"Here On This Bridge: The Ism Project" directed by Catherine Ming T'ien Duffly, is a full production comprised of five short monologues by Jocelyn Seid, Samson Syharath, Yasmin Ruvalcaba Saludado, Bonnie Ratner, Roberta Hunte, and Dmae Roberts. The show explores the intersections of race, gender, orientation and nationality, with stories specifically from Pacific Northwest perspectives. The monologues were developed in local workshops curated from a national submission process. All shows will include post-show discussions with audience members to bridge divides and create much-needed empathy, understanding and compassion.

Monologues include tolerance, understanding and bridging divides:

A Black tradeswoman tries to negotiate complexities of diversity in the workplace

A Latina recalls the harrowing story of her mother escaping hardship and violence to cross the Rio Grande

A Laotian gay man honors his refugee mother's strength

An Asian American reflects on family history with Oregon's exclusion laws

A Black middle-class woman experiences racial profiling in Oregon.

Cast features: Shareen Jacobs, Sofia Molina, Shelley B. Shelley, Samson Syharath and Larry Toda.

All shows are suggested donation and geared to find common ground and community discussions with ages 14 and up.

More information: http://mediarites.org/mediarites-theatre-diaspora-touring