Sorry for the long lag since
updating the site! Got a bit side-tracked for awhile...
~ DK
INTERNET
B.Y.O.CHOPSTIX
MUSIC VIDEO
Dan has directed and edited his first music
video! Great Leap's Artistic Director Nobuko Miyamoto teamed
up with rapper Luke "Aidger" Patterson to write
and record a funny-yet-pointed song about the ecological
ills of disposable chopsticks! Shot on location at Azuma
Restaurant in Gardena and in studio, B.Y.O.C. features Nobuko
as the Ghost of Dead Chopsticks, and Aidger as an eco-savvy
rapping sushi chef. Also making cameos are Danny Yamamoto
(drummer for Hiroshima), acclaimed solo perfomer Jude Narita,
and several former participants in Collaboratory.
Stay tuned for the B.Y.O.C. release date,
coming soon to YouTube, Vimeo, and several other web-based
video hosts!
Also, Great Leap is now selling portable
chopsticks on their website:
www.greatleap.org
Bring your own!
CALIFORNIA
Collaboratory VIII: "Order
To Go"
Continuing on the subject of ecological awareness,
another round of the Collaboratory mentorship program is
in progress under Dan's direction. This time we have our
most specific theme ever:
The Environmental Impact of Take-out
Food Containers & Utensils"!
We've got a great new group of emerging artists
being led by Dan and Young-Ae Park, learning to work together
on collaborative performances. Our guest teachers this time
are long-time Collab friend Shishir Kurup and visual artist
Francisco Letelier.
Field trips include the Santa Monica Recycling
Center, and Bottlebox - the only facility which goes all
the way from raw materials (used PET bottles) to finished
product (take-out food containers) in one location.
Final performances are slated for August
28 & 29, location still being determined - stay tuned!
LOS ANGELES
UCLA Medical School
August 3rd, 1:00PM
NPI Auditorium
A SLICE OF RICE, FRIJOLES &
GREENS
Our annual performance for first-year med
students in Bruin-town! This year will feature Dan, Paulina
Sahagun, and Lynn Manning performing 20 minutes of solo
material.
LOS ANGELES
24th Annual ATHE Conference
PANEL DISCUSSION
Wed. August 4th, 1:45-3:15PM
Moving Through Masculinity:
Re-thinking maleness through Theatre, Movement, and Dance
Hyatt Century Plaza Hotel - Encino
Room, California level
Dan sits on a panel with some amazing artists
discussing the exploration of masculinity in performance.
Jeff McMahon convenes, with Tim Miller, John Fleck, Dan
Froot, and Doug Cooney!
Panel description:
Physical theatre revives, reinforces, attacks,
and occasionally even attempts to ignore masculinity. This
panel, performers and scholars whose own identities represent
multiple interpretations of maleness and its manifestations,
will share their individual approaches to representing masculinity,
showing and telling how their work confronts and questions
accepted presentation, while revealing how physical movement
makes such shifting identities alive and embodied. This
panel will give the audience a visceral sense of how live
performance keeps dynamic embodiments of masculinity alive
and kicking, taking theory into practice and back again.
The expertise of the invited panelists includes solo performance,
music-based solo performance, Theatre for Youth, Butoh,
gender dialectics, martial arts, agit-prop performance,
AIDS activism, immersive theatre, club dancing, and mediated
performance. Through an open discussion and sharing of work
and process, we will reveal the multiple ways in which theatre
artists trace masculinity and its discontents through the
body, the voice, and the movement of ideas and identities.
(ATHE = Association for Theater in Higher
Education)
IN MEMORIAM:
MOMO
NAGANO KWONG
Sept. 16, 1925
- Mar. 31, 2010
On March 31st, my beloved mother
Momo passed away in Los Angeles. She was 84. Momo was at
home, as she would have wished, and surrounded by my three
sisters. I'm grateful for that small blessing. I was in
Philadelphia at the time and returned home the next morning.
