespeare Festival /Public Theater
New Works Now Festival
Surfing DNA
by Jodi Long
May 17 - 7 pm
Starting with her vaudevillian parents who broke barriers as Asian-American performers, Jodi Long's funny and painstaking voyage of self-discovery thwarts genetic and cultural expectations.
JODI LONG (author of Surfing DNA) made her Broadway debut at age 7 in Nowhere to Go But Up directed by Sidney Lumet. Other Broadway credits include Loose Ends with Kevin Kline, The Bacchae with Irene Pappas, Sondheim/Furth's Getting Away with Murder, and most recently as Madame Liang in Rodger and Hammerrstein's recent revival of Flower Drum Song, new book by David Henry Hwang. Off- Broadway: Lincoln Center; Wendy Wasserstein's OLD MONEY. Public Theater; David Hwang's Golden Child and Family Devotions. Manhattan Theater Club; Chay Yew's Red and Phillip Gotanda's The Wash. LaMama; The Tooth of Crime. Regional credits include Flower Drum Song at The Mark Taper (for which she won The Ovation Award) Long Wharf, Arena Stage, Actor's Theater, South Coast Rep., in parts ranging from Titania in A Midsummer's Night's Dream, (Pittsburgh Public), Cherie in Bus Stop,(River Arts), to Marina in Mark Lamos's Pericles, (Hartford Stage). Jodi was "M" in Philip Glass/David Hwang's world tour of 1,000 Airplanes on the Roof, a 90 min. monologue. As the lead singer in The Asian American Art Ensemble, she released a jazz album, Bamboo That Snaps Back. Television audiences know Jodi as series regulars Mme. Ybarra in Café Americain, Margaret Cho's Mom in All American Girl, David Caruso's assistant in Michael Hayes, and most recently as Alicia Silverstone's secretary in NBC's Miss Match. Film credits include Paul Schrader's Patty Hearst, Mike Newell's Sour Sweet, Striking Distance, The Pickle, and The Hot Chick. Jodi is the recipient of the Los Angeles Woman's Theater's Maverick Award 2000, The Titan Theater's Earthshaker Award 2001 and Pan Asian Rep's 2001 Award, all for her work in the theater.
Aurora Theatre Company (Berkeley, CA)
Antigone Falun Gong
by Cherylene Lee
April 16 to May 16, 2004
This adaptation of Sophocles’s great tragedy is re-set in contemporary China. Playwright Lee, a 4th generation Chinese-American and author of The Legacy Codes, explores how the past connects to the present, the persecution of the Falun Gong, and how there may be more to America’s global reach than we imagine. Utilizing forms of Tai Chi, Wu Shu, Kung Fu, Chinese opera movement as well as the five Falun Gong exercises, this world premiere dramatizes the story of a lone woman defying a repressive government in a beautifully unique and provocative way.
AATC (SF, CA)
The Importance of Being Earnest
by Oscar Wilde
April 30 to May 22, 2004
Fridays at 8 PMSaturdays at 4 PM and 8 PM
Off-Market Theater
965 Mission Street, 2nd Floor
(near Fifth Street)
San Francisco, CA 94103
Enjoy this newly twisted comedy! Sassy and bold. It will keep you laughing on your way out of the theater.
Pork Filled Players (Seattle, WA)
Red, Pork & Blue
the politics of the other "white" meat
May 7 to 22, 2004
They're baaacccckkkk.....
Politics is a dirty game...
And PFP plays hard! In their new show, Red, Pork and Blue (the Politics of the "Other White Meat"), PFP tackles dirty politics, from the presidential races to international affairs. Nothing is sacred.
Directed by Margaret O’Malley
Featuring Jia Doughman, Edward Tonai, Christian Ver, Kiki Yeung and Yvette Zaepfel.
Read an interview here!
And read a review here!
And read another one!
See the show at Odd Duck Studio (1214 10th Ave.)(No "E"!) (located in the Capitol Hill area, by Seattle University, between Union and Madison, on 10th).
