Rasaka Theatre Presents Chicago Premiere of YONI KI BAAT 1/4

Rasaka Theatre Company, in association with Premiere Theatre and Performance, presents the Chicago premiere of YONI KI BAAT, opening Sunday, January 4, 2009 at 7pm at Chicago's Strawdog Theatre.

The YONI KI BAAT Launch Party will be held at T's Bar (5025 N. Clark St., Chicago) on Monday, December 1, 2008, from 8pm to midnight. There is no cover and includes food, drink, and the opportunity to meet the cast and learn more about the show. Call 312-777-1070 for details.

YONI KI BAAT is an exploration of the ultimate female forbidden zone with a uniquely South Asian immigrant twist (also referred to with the positive colloquialism "desi"). Loosely inspired by Eve Ensler's "The Vagina Monologues," YONI KI BAAT is a monologue cycle with music and dance that explores what it means to be a South Asian woman in the United States; addressing the arc of the female experience from adolescence to motherhood, including explorations of sexuality, marriage and masturbation. Like a chain letter passed through the theatrical community, YONI KI BAAT features contributions from female writers across the country, including six new monologues by local writers, including ensemble members Anita Chandwaney (finalist, Chicago Dramatists' Many Voices Project) and Mary Anne Mohanraj (author of Silence and the Word and several erotic novels), with guest writers Rajani Adhikary, Roksana Badruddoja, Devi Bhaduri, Kyven Dickens, Nisha Gurbuxani, Sheba Karim, Angeli Primlani, Sarita Sarvate, and Shruti S. Tewari, plus choreography by Alka Nayyar (Jeff nominated for her work on "The Masrayana").

The cast includes Rasaka ensemble members Anita Chandwaney and Fawzia Mirza, with guest artists Minita Gandhi and Mouzam Makkar. The staff includes Rasaka ensemble members Lavina Jadhwani (Director/Curator) and Alka Nayyar (Choreographer), with guest artists Jen Poulin (Stage Manager), Angeli Primlani (Costume Coordinator), Christine Ferriter (Lighting Design), and Joe Court (Sound Design).

"Rasaka's YONI KI BAAT will feature the some of most talented South Asian actresses in Chicago," said Rasaka Artistic Director and show director Lavina Jadhwani. "These women have been seen around the city, but never side by side; and this production provides a platform for an electric group of performers to explore a very worthy topic."  The show runs about 75 minutes with no intermission.  A portion of the ticket proceeds will be donated to Apna Ghar ("Our Home"), a domestic violence shelter serving Asian women and children. For more information, visit www.apnaghar.org.

ABOUT RASAKA THEATRE COMPANY

Rasaka Theatre Company is based in Chicago and is the Midwest's first South Asian-American ensemble, wanting to increase diversity among artists and audience 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, encompassing 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. For more information, call 312-777-1070 or visit www.rasakatheatre.org.

TICKET INFORMATION

YONI KI BAAT runs from January 4, 2009 through February 1, 2009, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7pm at Strawdog Theatre, 3829 N. Broadway Street, Chicago, IL. There will be a reception following the opening on January 4. There will be an industry show on Monday, January 12 at 8pm. Ticket prices are $20 for regular tickets, $10 for previews, and for students and seniors (with ID) and $5 industry tickets available on January 2, 3 and 12. For tickets, call 312-777-1070, or visit www.strawdog.org.

The Strawdog Theatre is accessible via Red Line Sheridan stop; 36-Broadway and 80-Irving Park buses. There is $6 honor parking at Greeley School, 832 W. Sheridan, weekends after 5 p.m.

For more information about Premiere Theatre and Performance, call 773-250-7055 or visit www.ptapchicago.org.

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