My mother was my original inspiration
as an artist. She truly believed in the value and importance
of creativity. When I was a child, she made art a regular
part of family life. We were always painting, drawing, playing
with clay, making things.
She pursued ceramics for several
years in the early 60s, then switched to weaving by end
of the decade. It became her passion for decades.
Momo was unafraid of taking
the path less travelled, of being radically different from
the typical Nisei woman in lifestyle choices and attitudes
towards life.
After she and my father divorced,
my mother transformed our house into a crazy Bohemian hippie
crash pad, packed to the gills with artwork. Large tapestries-in-progress
would be hanging from the ceiling of our living room as
she diligently worked on them, and we kids would complain
if they blocked our view of the TV. She was fiercely persistent
(in this way she WAS a typical Nisei woman) in pursuing
her artwork, simultaneously raising four young children
on her own and eventually getting us all through college.
When I started performing in
1989, she became my most loyal fan and faithfully followed
my career. I used to joke that, when necessary, I could
always go to "The Mom Foundation for the Arts"
and take out a loan to get me through hard times. One of
her Mom-mantras whenever she saw me was, "Are you okay
for money?" She received the $20,000 check from the
U.S. Government as part of the 1988 Redress & Reparations
Bill which compensated survivors of WWII Japanese American
internment camps, and would draw upon that fund to help
support my precarious career as a free-lance artist. I still
owe her.
In 2002 her artistic career
was profiled in the documentary video "Words, Weavings
& Songs", produced by John Esaki and the Japanese
American National Museum. She credits the original inspiration
for her love of weaving to a wartime experience in Manzanar
internment camp, when she briefly worked with a team of
women weaving camouflage netting for the Army. Several of
her large works adorn the walls of my studio here in the
18th Street Arts Center.
A graduate of Wheaton College (Class of '47),
Momo was honored in May 2007 with the Wheaton Alumni Achievement
Award. My three sisters and I accompanied her to Norton,
Massachusetts to witness this wonderful acknowledgement,
one of the highlights of her life. I made a video documentary
of that memorable trip, and screened it as part of her memorial
service in May.
I never met anyone who cared about life as
much as my mother. She taught us that every person matters,
especially those who are forgotten or overlooked by society.
She was a champion of the underdog and always made sure
we remembered that the poor, the workers, those who did
the menial labor of the world - they were human beings too,
and deserved respect.
Aside from her accomplishments
as an artist, she was first and foremost The World's Most
Devoted Mom. She gave generously, happily, always letting
us know how much we were loved, always showing her care,
always delighting in our presence.
She was a great teacher of life
and gave us sound values: Always do your best. Never give
up. Never underestimate the power of your mind and spirit.
You can do anything. Use your ingenuity when faced with
challenges. Take care of people. Pay attention to details,
the little things in life. And have fun.
She defied society's conformist
model of adult behavior and somehow managed to keep alive
the child's spirit of playfulness within her. She was never
afraid to be silly or goofy in the name of fun and knew
this part of human spirit was worth protecting and preserving.
She had more joyfulness in her than any grown-up I ever
knew. I consider it to be one of her most precious gifts
to me.
I was lucky to have her, and
I'll miss her beyond belief.
Thanks, Mom.
MINI-REPORTS:
PHILADELPHIA,
PA
Artists Exchange Festival 2010
Asian Arts Initiative
March 27, 2010: Dan performed excerpts from
IG2BA. Also on the bill: Philly-based artists CATZIE VILAYPHONH
and ANULA SHETTY.
March 29-April 3, 2010: Dan also facilitated
an intensive workshop on the topic of "HOME: Far and
Near" with a terrific group of artists from across
the country including Anula Shetty, Robert Karimi, Regie
Cabico, Kristina Wong, Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai, Makoto Hirano
and Catzie Vilayphonh. The week culminated in a showing
of performances created by the group during the week.
The show was directed by Regie Cabico, who
graciously stepped in for Dan when he had to return home
mid-week when his mother passed away. Dan was actually able
to participate in the show from Santa Monica via live video
link, and read a short piece he had written in honor of
his mother. Special thanks to Gary San Angel for making
it technically possible.