Tickets now available at TicketWindowOnline (206/325-6500)! For more info, email oink@porkfilled.com! Or go to www.porkfilled.com
East West Players (LA, CA)
Manzanar: The Story of an American Family
by Dan Taguchi
May 20 to 21, 2004
Free Performances of East West Players Theatre for Youth's Manzanar: The Story of an American Family in Celebration of Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Manzanar: The Story of an American Family personalizes the experiences of upheaval and discrimination that the Japanese Americans endured in the U.S. during World War II when the government ordered all people of Japanese descent to be interned. Twelve-year old Margaret has dreams of becoming a big-band singer, but her hopes are shattered by the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor. Margaret and her family's lives are changed forever as they are relocated from their San Pedro home to the Manzanar internment camp. Manzanar: The Story of an American Family shows how one girl's broken dreams eventually give her the strength and courage to rebuild her life. Based on the full-length epic musical presented previously by East West Players, this condensed 40-minute touring version will visit middle and high schools throughout Los Angeles County.
May 20 @ 7:30 pm
Japanese American National Museum
369 E. First St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Reservations call (213) 625-0414
May 21 @ 8 pm (includes post-show discussion with co-creator Dan Taguchi)
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center
12953 Branford St., Pacoima, CA 91331
Reservations call Nancy Gohata at (818) 899-4237 or Hal Suetsugu at (818) 363-2683.
Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (Vancouver, BC)
SKETCHOFF!#% Reloaded!!!
May 21-22, 2004
Repertory Actors Theatre (Seattle, WA)
Into the Woods
music by Stephen Sondheim
book by James Lapine
April 22 to May 30, 2004
OPM (LA, CA)
Asian for Dummies
April 22 to May 29, 2004
The Flight Theater @ The Complex
6472 Santa Monica Blvd. in Hollywood
(between Wilcox and Cole)
every Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights
Shows begin at 8:00 pm with an additional 10:00 pm show on Saturday nights.
Street and Valet parking.
Tickets are $10 and can only be purchased the night of the show.
Reserve now! E-mail to opmcomedy@yahoo.com or call 323-913-1293
For more information on OPM, visit http://www.opmcomedy.com.
InterACT (Sacramento, CA)
Struggling Truths
May 6 to 30, 2004
In Tibet, a young man becomes a Buddhist monk -- his sister becomes a Communist revolutionary -- and after following vastly different roads, they come face to face. Struggling Truths explores the political, ideological, and spiritual conflicts which resulted from the collision between Communism and Buddhism during the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the 1950's.
The story, as told by a mercurial mischievous lama, follows a young Tibetan man who becomes a novice Buddhist lama, and later chooses to fight the Communist invaders, despite his vows of non-violence. His sister, after being abused by ruling-class Tibetans, joins with the Chinese People's Liberation Army when they invade the country. And between the two siblings -- ideologically -- there is the Dalai Lama, a gentle man thrust at a young age into the role of political and spiritual head of his nation, who must walk a tightrope of diplomacy as he tries to keep the Communist and Buddhists from going to war.
NOTE: The location of InterACT's production of Struggling Truths has been changed to Sacramento High School's Mel Lawson Theatre, located at 2315 34th Street in Sacramento. The change was necessary because repairs being done at the originally scheduled venue have not been completed.
Struggling Truths will now open on Thursday, May 6th, at 8 pm, with Friday & Saturday performances on May 7, 8, 14, 15, 28 & 29 at 8 pm (no performances on May 21 & 22) and Sunday matinees on May 9, 16, 23 & 30 at 3 pm. Ticket prices remain at $14 for general admission, $12 for seniors 62 & over, and $12 for youth 13 & under. For ticket reservations or more information please call 452-6174 or Email us at iactmail@cs.com.
Tickets & Info: 916 452-6174 Dennis Yep 916 267-7280
Kumu Kahua Theatre (Hawaii)
The Work
May 25 and 26, 2004
Kumu Kahua Theatre's presents as part of it's Dark Night Series THE WORK, where emerging theatre directors compete for artistic bragging rights, which will play at the Kumu Kahua Theatre Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 at 7:30pm.
