Works & Process to Present Washington National Opera: Written in Stone / February 12, 2022 by David Hwang

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, is set to present “Washington National Opera: Written in Stone” on Feb. 6, 2022.

The event will take place in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Peter B. Lewis Theater at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and will show a sneak peek of the work inspired by iconic monuments in Washington, D.C., and the ideals embodied by President Kennedy.

“Written in Stone” is a series of intimate short works interwoven into a single evening celebrating the Kennedy Center’s fiftieth anniversary. During the event select creators of “Written in Stone,” including Huang Ruo, David Henry Hwang, Kamala Sankaram, and A.M. Homes will discuss their creative process with Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. Cast members also perform highlights illuminating the intimate stories that celebrate diversity and acknowledge the struggles of today’s America.

Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power and Attitudes Toward Asians | Sundance 2022 / February 9, 2022 by David Hwang

Brainwashed: Sex-Camera-Power is an expanded form of Nina Menkes’ presentation Sex and Power: The Visual Language of Oppression. While feminist pioneer Menkes doesn’t focus on Asian stereotypes in her film, the points she brings up are important in the analysis of minorities in films.

Menkes gives an example of a Black man objectified in a way similar to how women are commonly treated. Asian Americans will likely remember that more than three decades ago, in 1988, playwright David Henry Hwang suggested that the so-called Orient and people perceived as Oriental were considered the subordinate weaker part of humanity. In the yin-yang or the East-West dichotomy, the Orient is the feminine side of nature and is contrasted by the powerful, wise, and intellectually superior masculine side of nature represented by Western nations, and particularly Western White men.

Works & Process to Present Washington National Opera: WRITTEN IN STONE / February 8, 2022 by David Hwang

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, will present Washington National Opera: Written in Stone on February 6, 2022 at 7:30 pm. Taking place in the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Peter B. Lewis Theater at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, all programs invite audiences to embrace artistic process and uniquely blend performance highlights with insightful artists discussions.

Inspired by iconic monuments in Washington, D.C., and the ideals embodied by President Kennedy, Written in Stone is a series of intimate short works interwoven into a single evening celebrating the Kennedy Center's fiftieth anniversary. For one night only, prior to the March world premiere, select creators of Written in Stone, including Huang Ruo, David Henry Hwang, Kamala Sankaram, and A.M. Homes discuss their creative process with Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. Cast members also perform highlights illuminating the intimate stories that celebrate diversity and acknowledging the struggles of today's America.

Read more at Broadway World

Eugene O’Neill Theater Center Will Honor Founder George C. White / January 27, 2022 by David Hwang

Michael Douglas will present White with the Monte Cristo Award at the April gala.

The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center will honor its founder George C. White with the 21st Monte Cristo Award at the organization's spring gala, to be held at the Gotham Hall in New York City April 11. Oscar winner Michael Douglas, who helped build the O'Neill (literally—he was on the work crew that built the amphitheater), will present White with the award.

The O'Neill was founded in 1964 and remains one of the country's most distinguished organizations for new works development. Programs at the O'Neill include the National Playwrights Conference, National Music Theater Conference, National Critics Institute, National Puppetry Conference, Cabaret & Performance Conference, and National Theater Institute. White served for 37 years as president of the O’Neill and chairman of its Board of Trustees.

The gala's Honorary Committee will include Congressman Joe Courtney, Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones, David Henry Hwang, Michael R. Jackson, Judith Light, John Logan, Senator Chris Murphy, Robert O’Hara, Maryann Plunkett and Jay O. Sanders, John Patrick Shanley, Jeanine Tesori, Preston Whiteway, Constanza Romero Wilson, and George C. Wolfe.

Kennedy Center & Washington National Opera to Present World Premiere of WRITTEN IN STONE / January 27, 2022 by David Hwang

A surveyor ponders the meaning of memory and monuments. A young girl scout seeks a place for herself in history. A Black father and son find themselves on opposite sides of a same-sex marriage rally. And the vision of 22-year-old Asian American undergraduate Maya Lin is the catalyst for a reappraisal of the Vietnam War. Their stories come together on March 5-25, 2022, when the Kennedy Center presents the Washington National Opera (WNO)'s world premiere production of Written in Stone. A jewel in the crown of the center's landmark 50th anniversary season, this evening-length experience comprises a prologue and three short one-act operas, inspired by some of Washington, D.C.'s iconic monuments to ask timely questions about the ways we memorialize history, the stories we tell, the voices we amplify, and what our choices tell us. Commissioned by WNO from the creative pairings of Alicia Hall Moran and Jason Moran, Kamala Sankaram and A.M. Homes, Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Carlos Simon, and Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang, these compelling new works celebrate the diversity of contemporary America while confronting some of its most divisive fault lines and offering the hope of catharsis.