Also, thanks to Gayle Isa (Exec. Director
of AAI) for her kindness and flexibility during this tough
situation.
Finally, thanks to all the participating
artists whose compassion and loving support made it as bearable
as possible.
WELLESLEY, MA
Wellesley College
February 11, 2010: Dan had a very successful
gig performing the newest version of IT'S GREAT 2B AMERICAN,
and also had a great time visiting Prof. Elena Creef's seminar
class. Exciting to try out a new version of the show and
get some useful feedback from students and faculty. Major
thanks to Prof. Creef, Marissa, and Ken Loewit for making
it happen!
MANHATTAN, KANSAS
Kansas State Univ.
February 3, 2010: Dan returned for his third
visit to KSU (since 1997) and performed a medley of short
pieces. He also got in a couple games of bowling in the
Student Union.
SANTA MONICA, CA.
Miles Playhouse
December 5 & 6, 2009: Dan had the pleasure
of performing with longtime friend and colleague Jude Narita
(and poet Elizabeth Iannacci). Good to be reminded how brilliant
Jude's work is!
SOUTH KOREA
Residency:
Gyeonggi Creation Center
Ansan, Gyeonggi Province
Oct. 29 - Nov. 24, 2009: Dan spent a month
at this brand new international arts center on Seongam Island,
a rural area 40 miles SW of Seoul. He was part of a group
of 24 international artists conducting researching for future
art projects focused on community issues.
While there, Dan also created a site-specific
installation piece in the form of a small-scale baseball
diamond, dedicated to the boys who died at this location
during WWII. (check out Dan's Facebook page for many photos
documenting the installation)
JAPAN
Lecture/Workshop Tour
AICHI PREFECTURAL UNIV., Nagoya
October 14, 2009: Dan facilitated an introductory
workshop on autobiographical writing & performance.
October 15, 2009: Dan gave a video/lecture
presentation for the British & American Studies Dept.
With a fully professional translator, wow!
Residency sponsored by the
Cultural Symbiosis Research Institute of Aichi Prefectural
Univ. Coordinated by Prof. Mizuho Murayama.
**************
KYOTO SANGYO UNIVERSITY,
Kyoto
October 16, 2009: Dan screened
video & lectured on his work, with focus on Hybrid Identity
and other pithy topics...
Coordinated by Prof. Kyoko
N. Nozaki
**************
KOBE UNIVERSITY, Kobe
October 21, 2009: Workshop on "effective
social/academic communications" for graduate students.
October 22, 2009: Autobiographical writing
& performing workshop for undergrad students.
October 22, 2009: Dan screened video and
lectured on IT'S GREAT 2B AMERICAN.
Coordinated by Prof. Hideyuki
Yamamoto
**************
COMPARATIVE CULTURAL HISTORY OF MASCULINITY
SYMPOSIUM, Osaka
October 24, 2009: Dan talked about his workshop
approach & demonstrated some of his teaching methodology.
Dan was also on a panel, talking about Asian American masculinity
and screening video clips of his work on the topic.
Sponsored by Japan Society
for Promotion of Science, Gender Studies Project led by
Prof. Miho Mitsunari, Setsunan University. Additional support
from the Asian American Literature Association and the American
Drama Association of Japan.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
PROF. HIDEYUKI YAMAMOTO OF KOBE UNIVERSITY FOR MAKING THIS
ENTIRE TOUR POSSIBLE!
PASADENA, CALIFORNIA
Touching All Bases: A Baseball Celebration
PASADENA CENTRAL LIBRARY
October 9, 2009: As part of ArtNight
Pasadena, the Baseball Reliquary and Pasadena Public Library
presented Touching All Bases: A Baseball Celebration. This
multi-cultural, multi-generational evening incorporated
visual art, music, performance, literature, and moving image
media to provide new insights into America’s national
pastime.
Secrets of the Samurai Centerfielder
On the 20th anniversary of his ground-breaking
performance Secrets of the Samurai Centerfielder,
Dan performed a monologue from the show.
