2011 Asian American International Film Festival Kicks Off with John Sayles’ AMIGO on 8/10 in NY; AAIFF’11 Lineup, 8/10-14

The 34th Annual Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF), presented by Asian CineVision (ACV) from August 10-14, 2011, kicks off on Wednesday, August 10th, with the New York Premiere of John Sayles’ AMIGO, which chronicles the forgotten events of the Philippine-American war in 1900. The cast of AMIGO features Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, Garret Dillahunt, Yul Vasquez, DJ Qualls and Arthur Acuna.

Over 70 films from 16 countries will be featured including 6 New York Premieres, 8 East Coast Premieres, and 3 which will be making their U.S. Premieres at AAIFF’11. AAIFF screenings will be at Clearview Cinemas, 260 West 23rd Street; at the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), 215 Centre Street; and Maysles Cinemas, 343 Lenox Avenue in New York.

On Thursday, August 11th, AAIFF is presenting a LGBTQ themed film line-up, in collaboration with community partners from the LGBTQ community, featuring the non-traditional romantic comedy WHEN HAINAN MEETS TEOCHEW, directed by Yew Kwang Han, and TALES OF THE WARIA, a documentary about the transgender community in Indonesia directed by Kathy Huang.

The Festival’s Centerpiece Presentation Stephanie Guager’s SAIGON ELECTRIC delves into lives of hip-hop dancers in Vietnam’s capital, and will screen on Saturday, August 13th. AAIFF will close with Christine Yoo’s WEDDING PALACE, a light hearted comedy featuring Brian Tee, Hye-jeong Kang, Bobby Lee and Margaret Cho.

Other highlights at the Festival include the New York Premiere of award-winning director Ramona Diaz’s new documentary film THE LEARNING, which follows four Filipino women teaching inner city kids in Baltimore.

AAIFF is the nation’s longest-running festival of its kind and a leading showcase for the best in independent Asian and Asian American film and video.

AAIFF’11 FILMS
AMIGO – Dir. John Sayles | Starring Joel Torre, Chris Cooper, Garret Dillahunt, Yul Vasquez, DJ Qualls, Arthur Acuna | USA
Caught in the murderous crossfire of the Philippine-American war, mayor Rafael (Joel Torre) falls under pressure to collaborate when American troops garrison his village. Meanwhile, his brother Simón (Ronnie Lazaro), head of the local guerillas, regards collaboration as treason. The fate of a nation unfolds in this lucid, compelling portrait of the turbulent times.

ANNA MAY WONG: IN HER OWN WORDS – Dir. Yunah Hong | Starring Doan Ly | USA
Transcending the silent era into sound film, the legendary Anna May Wong co-starred with the likes of Marlene Dietrich and Douglas Fairbanks. The first Chinese American movie star is captured through rich archival footage, interviews with studio colleagues, commentary by filmmakers, scholars and re-enactments of her letters and diary by actress Doan Ly.

ENFORCING THE SILENCE – Dir. Tony Nguyen | USA
Thirty years after the unsolved murder of Lam Duong, Vietnamese American journalists remain the largest group of immigrant reporters killed on US soil. Friends of Lam, federal investigators, and journalists speak out about the risks that Vietnamese Americans face for exercising their first amendment rights.

THE LEARNING – Dir. Ramona Diaz | USA
Award-winning director Ramona Diaz (IMELDA) follows four Filipino women (Dorotea, Grace, Angel and Rhea) on a challenging and emotional journey as they leave their homeland and loved ones to teach at inner city Baltimore schools. Each woman tells a unique yet universal tale of the lives of overseas Filipino workers around the world.

LIVING IN SEDUCED CIRCUMSTANCES – Dir. Ian Gamazon | USA
A young pregnant woman seeks revenge on a man who has done her wrong. In a secluded forest, she begins a series of games—each more twisted than the last—designed to make him confess his sins. A mix of mystery and psychological thriller, Filipino-American director Ian Gamazon warps and challenges viewers’ expectations, leading to a haunting climax.

