MIXED opening at Baruch Performing Arts Center

MIXED
written and performed by Maya Lilly
directed by Mahayana Landowne

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The Baruch Performing Arts Center continues its commitment to present original and inspiring theatrical voices with the Spring 2009 production of MIXED, the award-winning, critically-acclaimed one-person show that examines the lives of interracial people.MIXED is the voice of the people forced to check “other” for race questions on forms. Julliard-trained actress Maya Lilly interviewed over 200 multi-racial people, who (like our new president) are born from parents of different cultural identities.

Winner of the BEST SOLO SHOW prize from North Hollywood’s Actor's Group Theater, MIXED dares to not only answer the question “What are you?” but explores the question’s challenges and complexities for multi-racial people. The play looks at the core challenge of individuals who embrace two races within their own being. MIXED is poignant, but also fun and funny. Each of eight characters shares their unique perspective on what it is to identify with diverse heritage, where every relationship is inter-racial in nature: fears, confusion, coming to grips with who is inside you, and hopes for being understood.

Yet humor finds its way. Not unlike Anna Deavere Smith, Maya Lilly has been hailed for her detailed multiple characterizations in a one-woman show that tells a brave new story not yet seen in the race dialogue of film, television and theater. Although the topic of interracial relationships has been addressed in the performing arts, the missing voice is perhaps the one that most greatly illuminates the issue – the 7 million children of interracial couples that the U.S. government has very recently learned exist in this country – according to the 2000 Census.

Receiving standing ovations at colleges, universities and theaters across the country, MIXED comes to New York City, where being MIXED is demonstrated in the faces of people on street corners, cafes, and classrooms. “Your performance encouraged me to take a deeper look at what it means to exist as a mixed person in America and the implications it has on those around us” - Cecilia (recent audience member).

Baruch Performing Arts Center
Baruch College: 25th St. (bet. 3rd and Lex Aves.), NYC
For Tickets (646) 312-4085