LA Theatre Works

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Hear our conversation with playwright Ken Narasaki.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.80-something Dan Yamada has been rendered speechless after a stroke, and as he lies in bed, he vivdly recalls his life, from his days in the World War 2-era internment camps, to serving in the US Army, to his one true love. At his bedside in the present, his adult children fight over his care and legacy, all while Dan tries to communicate his poignant final wish. Includes an interview with playwright Ken Narasaki.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in January 2024.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonKurt Kanazawa as Frank FujiyamaJohn Miyasaki as Young Dan YamadaSuzy Nakamura as Joy Yamada-HankeKen Narasaki as Dr. ParkRosie Narasaki as Young Grace HamamotoSharon Omi as Adult Grace HamamotoSab Shimono as Dan YamadaGreg Watanabe as Merv YamadaPrepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodRecording Engineer and Editor: Neil WogensenSound Designer and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood“Blue Skies” performed by Kurt KanazawaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.80-something Dan Yamada has been rendered speechless after a stroke, and as he lies in bed, he vivdly recalls his life, from his days in the World War 2-era internment camps, to serving in the US Army, to his one true love. At his bedside in the present, his adult children fight over his care and legacy, all while Dan tries to communicate his poignant final wish. Includes an interview with playwright Ken Narasaki.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in January 2024.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonKurt Kanazawa as Frank FujiyamaJohn Miyasaki as Young Dan YamadaSuzy Nakamura as Joy Yamada-HankeKen Narasaki as Dr. ParkRosie Narasaki as Young Grace HamamotoSharon Omi as Adult Grace HamamotoSab Shimono as Dan YamadaGreg Watanabe as Merv YamadaPrepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodRecording Engineer and Editor: Neil WogensenSound Designer and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood“Blue Skies” performed by Kurt KanazawaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This play is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.80-something Dan Yamada has been rendered speechless after a stroke, and as he lies in bed, he vivdly recalls his life, from his days in the World War 2-era internment camps, to serving in the US Army, to his one true love. At his bedside in the present, his adult children fight over his care and legacy, all while Dan tries to communicate his poignant final wish. Includes an interview with playwright Ken Narasaki.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in January 2024.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonKurt Kanazawa as Frank FujiyamaJohn Miyasaki as Young Dan YamadaSuzy Nakamura as Joy Yamada-HankeKen Narasaki as Dr. ParkRosie Narasaki as Young Grace HamamotoSharon Omi as Adult Grace HamamotoSab Shimono as Dan YamadaGreg Watanabe as Merv YamadaPrepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodRecording Engineer and Editor: Neil WogensenSound Designer and Mixing Engineer: Charles Carroll for The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood“Blue Skies” performed by Kurt KanazawaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none.Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021.A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergAlan Mandell as AbeStephen Tobolowsky as HimselfSenior Producer: Anna Lyse EriksonPrepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodRecording Engineer: Neil WogensenSound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles CarrollSenior Radio Producer: Ronn LipkinFoley Artist: Jeff GardnerEditors: Neil Wogensen and Charles CarrollSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.The extraordinary true story of Abe, a man the playwright met at his synagogue. Abe was a fellow of great humor and heart who not only survived three years at Auschwitz—certainly the worst place on earth—but fell in love there. Abe’s life speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, renewal and hope, even when there seems to be none.Includes an interview with playwright Stephen Tobolowsky and LATW Producing Director Susan Loewenberg.Recorded at The Invisible Studios, West Hollywood in March 2021.A Good Day at Auschwitz is sponsored in part by Elizabeth & Louis Altman, Debbie & Gregg Oppenheimer, Marilyn & Barry Hinden, and The Rosalinde and Arthur Gilbert Foundation.Directed by Anna Lyse EriksonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergAlan Mandell as AbeStephen Tobolowsky as HimselfSenior Producer: Anna Lyse EriksonPrepared for Audio by Mark Holden for The Invisible Studios, West HollywoodRecording Engineer: Neil WogensenSound Design by: Mark Holden and Charles CarrollSenior Radio Producer: Ronn LipkinFoley Artist: Jeff GardnerEditors: Neil Wogensen and Charles CarrollSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Because of