Oct. 2: Brava Theater Presents Virtual Workshop of Songs from LARRY: A NEW MUSICAL, Helmed by Billy Bustamante

Larry Itliong photo courtesy of the Walter P. Reuther Library, UFW Archives, Wayne State University.

Billy Bustamante. Photo by Lia Chang

Brava Theater is presenting a free virtual event featuring songs from “Larry: A New Musical” along with a reading and panel discussion, on Saturday, October 2, 2021 at 6:00PM PDT / 9:00PM EST.

A West Coast / East Coast filipinxcellence collaboration, this project celebrates Filipino American labor and UFW leader Larry Itliong and the research of the late and great historian, Dr. Dawn Mabalon. Learn about Larry’s life through song and watch the amazing Filipino American cast, crew, and creative team work.

Written by Gayle Romasanta; composed by Bryan Pangilinan; directed by Billy Bustamante; musical direction by Sean Kana; dramaturg Kevin Camia; lead creative producer Melvign Badiola; producer Kevin Nadal; and cinematography by Christopher Sotelo. The talented cast and musicians feature Broadway Barkada and SF Bay Area/LA Actors and musicians.

Producer Dr. Kevin Nadal writes, “If you’re Filipina/x/o American, you might know what it’s like to never see yourself on stage or screen. You might also know what it’s like to not learn about your history in books, films, or schools. This lack of education or cultural representation sometimes leads us to question our identities, or even feel shame or lack of pride.

In order to change this narrative – so that future generations of pinoys don’t have to feel this way – we have to tell our own stories. We must ensure our visibility, and we must give our kids so many things to make them proud.

In just a few days, we proudly present our first workshop of Larry: A New Musical. The story of Larry Itliong and the Filipino American Farmworkers who initiated the Delano Grape Strikes of 1965, the script and songs are derived from Dr. Dawn Bohulano Mabalon’s archival research. With an all-pinoy cast and creative team, we hope to be one of the first Broadway musicals that tells our stories – from us, by us, and about us.”

Click here to RSVP.

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Supported by the San Francisco Arts Commission and CA$H | Theatre, a grants program of Theatre Bay Area.

Link to view online event will be sent at a later date.