TeenTix Blog

Fleeting Beauty: Japanese Woodblock Prints @ Seattle Asian Art MuseumEverybody is loving this exhibition of woodblock prints from the "Floating World," or Ukiyo, the world inhabited by the urban pleasure-seekers of 17th and 18th century Japan.South Wind, Clear Dawn (Gaifu kaisei) Series: Fugaku sanjurokkei (Thirty-six Views of Mt. Fuji), 1830-33, Katsushika Hokusai"Aside from the most famous works (Hokusai’s The Great Wave is there), one can easily spend an afternoon indulging in the lines and blocks of color in any of the prints. These images of “the floating world” will stay with you after you’ve left the halls of SAAM and stepped outside into the more tangible beauty of Volunteer Park on a spring afternoon. " - SeattlestCourtesan seated smoking with an adolescent client (1799) by Kitagawa Utamaro"One of SAAM’s best exhibitions in years." - Seattle Weekly"Fleeting Beauty" whisks you away from the work-a-day and into a fragile realm of pleasure and illusion." - Seattle P-I BlogFleeting Beauty: Japanese Woodblock PrintsSeattle Asian Art MuseumThrough July 4, 2010

Marvin Hamlisch co-wrote this song for the 1977 James Bond film The Spy Who Loved Me with his then-girlfriend Carol Bayer Sager. And you thought only musical theatre geeks cared about Marvin Hamlisch. WRONG. Radiohead geeks care, too.You can meet Marvin Hamlisch on Friday, June 4th at Teen Night at Seattle Symphony. More info here.Teen Night at Seattle Symphony with Marvin HamlischFriday, June 4th7:00: Pre-show meet & greet with Marvin Hamlisch (first 50 ticket buyers)7:15:Schmoozing and cupcaking (for all!) featuring winners of the 2010 Essentially Ellington Outstanding Soloist Award, hailing from the celebrated Garfield, Roosevelt and Edmond Woodward High School jazz bands 8:00:The Music Man in 60 MinutesCall 206.215.4818 RIGHT NOW and mention Teen Tix to buy your $5 advance ticket and secure your spot in the Hamlisch reception.Questions? We're here for ya. Email teentix@seattle.gov or call us at 206-233-3959.

If you hate money, stop reading.Okay, the rest of you: the Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is on right now. It works like a coffee card for art: everytime you use your Teen Tix pass in the next 5 months, get your card stamped. When it's full, send it in. If we pull your card, you win. You win money. First prize is $200 (yes, two hundred dollars).What's the catch, you say? We applaud your wise skepticism, but there is none. Seriously. We just thought Teen Tix wasn't quite awesome enough already. Last time we did this, three actual live teenagers won actual dollars.Okay, we do have an ulterior motive: to get you to see more art at different places. The more different places you go and different kinds of art you see, the more money you can win. Passport to the Arts. Get it?Okay, go download your passport from our website and start collecting stamps. You have until July 9th, 2010 to fill up your card. Go go go!

E.G.O.T. The so-called Showbiz Grand Slam. It stands for Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony, and composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch is one of only twelve people ever to have won them all (he's also got a couple of Golden Globes and a Pulitzer. Show off.) And Tracy Morgan...well...uh, Tracy Morgan doesn't have any of them, but his character on 30 Rock is obsessed with the E.G.O.T. See:Other EGOTers include composer Richard Rodgers, actor Audrey Hepburn, comedian/host/spokeslady Whoopi Goldberg, and actor/singer/legend Barbra Steisand. So that's a pretty good club to be in.Wouldn't it be great if you could meet Mr. Hamlisch? Well, today's your lucky day. Seattle Symphony is hosting a Teen Night on Friday, June 4th for their concert The Music Man in 60 Minutes, and the first 50 teens to buy tickets get to go to a special pre-show meet-and-greet with the man himself! Plus, free cupcakes from Wolfgang Puck Catering. Plus PLUS, it's all just $5 for Teen Tix members. We know, we know, we're great. No awards necessary.More info can be found here.Teen Night at Seattle Symphony with Marvin HamlischFriday, June 4th7:00: Pre-show meet & greet with Marvin Hamlisch (first 50 ticket buyers)7:15: Schmoozing and cupcaking (for all!) featuring winners of the 2010 Essentially Ellington Outstanding Soloist Award, hailing from the celebrated Garfield, Roosevelt and Edmond Woodward High School jazz bands8:00:The Music Man in 60 MinutesCall 206.215.4818 RIGHT NOW and mention Teen Tix to buy your $5 advance ticket and secure your spot in the Hamlisch reception.Questions? We're here for ya. Email teentix@seattle.gov or call us at 206-233-3959.

