Celebrating Asian American Art & Artists

Celebrating Asian American Art & Artists

Short Performances and a Panel Conversation
Featuring Roger Tang, Kathy Hsieh, Susan Lieu, Michal Yichao, SIS Productions, and Pork Filled Productions

Intiman Theatre invites you to join us for A Celebration of Asian American Art & Artists, presented in partnership with Pork Filled Productions. This event will feature four short performances from Pork Filled Productions, SIS Productions, Susan Lieu, and Michael Yichao, followed by a live panel conversation with the artists hosted by Roger Tang. Roger, Susan, Yichao, and Kathy Hsieh will discuss the power of visibility to combat anti-Asian hate, and the impact that the performing arts can have in increasing Asian American visibility. There will be four performances running 5mins each, including a selection from Susan Lieu’s 140 LBS, followed by a live panel conversation.

Tuesday, May 18th 2021, 5pm-6pm pacific.

Tickets are Free for Everyone. Reserve yours today to receive the Zoom link to join. Donations accepted with thanks.

This event will be auto-captioned. Open to all ages.

Watch ON DEMAND

Meet the Artists

Kathy Hsieh

Kathy (she/her) is a founder and Co-Executive Producer for SIS Productions and is also an award-winning actor, writer and director whose honors include the National Association of Asian American Professionals in Seattle as their Artist of the Year, an International Examiner Community Voice Awardee in the Arts, and a Gregory Award for Sustained Achievement. Her scripts have been experienced in Vancouver, B.C.; Chicago; Minneapolis and Seattle. Artistic projects in the last year include Notes for My Daughter as part of Macha Theatre Works’ 17 Minute Stories, 14/48 Projects’ It’s a Wonderful Life, Harlequin Productions’ radio version of Snow in Midsummer, and Parley’s Patch and Piper Save the Multiverse. She has also worked with SIS Productions, Pratidhwani, Pork Filled Productions, Raisins in a Glass of Milk, Sound Theatre, ReAct, Seattle Rep, Book-It, ACT, Intiman, Taproot, ArtsWest, Living Voices, Seattle Shakespeare’s Wooden O and more.

Photo by Rick Wong.

Susan Lieu

Susan (she/her) is a Vietnamese-American playwright, performer, and author who tells stories that refuse to be forgotten. With a vision for healing, her work delves deeply into the lived realities of body insecurity, grieving, and trauma with humor. Her first solo show, 140 LBS: HOW BEAUTY KILLED MY MOTHER is the true story of how her mother died from plastic surgery malpractice when Lieu was 11 years old and her search to find her mother’s killer. Her 10-city national tour received press from L.A. Times, NPR, NBC News, American Theatre, and The Seattle Times. Her work has been showcased with ACT Theatre, CAAMFest, The Wing Luke Museum, The Moth at Benaroya Hall, On The Boards, and Bumbershoot. She has a BA from Harvard, an MBA from Yale, and is the co-founder of Socola Chocolatier. Her debut memoir “The Manicurist’s Daughter” will be published in 2023 from Celadon Books (Macmillan). www.susanlieu.me 

Roger Tang

Roger (he/him) is Executive Director of Pork Filled Productions. He is a playwright and a veteran theatre producer of over four decades who began working with folks like David Henry Hwang and Philip Kan Gotanda. As a producer, he introduced Northwest audiences to such writers as Qui Nguyen, Prince Gomolvilas, Carla Ching and Genny Lim and has produced numerous regional and world premieres, from Hwang’s Bondage and Yellow Face to Maggie Lee’s The Clockwork Professor, The Tumbleweed Zephyr and A Hand of Talons. He has sat on the boards of ReAct Theatre and the Northwest Asian American Theatre (where he helped build the Theatre Off Jackson). Called the “Godfather of Asian American theatre” by A. Magazine, he is Secretary for the Consortium of Asian American Theaters and Artists (CAATA) and edits the Asian American Theatre Revue, the web’s foremost resource on Asian American theatre (www.aatrevue.com).

Michael Yichao

Michael Yichao (he/him) is a playwright and actor currently residing in Seattle. When not making or dreaming about theater, he’s the Worldbuilding Narrative Lead at Wizards of the Coast, where he oversees story for an exciting roster of new video games. A Kennedy Center American Colleges Theater Festival alum and National Playwright Conference finalist, Yichao’s plays have been seen around the world (but mostly in charming blackbox theaters up and down the west coast and Chicago). Before the pandemic, you might have also found him on the Jet City Improv stage. Nowadays, you can always find him talking about games, theater, and really, just posting too many photos of his dog Nyx, on Twitter @michaelyichao. michaelyichao.com

Pork Filled Productions

Pork Filled Productions is the theater offshoot of the long-running sketch comedy group, The Pork Filled Players. PFP is the oldest Asian American drama group in the Pacific Northwest and is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of Asian American theatre by tackling non-traditional subject matters for Asian American theatre, ranging from sketch comedy to steampunk to supernatural romantic comedies to kung fu Shakespeare zombies. Their mission is to produce and develop genre plays (steampunk, science fiction, superheroes, horror, fantasy), promote Asian American and POC artists and to imagine fantastical, inclusive and FUN universes. They envision a bright universe informed by diverse experiences and perspectives, and populated by larger than life characters where everyone’s story can be told. www.porkfilled.com

SIS Productions

SIS Productions is a production company that strives to create, develop and produce quality works that involve Asian American women, their themes, and Asian American issues. Founded in 2000, SIS began through the creation of Sex in Seattle, a 20-episode Asian American romantic comedy that ran for 12 years to popular and critical acclaim. SIS produces Northwest premieres of new Asian American plays, often introducing Seattle to playwrights like Lauren Yee, Michael Golamco and Julia Cho. We also partner with others to bring relevant work centering the voices of Asian Americans to the region. One of the first companies to do site-specific work locally through our Revealed theatrical walking tours of the International District, we partnered with The Hansberry Project, eSe Teatro and Pratidhwani, to create Represent! A Multicultural Playwrights’ Festival to showcase new work by playwrights of color. SIS serves as a resource for connection, diverse casting, and racial and gender equity in theatre. celebr8women.wordpress.com

