THE DOWNTOWN URBAN THEATER FESTIVAL PROUDLY RETURNS TO THE HERE ARTS CENTER FOR IT'S 7TH SEASON!
7th SEASON / 2009
SCHEDULE
***Wednesday, May 6 - DOUBLE FEATURE***
LIFE COULD BE UN SUEÑO by Lina Sarrello
A comical glimpse of a first-generation American girl dealing with the traditions of her drama-filled Latino family shortly after her mother's death. Cuban-Italian, Sarrello is an actress/singer/dancer/writer from Miami, FL.
MAN UP by Carlos Andrés Gómez
Gómez takes the audience on a gritty, raw and often hilarious trip through sexuality, family, fear and dreams, in this solo work that attempts to uncover the definition of what it means to be a "good man". Gómez is an Award-winning poet and actor from NYC.
***Thursday, May 7 - DOUBLE FEATURE***
A BOY CALLED NOISE by Julia Steele Allen
The story of Noise - the male victim of a hate crime - is told through the unwavering voices of his family and the admirers who loved him. Only after their loss do they see the young man for who he was. Allen is an Activist, performer, poet and Community Organizer in the Bronx.
ALTERNATE SIDE STREET PARKING (A Love Story in Four Seasons) by Dina Laura
New York City can be complicated if you own a car. Live, laugh and love with Steve and Jessica, who discover when they stop parking and start talking, life is full of surprises. Laura is the winner of Best Audience in DUTF 2008.
***Friday, May 8***
THE KING'S MISTRESS by Patricia Ione Lloyd
The stolen kisses and desires of a king and the dreams of the women who loved him. This fictionalized tale of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., explores the need to have leaders be perfect and/or godlike. Is it possible for one to be a hero to their family and community, while possessing a somewhat flawed humanity? Lloyd is winner of Best Play in DUTF 2008.
Saturday, May 9 - DOUBLE FEATURESOLO MAN WATUSI by Mel Nieves
It's another new year, filled with new beginnings, fresh starts, and an excitement for the unknown. But for two old friends who ponder all that could have been, but never was, the New Year is nothing more than a stinging reminder that the 'little boy' on the inside has - once again - tripped up the 'big man' on the outside. Nieves, a member of the award-winning LAByrinth Theatre Company, is recipient of Best Short Play in DUTF 2006.
WHERE MY GIRLS AT: A Comedic Look at Black Lesbians - by Micia Mosely
A fun-filled one-woman show, take on the black lesbian experience that challenges - head on - the notion that there's only one way to be black or queer in the 21st century. Mosely, PH. D., playwright and actor is a traveling comedic speaker with The Lecture Bureau.
***Tuesday, May 12***
AMERICA by Kim Yaged
Ethnicity, race, religion and culture are explored through America's 'land of the free' stereotypes, creating a provocative social commentary that's sure to challenge the senses. Award-winning playwright, Yaged's, works have been performed throughout North America.
***Wednesday, May 13***
T.A.B. by Susan H. Pak
Based on the true and tragic demise of an MIT student by self-immolation, T.A.B. explores the desire and ambition to be "American" and how it can drive model minorities - Asian Americans - to staggering acts of self-destruction. Pak is currently pursuing her MFA in Writing for Screen and Stage from Northwestern University.
***Thursday, May 14***
RIGHT TO RETURN by Pamela Sneed
Locked in the realm of self-discovery after a long illness, a woman makes a journey to Ghana, traveling to former slave-trade routes, in search of a meaning - a reason - to exist. Sneed is a prolific writer and Professor of Speech and Theater at Long Island University.
***Friday, May 15***
VI DEGREES by Kash Goins
VI Degrees looks at the lifestyles of unprotected sex, prostitution, living on the "Down Low", adultery and sectors of prison life that may contribute to the high rate of HIV/AIDS. Goins is a critically-acclaimed writer and director, who's worked with the legendary Shirley Murdock.
***Saturday, May 16***
REPRESENTA! by Paul S. Flores & Julio Cardenas
What happens when a Chicano spoken-word poet meets a Cuban rapper at the Havana Hip-Hop Festival? Find out in this bilingual, hip-hop journey that uncovers the challenges of a poetic friendship. Flores is a Playwright/Performer out of San Francisco and Cardenas is a native Cuban rapper.
All shows will begin at 8:30PM at HERE Arts Center located on 145 6th Ave. (between Spring & Broome, enter on Dominick)
TICKETS: $18
TO PURCHASE: For tickets: Visit www.here.org or call 212-352-3101
