It gives me enormous pleasure to introduce to you all the world premiere of Every Night I Die at the Capital Fringe Festival, a play written by Amanda Andrei and directed by Francis Tanglao-Aguas. It’s not everyday that I can brag about my college friends and these two have played a crucial role in defining my Asian American identity and my decision to be an actor.
Amanda Andrei has been a vast fountain of wisdom and patience everytime I ranted about identity issues during my college years. Without her, I would not be able to see the bigger picture when it comes to Asian Americans and their struggles in America. Professor Francis Tanglao-Aguas has been hugely responsible for allowing me to believe that Asian Americans have a shot in the entertainment industry and more importantly, having faith in myself that I have a story worth telling to this world.
Because of their impact in my life, I want them to help them out with something truly special they have been working hard on for the past year. Every Night I Die As premieres this Saturday, July 9th in Washington, DC. I want to give some love to these extremely talented people.
Winner of the 2010 Howard Scammond Award for Best Play and 2010 Bottle Tree Productions International One Act Play Competition, Every Day I Die chronicles the magic, terror, and romance of a conflicted man and his family living in 1930′s rural southern Philippines. When Angelo Caritan falls in love with the household maid, he dismisses his failing marriage and chooses solace in a new love. But his wife’s family sees otherwise. In this tragic love story, the magic of the forests can save only one.
Writer Amanda Andrei says about the piece:
Working on this play has been a joy. I am typically shy about my work about share it with few people, but when presented with the chance to have the play produced, I dove in without a director or cast. Over the past few months, I am truly amazed and energized by the wonderful work Francis has done in shaping my words, as well as the performances of the cast. They have brought emotions and nuances out of the text that were hidden before. They have fleshed out these characters and made the stage breathe.
What I love the most is how people connect to the show and feel that it speaks to them personally. There was one moment I had in rehearsal where I felt, these people would not be right here, right now, without this written work. What a powerful and humbling feeling.
Director Francis Tanglao-Aguas says:
It’s a rare and wonderful opportunity for any teacher to direct their student’s premiere play as I do here with Amanda. But it’s even more amazing that this play was born out of her journey exploring the Philippines, a study abroad experience i helped facilitate for her at the Ateneo de Manila where I taught. And the piece successfully translates a Filipino scenario onto an American if not global audience.
Time and again, writers are challenged when portraying stories set in specific cultural viewpoints because issues of exploitation and representation arise, but in this play, Amanda seamlessly embraces the audience into the play without sacrificing the integrity of the story and its roots in the Philippines. What a delightful and inspiring opportunity it has been directing these talented, generous, and dedicated actors. We have actors commuting from NYC just to rehearse. And the spirit of community thrives too as cast and crew offer their homes to put up our actors.
If you guys are anywhere in the DC area, please do yourselves a huge favor and check this show out.
Show Details:
Location:
612 L Street NW
Washington, DC 20001Show times:
Saturday, July 9 at 9PM
Thursday, July 14 at 6M
Friday, July 15 at 10:30PM
Saturday, July 23 at 10:15PM
Sunday, July 24 at 3PM
Tickets available through the Capital Fringe Festival at this link HERE. Contact email: [email protected]
- Excited
- Fascinated
- Amused
- Disgusted
- Sad
- Angry