Review of The Thin Place at Intiman Theatre by Paulina PrzystupaPersonally, I don’t like talking about my faith. Not because I feel like I’m a “sinner” or embarrassed by it, but because I always feel like it puts whoever is listening to me on the defensive. I always feel like they think I’m trying to convert or convince them of something, which is never my goal. If reading those first few lines you’re thinking “Hey that’s me, I like believing in something but not being super evangelical” or are just interested in religion as something open-ended, this is the play for you.

Gbenga Akinnagbe in The Thin Place at Intiman Theatre. Photo by Chris Bennion.The Thin Place— based on 10 real life Seattleites and a podcast by The Stranger’s own Dan Savage — is a play about spirituality in Seattle. The main character, Isaac, grew up in L.A. a Pentecostal preacher’s son but has been having some questions about what that actually means. He begins to question his faith and whether or not what he learned is the ‘right’ way and he does so by “interacting” with others who’ve had the same questions. I say “interacting” since it is a one-man show and its single actor, Gbenga Akinnabe, portrays all 11 characters, on average very well. All the characters come from different backgrounds but have had very similar questions about what "faith" or "belief" or "religion" actually mean to them and to others.Depending on your upbringing and religious background, different characters will be easier to connect with, but all of them bring you into the Isaac’s world. In order to convince the audience that this one Nigerian-American man is in fact everything from a homosexual white South African to a Muslim girl who is proud to wear her headscarf, Etta Lilienthal's set was one of the mind, the sort of place I envision being alone in and confronting past experiences. It reminded me of the universal troubles people go through but also of the pure calmness we can all feel.However, this was occasionally disrupted by an overuse of background noises. While the use of music often allows audiences to have a deeper connection with what is on stage, the choice to have actually audible whispers from the characters Isaac meets —he hears them as voices — was too blatant. It was just that extra little bit that did not need to be there. Gbenga Akinnabe’s reaction to the voices — at least in my opinion — would have been more powerful if the audience was able to envision the noises instead of being told, “this is what it sounds like to be haunted by voices.”However, that was the only thing that bothered me. The play is not perfect but because of that it allows the audience to see themselves as not alone in the search for identity and faith. We make mistakes, have questions, feel inexplicable things, but in the end we will almost always find an answer.- Paulina PryzstupaMay 21, 2010The Thin PlaceIntiman TheatreThrough June 13th

Seattle International Film Festival

Film lovers, rejoice! It's that time of year again - when the sun finally breaks through the clouds and we all retreat into dark movie theatres to gobble up all of the indie-cinema (and popcorn) we can stomach. SIFF is one of the world's largest film festivals, and, with hundreds of films, there really is something for everyone. We recommend using SIFF's nifty SIFFter to sort through all the options.

Musical theatre fans, rejoice! On Friday, June 4th, you are invited to hear The Music Man in 60 minutes as Seattle Symphony’s own Marvin Hamlisch leads the Orchestra and Broadway soloists in a semi-staged production of the classic musical, presented in partnership with the 5th Avenue Theatre. PLUS! A cavalcade of Broadway hits.But wait, there's more! The first 50 teens to buy tickets to this special event will get to schmooze with the man himself, composer/conductor Marvin Hamlisch. And when we say "the man," we mean THE MAN. Hamlisch is one of only two people ever to have won Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and a Tony (plus two Golden Globes and, uh, what was that other one? Oh yeah, A PULITZER.) So, yeah. You get to meet Marvin, you get to hang out at Benaroya Hall and be fancy, you get to hear great Broadway hits played by some of the best musicians around, and - best of all - you get FREE CUPCAKES from Wolfgang Puck Catering. No wait! Best of all (drumroll please) it's five bucks.Marvin Hamlisch, aka The ManSorry? Come again? How much? FIVE BUCKS. And you can buy those five dollar tickets RIGHT NOW - you don't have to wait until day-of-show (in fact, considering that only the first 50 folks get to meet Marvin, we would recommend not waiting one more second.) We know. We kind of can't believe how great we are, either.Okay, so:Teen Night at Seattle Symphony with Marvin HamlischFriday, June 4th7:00: Pre-show meet & greet with Marvin Hamlisch (first 50 ticket buyers)7:15:Schmoozing and cupcaking (for all!) featuring winners of the 2010 Essentially Ellington Outstanding Soloist Award, hailing from the celebrated Garfield, Roosevelt and Edmonds-Woodway High School jazz bands 8:00:The Music Man in 60 MinutesCall 206.215.4818 RIGHT NOW and mention Teen Tix to buy your $5 advance ticket and secure your spot in the Hamlisch reception.Questions? We're here for ya. Email teentix@seattle.gov or call us at 206-233-3959.