For this special two night THE WORK four emerging directors are showcased in a competitive format whereby each of them is allowed a limited amount of time to stage the same prepared but unrehearsed scene, using the same actors, on the same night, one right after the other, in front of a live audience. Don't miss the Iron Chef of Hawai'i theatre.
The two directors for the Tuesday night challenge are Kumu Kahua acting veterans U.H. English Professor Craig Howes and U.H. Political Science Professor Neal Milner. The two directors for the Wednesday night challenge are Kumu Kahua acting veteran Ashley Larson and recent U.H. grad Gilbert Molina. They will all be directing a new scene by local director, playwright, and stage combat choreographer Tony Pisculli.
THE WORK will play at Kumu Kahua Theatre, 46 Merchant Street downtown Honolulu, on Tuesday, May 25 and Wednesday, May 26 at 7:30pm and tickets for this event are $5. Seating is limited, so call and reserve your seat soon. For reservations by call 536-4441 Monday through Friday.
Kumu Kahua Theatre is supported in part by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts through appropriations from Legislature of the State of Hawai'i (and by the National Endowment for the Arts); the Mayor's Office of Culture and Arts, Jeremy Harris, Mayor; The Hawai'i Community Foundation; Territorial Savings Bank; and Foundations, Businesses and Patrons.
AATC (SF, CA)
Asian Massage Parlor
by Wesley Du
May 27, 2004
The "Massage Parlor Play" is about five Asian women who work in an Asian Massage Parlor in San Francisco. They each go through a transformation and a journey on this one particular night where Suki, the oldest, most experienced and mother figure of the group gets raped. This causes the transformatoin of all the characters because she is the least likely that the other girls think to be vulnerable. And when she does get raped it acts as a reality check for all the other girls.
Japanese Cultural & Community Center of N. California
Asian Improv aRts
Asian American Arts & Heritage Festival 2004
Soko Arts 2004 "Geta Groove"
Featuring: Ginger Hashimoto & The Snaps
June 5 and 6, 2004
Join Ginger Hashimoto, on a musical fantasy...in a Yellow Submarine...in a Japantown you've never seen!
Ginger Hashimoto, Japantown's favorite cabaret and intrepid time-traveler, returns from a stint in Las Vegas and will be taking the audience on a new musical theatre adventure. Set in San Francisco's Japantown, circa late 1960's-1970's with redevelopment and the rise of community consciousness as a backdrop, Ginger, accompanied by the eclectic Snaps, rediscovers how Nihonmachi (Japantown) survived in spite of it all--how Japantown got by "with a little help from our tomodachis" and the Issei and Nisei asking the question, "Will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 84?"
SUZ Takeda as "Ginger Hashimoto"
The Snaps: Jimmy Biala, Doug Hirai, John-Carlos Perea, and Francis Wong
Guest Artists: AK Black (spoken word), Hideko Nakajima (vocalist/shamisen), Wesley Uenten (sanshin musician), and others...
DATES: SATURDAY, June 5, 2004 @ 7pm, SUNDAY, June 6, 2004 @ 2 pm
PLACE: Japanese Cultural & Community Center of N. Calif, 1840 Sutter Street, San Francisco 94115
TICKETS: $15.00 (advance), $18 @ the door; call JCCCNC (415) 567-5505 or see www.jcccnc.org
This event is presented by the Japanese Cultural & Community Center of N. Calif (JCCCNC) and Asian Improv aRts as part of the Asian American Arts and Heritage Festival 2004. The event is also sponsored in part by the Zellerbach Family Foundation.
Bindlestiff Studiopresents
The Filipino Improv Comedy troupe
spit ≠ skit
June 9, 2004 @ 8 pm
So, what’s improv anyway?
You know that dream you had as a child, where you’re the lead in the school play? You stride confidently onto center stage. You take a deep breath. And just as you open your mouth, you suddenly realize that you are NAKED, and YOU DON’T KNOW YOUR LINES. Improv is a bit like that. (Except for the naked part.)
Everything comes from audience suggestions. There are no prepared skits, no rehearsed musical numbers, no comedy routines. NOTHING is planned or rehearsed.
