I don’t want to say too much about this incredible, original theatrical piece or I’ll spoil the fun — and great fun it is. It’s also like no other theatre experience I’ve ever had.
The award-winning Firefly Theater & Films, in association with Think Tank Gallery and Vs. Theatre, is presenting the Los Angeles Premiere of this 2016 Obie winner for playwriting. The playwright Christopher Chen is a prolific writer and the recipient of numerious awards.
In an original opening act, you walk into a gallery hosting District 798, a show of new work inspired by a legendary Chinese dissident artist who was imprisoned in China for a single, epic work of art. Recently profiled in The New Yorker, the artist is present, and he begins his presentation by sharing the details of an ordeal that is not only heartbreaking but will stir your sense of justice and indignation.
Soon his lecture is interrupted, then that interruption is broken, and you find yourself in a labyrinthine exploration of truth, art, social justice and cultural appropriation where nothing is as it first appears. Each moment will surprise you and every moment after that continue to surprise you, right up to the end.
Brilliantly directed by Ed Sylvanus Iskander, this play has an extremely talented cast which includes Louis Ozawa Changchien, Jackie Chung, Jessica Kaye, Steven Klein, Eston J. Fung, Christine Lin, Ed Sylvanus Iskander, Stephanie Barnes and Peter Wylie. This is definitely a “must see” experience for anyone who loves theatre, and it’s also one that will blow your mind in the best possible way.
“Caught” runs hrough Sunday, December 10th at the Think Tank located at 939 Maple Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles. Performances are Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 7:30pm. Ticket prices are $45 for general admission, $50 including one drink and hors d’oeuvres, $65 with 3 drinks and hors d’oeuvres, and $80 for VIP access and includes 3 drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Buy tickets here.