Lindy WestFilm Editor @ the StrangerInterview by Laura V.In honor of SIFF (Seattle International Film Festival), which starts on Thursday, we decided to crush out on Stranger Film Editor Lindy West! Lindy was kind enough to talk to us about how she became a writer, what it's like working at the Stranger, and what kind of dinosaur she would be (if being a dinosaur was something you could do in life) even though she hadn't slept for about a week. As you will see, she is funny, charming, and thoroughly crush-worthy. Thanks, Lindy! We heart you.For more videos of Laura's interview with Lindy, check out our YouTube.Lindy and Laura talk dinosaursLV: How did you get interested in writing?LW: I mean it was always sort of the only thing I was good at. My dad's a writer, and it always sort of came fairly naturally. But I never really planned to be one, 'cause it's kind of an impossible thing...or it feels like it ... Anyway, I went to college and got an English degree and then I graduated from college and had nothing and I had no skills, except for writing. So, I took an internship at a magazine that was not something that was interested in at all. It was about babies. It was like a free magazine about child rearing in L.A. I wrote things that I was not qualified to write and got thrown into all these weird writing assignments and had to figure out how to do it, and it was really actually a good experience, even though it was boring and weird, and I was giving people medical advice even though I was 21 years old and didn't actually know anything. From there I moved on and got another internship and I ended up interning here at The Stranger. And just sort of figured out where I fit and what kind of writing I was good at. Really just a series of lucky accidents pushed me along and I ended up here.LV: How did you start working at The Stranger?LW: So, I'm from Seattle, so I grew up reading the Stranger. I mean, to me the Stranger was like celebrities and I can't imagine how fun it must be to work there, and I used to do weird things to like cut out their articles -- of people that are now my friends and colleagues -- and I have never told them that...Dave Schmader...he was like my favorite writer.Holly: He's gonna know now!LW: I know. And he's gonna be real weird about it. I love you Dave.Anyway, but I always felt like I would be a good fit if I could figure out a way to get into such a fun, awesome publication like the Stranger. So, I had a friend from high school that interned here when we both in high school, in the news department, and she was always like "You should try and do it, you should do it, you should do it." ... She sent me an ad that the Stranger was hiring for a Theater Intern and I was like "Okay, I guess I'll do it, even though I know anything about Theater. It's cool." And it was really boring, but then she let me have one writing assignment and I did a good job, and she let me have another writing assignment, and then I didn't go away, and she kept sending me to things, and then, eventually, the Theater Editor became the Film Editor, so I started writing movie reviews, and then, several years passed, during which time I had many exciting day jobs such as cashier and personal assistant. Then the Film Editor left to go to law school, and then they hired me for some reason, and it was really awesome. And now I'm still here. Yay. They haven't fired me yet.Here's a video of Lindy answering this exact same question. But on video!LV: What do look forward to at SIFF?LW: It's really fun. You end up seeing all kinds of things that you wouldn't normally go see or have the opportunity to see. And it's corny but, even if a movies bad it's so fun to just see this weird corner of the world that you didn't know existed. 'Cause I am not a geography expert. Last year I watched this movie from Iran and the whole thing was in a snowy forest. And I was like "I didn't know they had snowy forests." ... There's weird moments like that, where you're like "Oh, I didn't know that Mongolia is the prettiest place ever." Or, y'know, there's giant cities in the middle of China that have five times the population of Seattle that you've never heard of. It's just really interesting. And obviously there's great pieces of art that people make and you have the opportunity to see them. It's also just a fun community thing. There's people out all over the place going to things and talking about movies and going to parties. So, it's fun.LV: Anything you don't look forward to?LW: I don't like the part where I don't sleep for a month, that part's lame. (But I only have two more days of that.)Lindy and Laura talk SIFFLV: How do you feel about being the Crush of the Month?LW: Pretty. Totally awesome. Warm in the heart.Read the Stranger's SIFF Guide here (Note: contains grown-up words)Find out everything you need to know about SIFF, including schedules and venue info at siff.netRead our teen reviewer's reviews of SIFF films here.Seattle International Film FestivalMay 20 - June 13, 2010