It’s impromptu, lightning-fast, seat-of-your–pants comedy.
June 9th 2004 @ 8pm
Bindlestiff Alley
505 Natoma @ 6th St. (between Howard and Mission)
$7-$15 suggested donation (no one turned away for lack of funds)
415.974.1167 for info & rsvp
www.bindlestiffstudio.org
Kuma Kahua Theatre (Hawaii)
Gone Feeshing
by Lee Tonouchi
May 13 to June 13, 2004
extended to June 20
Da Ocean (Malia Yamamoto) has captured brothers Wayne (left, Moses Goods) and Garyson (right, Squire Coldwell) in her net of mystery and remembrance. See if they escape in Kumu Kahua Theatre's production of Lee A. Tonouchi's comic-drama Gone Feeshing. Show runs from May 13 through June 13. Call 536-4441 for ticket information. Photo by Brad Goda
"Pidgin Guerilla" Tonouchi, author of the short story collection Da Word, brings his "Mastah-Of-Comic-Disastah" style of literary comedy to the stage with the story of two brothers, Wayne and Grayson, who get together for the first time in several years to go fishing. The lives of Grayson, a schoolteacher, and Wayne, host of a popular fishing-and-cooking television show, have been determined partially by their differing relationships with their late father. When Grayson informs his older brother that he is to be married, the pair embark on a surrealistic journey that takes them through their childhood, teenaged and young adult years and back to the present—helping them to confront their past, deal with their father, and resolve their conflicts to reach a mutual understanding. By having the brothers repeatedly "swept away" by the ocean into turning points of their youth, Tonouchi combines pidgin-based comic dialogue with authentically developed character.
Mark Taper Forum's Asian Theatre Workshop (LA, CA)
Summerfest
A Festival of New Asian American Theatre Work
June 16 to 20, 2004
at the IVY SUBSTATION
SONGBOOK!
Performed by Melody Butiu
Arranged and Accompanied by Nathan Wang
Wednesday, June 16 at 8pm
Saturday, June 19 at 5pm
Many Asian American musicals have been written in the last decades.Though infrequently produced, they have been given life mainly on Asian American theatre stages from New York to Seattle to Los Angeles. In this intimate musical cabaret, award-winning composer Nathan Wang and actor/virtuoso Melody Butiu will perform musical gems from the Asian American musical theatre songbook. From a musical about Tiananmen Square, Beijing Spring to a musical about Asian American immigration Heading East, from the unproduced Chinese Hell to the upcoming Imelda, you will be treated to these beautiful songs that have been captured and defined the spirit and struggles of the Asian American community.
Naturally Graceful
Written and Performed by Alison M. De La Cruz
Thursday, June 17 at 8pm
Saturday, June 19 at 2pm
Set in Southern California, Naturally Graceful is a theatrical romp through girlhood crushes, dolphin dreams and floating Aunties. In this poetic, funny, moving and powerful piece, Filipina American performer Alison De La Cruz explores when moments become memories etched in the body as stretch marks.
BIRTH OF nASIAN
Written by Kate Rigg and Leah Ryan
Performed by Kate Rigg and Lyris Hung
Friday, June 18 at 8pm
Sunday, June 20 at 5pm
Cool, hilarious and provocative, Birth of nAsian is Nuyorasian trip hopcomedy theatre. Performer Kate Rigg brings you a host of edgy, surreal characters from a token Asian newscaster with a non-ethnic sounding name to a hundred year old trini to a China-Latina with an axe to grind. Accompanied by former classical-virtuoso-turned-rocking-electronic-violin-diva Lyris Hung on beats, live violin, samples and soundscape, Birth is a mix of comedy and spoken word pieces reflecting the urban voice of Asian America.
