Saturday Explorer Series 2022

Curated by Matthew McCray

The journey continues with the most sophisticated family series in town.
La aventura continua…para usted y su familia.

October 1st at 2 PM

Alien Citizen

Written and performed by Elizabeth Liang, directed by Sofie Calderon

Who are you when you’re from everywhere… and nowhere? With American commercial jingles providing her soundtrack, Liang, a dual citizen of mixed heritage who grew up in Central America, North Africa, the Middle East and New England, shares humorous stories about language confusion, racial ambiguity, first love, culture shock, Clark Gable and sandstorms. Alien Citizen has toured internationally to four continents and is now an award-winning film on DVD and digital.

October 8th at 2 PM

The Good Boy

Written and performed by Michael Bonnabel, directed by Darin Anthony

Using American Sign Language, speech and song, Bonnabel recounts the funny and moving story of his life in 1960s Pasadena, where he was raised by two complicated and loving deaf parents. Learning to communicate his own feelings, dealing with adult responsibilities far beyond his young years, and waiting for an emotional echo in a silent home, Michael was always the “good boy” who never felt quite good enough. Sharing his family’s stories of triumph, grief, dignity and mutual respect, Bonnabel takes us into his young adult life as he struggles to find independence while never giving up in his quest for a deeper connection to his distant and remote father. Darin Anthony directs, and the performance will feature ASL interpretation.

October 15th at 2 PM

Forgotten Heroes, Stories that Sing

Written and performed by Victoria Burnett

In this highly interactive performance piece, Burnett incorporates movement and music to present the true stories of three African American “Buffalo Soldiers” who sacrificed their lives to serve and protect the U.S. after the end of the Civil War— including Cathay Williams, better known as William Cathay, who was the only Black female Buffalo Soldier to serve in the 38th U.S. Infantry before her discharge in 1868, when it was discovered she was a woman.

October 22nd at 2 PM

Pieces of Me

Written and performed by Joe Hernández-Kolski

“Pieces of Me” is an abbreviated version of Joe’s hip-hop theater piece “You Wanna Piece of Me?” inspired by his personal experiences growing up in Chicago as a Polish-Mexican American heavy metal headbanger who attended a Black high school. Dancing to the hip-hop beats that shape our lives and bring us together, Hernández-Kolski explores what it means to grow up as a multicultural hyphenate facing race and racism, confronting social issues, and questioning gender and pop culture.