Read more at Broadway World

Sasha Cooke to Release ‘How Do I Find You’ / January 27, 2022 by David Hwang

Mezzo-soprano Sasha Cooke is set to release and perform from a new album “How Do I Find You” at the end of January 2022.

The album, which will be released on Jan. 28 by Pentatone, will be followed by Live World Premiere at the San Francisco Symphony just two days later.

The showcase features new music by such composers as Caroline Shaw, Kamala Sankaram, Matt Boehler, Missy Mazzoli, John Glover, Rene Orth, Christopher Cerrone, Gabriel Kahane, Andrew Marshall, Huang Ruo, Timo Andres, Nico Muhly, Hilary Purrington, Lembit Beecher, Frances Pollock, Joel Thompson, and Jimmy López Bellido, set to words by Caroline Shaw, Mark Campbell, Todd Boss, Royce Vavrek, Kelley Rourke, Colleen Murphy, John K. Samson, Gabriel Kahane, David Henry Hwang, Lola Ridge, Thomas Traherne, Liza Balkan, Emily Roller, and Gene Scheer.

Conrad Ricamora on His Bumpy Road to ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ / January 23, 2022 by David Hwang

The actor reflects on continuing the Off Broadway revival’s hot streak, and fighting against the stereotypes facing Asian American actors.

Since it opened in October 2019, Michael Mayer’s well-received “Little Shop of Horrors” revival has drawn quite the handsome string of leading men: Jonathan Groff was the first to step into Seymour Krelborn’s Converse sneakers, and he was followed by Gideon Glick and Jeremy Jordan. This reflects the casting evolution of the character, a painfully shy plant geek. Not many roles have been played by both Rick Moranis (in the show’s 1986 movie adaptation) and Jake Gyllenhaal (in a 2015 concert production).

When asked about joining this, ahem, hot streak, Conrad Ricamora burst out laughing. “I played a nerdy IT guy for six years on ‘How to Get Away With Murder’ so I don’t know if there’s a full consensus that I’m in the Jake Gyllenhaal Hall of Fame of Hot Actors,” he said.

Kennedy Center & Washington National Opera Presents / January 16, 2022 by David Hwang

Read more at Broadway World

New Documentary Reveals Illuminating Perspectives On Asian American Theater Over The Past 20 Years / January 16, 2022 by David Hwang

In The First Twenty: 20 Years of Asian American Playwriting, the voices and perspectives of six Asian American theater luminaries are brought to life through a series of thoughtful and engaging interviews that move far beyond identity politics.

The First Twenty, an initiative from ALL ARTS, invites artists from diverse and traditionally underrepresented communities to create original content that reflects their insights, discoveries and hopes for the future after the shifts of the last 20 years.

A Ma-Yi Theater Company production under the direction of Ralph Peña, The First Twenty highlights the perspectives of David Henry Hwang, Young Jean Lee, Mike Lew, Rehana Lew Mirza, Qui Nguyen, Lauren Yee and Chay Yew.

Insightful throughout and at times disarming, this newest documentary illuminates the evolution of Asian American theater over the last two decades.

The film examines the shift in how Asian American plays are broadly perceived, as well as the widening scope of subjects tackled by Asian American writers that move far beyond identity politics.

At a time when Asian American representation in the creative arts is more important than ever, the artists featured in the documentary are presented with an opportunity to weigh in on personal experiences with racism and to provide valuable insight into why visibility matters.

David Henry Hwang: ‘Tick, Tick … Boom!’ is ‘Heart-Wrenching Love Letter’ to Follow Dreams Despite Rejection / December 25, 2021 by David Hwang

For Variety‘s Writers on Writers, David Henry Hwang pays tribute to “Tick, Tick … Boom!” (screenplay by Steven Levenson; based on the musical by Jonathan Larson).

