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OUR PEARL ANNIVERSARY
For 30 years, Mu has stood on the tenants of exemplary theater, social justice, and Asian American stories. This December, help us continue this legacy for the next 30.
“What if we started an Asian American theater company in the Midwest?”
This question by Dong-il Lee, Rick Shiomi, Martha B. Johnson, and Diane Espaldon launched Mu’s journey toward becoming a Regional Treasure of Minnesota and a nationally renowned artistic institution. From this grain of an idea, every artist nurtured, every play commissioned, every world premiere produced, every audience member seeing themselves represented on stage, added another layer to the pearl which has now been formed 30 years later.
To continue with the metaphor, most of the world’s pearls come from a multitude of Asian countries—China, Japan, French Polynesia, the Philippines—and similarly, Theater Mu strives to celebrate the diverse richness of the entire Asian diaspora. Last year, for instance, we co-produced Lauren Yee’s Cambodian Rock Band with the Jungle Theater, and this season includes the world premieres of Katie Ka Vang and Melissa Li’s upcoming Hmong musical, Again, and Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay’s Kung Fu Zombies Saga: Shaman Warrior & Cannibals, which centers Lao culture and history.
Will you add your own layer to the pearl and help us reach our goal of $30,000 by Dec 31? By supporting Theater Mu, you are investing in a 30-year journey that began with a small idea and has already grown into something spectacular. Imagine what the next 30 years might hold. Donate today, in any amount, because even small investments can grow into something precious.
Pearls of Wisdom
SARA OCHS, Mu artist
“On the first day of rehearsals for Pacific Overtures in 2003, I walked into the rehearsal room and a weight I didn’t even know I carried was lifted away. Theater Mu has been a life-changing place of nurturing, community, and generosity since the day I stepped through that door. I wish all AAPI folks in Minnesota and beyond could experience what Mu has brought into my life."”
KATIE HAE LEO, board member
“My dream for Theater Mu in the next 30 years is that it continues to grow and provide a voice and space for the AAPI community, in all its complexity and intersections, and that in its stories our community will continue to see ourselves.”
SAYMOUKDA DUANGPHOUXAY VONGSAY, Mellon Foundation playwright-in-residence
“My advice for other Asian American artists is to take up space with your stories, voice, body, ideas, values, and squad. Remember to be the 'second voice' for someone if you were unable to be the 'first voice' against an injustice.”