NY Gilbert and Sullivan Players to Host Free Public Forum THE MIKADO IN THE 21st Century 11/3

As part of its preparation for the upcoming new production of "The Mikado," New YorK Gilbert & Sullivan Players (NYGASP) will host a public forum entitled "The Mikado in the 21st Century" on Thursday, November 3rd (6PM) on the stage of The Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College (East 68th Street between Park & Lexington Avenues). Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Jonathan Jenkins Ichikawa, a professor of philosophy at University of British Columbia and Gilbert & Sullivan expert and performer, the forum will continue a dialogue between the Asian-American theatrical community, the NYGASP staff & creative team, and members of the Gilbert & Sullivan audience at large. The discussion will cover a broad range of issues including awareness of orientalism in contemporary culture, the importance of diversity in casting, and the need for change in performance practice of The Mikado specifically. The panel will raise questions of how a repertory company can approach new ways of presenting a classic work while maintaining the work's artistic integrity as well as sharing the steps NYGASP is taking in the creation process for their new production of The Mikado opening December 28th and playing through January 8th at the Kaye Playhouse.

The forum will be moderated by Robert Lee, book-writer/lyricist and Associate Professor at the Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program at NYU's Tisch School of the Arts. Panel members include Assistant Director for the new Mikado production Kelvin Moon Loh (Broadway's The King and I, Side Show); actor Scott Watanabe (Allegiance, Phantom of the Opera, Pacific Overtures); actor and blogger of "The Fairy Princess Diaries" Erin Quill (The King and I, Avenue Q); NYGASP Associate Director and director and conceiver of the new Mikado, David Auxier; and Producer/Executive Director of NYGASP, David Wannen.

Admission is free to the public. Seating is general admission. For more information about the forum call NYGASP (212) 769-1000.