the controversial nature of Disgraced’s portrayal of Islamic Americans, L.A. Theatre Works held panel discussions following performances in Los Angeles in April 2018. We heard a remarkable range of opinions about the play from our distinguished guests.Shafiqa Amadi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education, and Co-Director of the Center for Education, Identity and Social Justice at USC.Sue Obeidi is the Director of the Muslim Public Affairs Council’s Hollywood Bureau. She works with studio executives, producers, directors, and writers to create authentic, accurate and humanizing portrayals of Islam and of Muslims in film, television, and on digital platforms.Rabbi Sarah Bassin is an Associate Rabbi at Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. Prior to joining Temple Emmanuel, Rabbi Bassin served as Executive Director of LA–based NewGround: A Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change.Dr. Mo Shouka is a member of the Abraham Society, whose broad mission is to foster relationships of trust, understanding and mutual interest among individuals residing in Southern California who are of Jewish, Muslim and Christian backgrounds.Emel Tanis is also a member of the Abraham Society. Before moving to the US, she was a leading journalist in Turkey, and was awarded “Best Journalist of the Year” by the Turkish Journalists Association for her interview with Benazir Bhutto, the Prime Minister of Pakistan.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergGeoffrey Arend as IsaacBehzad Dabu as AbeHari Dhillon as AmirSameerah Luqmaan-Harris as JoryEmily Swallow as EmilySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Amir has left his Pakistani heritage behind in an attempt to make partner at his corporate law firm, but his wife Emily doesn’t share his negative feelings about Islam—she’s encouraged Amir to help with the case of a controversial imam. When they throw a dinner party for Amir’s colleague Jory and her husband Isaac, the hard truths revealed lead to the unraveling of their carefully constructed lives. Winner of the 2013 Pulitzer Prize for Drama.Recorded live at UCLA’s James Bridges Theater in April 2018.Directed by Brian KiteProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergGeoffrey Arend as IsaacBehzad Dabu as AbeHari Dhillon as AmirSameerah Luqmaan-Harris as JoryEmily Swallow as EmilySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.Directed by Richard MasurProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShirley Knight as Ma JoadJeffrey Donovan as Tom JoadEmily Bergl as Rose of SharonMichael Buie as Connie/OthersDaniel Chacón as Al JoadMaurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/OthersShannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth SandryTrista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s GirlFrancis Guinan as Jim CasyCharlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch GuardRod McLachlan as Uncle JohnRobert Pescovitz as Pa JoadJoel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with GuitarStephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/OthersNicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/OthersAndy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/OthersTodd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/OthersFredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp GuardMichael Weston as Noah Joad/OthersKate Williamson as Gramma/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.Directed by Richard MasurProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShirley Knight as Ma JoadJeffrey Donovan as Tom JoadEmily Bergl as Rose of SharonMichael Buie as Connie/OthersDaniel Chacón as Al JoadMaurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/OthersShannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth SandryTrista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s GirlFrancis Guinan as Jim CasyCharlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch GuardRod McLachlan as Uncle JohnRobert Pescovitz as Pa JoadJoel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with GuitarStephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/OthersNicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/OthersAndy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/OthersTodd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/OthersFredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp GuardMichael Weston as Noah Joad/OthersKate Williamson as Gramma/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.Directed by Richard MasurProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShirley Knight as Ma JoadJeffrey Donovan as Tom JoadEmily Bergl as Rose of SharonMichael Buie as Connie/OthersDaniel Chacón as Al JoadMaurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/OthersShannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth SandryTrista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s GirlFrancis Guinan as Jim CasyCharlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch GuardRod McLachlan as Uncle JohnRobert Pescovitz as Pa JoadJoel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with GuitarStephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/OthersNicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/OthersAndy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/OthersTodd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/OthersFredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp GuardMichael Weston as Noah Joad/OthersKate Williamson as Gramma/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Set during the Great Depression, The Grapes of Wrath tells the powerful story of the Joad family’s trek from the dust bowl of Oklahoma to the promise of a new life in California. But what they find threatens to rip apart their lives, and sever the ties that bind them together.Original music composed and performed by the Joel Rafael Band: Joel Rafael, Jamaica Rafael, and Carl Johnson.Recorded before a live audience at the Skirball Cultural Center, Los Angeles in October of 2002.Directed by Richard MasurProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShirley Knight as Ma JoadJeffrey Donovan as Tom JoadEmily Bergl as Rose of SharonMichael Buie as Connie/OthersDaniel Chacón as Al JoadMaurice Chasse as Deputy Sheriff/OthersShannon Cochran as Mrs. Wainwright/Elizabeth SandryTrista Delamere as 2nd Narrator/Al’s GirlFrancis Guinan as Jim CasyCharlie Matthes as Willy/Gas Station Attendant/Hooper Ranch GuardRod McLachlan as Uncle JohnRobert Pescovitz as Pa JoadJoel Rafael as Car Salesman/Man with GuitarStephen Ramsey as 1st Narrator/OthersNicholas Sadler as Agricultural Officer/OthersAndy Taylor as Gas Station Owner/Floyd Knowles/Camp Director/OthersTodd Waring as Hooper Ranch Bookkeeper/OthersFredd Wayne as Grampa/Mayor of Hooverville/Camp GuardMichael Weston as Noah Joad/OthersKate Williamson as Gramma/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Hear our conversation with playwrights Paula Cizmar and Susan Yankowitz.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Hear our interview with Russian activist Marina Pisklakova-Parker.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women.Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz.Directed by Judyann ElderProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-ParkerJossara Jinaro as Laura AlonsoAlex Kingston as Inez McCormackEmily Kuroda as Mu SochuaSameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat AbiolaAnnet Mahendru as Farida AziziSarah Shahi as Mukhtar MaiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women.Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz.Directed by Judyann ElderProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-ParkerJossara Jinaro as Laura AlonsoAlex Kingston as Inez McCormackEmily Kuroda as Mu SochuaSameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat AbiolaAnnet Mahendru as Farida AziziSarah Shahi as Mukhtar MaiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Seven women give voice to the voiceless. Seven is a documentary play created with the support of Vital Voices Global Partnership and is a collaboration between the playwrights and seven female activists from around the globe, telling inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to effect real change and improve the lives of women.Written by: Paula Cizmar, Catherine Filloux, Gail Kriegel, Carol K. Mack, Ruth Margraff, Anna Deavere Smith, and Susan Yankowitz.Directed by Judyann ElderProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergShannon Holt as Marina Pisklakova-ParkerJossara Jinaro as Laura AlonsoAlex Kingston as Inez McCormackEmily Kuroda as Mu SochuaSameerah Luqmaan-Harris as Hafsat AbiolaAnnet Mahendru as Farida AziziSarah Shahi as Mukhtar MaiSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.The controversial history of Chavez Ravine, the immigrant community that once existed on the site that is now Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is explored with humor, brutal honesty, and pulse-racing music by the nation's premier Chicano/Latino theatre troupe, Culture Clash.Recorded before a live audience at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles in June 2004.Directed by Lisa PetersonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRichard Montoya as Frank Wilkinson/OthersRic Salinas as Henry Ruiz/OthersHerbert Sigüenza as Manazar/OthersZilah Mendoza as Maria/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This podcast is sponsored by the California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.The controversial history of Chavez Ravine, the immigrant community that once existed on the site that is now Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, is explored with humor, brutal honesty, and pulse-racing music by the nation's premier Chicano/Latino theatre troupe, Culture Clash.Recorded before a live audience at The Autry Museum of the American West, Los Angeles in June 2004.Directed by Lisa PetersonProducing Director: Susan Albert LoewenbergRichard Montoya as Frank Wilkinson/OthersRic Salinas as Henry Ruiz/OthersHerbert Sigüenza as Manazar/OthersZilah Mendoza as Maria/OthersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.