CRIERS FOR HIRE

by Giovanni Ortega

Presented in association with East West Players and Prizm Haus

Sunday, September 20, 2026 · 5pm

Approx. Run Time: 90 minutes · No Intermission

Aurora, Remedios, and Eugenia are three of the most sought-after professional funeral criers in Brea. They are eager to welcome Aurora’s 14-year-old daughter Ligaya (nicknamed Gaya) from the Philippines into their world and teach her their somber trade. However, they soon realize that Gaya has the opposite effect on people, making them laugh instead of cry. What ensues is a hilarious and heartwarming story of cultural identity, generational conflict, and finding home in a new country

Criers for Hire was commissioned by East West Players Theatre in 2016 and was produced with generous support from the National Endowment for the Arts. In community partnership with Asia Society and FilAm Arts.

Content Advisory: Some depictions of hate speech and racism may not be suitable for all audiences.

This production is part of Amplify — an initiative to address the inequality in performing arts programming. This program provides a platform and outlet for performing artists of all kinds, while expanding the inclusivity and outreach of the Curtis Theatre to a diverse artistic community.