Panel at National Asian American Theater Festival

Join us at the National Asian American Theater Conference and Festival as we share our work on a panel. In this case study session, panelist will share the local, national and international impact that Refugee Nation, an interdisciplinary theater project based on stories collected from Laotian refugees, has had in their community. Through theater and organizational partnerships, this project reaches across oceans, from Los Angeles to Laos, to explore war, global politics and U.S. citizenship. We will be joined by long time colleagues: Channapha Khamvongsa, Legacies of War, and Bryan Thao Worra of the Lao Assistance Center.

Progress in Portland

Why no posts lately? It's been busy. We closed our shows in Seattle, had one day to re-coup (but didn't cause we wanted to see our friends before we left town) and did a final evening workshop for Highline Community College. Early the next morning we headed to the train station with our dear hosts Pom, Phon & Ravi. Bidding them a very fond farewell, wishing we could pack them in our bags, we then took off on the train to Portland. First day here we interviewed Mr. Hongsa a leader in the Lao community. Thursday and Friday more workshops and school presentations. Memorial Day was no Holiday for us. We loaded into the Interstate Firehouse Theater and started setting up lights and costumes. Tuesday was a long day for the guys. A workshop with youth and another 10 hour day in the theater setting lights. Tomorrow is an ambitious day set for two run-thrus. Let me tell a bit about the cast of characters here in Portland! Toc, remember Toc from Alaska? Now a mother of two, Toc is the major force behind introducing Refugee Nation to Portland. She's gathered her like minded, fierce force of South East Asian women to make the show happen. Jen (also the mother of two) is the calm centered one of the bunch, Pone is a go getting lawyer/mom, and Coi is ever helpful and supportive (even if it requires being a drinking buddy/nightlife tour guide). In addition there is Sathy, Bopha, Alma, Souk and a whirling array of excited, generous, helpful, energetic folks making the rainy days of Portland seem full of light!

Sleepless in Seattle

When you tour with a 5 month old...sleep deprivation is eminent. Say, you have a performance at 7:30pm and end at 9:30pm...you got out with fans and colleagues aftewards and soon realize time has passed. Next thing you know...you'll be up at 2AM or 4AM for the feeding, cleaning and changing of your 5 month old. We are lucky that our boy is one of the most social, calm and very friendly baby.

Seattle is done. We leave Sea-town with a warm send off. Our three performances at the Ethnic Cultural Theater brought in approximately 250 new audience members who had a chance to experience Refugee Nation. The demographics of various ages and ethnicities is the most impressive. Our Saturday matinee surprisingly brought Laotian families from elementary school children to grandparents. We had a very successful outcome that I feel made quite an impression and impact on the community in Seattle. We heard wonderful responses to the play like "I wish more people could see this...I wish I had told my friend or family about this...they should come." All these responses make me realize the great work that we do, the high quality of acting and presentation and the commitment we have to our theater art.

Thank you Seattle for a wonderful time. Lao Heritage Foundation: Major round of applause for master host Pom, Phon & Ravi Khampradith. They are such a busy family and with the heart of giving. There home is a cultural center for the Lao, especially for Kinnaly Dance Troupers. Big sisters Olivia, Jennifer and Phonetip are emerging leaders. Thanks for the fun times, laughter and taking our "boys" Litdet and Kedar out for a Seattle night to remember. Joseph Mills and Franklin High School Southeast Asian youth who had the joy of experiencing a Refugee Nation theater workshop as well as seeing a phenomenal life changing play. I hope we inspired you to seek your desires to serve not just your own personal dreams but your communities. Joseph came twice to see with many of the boys in tow. Ekkarath Sisavathdy and Lina Older of Highline Community College are the most warm and supportive new friends we have made. Aside from squeezing us in to the API event early on our arrival to Seattle...we ended our last presentation and workshop at Highline with over 60 adult ESL students represented globally from every continent some countries even new to our vocabulary. We had an amazing workshop and presentation and afterwards were treated to fine dining at a restaurant by the waters of Puget Sound. Blessings to Sakuna Thongchanh and her family for being such great supporters.

