Pan Asian Repertory Theatre Announces Expanded Training Programs

PAN ASIAN REPERTORY THEATRE will expand training opportunities in its 37th Milestone Season, and announces that its fall line-up will include an exciting new opportunity to explore Hula Basics for 8 Thursdays from Oct 3 - Dec 6, 2013 with instructor by Marina Celander. Enhanced programming complements Pan Asian's popular Acting/Writing Lab led by Obie Award- winning artist, Ernest Abuba, which will be offered for 10 Wednesdays from Oct 9 - Dec 12, 2013. All classes are held at 520 Spaces (520 8th Ave in the Fashion District).

Hula, Hawaiian traditional dance, is a sacred art form of the Hawaiian Islands. Ancient hula evolved into 'hula auana', modern hula with the arrival of the Western influences, but it is still connected to its sacred past. Pan Asian's hula workshop series will teach the basic steps of the feet, hands and hips; basic choreography, and the words and meaning of a beautiful 'hula auana'. The class is open to all levels, basic knowledge of movement is a plus but not a requirement.

Pan Asian began offering the Acting/Writing Lab in 2000 to expand familiarity with and contributions to the Asian American theatrical canon. Since its genesis, the class has nurtured hundreds of artists with an individualized and challenging curriculum, and graduates have gone on to perform their works nationally, internationally, in NYC at such venues as HERE, Chashama, PS122, and in Pan Asian showcases 2+3 Nights Only and NEWWORKS, and other venues.

"Our spring production, the world premiere of the comedy FISHING FOR WIVES, is set in Hawaii in 1913, and we are thrilled to continue the thematic impetus with unique training opportunities that embrace the culture and history of Hawaii with this new offering beautiful Hula dance," says Artistic Producing Director, Tisa Chang.

Both workshops conclude with presentations open to the public held in the Bruce Mitchell Room at 520 Spaces. To register for classes or to RSVP for a workshop presentation, visit www.panasianrep.org or email info@panasianrep.org.

ABOUT THE INSTRUCTORS:

Marina Celander is a theatre artist and dancer originally from Sweden. She graduated from London Contemporary Dance School's three year professional training program in modern dance and ballet in London, England. Her training in New York also includes Gene Frankel Theatre Workshop. Marina has since performed extensively in theatre and dance in many venues across the USA. She has dedicated many years to the study of Hula, traditional Hawaiian dance, both on the mainland and in Hawai'i, and is currently studying under the guidance of kumu hula, or master hula teacher, Vicky Holt Takamine with halau Pua Ali'i 'Ilima O Nuioka.

Ernest Abuba, playwright, director, and veteran Broadway and film actor. Major roles in Broadway's PACIFIC OVERTURES, LOOSE ENDS. TV: "Kung Fu," "Adderly" Film: "Twelve Monkeys," "King Of New York" His plays include: KWATZ! THE TIBETAN PROJECT, CAMBODIA AGONISTES, EAT A BOWL OF TEA, AN AMERICAN STORY, LEIR REX, and DOJOJI: The Man Inside the Bell. Screenplays produced by Wing Prdns, and CBS/PBS: "Mariana Bracetti," "Osceola," "Arthur A. Schomburg," "Lilac Chen," "Asian American Railroad Strike,"and "Iroquois Confederacy." He is currently on the theater faculty at Sarah Lawrence College.

Photo by Corky Lee