Metamorphosis Theatre Co Hosts LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY 6/4

To commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in China, Metamorphosis Theatre Company and The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy present a one-night-only benefit performance of Elizabeth Wong's play LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY on June 4, with proceeds benefiting the Amnesty International.

LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY traces the decade-long correspondence and search for true democracy between two pen-pals - one Chinese, the other Chinese American - which ends abruptly with the June 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre. This bittersweet tale seeks to make sense of history, how we participate in it and how we are overwhelmed by it. By focusing on the loves and losses, desires and disappointments, the play explores ideas of capitalism and communism, and ultimately becomes a call to remember the price of democracy.

Director Peter J. Kuo says, "As we commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the Tienanmen Square Massacre, it is important to remember struggle for democracy in China and the students who gave their lives for the cause. As artists, we have a responsibility to enlighten and entertain people about this important historical event. This production is a unique opportunity to help educate about the price of democracy and the power of a single voice."

The Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 that culminated in the Tiananmen Square Massacre were a series of demonstrations led by Chinese labor activists, students, and intellectuals between April 15 and June 4, 1989. The resulting military crackdown on the protesters by the People's Republic of China left many civilians dead or injured. The reported tolls ranged from 200 to 3,000. Following the violence, the government conducted widespread arrests to suppress protesters and their supporters, banned the foreign press from the country and strictly controlled coverage of the events in the national press. There is an entire generation of Chinese citizens who reportedly have no knowledge of this tragedy ever occurring.

The National Center Public Programs Manager Koji Steven Sakai says, "We are excited that this play is returning to the National Center after its successful presentation earlier this year. LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY is an ideal fit for the National Center. Programs such as these reveal the universal struggles in the fight for basic human rights and individual freedom, which follows our mission of teaching and educating the public about democracy."

Initially staged as part of the 2008 Fullerton College Director's Festival where it was awarded "Best of Fest," the show is directed by East West Players' PR/Marketing Manager Peter J. Kuo, who has more than nine years of stage directing experience. Playwright Elizabeth Wong is an award-winning playwright who graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts, with an MFA in dramatic writing. Her plays CHINA DOLL, KIMCHEE & CHITLINS, DATING & MATING IN MODERN TIMES have been produced to critical praise. Cast members are Carin Chea, Julia Cho, Henry Chu, Joon Lee, Nghia Luu, Julian Song, Sheila Tejada and Tina Tong.

This production is presented in association with the Visual Artists Guild and Add Word Productions. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Amnesty International, dedicated to advocating for human rights in China.

The performance of LETTERS TO A STUDENT REVOLUTIONARY will take place on June 4 at 6 pm at The National Center for the Preservation of Democracy. 111 North Central Avenue. Los Angeles, CA 90012.

General ticket prices are $25 and discounts are available for students, seniors 60+, Japanese American National Museum members and groups of 10+. Show information and ticket reservations are available at http://letters.metamorphosistheatrecompany.org.

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