Dodgertown
A funny
yet deeply-moving story about being a devoted follower of
the home team, including Kwong's childhood technique for
getting into Dodger games for free, his perspective on professional
sports as a mind-numbing substance, and a stunning vision
at Chavez Ravine.
OXFORD, OHIO
Miami University of Ohio
Baker University Center Theater
A SLICE OF RICE, FRIJOLES &
GREENS
October 1, 2009: Dan performed an excerpt
from IG2BA (Classroom Patriots) plus "Station Wagons
of Life" as part of Great Leap's touring show. Dan
performed with his longtime friends & colleagues, CHIC
STREETMAN and PAULINA SAHAGUN.
WELLESLEY, MA
Wellesley College
Lecture
September 23, 2009: Dan talked about his
work in Prof. Elena Creef's class on "Elvis Presley
& 50s America".
PROVIDENCE, RHODE ISLAND
Providence College
Performance: Slavin Student
Ctr.
September 24, 2009: Dan performed various
excerpts including "Birth Interview", Station
Wagons of Life", plus selections from IG2BA.
September 25, 2009: Dan facilitated an introductory
workshop on autobiographical writing for performance.
This residency sponsored by the Asian American
Association, Board of Multicultural Student Affairs, and
Students Organized Against Racism.
CALIFORNIA
The
World's Youngest Poet
Sylvia White Gallery, Ventura
September 4, 2009: Dan reprised his intellectual
baby, reciting selections from his latest book "Passions
of a Breastfeeder". Complete with spouting political
rhetoric (and baby poop) for a jam-packed house. Assisted
by the most fetching wet-nurse ever, Allura Lee.
CALIFORNIA
Collaboratory VII: "The
Blue Marble"
The Electric Lodge, Venice
Performed
by Porschia Baker, Manny Baldenegro, Caroline Chang, Claire
Day, Maya Gingery, Joyce Lee, Angela Salgado.
Directed
by DK, assisted by Young-Ae Park.
August 30, 2009: Great Leap
presented the latest works-in-progress created in their
mentorship program for developing the next generation of
artist-leaders in Los Angeles. Collab VII was focused on
"caring for the environment".
Collaboratory participants spent
six weeks experiencing field trips to environmental and
arts organizations, meetings with mentors from the local
arts community, master classes with guest teachers, and
workshops with Dan and Young-Ae practicing collaboration
techniques. The last two weeks were focused on the creation
of works for this presentation at Electric Lodge, a solar-powered
performing arts center.
This program was presented as
Electric Lodge’s 2009 “Green Piece”, their
annual project devoted to combining the arts and the environment.
CALIFORNIA
IT'S
GREAT 2B AMERICAN
Torrance Cultural Arts Center
May 27, 2009: Dan performed his newest show
for a packed house at the George Nakano Theater in Torrance.
Presented as part of the "Whose Story
Now?" series curated by John Powers, presented in association
with the Japanese American Citizens League, Japanese American
National Museum, Japanese American Historical Society, JACCC,
and more.
WISCONSIN
Lecture/Demo:
From
Inner Worlds
University of Wisconsin, Madison
February 23, 2009: Dan gave a 90 minute talk
with video screening, plus mini-performance excerpt about
his latest work. Dan was hosted locally by the wonderful
Li-Chiao-Ping and her husband Doug Rosenberg.
WISCONSIN
Performance:
IT'S
GREAT 2B AMERICAN
Beloit College, Wilson Theater
February 26, 2009: Dan performed the full
show for the good folks at Beloit, and taught an introductory
workshop on autobiographical writing & performing for
the Theater Department.
ILLINOIS
Lecture/Video presentation:
From
Inner Worlds
School of the Art Institute
of Chicago
February 26, 2009: Dan visited his beloved
alma mater to screen video and talk about his latest work.
Hosted by the Visiting Artists Performance Seminar series.
