San Diego REPertory Theatre Presents CULTURE CLASH IN AMERICCA

San Diego REPertory Theatre welcomes America's premier Latino comedy troupe, Culture Clash, back to the Lyceum Theatre for its hilarious and provocative comedy Culture Clash IN AMERICCA. Change has come in America. And nobody shows us the intimate details of a more perfect union than Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and HEBERT SIGUENZA, with their out of the box comedic and dramatic entertainment. For more than two decades, this ensemble of writer-actors has practiced the art of theatrical-social anthropology by digging deep into America's culture to formulate their outrageous brand of "performance collage." Performances begin at the Lyceum Theatre on Thursday, February 18 at 8pm and continue through Sunday, March 7.

Culture Clash IN AMERICCA
February 18 - March 7, 2010
Opening Night/Press Night: Sunday, February 21, 2010 at 7pm
The Lyceum Stage
Regular Performance Schedule:
Tuesday, 7pm (on February 23 only)
Wednesday, 7pm
Thursday, 8pm
Friday, 8pm
Saturday, 2pm and 8pm
Sunday, 2pm and 7pm
Ticket Prices: $29-47 (Student Discount $18)
Lyceum Box Office (619) 544-1000
www.sdrep.org
Tickets on sale now!

About Culture Clash
Culture Clash was founded in 1984 by Richard Montoya, Ric Salinas and Herbert Siguenza. The group has become the country's most popular Chicano/Latino performance troupe, with work ranging from sketch comedy to an adaptation of Aristophanes, to the full length play Chavez Ravine, to co-writing Frank Loesser's long lost musical Señor Discretion Himself based on a story by the legendary Bud Schulberg. Culture Clash's most notable productions include The Mission, A Bowl of Beings, S.O.S.-Comedy for These Urgent Times, Unplugged, Capra Clash, Radio Mambo: Culture Clash Invades Miami, Bordertown, The Birds, Nuyorican Stories, Anthology, Mission Magic Mystery Tour, Anthems: Culture Clash in the District, Chavez Ravine, Senor Discretion Himself, Zorro in Hell and Water & Power.

The Story
As in all of their memorable comedic sketches, the characters in Culture Clash IN AMERICCA are adapted from real interviews with people from across the U.S. who live radically diverse lives. The troupe's signature use of satire, vaudeville, mime and spoken word dramatizes the voices of the socially invisible and the New Americans, offering a fresh examination of cultures in flux. From Cuban exiles and Haitian immigrants in Miami, to a Puerto Rican political activist in Manhattan, to commies and dot-commers rubbing elbows in San Francisco's Mission District, to expatriates in Tijuana and Ugandan cab drivers in San Diego, these are unforgettable characters who will leave you gasping, laughing and cheering. Since creating this work at our theatre nine years ago, the ensemble has mined the cultures of Washington D.C., San Francisco, Boston and Orange County (adding to their interviews with people from Miami, Berkeley, Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, San Diego and Tijuana).

Those who have seen earlier versions of this work will be astonished at the maturity, depth, insight and breadth of their vision of America in the 21st century. Culture Clash has raised its artistry to a masterful level that makes this work of theatre a stunning expression of American desires, inclusion, irony and diversity.

Events Surrounding Culture Clash in AmeriCCa
Join us in the Lyceum Lobby before or after a performance for a one-of-a-kind experience. Grab a drink and discover the insights of extraordinary scholars, artists and unforgettable personalities.

Talkin' Theatre with Todd
Thursday, February 18
10:30-11:30pm (post-show)
For 25 years Culture Clash has provoked, entertained, and enlightened audiences across the country building a reputation of cultural icons, madcap geniuses, theatrical bad boys and visionaries mirrors of the countries radically changing cultural landscape. Following the evening's performance Culture Clash's founding performer/writers Richard Montoya, Herbert Siguenza and Ricardo Salinas join REP associate artistic director Todd Salovey for a madcap in depth chat about their history, their work, and our culture.

Culture Shock at Culture Clash
Saturday, February 20
7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
The internationally renowned Culture Shock San Diego has brought its groundbreaking hip-hop moves to stages all over the world, and now it's coming to the REP. Culture Shock strives to offer children an alternative to street life by providing a rewarding activity, instilling confidence, and creating a positive and accepting environment where they can
flourish. This exciting dance troupe will be busting moves that will make it impossible for you to stay in your seat.

Intimate Chat With Richard Montoya
Tuesday, February 23
6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Want to meet a Clasher up close? Here's your chance! Richard Montoya's writing has become a hallmark of Culture Clash's growing 25-year vision. His play, Water & Power, was a highlight of the REP's 2008-09 Season, and his newest work, Palestine, New Mexico just enjoyed a sparkling run at the Mark Taper Forum. A poet, actor, writer and founding member of Culture Clash, Richard shares his ideas about plays, politics, California, and how he and the Clash continue to change the face of American theatre.

"I Am..."
Wednesday, February 24
6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Talented high school students from throughout San Diego present short performance pieces that reflect how their cultures and backgrounds have shaped the people they are and are becoming.

