We're Not Your Cup of Tea

Saturday, May 11th

We’re Not Your Cup Of Tea

Producer: Pamela Najera-Michael

Co-Producers: Meg Lin, Marcel Licera, Evie Abat

Technical Director: David Johnson

Stage Manager: David Mingrino

Synopsis:

Theatre West recognized the richness and diversity of the Asian community and wanted to shine a spotlight on it during Asian Heritage Month. We saw an opportunity to celebrate the different traditions, languages, and cuisines that make up Asian culture.

The development of WE'RE NOT YOUR CUP OF TEA started with a spark of cultural celebration and a commitment to diversity! In a bold move to amplify voices and promote cultural awareness, Theatre West and Asian American Drug Addiction Program joined forces.

By fusing the power of storytelling with advocacy, we aim to tackle critical issues and celebrate the vibrant diversity of the Asian American community. This collaboration isn't just about entertainment—it's about empowerment. We're stirring up vital conversations and fostering a more inclusive society. Together, we're breaking down barriers and paving the way for positive change. Join us on a cultural odyssey as we unravel the rich tapestry of solo stories. From dispelling stereotypes to heartwarming tales and thought-provoking narratives, our performances are a tribute to the resilience of the Asian American experience. We will be accompanied by various talented performance artists and esteemed guest speakers.

Let's come together, challenge misconceptions, embrace the heritage, and create unforgettable memories!

EVIE ABAT @evieabat

Evie is proud to be a part of this production, benefitting TW and AADAP. She is a Filipina-American, Ph.D. level psychotherapist-turned actor/writer/director/producer. Her short film Dad’s Gone Wild and short script Romeo & Julio garnered accolades and Official Selection status at the CineAsian, Golden State, and City of Angels Film Festivals. She is currently the director of Survivors by Wendy Kout. Survivors is an educational play with a diverse cast, about 10 Holocaust survivors, that is touring schools and organizations along the West Coast. Evie congratulates the entire cast of this production for their dedication and their talent! SAG-AFTRA

CYNDY FUJIKAWA @fuj_desu

Cyndy Fujikawa's father was Japanese-American and was born in California. His parents were immigrants from Hiroshima-ken. Cindy was recently seen in The Spy Who Went Into Rehab at the PRT Co-op. Also, at Pacific Resident Theatre, she played Cassandra in their acclaimed production of Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike. Regional theatre: San Jose Rep, A Contemporary Theatre (Seattle), Sacramento Theatre Company; Off-Broadway: New Victory Theatre, New York Theatre Workshop, Mabou Mines; San Francisco Bay Area: Marines’ Memorial Theatre; Encore Theatre Co. At Theatre West, she was Petra in A Little Night Music with Betty Garrett. Her one-person show, Old Man River, made its West Coast debut at Theatre West and was later adapted into a successful documentary film. An ACT alum, she is also a Usual Suspect at New York Theatre Workshop. She dedicates this performance to her late husband, Dennis Murphy.

Christina Villegas @flyingcurvesdancestudio

Reality television producer turned empowerment and embodiment coach, Christina embarked on a transformative Journey after a tragic incident redirected her path. Raised in a conservative Filipino household, she discovered pole dancing as a means to reclaim her femininity, ultimately founding Flying Curves Dance Studio. Through her studio and her innovative live stage show, Goddess Empowered: The Show, she empowers women to embrace their strength and sensuality. Documenting their journey, Christina celebrates the transformative power of movement and self-discovery, inspiring audiences with 11 successful shows. Through her coaching program, Goddesses Empowered, she guides women on a deeper journey of empowerment, helping them unlock their true potential and embody their most authentic selves. With a commitment to changing lives one goddess at a time, Christina continues to inspire and uplift women on their path to self-discovery and empowerment.

Apoorva Choudhary @llappyll

Apoorva, colloquially referred to as the "brown sheep," was raised in a traditional Hindu family with a profound appreciation for education. Her formative years in India were dedicated to the pursuit of arts and communication. Initially drawn to journalism with aspirations of becoming a war correspondent, Apoorva underwent a transformative experience while creating her debut documentary on the political unrest in Kashmir, sparking a profound passion for filmmaking. This newfound calling led her to immerse herself in numerous projects, specializing in post-production and serving as an Assistant Director. Seeking to refine her craft, she ventured to Los Angeles, where she has amassed a portfolio of over twenty films, showcasing her expertise as both an assistant director and production designer. Notably, her latest directorial venture—a short film—has garnered acclaim through its participation in various festivals. Apoorva is performing an Indian classical dance on the spiritual song Aigiri Nandini which is about the strength of woman. I relate to this because as a woman I feel we have the power to destroy or create the world in us.

