CIRCA Pintig Presents New Series TUG OF WAR, Now thru 6/14

CIRCA Pintig will celebrate Asian American Heritage Month and Filipino Independence Day by presenting Tug of War, a quartet of short theatrical works on the Iraq War, work and immigration written by Asian Americans. Tug of War will run on Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. from today, May 9 to June 14, located at the Moooh Dulce Studio, 2602 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, Ill. 60647. The official press openings are Saturday, May 9 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 10 at 3 p.m.

Directed by Aaron Mays, Tug of War is a collection of dramatic snapshots, both real and fictional, of soldiers, veterans and civilians who are grappling with the trauma from armed conflict and immigration. The production is comprised of four short works: The Soldier's Home, Wayne, The Story of Raza and Caregiver.

The Chicago premiere of The Soldier's Home by Rohan Zhou-Lee is a one-act play about a spouse's return from service in Iraq. After surviving a roadside bomb and losing very close friends, the couple must redefine their relationship and rebuild their marriage. This piece illustrates the couple's experiences through poetic monologues and choreography.

Wayne, another Chicago premiere, depicts a Filipino-American soldier who speaks of raids and atrocities committed while serving abroad. The monologue, written by Giovanni Ortega, is based on interview transcripts from a real war veteran.

The Story of Raza by Zaineb Abdulla depicts the journey of an Iraqi expatriate who moves to United States. This monologue is also based on interview transcripts from a real refugee.

In addition to these three short works, CIRCA Pintig will re-mount Caregiver which explores the Filipino Diaspora. The monologue, written by Lorely Trinidad-Ontal, follows an anonymous Filipino caregiver who struggles not only to support herself, but also her family in the homeland and her client Mr. King.

The cast of Tug of War includes Alice da Cunha, Brian Kung, Robert (Bobby) Manzano, Annamarie Tabo and Loreen Targos. The set is designed by Jose Aggari.

This production marks CIRCA Pintig's 24th season. Earlier productions included America is in the Heart, Dreamweavers, Scent of Home: Bienvenido Santos Trilogy, APAT: A Quartet of Short Acts, The Bells of Balangiga and Alamat (Legends).

Tickets may be purchased at www.circapintig.com or www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1556824.