Q: We continue to see a recycling of events in our society related to race tension and inequality. What, if any role, do you feel art can play to invoke positive change?

A: Art can act as a magnifying glass to focus attention on important issues that deserve acknowledgment. At its best art can act as a mirror to awaken self-reflection and awareness.

Q: Why is it important for this story to be told today?

A: Even though the events depicted in the play occurred thirty years ago, these injustices are still happening today. During the Black Lives Matter protests, I took part in the collective chanting “No Justice, No Peace.” I discovered those words had its origins in the protest of the death of Latasha Harlins during this time.

Racism against the Asian community has seen a dramatic increase lately as a consequence of people blaming the pandemic on innocent Asian Americans.

Q: Describe one of the characters you play, and the heart of that particular speech.

A: I am particularly drawn to the monologue of Mrs. Young Soon Han entitled “Swallowing the Bitterness”(second to last in the play). On one hand, she has anger for the racism against the Asian community who she feels are seen as nothing in society. On the other hand, she is happy for the accomplishments of the Black community. But at the core she has mixed feelings and yearns for the two communities to come to a mutual understanding.

Q: What do you hope the audience takes away from this experience?

A: I hope the audience can take away lessons of history literally repeating itself from Rodney King to the events that sparked the Black Lives Matter movement and reflect on how society has changed and how it has not evolved. I hope it inspires thoughts on what we can do to affect real change in big and small ways.