Movies about writers are notoriously difficult, since the central action of the protagonist is largely cerebral. Here, that protagonist is composer-dramatist Jonathan Larson, whose musical “Rent” defined a generation.

However, this story is not about the making of “Rent,” which would build to a victorious if bittersweet ending (Larson tragically passed away before the show’s first performance). Instead, “Tick, Tick … Boom!” concerns an earlier show, “Superbia,” abandoned by its author after a disappointing developmental workshop.

Photos: SLAVE PLAY Celebrates Re-Opening Night on Broadway / December 9, 2021 by David Hwang

Slave Play, the ground-breaking work by Tony Award nominee Jeremy O. Harris under the direction of Tony Award nominee Robert O'Hara, re-opened just last night at the August Wilson Theatre (245 West 52nd Street).

Following the run at the August Wilson Theatre, the Broadway production, under the direction of O'Hara, will travel to Los Angeles as part of Center Theatre Group's upcoming Mark Taper Forum season. Casting for the CTG run of Slave Play will be announced shortly.

Slave Play received 12 Tony Award nominations, the most for any play in Broadway history and the 2019 production was the best reviewed play of the year.

Among those in the reopening audience were Dominique Morisseau and David Henry Hwang.

Read more at Broadway World

Guggenheim Works & Process’ 2022 Spring Season / December 9, 2021 by David Hwang

“Works & Process,” the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, has announced the spring 2022 season. Here is a look at the operatic workshops that the Guggenheim will offer.

The Washington National Opera will present “Written in Stone” with Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang, and Kamala Sankaram and A.M. Homes. The work is inspired by iconic monuments in Washington, D.C., and the ideals embodied by President Kennedy. “Written in Stone” is a series of intimate short works interwoven into a single evening celebrating the Kennedy Center’s 50th anniversary. For one night only, prior to the March world premiere, select creators of “Written in Stone” will discuss their creative process with Artistic Director Francesca Zambello. Cast members will also perform highlights illuminating the intimate stories that celebrate diversity and acknowledge the struggles of today’s America.

Workshop Date: Feb. 6, 2022

Works & Process At The Guggenheim Announces Spring 2022 Season / December 5, 2021 by David Hwang

Works & Process, the performing arts series at the Guggenheim, has announced its spring 2022 season Featuring Commissions Celebrating New York's Modern, Street, and Vernacular Dance and Beatbox artists, and World Premiere of Third Bird by Isaac Mizrahi, Nico Muhly, and John Heginbotham. Throughout the pandemic, Works & Process continued to provide opportunities for artists and pioneered the bubble residency to support their work safely.

Season at a Glance:

New York City Ballet: Silas Farley

Alethea Pace and Yin Yue

Washington National Opera: Written in Stone with Huang Ruo and David Henry Hwang and Kamala Sankaram and A.M. Homes

Read more at Broadway World

Lynn Ahrens, Stephen Flaherty, Sergio Trujillo, David Henry Hwang and More Will Take Part in EPIC / December 5, 2021 by David Hwang

Other speakers will include Misty Copeland, Paul Tazewell and more.

The Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry Conference (EPIC) is thrilled to announce some of Broadway's best to join a multi-national and highly regarded group of entertainment industry leaders to participate in the first-ever, 24-hour global online event for everyone working in, aspiring to work in, or wishing to explore the arts and entertainment sector.

A diverse and dynamic group of more than 100 speakers and panelists are coming to EPIC to share their stories and perspectives in 50 unique sessions, representing four pillars: CREATE, PERFORM, DESIGN, and PRODUCE. Never before have these leaders come together on one platform and in one conference for interviews, panels, and discussions about the evolution of the arts and entertainment industry.

Read more at Broadway World

‘Billion Dollar Whale’ Series Adaptation in the Works From SK Global, Westward / November 29, 2021 by David Hwang

“House of Cards” creator and showrunner Beau Willimon and his Westward producing partner Jordan Tappis will work with “Crazy Rich Asians” co-financier SK Global to develop a TV series based on the blockbuster novel “Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World.”

SK Global and Willimon’s independent film, TV and music studio Westward will independently finance and oversee all stages of development and production.

David Henry Hwang — the three-time Pulitzer finalist and playwright, librettist, screenwriter and Columbia University professor, known for his works “M. Butterfly,” “Yellow Face” and “Soft Power” — will write and executive produce. Other executive producers include Willimon, Tappis, SK Global co-CEOs John Penotti and Charlie Corwin and SK Global president of TV Marcy Ross. Actor Michelle Yeoh will also be a producer on the series.