Language Will Be Used
Written and Performed by Sandra Tsing Loh
Saturday, June 19 at 8pm
This is not for the faint of heart. Wit, writer, performer and radio personality Sandra Tsing Loh's Language Will Be Used will unleash a fast rumination on topics such as the FCC, Lenny Bruce, the Van Nuys Courthouse, the danger of Peet's lattes, the horror of pledge drives, places to shove your public radio coffee mug, multicultural nose flutes, Gino Vanelli's
underpants, if Melissa Rivers were a camel jockey, if Rodney King were Caucasian and of course, just in time for summer, the Palestinian woman joke.
Prince of Delhi Palace
Written and Directed by Ravi Kapoor
Sunday, June 20 at 2pm
Fears, longings, immigrant parents, a mother's remarriage to an uncleand memories of a deceased father are just the few ingredients in playwright/actor Ravi Kapoor's recipe for a family drama. Written in verse, inspired by Shakepeare's Hamlet and set in an Indian restaurant, Prince of Delhi Palace is a funny and moving new play set against the backdrop of a community basted in class, caste and curry.
Question 27, Question 28
Written and Directed by Chay Yew
with Shannon Holt, Dian Kobayashi, Emily Kuroda and Tamlyn Tomita
ENCORE PERFORMANCE Sunday, June 20 at 8pm
What happened to the women of the Japanese American internment? How did these brave women keep hope alive in the American Dream? Question 27, Question 28 weaves a story of the struggles, plights and courage of Japanese American female detainees of the American internment camps of World War II. A documentary theatre project based on testimonials, transcripts, documents and interviews with Japanese American female internees living in California, Question 27, Question 28 is a powerful, moving, provocative and uplifting experience.
All performances at the IVY SUBSTATION
9070 Venice Boulevard (at Culver)
Culver City 90232
ADMISSION $10
PURCHASE ONLINE AT: www.TaperAhmanson.com
BOX OFFICE: (213)628-2772
Lodestone Theatre (LA, CA)
YOUTH AND IDENTITY
June 18, 2004 at 6:30pm at Barnsdall Art Park
Theatre in Los Feliz.
This annual event features short plays, musical performances and spoken word pieces written, directed and performed by teens from various youth community centers from across Los Angeles. The purpose is to give the youth creative outlets to help them avoid at-risk behavior, and to entertain and educate the general public about issues that affect teens today. Domestic and gang violence, sexual health and responsibility, and HIV/AIDS awareness are among the topics explored. There will be a reception following the performance, and food and drink will be provided. The program is free to the general public.
For more info. call the Asian Pacific Health Care Venture at: (323) 644-3880.
AATC (SF, CA)
Waking Dreams
by Siwaraya Rochanahusdin
June 24, 2004
Set in the early 1990's of the Bay Area, a young woman, Nat, loses her brother to what was called "the worst mass murder in recent Arizona history." During a news blackout and time for reelection she must find a way to keep public interest into the investigation of her brother’s death. In the wake of the tragedy she explores the meaning of family, holding onto community, and herself.
Thursday, June 24, 2004
7PM - 9PM
ACT Market Street Studio
1119 Market Street (b/w 7th and 8th St.)
San Francisco, CA 94103
The Maritess and Darwin Grymoire
a Magic Drama, opens at Dillon's
Supper Club with the Girliemagic Orchestra
June 25, July 30, August 27, 2004
"Maritess is urban sophistication with an edge" ...New York Newsday
"With her street-smart stage presence, dazzling illusions, and great sense of humor, Maritess redefines magic for a hip new multicultural age."... David Henry Hwang
Dillon's Supper Club
Friday, June 25th 10pm
July 30th Friday 10:15 pm
Aug 27th Friday 10:15 pm
54th street between Broadway and 8th avenue.
$16 gen admission
$12 students and seniors with ID, and Dramatist Guild Members
$10 food or drink minimum.
Call 718.328.8544 press *3 for reservations
http://www.dillonslounge.com/home.html
www.girliemagic.com
As the only female Asian Mentalist in history, and one of the few professional female magicians in the world, Maritess combines dramatic monologue with internationally award-winning sleight-of-hand, mind reading, and illusions. This true-life story tells of Zurbano's beginnings in the mean streets of Chicago, to the showrooms of Vegas, to the global stages of Asia and Europe, thanks to the unusual love and support of her womanizing and racist mentor, Las Vegas legendary magician Gary Darwin. Zurbano has become one of the world's most renowned female magicians, and owes her success to her lifelong apprenticeship to Darwin, a recognized master in sleight-of-hand and invention. See her show performed with the Girliemagic Orchestra with cellist David Preiser and sexy conservatory trained pianist Fiona Lee. The sovereign nation of Mykronesia www.mykronesia.com is personally opening the show.
