Jesse Bliss, founding artistic director of the Roots and Wings Project (RAW), presents the world premiere of “The Joy Ride,” an immersive site-specific touring production. The show will be performed on Fridays and Saturdays from Sept. 20, through Oct. 12 outdoors at the Graff Angeles Gallery, 1100 Fifth Street (at Seaton Street), in downtown Los Angeles.
Written and directed by Jesse Bliss, the ensemble cast includes Darian Dauchan (of Koreatown, CA) as Kenzi; Reginald P. Louis (of Woodland Hills, CA) as Rafael; Marlene Luna Castañeda (of Anaheim, CA) and Ashlee Olivia (of Leimert Park, CA) as Yasmine. Understudies include: Rufino Romero (of Hollywood, CA) Understudy for Kenzi and Rafael) and Marlo Su (of San Francisco, CA) Understudy for Lina and Yasmine.
The show features an original score by Audiopharmacy, a multicultural creative team with roots indigenous to Turtle Island (North America), Africa, Asia, The Pacific Islands, South America, India and Europe.
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In “The Joy Ride,” four dear friends gather to ride out together, but quickly realize they have much to reckon with. How, in a time of deep grief, do they dare to claim joy? This touring production is delivered out of a vintage convertible. The show contains strong language and content and is recommended for those 18 years of age and older. Performances will be outdoors, so please dress accordingly.
Executive Producer Bliss said, “My inspiration in writing ‘The Joy Ride’ was to explore a collective catharsis for four close friends going through serious challenges related to our times. From Kenzi, a man who was incarcerated in prison for three decades trying to create a new life, to Rafael, a dancer struggling with long COVID, to Yasmine, a childless dreamer and English teacher who just escaped a detrimental relationship, to Lina, a single mother fighting to build a good life who longs to have free time. The characters are universal, deeply connecting audience members to their journey in overcoming obstacles they face in their own lives, both internally and externally.”
Bliss continued, “‘The Joy Ride’ is a multi-disciplinary show performed, in true RAW style, by a cohesive ensemble that delivers a message, embracing joy as an act of political warfare. During a time where people are separated from one another, losing jobs, facing a deadly pandemic and an age-old racist government/societal structure that deals in violence—among other adverse dynamics, ‘The Joy Ride’ offers audiences a healing transcendence, opportunity for connection and expression of solidarity.”
“The Joy Ride” is sponsored in part by the California Arts Council and The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.
Tickets for all performances are $25 per person for general admission, $20 per person for students and seniors with ID and $20 per person for Groups of 10 or more. Tickets can be purchased at https://thejoyridetour.eventbrite.com For additional information and to order groups of 10 or more, please e-mail: [email protected]
Here’s a Sneak Peak Video: https://youtu.be/GkTTj7QaWps?si=ma06NzjkFkKLLP31
Learn more at www.therootsandwingsproject.com