THE LULU SESSIONS – Dir. S. Casper Wong | USA
More affectionately known as LuLu, the unconventional Dr. Louise Nutter—boisterous, dedicated, and master of profanity—finds out she has the very illness she researches: breast cancer. Best friend and filmmaker S. Casper Wong captures her last 15 months on video as they embark on LuLu’s last and most enlightening adventure.

MY HEART BEATS – Dir. EunHee Huh | Starring Dong-sook You | South Korea
In a desperate attempt to revitalize her monotonous life, Juri, a lonely English professor in her mid-30s, has decided to break into the porn industry. With the help of an estranged friend and porn producer, Juri is eventually cast in her first film. Now she must re-evaluate what it is that keeps her heart beating.

MY WEDDING AND OTHER SECRETS – Dir. Roseanne Liang | Starring Michele Ang, Kenneth Tsang & Pei-Pei Cheng | New Zealand
Love knows no boundaries… unless you are a New Zealand-born Chinese woman trying to convince your traditional Hong Kong parents to let you marry your Caucasian boyfriend. Emily struggles to hide her forbidden relationship but discovers that, unlike in the movies, love cannot thrive on optimism alone.

THE PIANO IN A FACTORY – Dir. Zhang Meng | Starring Qian-yuan Wang | China
Chen is in a nasty custody battle with his estranged wife. A man of little means, he struggles to obtain a piano to convince his daughter to stay with him. The harsh reality of his desolate life is intriguingly juxtaposed with the quaint score and dreamlike scenes.

RAKENROL – Dir. Quark Henares | Starring Jason Abalos, Glaiza de Castro & Matet de Leon |The Philippines
Odie and Irene are die-hard rock fans, so it’s no surprise when they decide to form a band. Teaming with a former rocker and an angry drummer, they become Hapipaks. To the Hapipakers, rock isn’t just a genre of music, but a lifestyle, as each tackles his or her personal challenges with what they learn on the stage.

RESIDENT ALIENS – Dir. Ross Tuttle | USA
After calling the US home for decades, former Cambodian refugees are deported for criminal offenses back to Cambodia, a motherland now foreign to them. This documentary follows three returnees as they struggle to survive with few language and job skills, and find redemption through their new lives.

SAIGON ELECTRIC – Dir. Stephane Gauger | Starring Van Trang & Quynh Hoa | USA/Vietnam
In the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, Mai a traditional ribbon dancer from the countryside meets tough street dancer Kim and soon becomes captivated by the city’s vibrant underground hip-hop scene. Representing the struggles of Vietnamese youth culture, this energetic film showcases bold, fresh talent with dynamic choreography and heartfelt narrative.

STRAWBERRY CLIFF – Dir. Chris Chow | Starring Leslie-Anne Huff, Anthony Chaput & Eason Chan | Hong Kong
Kate possesses the power to predict death, and makes a pact with Jason, who is predicted to die; he will send a signal from beyond the grave to prove there is an afterlife. Shortly after Jason’s death, Kate receives a mysterious phone call. Does an afterlife really exist?

TALES OF THE WARIA – Dir. Kathy Huang | USA
In Indonesia, there lives a unique community of men who live openly as women. Known as Warias, these individuals must balance issues of identity, intimacy, and their Islamic faith. In this eye-opening documentary, four Warias tell the tales of their search for companionship and belonging.

WEDDING PALACE – Dir. Christine Yoo | Starring Brian Tee, Hye-jeong Kang, Bobby Lee & Margaret Cho | USA/South Korea
Jason is a 29-year-old advertising executive who must get married before his thirtieth birthday to avoid an ancient family curse. While on a business trip in Seoul, he meets Na-Young seems on track for the couple’s wedding—until Na-Young’s arrival in the U.S. falls short of expectation. Can true love overcome all obstacles?

WHEN HAINAN MEETS TEOCHEW – Dir. Yew Kwang Han | Singapore
An argument over a missing bra results in Ms. Teochew, a “womanly” man, having to move in with Hainan-boy, a “manly” woman. Not your typical romance, the unusual pair grows closer as they face an angry landlord, an estranged father, a sickly mother, and a crazy ex-girlfriend. Could this be the start of a beautiful relationship?

