BFF 2021 presents Tanya Thomas's NATURALLY TAN

Santa Monica Playhouse has been a cultural treasure in the seaside community for 61 years. Now, the Playhouse is giving love back with its Sixth Annual Binge Free Festival (BFF), a full month of free performances, workshops, readings, music and poetry in Santa Monica’s ONLY fringe festival.  What’s on today?

Told through the bold perspective of a vivacious drag queen named Tanvi, Naturally Tan follows Tanya Thomas’ desperation to fit in as a minority in Singapore and her search for acceptance in America.

Fueled by assimilation pains, Tanya delves into the heart of colorism that plagues the Asian diaspora, the complexities of racial identity, and the consequences of damaging beauty standards. Will Tanya hide behind her insecurities forever or will she embody her worth as a woman of color, mother, and artist?

Naturally Tan, written and performed by Tanya Thomas and developed with and directed by Jessica Lynn Johnson was an Official Selection & Best of Fest in The Whitefire Theatre’s SoloFest 2021 last winter. It also received rave reviews at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2021. The show adds a distinct voice to the full range and diversity of Asian American stories.

If you feel safer watching the show from the comfort of your own home, here’s the Youtube link for the free live stream: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VkaKa62APZo 

Binge Free Festival 2021 is presented through generous grants from the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors through the Los Angeles County Department of Arts and Culture, the City of Santa Monica, the Santa Monica Arts Commission, and Playhouse PALS.

Covid safety protocols in effect on the days of performances will be observed.