Ping Chong + Company Casts Young New Yorkers To Share Their Stories In UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS

The New Victory Theater Presents the World Premiere of Ping Chong + Company's UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS: GENERATION NYZ

Ping Chong + Company casts young New Yorkers to share the jubilant victories, recent discord and distant dreams of coming of age in this great, complicated city. Created exclusively for The New Victory Theater and featuring a cast of seven in their theatrical debuts, the world premiere of UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS: GENERATION NYZ performs at The Duke on 42nd Street from January 13 - 21, 2018.

With affecting vulnerability, conviction and spirit, seven young people-who have never before appeared on a professional stage-bravely share personal stories from their various NYC neighborhoods, identities and experiences.

Ranging in age from 18-22, the cast will address such topics as depression, gender identity, sexuality, homelessness, immigration, bullying and domestic violence in a narrative created for an audience of their peers. From East New York to West Harlem and from the South Bronx to Far Rockaway, the cast represents and celebrates their Black, Mexican-American, Puerto Rican, Caribbean, South Asian and European culture and heritage. Through bold honesty and humor, intertwined with the pulse of New York City, they share the challenges of their past and hopes for their future.

UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS: GENERATION NYZ is conceived by Ping Chong, and written and directed by Sara Zatz and Kirya Traber in collaboration with the cast including Edwin Aguila, Monica Victoria Tatacoya Castañeda, Syl (Andrea) Egerton, Mohammad Murtaza, De-Andra Pryce, Porscha Polkahantis Rippy and Rafael Rosario. Zakaria Khafagy and Ms. Traber are understudies. The production team includes Marika Kent (lighting design), Katherine Freer (projection design), Courtney Golden (production associate) and executive director Bruce Allardice.

UNDESIRABLE ELEMENTS: GENERATION NYZ has a running time of approximately 70 minutes with no intermission and is recommended for ages 12 and up.