YO SOY LATINA! IS BACK! LATINO STEREOTYPE-SHATTERING PLAY GOES OFF-BROADWAY -Underground Sensation Illustrates Lives of Latinas in America-

After a successful, three-year Off-Off Broadway run, YO SOY LATINA! (YSL), a Latino Flavored Production, reaches new heights in a limited run on Off-Broadway this summer. An honest and funny look at what it means to be Latina in America, it explores the stories of six diverse women growing up bi-lingual, bi-cultural and proud to declare YO SOY LATINA!

(PRWEB) May 23, 2004 --YSL is written, directed and produced by Linda Nieves-Powell, who addresses real issues through poignant and intelligent short stories. Keynote themes include the medias idealized images of women, self-identity/acceptance, and the preconceptions experienced within the racially-and-culturally different Latino backgrounds. While titled in Spanish, YSL is written in English and can be enjoyed by a diverse audience.

The plays limited run is at The Pantheon Theater at 303 W. 42nd Street (bet. 8th and 9th Ave.) from July 13th -- August 1st with Tuesday -- Saturday performances at 7:30pm; Sunday performances at 2pm & 6pm; and Wednesday Matinees at 3pm. Ticket prices range from $30 at the door, $25 for tickets in advance, $15 for groups of 50+, and $20 for groups of 20+. Tickets are available through SMARTTIX.com or 212-868-4444.
   
Our goal with this Off-Broadway run is to reach both Latinos and non-Latinos, as we have in our previous performances. The response has been overwhelming and satisfying for all involved. Many people have expressed their gratitude in showcasing Latinas in non-stereotypical roles, and as intelligent, aspiring women. People have seen the play once and returned to bring their mothers, friends, and boyfriends," says Nieves-Powell.

The plays premise accidentally unites six Latinas and their individual anecdotes: Migdalia, a Nuyorican, experiences prejudice from her family for marrying a black man; Jennifer, a young Mexican-American discovers her Chicana rights due to newfound knowledge in college; Alicia, a Colombian actress struggles with what keeps her from landing the stereotypical Latino roles-she doesnt fit them; Maria Elena, a black Panamanian, faces inequity from other Latinos for representing the often ignored ancestry of the Latino racial mix; Soledad, a Dominican mother of three finds the courage to leave her machista husband; and Louisa a Cuban-Irish, defends her right to be Latina although shes half white. Although all women justify their differences, they discover their palpable similarities: abuelas cooking, beautiful summer memories in their native lands, and the vibrant culture that has shaped them.

Previous venues where YSL ran met with tremendous enthusiasm and demand. YSL played in various theaters, such as the acclaimed Nuyorican Poets Café, Here Arts Center and the Songs of Coconut Festival, as well as a well-received college and university circuit with over 50 performances, in Harvard, Vassar, Brown, Duke and Vanderbilt universities, among others. YSL has also reached out to corporations with diversity programs, and donated a large block of $5 tickets to the organization High 5 for teenagers 13-18.

In 2002, author Nieves-Powell was nominated as Entrepreneur of the Year by Hispanic Business Magazine, and named one of the 50 Most Outstanding Latinas of 2002 by El Diario/La Prensa. She has been featured in many publications as well as on several television shows for both her creative achievements and her contributions to the Latino community. Her next goal is to bring the message of YO SOY LATINA! to television.

For information on Latino Flavored Productions Inc. and its other productions visit www.latinoflavored.com or call (212) 971-1954.