Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra

CATS Past Cultural Enrichment Programs

CATS' 2007 Summer & Fall Cultural Enrichment

Crossing East

Debuting June 13th 2007, and scheduled most Wednesdays at 1:00 pm in one-hour segments.

KVMR and CATS are teaming up to bring the acclaimed radio documentary, Crossing East, to KVMR's airwaves (89.5 FM). Crossing East is a comprehensive eight-hour history on Asian immigration to the United States, telling their stories through interviews, archives, commentaries, and reenactments. Crossing East is the recent winner of the George Foster Peabody Award. Produced by Dmae Roberts and MediaRites. Hosted by George Takei ("Star Trek" fame) and Margaret Cho (entertainer/comedian).

For more information about this production,  click here to visit www.crossingeast.org.

  To visit KVMR's web site, please click here.  

FALLING FOR GRACE

Benefit Showing for CATS at the Nevada Theatre (401 Broad Street, Nevada City) Friday, September 7, 7:30 p.m.

Fri, Sat & Sun, Sep 7-9 - FALLING FOR GRACE - 1 hr 38 min - PG-13. "Falling For Grace" is Fay Ann Lee's directorial debut in which she also stars as Grace Tang, an ivy-league educated investment banker from Chinatown, who longs to be part of New York's high society.

At a fancy get together, she is mistaken for a Hong Kong heiress and meets her Prince Charming, blue-blooded New York scion, Andrew Barrington, Jr. (Gale Harold). Hilarious and absorbing, 'Falling For Grace' also features comedienne Margaret Cho as Grace's best friend, Janie. Grace unintentionally weaves a web of deceit, while advocating for sweatshop workers, attending high society events, and keeping her family afloat. "A cross between 'Working Girl' and 'The Wedding Banquet,' 'Falling For Grace' is one of the summer's most charming romantic comedies." -Elisa Parker, KVMR.

"We want to thank Jeannie Wood of CATS for turning us on to this new movie and also co-producer Michelle Botticelli for allowing us to show it very early in its national release." -- Nevada Theatre Film Series

Click here to visit the www.fallingforgrace.com web site.

Japanese Classical Comedy - Kyogen at Its Best!

Presenting: "Busu" (Sweet Poison) and "Kazumo" (Sumo Wrestling with a Mosquito) by the Theatre of Yugen from San Francisco

Sunday, August 26, 2007, at the Miners Foundry Cultural Center. Two shows: 2:00 pm and 7:00 pm.

All tickets $12

Many patrons after our production of TEA in January/February 2007 were asking for more "Noh theatre," the 600-year old Japanese theatre art form. Well, we're in for a treat! The counterpart of "Noh" is coming - it's "Kyogen" - Japanese Classical Comedy. Partnering with the Miners Foundry Cultural Center, CATS will present two shows by the Theatre of Yugen from San Francisco on Sunday, August 26, at 2:00 pm and at 7:00 pm at the Miners Foundry. (Each performance features the above two short comedies.) For fans of multicultural theatre and comedy, you will not want to miss this one! Other sponsors of this event include The Union and the Northern Queen Inn. Bring the whole family!

CATS 6th Annual Picnic - A "Thank-A-Thon!"

Saturday, September 8, 2007, 11:00 am - 5:00 pm (lunch at 12:00 noon)

Location: 12282 No. Bloomfield, Nevada City
Sponsors: Jan and Steve Roth

CATS is celebrating all our financial supporters, funders, sponsors, volunteers, directors, designers, actors, crew, workshop leaders, and long-term patrons. Please come and let CATS honor YOU! with great food, entertainment, taiko drumming by Grass Valley Taiko, karaoke, an auction, and a no-host wine & beer bar. Bring a friend to introduce them to CATS.

Manzanar National Historic Site - Overnight Bus Trip to the Former Japanese Relocation Camp in World War II

September 15 - 16, 2007;
departing Grass Valley at 7:30 am on Saturday and returning at 10:30 pm on Sunday, via air-conditioned motorized coach.

$155/person/double occupancy

We will explore the former Japanese Relocation Camp during World War II in the eastern Sierras with a ranger-led tour. Time to explore on our own. A "must" trip for all history buffs. Time permitting, we will take a side trip to the Eastern California Museum to view the traveling exhibit, "GULAG: Soviet Forced Labor Camps and the Struggle for Freedom". Trip includes one night lodging in Independence, California. (Trip limited to 47.)

