Frigid Festival Previews
Tag: Ethnic Diversity
Recess
Author: Una Aya Osato
During the wake of one of my closest friends, her 5-year-old daughter stood up and said: "It's ok to cry everyone, crying's ok, but it's not gonna change nothing, it's not gonna bring my mommy back." Moved beyond tears, this got me thinking about the insight children have that we, as adults, usually fail to notice. Young people's perspectives of the world, so often filled with compassion and different ways of understanding, are often readily written off. This experience was the seed that grew into my one-woman show Recess.
Having grown up attending New York City public schools and then teaching in them for several years, I have been witnessing first hand what is happening to many of our youth. As products of "No Child Left Behind" we are telling children that their role is to listen and do well on tests; essentially to just be seen and not heard; rather than actively developing their minds and persons in order to critically participate in the world around them. My concerns about the education system compelled me to act. I see Recess as one mean of shedding light to these issues. Recess is an attempt to give voices to those we rarely take seriously. The show deals with how our actions as an American society affect our children and their future tomorrow. Recess examines the ways in which the violence that is occurring in the world (continuing wars; police brutality; families who are being split apart because of ICE raids; workers loosing their jobs, racism, etc) ends up affecting kids, how they see themselves and how they treat one another.
What to expect from this show: Kids. Teachers. Fun. Fast pace. All over the place. Happy times. Sad times. Silly times. Difficult questions. Imagination. (Everything a good recess has... hope to see you there!)
Una Aya Osato, writer/performer
The Black Jew Dialogues
Author: Ron Jones and Larry Jay Tish
Our show is a fast-paced comedy and was written by my dear friend, veteran performer, Ron Jones and me, Larry Jay Tish. The Black Jew Dialogues combines sketch comedy, improv, interactive video, and audience participation. We play a myriad of characters that take the audience on a hysterical and poignant journey through many of our closest held beliefs (and misbeliefs). The Black Jew Dialogues was born from the dialogue that a black man (Ron) and a Jew (Larry) had when they locked themselves in a cheap hotel room for a couple of weekends to try to sort out why American blacks and Jews don't get along like they used to. The show reveals the absurdity of hate, racism, prejudice, bias and why chicken livers are adored by both groups. The show is a rollicking ride through the history of blacks and Jews, from the time of the Pharaohs to Barack Obama.
When times are tough it is especially pertinent to laugh and reveal the humor in being human. Plus, the show not only sheds light on complicated issues in a way that resonates with audiences, but also gives them the opportunity to engage in an open and mature exchange of ideas. A great part of the show's success has been that it deals with sensitive and complicated issues in a unique and engaging way. We use humor to knock down barriers and open the path to an honest and real discussion on race, multiculturalism, and prejudice. Is it political theatre? Maybe somewhat. It does come with a message, which I won't give away, you'll have to come see it. One of my favorite emails we received was from a father who took his 17-year-old son to see the show. He said that he went to grab a bite with his son after the show and they talked for three hours! He said that was more than he had spoken to his son in years. He was very appreciative of our work.
We have just finished performing our 110th show... from Edinburgh, Scotland to New Orleans to Chicago! But never New York City? We have always wanted to present The Black Jew Dialogues in New York City (I was raised in Brooklyn and Queens) and the Frigid Festival has been the best opportunity to do so. (read: it makes the most financial sense so far.) But most importantly we continue to tour the show because we are committed to "changing the world one show at a time." We hope you can make it down to the Kraine Theater to participate in the laughter, ideas, and ongoing dialogue. (Plus, we really can use the money.)
Larry Jay Tish, co-creator/performer
The Giant's Causeways
Author: Nora S. McLaughlin
Can the friendship between two boys, one Catholic, the other Protestant, stand up to the political, social and religious struggles surrounding them in Northern Ireland during the 60's and 70's? The Giant's Causeways takes the audience on an emotional journey through this friendship as the boys deal with death in many ways, figure out just how many Causeways there are and how many potatoes is a lot of potatoes. It's a story with a touch of magic that's unique to Irish tales. Directed by Jill Harrison and featuring James Fauvell and Thomas Hodgskin.
The struggle of the Catholics in Belfast, Northern Ireland, particularly during a time they call, the Troubles, is echoed in conflicts throughout the world: equality of rights, regardless of race, religion or social status. Though the roots of such struggles may differ, the effect on individuals, families and friends is universal. How can Americans connect with a struggle that has gone on in Belfast, Northern Ireland for over 30 years? The Catholics drew inspiration from Martin Luther King and the Civil Rights Movement, a defining moment in American history both then and now.
I wrote this play based very loosely on a story that my father experienced on his return back to Belfast, where he grew up. Writing and researching for this piece has been a four year journey into my family's history, the history of Ireland and what it means for me to be Irish.
Nora Sun McLaughlin, writer
