New Play Readings at East West Players

New Play Readings at East West Players

Ever since East West Players began in the mid-60s, Mako had the foresight to know that Asian American actors wouldn't be able to grow as artists if they didn't have the written material to work with. One aspect of theatre that EWP has always cultivated is playwrights. Mako encouraged writers like Wakako Yamauchi and Jon Shirota to transpose their written works to the stage. With their efforts, and the efforts of many others, Asian American theatre was not only born, it thrived.

Thankfully, EWP still values the development of new works. Their David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, established in 1991, has generated numerous new writers and new works, among them the stageplay of "Visas and Virtue," which became the film that garnered me an Oscar.

This month many new plays will be on display in two reading series: New original plays will be presented in the "SCHADENFEST" series, and new drafts of works-in-progress will be read in "REINCARNATIONS."

I am directing an exciting new work, written by my producing partner, Tim Toyama – about one of our most respected community leaders – on Monday, December 17. See announcement below for details.

If you have any evenings free, between the mad rush of Holiday shopping, come sit in on the development of some new plays written by the next generation of Asian American playwrights.

—CTEast West Players'

David Henry Hwang Writers Institute presents

REINCARNATIONS

Reincarnations features the readings of six new drafts from the Writing Is Rewriting Workshop at

the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute at East West Players.

Come join us as some exciting up-and-coming playwrights share their creative process with you!

MONDAY, December 17 @ 7:30pm

YURI AND MALCOLM X by Tim Toyama A play about the life of noted civil rights activist and community leader Yuri Kochiyama and her friendship with Malcolm X.

SWEET HARMONY Book and Lyrics byAlison M. De La Cruz What would you do for success? Would you turn your back on your friends? Find out how 4 women achieve their dream and still manage to sing in... Sweet Harmony.

WEDNESDAY, December 19 @ 7:30pm

DRY HOURS By Lisa Tang Change is looming. The edges of dreams blur for three women when secrets unfold. Stories and people will unravel.

IXNAY by Paul Kikuchi Raymond Kobayashi is in the prime of his sansei life when he's pulled up to Heaven. But when he finds out he's been arranged to return to his Next Life as a Japanese American again, Raymond flat out refuses. Come watch this comedy about an underachieving Asian who causes major havoc at the Reincarnation Station when he ixnays his Next Life.

THURSDAY, December 20 @ 7:30pm

ALL HAIL by Lisa Thong Andy is a taxi driver at a steadfast standstill while being a principal mover in the lives of strangers. Faced with the struggles of others to relate and connect, Andy is forced to confront his own existence. At the end of the day, who do you remember?

CONSENT by Aurelio Locsin Can two Filipinos, a Hometown Buffet manager and his hunky demon seducer, fall in love through their real and imagined histories? This dark comedy propels them from Orange County to several afterlives, prompting encounters with a sexy demoness, a fabulous stylist, bewildered tribesmen, and talking trees. (Full production next year at the Rude Guerrilla Theater Company in Santa Ana.)

WARNING: Adult language and situations.

All performances will be held at the David Henry Hwang Theatre at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Admission is a suggested $5 donation.

Questions? Contact Literary Manager Jeff Liu at jliu@eastwestplayers.org or (213) 625-7000 or go to http://www.eastwestplayers.org/literary.htm

[ Download the Schadenfest flyer]

[ Download the Reincarnations flyer]