PAPA And AAI's Mini Residency Kick-Off With Pratima Agrawal

Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists (PAPA) and Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) have teamed up to host a Mini-Residency Program that celebrates and supports the diverse theatrical projects from selected PAPA members.

Voided is happening for one-night-only on March 2 at 7PM at Asian Arts Iniative (1219 N. Vine Street). Critics and members of the press are invited to attend. For ticket arrangements, contact Cat Ramirez at cat@asianartsiniative.org or 215-557-4055.

Voided is a solo theatre performance inspired by the true story of Kalpana Chawla, the first Indian female astronaut in space who died in the 2003 Columbia accident. Through the lens of racial representation and feminism, Pratima explores her struggle to "fit in" on her own terms as a performer in the City of Brotherly Love. What is it to exist in the world yet not exist in a community, what is it to be marginalized when seeking out unique roles or only find stereotypes, and what does it mean for our histories to become invisible after we're gone?

"2 Indian women - 1 astronaut, 1 performing artist. What could they possibly have to do with each other? More than I would have ever thought," describes playwright/performer Pratima Agrawal, "This process has continuously surprised with me connections between art and science, between real and imagined, between life and death. There's a reason to look at Kalpana's story as someone who was able to make a lasting difference in the most unconventional ways while navigating the world as an Indian woman. Ultimately, it's about possibility."

Production History

This will be Voided's inaugural showing.

About the Playwright/Performer

PRATIMA AGRAWAL is a local performing artist, teaching artist, and administrator. She finds purpose in working on projects that challenge her as an artist and push the boundaries of art and humanity. She would like to thank PAPA and AAI for this wonderful residency opportunity and their continued support. To Sarah, Anula, and Ro - her immensely talented team of artists - you fill her with endless gratitude and appreciation for your collaboration.

About the Director

SARAH MITTELDORF is a penguin admirer, theatre maker, and puppy scruffler. She is convinced that theatre is one of the best ways to bring people together, celebrate stories and voices, and honor each other. Thanks to her collaborators, who always push and encourage her to grow. She is a founding member of Kaleid Theatre (as in kaleidoscope, as in collide), who's new piece,Titles are for Little Witches: The Salem Bitch Trials, goes up at (re)FOCUS Fest this April.

The Design Team

The artistic team includes Lighting Designer Ro Gauger and Projections Designer and 2017 Pew Fellowship in the Arts Award Recipient Anual Shetty.

Tickets

Tickets are FREE. You can reserve by contacting Events Producer Cat Ramirez at cat@asianartsiniative.org or 215-557-4055.

Mission

Philadelphia Asian Performing Artists (PAPA) are a collective of theatre artists who seek to enhance and strengthen the presence of Asian Americans in the Philadelphia theatre community. As a result of sustaining and increasing the skill levels of their group, we hope to empower and retain emerging Asian American theater artists in Philadelphia. As PAPA grows and strengthens, we aim to encourage and create performance opportunities for PAPA members and also reflect the greater diversity of this city and its stories.

Asian Arts Initiative is a community-based arts center in Philadelphia that engages artists and everyday people to create art that explores the diverse experiences of Asian Americans, addresses our social context, and imagines and effects positive community change

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