Watts Village Theater Company Continues Signature Reading Series with Cutting Edge Solo Performance by Christopher Rivas

Watts, CA, January 13, 2010 --(PR.com)-- In keeping with their mission to provide opportunities for Los Angeles-based artists of color, Watts Village Theater Company (WVTC) will produce a staged reading of New York State of Mind, a unique solo performance written and performed by Christopher Rivas and directed by Nataki Garrett. The piece will be presented as part of the Black Words on White Pages New Play Development Series, one of WVTC’s flagship programs, which is now in its fifth year.

New York State of Mind is the story of William Williams, an introverted twenty-something, who has just arrived in New York for his best friend’s wedding. In this poignant, hilarious and provocative one-man show, everyone is yearning to share their lives with someone, and William is there to listen. Although he never actually appears onstage, William finds himself inextricably entangled in this complex web of narratives. As the past resurfaces to collide with the present, William begins to piece together the network of volatile relationships connecting everyone around him and realizes his lasting influence on the world he thought he left behind.

Watts Village Theater Company is a multicultural urban theater company that seeks to inspire positive social change through innovative theatrical work. They infuse their culturally diverse community with tolerance for differences and create an appreciation for all cultures through the development and production of provocative work such as New York State of Mind. The company’s primary goal is to enrich the community of Watts and South Los Angeles with original, eclectic and socially relevant theatrical work. Started in 2006, the Black Words on White Pages reading series is WVTC’s ongoing initiative that works to fulfill this goal.

“We are proud to continue with our fifth annual Black Words on White Pages reading series, and despite the current funding challenges, remain committed to continuously producing cutting edge, relevant work by artists of color that speaks to our community,” said WVTC Artistic Director Guillermo Avilés-Rodríguez. “WVTC has pledged to stay tough in these tough times, and this reading series is a manifestation of that commitment.”

New York State Of Mind will perform January 16th and 17th 2010 at 2 PM at the Watts Towers Arts Center: 1727 E. 107th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90002. Tickets: Pay-What-You-Can. www.wattsvillagetheatercompany.org for more information.

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