Maritess Zurbano has performed at every major casino in Las Vegas, and toured with her illusion show throughout Asia and Europe. She was nominated for competition in the Federacion Internacionale Des Societe Magique 2000, considered the Olympics of magic. Jane magazine, NHK Japan, Lifetime Television, VH1, Yolk Magazine, The Philippine News, and NYC Newsday love her show. She recently finished shooting a Magic TV special segment, with BBC London.
Visit her Website at www.girliemagic.com
SALAAM (NYC, NY)
celebrates GAY PRIDE 2004,
AWAAZ* - New voices/ New plays
presents staged readings of two plays:
June 21, 2004
Brenden Varma's
SAFE SPACE
Taking place in a community center in present-day Manhattan, this full-length play takes you to meeting of a support group for young gay South Asians.
Directed by Ashok Sinha
Featuring
Rita Garg as Nausheen
Sanjiv Javeri as Vish and Mr. Chowdhury
Priyanka Mathew as Mary
Maulik Pancholy as Raj
Tyler Pierce as Gilbert and Random Bus Passenger
Omar Rahim as Neal
Reena Shah as Umera
Brenden Varma as Vikram
Paul Knox's
WHAT FLAVOR IS YOUR SLURPEE
Place: A 7-11 convenience store just outside Wilmhackey, South Dakota.
Time: Way past any sensible person's bedtime.
Directed by Paul Knox
Featuring:
Rupak Bhattacharya as Mohammad
Kristi Tomooka-Russo* as Lin
Nandita Shenoy* as Rani
The Rising Circle Theater Collective (NYC)
dedicated to advancing the work of thespians of color
The Hall Pass Reunion
June 24, 2004
The The Hall Pass Reunion is a comedic, musical, theatrical experience,(a cabaret of a different kind) that tells the story what happens when eight people -- former members of an 80s teen cover band sensation called Hall Pass and one new edition -- reunite for the kick-off concert of their Four Borough Reunion Tour. Come watch the drama unfold as old relationships are rekindled and new ones are discovered as Hall Pass performs their cover hits from the 80s!
The concept was developed collaboratively and will be performed by The Rising Circle Theater Collective:
Rod Bowen, Lucinda Holt, Ajit Jagdale, Catherine Jhung, Don Nahaku, Deepa Purohit, Debargo Sanyal, Ragini Shah, and Rick Younger
Musical Director: Samrat Chakrabarti
With Sean Hickey on guitar
Thursday June 24, 2004
The Backroom at DILLON'S
245 West 54th Street (between 7th and 8th Ave), NYC
(212) 307-9797
2 Shows Only! RESERVE FAST! Limited Seating!
Doors open at 7pm & 9pm.
Shows begin promptly at 7:30p and 9:30p
$15 at the door plus $10 Food/Drink minimum
$50 Angel Seats (best seats in the house,
food/drink minimum covered)
RSVP by June 21, 2004 by emailing info@risingcircle.org
For more on Rising Circle and Hall Pass click on
www.risingcircle.org and/or
http://www.risingcircle.org/hallpass.htm
SIS Productions (Seattle, WA)
Sex in Seattle, Episode 9
Little White Lies
Richard Hugo House
June 4 to 26, 2004
Join Tess, Jenna, Shari and Elizabeth - four contemporary Asian American women looking for love in the big Game Show of Life. Play along in this high energy contest of truth versus consequences as our spunky heroines deal with love triangles, mistaken identities, internet dating, and more! It’s fun! It’s sexy! And even a little quirky! It’s Sex in Seattle, Episode 9: Little White Lies!
Reviewed here.
Questions? Email 