The David Henry Hwang Writers’ Works in Progress is back for the DHHWI New Works Festival. Join Workshop leader Dorie Baizley along with playwrights Timothy Tau, David Hideo Maruyama, Joy Regullano, Judy Soo Hoo, Gene Lee, Evan Moua, Anna Woo, Neelanjana Banerjee, and Michael Mason for their readings being held at the David Henry Hwang Theater, 120 Judge John Aiso St. in Little Tokyo.
This event is free and open to the public.
• Friday, June 28, at 7:30 p.m.
“Bros/Hos/Foes” by Timothy Tau
Two Asian American Hollywood Actors stumble upon “The Limitless Eternity,” a space outside of time that allows them to see all of time. They use it to reflect on the past, present and future of their calling and the harshness of “The Industry,” as well as their shared camaraderie (Bros), their relationships with women (Hos), and the competition and sometimes veiled antagonism of the creative community that they struggle to thrive in (Foes).
“Double Exposure” by David Hideo Maruyama
Mix a shrink, an A-list white actress, a celebrity chef and a transvestite fortune-telling Thai cooking show host of the third sex. Stir-fry with sweet, salt, sour and spicy relationships. Serve hot and bothered.
• Saturday, June 29, at 2 p.m.
“Undocumented” by Joy Regullano
Not all undocumented people work on farms or hang around Home Depot. Some of them are high school seniors in magnet schools. Try getting a girlfriend when you can’t get a job or a driver’s license.
4 p.m.
“The Norms” by Judy Soo Hoo
Norm and Norma discover their late dear mom and dad were happy swingers. But as more secrets are uncovered, what more will they inherit?
6 p.m.
“Ladies and Gentlemen” by Gene Lee
A heavyweight contender gets the opportunity of a lifetime, but must choose between the two men she loves.
• Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m.
“I Won’t Miss You” by Joy Regullano
When 17-year-old Janey’s best friend Tim begins to appear in her bedroom at night after dying in a car crash, their awkward undeclared feelings begin to surface. Will he still take her to prom like he promised in the B.D. (Before Death) era or must she move on?
“Alden and the Janitor” by Evan Moua
The untold story of Aladdin, the magic lamp, and his high school years at Sultan Prep.
4 p.m.
“Life Cycle of a Girl” by Anna Woo
When “happily ever after” goes terribly wrong, what is a girl to do?
“Cowgirls” by Neelanjana Banerjee
When the Wild West’s Calamity Jane and Radha — the consort of Hindu mythology’s blue-skinned God, Krishna — find themselves trapped together, they discover that they have a surprising amount in common.
6 p.m.
“Yellow Shakespeare” by Timothy Tau
A long-lost Shakespeare play is discovered that is the first and only play from the bard to feature Asian characters. As the play becomes a worldwide phenomenon, a theater troupe led by an ambitious young academic prepares to adapt it for the very first time on stage. When Hollywood comes knocking, will the theater troupe sell out or will they remain true to their artistic integrity? And, is the play for real?
• Monday, July 1, at 7:30 p.m.
“Masks” by Michael Mason
Have you ever been stuck in a dream before? Or smoked a Bob Baker? Our main character has. BAM!
About the Institute
In 1991, playwright David Henry Hwang (“F.O.B.,” “The Dance and the Railroad,” “M. Butterfly”) and East West Players joined together to create the David Henry Hwang Writers Institute, which provides a series of writing classes designed to foster new work for the stage. Administered by EWP Literary Manager Jeff Liu, it is a nationally recognized force in the creation of plays that embrace the voice of a multiethnic America.
Instructors have included playwrights such as Doris Baizley, Paula Cizmar, Prince Gomolvilas, Amy Hill, Silas Jones, Annette Lee, Peter Sagal, Rick Shiomi, Judy Soo Hoo, Kelly Stuart, Alice Tuan, Elizabeth Wong, Chay Yew, and Brian Nelson, a founder of the Institute. Guest lecturers have included playwrights such as Philip Kan Gotanda, Amy Hill, Desmond Nakano, Wakako Yamauchi, Chay Yew, and Hwang himself. One-act and full-length plays of all genres are created by writers in the institute, and each session of classes culminates in public readings of these works, staged by professional actors and directors.
For more information, call (213) 625-7000 or visit www.eastwestplayers.org.