WHEN LOVE COMES – Dir. Tso Chi Chang | Starring Yijie Li | Taiwan
Lai-Chun is a free spirited young girl who must cope with her dysfunctional polygamous family. An unexpected pregnancy and the sudden collapse of her father’s health shift the balance of power at home. Lai-Chun begins to see her family in a new light as painful memories and profound regrets emerge.

Shorts Program: NEVER STOP BELIEVING
DREAM GIVER – Dir. Tyler Carter | USA
HENRY’S GLASSES – dir. Brendan Uegama | Canada
SOSEFINA – Dir. Tresa Ponnor | Australia
SAENG-IL – Dir. Jennifer Suhr | USA
BALLET OF UNHATCHED CHICKS – Dir. Shaun Seong-Young Kim | USA
BOYS & GIRLS – Dir. Chris Tipton King | USA
HEART – Dir. Erick Oh | USA
LUNCHTIME – Dir. Keo Woolford | USA
PLAY – Dir. Johnny Ma | USA
TOP SPIN – Dirs. Sara Newens & Mina T. Son. | USA

Shorts Program: LOVE DOESN’T LIVE HERE ANYMORE
PRESCOTT PLACE – Dir. Peilin Kuo | USA
TU & EU – Dir. Edward Shieh | USA
SCUMBAG, PERVERT AND THE GIRL IN BETWEEN – Dir. Bruce Hwang Chen | USA, Taiwan
HITOMI – Dir. Manu Du Smet | Netherlands
GRANT STREET SHAVING CO. – Dir. Payal Sethi | USA
HOTEL 66 – Dir. Antony Chen | UK

Shorts Program: TIGER DADS
CROSSING SALWEEN – Dir. Brian O’Malley | Ireland
A SCENE AT THE SEA – Dir. Jaehee Lee | South Korea
FATAKRA – Dir. Soham Mehta | USA
MASALA MAMA – Dir. Michael Kam | Singapore
GRANDPA’S WET DREAM – Dir. Chihiro Amemiya | Japan
GRAVEHEART – Dir. Yin Jill Lei | China

Shorts Program: A DAY LESS ORDINARY
ONLY MEAL OF THE DAY – Dir. Shang Sing Gou | Thailand, Taiwan
CANOPY CROSSINGS – Dir. Gary Young | Thailand
I WANT TO BE A DESI – Dir. Allan Tong | Canada
V SOMETHING – Dir. Asako Ushio | USA
CLOSED – Dirs. Christopher Zou & Alex Chin | USA
THE POTENTIAL WIVES OF NORMAN MAO – Dir. Derek Nguyen | USA
AFTERSHOCK – Dir. George Billard | USA
ROOM #11 – Dir. Mansee Kong | USA

Shorts Program: FYBY: AGE AIN’T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER
THE LAND IS STALE – Dir. Gabriel Ho | USA
THIS IS THE STORY OF THE GIRL I LOVE – Dir. Christopher Zou | USA
WHERE’S MY BROTHER – Dir. Chang Xin Ye | Taiwan
MEDIA – Dir. Woojin Kang | USA
CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW – Dir. Brian Brennan | USA
MUSICAL WARRIOR – Dir. Angel Gatus | USA
BREAKING EXPECTATIONS – Dir. Kevin Tran | USA
A SUSHI LOVE STORY – Dir. Mike Blaney | USA
MY COUNTRY IS TIBET – Dir. Namgyal Wangchuk Trichen Lhagyari | USA
MY NORMAL FAMILY LIFE – Dir. Jonathan Cheng | USA

Shorts Program: CUNY Shorts
COLORS, JOURNEY OF A DANCER – MASAMI ISHIBASHI – Dir. Yee K. Lam | USA
HOME – Dir. Seimi Kim | USA
TEACHING OUTSIDE THE BOX – Dir. Katharine Filardi | USA
CLUB FIZZ – Dir. Yosuke Hosoi | USA
PAPER CRANES – Dir. Solim Lee | USA
MY PIANO LIFE – Dir. Jiayi Wang | USA

