Leviathan Lab Celebrates Filipino-American History Month with MIGRATION NATION, 10/26-27

Creative and performing arts studio Leviathan Lab's second season continues with its newest project, "Migration Nation: Imported and Exploited," an experimental theatrical work at Space on White (81 White Street between Broadway and Lafayette) on Friday, October 26 and Saturday, October 27.

"Migration Nation" features nine new plays, which explore the experiences of immigrant Filipinos who have taken jobs as overseas workers (OFWs) worldwide, written by Leviathan Lab's women playwrights.  These OFWs, the majority of them women, constitute the Philippines' largest export, totaling 11% of the Philippine economy; these women, without the benefit of citizenship or workers' rights, suffer a huge number of human rights abuses, including rape, torture, and death.  "Migration Nation" seeks to explore the experiences of these workers in a new context by creating a theater experience like no other.

"'Migration Nation' is an attempt to theatrically recreate the experience of OFWs," said Leviathan Lab Artistic Director Nelson T. Eusebio III.  "We feel that by bringing the audience into this experience -  an entire house of their stories, reflecting the diasporatic experience of OFWs -  will enable us to engage, enlighten, and entertain our audiences.  The goal of the event is to merge the political theatrical aspirations of Brecht with the voyeuristic and inclusionary experience of 'Sleep No More'."

"We are thrilled to be able to perform and be part of the Filipino-American History Month.  These stories not only mean a tremendous amount to our community, but are stories of humanity and our rights as human beings.  We hope that 'Migration Nation' will help bring focus to a largely underserved and overlooked community," said Leviathan Lab Executive Director and Founder Ariel Estrada.

The playwrights of "Migration Nation" include Nancy Eng, Christine Toy Johnson, Dorim Lee, Karen Lee, Marisa Marquez, May Nazareno, Kristine M. Reyes, Eileen Rivera, and Nandita Shenoy.  The cast include Leanne Cabrera, Kitty Chen, Patricia Cancio, Claro de los Reyes, Karen Lee, Jaygee Macapugay, Jake Myers, Mizuo Peck, Diane Phelan, John Roque, Krystal Seli and Yan Xi.

The plays are directed by Tea Alagic, Jo Cattell, Elyzabeth Gorman, and Kira Onodera.

"Migration Nation" is made possible by a grant from the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. Community partners for this project are FAHNS, NAFAA, and UniPro.

Tax-deductible donations are also accepted at www.fracturedatlas.org/site/contribute/donate/4802.

For tickets, visit www.brownpapertickets.com/event/281856.