Harvardwood Presents Multi-Cultural Appreciation Event Today

Harvardwood presents How to be (_______): a Multi-cultural Identity Primer, as well as Liz Femi's Take Me to the Poorhouse A Solo Play tonight, February 9th 2013, 8-10pm. This showcase will play at Artworks Theatre & Studios 6567-6585 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, California.

Tickets are $12 in advance for the general public, $15 at the door for all. Patrons may purchase tickets online at http://www.harvardwood.org/event/howtobe.

Hosted by Jeremy Rabb [Harvard, Princeton] (HER, WEEDS, SOUTHLAND, GREY'S ANATOMY), Harvardwood's show promises "a tongue in cheek tutelage on all kinds of people." It features NY Times best-selling author, Baratunde Thurston in celebration of his critically-acclaimed book, HOW TO BE BLACK.

Take Me To The Poorhouse is a story about Lizzie, a precocious, Nigerian, middle class third grader who dreams of becoming poor to feel like she belongs and to win back the heart of her classmate from the evil Bidame. Told through Lizzie's perspective, and inspired by true events, Take Me To The Poorhouse is a children's story for adults and families that offers a fresh glimpse of African life.

Other featured performers include:
Kiran Deol [Harvard], actress/comedian/filmmaker (MODERN FAMILY, PARENTHOOD, WOMAN REBEL) Liz Femi [Harvard], actress/writer (THINGS NEVER SAID, FAITH AND DREAMS,) Matthew Francis [Harvard], actor/writer (THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO MATTHEW) John Paul Karliak [USC], actor/writer (RINGER, REAL HUSBANDS OF HOLLYWOOD, DANTE'S INFERNO) Joy Nash [USC], actress/writer (THE MINDY PROJECT, A FAT RANT, MURDERESS) Renee Santos [Emerson], actress/comedian (ELEVENTH HOUR, SHOWTIME Pride Comedy Jam, NBC's Stand-up For Diversity, 30 IS THE NEW 12)

Baratunde Thurston '99 is a politically-active, technology-loving comedian. He co-founded the black political blog, Jack and Jill Politics and served as Director of Digital for The Onion before launching the comedy/technology startup Cultivated Wit. Baratunde travels the world speaking and advising and performs standup regularly in NYC.

Liz Femi is an actress, writer, and educator in Los Angeles. She has appeared in numerous projects on stage and screen including: No Child, Eclipsed (World Premiere), The Convert, and the short film "Faith & Dreams." TV and film work includes: a supporting role in Things Never Said starring Shanola Hampton of Showtime's Shameless and directed by Charles Murray (V, Criminal Minds), and the pilot Adventures with Shondrella starring Shondrella Avery of Napoleon Dynamite. Liz also co-hosts Action English on China's national entertainment network CCTV6. Liz studied at the UR InterNational Theatre Program and holds an MFA in Acting from the A.R.T. Institute at Harvard University. www.lizfemi.com.