Home Entertainment The Roots And Wings Project Presents The Joy Ride

The Roots And Wings Project Presents The Joy Ride

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An Immersive Site-Specific Touring Production Written and Directed by
Jesse Bliss

The Roots and Wings Project (RAW). Jesse Bliss, the Founding Artistic Director, is presenting the World Premiere production of THE JOY RIDE. This is an immersive site-specific touring production. Performances started in the Southern California Arts District of Downtown Los Angeles, on October 12, 2024. The production continues in Northern California in the Bay Area, October 18 – 20, 2024.  THE JOY RIDE: Through a reckoning comes the freedom journey….

(l to r) Ashlee Olivia, Darian Dauchan, Reginald P. Louis and Marlene Luna Castañeda – Photo by Kwesi Johnson

Written and directed by Jesse Bliss, the ensemble cast includes:  Darian Dauchan (appearing Courtesy of Actors Equity Association), Reginald P. Louis, Marlene Luna Castañeda and Ashlee Olivia.  Understudies for the production include actors Rufino Romero and Marlo Su.  The show features an original score by Audiopharmacy. This is a multicultural creative team. They have roots indigenous to Turtle Island (North America), Africa, Asia, The Pacific Islands, South America, India and Europe.

In THE JOY RIDE four dear friends gather to ride out together. They quickly realize they have much to reckon with.  How, in a time of deep grief, do they dare to claim joy?  This touring production is delivered out of a vintage convertible. The show includes strong language and content and is recommended for those 18 years of age and older.  Performances will be outdoors, so please dress suitably.

The Joy Ride Official Trailer

Jesse Bliss, Executive Producer, Writer, and Director and THE JOY RIDE, said:  “I was inspired to write THE JOY RIDE. I wanted to explore a collective catharsis. I aimed to understand the deep emotional release that connects us all.” I aimed to understand the deep emotional release that connects us all. It involves four close friends. They navigate serious challenges related to our times.  Kenzi is a man who was incarcerated in prison for three decades trying to create a new life. Rafael is a dancer struggling with Long COVID. Yasmine is a childless dreamer and English teacher who just escaped a detrimental relationship. Lina is a single mother fighting to build a good life who longs to have free time.  The characters are universal. They deeply connect audience members to their journey. The journey involves overcoming obstacles they face in their own lives, both internally and externally.”

Bliss continued, “THE JOY RIDE is a multi-disciplinary show. It is performed by a cohesive ensemble in true RAW style. This ensemble delivers a message that embraces joy as an act of political warfare.  During a time when people are separated and losing jobs, they also face a deadly pandemic. Moreover, people endure violence from a government and societal structure rooted in racism. Among these adverse dynamics, THE JOY RIDE offers audiences healing transcendence. It provides an opportunity for connection and expression of solidarity.”

The ensemble cast includes Darian Dauchan (of Koreatown, CA) as Kenzi; and Reginald P. Louis (of Woodland Hills, CA) as Rafael.  Marlene Luna Castañeda (of Anaheim, CA) and Ashlee Olivia (of Leimert Park, CA) play Yasmine. Understudies include Rufino Romero (of Hollywood, CA) Understudy for Kenzi and Rafael) and Marlo Su (of San Francisco, CA) Understudy for Lina and Yasmine.

Tickets for all performances are $25 per person for General Admission. Students and Seniors with ID pay $20 per person. Groups of 10 or more also pay $20 per person.  

Tickets can be purchased at https://thejoyridetour.eventbrite.com  For extra information and to order Groups of 10 or more, please E-mail:  therootsandwingsproject@gmail.com  

Learn more at www.therootsandwingsproject.com

THE JOY RIDE is partly sponsored by the California Arts Council. It also receives support from The Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture.

Performances in Northern California will be presented at the following venues:

  • Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8:00 p.m. at the Latino Center of Art and Culture (LCAC), 2700 Front Street (at Broadway Street), Sacramento, CA  95818.  Food and Beverages will be available for sale.  Free Parking is available on-site.  Learn more at:  https://thelatinocenter.org 916-446-5133
  • Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. at Calle 24 Placita, 1 Lilac Street (at 24th Street), San Francisco, CA 94110. Food and Beverages will be available for purchase. Limited Parking is available on site and Street Parking. If you are taking the Bart Station (Metro System), exit at 24th Street and Mission Street. This exit is right across from Calle 24 Placita. Rideshare is also recommended. Learn more at: https://www.calle24sf.org 415-658-7930
  • Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue (at Prince Street), Berkeley, CA  94705.  Food and Beverages will be available for purchase.  Residential Street Parking is available one to two blocks away.  Rideshare is encouraged.  If taking the Bart Station (Metro System), take the exit on Ashby Street.  The center is about a six-minute walk from there.  Learn more at:   https://lapena.org 510-549-2568
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