If you hate money, stop reading.Okay, the rest of you: the Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is on right now. It works like a coffee card for art: everytime you use your Teen Tix pass in the next 5 months, get your card stamped. When it's full, send it in. If we pull your card, you win. You win money. First prize is $200 (yes, two hundred dollars).What's the catch, you say? We applaud your wise skepticism, but there is none. Seriously. We just thought Teen Tix wasn't quite awesome enough already. Last time we did this, three actual live teenagers won actual dollars.Okay, we do have an ulterior motive: to get you to see more art at different places. The more different places you go and different kinds of art you see, the more money you can win. Passport to the Arts. Get it?Okay, go download your passport from our website and start collecting stamps. You have until July 9th, 2010 to fill up your card. Go go go!

Review of The French Kissers playing at Seattle International Film Festival by Yvette J.The film, The French Kissers, is 100% French; from its French-speaking characters to its location, but the storyline and underlying themes are 100% pure American. The film follows two boys named Herve and Camel who are on an unavoidable quest to quench their sex thirst. They pine over girls who are out-of-their-league and daydream about being with women they see in magazines. At first, Herve and Camel are after the same girl but when they learn that she has a boyfriend, they realize that maybe there isn’t just one girl for them out in the world. So their quest to find a romantic companion begins and along the way, they become closer as friends and discover more about themselves that would have been impossible to find out otherwise.Herve is like a younger, more lovable version of Michael Cera in Juno. He is really awkward with girls, even more so with the ones who happen to be in love with him. He is self-conscious and scrawny looking, but completely adorable. Throughout the movie he tries to figure out what kind of lover he is and he comes up with the strangest ways to find out exactly what type. Vincent Lacoste seems to be the naturally funny actor who found the perfect role in this film. He is so lovable and awkward that you cannot help but find him charming as you watch the film.Camel is also a funny character. He plays the adorable sidekick who always has Herve’s best interest at heart. He is a good friend to Herve and tries to help him in every way to score a girlfriend, while also trying his best to make that happen for him too.It seems that Camel and Herve are much more interested in the physical aspects of love, but find themselves falling in love with certain characters as the movie progresses. They try to be the stereotypical, unattached boys perceived in today’s society, but they are all sensitive and loving at heart. They’re a goofy pair and they work together well on-screen. If you’re into romantic comedies, this may be for you. This is not your typical romantic comedy, but it has all of the heartache, high school type drama and happy ending that we are all familiar with and love. Maybe you’ll end up falling for the main characters too! The French Kissers is a sweet movie and will shine at the Seattle International Film Festival.- Yvette J.May 10, 2010The French Kissers (Les beaux gosses)Seattle International Film FestivalShowtimes:May 22nd @ 9:45 pm at the EgyptianMay 24th @ 7:00 pm at the AdmiralMay 26th @ 4:15 pm at the NeptuneIn French with English subtitlesNote: contains sexual themes

Review of Charley's Aunt at Taproot Theatre by Emma Me.“What the deuce?” This delightful British phrase is heard time and again throughout the production of Charley’s Aunt at the newly restored Taproot Theater. The stars of the show are two college chums in England, Jack and Charley, who have their hearts set on proposing to their beloved women, Amy and Kitty. On the eve of the ladies’ departure to Scotland, the gents make one final effort to capture their hearts by inviting them over for tea. Only one problem arises—the expected chaperone, Charley’s millionaire aunt, is MIA.Steve West, Eric Riedmann and Nolan Palmer in Charley's Aunt. Photo by Erik Stuhaug.So begins a succession of hilarity as the two men persuade a fellow (male) classmate to disguise himself as the absent aunt. While struggling to maintain a façade of normality, Jack and Charley attempt to spend time with their sweethearts and help their fellow characters find love. In addition, they must keep their “aunt” from getting too friendly with their dear Amy and Kitty. Throw in an overprotective and greedy guardian, more than one long-lost love story, a typically hilarious British butler, and a wacky afternoon is sure to ensue.Filled with many twists, turns, and love triangles, Charley’s Aunt is a lighthearted comical play that audiences from teenagers to senior citizens would enjoy. The casual slang and formal courtship rituals of nineteenth century England feature prominently in the stabs of humor throughout the play. Engaging acting and traditional costumes only add to the sensation of being in a college dormitory. For anyone looking for a night of laughter and entertainment, Charley’s Aunt does not disappoint in the least.- Emma Me.May 7, 2010Charley's AuntTaproot TheatreThrough June 12th

