Samai Theater is a bilingual theater group that emphasizes corporal gesture and symbolism as a vehicle for cultural and universal expression. Through collaborative research, artistic investigation and creativity. Samai’s goal is to share the surprise and artistry of original theatrical events with audiences diverse in age, race and culture. Grace Lacques is a founding member of Samai Theater group.

Summoning the Actor Within Challenge, curated by theater teaching artist, Grace Lacques at the Armory Center for the Arts in Pasadena, was created during the pandemic as a way to keep theater accessible, alive and thriving. The challenge was an invitation to individuals to explore theatrical characters by embodying the elements of two separate words: HOPE and BLUE.

Actors of all ages took up the challenge and shared their inspired individual creations within the online community.