Artists from a variety of disciplines will explore, through their artistic voices, the divisions we currently face along political, religious, social, racial and economic lines. This special performance arts event is a humanitarian aid fundraiser. All proceeds will be donated to House of Ukraine.

The Metro Film and Arts Foundation, with support from J & J Arts Initiative, is pleased to present a performance of music, dance, theatre, poetry, comedy, and animation arts. Our grantees will each debut new works. The evening’s emcee is Dhaya Lakshminarayanan, a San Francisco comedian and writer whose storytelling livens NPR’s Snap Judgement, The Moth Radio Hour and more.

· Singer, songwriter: Broadcast Music Award and Emmy nominee Will Hammond, Jr. penned the RIAA gold-selling single "Hold You Tight" by Tara Kemp. Hammond will debut “A World Parade,” with message to build up and break down what divides.

· Choreographer: Princess Grace Award recipient Mia J. Chong, in special collaboration with movement artists of Post:ballet plus multi-instrumentalist and composer Vân-Ánh Võ, will explore the journey towards discovering commonality beyond the walls that divide us. The power of togetherness will be celebrated through blending of sound and movement in this dynamic, multi-faceted contemporary dance work.

Vân-Ánh Võ has been invited to play at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, Yerba Buena Performing Arts Center, the London Olympic Games 2012 and more.

· Theater: In a one-act play, a Latina abuelita (granny) struggles to break down walls between the generations. Confronting issues of economic well-being, health disparities, environmental justice, immigration challenges and voter participation have been the focus for Sacramento-based Teatro Nagaul.

· Poet and Poet Laureates will, like roots, push through and between the walls to grow and make connections through words. Aileen Cassinetto, Tureeda Mikell, Kim Shuck and Maw Shein Win offer presentation of poetic art that supports and reflects their communities.

· Animation artist: Slovak artist Jaroslav Baran has provided animation for more than 200 films. He has trained Oscar-nominees and some of the world’s best contemporary animators. Baran will delight in a short piece which follows two beings who find a way to break through the dividing wall of preconceived perceptions.

Information: www.metrofilmandarts.org/breaking-down-walls

Ticket purchases are tax deductible.

About Metro Film and Arts

The Metro Film and Arts Foundation, founded by Ron Merk, supports a wide range of arts and social issues through its programs. This includes filmmaking, theatre and individual grants to artists. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in San Francisco, California. We rely on donations to sustain the important work of preserving films and supporting the arts and artists. https://www.metrofilmandarts.org

About J & J Arts Initiative

The J & J Arts Initiative is supporting more than 75 artists and theatrical production team members who are involved in development of the Breaking Down Walls project.

About House of Ukraine

Founded in 1960, the House of Ukraine, Inc., a non-profit community organization, fosters a spirit of understanding and cooperation among the various national groups represented in the House of Pacific Relations, International Cottages in Balboa Park, San Diego CA. In addition to providing information to the public about art, history, customs, language and traditions of Ukraine, since the Russian invasion, members and San Diego community volunteers have successfully solicited, received and delivered much-needed humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. The House of Ukraine is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. https://houseofukraine.org

This is a taping of the live stage performance on June 11 at The Cowell Theater, Fort Mason, San Francisco.