Shorts Program: QUATTRO HONG KONG 2
PURPLE – Dir. Brillante Mendoza | Hong Kong
OPEN VERDICT – Dir. Yuhang Ho | Hong Kong
M HOTEL – Dir. Apichatpong Weerasethakul | Hong Kong
13 MINUTES IN THE LIVES OF… – Dir. Stanley Kwan | Hong Kong

Shorts Program: SUITE SUITE CHINATOWN
OVERTURE – Dirs. Howie Shia & Lillian Chan | Canada
LIPSYNC – Dirs. Howie Shia & Lillian Chan | Canada
PRETTY LUCKY – Dir. Serena Lee | Canada
AUNTIE – Dir. Heather Keung | Canada
UNCLES – Dir. Heather Keung | Canada
ELIZABETH STREET – Dir. Lesley Loksi Chan | Canada
PLASTIC FUTURE – Dir. Aram Siu Wai Collier | Canada
HOW TO PARTY – Dir. Joyce Wong | Canada
THE WARRIORS OF QIUGANG – Dir. Ruby Yang | USA

Check out www.aaiff.org/2011 for more information on how to order and pick up tickets.
There are no refunds and no exchanges. All tickets are general admission. Ticketholders must arrive 15 minutes prior to show time. Late ticketholders will not be guaranteed seating. All programs are subject to change, please check www.aaiff.org/2011 or call 212.989.0017 for changes and updates.

About Asian CineVision
The annual Asian American International Film Festival (AAIFF) is produced by Asian CineVision (ACV), a nonprofit media arts organization devoted to the development, promotion and preservation of Asian and Asian American film and video. http://www.asiancinevision.org/aaiff/

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
Ed Lin, Tina Chen, Ron Nakahara and Cindy Cheung Star in The Potential Wives of Norman Mao which screens during the 2011 AAIFF at Clearview Chelsea on August 12 & 13
Japan Cuts 2011: The New York Festival of Contemporary Japanese Cinema at Japan Society, 7/7-7/22
Meshach Taylor on Wendy Williams Show on May 17
11th Annual New York Indian Film Festival Winners: Sthaniya Sambaad, Aparna Sen, Konkona Sen Sharma, Rishi Kapoor, Bhopali
Photos: Samrat Chakrabarti, Soham Mehta and Shiva Shankar Bajpai at the New York Indian Film Festival
Click here for Film Articles Archive.
Photos: Rick Shiomi Checks out Performing Arts Playwrights Series in the Asian American Pacific Islander Collection of Library of Congress; Attends “Asian American Plays for a New Generation” Book Signing in NY
Lia Chang Theater Portfolio at Library of Congress Features Photos of Thom Sesma’s Makeup Transformation as Scar in Disney’s The Lion King Las Vegas, Robert Lee and Leon Ko’s Heading East Starring BD Wong, David Henry Hwang’s Chinglish, and Samrat Chakrabarti and Sanjiv Jhaveri’s Bakwas Bumbug!
Photos:Alexander McQueen:Savage Beauty Extends at Met through 8/7, Met Mondays w/ McQueen begin 6/6
Photos: Christmas in June w/ Samrat Chakrabarti and Sanjiv Jhaveri’s “Bakwas Bumbug” at The Wild Project in NY-6/26
Photos: André De Shields leads the cast of Charles Smith’s Knock Me A Kiss at The National Black Theatre Festival in Winston-Salem, NC, 8/2-8/4
Photos: “How To Succeed” stars Daniel Radcliffe, Rose Hemingway & John Larroquette at Lord & Taylor Fifth Ave
My portrait of “New York actor Thom Sesma’s Makeup Transformation into Scar in The Lion King” on view in HHC’s New York City: IN FOCUS, Vol. 2- 7/14
Photos: Phylicia Rashad, Michael McElroy, Marva Hicks in Broadway Inspirational Voices “Wondrous Grace” Concert in NY
Photos: Playwright David Henry Hwang in rehearsal at the Goodman Theatre for World Premiere of Chinglish
Photos: Willie Reale, Frances McDormand, Lewis Black, Bela Fleck, Renee Goldsberry, Duncan Sheik, Lisa Benavides, Abigail Washburn, Tim Blake Nelson at The 52nd Street Project Benefit
Photos: David Duchovny, John Earl Jelks, Amanda Peet, Tracee Chimo
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive and here for the Lia Chang Photography Website.