CATS goes to CHINA

Explore the ancient mysteries of the Middle Kingdom with China Experts Helen and James Jay on this Journey of a Lifetime

October 12-24 2007

Visit Beijing, Xian, Yangte River and Shanghai, 14 days

Regular price $2,993
CATS Members $2,813

ChinaStudies has crafted the ultimate China Culture Tour. Visit ancient sites and experience the wonder of this mystic land. ChinaStudies will introduce you to unique individuals, places and practices found only in the Middle Kingdom.

Your personal guides for this tour program are Helen and James Jay, renowned China travel experts. They have led expeditions to Asia since 1997 and have escorted hundreds of adventurers on cultural and educational programs throughout the entire breadth of this vast country.

The Jays are also known for their mastery of the ancient Chinese art of Feng Shui and have led numerous workshops throughout the US, China, Europe and Mexico. This tour program is a luxury 5 star, top of the line excursion.

2006 Summer Cultural Enrichment Programs

After our very successful presentation of Amy Tan’s IMMORTAL HEART in January and February 2006 at the Nevada Theatre, CATS is ready to focus on a series of fundraisers emphasizing the cultural aspect of our mission with workshops, activities, a bus tour to Manzanar, and a concert by the internationally-renowned Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir. To register, complete registration forms and mail in with payment.

Beginning Mahjong
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday, June 24th, 2006
Location: Forest Springs Mobile Home Clubhouse, 10016 Stone Arch Drive, Grass Valley (off Hwy 49)
1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Saturday, July 29, 2006
Location: Keeping Still Mountain, 405 Commercial Street, Nevada City, CA

Presented by Minnie (Chin) Yee and Jan Berliner
$35/each

The very successful mahjong classes taught by Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner since 2004 are back by popular demand. If you’ve ever been intrigued by those Chinese tiles, come learn to match them in pairs or sequences to eliminate them from your hand. Clear the hand of all tiles to win the game. The rules are simple (similar to gin rummy), and you'll be hooked in no time! Mahjong, a favorite and popular pastime in China, has become very popular in the West, reigning high with dominoes, cards, and other board games. It was created by the Chinese over 2,000 years ago and is enjoyed by people the world over. The early Chinese immigrants to America no doubt played mahjong to past the time. Many present-day Chinese learned the rules of the game from their elders of generations ago.

While there are many variations to the original rules, you will be taught the traditional Hong Kong style of mahjong. You will learn in Cantonese the Chinese characters and symbols. You will obtain a basic understanding of how the game is played. There will be plenty of time for practice and fun.

Please print it out, fill it in and return with payment to;
CATS, 228 Commercial St. #88 Nevada City, CA 95959

Japanese Tea Ceremony
Urasenke (The Way of Tea)
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm,
Sunday, June 25 2006
Location: Myochoan, in Penryn, California

Taught by Sumie (Soju) Y. Ward
$35/each

Patterned after the teahouses of Kyoto, Japan, Myochoan is nestled in an authentic tea garden consisting of an eight tatami (rice straw) mat room, a ryurei room, a mizuya preparation room, and 4 ½ daime tatami mat room, which Tea Master (Soju) Ward considers the soul of the teahouse. Here, host and guests participate in an ancient ceremony of sharing sweets and tea in a setting that celebrates beauty, peace, and purity through respect of nature and culture. It is a quiet interlude for spiritual refreshment and harmony with the universe. The Japanese Tea Ceremony captures all the elements of Japanese philosophy and artistic beauty, and interweaves four principles - harmony (with people and nature), respect (for others), purity (of heart and mind), and tranquility.

Myochoan-kai is affiliated with the Urasenke Foundation, the tea group that strives to come to a fuller appreciation of the subtle richness of life through the discipline of tea, a ritual which began 450 years ago and handed down through 16 generations

Join us in the "peace in a bowl of tea" in this introductory class. Savor the spirit of the Japanese culture and cultivate the mind of tea. Minimum age is 12. You will be sitting on the floor part of the time. Benches also available. White socks required. Dress comfortably. Long pants recommended. Directions provided upon confirmation of registration. Spaces limited.

