What is YKR?
YKR is a transformational storytelling project for people of South Asian & Indo-Caribbean heritage who experience gender oppression. Our goal is to break the silence on those aspects of our lives that have been deemed unsuitable for the light of day, and to build community in order to do so.
Our stories are as diverse as we are, touching on topics of sexuality, violence, gender, families, love, passion, and the frustrations of dealing with body hair. As one ally and audience member said: “If YKR was on every week I would be energized to keep fighting!”
The performance is just a part of what you are supporting—what you are really supporting is a movement to counter the public narrative of who we are and where we come from, and empower people in their identities and communities. Previous cast members have gone on to share their stories in a multitude of ways: through writing, performance, and in one case creating a one-woman show! Our unique, community-based production brings together people with extensive acting experience and those who are new to the stage, creating a braver, supported space for developing our narratives and showcasing our truths.
We are in an era in which South Asian comics, Caitlyn Jenner, and #MeToo have seen trans people, sexual violence, feminism, and South Asian (mis)representation ushered into the popular consciousness. For some, these are major strides. However, we must interrogate the ways this has rendered invisible the legacies of Indo-Caribbean/South Asian trans, gender-nonconforming, and women-identified people, who are told to be grateful for progress, but still find themselves on the margins. YKR 2018 is here to disrupt.
Why do you need the money?
We need funding for the performance venue, rehearsal space, printing flyers and programs, documenting the performances with photo and video, and compensating our community of collaborators to honor them for their time and efforts. All creative development as well as event coordination is being done by our cast.
Our performance project is a labor of love made possible only through the love of our community. We encourage you to give as much or as little as you can! With the demands of realizing YKR 2018, we do have some special needs and asks:
In this political era, emboldened Trump supporters don “45” on apparel to pay homage to the (45th) man in office bringing regressive immigration policy and dangerous rhetoric that impacts our communities. It just so happens that this year, if 100 people give $45, it will exactly cover the costs of theater space.
So many of our histories have been lost, or not not considered important enough to record in the first place. We understand the importance of preserving our narratives, so we ask 50 caring individuals to give $20 to enable us to document our work through photo and video.
YKR is a creation we’d like to see bloom for years to come. We ask that community members give $5 to usher us into our 5th year.
What else can I do to help?
Money isn’t the only way to contribute! Some other ways you can help:
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Get the word out and make some noise about our project! Invite that aunty or uncle so we can have a talk with them. Use our hashtag #YKRnyc when you @ us on Instagram or mention us on Facebook.
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Use the share tools and help us spread the word!
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If you’re interested in joining YKR in 2019, sign up for our listserv to get notified in the Fall when we will host auditions.
How can I see the show?
This year's show is on Thursday, May 31st, Friday, June 1st and Saturday, June 2nd. Tickets will be on sale in early/mid May. Sign up for our listserv to get notified when the tickets go on sale and buy soon! We sell out each year!
DONOR INCENTIVE LEVELS
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Social Media Shoutout From YKR or Cast Members
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Affirmation Art (Digital Copy Only)
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All of Above
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Spellbook (Digital Copy Only)
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Affirmation Art (Print Physical Copy)
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All of Above
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Button or Tasbih
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All of Above
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Personalized Postcard Handwritten & Signed by Cast
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All of Levels 1, 2, 3
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Personalized Postcard Handwritten & Signed by Cast
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1 Reserved Ticket
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Audio Recorded Guided Meditation by our resident professional meditation guide
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All of Levels 1 &2
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Storytelling and/or Monologue Writing Workshop
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Physical Spellbook (Signed, w/ Bonus Exclusive Content such as Behind the Scenes Pics, Quotes/Poetry/Artwork/Etc by Cast)
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All of Level 6
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Button or Tasbih or Spellbook for Workshop Attendees (Depending of # of Attendees & Availability of Materials)
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DONOR’S CIRCLE Mention in Program & Website
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2 Tix
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Signed Poster + Physical Spellbook
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DONOR’S CIRCLE Mention in Program & Website
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4 Tix
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Signed Poster + Physical Spellbook
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DONOR’S CIRCLE Mention in Program & Website
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Salon and/or Cast Panel
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DONOR’S CIRCLE Mention in Program & Website
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Salon and/or Cast Panel
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Tasbih/Button AND Spellbook for All Attendees
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ALL DONORS Get Discount Code for Next Year’s YKR (% or $ OFF) upon receiving incentives
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ALL tix earned by DONOR’S CIRCLE Get Preferred Seating