Brava! For Women In The Arts Celebrates The Completion Of Its First Season Under The Directon Of Raelle Myrick-Hodges

Brava! for Women in the Arts celebrates the completion of its first theatrical season under the new direction of Artistic Director, Raelle Myrick-Hodges, with a special end of the year event.  “Seven plays in Seven months.  We have plenty to celebrate,” says Artistic Director Raelle Myrick-Hodges,” We went from producing one production every few years to seven productions this season alone.  We hired over 175 local actors, directors and production artists and I believe we have a ton to be proud of – particularly during this economic climate.”  Brava’s 2008-2009 season was a surprise, with two World Premieres, three Regional Premieres, and an extension of its education program with two Main Stage productions.  The company also presented series of special events including a musical performance Trios Los Panchos, an Evening with L Word’s creator Ilene Chaiken and Martin Luther King celebration the night before the first African American president of the United States was inaugurated.

On June 25, 2009, Brava will commemorate this 21st year of the organization with a fundraiser, celebration and announcement of the 2009-2010 season.  “During these trying times a fundraising event is necessary, however this is also a party to mark how far our ‘little company’ has come in only twelve months.” says Brava’s Managing Director Hetal Patel. The party called Brava! All Access will be held at the company’s historic performance space in the Mission District with bands, DJs, drinks and gifts for attendees.  The company will also show video segments from some of its productions this season as well as announce its new season during this event.  All artists who were part of the season will be in attendance.  “It’s a great time for our patrons to support Brava in its upcoming artistic endeavors as well as mingle with many of the artists they saw on stage this season.”

The current economic changes of this past year have affected all arts organizations and Brava is no exception.  Artists made a series of sacrifices this season to ensure the season’s very successful finish.  “Everyone from designers to directors to actors to production to volunteer staff, sacrificed more time than could be afforded because they believed in the vision this season.  However, our plan is to have our upcoming season not be hindered by the same financial issues,” says Managing Director Hetal Patel. Raelle continues, “Hence a raging, fun end of the year raise-money-so-our-artists-can-paid-what-they-deserve-party.”

Brava hopes that the San Francisco community comes out to support the organization by purchasing tickets to the event, but more so to come meet artists, hear music and laugh.  “This is the time to support Brava.  We deliberately did not hold a big benefit during the season because I strongly believed that the San Francisco community deserved to see what we would do all on our own.  But, now, we really need our community’s help to survive this loss of funding and keep the doors open to theatrical productions and not simply as a rental venue.  We need help to continue our artistic momentum!”

The announcement of Brava’s 2009-2010 seasons will be one of the highlights of the evening. “There will be some joyous surprises with more premieres as we continue to support our local artistic constituency. Yes, The Beebo Brinker Chronicles will be rescheduled in the upcoming season as well, but I really don’t want to give too much away.  One should come to the party to know all the delicious details.” Raelle devilishly blurts out. “The Beebo Brinker Chronicles is a play based on the pulp lesbian novels of Ann Bannon had to be postponed this season due to some medical issues, but Raelle promises that Beebo will be in the upcoming season.  “I love that play.  I thought it best to produce the show when I was in better health. And, honestly, seven plays were enough for us, don’t you think? We have learned so much in such a short time this season.  My hope is to refine our artistic efforts and work on our company’s infrastructure.”

Brava is restructuring its education programs and adding some youth programming as well, but Raelle won’t give away anything until Brava! All Access. “If you want to know what the plans are, then you are simply going to have to join us on the 25th of June!”

Photo taken from brava.org.

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