Pictured: Lavina Jadhwani

SPIEL CHICAGO is a bi-weekly podcast that explores the progressive and thoughtful work of women in Chicago theater. To listen to past Spiel Chicago podcasts click here.

Lavina Jadhwani is a director, playwright and casting director who is fascinated by the art of the mash-up.  She recently adapted Uncle Vanya for Rasaka Theatre Company, the midwest’s first South Asian American theater company where she previously served as Artistic Director.  Lavina spoke with me about the kind of work that’s important to her, as well as her work as a casting director.

We also discussed her ongoing project to gather data on the number of playwrights and directors of color being produced by Chicago Theatres.  Lavina (as well as some other artists) has pledged not to see work at any theater that does not produce at least one director or playwright of color in their entire season.  You can read more about the beginnings of that work here.

Discussed in this episode:

• Lavina’s Website
• Rasaka Theatre Company
• Jared Zimmerman (website design)
• Asian American Performers Action Coalition
• Silk Road Rising
• Congo Square Theatre
• Lifeline Theatre Company
• Teatro Vista
• Vietgone
• Mike Pence seeing Hamilton

To support Lavina and the other artists on Spiel Chicago, visit the artists events page over at Spiel Chicago to see what shows they’ve got coming up and how you can get tickets.

See you at the theater!