Sama Sama: Solidarity
in the Fields
Written by Giovanni Ortega
Directed by Daphnie Sicre
Sama Sama: Solidarity in the Fields is a story that infuses narration, poetry, music, movement & Eskrima told through the lens of Tonantzin, Araw and Uriel, three high school students who are finding themselves and their cultural identity by learning about the “Manongs” and “Bracero Program.”
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Performance Schedule
Cast
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(Uriel/Cesar) Oscar Rodriguez is a 1st Generation Mexican-American and has been acting for six years and earned his Bachelor’s of Art from Cal Poly Pomona, Class ‘21. He was born and raised in LA County (Whittier and Pomona) and discovered Theatre in 2016 and promised to inspire the world with his talents. It is an honor for him to be a part of Sama Sama: Solidarity in the Fields as he represents his Mexican people and becomes a brother to the Filipino Community! His hobbies are watching anime, reading manga, listening to music, and spending time with family and friends!
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(Ms. Vida/Dolores Huerta) Chelsea Violet García trained at the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts. This is her first time being in an East West Players production and she is so thrilled to be working in such an inclusive environment telling a story about migrant workers. Previous productions include: Twelfth Night, Treasure Island, Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet, Noises Off, and Steel Magnolias. Chelsea is so thrilled to be a part of sharing this important story to the youth of LA.
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(Araw/Larry) Ryan Gatus is an Asian American artist committed to advancing the narratives of his communities; by exploring the nuance and complexities therein. He is professionally trained in both Theater and Speech, with continued training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting based in New York. He has most recently performed in stage productions such as In the Next Room (or The Vibrator Play), No Exit, The Last Days of Judas Iscariot, and Monkeys. His filmography includes films such as Appeal, Justice Delayed, and Everything Stays. He would like to thank his friends and family for their constant enrichment and continual nourishment; mind, body and soul. Maraming Salamat!
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(Tonantzin) Thrilled to make my first debut at EWP! Being Mexican/Filipino myself this means a lot to me to be part of this production. Learning more about both my culture’s history and to tell the story of these important events that aren’t taught in history class. I dedicate this performance to all those that can relate to this show and know that you are not alone. Thank you to the creative team and Gio for writing this beautiful and impactful script. Much love to my family, boyfriend, friends, and mentors. Instagram: @marisa.frankie
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(Araw/Larry) Erik Dylan Matibag is an actor, comedian, and filmmaker based in Los Angeles. The Bay Area native graduated with his BA in Drama at the University of California, Irvine. More information and content can be found on his website, erikdylanmatibag.com
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(Tonantzin) Sol Joun is honored to be a part of Sama Sama: Solidarity in the Fields as Tonantzin. Sol is a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona, where they earned their BA in Theatre. Some of their most recent credits include originating the role of Irish in a workshop of the new musical The Great Age of Sail, music directing and playing Emily in Elf the Musical, and Ilse in Spring Awakening. Sol is incredibly thankful for the new friends they’ve made while working on this show and the constant support of their family.
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(Uriel/Cesar) Cuauhtémoc is a Mexican artist whose passion for theater and acting brought him to LA four years ago. He is currently working on different projects whose core necessity is to explore the Latinx identity in the U.S. He is currently studying screenwriting and his recurring goal is to be part of the change we need in our communities.
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(Ms. Vida/Dolores Huerta) Natalia is a Mexican actress based in Los Angeles. She graduated from Stella Adler's Art of Acting Studio in 2022 and has been performing back to back ever since. Before coming to the US to continue pursuing her career, she trained in Mexico City for several years. Training such as physical theatre, Grotowski’s technique, dance, acrobatics, classical theatre, performing arts with social impact and acting for film. She debuted as a writer and director for the Hollywood Fringe Festival with the play Promises (2022).
Credits
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(Director) Dr. Daphnie Sicre just finished directing La Egoista by Erlina Ortiz (Skylight Theatre). Prior to that, she directed WET: A DACAmented Journey by Alex Alpharaoh (Greenway Court Theatre). She’s also directed for Playwrights’ Arena, The Road Theatre, Garry Marshall Theatre, San Diego Rep/Latinx New Play Festival, New Musicals Inc., The Robey Theatre, Circle X, Austin Latinx New Play Festival, The Fountain Theatre, FringeNYC, First Foot Productions, the Blindspot Collective, NYU, Columbia University, and LMU, where she currently teaches. She also directed Stranger by Kendra Augustin (Stage Black) in NYC, where she won Best Director and the AUDELCO nominated Not About Eve by Karl O’Brian Williams (Braata Productions). When she is not teaching or directing, she serves as a dramaturg for multiple productions and a culture consultant for Nickelodeon.
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(Playwright) Giovanni Ortega is honoured to be commissioned to write Sama Sama: Solidarity in the Fields. Giovanni also wrote Criers for Hire and Allos – the Story of Carlos Bulosan for East West Players which have been performed in Singapore, Honolulu, Austria, Uganda (Kampala Theatre Festival) and Chicago. Additional Works: The Butterfly of Chula Vista (San Diego Rep), Simula – A New Beginning, Fall in Winter, Tug of War, Wayne Kalani – A Soldier’s Tale, Jonah, Mutyang Kalayaan – Beloved Freedom, Tao Po: We Are Here, Lost in the Margins, El Pescador y La Lluvia and The Sea. In Singapore, Giovanni devised/directed The Body Series, Evolution, Kabaret Singapura at Haque Centre of Acting and Creativity. Poetry Festival Singapore also commissioned Giovanni to write the plays Benches and Palindromes, followed by films Belonging, Atlas and Nomads. Giovanni is currently the Artistic Director for FilAm Arts Teatro and is a resident instructor for EWP Arts Education. For more info: www.giovanniortega.com
Stage Manager
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(Stage Manager) Christina Otarola is a graduate from Cal Poly Pomona where she earned her B.A in Technical Theatre & Design, with an emphasis in Stage Management. She most recently stage managed for the LA Contemporary Dance Company, CSArts, On the Verge Repertory, and IAMA Theatre Company. She is so grateful to be back stage managing for East West Player’s Theater for Youth tour!
Sound Designer
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(Sound Designer ) Noé Valenzuela Aguilar is a Mexico-born, California-raised first-generation immigrant with art in his blood. A passionate musician, composer, and “audio guy,” he is excited to return to the TFY team this year. Having been born in Empalme, Sonora, where Braceros were contracted, Noé is proud to be helping make this important & personal chapter of Mexican/Filipino history come alive for today’s youth.
Eskrima Choreography
Guro Alvin Catacutam (he/him)
Set Designer/Properties Designer
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(Set Designer / Prop Designer) Tiffany Woo is an LA based designer who earned her BA at Cal State Long Beach in Technical Theater. She is grateful for the opportunity to be working with East West Players for the first time as their scenic and props designer.
Costume Designer
Janette Arellano Bejarano
Alternate Stage Manager
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(Alternate Stage Manager) Julia Hibner is a recent Cal Poly Pomona graduate with her BA in Theatre. Her experiences include being Stage Manager for Cal Poly’s As You Like It, The Nether, Fefu and Her Friends, and The Revolutionists. She is passionate about playing a part in creating the change we want to see in theatre and everything in between. She is grateful to join East West Players for their Theatre For Youth program!
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