Review of Bilal’s Stand playing at Seattle International Film Festival by Callan C.We all know applying to college is stressful. Now imagine that you come from a poor family where no one has ever tried to go to college, and no one expects you to try, either. Instead, they expect you to run the family taxi stand. But you dream of a better life, a better future for yourself and your family – so you apply to college in secret. Things get even more complicated when you find out you’ve been accepted. How are you going to explain to your family that you want to leave them behind?Filmmaker Sultan Sharrief Photo by Joey OstranderWell, that’s the conflict behind the new film Bilal’s Stand, the true story of a high school student (the director himself, Sultan Sharrief) growing up in the ghettos of Detroit, fighting to make it to college against all odds. For those of us who don’t know what its like to grow up surrounded by poverty, this film is a rare look at what poor teens struggle with in order to achieve social mobility. It’s fairly obvious that Bilal’s Stand was made by amateur filmmakers (in fact, the film was organized as a chance for young adults to learn the art of filmmaking), but the less-than-perfect acting, camera work, and sound only adds to the reality of the film. At times, you almost feel like you’re watching a documentary. Yet despite the realism and seriousness of the piece, the protagonist, Bilal, keeps the mood fairly light with his clever narrative. It’s difficult not to admire him – he works hard to support his family in addition to maintaining high grades at school, all while navigating the rough environment of the ghetto. He even takes up ice-carving as a way to win scholarship money. His conflict over going to college or staying to help his family is a truly thought-provoking issue, and this film will definitely result in long discussions afterwards. Bilal’s Stand also has a great soundtrack with a mix of alternative and rap, all from bands local to the Detroit area.Though I myself don’t know what it’s like to grow up in poverty, this film gave me a glimpse into such a life. It made me realize how difficult it is to try to move up in the world, and how important the support of family is to success. I think any college-bound teen will appreciate Bilal’s struggle. It’s a truly inspirational story about an underdog going above and beyond the expectations set for him by society.- Callan C.May 14, 2010Bilal's StandSeattle International Film FestivalShowtimes:May 31st @ 6:30 pmJune 2nd @ 4:00 pmPacific Place Cinema

We are thrilled to announce that Balagan Theatre is our newest Participating Organization!Over the past few years, Balagan has earned a reputation for quality, risky, fun, challenging theatre and killer graphic design (by local designer/photographer/filmmaker Nik Perleros).True West posterThe Jammer posterTheir current show is Oedipus - but this ain't the one you were forced to read for English class. Balagan's cast has taken a sledgehammer to that story and rebuilt it from the ground up, creating original music to weave the pieces of Oedipus' tragic tale together into something fast-paced, dark, funny, and completely new. You have never seen a dysfunctional, delusional family quite like this before, but then again - sometimes you need both eyes gouged out before you can really see.Balagan is located on Pine Street on Capitol Hill, right next to Cupcake Royale. Here are some directions.OedipusBalagan TheatreThrough June 5thBox office opens 30 minutes before show timeNo Teen Tix phone sales

Review of Riot Acts at Translations Film Festival by Monet C.Hi all.I have many things to say about this documentary. I tried to come up with some good comments but just couldn’t get there. In Riot Acts, the Trans-people never seem to be truly happy, it is inappropriate for all ages up to 17 and it will raise many slightly disturbing questions in your mind. The music is dreary, the theme is rebellion and the performer’s attire in some of the scenes is way too skimpy, bordering on nudity. A few of the interviewees have extremely foul language. The genre of the music, for the most part is punk rock.Riot Acts was a bit of a stretch for me to make. It shoved me out of my comfort zone into the realm of the unknown, and I don’t know if I liked the excursion. The trans gender people I have met are sweet, and this is a misrepresentation of many in the trans community.The many sex-themed scenes are a bit disturbing, this was at times, very blasphemous, and this is definitely for the mature viewer.17 and up ‼Sayonara,MonetThe 2010 Translations Film Festival is over. Next up from Three Dollar Bill Cinema: Three Dollar Bill Outdoor Cinema, the last weekend of June, 2010.