Lia Chang Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.

As a photographer and videographer, Lia collaborates with artists, organizations and companies in establishing their documentary photo archive and social media presence. She has been documenting her colleagues and contemporaries in the arts, fashion and journalism since making her stage debut as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific, with Robert Goulet and Barbara Eden. Lia currently plays Nurse Lia on “One Life to Live”. She has appeared in Wolf, New Jack City, A Kiss Before Dying, King of New York, Big Trouble in Little China, The Last Dragon, Taxman and “New York Undercover”.

Selections of Lia’s archive of Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, fashion, journalism, politics and space are now in the newly created LIA CHANG THEATER PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO in the ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTION housed in the Library of Congress Asian Division’s Asian American Pacific Islander Collection.

Lia’s portraits and performance photos have appeared in Vanity Fair, Gourmet, German Elle, Women’s Wear Daily, The Paris Review, TV Guide, Daily Variety, Interior Design, American Theatre, Broadwayworld.com, Life & Style, OUT, New York Magazine, InStyle, Timeout.com, Villagevoice.com, Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, thelmagazine.com, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, New York Times and Washington Post. A former syndicated arts and entertainment columnist for KYODO News, Lia is the New York Bureau Chief for AsianConnections.com. She writes about culture, style and Asian American issues for a variety of publications and this Backstage Pass with Lia Chang blog.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachangpr@gmail.com.

Lia Chang: Classical Theatre of Harlem’s Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe, MTC’s Ruined, De Shields and Nottage Among 2009 Audelco Winners

AUDELCO winner André De Shields (center) flanked by Tyrone Davis, Charletta Rozzell and Reji Woods in the Classical Theatre of Harlem's Archibishop Supreme Tartuffe at The Clurman in July, 2009. © Lia Chang

It was a big night for The Manhattan Theater Club’s production of Lynn Nottage’s Ruined and the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s musical Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe at the 2008-2009 Audelco Awards, which were handed out at Aaron Davis Hall, on Monday, November 16. AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.) was established and incorporated in 1973 by the late Vivian Robinson, to stimulate interest in, and support of performing arts in black communities.

Ruined took home seven awards, for Dramatic Production of the Year, playwright Lynn Nottage, lead actress Saidah Arrika Ekulona, supporting actress Quincy Tyler Bernstine, supporting actor Russell G. Jones, costume designer Paul Tazewell and set designer Derek McLane.

Six time Audelco award winner André De Shields (Outstanding Performance in Musical, Male) with presenter Natalie Clark at the 37th Annual Audelco Awards at Aaron Davis Hall in New York on Monday, November 16. © Tanja Hayes

Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe, co-written by Alfred Preisser and Randy Weiner, won four awards including Musical Production of the Year, Outstanding Performance in a Musical, Male (André De Shields), Outstanding Performance in a Musical, Female (Kim Brockington) and Outstanding Musical Director (Kelvyn Bell). The musical is set to reopen later this season for an open commercial run.

Carlyle Brown’s Pure Confidence received three awards for Director, Dramatic Production (Marion McClinton), lead actor (Gavin Lawrence) and sound designer C. Andrew Mayer.

The Signature Theatre Company garnered three awards, Best Revival for Zooman and the Sign and lighting designer Matthew Frey. Kevin Carroll, Tracey Bonner and January Lavoy, were honored for their Outstanding Ensemble Performance in Home.

Other winners included actor Khalil Ashanti for his Solo Performance in Basic Training and The Wiz’s Keith Lee Grant, who took home two trophies, for Choreographer and Director, Musical Production.

This year, AUDELCO celebrated 37 years of Excellence in Black Theatre, honoring nine Outstanding Pioneer Theatre Companies 35+ years, with the “The VIV” 2009 Annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Awards. The Outstanding Pioneer Theatre Companies 35+ years include: AMAS, Billie Holiday Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre, Frank Silvera’s Writer’s Workshop, National Black Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company, New Federal Theatre, Richard Allen Center for Culture & Arts and the Roger Furman Theatre.

