Signature Theatre Extends David Henry Hwang's KUNG FU Through 3/30

Signature Theatre has announced that the World Premiere of David Henry Hwang's new play Kung Fu, directed by Leigh Silverman with choreography by Sonya Tayeh, will get a two week extension and now play through Sunday, March 30. The production begins performances on February 4 and officially opens on February 24, 2014 in The Irene Diamond Stage at The Pershing Square Signature Center (480 West 42nd Street between 9th and 10th Avenues). Limited $25 subsidized tickets remain for the production's initial run through March 16. Tickets during the extension weeks are $75 each.

Signature has also announcde the following special events associated with Kung Fu:

THE WORLD OF THE PLAY
Saturday, March 29 at 4:30pm in The Irene Diamond Stage
"The Practice and Performance of Kung Fu" - Panelists include the co-founder of the New York Asian Film FestivAl Grady Hendrix and Wing Chun Instructor Sifu Allan Lee, who studied with Bruce Lee's renowned teacher Grandmaster Yip Man. The discussion will be led by moderator Brian Phillips. Below is a description of the panel:

What is a 'true' portrayal of Kung Fu? In David Henry Hwang's Kung Fu, Bruce Lee attempts to bridge the gap between the philosophy of Kung Fu and depiction of martial arts in the media. Kung Fu students value the mental aspects of the art form as much as the physical, whereas in film the focus is more on violence and physical dexterity. In the transition from classroom to screen, Kung Fu evolves from a self-defense and spiritual practice to entertainment. How did the evolution of martial arts film drift so far away from the practice? How did Bruce Lee inspire change in both the film and martial arts communities?

- This pre-show event is free and open to the general public. No reservations or tickets required.

PAGE TO STAGE
Thursday, February 13 at 6pm
- Pre-show discussion with playwright David Henry Hwang and director Leigh Silverman, as they discuss bringing Kung Fu to the stage.
- This pre-show event is free and open to the general public. No reservations or tickets required.

BACKSTAGE PASS
Wednesday, March 5 at 6pm

- A pre-show discussion with one of the production's designers.

- This pre-show event is free and open to the general public. No reservations or tickets required.

POST SHOW TALKBACK SERIES
February 11; March 4, 11 & 27 in The Irene Diamond Stage

- A post-show talkback with members of Signature's Artistic Department. All talkbacks brought to you by American Express.

- These post-show events are free and open to the general public. No reservations or tickets required.

The cast of Kung Fu includes Emmanuel Brown, Clifton Duncan, Bradley Fong, Cole Horibe, Francis Jue, Peter Kim, Ari Loeb, Reed Luplau, Kristen Faith Oei, Jon Rua, Phoebe Strole and Christopher Vo.

An exhilarating portrait of international icon Bruce Lee's journey from troubled Hong Kong youth to martial arts legend, Kung Fu blends dance, Chinese opera, martial arts and drama into a bold new theatrical form. This World Premiere production follows Lee (So You Think You Can Dance's Cole Horibe) in America as he struggles to prove himself as a fighter, a husband, a father, and a man.

The creative team includes David Zinn (Scenic Design), Anita Yavich (Costume Design), Ben Stanton (Lighting Design), Darron L West (Sound Design), Darrel Maloney (Projection Design), Du Yun (Original Music), Emmanuel Brown (Fight Direction), Jamie Guan (Chinese Opera Movement Specialist), Deborah Hecht (Vocal and Dialect Coach), and Joanna C. Lee and Ken Smith (Cultural Consultants). David H. Lurie is the Production Stage Manager. Casting by Telsey + Company, Karyn Casl, CSA.

To purchase tickets for all Signature Productions, call the Signature Theatre Box Office (212-244-7529) or visit signaturetheatre.org.

Photo by Gregory Costanzo