The play series "Towards a New Ecology for Women" is the brainchild of Born Bi-Kim

of New African Company (NewAfCo). Its aim is to be a catalyst for changing the way

women are treated overall. To promote and create more ongoing dialogue and lasting

social, political economic changes for women city wide. Mariko Kanto, of Actors Refuge Repertory Theatre (ARRT) shared similar ideas. So they decided to co-produce this play series.

The concept was developed from coursework that Born chose as a focus of study at Goddard College. Combined with the study and practice of Theater of the Oppressed which was started by Augusto Boal. Born realized becoming proactive about stopping the oppression of women and dealing with internalized oppression of women is where more society's need to focus creating and maintaining true justice and social justice work, because where we place women in our eco-system largely influences the wellbeing of the whole of
humanity itself.

"Every woman has the right to thrive in her life. The reality of hegemony and dominant thought theory combined with even the threat of using violence. Make a woman’s struggle to achieve at her dreams one that takes more than just courage to attain.”

The continued work that is developed from this play festival should be defined by women of all ages. The work should be available in daily programming both city and state-wide. Whether in workshops, forums and or ongoing dialogues.

There's always room for humor in every relationship

Featuring:

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“Lies Lies Lies!” written by Patrick Gabridge / directed by Irfan Malik / featuring “Bunty” Michael Singh and Aarti Kapuria

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“Kiss” written by Mark Harvey Levine / directed by Born Bi-Kim / featuring Liz Eng (Kyanna Her, u/s) and Kevin Eam

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“It” written by Elainy Lima / directed by Born Bi-Kim / featuring Heidi Rhodes

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“Truce” written by Sharon Perpignani / directed by Jackie Davis / featuring Angela Gunn, Kaleigh Carrington, Michael Tow, Sonya Joyner, Melissa Baroni  and Eva Ng

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“Resistance” written by Peter Snoad / directed by Born Bi-Kim / featuring Lou Fuoco and Sonya Joyner

 

“Table for Three” written by Carl Williams / directed by Irfan Malik / featuring Siobhan Stackpole, Chen Tang and Kenny Steven Fuentes

 

…and introducing 

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“The Ticklers!” (Improv navigators for the show), featuring Gerard Slattery, Elainy Lima,

Born Bi-Kim and Mariko Kanto / tweaked by Will Luera

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“tickle Tickle TICKLE!” is produced in association with Improv Boston, New African Company, New Urban Theatre Lab and South Asian American Theatre.

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Producer: Mariko

 

Co-Artistic Directors: Born Bi-Kim and Mariko

 

Technical Director: Ed Liberatore

 

Stage Managers: Kyanna Her, Eva Ng and Mariko

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Five powerful plays, one unifying theme.

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Featuring:

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“Stop Rain” written by Patrick Gabridge, directed by Angela Gunn, featuring Angela Gunn and Heidi Rhodes

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“Debt” written by Janet Kenney, directed by Born Bi-Kim, featuring Rajiv Nunna and Elainy Lima

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“Drive Thru” written by Mark Harvey Levine, directed by Born Bi-Kim, featuring Liz Eng and Lou Fuoco

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“Rain of Ruin” written by Elaine Romero, directed by Dawn Simmons, featuring Regine Valentin, Mike Tow, Ami Tsuchida, Megumi Schaaf, Mark Jeffrey and Scott Oglesbay.

 

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“R.A.W. (‘Cause I’m A Woman)” written by Diana Son, directed by Born Bi-Kim, featuring Mariko Kanto, Trang Trinh, Eva Ng and Liz Eng.

 

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Music by Bill Brockmeyer

 

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Produced by Mariko