All text, graphics, articles & photographs: © 2000-2011 Lia Chang Multimedia. All rights reserved. All materials contained on this site are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast without the prior written permission of Lia Chang. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of the content. For permission, please contact Lia at liachang@hotmail.com.

Lia Chang Photo by Brianne Michelle Photography

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and an award-winning multimedia journalist.

As a photographer and videographer, Lia collaborates with artists, organizations and companies in establishing their documentary photo archive and social media presence. She has been documenting her colleagues and contemporaries in the arts, fashion and journalism since making her stage debut as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific, with Robert Goulet and Barbara Eden.

Selections of Lia’s archive of Asian Pacific Americans in the arts, fashion, journalism, politics and space are now in the newly created LIA CHANG THEATER PHOTOGRAPHY PORTFOLIO in the ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN PERFORMING ARTS COLLECTION housed in the Library of Congress Asian Division’s Asian American Pacific Islander Collection.

Lia’s portraits and performance photos have appeared in Vanity Fair, Gourmet, German Elle, Women’s Wear Daily, The Paris Review, TV Guide, Daily Variety, Interior Design, American Theatre, Broadwayworld.com, Life & Style, OUT, New York Magazine, InStyle, Timeout.com, Villagevoice.com, Playbill.com, Theatermania.com, thelmagazine.com, The Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, USA Today, The Boston Globe, New York Times and Washington Post. A former syndicated arts and entertainment columnist for KYODO News, Lia is the New York Bureau Chief for AsianConnections.com. She writes about culture, style and Asian American issues for a variety of publications and this Backstage Pass with Lia Chang blog.

Other Articles by Lia Chang:
A night out with Gordana Rashovich, Flora Goforth in The Milk Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore
André De Shields Set for World Premiere of Charles Smith’s The Gospel According to James at Indiana Rep, 3/22-4/10
Photos: A.B. Cruz III and Lillian Kimura Receive 2011 AALDEF Justice in Action Awards
Photos of Lion Dancers in Los Angeles Chinatown
Photos: Chinese New Year Festival at The Huntington in San Marino
Andy Warhol, Romare Bearden, Alexander Calder, Lia Chang in Art & Healing Exhibit at Snug Harbor on SI
Dishin’ Favorites: Katz’s Pastrami at The Shop at Andaz
Juicy Buns at Ollie’s
Dishin’ Favorites: Porchetta is My Lastest Obsession
Dishin’ Favorites: Veselka
The Dish on Susur Lee and Shang
<Lunch at The Modern, A Stroll Through The Conservatory Garden in Central Park
Cherry Blossoms, Magnolias, Tulips and Narcissus at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Spring in New York is a Veritable Color Riot
Click here for the Lia Chang Articles Archive.

Lia Chang: AUDELCO 2009 “The VIV” Nominees for the 2008-2009 Theatre Season

New Federal Theatre producer Woodie King, Jr. Photo by Lia Chang

“The VIV” Awards, the annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition, are the only formally established awards presented to the black theatre community. AUDELCO (Audience Development Committee, Inc.) was established and incorporated in 1973 by the late Vivian Robinson, to stimulate interest in, and support of performing arts in black communities. AUDELCO celebrates 37 years of Excellence in Black Theatre this year, honoring nine Outstanding Pioneer Theatre Companies 35+ years, with the “The VIV” 2009 Annual Vivian Robinson/AUDELCO Recognition Awards. The Outstanding Pioneer Theatre Companies 35+ years include: AMAS, Billie Holiday Theatre, Black Spectrum Theatre, Frank Silvera’s Writer’s Workshop, National Black Theatre, Negro Ensemble Company, New Federal Theatre, Richard Allen Center for Culture & Arts and the Roger Furman Theatre.

Aaron Davis Hall is the place to be on Monday, November 16 at 7pm, for this year’s award ceremony. Below is a full list of the 2009 “The VIV” Nominees for the 2008-2009 Theatre season. Good luck to all of the nominees.

