Rasaka Theatre Opens Yoni Ki Baat, 1/7

Rasaka Theatre Company presents an updated version of their 2009 hit 'Yoni Ki Baat', including new work from Chicago authors performed for the first time in 2010. A funny, heartfelt, and thought-provoking monologue cycle, the production is loosely inspired by Eve Ensler's 'The Vagina Monologues.' By combining spoken word, music and dance, Rasaka presents an exploration of female sexuality, seen through the lens of desi women. Like a chain letter passed through the theatrical community, 'Yoni Ki Baat' features contributions from writers across the country, combining to create one compelling evening of theatre.

'Yoni Ki Baat' runs January 7 - 31, 2010 at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway. To purchase tickets, visit www.rasakatheatre.org.

The press hailed last year's production as "potent," "revolutionary," and "sexy." Centerstage Chicago raved, "Yoni Ki Baat' hits the (G) spot." Director Lavina Jadhwani believes this year will be no exception:

"Started by the South Asian Sisters in 2003, 'Yoni Ki Baat' is an ever-evolving conversation. Rasaka's 2010 edition is no exception," said Jadhwani. "This year's production contains new content and showcases new artists, resulting in an evening that is braver and bolder than ever before." Ms. Jadhwani (Artistic Director of Rasaka) directed last year's 'Yoni Ki Baat' as well, and also recently directed 'Scooter Thomas Makes It to the Top of the World' (Team Venture Productions), 'culture/clash' (Rasaka Theatre Company/Premiere Theatre & Performance), 'The Devil's Arithmetic' (Apple Tree Theatre), 'Kiss' (the side project), and 'An Adult Evening of Shel Silverstein' (The Shadowmen).

This production is presented in association with Premiere Theatre & Performance.

A portion of the proceeds from this production will benefit Apna Ghar (Our Home), an organization that provides culturally-appropriate, multilingual services, including emergency shelter, to survivors of domestic abuse with a priMary Focus on the South Asian and other immigrant communities.

Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60613 Red Line Sheridan stop; 36-Broadway and 80-Irving Park buses $6 honor parking at Greeley School, 832 W. Sheridan, weekends after 5 p.m.

WHEN: Previews January 7 & 8, 8 P.M.
Opens Saturday, January 9, 8 P.M. (reception following)
Runs Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 P.M., and Sundays at 4 & 8
P.M.
Closes September 31, 2010
Performance Time: Approx. 75 minutes.

TICKETS: Publish: 312-777-1070 -or- http://sellingticket.com/strawdog
$20 for regular tickets
$15 for previews January 7 & 8
$15 Student/Senior/Industry (Thurs & Sun only)
http://sellingticket.com/strawdog with credit cards -or- cash/check/credit card at the door.

WRITERS: Local writers include Rasaka ensemble members Anita Chandwaney
('Gandhi Marg', finalist: Chicago Dramatists' Many Voices Project; Rasaka's 'culture/clash') and Angeli Primlani (international journalist, incl. NPR's All Things Considered; Rasaka's 'culture/clash') along with Pushkar Sharma (Rasaka's 'culture/clash'), Prachi Murarka (Northwestern University senior), and Kit Idaszak.

Other writers featured in the 2010 edition include Myriam Rahman, Shruti S. Tewari, Maulie Dass, Indira Chakrabarti, and Nisha Gurbuxani.

STAFF:Rasaka ensemble members Lavina Jadhwani (Director) and Angeli Primlani (Costumes/Properties Design), team up again with 'culture/clash' collaborators Matthew Buettner (Scenic Design) and Vincent P. Mahler (Assistant Director/Dramaturg) as well as Joe Court
(Sound Design, 'Yoni Ki Baat' 2009) and Gary Echelmeyer (Lighting Design; also 'Miracle On 34th Street' & 'Once on This Island', Porchlight Music Theatre), making his Rasaka debut.

CAST: Rasaka ensemble member Alka Nayyar joins Amanda Bobbitt, Amrita Dhaliwal (Rasaka's 'culture/clash'), Seema Kumbhat, and Mouzam Makkar ('Yoni Ki Baat' 2009).

RASAKA'S MISSION: Rasaka Theatre Company, the Midwest's first South Asian-American ensemble, is dedicated to increasing diversity among artists and audiences by engaging and illuminating the South Asian American experience. Rasaka is particularly dedicated to providing a platform for the artistic expression of South Asian artists, nencompassing the production of theatrical projects - newly created, adapted and already established. Rasaka aims to broaden, strengthen and
enrich the experience of the theatre going audience thereby enhancing the local, regional, national and international reputation of Chicago theatre.

PREMIERE THEATRE & PERFORMANCE'S MISSION: The mission of Premiere Theatre & Performance (PTAP) is to present new plays and original performance by directors of vision and originality. PTAP creates a home for stage directors, in an environment that encourages development, creativity and
artistic integrity.

INFO: Rasaka Theatre Company, 312-777-1070; www.rasakatheatre.org Premiere Theatre & Performance, 773-250-7055, www.ptapchicago.org

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