By Lily Janiak Wed., Jan. 25 2012 at 3:00 PM

In the indigenous religion explored in Cherrie Moraga‘s New Fire–To Put Things Right Again, the sky is a female being. “During times of chaos,” says the recorded voice of a narrator, “this female force came down to Earth to put things right again.”

Things are decidedly not right in the world of this co-production by Brava Theater and cihuatl productions, especially for indigenous women of Mexico. Testimonies from both live performers and projected film interviews evoke a shared sense of indigenous female suffering: abuse, rape, poverty, separation from loved ones. But the ever-poetic Moraga, who gained prominence in the 90s with her pioneering plays about LGBT and Chicana identity, turns victimhood into strength. Bruises “rise up like huge mountains of revolt.” Owning indigenous identity is to be basura in the eyes of many, but it also means “we know where we came from.”

Descending to Earth to help right these wrongs, the sky goddesses open the production with truly supernatural force. As they dance one by one onto center stage, they keep their faces down, pointing the colorful designs on the tops of their straw hats directly at the audience. Eventually, you realize that those designs are eyes — all-seeing eyes from which the beings derive their power. Underscoring their dance is the mesmerizing soundscape of designer D’Lo. His layered sounds of breath, water, birds, rattling and the didgeridoo suggest a profusion of nature’s elements rising in concert to welcome the spirits.

New Fire contains some narrative elements, mostly centered on Vero (Dena Martinez) and El Caminante (Robert Owens-Greygrass), who both interacts with her and narrates her terrible past. But the production is more a collective ritual than a traditional drama, one in which the audience helps Vero reckon with her history and get reborn.

Moraga, who also directs, draws on the expertise and artistry of many practitioners of indigenous ritual, giving the piece a collaborative feel. Charlene O’Rourke’s singing and chanting, with Stephen Luis Cervantes and Jorge Molina on the water drums and other instruments, practically transports you to the communal fire. And conceptual artist Celia Herrera Rodriguez’s set vividly evokes the proximity of spiritual forces as well as a vital sense of community.

All of these artists sit onstage throughout the production, more as observers than performers, endowing the proceedings with their gravitas, while also inviting the audience to participate.

As with much of Moraga’s work, New Fire will resonate most with those who might not see their experience reflected elsewhere on the stage. Others will find its contemplative pace novel but nonetheless accessible. New Fire demands presence and slowness. It’s jarring at first, but Vero’s journey becomes that much more rewarding because you feel as though you are part of it. As Vero herself says, “The ceremonial way of life can be challenging,” but with it, “you can live free.”

New Fire continues through Jan. 29 at the Brava Theater, 2781 24th St. (at York St.), S.F. Admission is $10 – $30; 647-2822 or www.brava.org.

After a fifteen-year hiatus, Brava Theater is proud to welcome award–winning writer and director, Cherríe Moraga, back to its stages to celebrate its 25^th anniversary with the world premiere of her new play, New Fire – To Put Things Right Again. Co-produced with cihuatl productions, and conceptually created and designed by Celia Herrera Rodríguez, this new work follows the sacred geography of Indigenous American mythologies to tell a 21st century story of rupture, migration and homecoming. Countering new-age apocalyptic predictions for 2012, NEW FIRE takes a mythic and modern-day look at the conditions of our times. The play follows one woman’s dreamscape ceremonial journey upon the eve of her birthday, expertly interweaving humorous encounters with tricksters and allies of every ilk who act as her guides on the road to remembering a stolen past. New Fire will inspire and challenge its audiences to regain an American history erased in post-colonial textbooks.

The world premiere production runs January 11 – 29, 2012 at the Brava Theater (2781 24^th Street, San Francisco, CA 94110). Tickets ($10 – $30) are available at the Brava Box Office at 415.647.2822 or Online.

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Hey Hyphenites! We are excited to announce our finalists for Mr. Hyphen 2011. Are you ready for one heck of a show?

Hyphen is proud to present Mr. Hyphen 2011 hosted by D’Lo. Mark your calendars for our November 5 event to celebrate 5 amazing APIA men who want to showcase their talents for a chance to win $1000 for his chosen nonprofit organization!

Want your tickets? Purchase them HERE.

Psst… Use our promo code mrhyphenearlybird and book your seats now!

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October 21, 2011
Doors 7:00 pm Show 8:00 pm

Brava Theatre
2781 24th Street
San Francisco, CA 94116

Rape is not a laughing matter; but humor becomes a powerful tool in fighting sexual assault at She Who Laughs… Lasts!

Join us for a lighthearted evening of laughter with four hilarious comedians and a special video screening, courtesy of QWOCMAP, on Friday, October 21, 2011 at the beautiful Brava Theatre!

Make sure to get there early for appetizers and photo-ops with comedians! And, don’t miss the silent auction which includes exciting activities like indoor sky diving, wine county bike tours, and Dinner for 2 hosted by SFWAR & comedian D’Lo!!!

