SALINAS, Calif. – Art must continue to impact the heart and soul of the people. Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo of Eth-Noh-Tec, a non-profit based in San Francisco, has as its mission to create art that heals the divides within us and between us. The Western Stage will host Eth-Noh-Tec and a one-night-only multi-media performance of “Red Altar” as part of its annual SpringFEST lineup on April 20. As part of this special presentation, the Salinas Lodge of the Chinese American Citizens Association will be hosting the after-performance meet & greet for RED ALTAR.
Red Altar tells the true story of six teenagers from China, who in 1850 crashed their junk into Carmel and started the fishing industry in the Monterey Bay area. It follows 3 generations as they maneuver the restrictions and obstacles placed before them in order to stop their ability to settle and work as Americans.
Laced with humor, this kinetic theatre piece is infused with movement, music, and screen projections that illuminate some of the anti-Chinese violence and laws through newspaper headlines and caricatures. Both historically important and revelatory, anti-Chinese experiences like these were strewn throughout America’s west.
The Western Stage’s SpringFEST showcases leading, local artists whose many voices engage us in conversation, honor historical events while viewing them with a contemporary eye, and reflect the evolution of who we are. Our theme this year isQuest for Humanity: Different Stories, One Community. These are powerful experiences, unique in form, and the signature of Live Theatre.
WHAT: “The Red Altar” is a special, one-night only presentation by San Francisco’s Eth-Noh-Tec co-directors Nancy Wang and Robert Kikuchi-Yngojo. A multi-media performance about six teenagers who crossed the ocean from China, crashed in the Monterey Bay of California, and began the fishing industry in Monterey Bay in 1850. In the face of anti-Chinese legislation, media propaganda with racist caricatures, and outright violence, they persevered with courage and ingenuity in an effort to lay down roots in their volatile new home. Seven generations later, their story is finally being told.
WHEN: Saturday, April 20 at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE: Mainstage Theater, K104. Hartnell College Performing Arts Center, Building K, 411 Central Ave., Salinas, CA 93901.
TICKETS AND INFO: $20 adults, $15 senior/military/student. 499 seat-capacity, general admission.www.westernstage.com/tickets or at our Box Office: 831-755-6816 (Open Tues – Sat, 5:00 – 8:00 p.m.)
