AART presents Cultivated Lives

The end of World War II brought more than an uneasy peace to Japan; for Misao Itamura, it ignited an inner struggle. With the help of a mysterious maid, this young heiress embarks upon a journey of renewal and discovery.

Rebelling against suffocation by her domineering father, she becomes entangled with love, murder, the border between sexualities, and &Mac246; ultimately, the search for the true meaning of a cultivated life.

San Diego Asian American Repertory Theatre is honored and excited to present the continental U.S. premiere of Velina Hasu Houston's CULTIVATED LIVES, selected as one of the Top Five Plays of 1997 by PEN Center USA West.

CULTIVATED LIVES will be directed by Karin Williams, Producing Director and Playwright-In-Residence at the Fritz Theater since the theater was founded in 1992. She has directed numerous critically acclaimed productions at the Fritz including THE WOODS, THE CONDUCT OF LIFE, US, RAISED IN CAPTIVITY, SIGHT UNSEEN, and UNMERCIFUL GOOD FORTUNE. Ms. Williams will be assisted by George Ye who most recently assistant directed GETTING AND SPENDING and THE OLD SETTLER at the Old Globe Theatre.

Velina Hasu Houston is an associate professor, resident playwright, and director of the playwriting program at the University of Southern California School of Theatre; and a member of the Writers Guild of America, West. Houston&Mac226;s signature play, TEA, has been produced internationally in Japan and the U.S. to popular and critical acclaim.

The cast will include: Arnold Marquez as Itamura, Anne Tran as Misao, Jyl Kaneshiro as Sadako, Robert Dahey as Katayama, and Chad Sakamoto as Nakagawa. Robert Dahey, most recently seen in CLEVELAND RAINING as Jimmy, will also design the set. Andy Lowe, Artistic Director of SDAART, will design the lighting. George Ye will also contribute sound design. Costumes are designed by Fwamay Sullivan, Assistant Producer of CULTIVATED LIVES. Chad Sakamoto will produce.

WHERE: Sweetooth Theatre, 630 F Street, downtown San Diego, ballroom of
the Maryland Hotel

WHEN: April 2 through 25, 1999, at 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, and 2pm Sundays

PREVIEWS: Friday, March 26 and Saturday, March 27, 1999 at 8pm
PAY WHAT YOU CAN/ACTOR'S NIGHT: Monday, April 12 at 8pm;

*No show on April 4th Easter Sunday.

TICKETS: Evening shows: General admission $12;
Students/Seniors/Military $9;
Discounts available for advance group sales.
For reservations and information, call (619) 544-9079.

***Coming in June 1999 - Vernon Takeshita's PERFORMANCE ANXIETY