When: Oct 16, 2011 at 2:00pm
Where: The Southern California Library
6120 S. Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90044

As part of National Coming Out Week – We’re doing it again! Come listen to the amazing stories from our Queer South Asian community members. As always, we’ll have snacks! According to the Needs Assessment Survey carried out by Satrang and SAN, there are roughly 300,000 South Asians living in Southern California. Taking into account the theory that the LGBTQIQ community takes up 10% of any given population, there are, 30,000 LGBTQIQ South Asians living in Southern California.

As we have witnessed in the findings of the Needs Assessment Survey, many of our community are immigrants who are closeted or in isolation because there is no place for them to be both South Asian and out about their sexuality/gender orientation. We come to realize that because of this, many LGBTQIQ South Asians suffer from mental stress and depression and feel that they cannot seek help that addresses their feelings.
Satrang’s mission is to provide a safe space for South Asians who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgendered, queer, intersex and questioning. Much of Satrang’s programming centers around providing an alternative space which our members call “another home”.

Thursday, October 6th, 2011 — 7pm

Grand Lake Theater
3200 Grand Avenue
Oakland, CA

Join us for a stellar night of glitz and glamour, entertainment, performance and, of course, the premiere of the pilot episode of Dyke Central!

The evening will be hosted by D’Lo, and will include a fashion show (featuring the new MoC clothing line Marimacho, Distinguished Cravat, and Young & Faithful), musical performances from such talents as Jurni Rayne, and the opportunity to meet the cast in person, as well as mingle with special guests. See you on the red carpet!

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Mondays, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
September 12 through November 14

Teachers: Kristina Wong, D’Lo, Shyamala Moorty, Kristina Wong, Traci Kato-Kiriyama, Ova Saopeng, Cynthia Lee and Leilani Chan

Led by a top notch line up of performance artists and playwrights including Kristina Wong, D’Lo, Shyamala Moorty, Traci Kato-Kiriyama and others, “Writing for Performance,” allows you to learn from some of the most renowned in the industry. This series of workshops offers artists a rare opportunity to develop a new performance work though classes with established playwrights, performance artists, poets and choreographers. Participants who attend all 10 sessions and present a 5-10 min new work in the final class will be eligible to apply for TEADAWORKS 2012.

Click here for registration information!

Saturday, September 10 at 6:30pm

St Mary’s Cathedral
Gough and Geary
San Francisco, CA

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D’Lo will emcee for the night.

Trikone offers a supportive, empowering and non-judgmental environment, where LGBT South Asians can meet, make connections and proudly promote awareness and acceptance of their sexuality in society.

Trikone works toward the following goals:

1. bring people of South Asian heritage together
2. promote awareness, visibility and cultural and legal acceptance of people with alternative sexual orientations and gender identities
3. help people to proudly affirm both their South Asian identity as well as their sexual orientation

Trikone actively works against all forms of oppression based on race, gender, religion, class, sexual orientation, and other identities. Through our award-winning magazine, our website, conferences, cultural nights, film festivals, dances, pride celebrations, and a host of other collaborative programming, Trikone has worked hard to nurture and empower the LGBT South Asian community in the Bay Area and across the globe.

JOTALOGUES: Talking Taboo in the LGBTQAI—U!

Written by Adelina Anthony with D’Lo
Performed by Adelina Anthony & D’Lo
Directed by Mark Valdez

Thursday Sept. 1, 2011
Friday Sept. 2, 2011
Saturday Sept. 3, 2011
all shows start at 8pm
$10 (Tickets are available at www.allgo.org and will also be available at the door)
MACC
600 River St
Austin, TX

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Adelina Anthony has conceived: JOTALOGUES: Talking Taboo in the LGBTQAI-U! a performance piece that tackles our multiple intersections from a pan-ethnic, pan-generational, and pan-sexual viewpoint. As our communities continue to face deep crisis, JOTALOGUES gives voice to the most marginalized—and its not your typical queers. In this show, Adelina and D’Lo, enact zany characterizations to explore the effects of non-regulated human impact and destruction on our planet. Tackling the familiar tropes of racism, sexism, and homophobia, Anthony and D’Lo’s us their signature comedic chops to give us fresh insights into a very special “underground” world. The workshop production premiering in Austin is largely based on the first workshop production directed by Mark Valdez. The play is written by Adelina Anthony (w/D’Lo) and features Adelina Anthony and D’Lo as performers.

Adelina Anthony and D’Lo are groundbreaking queer artists of color working as multi-disciplinary artists whose theater/performance presentations have garnered numerous awards, nominations, and critical attention.

Claiming Our Seats at the Table: Masculinity and Spirituality

Whether we believe in a higher spirit, Mother Nature, or the power of the people, our voices are vital in spiritual dialogue. Finding strength to live our masculinity with fierce integrity & grace is a ‘spiritual’ process already; but rather than honor our spiritual awareness, many religious communities have shunned us and suffered as a result. This workshop is for the sharing of spiritual journeys and the struggles in claiming our seats at the table of our religious and spiritual communities.

Sunday, Aug 21, 2011 – 10:45am – 12pm

Grand-Jewett Ballroom – 1st floor

For more info, check out: Butch Voices 2011 Conference