CATS in collaboration with the Nevada Union High School Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains presents

Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir On tour!
Sat., July 8, 2006, 7:00 p.m.
Location: Don Baggett Theatre, Nevada Union High School, 11761 Ridge Road, Grass Valley, CA

Tickets:
$12 - general
$8 (14 yrs. and under)

Ticket Outlets:
Grass Valley: Book Seller; Briar Patch
Nevada City: Nevada City Postal Company; Golden Flower Trading Company; and Music in the Mountains; and NCTV
Online: www.presaleticketing.com

CATS is pleased to sponsor, along with the Nevada Union High School Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains, the Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir ("Taipei") at the Don Baggett Theatre this summer. This world-renowned 35-member choir is on tour from Taiwan and will be in Nevada County for one performance only. Taipei has toured internationally since 1972 and have garnered many accolades, performing at exclusive world festivals. We are very fortunate to bring them to the Sierra Foothills. One of its choir members is our very own Abe Sitzer, son of Lew and Eddy Sitzer. Abe is an NU alumni (class of 1996) and has sung with the Boston Symphony prior to joining this prestigious group. Let’s welcome Abe home and let him know just how proud we are of his accomplishments!

The Taipei Philharmonic Chamber Choir presents Chinese and Taiwanese songs from traditions that blend different races of people and thousands of years of history. Enjoy Mongolian folksongs, Chinese choral works, Taiwan folk songs and aboriginal tunes, and the latest Taiwan popular songs arranged by Taiwanese composers. Underwriters as of April, 2006, in addition to the NU Choir Boosters and Music in the Mountains, are the Entrekin Foundation, Lowell and Diane Robertson, The Union, and Lew Sitzer of NCTV.

The Taipei Philharmonic Chorus was founded in 1972 and, through the efforts of its conductors, has established an extensive repertoire and a reputation as one of the most prestigious choruses in Taiwan. Members of the chorus are music lovers from all walks of life. Their love of music, combined with the vision of the conductors, has allowed the Taipei Philharmonic Chorus to greatly increase the number of performances it gives each year. (Click here to visit their web site)

CATS 5th Annual Picnic

Sat., August 26th, 2006
11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.,
Lunch: 12:00 p.m. Noon
Location: The Mekhaye, 12282 N. Bloomfield, Nevada City
Price: $12 adults; $7 children, 5-11; under 5, free

Join us for this family event where "there is something for everyone"! Let’s celebrate another wonderful year, meet new friends, learn more about CATS, sign up to volunteer, and kick-off our 2007 production!

CATS thanks Steve and Jan Roth for underwriting our picnic once again with the generous use of their grounds at the “Mekhaye”. “Mekhaye” (mek-ka-ya) means “refreshment. It is an area abound with oaks, cedars, pines, firs, madrones, birds and wildlife. (Click here to visit: www.mekhaye.com.)

• BBQ Teriyaki Chicken
• Hot Dogs
• Chow Mein
• Fried Rice
• Salads
• Sushi
• Desserts
• Beverages (alcohol-free)

• Live Auction by Steve O’Rourke
• Silent Auction
• Mahjong
• Horseshoeing
• Board games
• Swing dancing by Susan McGuire
• Tai-chi by Elaine Christensen
• Taiko by Grass Valley Taiko
• Music by Al Martinez; The Nevada County Regulators; and Barbara and Roger "Smooth Sounds"
• Swimming and relaxation by the lake (no life guard on duty)

Directions: From "Highway 49 North - Downieville," turn left. At the stoplight, turn right onto North Bloomfield. Go 1/2 mile to the "Y" and go right. Continue on North Bloomfield for another 1/6 miles. The driveway is on the left, after you pass Bush Road. Follow road down and you will be directed to park by the lake.

CATS Can Cook!
Discovering Culture Through Food
11:00 am - 3:00 pm,
Saturday, September 9 2006
Location: To Be Advised

Chinese Cuisine

Taught by Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner
$40/each

Our very popular Asian cooking series with CATS Can Cook! is being reprised. Not only are Minnie Yee and Jan Berliner great teachers of mahjong (see section on mahjong), but they can certainly cook too! They taught a Chinese cooking class a couple of years ago and it was hit!

This year, they will be teaching us how to make:

• Wontons in broth
• Honey-pecan shrimp
• Gourmet Chicken Wings
• Gai-lon (Chinese broccoli) and beef in black bean sauce
• Rice

Minnie has great stories to tell while she’s cooking. Learn how to use Chinese spices, and sauces, and unique cooking techniques. Find out where you can purchase special ingredients. Immerse yourself in Minnie's childhood growing up in a famous Chinese restaurant in San Francisco’s Chinatown!