LIGHTING DESIGN
AVAN (The High Priestess of Dark Alley)
Aaron Black (Three Sisters)
Lap Chi Chu (The Good Negro)
Matthew Frey (Zooman and the Sign)
Peter Kaczorowski (Ruined)

SET DESIGN
Jaime Durant (The High Priestess of Dark Alley)
Troy Hourie (Three Sisters)
Derek McLane (Ruined)
Shaun Motley (Zooman and the Sign)

COSTUME DESIGN
Kimberly Glennon (Three Sisters)
Helen L. Simmons (The High Priestess of Dark Alley)
Paul Tazewell (Ruined)
Toni-Leslie James (Wig Out)
Ali Turns (King Lear)

SOUND DESIGN
Daniel Baker (The Good Negro)
Robert Kaplowitz (Zooman and the Sign)
C. Andrew Mayer (Pure Confidence)
Rob Milburn & Michael Bodeen (Ruined)
David Wright (King Lear)

DIRECTOR/DRAMATIC PRODUCTION
Marion McClinton (Pure Confidence)
Stephen McKinley Henderson (Zooman and the Sign)
Chris McElreon (Three Sisters)
Ron OJ Parson (Home)
Liesl Tommy (The Good Negro)
Kate Whoriskey (Ruined)

Alfred Preisser is a Best Director/Musical Production nominee for The Classical Theatre of Harlem's production of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe. © Lia Chang

DIRECTOR/MUSICAL PRODUCTION
Keith Lee Grant (The Wiz)
Melvin Van Peebles (Unmitigated Truth)
Alfred Preisser (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
Ken Wydro (Sing Harlem Sing!)

CHOREOGRAPHER
Tracy Jack (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
Keith Lee Grant (The Wiz)

PLAYWRIGHT
Jackie Alexander (The High Priestess of Dark Alley)
Carlyle Brown (Pure Confidence)
Leslie Lee (Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things)
Lynn Nottage (Ruined)
Tracey Scott Wilson (The Good Negro)

SUPPORTING ACTOR
Francois Battiste (The Good Negro)
J. Bernard Calloway (The Good Negro)
Garrett Lee Hendricks (Miss Evers’ Boys)
Russell G. Jones (Ruined)

SUPPORTING ACTRESS
Quincy Tyler Bernstine (Ruined)
Condola Rashad (Ruined)
Tracie Thoms (10 Things To Do Before I Die)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/FEMALE
Carmen Barika (Unmitigated Truth)
Alexandra Bernard (The Wiz)
Kim Brockington (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
Danyel Fulton (The Wiz)

AUDELCO nominee André De Shields (center) flanked by Tyrone Davis, Charletta Rozzell and Reji Woods in the Classical Theatre of Harlem's Archibishop Supreme Tartuffe at The Clurman in July, 2009. © Lia Chang

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A MUSICAL/MALE
Andre De Shields (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
Michael J (The Wiz)
Ted Lange (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
William “Spaceman” Patterson (Unmitigated Truth)
Melvin Van Peebles (Unmitigated Truth)

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL DIRECTOR
Kelvyn Bell (Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe)
Edward Cieghorn (Sing Harlem Sing!)
Eric Johnson (The Wiz)
William “Spaceman” Patterson (Unmitigated Truth)

The AUDELCO nominated company of Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe on their opening night at The Clurman in New York on June 25, 2009. © Lia Chang

MUSICAL PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Archbishop Supreme Tartuffe (Classical Theatre of Harlem)
Sing Harlem Sing! (Mama Foundation for the Arts)
Unmitigated Truth (Algonquin Theater Productions)
The Wiz (Harlem Repertory Theatre)

Castmembers Linda Powell, Ayesha Ngaujah, director Liesl Tommy, Eisa Davis, Denise Burse and Kim Brockington celebrate the opening night of their show "Angela's Mixtape," written by Eisa Davis, and presented by New Georges and Hip-Hop Theater Festival, at the Ohio Theatre on April 9, 2009. © Lia Chang