It's a week so huge, we couldn't pick just one thing. Here are our TWO picks for this week:The Creation Project Showcase presented by the Central District Forum at the Rainier Valley Cultural CenterThe Creation Project is the CD Forum's annual showcase of some of the most talented Black performers around. This year's showcase features a "post-punk epic faerie tale" from okanomodé (aka SoulChilde), The Twisted Tale of Two – a Circus Opera by Cristina Orbé, Wild Tales of a Renegade Halfbreed Bulldagger by Storme Webber, and The Year the Revolution Came to White High School High, a one-woman play by Amontaine Aurore.Watch teen reporter Tracy M's interview with Amontaine:Creation Project ShowcaseMay 14 - 15Rainier Valley Cultural CenterMore info at cdforum.orgTickets just $5 at the door with your Teen Tix pass.Trans|lations: The Seattle Transgender Film Festivalpresented by Three Dollar Bill CinemaPrograms include:Reality TG There has been an explosion of transgender people on talk shows, dramas, and especially reality television. We’ll screen some recent episodes of reality programs that feature transwomen as cast members and discuss how this representation affects the whole trans community. Thurs May 13, 6:15 pm, Capitol Hill Library, FREERiot Acts This documentary follows the careers of some of the best and brightest musicians playing across North America today. With interviews and performances by first rate musical acts such as The Clicks, Coyote Grace, Katastrophe and The Degenerettes, RIOT ACTS explores the passion these musicians have for their craft, the impact gender has on their careers and their perspectives on a wide array of topics from their audience to their lyrics.Watch the Riot Acts Trailer (note: contains the 'f' word):TranslationsMay 13 - 16For the full festival schedule, visit threedollarbillcinema.org.NOTE: The films in this festival are unrated and may contain mature material. Contact Three Dollar Bill Cinema at 206-323-4274 for more information about the content of individual films.

Hip-Hop violin from genre-smashing duo Black Violin, playing this Friday & Saturday at the Bagley Wright Theatre (aka Seattle Rep)"Black Violin is one of a kind! Incredible!" -Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park“With the stomping and the turntables, the electronic amplification and the velvetydarkness, the limitless energy and the youthful vibe, the setting could have been any pop concert, except for the piece being played: an excerpt from the “Brandenburg” Concertos.” -The New York TimesBlack ViolinFriday, May 14th @ 7:00 pmSaturday, May 15th @ 3:00 pmBagley Wright Theatre Seattle CenterTeen Tix tickets $5 at the doorMore info at giantmagnet.org

If you hate money, stop reading.Okay, the rest of you: the Teen Tix Passport to the Arts contest is on right now. It works like a coffee card for art: everytime you use your Teen Tix pass in the next 5 months, get your card stamped. When it's full, send it in. If we pull your card, you win. You win money. First prize is $200 (yes, two hundred dollars).What's the catch, you say? We applaud your wise skepticism, but there is none. Seriously. We just thought Teen Tix wasn't quite awesome enough already. Last time we did this, three actual live teenagers won actual dollars.Okay, we do have an ulterior motive: to get you to see more art at different places. The more different places you go and different kinds of art you see, the more money you can win. Passport to the Arts. Get it?Okay, go download your passport from our website and start collecting stamps. You have until July 9th, 2010 to fill up your card. Go go go!