MARCEL LICERA @marcellicera

Marcel will be seen next in his 4th appearance at Hollywood Fringe Festival '24 in the musical NoMatterWatt. A native of the Philippines, with a tinge of Chinese and Spanish, he is most at home doing musicals-- Beauty & Beast (Cogsworth) Miss Saigon (Engineer) & King & I (King) to name a few. But also welcomes the challenge of dramatic plays as in West Coast Jewish Theater's FUGU (originated Capt. Matsuoka) & Theater Casa 0101's Remembering Boyle Heights 1 & 2 (originated Bruce & Profe Fong). When not performing, he's an USPS Postal worker & a LEGO enthusiast (former Nat'l Teen LEGO Champ Builder of the Philippines). His piece is about overcoming the limitations of his perceived walls, stemming from his secretive and isolating upbringing. Currently, he is in 3 short films; Too Late To Sing, Martial Law & Dad's Gone Wild, all making their film festival rounds. SAG/AFTRA/AEA member.

MEG LIN @iammeglin

The first in her family born in the U.S., Meg grew up in a traditional Taiwanese American household that emphasized education over entertainment. This led Meg to become a K-12 teacher and school principal before quitting her job to pursue her passion for acting and writing. Meg’s highlights on stage include Theatre West’s Love Stinks and Moose on the Loose, Storybook Theatre’s Aladdin, the Princess, and the Magic Lamp, and Hyperactive Studios’ Hamlet. On screen, Meg can be seen in the upcoming feature films, Barren and Neighbors Who Kill, and in over 15 short films, including Victoria’s Manor, which she co-wrote, co-produced, and co-starred in, and which won multiple film festival awards, including Best Indie Short Film and Best Horror Comedy Short. Her children’s book, Casper, the Rescue Dog!, can be found on Amazon under her married name, Dr. Meg Palisoc. In tonight’s performance, Meg breaks the tradition of "saving face” by sharing her darkest pain and deepest desires in this snapshot from her award-winning solo show What Am I, Chopped Suey?

PAMELA NAJERA @pamelackn

Pamela’s previous life was a medical assistant for 15 years for a private practice of dermatologists. Since then she’s danced professionally for over 20 years and choreographed for other solo-playwrights. Pamela's childhood was shrouded in secrecy and deception. Despite her upbringing, her family immigrated from the Philippines to America in 1979, where she was expected to become a nurse. However, fate intervened, leading her into the captivating world of entertainment as a dancer and magician's assistant. Despite facing skepticism about her age, ethnicity, and stature, Pamela's career flourished. From performing with renowned magicians to touring as a cruise ship entertainer, Pamela defied expectations and embraced her journey of transformation. Join her as she navigates the ridiculous limitations of her upbringing and discovers her true passion in an excerpt of Too Old, Too Asian, Too Short, Pamela’s greatest personal achievement after becoming a professional dancer.

David Mingrino: Stage Manager

In the last 45 years, David has been on stage in over 100 productions. They include, Walking In Space, The Man Who Saved Everything, The Petrified Forest, Thicker Than Water, Verdigris and Under The Shade Of The Old Oak at Theatre West, musicals including Motel, Fiddler On The Roof, and Jesus in Godspell. Other shows include Room Service (which received 6 Ovation nominations including best ensemble cast). He has been in three independent features, Under The Shade Of The Old Oak (now on Amazon Prime), Sweet and The Devil Within (Amazon). He has stage managed for Charles Durning, Charles Nelson Reilly (who became a good friend), Hal Linden, Joyce and Dick Van Patten, Carol Channing and Patti Page to name a few. His directing credits include The World Goes Round and the cabaret shows Vamping Till Ready and Desire which he also conceived.

David P. Johnson: Technical Director, Lighting Designer (SAG-AFTRA/AEA)

David’s works include (Film/TV) – The Rum Diary, Pandorum, multiple episodes of 1000 Ways to Die, The Muppets, Driving by Braille and others, (Theatre) Waiting in the Wings (With Betty Garrett), A Very Brady Musical, Bell, Book and Candle, Something for the Boys, Sleeping Beauty, Little Red Riding Hood, Biloxi Blues and Presidential Suite, (the last of which he also served as composer and contributing lyricist). His theatrical directing credits include, Stuck in Neutral, The Princess and the Frog, A Dose of Family, Sally Spectre the Musical, which enjoyed a terrific run here at Theatre West last year, The Emperor’s New Clothes

Esteemed Guest Speakers

L.A. City Councilmember Nithya Raman

Dean Nakanishi, CEO of AADAP, Inc.

Giovannie Espiritu, filmmaker and advocate for domestic violence awareness and prevention, and LGBTQ equality