Sam's Salon: Meet a Trio of San Diego's "Wise Latinas"
Thursday, February 25
7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor made history when she became the first Latino member of the "Supremes."
Sotomayor was widely quoted about the "richness of experience " that a "wise Latina" would bring to the bench. Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse hosts a special conversation with three of our city's Wise Latinas about their own unique experiences. Find out how these women are making and shaping history in San Diego. Sam's guests are: Attorney Nadia P. Bermudez, President of San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association and former president of the women's bar association Lawyers Club of San Diego; businesswoman Olga Diaz, the first Latina elected to serve on the Escondido City Council; and National City Council Member and Vice-Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Director of the UC San Diego Community Law Project.

Meet the Artists
Friday, February 26 @ 10:30pm (after the 8pm show)
Stick around after the performance for a revealing and unpredictable conversation with the cast of Culture Clash in AmeriCCa and REP resident artists.

A Taste of City Heights
Saturday, February 27 @ 1pm (prior to the 2pm matinee)
City Heights is San Diego's densest and most diverse neighborhood; its 72,000 residents speak over 30 languages. Today, four refugee-owned catering businesses will provide samples of culinary delights from Burma, Ethiopia, Iraq, and Somalia. This event is sponsored by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC works with refugees and other new immigrants to the U.S., helping them to become self-sufficient and successful members of our community. Whether helping a young child prepare for school, a teenager graduate, or helping an adult start a business, the IRC is dedicated to helping refugees become successful new Americans. Show up early to try this delicious cuisine and to learn more about IRC's programs in San Diego. To have a percentage of your ticket price go to support the IRC, please mention "IRC" when calling or visiting the box office (not available online).

California's Own Theatre
Sunday, February 27 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
From Teatro Campesino's short plays for farmworkers on the back of pick-up trucks, to Zoot Suit to Real Women Have Curves to Culture Clash, theatre by Chicano artists has brought the voice of the people to people of California and beyond. Joining us for lively discussion of Chicano Theatre past, present, and future are Bill Virchis, and Peter Cirino. Bill is a legendary theatre director at San Diego REP and The Old Globe, one of the most influential educators of our city, and one heck of a wrestling coach. Peter Cirino is an actor, writer, and director who is currently on the theatre faculty and head of Performance and Diversity at SDSU.

City College
Wednesday, March 3 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Join students and professors from San Diego City College Department of Chicano Studies in a lively discussion of issues affecting the Latino student community. Host students from City College (and the REP audience) discuss some big issues that affect the students on this multicultural campus.

Virtuoso Mariachi
Thursday, March 4
7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Come celebrate the exciting rhythm of Mariachi! Mariachi Garibaldi will perform an intimate concert just for you.
The group has performed at innumerable engagements in and around San Diego, they have been featured in both American and Mexican national news broadcasts, and feature prominently in the new documentary "In the Name of Mariachi Music." They have performed for the famed "Encuentro de Mariachi" in Guadalajara six times, and recently returned from performing in Russia. Don't miss this opportunity for your own private concert!

Multicultural Psychology: "I'm Just American !"
Friday, March 5
7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Who says that? Why is it that so many of us who were born and raised in the U.S. still don't feel we can make that statement? How do issues surrounding race, ethnicity, and culture prevent some of us from taking ownership of all that those words imply? When we envision "typical American," what is the image we see and why does it matter? Join us for a thoughtful, provocative and interactive examination of the statement "I'm just American" and the inherent challenge to transcend the "melting pot" illusion. Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse hosts the conversation, guided by Dr. Jacki Davis Leak, who uses "difficult discussions" as a tool to build cultural bridges in our community and in teaching Multicultural and Women's Studies courses at SDSU and CSU San Marcos.

Stand-Up Comedy with Mark Christopher Lawrence
Sunday, March 7
6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Cultures clash and sides split when stand-up comic and TV regular Mark Christopher
Lawrence and friends MAl Hall and Matin Atrushi team up for a special pre-show treat. Mark currently plays Big Mike on the TV show "Chuck," and is perhaps best-known for his role as esoteric DJ Tone Def in the 1994 satirical rap mockumentary, "Fear of a Black Hat." He has been featured on stages across San Diego including San Diego REP, La Jolla Playhouse, Moxie Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, and North Coast Repertory Theatre. He has produced numerous stand-up shows throughout California, and has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the comedy business.

Coming up next at the REP ~ A WEEKEND WITH PABLO PICASSO (March 21 - April 11, 2010) Herbert Siguenza's new one-man show which pays homage to one of the greatest and most controversial artists of the 20th century.

The REP's box office is open Tuesday through Sunday from 12pm - 6pm on non-performance days and 12pm - curtain on performance days. Groups of 10 or more can purchase tickets at a discounted rate. For more information, please see our website at www.sdrep.org.
Subscriptions run $68-$282. The REP offers subscribers an extensive package of benefits, including the lowest prices available; free ticket exchange privileges; discounts on individual tickets; and the opportunity to upgrade to a Premier Patron Package which features seating in the best 75 seats in each theatre venue. Premier Patron seating also offers an additional voucher for a friend and free drink coupons for the season.

Find out more about San Diego REPertory Theatre on Facebook (www.facebook.com/sandiegorep) and on Twitter (@SanDiegoREP)

San Diego Repertory Theatre produces intimate, exotic, provocative theatre. We promote a more inclusive community through vivid works that nourish progressive political and social values and celebrate the multiple voices of our region. San Diego Repertory Theatre feeds the curious soul. To learn more about the San Diego Repertory Theatre, visit www.sdrep.org.