‘Billion Dollar Whale’ Series Adaptation In Works From SK Global & Westward / November 29, 2021 by David Hwang

House Of Cards creator and showrunner Beau Willimon and his Westwardproducing partner Jordan Tappis have teamed with Crazy Rich Asians’ co-financier SK Global to develop a television series based on Tom Wright and Bradley Hope’s bestseller Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World. Tony Award-winning M. Butterflyplaywright David Henry Hwang is attached to write the adaptation and executive produce.

SK Global and Westward will finance and oversee all stages of development and production.

Join the Global EPIC Event Now! / November 20, 2021 by David Hwang

The Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry Conference (EPIC) is a 24-hour Global Event for everyone working in, aspiring to work in, or wishing to explore the arts and entertainment sector. Misty Copeland (Principal Dancer at ABT) Michael Curry (Visionary Puppet Designer), Natasha Katz (6 time Tony Award Winning Lighting Designer), David Henry Hwang (Playwright, Librettist, and Screenwriter, Tony Award Winner and three-time nominee, three-time OBIE Award Winner, and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist), Patti Murin (Broadway & TV Actor, Singer, Dancer), Tara Rubin (Casting Agent), Gilles Ste-Croix (Co-Founder of Cirque du Soleil), Paul Tazewell (Tony Award Winning Costume Designer), and Sergio Trujillo (Tony & Olivier Award Winning Choreographer) are all speakers at EPIC.

The National Arts Centre and Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Television Special on CBC/Radio-Canada / November 19, 2021 by David Hwang

Star-studded lineup includes Lorne Cardinal, Elisapie, Pura Fé, David Henry Hwang, Hugh Jackman, Blake Lively, Karen Kain, Tina Keeper, Dan Levy, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Annie Murphy, Steven Page, Cobie Smulders, and many more

The National Arts Centre (NAC), in partnership with the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards Foundation (GGPAAF) and Vérité Films, is delighted to announce the star-studded lineup and new details about the Governor General’s Performing Arts Awards one-hour television special that will air on CBC/Radio-Canada on CBC TV, ICI TÉLÉ and the free CBC Gem and ICI TOU.TV streaming services on Friday, November 26 at 7 p.m. | 7:30 NT. The program will also be available on demand for a limited time on both CBC Gem and ICI TOU.TV.

HE LINEUP

The many special guests paying tribute to the laureates are a remarkable group who represent the diversity, breadth and excellence of the performing arts in Canada. They include:

For Alexina Louie: Radio host, author and musician Tom Allen; composer David Henry Hwang; pianist Jon Kimura Parker; composer and conductor Alex Pauk; radio host, producer, writer and musician Paolo Pietropaolo; and writer and actor Dan Redican and film director Larry Weinstein; with a performance by Vania Chan and Justin Cho;

‘The First Twenty’ highlights Asian American playwrights with Bay Area ties / November 9, 2021 by David Hwang

“People of color are used to watching stories about white people and empathizing with them,” says playwright David Henry Hwang in the documentary “The First Twenty: 20 Years of Asian American Playwriting.” “And the reverse has to happen as well.”

The 30-minute film, a production of Ma-Yi Theater Company, surveys how Asian American drama has evolved in the first 20 years of our new millennium. Many interviewees have strong Bay Area ties, including Hwang (Stanford grad), Lauren Yee (San Francisco native) and Young Jean Lee (Stanford professor). And others are hardly strangers; Lloyd Suh’s “The Chinese Lady” was produced at Magic Theatre in 2019, and ACT mounted Qui Nguyen’s “Vietgone” the previous year.

The film — which premieres online Tuesday, Nov. 9, via All Arts, an arm of New York’s PBS stations — offers theater fans a chance to meet some of the voices behind a vital, dynamic branch of American storytelling.

20 Years of Asian American Playwriting / November 9, 2021 by David Hwang

Luminaries explore Asian American playwriting, including David Henry Hwang, Young Jean Lee, Mike Lew, Rehana Lew Mirza, Lauren Yee, Chay Yew, Qui Nguyen and Lloyd Suh. Created by Ralph B. Peña of Ma-Yi Theater Company. Audio description, captions.

See more at Thirteen PBS