May Brings Entertainment To WLA College

“Wiley & the Hairy Man,” a play for children and the child in everyone, takes the stage in West Los Angeles College’s Black Bok Theater on May 7 and 8 at 7 pm and May 9 at 2 pm. Tickets are $2 for children and $5 for adults.

The play is part of “WestFest” which will spotlight the theater, dance, film writing and production, art and music programs throughout May at the college. There will also be a celebration and information on Latin American Culture as well as a unique display of academic learnings at the Poster Showcase.

“Wiley & the Hairy Man,” based on an old folktale, is set deep within the mysterious Tombigbee Swamp and centers around a young fatherless boy, his conjure-woman mother, his faithful dog, and the Hairy Man who haunts Wiley’s days and dreams. In a duel of wits the boy learns to rely upon his own resources and conquers two villains: the Hairy Man and his own fear. Featuring music, comedy and magic, this play is fun for the whole family.

On May 14 at 4:30 pm West’s film writing and production students will air their short films shot on smart phones at the college’s first “West72” festival. Students were given a topic – Moving Towards Equity - and just 72 hours to script, shoot and edit a movie. Their work will be reviewed remotely by celebrity judges including producer/director/screenwriter John Singleton, and actress Vanessa A. Williams, among others. The showing, in the Aviation Building (ATA 128) is free to the public and will be posted online.

West dancers, led by Ovation Award winning choreographer and West dance instructor Janet Roston, will explore The Seven Deadly Sins on May 15 and 16 at 7:30 in West’s Fine Arts Theater. The members of the Dance Production Group have created choreography that is powerful, emotional, inventive and fun,” said Roston. The dance pieces will be a mix of contemporary dance and hip-hop. Tickets are just $5.00. Children under age 12 get in free.

The best parking for the play and dance concert is in the college’s parking structure. Parking Lot 2 or Lot 5 are best for the film showcase. Parking is $2 and exact change is needed. For more information on WestFest, visit http://www.WLAC.edu/WestFest

West Los Angeles College is a fully-accredited community college at 9000 Overland Avenue (near Jefferson), Culver City 90230. There is a second convenient entrance at 10100 Jefferson between Overland and La Cienega.