Kinnaly Musicians & Dancers ACT!

Our tech maestro, Kedar Lawrence, arrived today and is put to work documenting our visit to Kinnaly Dance Troupe's weekly Sunday practices. Rainy Seattle welcomes Kedar with cold and dreary atmosphere on his first trip to the Pacific Northwest. He is excited to be joining the Refugee Nation team on tour. In lieu of regular class the students of Kinnaly were treated to a workshop lead by Leilani and your's truly. They were challenged to express themselves in ways that brought giggles, laughter and moments of pause. All had a great time and the 3 hour session ended with a workshop performance in front of the many parents that were there. The middle and high school participants got to share some of there stories in a group effort "flocking" around the studio, while the elementary school participants found self expression without inhibition. A great day for learning, loving and family.
Leading the workshop
The expressive line-up

Faces of the youngest actors in class

Learning how to flock while storytelling

Getting down into the story

Parents sit in the studio to enjoy the work and progress
Group cheer "IMUA" embedded to me from my days at T-shirt Theater

Highline Community College & Meeker Middle School

On our first day arriving in Seattle we were greeted by co-presenter and host Pom Khampradith of Lao Heritage Foundation. The weather...bleak...usual in Seattle but we came with warmth and smiles after an early morning airplane ride on Alaska Airlines. This was our first adventure with Nouthak our touring baby on board. He did well on the plane ride from LA to Seattle...YES for free lap child policy. Kinnaly Dance Troupe had a performance at the Asian Cultural Heritage Celebration at Highline Community College and we are asked to share an excerpt to a crowd of 300 or more. HCC has a large population of international students and you could see it in the crowd. Many beautiful distinct faces and languages socializing. The next day we went to Meeker Middle School and worked with 6-8 graders who are looking ahead towards college and did a workshop. So far the residency activity for our stay here has been very diverse of demographics. Refugee Nation is truly reflected in the people we've met with so far. Kinnaly and Leilani in the rain at Highline Community College
Welcome to Highline Community College
Kinnaly preps before performance
Backstage
Flags of countries highlighted for this years Asian Cultural Heritage celebration
International audience ready for some culture exchange
Acting outside with Meeker Middle School students
Expressing yourself

UCLA May 9:We came, we spoke and we conversed.

On May 9 at UCLA in a classroom of the Physics and Astronomy Building young minds gather and open up to hearing the tale of Refugee Nation. About 60 students attending an Asian American Theater class was filled with inquiring minds after we shared an excerpt on video. Both Leilani and I enjoyed for the first time the laughter and introspection that come from viewing the piece. We were in awe of our own performance alongside these new viewers. Afterwards, with so much content to discussed Leilani and I spoke with Nouthak strapped on about the important value of telling our own stories. Special thanks goes to the Professor Lucy Burns of Asian American Studies Department and Teresa Barnett of the Center for Oral History Research for making our visit to UCLA possible. I think we inspired and encouraged emerging voices to take the leap towards getting their community stories out!
Leilani lectures
Refugee Nation tag team lecture.
Father and son time.
Refugee Nation post lecture meal time.
Professor Lucy Burns observes with intent.

Full Circle of Inspiration

Our appearance at the UC Irvine Library's Southeast Asian Archive Open House brought us full circle. Several years ago while we were birthing Refugee Nation we went to visit the Southeast Asian Archives having met Anne Frank and Prany Sananikone for the first time. Through our visit we were inspired to collect and even learn various techniques of story collection. We also realized the importance of the voice for Southeast Asians and more specifically need to create and find Laotian material in the archive. Year later, Refugee Nation is a part of the collection at the UC Irvine Library. The event was like a family reunion of sorts with long time supporters and friends in attendance. Thank you for letting us share. The Southeast Asian Archive is a very important source for academics, scholars and anyone who is interested in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.
Christina J. Woo and Prum Ok
Southeast Asian Academic Power
Attendees and long time supporters: Bryan Thao Worra, Leslie Chanthaphasouk, Ketmani Kouanchao.
Pioneers of the Southeast Asian Archives: Prany Sananikone, Mr. Frank and Anne Frank with charming artistic couple and baby.

