contributed photo
On the 38th anniversary of the death of Vincent Chin, I had the privilege of holding space and a conversation with four Asian American artists about their work and activism. Each individual shared her/their work in the radical imagination — an envisioning of a world that is more equitable and more just. We discussed topics around representation, theater and performance art, allyship, and equity for people of the global majority.
I’m inspired by the courage of artists to tell the difficult stories of our lives. Their work observing the human experience reminds me of the difficult work I must also do here with my community and family to recognize, discuss, and take action against institutional racism that persists against people of color, especially Black lives.
As a mother to two daughters who are not white, I struggle with articulating the messy language and concept of race and how it affects perception, prejudice, and power. In places like this conversation, I feel the light of hope and the power of community standing in solidarity together against systems of oppression.
There are too many insightful points from the panelists to capture here, but following are a few brief excerpts:
Adrian Huq – A youth climate activist, organizer, youth trainer, visual and spoken word artist: ”I imagine a radically different future through a stronger environment and through uplifting marginalized communities and climate justice… it’s really nice to know that there are other youth that not only care about this idea and issue of climate change but are also willing to mobilize.”
Diane Phelan – An actor-director, founder of the Broadway Diversity Project and #RacismIsAVirus: “…in the same show, silent, mute… I just didn’t feel like my voice was necessary… giving BIPOC opportunities to perform, and be seen.”
Kristina Wong – A solo performer, comedienne who weaves in social justice and empowerment, and Neighborhood Council representative in Los Angeles: “…it’s a whole paradigm shift; there was this crazy moment that happened two weeks ago where two different opera companies put out Black Lives Matter statements in solidarity, and then they’re going to stream Madame Butterfly with white actors.”
Lily Tung Crystal – An actor, director, executive coach and artistic director of Theater Mu in the Twin Cities, and founding artistic director emeritus of Ferocious Lotus Theatre Company: “…what is the makeup of your board, is it predominantly people of color, or not? Look at the makeup of your leadership… your staff… not only who’s on your stage.”
Watch Shaping Our Voices into Movements, Action, and Allyship from the 25th International Festival of Arts & Ideas as part of the Activist Songbook series.
Annie Lin is the Associate Director of Arts Programs at the Yale-China Association, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging Chinese and American cultures through programs in health, education, and the arts. To reach Annie directly: annie.lin@yale.edu