Asian Theatre blossoms at CATS in the Sierra

THE COMMUNITY ASIAN THEATRE OF the Sierra has become an icon for cultural enrichment in the foothills. Started 15 years ago, the community-based nonprofit is known for its theater, cultural events and workshops on Asian-based themes.

The group’s past productions have included Flower Drum Song, Rashomon and The Joy Luck Club. Its activities have included trips to China, San Francisco’s Asian Art Museum, Japanese flower arranging and cooking classes with celebrity Asian chefs.

The group mission is artistic and educational. “We have a message to share through entertainment,” says Jeannie Wong Wood, CATS executive director and a co-founder of the group.

Though based in Nevada County, CATS also serves Sacramento, Yuba, Sutter and Placer counties. The group welcomes participation from Asians and non-Asians alike.

It also has partnered with local schools to expand multiculturalism by providing affordable student matinees to its production.

“CATS has filled a much-needed void in this predominantly white community,” as the group explains.

CATS will hold an Asian film festival in September, showing a documentary on the Chinese-American Hollywood legend Anna May Wong, as well as Pride’s Deadly Fury, an award-winning Kung Fu Martial Arts film (G-rated).

The group also is planning auditions for its next production, Snow Falling on Cedars.

The dramatic play, based on a 1994 bestselling novel by American writer David Guterson, is being performed on stage for the first time in California. Auditions are October 17-18.

The performance, a courtroom drama set in the ’50s, deals with memories of World War II, internment camps and racism.

The group will perform Snow Falling on Cedars from March 18 to April 10 at The Nevada Theatre in Nevada City. CATS was founded by Wong Wood and other local Asian Americans, including Artistic Director Lisa Moon and board members Patty Lum-Ohmann and Virgil Wong, who all wanted to learn more about their roots and help educate others.

Wong Wood is a first generation Asian-American who grew up in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Her father owned a fortune cookie business on Stockton Street.

“I keep learning more about Asian culture all the time,” she says.

Community Asian Theatre of the Sierra
(CATS), 228 Commercial Street, #88,
Nevada City, (530) 273-65362
www.catsweb.org

Snowfall on Cedars

•CATS’ next theater production will be “Snow Falling on Cedars,” based on the best-selling novel by David Guterson, from March 18 to April 10.

•The performance, a courtroom drama set in the ’50s, deals with memories of World War II, internment camps and racism.

•Cedars is being performed for the first time on stage in California.