#SharetheLove Spotlight on Sawhorse Revolution

Our FINAL #SharetheLove Spotlight is Sawhorse Revolution! Their mission is to foster confident, community-oriented youth through the power of carpentry and craft. They team high school youth with professional carpenters and architects to create needed community projects. So cool! Jennifer Zeyl partnered with them when founding the STARFISH Project for Intiman, and we remain huge fans of their work. Today, Intiman is making a $500 donation to Sawhorse Revolution in honor of their work empowering youth.

Spotlight #18 of 18!

Learn more at sawhorserevolution.org.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on Langston

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is Langston! Langston’s mission is to strengthen and advance our community through Black arts and culture, and they lead programming within the historic Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute. Intiman presented STICK FLY and BARBECUE at Langston, and we are honored to be in community with this awesome nonprofit. We are making a $500 donation to Langston, and then we are buying tickets to their 18th Annual Seattle Black Film Festival which is now playing online!

Spotlight #17 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at langstonseattle.org.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on The Unspoken Truths

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is The Unspoken Truths! This American History Traveling Museum founded by Delbert Richardson has a mission to empower all people with the unspoken historical truths that leads to self-restoration and community healing. South End Stories, a fiscally sponsored community partner of Intiman Theatre, has been partnering with The Unspoken Truths on a project with Seattle University over the past several months. We are so grateful to work with and learn from Delbert! Intiman is making a $500 donation to The Unspoken Truths today.

Spotlight #16 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at unspokentruths.org.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on Velocity

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is Velocity! Velocity is Seattle’s premier art center dedicated to contemporary dance and performance. Intiman partnered with Velocity by producing events in their former space, and now we are going to be neighbors on Capitol Hill. Intiman is making a $500 donation to Velocity today in honor of their 25th anniversary! Happy Birthday, Velocity!

Spotlight #15 of 18!

Learn more and join their birthday celebration at velocitydancecenter.org

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on The IF Project

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is The IF Project! The IF Project is a collaboration of law enforcement, current and previously incarcerated adults and community partners focused on intervention, prevention and reduction in incarceration and recidivism. Co-founder Kim Bogucki has consulted on several Intiman projects, and we love how this project uses the power of story to change lives. Listen to La’Keisha “KeWee” Hamilton’s story in this video to learn more. Thank you to KeWee for sharing her story with us! Intiman is making a $500 donation to The IF Project today, with thanks for all they do working with incarcerated women.

Spotlight #14 of 18!

Learn more at theifproject.org

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on Baile Dior Studios

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is Baile Dior Studios! Baile Dior is a Black owned studio that provides dancers of all levels with more than just classes, but a unique experience where they can grow both mentally and physically as human-beings. They specialize in Majorette dance (J-sette), found at the heart of Historical Black Colleges and Universities. Intiman has partnered with Baile Dior with STARFISH Project, and they are frequent collaborators with Donte Felder and South End Stories. Intiman is making a $500 donation to Baile Dior today, with thanks for all they do providing youth and families with a place to belong.

Spotlight #13 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at bailediorstudios.com.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on The Everett Chorale

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is The Everett Chorale. In 2019, Intiman partnered with The Everett Chorale for THE EVENTS – singers from the chorale performed at nearly all showings of the production and kicked off the performances at our annual Gala. The Everett Chorale performs a wide variety of choral music for the enrichment and enjoyment of our community while providing local singers with the opportunity to increase their musical knowledge and experience. They haven’t performed together in over a year because of COVID, and we can’t wait to hear them sing once more. Today, Intiman is making a $500 donation to The Everett Chorale with thanks for all of their partnership. 

Spotlight #12 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at everettchorale.org.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on The Washington Bus

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is The Washington Bus! The Washington Bus is a statewide movement building organization that increases political access and participation for young people across Washington State and develops the next generation of young leaders. Intiman partnered with the Bus for our virtual presentation of THE RACE 2020 last year, making sure audiences for that show (including first-time voters at colleges across the country) knew how to get registered to vote! Intiman is making a $500 donation to The Washington Bus today, with thanks for all they do empowering youth voice in politics.

Spotlight #11 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at washingtonbus.org.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.

#SharetheLove Spotlight on Sound

Today’s #SharetheLove Spotlight is Sound (formerly Sound Mental Health). In 2019, Intiman partnered with Sound to provide de-escalation training for the entire production team of THE EVENTS, as well as audience support during after-show conversations. Actor Sarah Harlett and director Paul Budraitis discuss the partnership and what they learned working with Sound. Sound understands that there’s a connection between the body and the mind, and provides holistic mental health services throughout Washington. Intiman is making a $500 donation to Sound today, with thanks for their support on our production of THE EVENTS.

Spotlight #10 of 18!

Learn more about our partner at sound.health.

When YOU #SharetheLove, WE #SharetheLove!

#SharetheLove

The #SharetheLove campaign runs April 7th – 24th and is raising $100,000 in support of:

  • Establishing our new partnership with Seattle Central College (SCC) as the professional theatre-in-residence
  • Moving our operations to Capitol Hill 
  • Launching our new Associate of Arts degree, emphasis in Technical Theatre for Social Justice at SCC
  • Continuing our free education programs online, including STARFISH Project and South End Stories
  • Resuming production this fall at the Erickson Theatre and Broadway Performance Hall

Join in today.