Historically, in American media, Asian men have primarily been depicted in an emasculated light — as the asexual nerd, the comedic foreign exchange student, the active yet sexless martial artist, and the suffering gay butterfly.
Sticky Rice by Boni Alvarez centers on a group of San Francisco gaysian friends who have internalized such popular depictions and explores what happens when they are forced to confront their self-hatred and prejudices. Sticky Rice is about unwrapping the “sticky rice” — slang for Asian American men who desire only other Asian American men) — unearthing gay Asian beauty outside the White gaze, the journey to self-love, love for community, and the love of your chosen family.
This staged reading will take place at the Los Angeles LGBT Center’s Renberg Theatre on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 7-8:30 p.m. Following the performance, there will be a talkback with a moderator and the playwright.
This program may not be suitable for all ages.
Participants
Boni B. Alvarez’s (Playwright) plays include Bloodletting; America Adjacent; Apartment Living; Fixed; Nicky; Dallas Non-Stop; Driven; Ruby, Tragically Rotund; and Mix-Mix: The Filipino Adventures of a German Jewish Boy. His plays have been produced at Center Theatre Group/Kirk Douglas Theatre, Echo Theater Company, Coeurage Theatre, Skylight Theatre, Pork Filled Productions, Theatre Rhinoceros, Latino Theatre Company, and Playwrights’ Arena. His plays have been developed at Geffen Playhouse; Chalk Rep; Moving Arts; Artists At Play; The Vagrancy; Miami New Drama; San Diego Rep; InterAct Theatre (Philadelphia); Playwrights Foundation (San Francisco); and Oregon Shakespeare Festival. He is a Resident Playwright of New Dramatists.
Michael Matthews (Director) recently directed the World Premiere of June Carryl’s BLUE (Rogue Machine, Edinburgh Theatre Festival, West End). Selected credits: Matilda (La Mirada), Failure: A Love Story (CTG/Kirk Douglas Theatre). Laguna Playhouse: The Seafarer, 12 Angry Men, The Graduate (w/ Melanie Griffith), Billy & Ray, and End of the Rainbow. Funny Girl (3D Theatricals). Celebration Theatre: Cabaret, Bootycandy (LA Premiere), The Color Purple, Take Me Out!, The Women of Brewster Place, The Musical (West Coast Premiere), Porcelain. International: Sleeping Giant and The Bacchae (Edinburgh). Michael is the recipient of the 2015 LADCC Award for Career Achievement in Direction.
This performance is organized by Celebration Theatre and is co-presented with the Los Angeles LGBT Center as part of Circa: Queer Histories Festival 2024, presented by One Institute.
Since 1982, Celebration Theatre entertains, inspires, and empowers with innovative productions that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ experience.
The Los Angeles LGBT Center is a safe and welcoming place where the LGBTQ+ community finds help, hope, and support when it is needed the most.