"To All Relations: Memories of Boyle Heights" is a multi-ethnic, arts residency project that seeks to transform everyday stories and lives into powerful tools for social change; educate youth about the history and diverse cultures of Los Angeles; strengthen ties between community groups such as Great Leap, Self-Help Graphics, Roosevelt High School and the International Institute; and engage participants in the betterment of the diverse communities in which they work and live.

In September 2002, the Japanese American National Museum (JANM) opened a six-month exhibit Boyle Heights: The Power of Place. Historians at the museum collected interviews, oral histories, photos and artifacts documenting the rich multi-ethnic history of this Los Angeles neighborhood. Great Leap has been invited to lead a residency project that will engage an inter-generational group of Boyle Heights residents. A series of workshops were conducted at the Museum from October through December, and at sites throughout Boyle Heights. The work developed during this residency project, "To All Relations: Memories of Boyle Heights," will be performed from January 25-February 2, 2003 at JANM. The final performances will feature Great Leap artists, guest musicians, and community members.

"To All Relations: Memories of Boyle Heights" is designed to draw out the stories and life experiences of Boyle Heights residents, and share these personal stories with a larger audience. The museum’s exhibit will provide an ideal context for these stories, illustrating the development of Boyle Heights from an exclusive residential hub into a multi-ethnic, working class Los Angeles neighborhood.

About the Boyle Heights residency:

GL Story Gathering Workshops (Fall 2002)
Performances at Museum (January 25-February 2, 2003)
Dan Kwong's Project Report

Participant Stories:

Jo Anna Ley
David Morin
Kathy Masaoka
Oscar Ernesto Florez
Jenni Emiko Kuida

Story Gathering Photos/Video:

Workshops - October 2002
Workshops - November 2002
Workshops - December 2002
Workshop/Rehearsals - January 2003
Performances - January/February 2003
Post-performance celebrations

Other BH Links:

Museum research materials and partners
Boyle Heights: Neighborhood sites and insights

This project is supported in part by California Arts Council, Los Angeles County Arts Commission, Los Angeles Cultural Affairs Department, The Ralph M. Parsons Foundation, The Gas Company, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Japanese American Community Services, Target Stores, Hitachi, Ltd., Meissner Manufacturing Co., Inc., and The Aaroe Charitable Associates Foundation and the Friends of Great Leap. Great Leap, Inc. is a participant in the New Generations Program, funded by Doris Duke Charitable Foundation/The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and administered by Theatre Communications Group, the national organization for the American Theatre.

For more information regarding the Boyle Heights residency contact Nona Chiang.

Updated: 5/7/03