Sacramento the Lao'd Nation!!!

Congratulations to LAAO for hosting a historical and amazing event Sabaidee Bpeemai Lao Celebration at Cal Expo in Sacramento. We were honored to be invited. Our participation in sharing an aspect of the Lao community through theater for a crowd of thousands has been a true highlight in the Refugee Nation journey. We had a wonderful time and send sincere congratulations to the team that made it happen: Lily, La, Jerry, Judy, Jenny, Khonnie, Vicki, Melinda, Katherine and everyone of the Sacramento LAAO team. All photos below courtesy of Issy Alex Virasayachack. LAAO leader Lily Liemthongsamout
Afternoon emcees Tim Tararug from San Jose and Judy Sithipone
The over-the-top Emmy Macadangdang and Manny Manuel Luis Sanchez III aka Bert
Mistaken Awards to Ova Saopeng
Over 5000 in attendance at the 1st Lao New Year in Sacramento
Fellow artists: Alex San Dinero, Jonny Olsen, Tommy Chanthasene, K-ONE

same but different

Rehearsals began this week in preparations for Lao New Year in Sacramento and for our Pacific Northwest Tour to Seattle and Portland. On the one hand, it hasn't been THAT long since our last show, feels familiar. But something is different. Oh yeah! We had a baby! Nouthak Hakumele Saopeng (4 months) is attending all rehearsals and will be joining us on tour. Wow, what a whole new adventure. Hope we get to see you all on the road.

The Magic That Is

Final day with the amazing people who've made it happen. Reflections on Refugee Nation in Twin Cities.
Minnehaha Falls Park with peek-ka-boo artists Lidet, Leilani and Robert.
The family that stays together, plays together!
Point up to the marquee...Refugee Nation in lights!
The masterful workshop at the University of Minnesota students expressing themselves!

THE MAGIC THAT IS...
I have often heard the phrase "It is, what it is" referring usually to a situation that, at least for me, connotes that nothing can be done or it cannot be helped. In most cases I'm on the losing end. This is not one of those cases. Refugee Nation the play, the project, the residency, the performances, took years to sculpt and mature. Magic can happen, magic does happen...it takes time and effort and a lot of hard work! The success of Refugee Nation in the Twin Cities proves it so. I am amazed at the impact we have had in the Twin Cities when done right! Thank you so much Intermedia Arts, Lao Assistance Center and Pangea World Theater for making an example of what collaborative, communicative and conscious effort can do for a community!

There are many moments of magic I can reflect upon during our three full weeks in St. Paul-Minneapolis; from the first day arriving at the airport and picked up by Bryan Thao Worra in his beat up BMW...we didn't fully comprehend the adventure that was about to unfold. Miracles happen thanks to the Ratsabout family in Brooklyn Park...Saengmany, Gao, Maekalah and crawling Zakarin were commendable hosts. Without this family's down to earth spirit and awesome home the RN team would be split up. They were kind enough to accommodate all four refugees: Leilani, Litdet, Rena and myself after much fuss from an assumed prior engagement that unfortunately did not come through. Nonetheless, we adjusted to the situation and made good with making new family and friends. To which I add on to the magical moments of meeting the Photisane family whom lived just a few blocks away. The Photisane's are an amazing unit of eight who have such a deep, dramatic, uplifting story to share to the world that my hope is that it will happen. Thanks to their mother Aunty Oudom we were escorted into the senior group at Lao Cultural Center where we announced our arrival with the hope that they get to experience the play at Intermedia Arts.

