East West Players, the nation’s largest producing organization of Asian American artistic work and the longest-running professional theater of color in the country, debuts “EVOKE: A Festival of Diverse Voices” from Oct. 11 to 14 at its theater in Little Tokyo.
“EVOKE” nurtures artists and new performance works that expand the dialogue about the Asian Pacific American experiences. This inaugural installation presents the vivid reality and imaginations of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender APA artists. Audience members will have unique opportunities to explore the work and engage with artists Raja Bhattar, Alicia Virani, Chueh Jun-Fung, Nguyen Nguyen and Rich Yap.
“EVOKE” is directed by multi-disciplinary theater artist Alison De La Cruz. As a dramaturg and director, De La Cruz has had the pleasure of working with notable queer artists such as the Butchlalis de Panochitlan and D’Lo in their new work development processes.
“In line with the mission of East West Players to produce artistic works that foster dialogue exploring Asian Pacific experiences, the ‘EVOKE’ performance series is not only an introduction to new artists, but a celebration of these emerging voices in the community,” says Tim Dang, EWP’s producing artistic director. “We are excited to bring these stories to the stage.”
All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts, 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles. Showtimes are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 2 p.m.
The Oct. 14 show is preceded by a family “bring your own brunch” gathering in the EWP courtyard, starting at 12 noon. All are welcome to join. Community organizations will have information tables and food trucks will have savory snacks available for purchase.
General admission tickets are $10. For reservations or more information, call (213) 625-7000 or go to www.eastwestplayers.org/special_events/evoke.html.