Thursday, February 18 @ 10:15pm (after the 8pm show)
Talkin’ Theatre with Todd
For 25 years Culture Clash has provoked, entertained, and enlightened audiences across the country building a reputation of cultural icons, madcap geniuses, theatrical bad boys and visionaries, and mirrors of the country's radically changing cultural landscape. Following the evening’s performance Culture Clash’s founding performer/writers Richard Montoya, Herbert Siguenza and Ricardo Salinas join REP associate artistic director Todd Salovey for a madcap in-depth chat about their history, their work, and our culture.
Saturday, February 20 @ 7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Culture Shock at Culture Clash
The internationally renowned Culture Shock San Diego has brought its groundbreaking hip-hop moves to stages all over the world, and now it’s coming to the REP. Culture Shock strives to offer children an alternative to street life by providing a rewarding activity, instilling confidence, and creating a positive and accepting environment where they can flourish. This exciting dance troupe will make it impossible for you to stay in your seat.
Tuesday, February 23 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Intimate Chat with Richard Montoya
Want to meet a Clasher up close? Here’s your chance! Richard Montoya’s writing has become a hallmark of Culture Clash’s growing 25-year vision. His play, Water & Power, was a highlight of the REP’s 2008–09 Season, and his newest work, Palestine, New Mexico just enjoyed a sparkling run at the Mark Taper Forum. A poet, actor, writer and founding member of Culture Clash, Richard shares his ideas about plays, politics, California, and how he and the Clash continue to change the face of American theatre.
Wednesday, February 24 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
“I Am…”
Talented high school students from throughout San Diego present short performance pieces that reflect how their cultures and backgrounds have shaped the people they are and are becoming. Featuring students from San Diego Met High School and Macedonio Arteaga Jr. from Teatro Izcalli. Tomiko Holmes (San Diego Met High School) writes and recites poetry about how she's from the people and how everyone in the world is family; she's a citizen of the world; Olivia Walker (San Diego Met High School), through freestyle, speaks about life for her and her race, and writes about the judgments made towards African-Americans from the past to the judgments that she hears today; Ruben Aguirre (Montgomery High School), through spoken word, defines himself culturally, what he loves around him and things he loves in his life; Karla Cruz (San Diego Met High School) writes and recites poetry about coming from a hard working mother and my opinion towards what I have seen here in America and how it influences me to be who I am; and MariCruz Ramirez (Grossmont High School).
Thursday, February 25 @ 7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Sam’s Salon: Meet a Trio of San Diego’s “Wise Latinas”
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor made history when she became the first Latina member of the “Supremes.” Sotomayor was widely quoted about the “richness of experience “ that a “wise Latina” would bring to the bench. Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse hosts a special conversation with three of our city’s Wise Latinas about their own unique experiences. Find out how these women are making and shaping history in San Diego. Sam’s guests are: Attorney Nadia P. Bermudez, President of San Diego La Raza Lawyers Association and former president of the Lawyers Club of San Diego; businesswoman Olga Diaz, the first Latina elected to serve on the Escondido City Council; and National City Council Member and Vice-Mayor Alejandra Sotelo-Solis, Director of the UC San Diego Community Law Project.
Friday, February 26 @ 10:15pm (after the 8pm show)
Meet the Artists
Stick around after the performance for a revealing and unpredictable conversation with the cast of Culture Clash in AmeriCCa and REP resident artists.
Saturday, February 27 @ 1pm (prior to the 2pm matinee)
A Taste of New American Cuisine
City Heights is San Diego’s densest and most diverse neighborhood; its 72,000 residents speak over 30 languages. Today, three refugee-owned catering businesses will provide samples of culinary delights from Ethiopia, Iraq, and Somalia. 
This event is sponsored by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The IRC works with refugees and other new immigrants to the U.S., helping them to become self-sufficient and successful members of our community. Whether helping a young child prepare for school, a teenager graduate, or helping an adult start a business, the IRC is dedicated to helping refugees become successful new Americans. Show up early to try delicious cuisine and to learn more about IRC’s programs in San Diego. To have a percentage of your ticket price go to support the IRC, please mention “IRC” when calling or visiting the box office (not available online).
Sunday, February 28 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
California’s Own Theatre
From Teatro Campesino’s short plays for farmworkers on the back of pick-up trucks, to Zoot Suit to Real Women Have Curves to Culture Clash, theatre by Chicano artists has brought the voice of the people to people of California and beyond. Joining us for a lively discussion of Chicano theatre past, present, and future are William R. Virchis and Peter Cirino. Virchis is a legendary theatre director at San Diego REP and the Old Globe, one of the most influential educators of our city, and one heck of a wrestling coach. Cirino is an actor, writer, and director who is currently on the theatre faculty and head of Performance and Diversity at San Diego State University.
Thursday, March 4 @ 7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Virtuoso Mariachi
Celebrate the exiting rhythms of live mariachi music performed by the accalimed musical group Mariachi Garibaldi. This locally-based ensemble, beloved by local audiences, is also an international sensation. Mariachi Garibaldi has been featured on American and Mexican national news broadcasts, recently toured Russia and have performed six times at the famed annual “Encuentro de Mariachi” event in Guadalajara, Mexico. The musicians are also featured prominently in the new documentary film “In the Name of Mariachi Music.” Tonight is your chance to hear them up close in the Lyceum Lobby.
Friday, March 5 @ 7pm (prior to the 8pm show)
Multicultural Psychology: “I’m Just American!”
Who says that? Why is it that so many of us who were born and raised in the U.S. still don’t feel we can make that statement? How do issues surrounding race, ethnicity, and culture prevent some of us from taking ownership of all that those words imply? When we envision a “typical American,” what is the image we see and why does it matter? Join us for a thoughtful and interactive examination of the illusion of the “melting pot” and the statement “I’m just American.” Artistic Director Sam Woodhouse hosts the conversation. Guest speakers are: Dr. Jacki Davis Leak, who uses “difficult discussions” as a tool to build cultural bridges in our community and in teaching Multicultural and Women’s Studies courses at SDSU and CSU San Marcos; and Nicola Ranson, a licensed clinical social worker who has taught Multicultural Counseling at National University and UCSD Extension and is currently creating a Global Psychology class for National University.
Sunday, March 7 @ 6pm (prior to the 7pm show)
Stand-Up Comedy with Mark Christopher Lawrence
Cultures clash and sides split when stand-up comic and TV regular Mark Christopher Lawrence and friends Mal Hall and Matin Atrushi team up for a set of live stand-up comedy. Mark currently plays Big Mike on the TV show “Chuck,” and is perhaps best-known for his role as esoteric DJ Tone Def in the 1994 satirical rap mockumentary, “Fear of a Black Hat.” He has been featured on stages across San Diego including San Diego REP, La Jolla Playhouse, Moxie Theatre, Cygnet Theatre, and North Coast Repertory Theatre. Mark has produced numerous stand-up shows throughout California, and has shared the stage with some of the biggest names in the comedy business.