Diversionary Theatre Premieres THE BOY WHO DANCED ON AIR Tonight

Diversionary Theatre, under the leadership of Executive Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow, presents the daring new musical The Boy Who Danced On Air with Book and Lyrics by Charlie Sohne, Music by Tim Rosser, featuring direction by Tony Speciale, choreography by Nejla Yatkin, and musical direction by Cris O' Bryon.

Set in modern day Afghanistan, The Boy Who Danced on Air is a love story about two young men trapped in the brutal world of the Bacha Bazi, (literally translated as 'boy play'), a tradition where wealthy men take in boys they have purchased from poorer families and have trained to dance. These boys are considered a status symbol for the men who own their bodies for exploitive entertainment and are often abused.

It is at a Bacha Bazi party where Paiman, a 'retiring' dancing boy meets Feda, a young man who despite living within a similar captivity as Paiman, demonstrates a rebellious sense of freedom. A secret budding romance ensues, taking them on a journey towards a new life in uncharted territory.

This fearless and vital production sheds light on an unsettling yet little-known cultural practice while contrasting it with a beautiful love story. In doing so, the piece conceives a fresh take on how the power of the human spirit remains unyielding despite the corrupt forces that attempt to diminish it. With a compelling score and stunning choreography, The Boy Who Danced on Air is a paramount story that deserves to be seen.

"This isn't just a story about Afghanistan, it's a bigger picture... While being rooted in a particular place and time, the show deals with something pretty universal: the intersection between a society's power structure and its views on morality - and at the show's heart is a timeless and romantic love story." - Tim Rosser, Composer.

Development History The Boy Who Danced on Air was developed through the Lark Play Development Center's "Monthly Meeting of the Minds" and was given two Lark roundtables. Excerpts from the score have been heard at 54 Below, Ars Nova, Joe's Pub and NYTB at the D-Lounge, as well as in the BMI Workshop. The Boy Who Danced on Air was a finalist for the 2013 Rodgers Award. The writers are the recipients of the prodigious 2015 Jonathan Larson Award, named for the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of RENT. The Boy Who Danced on Air was featured in the 25th Annual National Alliance for New Musicals Festival.

Special events around the performance include:

• Specialty low-priced preview performances: May 5th- 13th. (Thursdays-Sundays)
• Opening Night (Includes pre & post-show receptions): May 14th @8pm.
• Backstage Thursdays Designer Spotlight Reception: May 19th @6pm.
• Industry Night: February 29th @7pm.
• Backstage Thursdays Happy Hour with the Director Reception: May 26th @6pm.
• Backstage Thursdays Next Act!: March 10th @6pm.
• ASL Performance: June 5th @8pm
• Industry Night: June 6th @7pm

The cast features Troy Iwata (Paiman), Sittichai Chaiyahat (Feda), Jonathan Raviv (Jahandar), Keala Milles, Jr. (Zemar), and Koray Tarhan (The Unknown Man).

The creative team includes Sean Fanning (Set Design), Kevin Anthenill (Sound Design), Shirley Pierson (Costume Design), and Wen-Ling Liao (Lighting Design), and Bonnie Durben (Properties Manager).

Previews will begin May 5th, 2016. The production is scheduled to run through June 12th. Tickets are now available online at www.diversionary.org, by calling 619-220-0097 or in person by visiting 4545 Park Boulevard San Diego, CA 92116. Single ticket prices ranges from $20-45 (Prices are subject to change).

Diversionary Theatre was founded in 1986 to provide quality theatre for the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The mission of the theatre is to provide an inspiring and thought provoking theatrical platform to explore complex and diverse LGBT stories, which influence the larger cultural discussion.

Diversionary Theatre is recognized as one of San Diego's best theaters. It is one of the most vibrant showcases of theatrical talent in the city. Our vision is to foster and amplify the next generation of LGBT voices providing live entertainment in a dynamic, inclusive, and provocative environment that celebrates and preserves our unique culture.

To post a comment, you must register and login.