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 will premiere 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?” -- a work that received a glowing review in The New York Times.

The Polish-Mexican Chicago native describes the new work as a very intimate stage performance incorporating spoken word poetry, comedy, dance, traditional storytelling and dispensing WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION about growing up in a modern world in flux.  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” takes 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 result in fodder for some great humor.  The work unfolds as Joe is thrown a proverbial curve ball when he learns his mother is sick and ultimately passes on.  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?” 

Joe has performed all over the country opening up for everyone from comedian Carlos Mencia to Grammy-winning artists like Ozomatli and legendary musician John Mellencamp. He 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 he considers the highest of compliments.

Be sure to check out the world premiere of “awake” on July 29, 2011 at the Bootleg Theatre located at 2220 Beverly Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90057, (213) 389-3856. http://www.bootlegtheater.org/

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.  Joe 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 with a BA in History with Certificates in the African-American Studies and Theatre and Dance programs.  Joe is of Polish and Mexican descent. For detailed information on Joe Hernández-Kolski and “awake,” please visit www.pochojoe.com