Multidimensional Hip-Hop Theater Artist Joe Hernández-Kolski Presents Awake

June 16, 2011 - PRLog -- Multidimensional actor/comedian/def poet, Joe Hernández-Kolski, has been busy the past few weeks putting the finishing touches to his highly-anticipated new production, "awake," which is scheduled to open on July 29, 2011 at Bootleg Theatre in Los Angeles and run through August 20th. The show is the follow-up to Joe’s critically-acclaimed production, “You Wanna Piece of Me?” in 2005-- a work that received glowing reviews from Rob Kendt of the New York Times (August 28, 2005) and generated a major buzz around Joe as the next breakout artist.

The Polish-Mexican Chicago native describes the new work as an intimate stage performance incorporating spoken word poetry, comedy, dance, traditional storytelling and dispensing WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION.  This is a direct result, he believes, of growing up in our modern world where change is occurring so quickly.  We are witnessing America redefine itself and Joe is viewing it through a multicultural lens. His show is part Latino, part white, part hip-hop, part rock, part comedy, part dramatic storytelling.  But it's all very REAL.

"awake" is an in-depth look into Joe’s psyche as it gets pushed to its limits as he struggles with the typical signs of being a single man: the break ups, the career choices and the bittersweet realization that life is tough, unpredictable, and sometimes unfair.  And yet, depending on what side of the street you are standing on, can also be fodder for some great humor.  The works unfolds as Joe is thrown a proverbial curve ball when he learns his mother is sick.  Armed with a lot of privileges and a TiVo remote, he must take the challenges that life throws at him and defeat the negative voices in his head.  Now the question is, “how the heck does he do that?”

“My mother passed away a year ago and this show is dedicated to her. awake is my love letter to this thing called 'adulthood.'  I still can't figure out, when did I become an adult?  Some of the other questions that I ask are: When do you start living for yourself and let go of all of your parents' expectations?  When does the unexpectedness of life become exciting as opposed to pushing on you so hard that you can't get out of bed?  When do you stop feeling sorry and get over yourself?” Oh, and there are also way too many intimate sexual experiences shared with the audience.  But that's life," describes Joe.
Joe has spent years in the trenches from open-mics to countless college gigs. He has performed all over the country and has quickly established quite a reputation for himself among many influential circles. His previous works have received accolades from leaders in both entertainment and academia. The Princeton graduate’s shows have often been described as part John Lequizamo, part George Carlin which Joe considers the highest of compliments. “To reach the largest audience, find the most intimate truth.’  It’s a quote from Robin Williams that I live by,” describes Joe for his desire to connect with audiences as he explores the struggle between the need to grab a hold and make life happen versus the need to let go and allow life to take its course.

Be sure to check out “awake” when it opens on July 29, 2011 at the Bootleg Theatre.  

More on Joe Hernández-Kolski:
A two-time HBO Def Poet, Joe Hernández-Kolski is an award-winning TV, stage and film actor/writer who is constantly in demand. He is known for his live performances that are hard-hitting, truthful, and incredibly funny.  He combines acting, spoken word poetry, comedy and dance to share very personal stories. He currently lives in Los Angeles.  Born and raised in the city of Chicago, Joe began acting professionally as a child.  He is a graduate of Princeton University and of Polish and Mexican descent. For detailed information on Joe, please visit www.pochojoe.com

What People Have Been Saying About Joe Hernández-Kolski:

“Joe is one of the most brilliant, courageous and gifted artists on the globe. He tells difficult truths with unsparing honesty leavened with glorious wit and humor.”
   Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, Georgetown University

“Joe is a refreshing and seldom heard voice of the hip-hop generation that deserves listening and watching.”
   Danny Hoch, Actor/Writer

“Joe’s work offers a fresh perspective that is both honest and insightful.”   
Dr. Cornel West, Princeton University

“Joe is an inspiring voice and talent. His work is humorous and powerful.”
Saul Williams, Musician/Poet

"Joe ain’t afraid to be entertaining, in fact highly entertaining is what he is.  Joe, I’ve noticed, likes to take chances and push the audience close to the edge."
   Marc Smith, Founder of the Slam Movement and Poetry Slam, Inc.