Arts

EWP Continues 43rd Theater Season With Mix of Bruce Lee, Mahjong, and Reincarnation

East West Players’ (EWP) 43rd Anniversary Season continues with the Los Angeles premiere of a play that is based on a best selling book turned into a major motion picture and two world premiers: BE LIKE WATER, by Dan Kwong, THE JOY LUCK CLUB by Susan Kim, based on the novel by Amy Tan, and IXNAY by Paul Kikuchi.

“East West Players looks forward to bringing these productions revolving around the human spirit and our need to conjure our past to keep dreams and hopes alive,” says Producing Artistic Director Tim Dang, “Each of the characters in these works are struggling to keep their dreams alive, through many a convention – the martial arts, a game of Mahjong, a reincarnation station or through a romantic relationship.”

BE LIKE WATER opens five years after the death of legendary martial artist Bruce Lee. Tracy Fong is a 13-year old ass kicking, gung-fu fanatic tomboy, challenged by school bullies, airhead rivals, and a mother who just wants her to be a “normal” girl. When bad goes to worse, the Ghost of Bruce Lee appears to teach her the true meaning of strength and the true power of water. Written by Dan Kwong, directed by Chris Tashima and produced in association with Cedar Grove OnStage. BE LIKE WATER will run September 11 – October 12, 2008

THE JOY LUCK CLUB, based on the best-selling novel by Amy Tan and also a major motion picture, family bonds transcend history as four young Chinese American women and their Chinese-born mothers struggle to understand each other. When the children’s present lives begin to mirror their parents’ past accomplishments and failures, a seemingly un-crossable divide grows into a bridge as generations unite to form THE JOY LUCK CLUB. Written by Susan Kim. THE JOY LUCK CLUB will run November 6 – December 7, 2008

IXNAY features Raymond Kobayashi who is in the prime of his sansei life when he is pulled up to the Reincarnation Station. But when he finds out he’s being sent back as a Japanese American he refuses, which rudely prevents anyone else from return to earth as scheduled. A comedy about a usually polite Asian causing major havoc when he ixnays his next life. Written by Paul Kikuchi, directed by Jeff Liu. IXNAY will run February 12 – March 15, 2009.

All performances will be staged at the David Henry Hwang Theater at the Union Center for the Arts at 120 Judge John Aiso St., Los Angeles, CA 90012. Season Subscriptions are available with General Subscriptions starting at $125. Student & Senior Subscriptions are $110. Preview and American Sign Language Interpreted Subscriptions are $85. Opening Night subscriptions includes pre-show cocktails and a post-show reception and are $200. Season Subscription purchases and additional information can be found at www.EastWestPlayers.org or by calling 213-625-7000. All plays and dates subject to change.