I can share of many impactful stories like the young man from Iowa whom was so moved by the play he had to take a moment to collect himself midway through the play. The UofM Southeast Asian American students and the incredible work they produced in workshop with only an hour of time together. The diverse audiences that came to see the play and filled the houses practically every night. B. Ratsabout and other repeat audience members who came to see the play more than twice to fully take in the nuances of the performances. Fans like Julian Hines,who came with friends to support the show and insist that they come and see this play. Elders who smiled at me after the show and wished me well for sharing OUR stories. The Minneapolis artistic core: Bryan Thao Worra, May Lee Yang, Saymoukda Vongsamay, Robert Karimi and many others...

This proves that we are ultimate, historical, significant, penultimate...Lao American play of the decade. We will continue on thanks to the love and support of so many people. Let's continue to step forward building this Refugee Nation!

Twin Cities ACTivities

After a very successful week of performances we continue to make new friends and fans of Refugee Nation. Amongst the new friends and fans were some who got to experience the fun and educational theater workshops and socials we were able to squeeze in. We call this community engagement, exchange and interaction. All in all the sharing that happens brings us all closer and deeper to better understand and appreciate each other as individual human beings. Audiences have been touched in so many levels which makes us realize the importance of our work and forever drives us. Within this week alone we have presented excerpts, had post-show discussions, and facilitated theater workshops at various institutions throughout Minneapolis-St. Paul including: Intermedia Arts, Lao Cultural Center, St. Cloud State University, John F. Kennedy High School, and University of Minnesota. I am continually amazed at the reach and impact we have on the community. We have had Lao families of every generation attend, we have had a young man awaken to his Lao identity and so affected by the play, see a reflection of his family in the play...the stories go on an on. Art does change everything, art does heal, art is essential to our lives.

Some recent photo memories:
Lunch with visiting fans from Des Moines, Iowa!
Beautiful and amazing playwright and teacher Ms. Kathy Haddad of John F. Kennedy High.
JFK: Getting the creative writing class ready for some thinking activities.
JFK: Reaching for the sky while warming up the body!
UofM: Participants at the University of Minnesota workshop. Thanks to AASAP & LSA
UofM: Lao Student Association and Hmong Student Association Reps welcoming participants.
Lao and Iranian-Guatemalan brothers-in-artistic-arms...Ova Saopeng and Robert Karimi
IA: Refugee Nation cast members Ova and Litdet hanging outside Intermedia Arts
IA: Lao-paparazzi after the Bao Lao Dala!
IA: The power of the arts lives within all generations...GO REFUGEE NATION!
SCSU: St. Cloud St. University brought us for a performance excerpt and discussion.
SCSU: Leilani in dialogue and conversation with students of SCSU.

Lao Love in Minneapolis

Sharing a meal with Malisamai, Minneapolis Hmong and mom at her favorite place Dancing Ganesha.
Farewell to director Rena with our fabulous host family Gao, Maekalah and baby Zakarin.
Autumn sunshine while walking along Lake Calhoun.
Lao'd and Proud night out with Adisack and crew celebrating birthdays galore.
Meal at Shish in St. Paul after a workshop and radio interview.

We are blessed to have such a wonderful welcome in Minneapolis. The opening night for Refugee Nation was SOLD OUT! Sadly, several people had to be turned away BUT that's great because they can still get tickets for the rest of the run. We have had amazing reception to the play beyond our wildest expectations. So far in only two public performances, we have had standing ovations, a very diverse audience, and incredible publicity. Droves of various groups have come with curiosity, anticipation and excitement from all across the Midwest: Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois. Refugee Nation is ablaze with energy lighting up the Twin Cities with pure theatrical force. This is powerful theater that brings communities together. The rest of the run is going to be HOT HOT HOT! Publicity on radio, print, and internet media have been widespread! Minneapolis rocks! St. Paul rocks.