CALIFORNIA
IT'S
GREAT 2B AMERICAN
Los
Angeles Theater Center
November 14-16, 2008: This production featured
new choreography, spiffed up video sequences, and a definite
post-election kick!
Part of LATC's "Face Of The World Festival".
Be
Like Water
East
West Players Theater, Los Angeles
Directed
by Chris Tashima
Sept 17-Oct 12,
2008: Dan's new play had its world premiere!
"Dan Kwong has penned a powerful,
emotive, yet at times playful tale..." ~ Rafu Shimpo
"The beauty of "Be Like Water"
is that it's about families like yours that struggle with
identity, racism and insurmountable family expectations.
It's about your heartbreak and strength." ~ Pacific
Citizen
"Kwong can still deliver a roundhouse
kick to the emotions." ~ L.A. Times
"...Hayashida and Sun Lee deftly
handle playwright Kwong’s venerable skill in writing
monologues that forward story line while allowing character
depth." ~ View From A Loft
"Playwright Dan Kwong reveals an
ability to adapt the huge issues (racism, mother-daughter
stalemates, application of ancient wisdom) to living-room
scale. He balances these disparate dimensions so that the
expansiveness, danger and instruction of unseen story are
just as active as the day-to-day trials of his familar characters."
~ Theater Times
Synopsis:
Chicago, 1978. Disco rules.
It's been 5 years since the tragic and untimely death of
legendary martial artist Bruce Lee.
Tracy Fong is a 13-year old
tomboy who has become a street-fighting, ass-kicking, gung-fu/Bruce
Lee-fanatic. Her best friend at school happens to be named
Bruce Lee - but he's a scrawny little nerd who loves disco
dancing as much as Tracy despises it.
While Dad plays it cool, Mom
pressures their daughter to be more of a "normal"
girl.
As Tracy squares off against
a nasty bully, her overbearing mother, and the dreaded annual
disco dance, along comes the Ghost of Bruce Lee (in a glass
of water!) to help Tracy on her journey.
Produced by EWP in association
with Cedar Grove Onstage.
IT'S
GREAT 2B AMERICAN
HIGHWAYS,
Santa Monica
Co-directed
by Shishir Kurup
July 10-13, 2008: Dan premiered his
first full-length solo performance in 9 years!
MINNESOTA
IT'S GREAT 2B AMERICAN
2nd Natl Asian American Theater
Conference Mixed Blood
Theater, Minneapolis
June 5-7, 2008: Kwong performed
a 10 minute excerpt from his new work as part of the
Writer/ Performer Showcase, and also sat on a couple
panels at the Conference: "Surviving as a Solo
Artist" and "Shaping the Remix", the
latter which included discussion of the Collaboratory
mentorship program he has been directing for Great Leap
since 2005.
JAPAN
Performance as Self-Expression/Realization
Kobe University,
Japan
May 8, 2008: On Dan's second
visit to Kobe U. he gave a lecture to faculty and students
on his teaching methods and philosophy, and taught an
introductory performance workshop.
Sponsored by Kobe U's Prof.
Hideyuki Yamamoto and the Innovative Ethics Research Project,
Faculty of Letters.
CALIFORNIA
From
Inner Worlds
Cal State University Northridge
March 12, 2008: Dan performed excerpts from
his book as part of the CSUN multicultural program.
Collaboratory V: "Leaps
of Faith"
National
Center for the Preservation of Democracy, Los Angeles
March 8,9 2008: Led by Project
Director Dan and Co-Facilitators Young-Ae Park and Nobuko
Miyamoto, ten artists worked together for 7 weeks visiting
various religious/spiritual centers in Los Angeles, meeting
with local mentors/elders/ “wisdom-keepers”, experiencing
master classes with guest teachers, and sharing their own
personal stories of faith with each other.
They combined autobiographical
material along with historical and contemporary sources
in a highly collaborative approach, addressing questions
such as: How can multi-dimensional religious identities
live side by side? How do we navigate religious conflicts
with intelligence and compassion? How can we create progressive
and respectful visions for the future?
One of our most successful Collaboratory
residencies ever!
