Inwood's UP Theater Company UP presents World Premiere of Ashé

UP Theater Company announces details of its fifth major production, the world premiere of Ashe? an unsettling and moving drama that reveals, "Visions of a life yet unknown; dreams that can't be true, but are; a bond between strangers brought together by blood and the mystical power of Santeria - a most unusual love story."

"As unique as the play itself is the venue," explains Artistic Director, James Bosley. The St. Jude Cultural Center is a small chapel in the recently closed St. Jude School in Inwood. "Our team fell in love with it as soon as we walked in. We felt the vestigial sanctity of the room and knew that its aura would perfectly compliment the spirituality in the play. The church hopes to continue the life of this room by extending its use to community arts groups. We are thrilled to present the inaugural production." The chapel is located at 433 West 204th Street at 10th Avenue.

The production is part of Latin American Cultural Week, produced by Pan American Musical Art Research, Inc. "We are very proud to participate in this important cultural showcase," says Bosley. " This strengthens our outreach to all our neighbors in this diverse community."

The run is Nov. 6th - 23rd, Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 p.m., and Saturdays at 3 p.m.

Ashe? is directed by David Mendiza?bal. The Producer is Rik Walter. The cast features Keith Antone, Edwin Matos, Jr., Dennis Vargas and Lori McNally. The crew includes: Whitney Dearden, Stage Manager; Set design by Mar Urrestarazu, Lighting by Derek Van Heel; Costumes by Dede Ayite, Sound by Mark Van Hare, Graphic Design by Gretchen Mergenthaler.

UP Theater Company was founded in 2010 by Inwood theater artists who endeavored to bring professional productions to their own neighborhood of Northern Manhattan. Eschewing crowd- pleasing chestnuts, UP focuses on new work by contemporary playwrights. The Company has established a reputation for being gritty, rambunctious, and irreverent.

UP Theater Company receives support from The Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance, The Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center Neighborhood Fund, the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council, Papasito Restaurant and PRG Lighting.