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE PERFORMANCE
Angela’s Mixtape (New Georges)
Home (Signature Theatre Company)
Kernel of Sanity (New Federal Theatre)
Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things (Negro Ensemble Co.)
The High Priestess of Dark Alley (Billie Holiday Theatre)

Amari Cheatom © Lia Chang

SOLO PERFORMANCE
Khalil Ashanti (Basic Training)
Margaret Reed (Passing)

LEAD ACTOR
Amari Cheatom (Zooman and the Sign)
Gavin Lawrence (Pure Confidence)
Delroy Lindo (Things of Dry Hour)
Curtis McClarin (The Good Negro)
John Douglas Thompson (Othello)

LEAD ACTRESS
Natalie Venetia Belcon (10 Things To Do Before I Die)
Trezana Beverley (King Lear)
Saidah Arrika Ekulona (Ruined)
Nedra McClyde (Miss Evers’ Boys)
Rosalyn Ruff (Things of Dry Hour)

The cast of Zooman: Peter Jay Fernandez, Rosalyn Coleman, Jamal Mallory-McCree, Evan Parke, Amari Cheatom, Portia, Ron Canada, W. Tre Davis and Lynda Gravatt. © Lia Chang

BEST REVIVAL***
A Bolt from the Blue (The H.A.D.L.E.Y. Players)
Home (Signature Theatre Company)
Monk (Nuyorican Poets Cafe)
Three Sisters (Classical Theatre of Harlem)
Zooman and the Sign (Signature Theatre Company)

Rome Neal stars in Laurence Holder’s MONK, a one man play about jazz great Thelonious Monk, with a musical score by Bill Lee at the NUYORICAN POETS CAFÉ in New York.

DRAMATIC PRODUCTION OF THE YEAR
Pure Confidence (59e59 Theaters)
Ruined (Manhattan Theatre Club)
Sundown Names and Night-Gone Things (Negro Ensemble Co.)
The Good Negro (The Public Theater)
The High Priestess of Dark Alley (Billie Holiday Theatre)

Cast of The Billie Holiday Theatre’s production of The High Priestess of Dark Alley (L-R) Nicoye Banks, Aura Vence, Zeb Hollins III, Marcelle Gover, Mari White and Michael Chenevert. © Mark Blackshear/Courtesy of Billie Holiday Theatre

***New category

HarlemStage/Aaron Davis Hall, Inc.
Marian Anderson Theatre
134th Street & Convent Avenue
New York City, NY
VIP Gala Reception 6:00 p.m.
Ceremony Awards and Honors 7:30 p.m.

For information and tickets to the 2009 AUDELCO Award Ceremony at Aaron Davis Hall, contact: AUDELCO@aol.com or call 212-368-6906
Directions

By Bus
From the east side: M-101, M-100 to 135th St. & Amsterdam Ave.
From the west side: M-11 to 135th St. and Amsterdam Avenue; M-4, M-5 to 135th St. and Broadway.
Walk east one block to Convent and 135th Street. Entrance of both the Gatehouse and Aaron Davis Hall are located on Convent Ave.

By Subway
1 to 137th Street at Broadway. Walk south to 135th Street and walk east two blocks to Convent Ave. and 135th Street. The entrances to both the Gatehouse and Aaron Davis Hall are located on Convent Ave.
A, B, C, D to 125th Street at St. Nicholas Avenue. Walk east one block to Morningside Drive. and 125th Street. Walk north to 135th Street and Convent Ave (Morningside Drive. turns into Convent Ave. past 127th Street). Entrance of both the Gatehouse and Aaron Davis Hall are located on Convent Ave.

Lia Chang is an actor, performance and fine art botanical photographer, and a multimedia journalist. A former syndicated arts and entertainment columnist for KYODO News, Lia is the New York Bureau Chief for AsianConnections.com. As a photographer and videographer, Lia is frequently tapped to collaborate with artists, organizations and companies in establishing their documentary photo archive. She has been documenting her colleagues and contemporaries in the arts, fashion and journalism since making her stage debut as Liat in the National Tour of South Pacific, with Robert Goulet and Barbara Eden.

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