JCI Presents Ma-Yi's JESUS IN INDIA Today

New York, February 25, 2013 -- Junior Chamber International (JCI) Philippine-New York Chapter, a group of young urban professionals ages 18-40, will present a special fundraising performance of Lloyd Suh's ("American Hwangap," "Great Wall Story") new play "Jesus In India," staged by Drama Desk winner Ma-Yi Theater Company, today, March 3, 3 p.m. at Theatre at Saint Clement's (423 W 46^th St., between 9^th and 10^th Avenues).

"'Jesus in India,' [whose production that has been running at the Theatre at Saint Clement's is its East Coast premiere] though, isn't really about India or religion. Those are just backdrops for a coming-of-age story -- with a twist and a beat -- that could as easily have been 'Jesus in Bushwick' or Jesus in any place you can jam with friends and have occasional druggie talks about God and Buddhism," Rachel Saltz wrote for The New York Times.

In an interview with BroadwayWorld, Stevenson Van Derodar, JCI vice president for international affairs, said, "This year marks JCI Philippine-New York Chapter's golden anniversary. And we've picked the play 'Jesus In India' as one of our fundraisers because of its international themes. We'd like to raise more than $2,000.00 to help us build our operating budget for this year."

"Jesus In India," directed by Daniella Topol ("How the World Began," "Palace of the End"), features Justin Blanchard ("Journey's End"), Vedant Gokhale, Meera Rohit Kumbhani, and Molly Ward ("The Big Meal").

Playwright Suh served as co-director of the Ma-Yi Writers Lab from 2006-2010; and currently serves as onsite program director at the Lark Play Development Center. Besides "American Hwangap," which received its Philippine premiere at the Cultural Center of the Philippines three years ago, and "Great Wall Story," his other plays include "The Children of Vonderly" and "Happy End of the World." In addition, Suh has been a recipient of several playwriting grants and fellowships such as grants from NEA Arena Stage New Play Development and Andrew W. Mellon Launching New Plays Into the Repertoire; and fellowships from York State Council on the Arts, New York Foundation of the Arts, Jerome Foundation, Theatre Communications Group, and the Dramatists Guild.

For tickets to "Jesus In India," call Gherald: 732-672-8175, Carlos: 571-606-5799, Mary: 215-435-3545, or Stevenson: 646-270-1087; or visit philnyjaycees.org/2013/02/jesus-in-india.html

A meet and greet with the cast will follow after the matinee performance on Sunday.

Photo c/o The New York Times

Oliver is about to earn his M.S. degree in public relations and corporate communication from New York University while serving as regional editor for BroadwayWorld.com. Over the past 18 years, Oliver has been handling public relations and corporate communication for numerous brands (including Pepsi), Broadway shows, Broadway stars, non-profit organizations, and mainstream celebrities. He also teaches public relations at De La Salle University-Manila. Follow Oliver on Twitter: @OliverOliveros

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