Pan Asian Rep Launches 30th Season Oct. 14

Pan Asian Repertory Theatre will launch their 30th Anniversary season with the East coast premiere of Philip Kan Gotanda's Yohen.

Directed by Seret Scott, the show will play October 14th through November 5th at the West End Theatre. Opening night is Wednesday, October 18th at 7:30 PM.

Set in Southern California in 1986, Yohen follows the 30-year marriage of James, an African American ex-GI, and Sumi, his Japanese wife. After 30 years of marriage, Sumi reevaluates the relationship and separates from James. Attempting to reconnect, the couple must face their differences and look back before they can move ahead.

The play's title is a Japanese pottery term that refers to irregular color mixing which takes place in the kiln. The show features Dian Kobayashi as Sumi and David Fonteno as James.

Over the last 25 years, Mr. Gotanda has been instrumental in bringing stories of Asians in the United States to mainstream American theatre. His works include The Wash, The Sisters Matsumoto, and Ballad of Yachiyo. His most recent film, Life Tastes Good, was originally presented at the Sundance Film Festival.

Yohen runs Off-Broadway at the West End Theatre (263 W. 86th Street between Broadway and WEA in the Church of St. Paul & St. Andrew, 2nd floor) October 14th through November 5th.

Performances are Wednesday through Saturday at 8, with matinees Saturday and Sunday at 3. Tickets are $40. For tickets, call (212) 868-4030, or e-mail PanAsian@aol.com. Also call to inquire about student matinees.