By Tracy M.I am writing today to express the amazing opportunity I had to interview two very interesting individuals who promote debate with the help of provocative art that fosters a healthy consideration of the meaning of being Black and breaks stereotypes. I spoke with Kumani Gantt, the Executive Director of the Central District Forum, who is thrilled to be leading the organization into its 11th year of illuminating the Black experience through art and debate. The CD Forum's next project is their annual Creation Project Showcase.The Central District Forum has chosen Amontaine Aurore, a Seattle-based writer and performer, as one of four artists who will present new work during this month’s Creation Project Showcase. Amontaine expressed in the interview for Teen Tix how she feels regarding her play The Year the Revolution Came to White High School High, a 20-minute excerpt of which will be showcased at the Rainier Valley Cultural Center on May 14th and 15th. The play is about Desiree, a character who faces racism, Desiree’s journey to find herself in a society of rejection, and the struggle for identity. Amontaine expresses that it has been a long process of writing and bringing the pieces together for her mostly autobiographical one-person play. She finds her inspiration in her experiences, in music and in the support from her family and friends.Watch Tracy's interview with AmontaineShe grew up surrounded by an artistic family, who have always supported in her career. She wishes to communicate to youth who may have dealt with situations like the one Desiree’s character faces to remain true to themselves, recognizing that most of the time there are two sides that come along with the search for identity when one faces racism or discrimination for one’s skin color. Amontaine expresses how she dealt with her negative experiences growing up using humor, laughing, and trying to find a positive side to the disturbing and confusing times she was living through.I would like to thank the CD Forum for the opportunity I had to meet with two very interesting people and I strongly recommend Amontaine´s play The Year the Revolution Came to White High School High. Youth and adults of all ethnicities are encouraged to attend the event.Thank you, Amontaine for your honesty and your original work.- Tracy MMay 4, 2010The Creation Project Showcase featuring:Amontaine Aurore: The Year the Revolution Came to White High School Highokanomodé (aka SoulChilde): luci’s lambCristina Orbé: The Twisted Tale of Two – a Circus OperaStorme Webber: Wild Tales of a Renegade Halfbreed BulldaggerMay 14th & 15th @ 8 pmRainier Valley Cultural CenterAs always, Teen Tix tickets are $5 at the door. Advance tickets ($10 for students) can be purchased at brownpapertickets.com

Review of Rimini Protokoll | BEST BEFORE at On the Boards by Monet C.Starting with a solo guitar with a coffee house vibe, this play/video game soars after the first five minutes and continually amazes with the twists and turns of our choices. It is like nothing that I have ever seen before! The “script” is actually the people's real life stories. In the play, the people bare their hearts to the audience.Rimini ProtokollYou play an avatar on the screen, and you can accumulate wealth, make choices about your health, and you end up wiser for the experience. There are life experiences in the game that you just might encounter in real life, such as the choice of taking drugs and living with the consequences, or leaving them alone.I was honored to be able to interview the “cast” and, above all, the playwright!!!!Stefan Kaegi, the playwright, is from Switzerland, and says that the idea came from another play, 100% Berlin. His favorite part of the play is what goes wrong, and the improv that comes out of it. He came to Vancouver, BC with an idea and wrote the rest through the life stories of his cast.Brady is a hand programmer for computers, and of the play says that "it was 2 years in the making but most of the action happened in two months." She hand programmed the entire game and runs it on stage during the show.Ellen joined the cast from a varied non-theatre background. She was a flagger for road construction and was recruited by the show to be a flagger.Duff is a video game producer and says that he just kind of fell into the middle of the play. He thought a combination of video gaming and theatre sounded like fun.Bob has been away from the acting scene for 50 years, but kind of acts as the show’s narrator. The ending of the show is his favorite.This is a play for 14+ year olds.*- Monet C.May 6th, 2010Rimini Protokoll | BEST BEFOREThrough May 9th at On the BoardsSpecial offer for Teen Tix members: 2 for $10 advance tickets (no waiting until day of show!) for Saturday, May 8th at 2 pm. Call OtB's box office at 206-217-9888 to purchase.*NOTE: Officially, On the Boards' programming is recommended for mature audiences ages 16 and up.

Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-Vision @ SIFF CinemaCalling all sensory-loving cinephiles: bring your nose, your taste buds, and your sense of adventure to this one-of-a-kind screening of the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory—now in Smell-O-Vision! Experience the world of Willy Wonka as you’ve never smelled it before, with goodie bags full of fragrant and tasty treats, and interactive moments that are “ninety-three percent perspiration, six percent electricity, four percent evaporation, and two percent butterscotch ripple.” Now for the first time you can enjoy Gene Wilder’s wonderfully eccentric performance and sing along to those great Wonka songs, all while experiencing the sweet taste of chocolate and the odiferous aroma of schnozberries in total “sense-surround.”Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory in Smell-O-VisionFriday, May 7th at 7:00 and 9:30 pmSIFF Cinema